Tool Brand Question

[xzalt]

I'm going to start increasing my tool selection, and I've always leaned towards craftsman products. But I was really wondering if a better brand existed. I'm also planning on buying some power tools and I hoped to maintain brand uniformity so that if they were cordless, batteries and chargers would interchange.

really looking for opinions and past experiences from those who know more than I.

thanks

[5-90]

Craftsman, Proto, and S&K are all good "mainstream" brands - I have tools from all three.

Craftsman has served me well for more years than I care to count, but I get most of my "specialty" stuff (stuff that I can't find anywhere else, or that I REALLY use the Hell out of!) comes from Snap-On. Only problem(s) with Snap-On - you pay about four times what you'd pay for the Craftsman/Proto/S&K, and if you do manage to break one, you have to find a tool truck.

Snap-On is good for you if you're pro, and work somewhere that the tool truck visits regularly. If you are a hobbyist, I'd suggest sticking to Craftsman, Proto, and S&K - and Craftsman is easiest to find.

5-90

[BAs96XJ]

In my experience since Kmart bought Sears, craftsmen is becoming a PITA to get exchanges. I have started to buy Lowes Kobalt tools. The exchange policy is easier (like Craftsmen used to be) and the tools are good quality. This is coming from person that has lived Craftsmen for 20 years. With Craftsmen it depends on the store you return them too. It seems all are different with how they are handling exchanges.

BA

[5-90]

Guess so - I've not had trouble. I usually save broken tools up for a while (about a quarter or so - I'm pretty rough) and take them in all at once. They just upend the little bucket I take in, count everything, and hand me my new stuff. Then I'm gone.

I can also exchange them at the local hardware store, since Sears had bought Orchard Supply Hardware. Too bad Kmart bought Sears - I thought Kmart was finally going to fold up after the whole Rosie O'Donnell flap...

5-90

[BrettM]

harbor freight :laugh3:

[RichP]

I have not had any problems with craftsman, either at a full sears store or the specialized hardware stores they opened. That said the 'powerbuilt' brand torx socket set and a 3/8" 'palm ratchet' I bought at the local ACE hardware store have been super so far. Snap-on and Matco I go to for specialized stuff. One item is the clamp pliers for the OEM clamps, makes life soooo much easier, I was getting pissed trying to take the OEM clamps off and back on with a set of channel locks that I stopped at my local snapon guys house and bought a set, now it's easy.

[Dirk Pitt]

For power tools, go Milwaukee or Bosch.

[black89xj]

Ditto, Craftsman for daily stuff and Snap-on for specialized tools. I also have some Proto and Mac, both are excellent.

Snap-on can be purchased on their web site. Dont know about exchanges though.

--Karl

[ECKSJAY]

Started with Craftsman, then started buying Boeing surplus Snap-On stuff...and bought Klein drivers. Haven't had any issues yet (except with Craftsman screwdrivers, lol).

[Cherokee91Red]

I've had no problems with Craftsmen exchanges at my local Sears, take it in, get the new stuff and leave, no questions asked. I also use some Husky tools, can be found at Home Depot, they claim to have a lifetime warranty but I haven't broken any yet so can't tell you how good it is.

[Yucca-Man]

I've had no problems with Craftsmen exchanges at my local Sears, take it in, get the new stuff and leave, no questions asked.Most likely it's not 'new' stuff though; they try to replace broken tools with a selection of refurb'd or returned stuff first...I've noticed Sears is less prone to just grab a similar replacement off the shelf but instead they need to get management approval first...

[RichP]

Most likely it's not 'new' stuff though; they try to replace broken tools with a selection of refurb'd or returned stuff first...I've noticed Sears is less prone to just grab a similar replacement off the shelf but instead they need to get management approval first...

The mainline Sears near me in Stroudsburg Pa has a rack of ratchets right near the register, rack is labeled 'not for sale, exchange only' all the base model 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" models were there, the dull finished ones. Have not had to take a ratchet back yet but then I use mostly breaker bars for loosening and torque wrenches for tightening. I think alot has to do with the 'right tool for the right job'. It's been many years since I dented a ratchet using it has a hammer..
I also hit my ratchets every year with some CLP breakfree and that keeps them operating smoothly even my 22yo 1/4" one my son left outside all winter on the frame rail of his TJ, it would not change direction, frozen solid, so some PB, rinse in thinner, lube with CLP and it works fine again.

[wilson]

Craftsman are good. I run Mac Tools for 4 years the only thing I brake is the 18mm deep wable 3/8 drive. but thats the old style with the pin. But the craftsman wrenches are nicer than the sqare handle Mac's. I also have some harbor frieght wrenches have not used them much though (home Tools). My friends dad uses them though and he is a Mec. for 20-25 years. hope thst helps.

[mrfoo]

I am a college student and have worked in the local Sears hardware dept. for about a year now. I know the way we handle tool exchanges follows along these lines. Any hand tool (ratchets, sockets, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc..) are exchanged on a no questions basis. The only refurbushed tools offered are ratchets and tape measures. A refurbished is offered first but if the customer wants, they can get a new one (company policy). With the Kmart buyout, things have been somewhat changing...just not sure in which direction. The policy on 99% of power tools is a 90 day return policy and they all come with one year repair/replacement policies. That does not cover everything but...hope it helps.
Daniel

[corbinafly]

I have started to buy Lowes Kobalt tools. The exchange policy is easier (like Craftsmen used to be) and the tools are good quality. This is coming from person that has lived Craftsmen for 20 years. With Craftsmen it depends on the store you return them too. It seems all are different with how they are handling exchanges.

BA
I have Kobalt tools also. Snap on is always my first choice for specialty tools (love my new brake bleeder setup). I think Kobalt is made by snap on or is owned by them.

K

[bshaw]

harbor freight :laugh3:
What wrong with harbor freight!? :D
Isn't their stuff liftime guarantee also?

[Lincoln]

I stopped buying Crapsman over 10 years ago when they started going thinning the sockets and discontinuing the last of the decent ratchets. I really don't give a crap about the warranty I care more about it breaking. Nothing pisses me off more than having to waste an hour to go get crap exchanged.

Most of my tools are being swapped out for Cornwell and Snapon. I buy an occasional cheaper tool when it's only needed occasionally, but that is getting less and less often. If you buy off a truck, buy based on the dealer not the brand. MAC, Snap-on, Cornwell, Matco, etc all have some really good tools but the dealer makes the difference. I like extremely fine toothed ratchets and Snap-on and Wright are the only ones I've found that meet that spec. Almost all of them are playing the Sears game now and swaping in China junk with a quality label. I have never had one of my dealers try and pass them off as anything else and they source their own good tools in those.

Wright is a pretty good store brand. Usually exclusive to tool stores anymore. They can be had for about the price of Crapsman but are an easy twice the quality.
http://www.wrighttool.com/

Others to keep in mind:
T&E tools - Usually about Crapsmen quality at discount - still lifetime.
http://www.kd-tools.com/ - Most of my specialty stuff and the only real gear wrench.
http://www.otctools.com/ - All sorts of specialty Crap
http://www.lislecorp.com/ - More specialty tools
General and Staret

Say :wave: to money. :D

[RichP]

K-D is making a comeback I guess, I've noticed at least a half dozen commericals this past week on speed and spice channels. They also had quite a presence at the arca and nascar races here at pocono raceway this past weekend.

[Lincoln]

K-D is making a comeback I guess, I've noticed at least a half dozen commericals this past week on speed and spice channels. They also had quite a presence at the arca and nascar races here at pocono raceway this past weekend.

K-D almost went to exclusively supplying the majors at one point. The local shops around here always carried everything but the normal hand tools until the Gear Wrench.

What's funny is my Snap-on dealer sells the Gear Wrenchs instead of the Snap-on brand. He can sell them at less than the Snap-on cost (same wrenches different label) and provides the same warranty. They only ones they have problems with are the reversables with the little lever.

