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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

STANLEY TOOLS

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TIMOTHY

10-17-2003 15:41:53

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Hello. I have seen a commercial lately about stanley brand hand tools. Are these tools worth the money? I am going to be a farm equipment mechanic for a living. I already have all my combination wrenches from 3/16"-1 1/4 and 4mm-32mm which are nearly 100% craftsman. The problem with these wrenches is that they are rather short and thick. I also had some snap-on combination wrenches from 5/16"-1". These are longer and thinner, however stanley does have some nice wrenches that are well priced. For example: their extralong wrenches and their stubby wrenches. I also saw that they now have ratchet wrenches which are priced at about $55 at walmart. Do these stanley brand ratchet wrenches hold up like gearwrench wrenches? I know that GearWrench brand wrenches are cheaper and have a lifetime warrenty which leads me to the question, does stanley tools have a lifetime warrenty? I just about have all the sockets and ratchets that I need so I am mostely interested in the wrenches but would like to hear what everyone has to say about any of the stanley tools. I noticed that they have more and more tools that have a chrome finish. I know that being a mechanic will include cutting a wrench in half or bending a few so I would like to bend a cheap wrench rather than an expensive one. Thanks for the help!!!!!

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Rick

10-21-2003 05:48:55

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

S&K tools all I have used for 30 some years.

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HJP

10-19-2003 18:39:22

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

just another issue to think about,snap-on,proto,mac,matco and some craftsman tools are made with"industrail finish" black moly disulfide nitrate.It deffinatly solves the chipped chrome and cutting your finger on chrome peeling off a socket.!!!
If you wondering about durrability,chroming causes (hydrogen embrittlement) to most tool steels and one reason WHY impact sockets ARE NOT CHROMED)

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Ducknose Bob

10-19-2003 12:13:04

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

If you happen to be in an area where there are pawnshop chainstores. GET A PRICE REFERENCE from Snap-on, Mac, Craftsman, whoever, and visit the pawnshops. When I lived in San Antonio, I made visits to about 10 pawnshops every other week that experience had taught me would have lots of good tools, hand and power. Sometimes you would find Snap-on hand tools that had never been out of the package,(another story for another time), sometimes even the used ones were priced at or above the book price, I figured if I could get them for 1/3 to 1/2 book price then I was ahead of the game, make an offer, you might be surprised, result: Quality tools at home-owner, do-it-yourselfer prices, with warranty. I even bought my first storage units at the pawn shop, when I upgraded to my BIG boxes, I traded my Sundowner horse trailer for the bottom box and my old boxes for the top, (KR1001 and KR1201). If no pawn shops, check with Snappie, he usually has an assortment of Repos, trade-ins, or surplus stock that he has got from some other dealer.

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Van

10-18-2003 20:15:19

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

I have had great luck with all of the major brands of quality tools and have Snap ons, MACs, and all of the rest. I have a lot of craftsman tools and thier warrenty is as good as it gets.(once in a while you have to remind the "tool expert" sales guy who the customer is when they are trying to give you someones recycled rachet when you came in with a broken one and want a NEW one. But they are pretty good tools and if you watch and can get what you need on sale all the better, check out the Christmas sales. Now if they could just ditch that Bob Vila guy, I dont think he can even spell "tool" much less use one.

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Fred OH

10-18-2003 09:18:14

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

Everyones theory on the different tools is similar to mine...but 30 years ago had a girlfriend that gave me a birthday present...a set of 1/2" POWR-KRAFT sockets from Montgomery Wards. They seemed to be okay, they got a good bit of use. But an employee lost the 3/4" socket... About a year ago, I bought a complete set (yard sale) just for the 3/4"er. Got home and found it was a Craftsman. Yesterday at The Bainbridge Fall Festival of Leaves I found the correct one... Funny how a tool, even an off brand can find an important place in your tool box. They remind you of an old friend everytime you go to use them. Fred OH

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Vern-MI

10-18-2003 17:50:59

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Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to Fred OH, 10-18-2003 09:18:14

Fred I have a set of Power Craft sockets that is 39 years old. It was difficult to save the money for the set at that time. I will not part with it even though some of the sockets are pretty worn now. The 1/4 drive ratchet is the smallest I have ever seen and extremely handy in tight spots. Some of the chrome is starting to come off the sockets and extensions but it is still a great set. I like going to flea markets and garage sales to find the old tools. They just seem to be built a bit better.

