Craftsman Tools
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
Snap-on is made in china now too bud didn't you know ? Sears bought the Snap-on name a few years ago and it went downhill so if want real snappy tools you gotta look for the older stuff cause the new **** isn't what is was I've even twisted off a few of the stubby allen sockets and the snappy guy is a bit of dick about replacing them anymore . Hell the Pittsburg branded Harbor Freight hand tools are are as good as sears anymore and have a better finish with the same warrenty .
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Streamwood, IL
I have kobalt stuff.
ive been happy for the value. im not a pro mechanic, so i can in no way feel good buying snapon, mac, etc.
ive been very happy with my kobalt stuff.
ive yet to screw up one of their ratchets, or any other issues.
for the money they hold up well.
craftsman isnt what it used to be, imo. and the guys at sears hardware were ********.
ive been happy for the value. im not a pro mechanic, so i can in no way feel good buying snapon, mac, etc.
ive been very happy with my kobalt stuff.
ive yet to screw up one of their ratchets, or any other issues.
for the money they hold up well.
craftsman isnt what it used to be, imo. and the guys at sears hardware were ********.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Guess it depends on where you go. My first tool set was a craftsman that I bought in 82. I had a ratchet that skipped, brought it in, was told they no longer make that kind so they wont replace it.
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Baldwin City, KS
Snap-on is made in china now too bud didn't you know ? Sears bought the Snap-on name a few years ago and it went downhill so if you want real snappy tools you gotta look for the older stuff cause the new **** isn't what is was I've even twisted off a few of the stubby allen sockets and the snappy guy is a bit of dick about replacing them anymore . Hell the Pittsburg branded Harbor Freight hand tools are are as good as sears anymore and have a better finish with the same warranty .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
You are wrong, just wrong. Snap-On is owned by Snap-On. Snap-On's pliers are made in the USA, if they are branded Snap-On. The Blue Point line is imported. The company who owns Matco makes the Craftsman tools. That company is Apex Tool Group. They also own Allen, Gearwrench, KD, Armstrong and about a dozen other reputable companies. Stanley owns Mac and Proto, along with Facom, a French company making kick *** tools. If you wish to wax intellectual regarding tools, do some research first.
Everything I've ever seen with the Snap-On name (other than some cheap trouble lights sold at hardware stores) is USA made, but I'm sure there are exceptions. Most of my tools are Craftsman however, and they haven't let me down yet.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,733
Likes: 9
From: MA
Not sure about these days, but Craftsman hand tools used to be made by a company called Western Forge, in the US.
As far as the ratchet return policy. If they have a rebuilt ratchet, they are supposed to offer it first (makes sense too, they are only re-using the handle, all other parts are replaced). If you don't want a re-built, you can ask for new, depending on the store, some will do it some won't.
In the past, the rebuilt ratchets were better quality, as the rebuild kits were stronger than the new stuff. It's been a few years since I worked there, but I worked in the tool department and this was policy, of course that doesn't mean that all managers go with it, but they are supposed to.
As far as the ratchet return policy. If they have a rebuilt ratchet, they are supposed to offer it first (makes sense too, they are only re-using the handle, all other parts are replaced). If you don't want a re-built, you can ask for new, depending on the store, some will do it some won't.
In the past, the rebuilt ratchets were better quality, as the rebuild kits were stronger than the new stuff. It's been a few years since I worked there, but I worked in the tool department and this was policy, of course that doesn't mean that all managers go with it, but they are supposed to.
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Joe Kucinski
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch