Anir

Am I the only one who has noticed the dramatic drop in quality of just about any tool from Sears lately? Today, I received a defective $40 workshop light and a impact driver with a shattered case. My recently purchased Craftsman torque wrench's mechanism is of very poor quality, and one of the Sears torx bits broke in half last week while I was using it. It's a shame, because their stuff was pretty good when I was a kid (albeit now 20 years ago).

96P993

That is interesting, I have been using their tools for years and have never had a problem with them. Between my dad and I we probably have 2000 tools made by them...You should call them and let them know..Im sure they would be interested to know your thoughts

laurence '97 C4S

Don't they (Sears) at least warranty them for life?

Anir

My older (inherited) Craftsman tools from my father are fine. It's the newer stuff that I'm having so much trouble with. As Kim suggested, the quality of their torque wrenches is particularly poor.

And, I can't decide which is worse - the quality of packing of my internet purchases, or the knowledge of the teenagers who work at our local store.

steve g

Team...

I'm affiliated...Sears does stand behind Craftsman. If anyone has an issue that I can personally help please let me know by email.

Doc - Does this mean I could qualify for Team Ratchet Recycler ? You know Sears has a policy of repairing or replacing your old Craftsman ratchets...free.

96P993

When it comes to the torque wrench the only one with the lifetime warranty is the beam torque wrench..you are correct that the others only have a 90 day

hn

I used to think Craftsman tools were too expensive for me until I look at them lately. They are less much less expensive than my tools.

chris walrod

yes Snap-On is expensive, but when it comes to torque wrench's and other critical tools, its always worth the investment. I bought a 3/8 drive Craftsman torque wrench about ten years ago. The first time I went to use it, it malfunctioned and I overtorqued a bolt to the point of failure. Luckily it was a tow hitch on my truck at the time. Replacement of the bolt was easy. Just think if you were using a tool of that quality on a Porsche engine, like the head studs, and you pulled one out of the case? There is NO susbtitute for quality tools!

STLPCA

Anir
I've noticed the same thing. However, it's important to consider the different price points if comparing Sears w/Snap-on, Facom, Proto, etc. Sears also sells an impressive "Professional" line of higher quality (& price) tools. I've compared my vintage Sears to the current line & esp for wrenches, sockets, & ratchets the new stuff lacks the level of finish & polish of the old. OTOH, Sears prices are a fraction of Snap-on & the no questions asked replacement warranty (& convenience) can't be beat.

David in LA

I've had craftsman tools since I was 17 and working at a gas station - I used to drool when the Snap-On trucked stopped by!

I think that Craftsman has gone "downmarket" with some of their tools, but the high end stuff is still first class (like the highly polished wrenches, etc). The more moderately priced tools are still very good even with the inferior cosmetics and with the lifetime warranty they are a great value. For really critical tools like torque wrenches, I would stick with Snap-on....they sell over the internet now so even better.

Also, if you haven't already you should join the "Craftsman Club"...you get eligibility for verious specials and discounts...last one I noticed was for 10% off tools.

Edward

Anir,

Yes I, too, have used Craftsman for (20+?) years and definitely noticed a drop in quality. But as others have already said, the price and convenience, compared to the various tool-truck guys, can't be beat. I think I will start looking at the higher-end Craftsman stuff if I need anything new. The problem is whenever I break a wrench, they keep on replacing them.

Edward

milrad

I've had the same experience. A recently purchased torque wrench was defective right out the box. I also broke a Torx bit when replacing my suspension last summer. While these incidents were certainly annoying, to their credit they exchanged both items no-questions-asked and with their apology. Hard to beat them on price for what you get.

I'm glad to see Snap-on is available in the Internet. I still remember driving around Ft. Wayne for three days trying to locate a tool truck so I could get a 14mm Allen head socket for the front axle of my Ducati. Sears doesn't carry everything, you know...:-)

Jason

993,951,944

Yes, Anir is correct. The craftsman quality
has diminished. I had a new 17 mm socket
shatter with medium effort and a worm gear
screw driver break upon first attempted use.
It reminded me of some of the really cheap
quality tools at the auto part store check out
counter that can only be used one time.
They may have economized their metal
fabrication standards.

David in LA

I too was seduced by the smooth ball-bearing action on the drawers of the "Professional" tool chests

Franklin229

I've found them to be still good w/regards to simple hand tools/drivers, as long as you buy the "best" segment. They also have an awesome selection of tool boxes/storage units/roll arounds. I would stay away from any other mechanical/power tools. They seem to be just toys these days.