Craftsman Warranty

Excellent point. You get what you pay for.

The Army issues "free" tools.

Craftsman tools cost more.

Truck tools cost way... more.

I'd love to take Professional's posts directly, however I've had the local MAC truck man in to buy Craftsman sockets, because the MAC sets are around $180.

If that isn't an endorsement for Craftsman tools, I don't know what is.

I'm glad many posters here are loyal to the Truck Dealer's tools. They need loyalty. In the same way, I, and 75 percent of the DIYers, feel loyal about our Craftsman tools.

Everybody has their own tool opinions.

By the way, I haven't used the term "Snap-off" or "McDonald's MACs". Why is it necessary for some posters to denigrate the Sears, Craftsman brand name?

I have access, as you, to thousands of tools, many of which are available directly through our closest Sears.

I don't have to wait for "Truck day".

And, the Craftsman life-time warranty is still quite alive and kicking.

Tape Measures and waffle-faced Carpenters' hammers are having their NEW warranties modified.

The Craftsman Mechanics' tools are still quite life-time warranted.

I routinely "slide" through the 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive sized ratchets and sockets.

And... I know what a "Breaker Bar" is used for and how to use one.

Granted, I'm not under the same time pressure that many Professional Mechanics are under.

After the fastener is broken loose, a Craftsman or truck ratchet can be used, with very similar results.

My ratchets, being a Sears ratchet rebuilder, are fettled to a degree where they go zzz... zzz... zzz..., instead of click, click, click.

Maybe some of the posters have not had an opportunity to use a "hand-tuned" Craftsman ratchet.

It's personal preference, prestige and tradition all rolled into each user's stance on their tools.

With your agreement, we can end this thread with the mutual position of neither side budging in their tool preferences.

For the Professional wrench turners, Craftsman may not be in the cards for you.

Let's leave the "door open" for the non-Professionals, that need their dollars stretched further.

The Thin-Profile ratchets do have finer teeth, use a different ratcheting mechanism and are the only sealed model that Craftsman offers.

There is also a round-head, fine-tooth ratchet model still sold in the catalog. Although, it's not a sealed mechanism, it is a tank.

The tear-drop style ratchets sold in the stores can be fine-tuned to do a much better job. If, you don't mind tuning up your ratchet, before using it.

I've got a good idea of what several posters think of Craftsman tools.

Rather than bicker any more, which will get none of us any where, let's put your Professional experience to use.

In case I ever catch a truck visiting a real Pro's shop, what is a good general-purpose ratchet, that you would recommend, that represents a truck quality, US of A made tool, and is currently sold new off of a truck?

Thank you in advance to anyone taking the time to help educamate me.

Now we're talking common ground.

A company recently said NO to WalMart.

It's American based and manufactures high end mowers and yard equipment.

Does Snapper rate OK on this board?

Here is an incident that recently happen to me at the link below: You can draw your own conclusion. I will never step in a sears store or k-mart again.

• 30 Days-bad Compressor and Service

Most pro wrench turners use pro tools. Pro race car drivers drive pro cars not consumer cars off the lot.

One of the Chevy dealerships here takes their broken Craftsman tools back to Sears once a month. I've seen what they are returning as one of the machanics I know showed me. He told me they return about the same number of tools to the tool trucks as they do to Sears.

30 years ago people were griping about Craftsman hand tools not being as good as Snap On. It's the fashionable thing to do for some people. And since Snap On costs several times as much as Craftsman, if Snap On isn't several times better than Craftsman a bunch of Snap On buyers are getting ripped off.

I've got friends that have only Craftsman hand tools, they use them every week, they're not breaking and they're quite satisfied with them.

I also know people that hate doing business with the tool trucks. If you get a good driver you get good service. Get a bad driver and you get crummy service and an arguement over every return. And if you're a DIY'er, the tool trucks really aren't a choice anyway.

I don't expect my Craftsman hand tools to be on the same level as my Snap On, Wright or even my SK, but for a good quality consumer tool at a good price, they're the best choice out there.
James

As far as tool trucks go, I"ve had great dealings with all of them. Those guys see your rig in your stall. They know if you"re serious about your tools, and therefore spend what it takes to buy them. They go out oftheir way to get customers like that.

Of course Professionals like you go to the trucks.

You are not paying for your tools.

By the third job you do with a specialized truck tool, your CUSTOMERS have paid for your new tool.

A Sears customer wanted a 29mm deep socket. Sears topped at 27mm for around $8.49. The Snap-On 29 mm was just under 30 dollars for ONE socket.

No non-professional, in their right mind, would pay this cost differential on over lapping types or sizes of tools.

75 percent of US DIYers use Craftsman tools.

Unfortunately, no one pays a DIYer for the money they are "going to save" doing their own jobs.

Apples and oranges my friend.

It really messed up those pair of jeans.

And, returning an article of clothing with a telltale ink stain would probably be a nightmare.

Similar thing happened to my wife. The cashier got one of the TWO security devices off. The other one was in a non-standard location and it is very tricky explaining to the store that the product was "really purchased".

There are organized gangs of thieves running through retail stores, worse than sharks in the ocean.

Normally, there would not be any arguement about exchanging a broken tool with a new or equivalent model tool.

As for remote returns, you may have had an old pattern, that the stores no longer carry, but the "800 number" folks do have replacement stock of.

