 Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
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So...I was perusing the Sears website to find either a single or set of hex drivers and I see a lot of Armstrong and S&K and very little Craftsman...did something change?
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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 Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Should be Riding
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Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 12,164 Likes: 1 |
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
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and Gearwrench...lots of that too.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Armstrong are good tools as is SK, cant go wrong with either.
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Feb 2007
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Sep 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Started noticing differences after they were bought by K-mart. 
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Maybe the name is too politically incorrect . I suppose someone will sue one day to change it to " CraftsPERSON " , more PC . 
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing *DELETED*
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
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On the other hand if you go to Craftsman Tools dot com there seems to be a fairly copious amount of tool porn to peruse.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Apr 2006
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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You can still get quality Craftsman tools made in the USA.
Kevin - Luceo Non Uro
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Feb 2006
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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K-mart does sell Craftsmen, but the price is no different than Sears, and carrys the same warranty.
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Old Hand
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Old Hand
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Yeah, but Kmart also sells tools made in the far east that are very cheap in every sense of the word. 
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Feb 2005
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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I bought my kid a set of craftsman tools for christmas and it seams like the quality is not what it used to be, especially the ratchets. The one that came in the set doesn't ratchet for S#*t, could it just be a lemon? I have old craftsman ratchets that work well. Maybe I need go to Sears and check out some of the other ratchets and make a determination from there. 
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Break it and swap it out for a new one.
A long pipe and a grade 8 bolt and nut should do the trick.
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Not necessary.
Just tell 'em that you're not satisfied with it.
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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That Sears Craftman tool site is the WORST. I've never been able to find anything close to what I was searching for, its awful. Get their Tools catalog and it has everything, than search/buy using the part number. IE tried to find an 1/4" drive, 8 mm socket but instead came up with a dozen sets.
Al
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: May 2007
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Worn Saddle
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Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
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Quote:
That Sears Craftman tool site is the WORST. I've never been able to find anything close to what I was searching for, its awful. Get their Tools catalog and it has everything, than search/buy using the part number. IE tried to find an 1/4" drive, 8 mm socket but instead came up with a dozen sets.
I have to admit I was just looking at the pretty pictures and not searching for a specific tool.
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: May 2007
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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I was always under the impression that you could only buy Craftsman tools at Sears, but now I understand you can get them at K-Mart and the other day I was in the Post Exchange at Ft. Lee and they had a whole isle of Craftsman Tools.
Yes! I am a Redneck. Any Problems?
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Feb 2005
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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Yea, they have sold Craftsman Tools at Military PX's and BX's for as long as I can remember.
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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I saw their torque wrenches were half-priced a few weeks ago, but with my broken foot, never made the trip. Realized this week, in preparation for my valve-shim check job, that I need an inch-lbs wrench. Of course the sale has ended and they're $80 again...
I'll try to borrow a friends until they go back on sale again. Borrowed the daughters former boyfriends tools last time around and he's no longer in the picture....
Al
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Jan 2005
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
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Sears Customer Support was quite perturbed when I canceled my Sears charge card a couple months ago. Honestly I don't buy that many tools and I'd rather pay cash.
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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10 or 12 yrs ago when Sears upped their intrest rate from like the 7 or 8% to I think it was around 14 at that time, I had a 5,000 credit limit and canceled. They just couldnt understand why I didnt want to pay an extra 13 or 14%??? go figure. -- Ill agree that the quality has gone down and price up. The last craftsman I bought was 7 yrs ago and got the 50 odd pc scocket set. Now its the master mech or pro tools. For what I do in the garage, they work fine. 
Last edited by beamer; 12/30/2007 2:44 AM.
Mal: "Y'all see the man hanging out of the spaceship with the really big gun?{ref, Jayne} Man's lookin' to kill some folk. So really, it's his will y'all should worry about thwarting."
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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FYI.. Sears bought Kmart, when Kmart was in trouble a couple of years ago. Sears is moving away from the Malls, and back into the suburbs.
Last month I bought a "Diehard" watch battery at the local Kmart. Which is a lot closer than the mall.
Craftman tools are sold at several retailers. I have bought them at the local Fastenall store.
Blue '03 TBA, Made in England. (50+ mpg).
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Loquacious
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Loquacious
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I have some older Craftman rachets and I bought a new one recently and it's not the same. The finish and racheting action are alot rougher. I think it's just as strong but they seem to be cutting some corners.
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Talk about cutting some corners....Harbor Freight Tools. I don't think their tools are quality, but they are a great buy and work OK. I just picked up two of their 9 LED flashlights $5 each. Small pocket size with a lot of light. http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93712
Last edited by JPR44; 12/30/2007 2:46 PM.
Blue '03 TBA, Made in England. (50+ mpg).
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Check Pants
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Check Pants
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Don't waste your money on their cheap air tools. I have two Chicago brand items, an impact wrench and a 3/8" ratchet. Both useless and very little "impact". Quote:
Talk about cutting some corners....Harbor Freight Tools. I don't think their tools are quality, but they are a great buy and work OK. I just picked up two of their 9 LED flashlights $5 each. Small pocket size with a lot of light.
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=93712
Al
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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But you have to read the labels. Some Craftsman tools are made in China.
