Tool sets...??? Any Brands anyone prefers?? nm.
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jeb
Member
- Jul 21, 1999
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For the average guy, I think Craftsman are the way to go. I've been using them for over 20 years and I've been very happy. Very rare failures of any kind but it's nice to know I can always get a brand new one no questions asked. I don't like Craftsman branded electric tools, though.
If you make a living with your tools, one of the big names like Snapon, Matco, etc might be a better source. A LOT more money, though.
If you make a living with your tools, one of the big names like Snapon, Matco, etc might be a better source. A LOT more money, though.
I agree with the craftsman vote for hand tools only. Not because other brands aren't as good, but because of the warranty and the reputation for service these folks have. Tools are too expensive to gamble on. There are plenty of sears stores around to get replacements and they usually have a great selection. A lifetime investment.
Power tools on the other hand, go for features and try to get first hand experience. Also be sure to never buy a power tool that uses other than standard replacement parts (blades, disks, etc.)
Air tools range quite a bit for price. I've only noticed a quality difference with the impact drivers.
Buy everything other than hand tools at walmart if you can. These folks take returns well if something goes wrong and the price is right.
Power tools on the other hand, go for features and try to get first hand experience. Also be sure to never buy a power tool that uses other than standard replacement parts (blades, disks, etc.)
Air tools range quite a bit for price. I've only noticed a quality difference with the impact drivers.
Buy everything other than hand tools at walmart if you can. These folks take returns well if something goes wrong and the price is right.
The craftsman power tools are equivalent to so many other tools that you may as well shop for the best tool. Craftsman may be the best for a given power tool, but look around. THe craftsman power tools don't have the same obvious advantage as their hand tools. I too own several craftsman power tools and haven't had any problems but I also own some Dewalt, Grizzly, and Black & Decker that have performed very well. Nothing bad to say about the Craftsman.
Craftsman is good for hand tools - except they are getting cheaper as the years go buy - my 1/2 rachet drive crapped out - they happily replaced it for free (gotta love that) but the new one's quality is far inferior (The salesman who waited on me even said "This one doesn't compare to the one you're giving up." Sockets, wrenches, etc. are fine. Buy the way, it has to say Craftsman on the tool - "Sears" stuff doesn't have the lifetime garantee.
Seems like everyone, even Husky, is offering a lifetime garantee these days though, so don't buy anything that isn't. Sears is everywhere though and almost always open so can't be beat, IMO.
However, I'll never buy another power tool from them, unless I can compare price on the EXACT tool (model number for model number). They have some tools made just for them and they don't measure up, and if you look closely you'll find they are often missing features. If you just need a tool right now and don't care how long it will last, go for it.
Seems like everyone, even Husky, is offering a lifetime garantee these days though, so don't buy anything that isn't. Sears is everywhere though and almost always open so can't be beat, IMO.
However, I'll never buy another power tool from them, unless I can compare price on the EXACT tool (model number for model number). They have some tools made just for them and they don't measure up, and if you look closely you'll find they are often missing features. If you just need a tool right now and don't care how long it will last, go for it.
jeb
Member
- Jul 21, 1999
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I've burned out every Craftsman power tool I've ever owned. 2 circular saws, one jig saw and 2 3/8" drils. Only have a one year warranty. I only use my tools for home projects like building a couple of decks, my kids playset, a yard shed, etc.
I now buy only Millwaukee power tools when possible. They have a lifetime warranty but I've never had to use it. Battery packs are only a year. Here's what their warranty reads:
I now buy only Millwaukee power tools when possible. They have a lifetime warranty but I've never had to use it. Battery packs are only a year. Here's what their warranty reads:
Chalk up another for Craftsman.
I agree with Jeb, I won't buy another Craftsman power tool. POS, I've made the mistake and bought everything from a weed-eater to a cordless screwdriver because of the price.
For example, I got a craftsman 18volt cordless screwdriver and it won't carry water to my Dewalt. I used my last dewalt for 3 years with out a glitch, I wouldn't ever replaced it except some jerk swipped it.