The quality you are denigrating is Made in the US of A, Danaher Tool company.

There is a standard Craftsman Mechanics' hand tool line and the higher end Craftsman Professionals.

If you are going through Craftsman tools the way you are implying, may I suggest you re-evaluate HOW YOU USE THEM.

For instance, a breaker bar used before any brand name ratchet, is going to benefit the ratchet.

Hammering a ratchet is pure death for the tool.

But, at Sears, they'll exchange it.

Between mine and my Dad's, I've been using Craftsman tools for nearly 50 years, and the quality is undeniably going down hill. They've gone to larger castings to make up for cheaper steel in their wrenches, the fit and finish is noticable rougher, dimensional accuracy is sloppier, and their ratchets are complete junk. Crude finish, wimpy mechanisms and notchy operation.

You have your opinion and I have mine. My opinion is that there won't be any more new Craftsman tools in my future. If I can find the old ones at yard sales, yes, but new from the store, no.

• the Craftsman site..

I must know something about tool use you don't.

Do you like the Industrial Quality Armstrong tools Brad?

Many people do.

They're made by DANAHER.

I have 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive sets of tools, with some 3/4 inch drive pieces.

I use the 1/4 inch drive set to avoid "muscling" small fasteners below #12 size. They're great for doing electrical and electronic work.

I suppose I could use them "for assembling Erector sets". I've got 8 pnt sockets through 1/2 inch drive, taps and extractors don't cha know.

The 3/8 inch drives, as you know, are a little wimpy, but OK for doing quick stuff, like restoring old woodworking machines and doing odd DIY jobs and Professional Cabinet Making and installation jobs.

The 1/2 inch drives are great for doing larger work. I'm guessing, not being a Professional Mechanic, you use quite a bit.

I've only used the 3/4 inch drive size pieces on an occasional tank or the tank recovery vehicle.

I will freely admit to not being a Professional Mechanic.

But, as an Army direct support Machinist I did help quite a few mechanics with the fasteners they mangled, "for productivity's sake".

Craftsman tool quality is way, way... above what the US Army issues to their maintenance personnel, including the "Professional Mechanics".

I have been a shop maintenance technician and currently work for Sears doing Preventative Maintenance work, including rebuilding the ratchets.

I repeat, "How are you using your tools?"

I only have the hand tools. I'm assuming you've got a nice array of pneumatic tools. With that kind of selection, why are your hand tools breaking so often?

Are those "cracked like eggs" sockets, chrome sockets on the end of a pneumatic?

I know all tools need occasional "pushing". But, it sounds like your tools are on a return carousel.

I'm glad you are a Professional, with access to the trucks. And, I assume making the income to support the kind of prices the tool truck tools command.

I've purchased specialty tools from both MAC and Snap-On, that I've used in combination with my truck common-sized Craftsman tools.

They are all working just fine.

I agree with most of the other posters about different quality-level tiers of tools.

But, Craftsman tools are way... above the bottom level quality that some of the posters have been commenting about.

I hope you're prosperous with all your future endeavors, and find tools that work well for you.

Adam

This is part of virtually ever Sears product to shield customers from the "statistical lemon" that anyone using a mass-produced item might possibly face.

A supply problem (pressure or flow rate through old pipes) is NOT a manufacturer"s defect.

The Protection Agreement that was offered to you would have covered free parts and labor.

You replaced your old stove because it was functioning perfectly, but maybe a new color appliance.

Or, maybe it was "acting up"?

Couldn"t have been a "supply problem" with the gas source.

It"s that new stove"s fault.

Be sure to post what manufacturer you find that "works right..." with your supply line.

When I buy a product, I figure in tax, cost of use, possible future maintenance and the cost/benefit of one of those service agreements.

Do you think the Sears appliances might be alright for use with Natural gas?

It sounds like your first Kenmore was pretty old.

When you looked for the 1st Kenmore's parts, did you stay with Sears's Parts Direct service?

Or, did you get the OEM's name (1st three digits of a Sears long-model number) and try at a general appliance parts supply house?

In an increasingly "throw-away" society, the products are probably starting to mirror the customer base's buying and maintenance support habits.

I've never worked in "Brand Central". So, I really don't know where a "good Propane" stove could be acquired.

I do know the gas Barbeques are sold from the get-go for either Natural gas or Propane. Maybe that "dual-capability" is what's bitten you?

If I find (any brand name) a good industry recognized Propane stove, I'll post back.

As for another model, Sears sells other models.

I'm a 3rd generation Craftsman user, who really appreciates Sears.

If you don't want to shop there anymore, your loss.

BA BYE.

And, have any of your new tools suffered?

How's the return policy of the brand name?

Craftsman is known as a value-priced product that has supported 75 percent of the DIYing market for several decades.

It is very interesting that you should be one of the few who can't get them to work well for you.

I hope not.

Because the standard Craftsman tear-drop ratchets use the EXACT same parts as the equivalent sized, tear-drop style Professional ratchets.

LOL!

Now if we're talking Companion ratchets...

90 days, with receipt versus your lifetime, your child's lifetime and your grandchild's lifetime, for as long as Sears is in business is a big quality (and price) difference.

Talking so negatively toward a 100 percent US of A based company ain't gonna help it stay in business.

Are we a WalMart shopper?