Posted: 12/26/2003 11:24:51 PM EDT
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Does anyone know if Sears Craftman tools are US-made? Looking at the Sears web site, I cannot determine if they are imported or not. I don't have any good tools to wrench with, so I thought I'd start with this set.  I don't really need the SAE tools, since all our cars are Japanese. Oh well! Maybe in the future. EDIT: Okay, thanks for all the help guys. I ordered a couple more things. toolbox  wrenches  pliers  Damn, I forgot to order screw drivers and the ratchet u-joint thingy! This should get me started on the road to destroying all the family cars.  |
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For the most part they are made in the U.S. of A. The company seems to stress that point on their website [url]http://www.sears.com/sr/craftsman/whyCraftsman/cr_wc_main.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1513419902.1072513988@@@@&BV_EngineID=cclcadckfgmiifdcehgcemgdffmdflh.0&vertical=SEARS[/url] boy that is one long linky...heh |
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Well most of them are, some of the cheap stuff isnt. Made in USA can mean a few things, I worked at a plant made pipe fittings, they came in milled saying made in Taiwan, they polished them there, removed markings and stamped made in USA. For them to say made in USA they done have to do much to it, it can be nearly completly made in China. Edited to add: I hate thier cases, its a trap for everything to fallout. I know one person who uses mainly benchtop, they hold up real well. |
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Quoted: I don't really need the SAE tools, since all our cars are Japanese. Oh well! Maybe in the future. You never know. I use both metric and SAE on all kinds of stuff. Not just cars. Bicycles. Reloading bench. Even AR accessories. As far all the tools in a set being US-made? Not likely. But Craftsman tools generally hold up pretty well. Looks like a good set overall. I'd add a couple of U-joints (1/4" and 3/8") for the socket set and another set of screwdrivers for those jobs that require two. |
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Screw drivers and many wrenches are made here in Colorado Springs at a place called Western Forge. I did the die engraving for the Craftsman logo for one of there screw driver series. OTOH - Some of the larger odd sized wrenches and other non mainstream items have been contracted out of Japan and are clearly marked on each tool if made in Japan. - Both are of good quality. |
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I'll use most of Craftsman's tools, except their torque wrenches. I've had three that needed to be returned within six months of their purchase due to them being POSes. And they seem so cheaply made with their plastic locking collar and rickety feel. It's Snap On torque wrenches only for me. |
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Their "first line" mechanics hand tools are made in the states. My tool cabinet at home is full of mostly Craftsman wrenches, sockets, and ratchets. I use Snap-On and Mac at work. I don't think you could find a better dollar value than one of the Craftsman sets you posted the picture of. |
| I've also been using Craftsman tools for many years. Both SAE and Metric. Good quality tools. Also have the red Craftsman tool boxes on wheels stacked so high I need a stool to look into the top tray. You might want some SAE tools also. Some cars have a mixture of SAE and Metric and also will help when working around the house. |
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I would love a Snap On set, but 2 things prevent it, 1 cost, way out of my price range, 2 STEALING, at the plant we have lots of sticky fingers that go to any extreme needed to get what they want, it is bad enough having to replace my Craftsmen stuff, I would die if I had to replace Snap-On all the time... |
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I had some sockets that my Dad had given me. He was a mechanic and had used them for many years before his death. One day I was using one and it split. It was so old that the "Craftsman" was almost completely worn off. I took it to Sears to be sure I bought the correct replacement. I showed it to the salesman and asked where to find another just like it. He took it, threw it in a bin and handed me a new one at no cost. "Lifetime replacement". How you gonna beat it? |
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The best thing about [b]Craftsman Tools[/b] is that if you ever break one you can just go down to Sears and they will replace it [b]No Questions Asked!!![/b] I say this because I do own [b]Snap-On Tools[/b] and I have been waiting 2 months now for three new roll pin punches. With a lot of Snap-On Dealers(at least here in Minnesota)THe seem to like to take your money, and keep you in debt, when you quit buying they really won't go out of their way for you anymore. The other good thing about Snap-On Tools is, That will kind of offset the high price of them is that you can take a larger write off on your taxes. Take it from a Snap-On owner go with the Craftsman Tools. |