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john d

10-21-2003 21:19:16

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Re: Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to Vern-MI, 10-18-2003 17:50:59

I've got a PowerCraft set of 3/8 drive sockets and ratchet that are as comfortable to use as any of the "better brands" I've ever owned. They're early 1970's vintage, and have worn very well.

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John Garner

10-22-2003 12:18:42

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Re: Re: Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to john d, 10-21-2003 21:19:16

Montgomery Ward bought their Ward's Best and PowrKraft mechanics' hand tools from a number of different suppliers over the years, including Duro Metal Products out of Chicago, Wright Tool of Barbertown, Ohio, and Thorsen of Emeryville, California and later Dallas, Texas. Flea market tools from these companies can often be used to replace a missing or worn out Ward's Best or PowrKraft tool that will differ from the only in the name stamped into the tool.

One point worth noting: The configuration of the Ward's tools varied with the maker. A Thorsen ratchet will match a Thorsen-built PowrKraft ratchet, but will differ from Duro-built and Wright-built PowrKraft ratchets. The same match-the-maker deal applies to Ward's Best and PowrKraft flat wrenches and sockets.

John

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JIm

10-18-2003 07:15:29

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

I have mechaniced for almost 30 years, I use mostly Craftsman now, why? I used to use some Mac tools, but found them a little pricey as I got older & wiser. I also do not do business with people that give me the attitude that I should think it is priveledge to do business with them. I tried to get a Mac tool guy to stop at the shop I own, he came in about 6 times, I spent 3-400 dollars with him, and it must not been enough, he stopped coming by. So I am back to Craftsman, and will continues with them, as I have had good luck with them.

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Dave MI

10-18-2003 08:24:33

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Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to JIm, 10-18-2003 07:15:29

It's just simple economics Jim. Your sales rep makes a small percentage commission on that sale, probably at most $20-30. How many times do you want him to run by for that amount? He probably saw that you had what you needed and left you a catalog and a card in case you needed him again.
I'd be grateful he came at all. How many time has the Craftsman rep been to your shop? Give the guy a break, he feeds his family on commissions not handshakes.

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JD720

10-21-2003 05:55:36

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Re: Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to Dave MI, 10-18-2003 08:24:33

Where is the MAC or Snap-on tool store? I would like to stop by and browse.

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John Garner

10-17-2003 19:54:19

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

Timothy --

Stanley today is one of the US's "big three" makers and marketers of mechanics' hand tools (the other two are Snap-On and Danaher), and Stanley markets several different lines of tools through different channels, aimed at different market segments, and at different price points.

On the high end, Stanley markets MAC to compete with Snap-On's Snap-On and Danaher's Matco lines. High quality and glossy, sold by tool-truck dealers mainly to auto mechanics.

A touch down in price, Stanley markets Proto to compete with Danaher's Armstrong and Snap-On's Williams line. These lines are usually sold through Industrial Distributors to industrial mechanics and millwrights. I hear that Mac has discontinued some of their larger tools, and that the Mac dealers are now selling Proto in those sizes.

Stanley also markets Blackhawk tools as a "professional grade" auto mechanic's tool; Blackhawk is sold primarily through "professional" auto parts channels although some Mac dealers offer Blackhawk as a lower-priced alternative to Mac. I believe that most of the Blackhawk tools are now being imported from Taiwan.

Finally, Stanley sells several different lines of Stanley-branded mechanics hand tools, mainly through mass-marketers such as Wal-Mart and Target. These tools are imported, usually from Taiwan or mainland China.

From what I've seen, the Taiwan-made Stanley tools are decent tools at a fair price; a good mechanic could earn a living with them, but he'd need a thick skin to stand the kidding from coworkers in debt up to their eyeballs to tool-truck dealers.

The Chinese-made Stanley tools are adequate for the casual user, but they are at the bottom of Stanley's barrel.