I have a set of these in metric and SAE. They get used a lot more than I planned:
http://www.kd-tools.com/9240.htm

I largest problem I have is the Snappy guy is my neighbor and is within cursing volume level. I curse and he appears. Other neighbors like him because he keeps me with a smile on my face. :D

Hello, my name is Lincoln and I have a tool fetish. I've filled this box in six months and it was supposed to last me two years. JKTXJ was over the other day teasing me about cleaning my toolbox more than my cars. :D

Since this pic I've added three sets of sockets (mid depth sockets are the shit) and the gear wrenches to the top drawer.
http://home.rmci.net/lincoln/toolbox/top.jpg

[xuv-this]

i know a bit about "crapsman".you can tell that the guys that swear that they're the best don't use tools very much. basically, i think buying most simple hand tools from them is ok since the exchange is easier.
i like their creepers and tool boxes
BUT:
-do not buy their ratchets.
-do not use their reg. sockets for light impact usage.
-DO NOT BUY THEIR FLOOR JACKS! ever see the 2 1/2 ton jacks on sale with some other stuff like stands or a creeper for 39.99 in their local sale paper? they have been trying to get rid if those pieces of crap for a while now. the funny thing though is that my old man has a 30ish year old crapsman 3 ton jack and it still works flawlessly. yup, they've sold out to china.

-if you plan on welding on a jeep project, their wire welders suck. about all they're good for is light projects around the house/garage. and the water seperators on their big air compressors suck.

[bigwhitey]

I use the Craftsman hand tools but all my power tools are Makita. I found these to be built alot better and never had any problems with them bogging down or not running straight.

[xuv-this]

I use the Craftsman hand tools but all my power tools are Makita. I found these to be built alot better and never had any problems with them bogging down or not running straight.ditto.

[Mr.OverKill]

cordless power tool list

De Walt
Mikita
all others have good and bad points, (mainly i cant think of their names :laugh3: )
i personally prefer pnumatic tools and will use them over any other if given a decent air supply ( CP and IR are my choice )

[blackandwhiteXJ]

I have Kobalt tools also. Snap on is always my first choice for specialty tools (love my new brake bleeder setup). I think Kobalt is made by snap on or is owned by them.

K
What are you talking about man i have never heard that nonsense

[Roll-over]

harbor freight :laugh3:


ROCK ON!!!

[corbinafly]

What are you talking about man i have never heard that nonsense
I saw that on one of the Kobalt pamphlets that I picked up at Lowe's a couple years ago. That's why I decided to give them a try. Otherwise, I would have saved more of my hard earned $$ and bought Snap On stuff.

K

[RKBA]

Last year I was looking for information about who made what hand tools.

The consensus that I found on the web went something like this:

Stanley makes: Stanley, Husky, Mac, Proto, Blackhawk and Craftsman prior to 1994, and probably dozens of others

Danaher Tools makes: Current Craftsman, K-D, Armstrong and Matco

Snap-On: Snap-On and most likely the Lowe's Kobalt line from cheaper forgings

I would take that for what it's worth, as that info came from the web.

Craftsman portable power tools are similar to Kenmore appliances in that they are made by different manufacturers depending on model and year of manufacture. I have two Craftsman cordless drills and one is identical to a Ryobi and the other is a Black and Decker twin.

[MudDawg]

No single vendor makes every tool you will need....It took forever to find a beam type inch pound torque wrench....Bumper to Bumper auto parts....it is a KD. My tools range from Snap-On to Craftsman...to China Man. And I own about eveything in the DeWalt cordless catalog. The only real difference between a cheap tool that WORKS and an expensive tool is HOW MANY times it will work...I just bought all the special tools to install new gears....the dial indicator, caliper and small torque wrench and bearing puller were less than 150 clams. I wouldn't use the bearing puller for production work, but for 30 bucks I figure I can do at least 6 axles. I already had a 1" breaker bar and a 48" pipe wrench to torque the pinion.

