Well, I'll be eating ramen for a while

TheCarGuy2021 · 07-13-2008, 09:42 PM

Well I've been breaking a lot of my Craftsman stuff lately (multiple sockets, specialty tools, ratchets mostly, and my <2 year old Craftsman toolbox completely went to shit.) and Sears has been giving me a hard time honoring their lifetime guarantee. That and I'm getting tired of a simple half an hour job becoming a 3 hour job simply because the tools aren't holding up. Funny thing is that none of my Craftsman tools that are >15-20 years old have broken. Since I've got a student discount with Snap On for the automotive program I'm in, I figure it's about time I started using it. I get ~50% off list for anything Snap On with a $7,500 cap, and one chest/top box with the discount that don't count towards the cap. I decided to just replace everything I have, and give all my other tools/broken box to my pops.

Bought a box/top chest a few days ago. Combo retailed for ~$6,000, got it all for <$3,000!

Also bought ~$8,000 of tools for ~$4,200!

I've got all I need to finish my degree and certificates, so if any of you want some high end tools for much cheaper than list, I've got ~$3,000 left to spend with the student discount.

Sure Some consider Snap On "overpriced", and honestly, for the everyday DIY guy, they are. But for someone who makes a living turning a wrench, a tool makes all the difference, and price is no barrier for a quality tool. 50% off for these was a great deal, but I still paid what some would consider a ridiculous amount for tools, but these will be following me throughout my career for the rest of my life (along with the thousands of other tools I'll acquire between now and then), and then they will go to my kids.

Just thought I'd share my excitement.

D1sclaimer · 07-13-2008, 09:50 PM

I have a friend that did the same thing. He went all out on his tools and bought a bunch of snap-on stuff. He's kinda broke at the moment, but hes working and going to school and not having any problems with his tools.

P.S. I used to work for KMart when they bought Sear out. After that, the Craftsman line of tools really went downhill IMHO.

TheCarGuy2021 · 07-13-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by D1sclaimer

After that, the Craftsman line of tools really went downhill IMHO.

I completely agree, there was a time when professionals didn't laugh at you when you told them you use the Craftsman brand. Some Craftsman tools aren't even made in the U.S. anymore.

gomarlins3 · 07-13-2008, 10:33 PM

I have never had a problem with my Craftsman tools other than a torque wrench. I haven't had to buy anything new in a long time though so if the quality has gone down, I haven't had to deal with it.

Nice Snap On stuff.

TheCarGuy2021 · 07-13-2008, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gomarlins3

I have never had a problem with my Craftsman tools other than a torque wrench. I haven't had to buy anything new in a long time though so if the quality has gone down, I haven't had to deal with it.

Nice Snap On stuff.

I haven't had a problem with most of my Craftsman tools, but I had recently bought one of the "mechanics sets" a few years ago, seems every socket I would use to try and break a frozen bolt free would crack. I've also broken 2 1/4" ratchets and one 3/8" ratchet and when I took them in for replacement they tried to tell me I should have been using a breaker bar and gave me a hard time replacing them. However, once I asked for their corporate number, they were more than happy to replace them.

Don't get me wrong, Craftsman still makes some great products, but the tools I use the most are the ones that seem to be breaking.

chazdawg35 · 07-13-2008, 11:00 PM

Go Snap On Dude! Craftsman is Ok but their wrenches don't feel as strong as Snap On. No teeth lost yet. LOL

philiam · 07-13-2008, 11:29 PM

I'd write to corporate as a matter of principle. They advertise lifetime guarantee and should stick to it. It's rare to find a Sears employee who gives a damn.

Scooter · 07-14-2008, 12:53 AM

I totally agree, Craftsman tools shouldn't break, and if they do they should be replaced... period. However, you got a great deal with your discount, for the bulk of tools that don't break anyway that's nice stocking up!

Java Junky · 07-14-2008, 05:48 AM

'Somethin' that I've watched happen over the years CarGuy.
Back in the '60'z I started payin' attention when I hadda return brandy-new Sears (all I used at the time) sockets because I was noticin' that the wall thicknesses weren't the same all'a way aroun'. ('Guess'att'z gen'r'lly whut'z gonna happen when you don't concentrically locate the hex cut-out.) Can you say failure-point?
But, at least in my tiny, liddle corner'uv the universe anyway, really low-craftsmanship (rather appropriate, wun'cha say?) started rearin' it's ugly head on a increasingly regular basis around that era.
N' while I didn't upgrade everything to SnapOn'r Mac, I did wind up bringin' in other brands'n bustin' up Craftsman'z monopoly in the box.

