Craftsman of Snapon?

[MikeB]

Whichever way you go, get 12-point sockets and box-end wrenches. They are much better in tight spots and you can put them on the fastener head quicker. Also, all ratchets are not created equal. In the case of Craftsman, the more you spend, the more ratchet teeth you get. This helps in tight spots where you have little room to rotate the ratchet handle. Sears also sells a "Gear-Wrench", which is a combination wrench with a ratcheting box end. They are made in Taiwan, but work very well and seem to hold up, at least for weekend hot-rodding duty.

[Chevy Wrench]

The only thing I dont like about 12 point sockets is that you loose torque when using an air gun. Believe me, less material in contact with the fastener means less torque to the fastener. Other than that, 12 points can come in handy. And as far as Snap On being a prestige thing, not in our shop. We buy tools that will hold up to the abuse that we give them, and Snap On seems to be one of the only companies that can hold up. Plus, when was the last time you saw a Craftsman truck rolling down the street? Alot of the reason we (mechanics) buy from Snap On, Mac and Matco is the fact that they come to us. As far as Im concerned, when the clock hits 6pm, the last thing on my mind is going to the mall to look for tools. I wanna go home and drink a cold one ( insert your own beverage of choice here) and eat dinner, go to bed and do it all over again in the morning. And dont even think about that on the weekends, those are spent down at the shop working on my trucks. I dont mean any disrespect to anyone on this board, but in my opinion, there simply is no comparison between Snap On and Craftsman. I make my living with tools, I want the very best I can buy, thats why I use Snap On, Mac and Matco. Plus, our SK rep went under. I think he pawned his truck for crack or something. By the way, he still owes me a pry bar, that bastard.

[minibike]

MATCO is a good comprimise between crafstman and snap on...they have different levels of tools with pricing to match.

[minibike]

MATCO is a good comprimise between crafstman and snap on...they have different levels of tools with pricing to match.

[guitarman]

I'm with Max on this issue about Snapon's waranty. It's not as good as it used to be. It seems that every time I had a problem it was a hassel or I'm told, "We (Snapon) don't cover air tool breakage after 90 days." However when I purchased that same air tool it had a lifetime waranty. When I told that to the rep he stated, "Well the policy has changed." He further stated, "We don't even make that model any longer, (laughing) How old is that thing anyway?" "You must have had that for 20 years, what do you expect it's old, don't you think you got your money's worth." I said, "I don't care if it's a 100 years old I was promised a lifetime waranty so if you don't have parts to fix it then I expect you to replace it." His answer was, "Get real!" I haven't bought another Snapon tool since and I never will and every opportunity I have I will advise people not to buy their products.

[ChopTop]

I have been out of the pro-tech loop for a few years now. When I turned wrenches there were a few specialty tools I needed that had to come off a truck. One thing I learned real quick is MAC makes a quality tool. MAC is usually significantly less expesive in many cases on the same tool compared to Snap-On. I allway's preferred MAC air ratchets, and I own MAC impacts. For the most part craftsman handwrenches can do a great job, but often a MAC or a Snapon can cut time in more than half for the same job. For the most part my tool box is filled with Craftsman tools, with the exception of leftover specialty tools from my wrenchen day's, even though it's a MAC box! If your a pro, your gonna need Pro Quality tools like MAC. If your just getting tools for around the house Craftsman works. Oh yea, has anyone else noticed how often Craftsman tools BREAK?!

[andyr354]

Most of my stuff is craftsman. Their ratchets suck though and are breaking all the time on me, need to get something better. The sockets, end wrenches, and most other things are great though.
I am using the stuff for hobby and farm shop use.

[nitor]

I agree with Mikep. The biggest thing with the Craftsman is the replacement if they break. Both are good, both can break, but getting them replaced now, when they're needed is what I go for.

[Blue Beard]

Been with Craftsman since the mid 60's wouldn't change..............

[mikep]

All craftsman hand tools are made in the USA right...wrong. I have a few metric box end wrenches that were made in Japan ? I figure when they first started making metrics they had them contracted out somewhere else. They must be late 60's produced.

[O'l Buck]

For the guys that buy craftsman for the ease of going to sears and getting warranty. I got an email from supply management at work the day before yesterday that said Sears will no longer be carrying craftsman tools as we know them. The company that makes them (I don't remember the name) has decided to use a different company for a distributor, and they are going to be available at work once a week from the supplier.........just a heads up that craftsman is changing.......at least according to supply managment at work anyway.