[XJ_ranger]

Most likely it's not 'new' stuff though; they try to replace broken tools with a selection of refurb'd or returned stuff first...I've noticed Sears is less prone to just grab a similar replacement off the shelf but instead they need to get management approval first...

every time i need to exchange a broken tool, i go to the rack, pick up the new tool, and bring them the broken and the new tool, and leave with the NEW tool i picked out...

blown up a few too many sockets using them as impact sockets, starting to buy the right tools, just so i dont have to stop working all the time...

sure i could break and return a million 3/4" and 21mm sockets, but i have to stop working and get a new one....

i now own metric and standard deep impact sockets...

[Bent]

Make sure to pick yourself up a full set of GearWrench combination wrenches, NOT the Craftsman version.

[Matt S.]

Since I wrench professionally, I have a different view. Personally I but 99% snap-on. Air tools are only IR brand. Electric tools are only makita. I have some old craftsman impact sockets that I use (because you cant break them) and then I have all the gear wrenches. Everything else is snap-on. I tried MAC and Matco, there stuff just isnt strong enough. I used to use craftsman wrenches, but after the open end side expanded, I got rid of them. I also used craftsman 1/4" sockets because I thought that those would never break. Bust some how I have broken almost half of the standard 1/4" drive ones.

Personally, I believe that tools are a GOOD investment. Whether you are professional or a hobbiest. Invest in the best, and you will not regret. I have a full set of snap-on wrenches and 1/2" sockets that are from the 40s. Of course I dont use them, but snap on values them at ALOT. Good tools dont loose value.

Matt

[xuv-this]

also used craftsman 1/4" sockets because I thought that those would never break. Bust some how I have broken almost half of the standard 1/4" drive ones.
yup, done that before, too. but is it just me, or do some chinaman metric sockets fit bolts on jeeps better?

[Matt S.]

yup, done that before, too. but is it just me, or do some chinaman metric sockets fit bolts on jeeps better?


SO TRUE!!! You know it is funny that some sockets fit better than others. Same with wrenches. It is from HOW they are made. Once again quality is important.

[xuv-this]

SO TRUE!!! You know it is funny that some sockets fit better than others. Same with wrenches. It is from HOW they are made. Once again quality is important.
yup. when i was a kid my old man used to tell me that "you could buy a metric bolt in VA and go out to CA and get the same thing and they would be slightly different sizes" what he meant is that there is no universal standard in metric stuff. china uses 1 set of tolerences and tawian uses another.:wierd:

[aduke]

I have a craftsmen tool set that my father gave me for my 15 birthday. its from the 70's. its awesome. ive used the tools a lot! and the ratchets are orgional. my cousin bought a brand new craftsmen set similar to mine last year and has gone though at least 4 or 5 3/8" ratchets. the quality just isnt there any more. other that my craftmens set most of our tools are mac and mikita. there great. and lots of misc. ocean state job lot tools that succk!

[MaXJohnson]

...what he meant is that there is no universal standard in metric stuff.
edited from a quick Google:

In 1799, originally intended to be one ten-millionth part of the quadrant of the earth, the so called Meter of the Archives was based on a measurement of a meridian between Dunkirk and Barcelona. A platinum bar with a rectangular cross section and polished parallel ends was made to embody the meter. The meter was defined as the distance between the polished end faces at a specified temperature and it was the international standard for most of the 19th century. It was compared to other bars with optical comparators as a means of disseminating the unit.

The current definition states that the meter is the length of the path traveled by light in vacuum during a time interval of 1/299,792,458 of a second.

The speed of light is: 299,792,458 meter/second

The second is determined to an uncertainty, U = 1 part in 1014 by the Cesium clock, with an estimated relative standard uncertainty of: ± 1 in 2,500,000,000,000. The General Conference made the iodine stabilized Helium-Neon laser a recommended radiation for realizing the meter at this time.

The wavelength of this laser is: 632.99139822 nanometers

That appears to be a very precise standard. Metric or otherwise, the question is how well do they adhere to the standard.