'Great gear-head'z thread CG.
Java

DJJSR · 07-14-2008, 06:06 AM

I have tons of Craftsman hand tools, most of which I bought in the 1970's when I was wrenching for a living and racing at the same time. I've split a few sockets (with the help of a pipe on a breaker bar) and wore out a ratchet or 2, but never had a problem getting anything replaced. If the store clerk gives you a hassle, ask for the manager. Their tools are a good value. Not as good as Snap-on, but much cheaper and they're almost always on sale.

Craftsman power tools are not as reliable. I've burned up almost every one I've owned. The older ones are better. Seems like the newer they are, the cheaper they are built. Lots of bearing problems.

Snap-on is great stuff. List prices are ridiculous, but you can usually get a deal.

philiam · 07-14-2008, 10:25 PM

I have a set of Sears Craftsman sockets and a large ratchet that belonged to my father. They are so old they are marked in totally different sizes than are used today.

SilverS2K422 · 07-14-2008, 11:33 PM

the new tools breaking and the old ones keepin strong shows how cheap stuff is made today.

Scooter · 07-14-2008, 11:57 PM

I had no idea that Craftsman had changed their quality, my 20 yr old tools seem just fine and I haven't purchased much lately... If so, that's just wrong in my opinion, and can only be fixed by public griping. I've done a lot of business with Chinese factories and they really only make things as well as you specify - if you say "x grade steel, forged with this process" you'll get it, if you say "steel" you'll get something much cheaper. If you don't say "no lead paint on the toy" they really don't think there's a problem with using lead paint - they build the cheapest way to EXACTLY what you specify.

philiam · 07-15-2008, 03:57 PM

To their misfortune, they're creating the perception that everything from China is sub standard and creating a back-lash against their products. This was the view of Japanese goods prior to WW2.

desmo4 · 07-15-2008, 04:42 PM

Snapon hasn't changed their quality, they are superior to most other tools. I don't buy anything else now. I do have a couple of Williams and Proto tools which are also excellent.

Jonathan

67AtlasDave · 07-15-2008, 06:40 PM

just me .02 but I had a buddy in PA who work at a tool factory and he told me the real defferance between all american made tools was just a diffrent color handle or what have you. The were all forged the same way just got a diffrent paint job at the end. Not sure if its tru or not the guy is pretty much married to Mary Jane if you know what I mean

I use Craftsman and Snap-on much perfer Snap-on for cars and craftsman for the house. Had a craftsman Impact Wrench and it was built with the same specs as the Ingersol-Rands. Gave it to my brother-in-law when i stopped wrenching for a living and he uses it every day.

jagg · 07-15-2008, 07:23 PM

I've never run across a brand of tool that didn't fail eventually, with daily use........One, more than the other? Nope.
You never know when something is
going to let you down. It's the way of the world.

jagg

philiam · 07-15-2008, 07:39 PM

There's no tool like an old tool.

DJJSR · 07-15-2008, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philiam

There's no tool like an old tool.

You're just saying that 'cause you're an old tool!!!!

philiam · 07-15-2008, 08:06 PM

Didn't think it showed.

TheCarGuy2021 · 07-23-2008, 03:37 PM

First batch of goodies came, 2 more to go.

philiam · 07-23-2008, 03:51 PM

Now you can fix that sticky door.

RL1924 · 07-23-2008, 04:42 PM

You should try contacting craftsman direct do they them selves have any warranty, If not tell them ur situation i would assume if the store offers it, it has to come from them as well. If anything you can have some spares if they replace it or always ebay them now that you go these

Agroman1963 · 07-23-2008, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCarGuy2021

First batch of goodies came, 2 more to go.

^ENVY!!!

The bulk of my tools are Craftsman, older(20 years at least), and they do fine for putzin around. I have a craftsman corded power drill my Dad got me 30 years ago that still cranks...
If I were a pro, I would definitely do the MAC, Snap-on or Proto route, they just seem like "pro" tools... 2cents worth!

dezignpro04 · 07-24-2008, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by philiam

Now you can fix that sticky door.

Shoot. I would have sold him some WD-40 for $7,540.00. And thats 30% off.

LOL

Nice tools there bud. GOD I WISH YOU WERE MY NEIGHBOR!!

I can see it now - . . . .

Dez - "Hey buddy, how you doing? Can I borrow a . . . EVERYTHING in the first drawer??" hehe

CarGuy - "Dammit Dez, you still haven't given me back my 9mm socket wrench!!"

TheCarGuy2021 · 08-07-2008, 07:37 PM

Toolbox comes tomorrow. I'm excited.

TheCarGuy2021 · 08-07-2008, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dezignpro04

Nice tools there bud. GOD I WISH YOU WERE MY NEIGHBOR!!

I can see it now - . . . .