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Yes, most of them are made in the USA Look on the handle or on the tool somewhere you will find a code with a set of letters. "WF" refers to Western Forge in Colorado Springs. They make many of the screw drivers and other things there. I know this as I had many friends work there when I lived there. On others there is a "V" and other codes which I believer refers to a forge in Virginia. THe lower priced stuff may be imported but on the set you have a picture of, I would say probably 90-95 % is made in the USA because I bought a set almost like that and they are all "WF" and "V" marked. patsue |
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I've seen one time snap-on was needed. I couldn't get a craftsman socket into the end of my crappy craftsman torque wrench to tighten a nut that came loose. Well the Snap-on socket had thinner walls which allowed me to get in there to tighten it. Also the Craftsman Torque wrenches DO NOT have a lifetime warranty. Learned that the hard way. I buy all Craftsman tools but look around when it comes to some special tools. Snap-On has "Shank-Drive" sockets that turn on the flats of a bolt and not the corners. Less likely to crack chrome or painted bolts. COZ Nice set, as already said throw in some U-joints and I'll add throw in some longer extensions and your set! Sears has a whole set of U-Joints,extensions and adapters for $30. Nice deal. |
| I think all tools that is stamped "CRAFTMANS," are still made in the USA, and the lower end stuff, stamped "SEARS"(ie less costly, are made off-shore, but still plenty good for non-professional users), and an even lower brand is made in India(one to 2 time uses). This is the Sears philosophy of good, better, best. |
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Quoted: I'll use most of Craftsman's tools, except their torque wrenches. I've had three that needed to be returned within six months of their purchase due to them being POSes. And they seem so cheaply made with their plastic locking collar and rickety feel. It's Snap On torque wrenches only for me. [b]ANY[/b] torque wrench you have that has not had a calibration in the last 4 to 6 months has a questionable accuracy. They ALL suck, some worse than others. |
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As far as I know, all Craftsman-labeled tools (the ones that are garunteed forever) are made in the US, but Sears does sell some lower-grade tool sets that are foreign-made. I started buying Craftsman tools after several tools from a cheap parts-store set broke. Within a few months, I snapped the 1/4 in drive off of the 3/8 to 1/4 adapter (which they use because they're too cheap to include an actual 1/4 in drive ratchet), distorted the ratchet head so that it no longer worked, and rounded out several sockets. I've never broken a Craftsman hand tool, though. That set looks like a good start. Hold on to the SAE tools, since you never know when you'll need one. Most cars nowadays seem to be a mixture of SAE and Metric bolts. Also, lots of things around the house use SAE bolts. A few more extensions and u-joints would probably be good. And don't forget to get a bigger toolbox then you think you need, since tools tend to multiply. [BD] |
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My Craftsman experiences: These are all good and will hold up: Sockets, ratchets, open/box end wrenches These are good for, as Hoppy said, [b]home handyman and shade tree mechanic.[/b] But have not held up in my experience. Screwdrivers, hacksaws, and tape measures. I returned 4 t/m in one year and was sick of going back. So I went back to Stanley. The screwdrivers will not hold up say, for instance, you bang on it to tighten a lock ring on an EMT connecter alot. The hacksaws aren't too bad, but the blade tension unit device on two of mine stripped out, so I went back to Lennox. The Craftsman torpedo level isn't too bad, but I found the lines on the vial wearing off too quick - so I went back to Klein. I'm an electrician and work commercial construction. I use Klein tools mainly. Having a guarantee is great, but making too many trips back to the store rather than working is a pain! YMMV [:D] |
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I have a huge chest of Craftsman tools out in the garage. I restored several cars and built a couple of race cars over the years with them. Avoid Craftsman air tools, but their hand tools are great. BTW - something a lot of people don't know - Western Auto stores are now owned by Sears and you can get your tools replaced there as well. Works out good for me since I live far away from any Sears store, but there's a Western Auto just a couple of miles away. In 25 years, I've replaced a couple of sockets and ratchets, and a few screw drivers. Most times they break because you are using them for something they are not designed to do. Sears doesn't care why you broke it - they just give you a nice new one! |
| I got a few craftsman tools - nutdrivers, extensions and a 1/2 in breaker bar. Other than that...my collection consists of matco and snap on. They come around my work once a week so I can pay them and warranty my tools. I know all about the price thing, but its convenient. Anyone in North OKC will tell you that Quail Springs mall (where sears is located) is a PITA to get in and around. Plus...for paying my snap on bill early...I get in on a drawing to win a gas powered RC car. How sweet is that? |
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Quoted: I had some sockets that my Dad had given me. He was a mechanic and had used them for many years before his death. One day I was using one and it split. It was so old that the "Craftsman" was almost completely worn off. I took it to Sears to be sure I bought the correct replacement. I showed it to the salesman and asked where to find another just like it. He took it, threw it in a bin and handed me a new one at no cost. "Lifetime replacement". How you gonna beat it? This is why at garage sales, some of the first people that show up are people looking for Craftsman hand tools. They buy an open end wrench for 25 cents and take it to Sears and exchange it for a new one. I, myself have never done that, just seen other people doing it.[;)] Dumpster diving after store hours was reportedly done a few times by people, I have read, when Sears employees discarded the tools in the garbage and people kept taking the same wrenches back a couple times before they caught on, which is unethical to say the least. And yes, most Craftsman hand tools are apparently still made in the U.S.A. There are a few, especially some of the small stainless plier sets that are made in China.[:(] |
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I have snap-on, mac, proto, SK, craftsman. All good. some designs are better than others, but it's all servicable. Can't beat the craftsman quarantee. If there is anything wrong with craftsman, it's that they get a bit to 'gimmic-y' with some of thier stuff. but on the other hand, they're not too afraid to explore. snap-on IS overpriced IMHO, customer service sucks (around here) It just reflects poorly upon the route drivers. the POS guy who used to come out to DIA (Cory), that mofo never brought in what you ordered, showed up on time AND hardly ever took care of you when you needed to replace something. |
| mattja, that's a very good first set. From my experience Craftsman stamped hand tools are mostly US made, although they recently began selling a low level set under a different name,(Companion?) and they are made in Taiwan IIRC. You are off to a good start though I would add a few things that will make wrenching a lot easier. I'm an auto mechanic and the first set of tools that I bought many years ago was a Craftsman set, I think it was 175 pcs or something like that. Fifteen years later I still hve many of them in my toolbox. The Craftsman tools that I break the most are my 1/2" drive Ratchets and breaker bars, but a quick trip to the mall and I get them replaced with fresh new ones, no questions asked, no receipts needed. That's one reason why I still use some of them over my Snap-On and Matco stuff at a proffessional level. The premium tool dealers could take weeks to get me a replacement tool, especially my Matco guy. I've been waiting over a month for my Snap-On 1/2" drive torque wrench to be calibrated and repaired. |
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I have my first Craftsman set of tools that my Uncle bought me back in 1969. When I worked at the Home Depot our area had a big push on Huskey tools. They had a tool exchange program where you could bring in any Craftsman, Snap-on, Proto or Mac tool and get a free replacement for it. We had a 55 gallon drum full of those returned tools when the promotion was finished. The store manager told us to look through the tools and take out what was good and put them in the in-store toolbox and then to take the Craftsman tools and return them to Sears for replacements. |
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Quoted: Anybody try harbour freight tools? Cheap tools but cheap prices. Quality in some cases seems good enough for the casual user. Opinions? Experiences? M4-AK You usually get what you pay for. In this case, like you said, cheap tools. Craftsman offers about the best overall value around. I'd say Harbor Freight ain't too bad for stuff like shop cranes, engine stands, jacks, jack stands, etc. |
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I had a friend back home that had begun her tool collection (not with me you dolts!) by going around to all of the area garage sales, buying ANYTHING with Craftsman on it and exchanging the worn crappy broken tool with a brand new one. By the time she was out of mechanic's school, she had a full toolbox at about 1/20 the price! As for the friend, she was a great mechanic and pretty also, she just was a bit too butch for anything more than friends. |
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They will ask questions! When I was a kid I managed to bend a 3/4" breaker bar into a nice "dog-leg" shape. As the old guy was getting another for me he asked how I managed to bend the solid bar so well. I explained that I was using a bottle jack on it to torque on a bolt and after the entire front end of my car came up out of the jack stands the bar bent returning the wheels to their resting place [lol] Damn I was an idiot but I guess making mistakes is the way I learned. |
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My collection is mostly Snap-On and Matco. That said, I have a few Craftsman ratchets and some old Craftsman SAE sockets and wrenches from my teenage years that are still in daily service. I really like the newer, fully-polished Craftsman combination wrenches. However, if I have to wrestle with some badly rusted fasteners, I reach for Snap-On's flank drive wrenches or sockets. They won't round and destroy the parts. |
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Quoted: Anybody try harbour freight tools? Cheap tools but cheap prices. Quality in some cases seems good enough for the casual user. Opinions? Experiences? M4-AK They are cheapys but I have bought some of there stuff like 1"1/2 crows feet 3/4 drive set for the dumptruck ect not my choice for the everyday stuff!!! IMHO there are some tools that everyone that does any wrenching should have!!! 1 is a good grease gun I have a battery powered lincoln it cost$229 2 I realy like the "Gearwrench" sets they are $40-$80 per set for metric or standard 3 Your basic craftsman set $2-500 4 a dremel with cut off wheels ect $50-90 5 a drill press $90-700 6 a bench grinder $30-300 & then thereare all the stupid little tools like ball joint presses, diconect tools flywheel pullers you can really rack up the money on this stuff |
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Quoted: What's all this crap "they hold up pretty well"? Guaranteed forever! I collect tools like I collect guns and cars. Last set I bought I ordered, all 6 point, sweet. I love Craftsman mechanic tools, don't care for their power tools. The man speaks the truth here. I have returned the same long phillips screwdriver for wear and tear and NO questions asked. My job depends on them. I LOVE the 10-n-1 screwdriver. Now the power tools do have a lot to be desired... for that I go to Makita or DeWalt. ANYONE who guarantees a tool for life against wear is the one I am buying.... Now if they can only guarantee them against me losing them. [;)] |
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Quoted: What's all this crap "they hold up pretty well"? Guaranteed forever! Yeas, but that doesn't help you at 9:00 on a Sunday night when your 3/8" ratchet strips out [;)]. The one Craftsman tool I have found lacking lately are their ratchets. I had to replace a 10 year old one, and the new one doesn't feel like it will last that long. You can feel it before it goes completely and they'll give you a new one. I have one of their "Professional" series impact wrenches, made by I-R. This thing will unscrew a welded nut [:D] |
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I do have a TRUE funny story here though. about17-18 years ago i was working for Sears as a Refrigeration tech and one of the screwdrivers worn out. so I go into the local Sears wearing my uniform and go to replace it. The punk behind the counter says "Are you using this for work?" I said "Of course I am" He said "These are intended for use by homeowners not professionals" I was like...WTF??? I said "See my shirt, I work for SEARS, the appliances I fix are from SEARS, these tools are from SEARS" he said "doesnt matter... those are the rules" Asked to use the phone, called my supervisor, my supervisor talked to his supervisor and all was well and the guy looked STUUUUUPID! Guess he wont make that mistake again. |
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Quoted: Quoted: What's all this crap "they hold up pretty well"? Guaranteed forever! Yeas, but that doesn't help you at 9:00 on a Sunday night when your 3/8" ratchet strips out [;)]. [:D] Ummmm, LOL you only have ONE 3/8 ratchet?? [;)] I THINK I have about 4... "Hi my name is DrFrige and I have an obsession for buying tools, guns, bass guitars, hotwheels etc...." |