[Lincoln]

That appears to be a very precise standard. Metric or otherwise, the question is how well do they adhere to the standard.

I thought you were above dumb questions. :D

It depends on if they are making it for us or themselves.

[StuckXJ]

IMHO Craftsman for the hobbiest and truck tools for the pros. Unless you are wrenching every day non stop for 8+ hours you really SHOULDN'T have to worry about braking a tool all the time. I buy snap-on from my friend who buys them from the truck when it comes to his shop, its much easier to just hit the local sears or home depot or w/e you buy your tools. I recomend opting for the liftime warenty tools over the others. Ex: Craftsman over compainion.
Just my opion
-Steve D

[MaXJohnson]

I thought you were above dumb questions. :D

It depends on if they are making it for us or themselves.

I like to poke bugs with sticks

[Thumpersdriver]

I use Proto. Most of mine are hand me downs from my father. He bought them when I was 12. Im 38 now. Ive managed to break ONE socket, a spark plug puller, but only because I was using it with a torque wrench on a lug nut. :laugh3:

[ECU88XJ]

Ive managed to break ONE socket, a spark plug puller, but only because I was using it with a torque wrench on a lug nut. :laugh3:


Wow..... Just wow, thats all i got to say...



Sometimes there are things you do that you should never admit to haviung done... this would be one of them...

[xuv-this]

That appears to be a very precise standard. Metric or otherwise, the question is how well do they adhere to the standard. that's what i meant. obviously if we can measure an atom, somebodies getting it right. but not everybody follows that standard. but then again not everybobody is trying to measure electrons. what i meant was a universal standard followed by everyone.


hey this might be kinda off topic, but any preferences in power tools for woodworking? mine are old craftsman, makita again.

[Thumpersdriver]

Wow..... Just wow, thats all i got to say...



Sometimes there are things you do that you should never admit to haviung done... this would be one of them...
hey, It was iether that, or leave my Thumper out in the subboondocks overnight in an area where there was a high probability of thievery. Luckily, it didnt give until the last lug was tightened. :laugh3:

[egon]

What are you talking about man i have never heard that nonsense

Snap-On owns these tool brands.

ACESA, BLUE POINT, FISH & HOOK, IRIMO, LINDSTROM, PALMERA, PRADINES, SANDFLEX, WILLIAMS (aka JH Williams, who makes Kobalt tools)

--Matt

[dan89XJ]

I like extremely fine toothed ratchets and Snap-on and Wright are the only ones I've found that meet that spec.

how about a gear less ratchet from MAC ? their very quiet, zero degree latch opposed to 7 degrees which most fine tooh have.

[Lincoln]

how about a gear less ratchet from MAC ? their very quiet, zero degree latch opposed to 7 degrees which most fine tooh have.

I haven't gotten the chance to try one yet. One of these days I might try and snag a 1/4". The MAC dealers aren't to great around here and when I'm buying off the truck that is a major consideration.

I've been using this one:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=15224&group_ID=225&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I don't know if their prices are increasing rapidly or what, but I paid $50.

I bought my dad a 3490 Wright. A little more sloppy than the Snapon but it will still close in swing. The double pawl makes the 41 tooth work like an 82. I only paid $32 for it. The only complaint I've had with the wrights is the selector. The corners tend to be a little sharp so if your putting pressure on the head (one handed use) it wants to dig into your skin. I take the die grinder or a file and touch the corners. Can be seen on this page (the last one).
http://www.wrighttool.com/pub/default.asp?catalog=0&title2=Sockets%2C+Ratchets+and+Attachments&oid=%7BD9BD84CD%2DFF1F%2D11D3%2D8B5D%2D00A0C942294 E%7D

[dan89XJ]

The MAC gearless ratches do work.. I have a 3/8 long handle. I paid too much for it. Its not the perfect ratchet either, the direction switch is not too easy to turn... but the mac guy told me it'll loosen up with use. The head is a tad bulky.. but thats ok. I do really like the handle on these ratchets.. I think the 1/4 ratchet is $69.99.