Dez - "Hey buddy, how you doing? Can I borrow a . . . EVERYTHING in the first drawer??" hehe

CarGuy - "Dammit Dez, you still haven't given me back my 9mm socket wrench!!"

Hahaha

Doubt it's worth living in Ohio over.

07-13-2008, 09:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
TheCarGuy2021 Turbo guy Join Date: May 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 277	Well, I'll be eating ramen for a while Well I've been breaking a lot of my Craftsman stuff lately (multiple sockets, specialty tools, ratchets mostly, and my <2 year old Craftsman toolbox completely went to shit.) and Sears has been giving me a hard time honoring their lifetime guarantee. That and I'm getting tired of a simple half an hour job becoming a 3 hour job simply because the tools aren't holding up. Funny thing is that none of my Craftsman tools that are >15-20 years old have broken. Since I've got a student discount with Snap On for the automotive program I'm in, I figure it's about time I started using it. I get ~50% off list for anything Snap On with a $7,500 cap, and one chest/top box with the discount that don't count towards the cap. I decided to just replace everything I have, and give all my other tools/broken box to my pops. Bought a box/top chest a few days ago. Combo retailed for ~$6,000, got it all for <$3,000! Also bought ~$8,000 of tools for ~$4,200! I've got all I need to finish my degree and certificates, so if any of you want some high end tools for much cheaper than list, I've got ~$3,000 left to spend with the student discount. Sure Some consider Snap On "overpriced", and honestly, for the everyday DIY guy, they are. But for someone who makes a living turning a wrench, a tool makes all the difference, and price is no barrier for a quality tool. 50% off for these was a great deal, but I still paid what some would consider a ridiculous amount for tools, but these will be following me throughout my career for the rest of my life (along with the thousands of other tools I'll acquire between now and then), and then they will go to my kids. Just thought I'd share my excitement. __________________

07-13-2008, 09:50 PM	#2 (permalink)
D1sclaimer Mustang Killer Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 471	I have a friend that did the same thing. He went all out on his tools and bought a bunch of snap-on stuff. He's kinda broke at the moment, but hes working and going to school and not having any problems with his tools. P.S. I used to work for KMart when they bought Sear out. After that, the Craftsman line of tools really went downhill IMHO. __________________ It’s alright. I aint losing. This fool’s running a Honda 2000. I’ll win, that way me and my dad can roll together when he gets out of prison. It’s all good.

07-13-2008, 10:33 PM	#4 (permalink)
gomarlins3 "Enjoy the drive" Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Kuna Idaho Posts: 2,812	I have never had a problem with my Craftsman tools other than a torque wrench. I haven't had to buy anything new in a long time though so if the quality has gone down, I haven't had to deal with it. Nice Snap On stuff. __________________ Yablownowitz Racing brought to you by Anytime Fitness. Happiness is a nice road, great weather, and driving the S with Sue in the seat next to me. "Whatever you do, where ever you go, enjoy the drive." I know for a FACT that the last year of production of the S2000 is 2003!!!!! After that, it will be the S2200 under an assumed name.

07-13-2008, 11:29 PM	#7 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,637	I'd write to corporate as a matter of principle. They advertise lifetime guarantee and should stick to it. It's rare to find a Sears employee who gives a damn. __________________

07-14-2008, 05:48 AM	#9 (permalink)
Java Junky Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Joisey Posts: 5,432	'Somethin' that I've watched happen over the years CarGuy. Back in the '60'z I started payin' attention when I hadda return brandy-new Sears (all I used at the time) sockets because I was noticin' that the wall thicknesses weren't the same all'a way aroun'. ('Guess'att'z gen'r'lly whut'z gonna happen when you don't concentrically locate the hex cut-out.) Can you say failure-point? But, at least in my tiny, liddle corner'uv the universe anyway, really low-craftsmanship (rather appropriate, wun'cha say?) started rearin' it's ugly head on a increasingly regular basis around that era. N' while I didn't upgrade everything to SnapOn'r Mac, I *did* wind up bringin' in other brands'n bustin' up Craftsman'z monopoly in the box. 'Great gear-head'z thread CG. Java __________________ In life-long pursuit of that most mythic of beasts: the ever-elusive perfect corner. Well . . . that, r' at least a whole lodda clear spin-out room.

07-13-2008, 11:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
chazdawg35 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: simi valley,california Posts: 858	Go Snap On Dude! Craftsman is Ok but their wrenches don't feel as strong as Snap On. No teeth lost yet. LOL

07-14-2008, 12:53 AM	#8 (permalink)
Scooter Senior Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,228	I totally agree, Craftsman tools shouldn't break, and if they do they should be replaced... period. However, you got a great deal with your discount, for the bulk of tools that don't break anyway that's nice stocking up!

