Craftsman Tools Today

Yep Matco is AFAIK still good. I like the old Thorsen wrenches; they're very smooth and nice. And I have a set of vintage Snappies I inherited from my Dad. An old Craftsman 18" breaker bar (one of their best values, in my oppossum/oppinion)
Mark S.
ps what about MAC tools?
 
I had a bit of nostalgia a few years back thinking about working with my dad and his old craftsman set of tools so I ordered a set from Sears to add to my tool box. Found out they were made in China and I immediately returned them. That's when I found out that Craftsman was no longer made in the USA. I was able to find a set of USA Made Craftsman from other websites that were selling "Made in The USA" Craftsman tools. Sad to think of such and Iconic USA Name Brand gone. It paralleled losing one of the Big 3 (Chrysler) when they sold to Daimler and then Fiat.:(
 
Yep Matco is AFAIK still good. I like the old Thorsen wrenches; they're very smooth and nice. And I have a set of vintage Snappies I inherited from my Dad. An old Craftsman 18" breaker bar (one of their best values, in my oppossum/oppinion)
Mark S.
ps what about MAC tools?

Stanley Black & Decker purchased Mac Tools in 1980. They left things alone for a while, but then started changing things in the mid to late 90's.
I had a heck of a time with a toolbox warranty issue around 1999 or so. They would not repair or replace the box, but give me credit toward a "bigger & better toolbox".

It's so sad about Craftsman tools. I stopped buying them years ago, and now when they break, I replace them with S-K or Snap-On.
 
When Sears switched to the China made wrenches they went lobster claw. Right now SK has a 40% off sale going on at http://www.skhandtool.com/
Lifetime made in the USA high quality tools. Some of the best customer service in the USA. It's worth a look. Some Craftsman Industrial or Pro are still the Armstrong manufactured version and are very good quality if you can find them.

Roy
 
I've got a decent Craftsman wrench set, but it must be 15 years old. No idea the quality today. I agree with Paul that HD's Husky brand seems to be pretty good for the price.

Sears decline is sad, we went there a lot when I was a kid. I've been watching youtube videos from Essential Craftsman (no relation to Sears) and this one talking about Sears boots amused me. I remember my Dad wearing these same boots when I was a kid. He probably still has a pair, but since I'm no longer 3 feet tall I don't notice his shoes as much. I had no idea these boots were still around.

 
I bought my original set of Craftsman boxes and tools in 75'. Still have 95% of them, and wouldn't trade them for anything. The new stuff is garbage. Went into the local sears store a few days ago, having seen a great price advertised on a 41" top and bottom box set. Really flimsy junk, which accounts for the low price I imagine. Guess I'll be going with the 44" HF units. Mike
 
Things are a bit easier for us here in Europe. We have the likes Stahlwille, Beltzer, Hazet, Facom and Wera to choose from. All great brands with true lifetime warranty (for most of them) but they do cost a lot. I use Stahlwille myself as they are high tolerance and their metallurgy is second to none.

Paul.
 
Proto is now owned by Stanley. They aren't what they used to be.

I have seen nothing in the quality of new Proto tools to indicate a drop in the quality of Proto tools. I already knew about the Stanley connection and myself am not a fan of Stanley mechanic tools. That said I have noticed no change in Proto tool quality since Stanley bought them.
 
I bought my original set of Craftsman boxes and tools in 75'. Still have 95% of them, and wouldn't trade them for anything. The new stuff is garbage. Went into the local sears store a few days ago, having seen a great price advertised on a 41" top and bottom box set. Really flimsy junk, which accounts for the low price I imagine. Guess I'll be going with the 44" HF units. Mike

While not a big fan of HF I will agree that that the HF chest and roll cab offerings today are head and shoulders over Craftsman now. The only thing HF really needs to improve on their offering of chest and roll cabinets is the number of shallow drawers. That is the glaring issue with the HF boxes, their drawers are way too deep. I like a lot of shallow drawers and would gladly pay more to get them which would happen if HF made that change.
 
When Sears switched to the China made wrenches they went lobster claw. Right now SK has a 40% off sale going on at http://www.skhandtool.com/
Lifetime made in the USA high quality tools. Some of the best customer service in the USA. It's worth a look. Some Craftsman Industrial or Pro are still the Armstrong manufactured version and are very good quality if you can find them.

Roy
Very good post here. Finding Armstrong now at Sears would be tough, very hit and miss and likely only as closeouts.
 
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