John

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HJP

10-17-2003 19:22:44

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

IF ANY ONE KNOWS REAL TOOLS THE NAME "PROTO" WILL ALWAYS BE FOUND IN GRANDFATHERS TOOL BOX.
STANLEY OWNES "PROTO"
"PROTO" IS STRICKLY INDUSTRAIL AND I HAVE SOME STANLEY 3/4 INCH SOCKETS THAT HAVE BEEN ABUSED WITH 600FT POUNDS OF TORQUE WITH A 3/4 IMPACT AND YET TO FAIL(DO NOT RECOMMEND),WAS DESPARATE.
I WILL AGREE WITH THE CRAFTSMAN ,IF IT IS ADVAILABLE,I HATE THE "SNAP-ON ATTITUDE" IT TURNS ME "SNAP-OFF" IF YOUR NOT SPENDING $$$$$ AND WORK FOR A SHOP ITS A HASSEL AND I DO NOT CARE WHO THE VENDER IS ,I TRIED 5 AND ALLLLL HAVE THE SAME ATTITUDE !!!!
HOWEVER I HAVE A SET OF "S&K" SUPER CHROME WRENCHES THAT FEEL LIKE A CHERISHED GIRL FRIEND AND ARE THE FIRST ONES I REACH FOR. BUUUUUTTTTT "S&K" WARRANTY IS TOUGH, IF IT LOOKS LIKE ANYTHING HAS BEEN ABUSED THEY WILL STICK IT IN YOUR BUTT ,IT MUST BE THE WAY THEY HANDLE THEIR DEALERS. I AM NOT KNOCKING MAC ,MATCO,K&D I HAVE ALOT OF SPECIALTY TOLLS FROM THESE VENDERS BUT NOT TOOLS I USE EVERY DAY.

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Ducknose Bob

10-17-2003 18:39:27

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

If you are going to do it for a living, stay with Snap-on. You are going to have a lot more selection, unlike when you buy a set of tools from Sears, and wind up with a bunch of odd-ball stuff that you will never use, and unless you have a Sears store in your town, you will wind up making trips to the nearest one for what needs to be replaced. Remember, Sears is primarily aimed at the home-owner, do-it-yourself bunch. If you want to have a set of Sears tools for your roadbox, that is something else, but I will guarantee that once you lose something that says Snap-on or Mac on it, you will become a lot more aware of what you have out and where you left it, and your loss problem will pretty much cure itself.

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Jim in NM

10-17-2003 19:36:40

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Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to Ducknose Bob, 10-17-2003 18:39:27

I have a conglamoration of numerous different types and brands of tools. In the early 80's I worked as a mechanic working on Farm and Industrial equipment. I tried to stay with Snap-On and Mac Tools as much as possible. However, I also have a lot of Chraftsman, some Proto, and a few other brands. When I joined the military I took my tools that I carried with me for service calls, which at the time were a majority of Snap-On with a few others. It has now become a large version of whatever I can find that I need. You will find that buying from Snap-On is not as expensive as you may think. The quality is great and the convience is great. I am now living in Clovis NM for the second time. There is a Sear's store that I have bought a few needed tools, but the last 3 times I was looking for a tool, I had to go elsewhere or improvise and do without. Stay with the name brands, and you won't go wrong. The warranty if/when is needed is one of the things that needs to be as user friendly as possible. I have never broken a Snap-On tool other than stripping out a couple of ratchets. But after approximately 21 years of use, have had to recently replace a couple of my Snap-On sockets, and no questions were asked. Chraftsman also has a good warranty. Good Luck with your chosen profession.

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farmall300u

10-17-2003 17:59:28

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

Last time I looked at Stanley, they are now all made in China. Am I wrong? Craftsman are all made in USA.

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Terry Clark

10-17-2003 17:49:41

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

Stanley tools are owned by the same company as MAC tools,and are in my opinion just as good for alot less money,also for what it is worth Kobalt tools that are available at Lowes are made by Williams that is in with or is the same as Snap-On check out the similarities,although just recently Kobalt apparently dropped the full polished wrenches.Good Luck!

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James Ayars

10-17-2003 21:43:14

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Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to Terry Clark, 10-17-2003 17:49:41

A few months ago, Kobalt dropped JH Williams as their manufacturer. Kobalt is now made by Danaher. The new Kobalt wrenches look almost identical to Armstrong, but more expensive. I have a set of the Williams made Kobalt combination metric wrenches and wouldn't trade them for anything.

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Terry Clark

10-18-2003 15:04:13

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Re: Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to James Ayars, 10-17-2003 21:43:14

James,I also have a set of williams made Kobalt combo wrenches,and would not trade them for nothing,thanks for clearing up why the new Kobalt wrenches are no longer fully polished like the previous ones.

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Mac

10-17-2003 17:05:03

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

Seen some of the stanley sockets.If you look close, they resemble the NEW craftsman socket design. Who's to say stanley does not make some of craftsman hand tools. Wonder about stanley and proto sometimes. Someone has to make craftsman tools for them. Fact is I think for curiousity I will look over the stanley tools web site later and maybe do some comparing. I got craftsman and snap-on. I like the exchange on the spot warranty.

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James Ayars

10-17-2003 21:45:26

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Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to Mac, 10-17-2003 17:05:03

Mac, Craftsman hand tools are made by Danaher. Danaher also makes Allen, K-D, Armstrong, Matco and a couple others. I have a K-D 3/4 inch ratchet and it is a twin to the same ratchet with the Allen name on it.

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DaveWis

10-17-2003 16:48:55

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

Just realized I replied to you as Tim instead of Timothy, hope that wasn't offensive, it wasn't meant to be. I know it is to some folks.

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DaveWis

10-17-2003 16:10:45

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Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to TIMOTHY, 10-17-2003 15:41:53

Hi Tim, I'm guessing you are going to get a lot of varied responses to this. Everyone likes or dislikes something based on their past experiences with it. I have been a mechanic for over 35 years, and have mostly Craftsman tools but also some Snap-on, Proto, Diamalloy, Crescent, Channelock as well as a few other odd brands. They all do the job just fine. I have used some offshore brands and they may be fine for VERY OCCASIONAL LIGHT use, they are worthless if you are going to make your living with them. The more recent Stanley tools seem to be better than what was made a few years ago, but I don't feel they are as good as the Stanley tools of many years ago. The main thing about warranties is how they are administered. Do you get your replacement on the spot or do you have to send it somewhere? Also, is there a handling fee to get them replaced? I ran into that several years ago with Thorsen. They weren't too bad and every hardware store handled them but the first time I had one break there was a 25% handling charge to get it replaced. I haven't bought a Thorsen tool since. Craftsman, Snap-on etc. replace them no questions asked. It's just that in my 35+ yrs. of work I haven't had any better luck with Snap-on than Craftsman and Craftsman is a lot chaeper to buy, so I have mostly Craftsman. Sorry for the rambling on and good luck on your future career.

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RJ-AZ

10-17-2003 16:54:49

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Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to DaveWis, 10-17-2003 16:10:45

I'm With Dave on this one. I've been turning wrenches proffessionally for 22+ years and while I have a lot of snap-on tools I have gone over to craftsman. The price is a whole lot better the warranty as good asa well as the quality. I like the full polished wrenches in either short or long pattern. I have a mixture of the other top brands as well( channelock and crescent etc).

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wdTom

10-17-2003 17:06:03

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Re: Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to RJ-AZ, 10-17-2003 16:54:49

I try to stay with Craftsman. Not because theyare so great, but because it means one stop shopping and warranty replacement. This is for wrenches and sockets. I won't buy any locking plier except ViseGrip. I think Chanel Lock are the best genearal pliers.

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olefarmer

10-17-2003 22:10:38

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Re: Re: Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to wdTom, 10-17-2003 17:06:03

I'm not a professional mechanic but I've turned a lot of wreches with different brand names on them. 30 years ago I would have agreed that brand name tools we're superior, now I don't see that great a difference. Starting out I purchased only Craftsman, but on the only occasion that I asked for a replacement socket that had cracked along an obvious casting defect I was given the 3rd degree and it was replaced with an x-ed out second. I've never gone back to another Sears store. Stanley seems to market a lot of different tools to different consumers, my opinion is, spend your money wisely, don't abuse your tools and enjoy your time in your shop.

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wdTom

10-18-2003 18:53:24

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to olefarmer, 10-17-2003 22:10:38

Over the years I have probably brought back on average of one socket or ratchet, and once a pair of plyers, per year to Sears and never had a problem. Mostly they don't even look closly at the problem. Your experience is a surprise to me.

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Hal/WA

10-18-2003 21:57:22

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Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: STANLEY TOOLS in reply to wdTom, 10-18-2003 18:53:24

I've never had any trouble with replacements either. And one time I had a hand sprayer with a plastic tank that cracked after only being used about 5 times in 3 years and perfect care. I found that a replacement tank cost more than I had paid for the sprayer. I pointed out the sign over the door: Satisfaction Or Your Money Back, and the store manager personally authorized full credit on a much better stainless steel tank sprayer. This impressed me.

Over the years I have probably spent over $5000 on tools at Sears. I have never been unhappy with any of them. The ones I broke were replaced, no questions asked. I also have lots of other tools, some top quality expensive ones and some Harbor Freight cheapies. I buy things on a basis of how often I think I will use them. The Craftsman tools usually work about as well as any of them, the price is right and the warranty keeps me coming back. I just wish they had everything I always need. I hate to pay the high prices, but sometimes I can only find the right tool with Snap-On or the other Pro tool guys.

Maybe Olefarmer should have asked to talk to a manager, or at least let management know about the clerks bad attitude. Maybe he was having a bad day.... Good luck!

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