07-14-2008, 06:06 AM	#10 (permalink)
DJJSR Philosopher Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Hooterville Posts: 1,751	I have tons of Craftsman hand tools, most of which I bought in the 1970's when I was wrenching for a living and racing at the same time. I've split a few sockets (with the help of a pipe on a breaker bar) and wore out a ratchet or 2, but never had a problem getting anything replaced. If the store clerk gives you a hassle, ask for the manager. Their tools are a good value. Not as good as Snap-on, but much cheaper and they're almost always on sale. Craftsman power tools are not as reliable. I've burned up almost every one I've owned. The older ones are better. Seems like the newer they are, the cheaper they are built. Lots of bearing problems. Snap-on is great stuff. List prices are ridiculous, but you can usually get a deal. __________________ Don

07-14-2008, 10:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,637	I have a set of Sears Craftsman sockets and a large ratchet that belonged to my father. They are so old they are marked in totally different sizes than are used today. __________________

07-14-2008, 11:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
SilverS2K422 B.A.M.F. Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 578	the new tools breaking and the old ones keepin strong shows how cheap stuff is made today.

07-14-2008, 11:57 PM	#13 (permalink)
Scooter Senior Newbie Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 1,228	I had no idea that Craftsman had changed their quality, my 20 yr old tools seem just fine and I haven't purchased much lately... If so, that's just wrong in my opinion, and can only be fixed by public griping. I've done a lot of business with Chinese factories and they really only make things as well as you specify - if you say "x grade steel, forged with this process" you'll get it, if you say "steel" you'll get something much cheaper. If you don't say "no lead paint on the toy" they really don't think there's a problem with using lead paint - they build the cheapest way to EXACTLY what you specify.

07-15-2008, 03:57 PM	#14 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,637	To their misfortune, they're creating the perception that everything from China is sub standard and creating a back-lash against their products. This was the view of Japanese goods prior to WW2. __________________

07-15-2008, 04:42 PM	#15 (permalink)
desmo4 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 544	Snapon hasn't changed their quality, they are superior to most other tools. I don't buy anything else now. I do have a couple of Williams and Proto tools which are also excellent. Jonathan __________________ MY 2000 Mugen Air box, Headers, Exhaust, ECU, Pressure Plate,LSD, Radiator cap NZ Dampers, Thermo SW and Thermostat. Sampco intake pipe and radiator hoses, Swift sway bars, Stillen rotors w/ M-tech extreme pads. BBS JDM Forged Wheels.w/ Potensa Re=01R's Nextgear Intake manifold gasket, SPA gauges, Alpine IDA-X001,KCE-300Bt BT Adapter, Focal 165 K2P speakers, Phoenix Gold ZX475Ti, Recaro Profi SPG w/Sparco 6 pt

07-15-2008, 06:40 PM	#16 (permalink)
67AtlasDave Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Posts: 98	just me .02 but I had a buddy in PA who work at a tool factory and he told me the real defferance between all american made tools was just a diffrent color handle or what have you. The were all forged the same way just got a diffrent paint job at the end. Not sure if its tru or not the guy is pretty much married to Mary Jane if you know what I mean I use Craftsman and Snap-on much perfer Snap-on for cars and craftsman for the house. Had a craftsman Impact Wrench and it was built with the same specs as the Ingersol-Rands. Gave it to my brother-in-law when i stopped wrenching for a living and he uses it every day. __________________ 2004 Acura TL 6Speed w/ Navi 2003 Honda Pilot w/ Rear DVD 1967 Norton Atlas (Soon) 200? Honda S2000

07-15-2008, 07:23 PM	#17 (permalink)
jagg Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: The Endless Mountains Posts: 2,520	I've never run across a brand of tool that didn't fail eventually, with daily use........One, more than the other? Nope. You never know when something is going to let you down. It's the way of the world. jagg

07-15-2008, 07:39 PM	#18 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,637	There's no tool like an old tool. __________________

07-15-2008, 08:06 PM	#20 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,637	Didn't think it showed. __________________

07-23-2008, 03:37 PM	#21 (permalink)
TheCarGuy2021 Turbo guy Join Date: May 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 277	First batch of goodies came, 2 more to go. __________________

07-23-2008, 03:51 PM	#22 (permalink)
philiam Senior Member, Literally Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: woodland hills, CA Posts: 1,637	Now you can fix that sticky door. __________________

07-23-2008, 04:42 PM	#23 (permalink)
RL1924 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 566	You should try contacting craftsman direct do they them selves have any warranty, If not tell them ur situation i would assume if the store offers it, it has to come from them as well. If anything you can have some spares if they replace it or always ebay them now that you go these

08-07-2008, 07:37 PM	#26 (permalink)
TheCarGuy2021 Turbo guy Join Date: May 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 277	Toolbox comes tomorrow. I'm excited. __________________