"Catching a yellow jacket in your shirt at seventy miles per hour can double your vocabulary" Author unknown
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Adjunct
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Adjunct
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Quote:
FYI.. Sears bought Kmart, when Kmart was in trouble a couple of years ago. Sears is moving away from the Malls, and back into the suburbs.
Last month I bought a "Diehard" watch battery at the local Kmart. Which is a lot closer than the mall.
Craftman tools are sold at several retailers. I have bought them at the local Fastenall store.
Nope, K-Mart actually bought Sears. Sears just like everbody else is investing very strongly in offshore (China) suppliers. A good portion of their tool storage is now sourced from China. In the near future the "Made in USA"
tool boxes, won't be.
ModelMaker
Your not the boss of me!!
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Jan 2005
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"Lighten up, Francis."
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"Lighten up, Francis."
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 18,825 |
Indeed. http://money.cnn.com/2004/11/17/news/fortune500/sears_kmart/ Quote:
Kmart is buying Sears, Roebuck & Co. for $11 billion in a deal that will marry two of the nation's oldest retailers that had trouble keeping up with the changes in American culture around them.
The deal, announced Wednesday morning, will create the third-largest retailer in the country. The new company, known as Sears Holdings, will be based at Sears headquarters outside Chicago.
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
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 pi$$ed doesnt even come close to how I feel right now. Seems as though I paid for second day shipping for no apparent reason. Customer service is a fantasy after being on hold for a supervisor for the last 15 minutes. DO NOT ORDER FROM SEARS ONLINE!!!!!!! Seems as though the tools come directly from the manufacturer and regardless of shipping method or what the web site says it can take upwards of 28 days for delivery! And dont bother trying to cancel the order..."only the manufacturere can cancel the order"  No freaking wonder Sears is loosing business. Thak goodness Snap On does online ordering now. Ill pay five times the price but at least Ill get service! Freak I just feel 
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Mar 2007
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Check Pants
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OP
Check Pants
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fuel for the fire...I was on hold for a total of 40 minutes before I hung up. I only hung up cause Karen called and got the order canceled in less than 3 minutes. She called the same number.
The term "postal" comes to mind right now.
SOLD: 07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
NEW: 19 Goldwing Tour DCT
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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you can buy the "pro" seris of Craftsman tools, but then your paying almost the same as you would for SK, mac, Matco or Snap-on
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Bar Shake
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Bar Shake
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Find the scheduled route of a local Snap-on dealer.
He can order the tools you need if he doesn't have them in stock.
Yeah, they're expensive.
But they're top quality too. IMO there are none better (some probably equal, but you won't find them in any store).
Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Saddle Sore
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Saddle Sore
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Mac is owned by Stanley Tools. Used to be made in Vermont (I think?). Several years ago they moved everything overseas as well.
If you use mechanics tools on a daily basis - to make a living - go with Snap-On or Matco, etc.
But as a shade tree tinkerer, you're better off with a lesser brand price-wise, as long as it has a lifetime warranty. I'd stay away from Harbor Freight for any serious tools - even though they offer a warranty on most of them.
They're Chinese junk - and I don't mean the boat...
More flags
More fun!
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Quote:
Talk about cutting some corners....Harbor Freight Tools.
Oh, yes - Harbor Frieght is the Dollar General of tools.
Just remember - "You get what you pay for"
2004 Triumph Speedmaster (J Lo) 2006 Yamaha Stratoliner (Adele)
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Fe Butt
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Fe Butt
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Quote:
IMO there are none better (some probably equal, but you won't find them in any store).
I think that depends on exactly what tool you want. I like certain tools from certain companies. Some I like snap-on some I like Cornwell, some I like SK etc.. (does seem to me I like most of the stuff SK used to make, haven't bought any in the last few years.)
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Well SK sockets are thae same as Snap-on in every way. SK waited untill the patent Snap-on had on their sockets ot run out and bought it.. I feel its a little underhanded, but business is business i guess. I do the like the SK 1/4on drive swivel impact sockets. Work great on taking apart bikes.
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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3/4 Throttle
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3/4 Throttle
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I use mostly Snap-on and I have the same tools 20 plus years,being a fuel injection shop we use the ****** out of them,we still have a few old craftsman left but their new stuff is junk.
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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I agree snap -on is a good toll, about 50% of my tool box is snap on, and the box is as well. But like Dog said, diffrent tool makers make the same tool a little diffrent and some like it better. Like a transmission ext used in RWD transmission removal or instal. The Snao-On one is not the best to get due to its thin shaft making it more "springy", where as the Matco one is a good solid tool to use, and does not have that spring feel to it.
Another one that comes to mind is the socket wrench. you know it looks like a combo wrench but has a socket on one end? I own some from al the tool makers and I use my SK set more then the rest.
Now when it coems ot testing tools such as fuel injection testers, comprssion testers, and computer stuff ike the Modis, Snap-on is the cutting edge. Multimeeters, I still love my Fluke 88 tho lol
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
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Re: Craftsman tools...are they changing
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Joined: Apr 2005
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Learned Hand
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Learned Hand
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Sorry this computer has a sticking L key..
Dont like what you see??? Big red X in the top right of your screen will fix it!
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