I agree with Jeb, I won't buy another Craftsman power tool. POS, I've made the mistake and bought everything from a weed-eater to a cordless screwdriver because of the price.
For example, I got a craftsman 18volt cordless screwdriver and it won't carry water to my Dewalt. I used my last dewalt for 3 years with out a glitch, I wouldn't ever replaced it except some jerk swipped it.
lawman
LIFETIME SPONSOR
- Sep 20, 1999
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i've always bought c'man hand tools, but i too have noticed declining quality, esp. in socket handles. the open-end wrenches also seem a little prone to getting sloppy. i'm also a little disappointed in their tool chests. snap-on is supposed to be the best, but seems mighty expensive--i wonder how much is for the extra polishing & snob appeal, so i'm looking for something in between.
- Aug 2, 2000
- 13,504
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I do mostly Craftsman as well, but if it's a tool that I'm not going to be worried about losing (like the tools I pack around on my quad), I'll buy some cheapos at Wal-Mart! But the tools I pack in my fanny pack when I'm riding my bike, I'll go so far as to buy some high-dollar stuff. I don't want to be broke down and then have a tool break on me trying to fix it! :debil:
- Jan 7, 2002
- 37
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I myself like Snap-on. I have a Snap-on dealer right next door to me... So anything I want he has. Craftmans good. But nothing compairs to Snap-On!!;)
zio
Mr. Atlas
- Jul 28, 2000
- 2,284
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I've had the pleasure of sneaking into my friend's cabinet from time to time- stocked full of Snap On tools. There is a difference, I can tell, but not enough to justify the price for regular Joes like me. I think it's hilarious that DeWalt tools are made by Black & Decker. It was a great marketing move on their part- no contractors would buy B&D because they were considered "homeowners" tools, so B&D created a new brand & Presto! Makita Teal isn't the dominant color on jobsites anymore.
My choice is Craftsman for the most part and, like everyone else has warned, stay away from their power tools, while your at it, avoid their lawn equipment to - beter and cheaper brands are out there.
I also like the premium tools - MAC is my favorite, but I am always looking for tools that I just can't live without. I guess I'm like a woman in a shoe store.
I also like the premium tools - MAC is my favorite, but I am always looking for tools that I just can't live without. I guess I'm like a woman in a shoe store.
if you arent makeing a living with your tools craftsman will be fine. i use mostly craftsman but i dislike thier power tools and rachets. i use the snap-on rachets witch cost an arm and leg for, ingersolrand air tools and makitia elctric tools. i have had great proformance out of these tools. i use them every day at work and never had trouble with them.
andymstevens
Member
- Mar 10, 2000
- 87
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For working where the space around the radius of the nut is minimal, Snap-on wrenches work well. (like the cutouts around the head bolts)
For most anything else, Craftsman or Matco. Depending on the tools you need and how much $$ you're willing to part with. Consider the higher cost of the non-craftsman products "knuckle insurance" premiums.
For most anything else, Craftsman or Matco. Depending on the tools you need and how much $$ you're willing to part with. Consider the higher cost of the non-craftsman products "knuckle insurance" premiums.
Senior KX Rider
Super Power AssClown
- Nov 9, 1999
- 8,575
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I have Snap-On at home but when I go to the track I have a set of Craftsman. I don't like to leave the expensive tools un-attended. I have no problem with the Craftsman tools but had a good friend that was a Snap-On rep and collected a LOT of them.
roosteater
~SPONSOR~
- Dec 27, 1999
- 216
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My vote is for Craftsman as well.
Regarding power tools...has anybody ever used a Makita circular saw? I have a crappy skill saw, but I tried out a friend's Makita. Unbelievably smooth. I couldn't believe how HUGE the difference was in quality.
Regarding power tools...has anybody ever used a Makita circular saw? I have a crappy skill saw, but I tried out a friend's Makita. Unbelievably smooth. I couldn't believe how HUGE the difference was in quality.
In college I had to buy an entire tool set for my automotive program and I found out that NAPA tools were made in the same factory as Craftsman tools. I bought the NAPA set which I still have to this day (9 years ago). During the time I was making a decision my instructors were pushing us to buy the best we could afford which was Snap-On and Mac. They said if Craftsman quality kept going downhill they would be forced not to allow them to participate in making a deal to the students through the University.
I've have not had any major problems with my tools. The chrome is wearing/chipping off some of the sockets, but otherwise they are holding up great. If I was a professional technician making flat rate then I would use Snap-On or Mac, but for the average guy, Craftsman/NAPA tools are just fine.
Like with Craftsman, NAPA tools have to be the professional series and not Everlast or they do not come with a lifetime warranty.
I've have not had any major problems with my tools. The chrome is wearing/chipping off some of the sockets, but otherwise they are holding up great. If I was a professional technician making flat rate then I would use Snap-On or Mac, but for the average guy, Craftsman/NAPA tools are just fine.
Like with Craftsman, NAPA tools have to be the professional series and not Everlast or they do not come with a lifetime warranty.
Having been a Snap-On dealer for going on 22 years, I always enjoy the "Tool" threads. No doubt some buy Snap-On for the Snob appeal but most buy them because they are the best tool. They are made with the best material ( our own patented steel alloys ) using manufacturing methods designed by Snap-On. The quality control is the closest in the industry ( +or- .003"compared to +or- .010" of competitors) and the design is the strongest and most comfortable to use. They are truely made in the USA: Wrenches and screwdrivers in Johnson City and Elizabethton TN, sockets and ratchets in Wisconsin and other plants scattered across the US and Canada. If you ever have the chance to tour one of these plants you wouldn't ask why they cost so much but would wonder how we sell them so cheap. It is very labor intensive and not as automated as you would think. I realize that everyone is not going to buy Snap-On tools for various reasons. We do market to the professional mechanic that makes his paycheck with the tools. The best warranty in the world is the one you never use because the tool didn't fail.
Someone mentioned that the Craftsman and NAPA were the same and that is correct. Add Matco to this same list, they are all made by Easco. The strange part of this trio is Matco sells theirs for about the same price as Snap-On. I call it buying Craftsman tools for Snap-On prices! Quality wise MAC tools is a cut better than these three but still below Snap-On. Once again they sell for about the same price as Snap-On but without the quality or service. Mac is owned by Stanley so you can also buy their tools in the hardware stores under the Stanley brand for less money.Our friends at Stanley have repeatedly tried to get legislation past congress that would allow them to make tools "off shore" , bring them into the country for the final polish and plating and mark them "Made in the USA". Nice business ethics huh? So far they haven't had any success but theywill probably keep trying!
Bottom line: sometimes you get what you pay for but sometimes you could have paid less for a different label and gotten the same thing. Buy the best tools you can afford at the time from someone that will be around when you need the waranty. The pros buy the best because the demands and responsibilities of their job justify the price.
Any questions?
Toolman:cool:
Someone mentioned that the Craftsman and NAPA were the same and that is correct. Add Matco to this same list, they are all made by Easco. The strange part of this trio is Matco sells theirs for about the same price as Snap-On. I call it buying Craftsman tools for Snap-On prices! Quality wise MAC tools is a cut better than these three but still below Snap-On. Once again they sell for about the same price as Snap-On but without the quality or service. Mac is owned by Stanley so you can also buy their tools in the hardware stores under the Stanley brand for less money.Our friends at Stanley have repeatedly tried to get legislation past congress that would allow them to make tools "off shore" , bring them into the country for the final polish and plating and mark them "Made in the USA". Nice business ethics huh? So far they haven't had any success but theywill probably keep trying!
Bottom line: sometimes you get what you pay for but sometimes you could have paid less for a different label and gotten the same thing. Buy the best tools you can afford at the time from someone that will be around when you need the waranty. The pros buy the best because the demands and responsibilities of their job justify the price.
Any questions?
Toolman:cool:
