Handle I can't Stanley Craftsman vs Sears Craftsman vs Kobalt

Kobalt vs Stanley Craftsman vs Sears Craftsman - I can't stand the rectangular boxy handle on the Craftsman ratchet, but they still work just fine! Whether you're elbows deep in an engine or some heavy machinery, which one of these three 3/8" drive quick release teardrop ratchets would be the strongest to finish what you started. While they may all crafted from a tough alloyed steel and designed with features like a quick release end and a reverse switch, there's no job you can't handle. You'll be able to fit right into tight spots and turn with muscle and precision to make every job a little easier.
Kobalt 90-Teeth 3/8-in Drive Quick-Release Ratchet allows rapid socket and/or accessory change well providing a 4 degree arc swing. Constructed of chrome vanadium steel for strength and durability
www.lowes.com/...
Item # 337308 Model # 85860
Stanley Craftsman 3/8" Drive Quick-Release Teardrop Ratchet
CORROSION RESISTANCE: Full Polish Chrome Finish
EASY SWITCHING BETWEEN SOCKETS: Quick Release Button
Meets or exceeds ASME specifications
Sears Craftsman 3/8" Drive Quick Release Teardrop Ratchet
The teardrop shape is perfect for getting into tight corners and spaces
Features a 3/8" drive that works with inch, metric and specialty sockets
Reverse switch lets you change the direction with just your thumb
The quick release feature lets you swap out sockets fast
A 1-Piece alloyed steel plate protects from debris, dirt and more
Rust-resistant chrome nickel coating cleans up nice and easy

[@alvinprettyman1802]

I bought a Craftsman tool set when I worked a Sears in the late 1980s still going strong really miss Sears when they were going strong

[@jeffcuevas5918]

Yes sir! I still have mine from 1988 and still going strong today with no issues...made in the USA

[@HuckBowlt]

Me too Sears was such a great source of a quality tool to do almost any job a do it yourselfer was likely to take on.

[@chuckgrenci6404]

I certainly can't comment on the newer (Chinesium) Craftsman but I too have the USA forged tools (from 1970 or so) and have had stellar service. Oh, and I like the shape of the handle. When I've used rounded handles, especially when getting grease/oil working under the car, they slip; not so the Craftsman.

[@kevinragsdale6256]

craftsman used to be good, I hunt old usa made ones at pawnshops.

[@BlankofMaterial]

So then why did Americans lower their standards such that Sears no longer made things in America?

[@gregc9220]

So painful to watch Craftsman go down hill, I have a lot of USA Craftsman tools that are over 20 years old still performing as they should.

[@eliteexposure5594]

I think the old Craftsman is overhyped. They were very good but not great. Good for the money back then though.

[@dudemcmann6936]

@Lord Raiden it's funny to me seeing how many people talk nostalgic about Craftsman now. I certainly am because my dad and grandads always had them around the house, but I remember a lot of people talking them down as box store junk, especially my mechanic friends in the 90s who were starting to buy stuff off the trucks as their careers were taking off. The lesson is "be careful what you wish for" because now they really ARE box store junk and those same mechanic friends buy the old ones used online when they see them to keep for their home shops. Ha!

[@MrSloika]

The old USA made Craftsman tools hit the sweet spot of price and performance. They were very good homeowner type tools. The new Craftsman tools are cheap but also very poor quality. There are better options now.

[@jhitt79]

Craftsman ratchets have always sucked.

[@thebackwoodsmechanic5029]

That's just depressing because I've got USA made 1/2" drive that I've used with 8 foot pipes and didn't break where breaker bars have failed. They ruined craftsman name with china

[@johnp556]

They try to sell craftsman on emotion today because everyone's dad used craftsman back in the day, but it ain't what it was. Everyone's dad these days uses Husky.

[@dutchynehtam]

John P very true. My dad uses Masterforce as well as Husky

[@Legoguy1979]

@Lord Raiden I mean, it's not really their choice. Apex won the contract to produce sears craftsman wrenches and ratchets but around 2012 they shut down their American plant that also produced Apex's Allen brand of USA made sockets and wrenches. So, the craftsman production lines went to china and Allen sockets band wrenches were discontinued. It's not like sears could do anything, a contracts a contract.

[@johnp556]

@Lord Raiden they tend to use junky steel though either way. Channelocks for example uses quality high carbon steel in their US made stuff.

[@brian_youtube]

@Lord Raiden exactly

[@MajorWeakness]

I hope the new Craftsman Handtool plant in Texas will make quality affordable USA tools once again.

[@fourwheelerjock]

Yea but the warranty is a hassle to get replaced in my area at least... The icon and Pittsburgh brand at harbor freight is better and warranty is good

[@MajorWeakness]

@@fourwheelerjock agree!

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

It’s going to cost them more for both the American labor, as well as the raw American materials. So the overall cost for us consumers will rise. 📈 The so there’s a very real chance that they might even want to help the overall cost of these tools not raise too much and be able to complete in the market with all the other budget tools and budget tool kits. How do you do that you may ask. Well you see I can think of 3 ways off the top of my head right now. #1 there’s a very real possibility of cheaper materials being shipped over from overseas to build them. instead of American/Canadian/Mexican steels we used to use. & Since it’s not a completed product the outsourcing of the raw materials or even forged blanks would have much cheaper tariffs. That the completed And still makes it made in the USA. Even if the steel wasn’t from the USA. #2 they make all of the parts overseas then ship them here in crates to be assembled. Therefore making it.... Made In The USA (using globally sourced materials.) #3 is the same as #2 except they make whatever % of the product that is required Just to drop the (using globally sourced materials) off of the end of that on their packaging. And I think that the percentage needed to do that is like 15% or something ridiculously low like that. So basically the stamped steel plate under the retaining snap ring and a spring for the retaining ball would more than cover it. And now poof just like magic, its a Made In USA ratchet....look It even says it stamped right in the handle. By the Chinese guy who stamped it there at the first factory in China. #4 add Robots...one man watching a robot work can definitely do the same amount of work as 10 men. However only cost the company 2 paycheck instead of 10. One for the operator and one for the maintenance guy. That’s a huge HUGE savings right there alone. besides that oh my god. If the materials are being outsourced too, than One guy who watches a machine make stamped steel plates. And One guy who assembled the parts together from the crates brought to him by a forklift driver means that 3-4 guys can assemble a whole lot of “American Made” ratchets in a shift. Add a few more assemblers and poof. the number of complicated product goes way WAY up.

[@MajorWeakness]

@T Web sad but probably true

[@MajorWeakness]

I just posted a video about my latest craftsman warranty Experience

[@bsmithshoes9120]

Seems like no one likes the craftsman handles but I love them

[@heyyou5189]

See my other comment about long term consequences of thin handles/wrenches

[@bsmithshoes9120]

hey you happens. I will not wear thick gloves while working because it just slows me down

[@bsmithshoes9120]

Ed O'Neill lol I don’t need comfort grip bs cause I’m not a pussy. I’d take old USA made craftsman Over any high dollar ratchet made today

[@richb2229]

I have a set of USA made craftsmen, will always love them because they were my first good set. However, today tools like the Capri ratchets are so much better than even the US made Craftsman there are there are no reason I stick with them. I never used leather gloves with them just the rubber ones when necessary.

[@scarling9367]

I loved those raise panel wrenches and ratchets myself. Best way I describe it as is getting a substantial grip. The only problem with those ratchets were to switches. A couple years into owning my set, my 3/8" would slip into neutral out of the blue.

[@mlacher100]

Have the same craftsman, junk have taken back many times for failure. Just bought some icon ratchets.

[@ClientGraphics]

The China made Craftsman 36t Ratchet are rough and very cheap.

[@sneed915]

I owned the older style of kobalt 3/8 ratchet and it was garbage however because of lifetime warranty i got a new one with the new current design and it has served me well kobalt in general has impressed me alot lately

[@brotherbrian1]

I've still got my Craftsman USA set I bought in probably 1998, and while it will hurt your hand sometimes, it has never let me down. If I had to use a cheater pipe, I got a breaker bar. Never a failure while using it as intended. I have a Capri flex head set I currently use for work, and the antiques are in my home garage.

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

brotherbrian1 antiques? Are we really getting that old already? Im getting depressed now so I’m just going to play with my pog collection and moon shoes.😕

[@fryreartechnology7611]

Coolest thing about Stanley tools is there warranty. I called and gave them the tool number and in no time I had replacement in no time. Even my 10.5 dead blow sledge hammer that over $180 (with tax). The head and handle would turn making it hard to swing because it’s turn. However 10+ years and a hard life they still sent me a new one. I had a broken craftsmen screw drive and it is still broken because they discontinued it and told me I was out of luck...... it is a yankee style

[@justinweier4099]

Started out with mostly US made Craftsman for years. If you can locate a US made MasterCraft (Menards) pear head to test, they are literally the same as the last generation US made Craftsman ratchets (OEM is/wasApex). Would be interesting to see how they compare. Though MasterCraft is also no longer made in the US as Apex has offshored most of their production since refocusing on Gearwrench.

[@victordobbins2009]

I gave up on craftsman tools working with Proto had broken handle and sockets from them sent in and gave away

[@michaelduttry182]

All my Craftsman tools say made in USA. Bought them years ago and have held up fine. I no longer buy Craftsman because now it's Black and Decker junk made overseas

[@lelandmason5760]

Watched two of your videos now with Kobalt out performing most DIY ratchets and I was so impressed I went out and picked up a 3/8 flex head 👍🏻 thanks for the videos!

[@HoosierDaddy_]

Same as most people here. I still have my USA craftsman from the 80s and they're great. And yes, I was an auto tech for more than 35 years. Still going strong. Matco ratchets fall apart in my tool box. Snap on almost always performs well on ratchets. SK has surprised me with a good torque wrench that has been my go to for 20+ years. Stays calibrated and keeps on kicking. Mac is my go to for wrenches.

[@travishecht8305]

I bought my craftsman ratchets for two main reasons, first I like their handle and second at the time I bought mine they were made in the U.S.A. I've had them for about 15 years and they're still work great. I find it very disappointing that they're not in America anymore

[@ClientGraphics]

I too find it disappointing. Craftsman says they are bringing some things back to the USA in the next 2 years so we’ll have to wait and see what it will be.

[@williamriley2528]

The craftsman ratchet you first showed is a "raised panel" type handle. You need the Craftsman Professional 72 tooth fully polished ratchets. They are really nice...! Priced about $100 retail for a set of all (3) sizes, 1/4", 3/8", & 1/2".

[@joehorecny7835]

I've found that if the grip isn't all that comfortable, in a pinch using a work glove seems to help a lot.

[@minibikesandmowers]

A majority of my tools are craftsman and I'm slowly switching to other brands because the warranty process at sears is a nightmare now. There is still a Sears hometown store near me and every time I go in there to warranty something out they tell me they have to order it and it will be mailed to me then it takes 3-4 weeks for me to get it in the mail so I've just been throwing things away as they break and buying other brands. The only thing that I have that's craftsman that i still like are my usa sockets and my shop vacs.

[@russellgillen9383]

I like the square handles. My ratchets are from the 70's and are the most comfortable.

[@stans5270]

Yes, I like the top flat surface better than the tiny round handles.

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

Same here. I’m so glad others agree. I’ve never heard anyone say anything other than it being uncomfortable and hurting their hands. Also I’ve heard a few people say it’s a knuckle buster and they broke a few. Blah blah blah. Meanwhile I’ve only had a tooth get one mucked up. Thats only happened to me twice in the past 20 years. They Never slipped the teeth like some said they do. And I’m guessing the failure had a lot to do with the fact that I ABUSED them with 18”-20” pipes. And my full body weight. (I was 155-160 Lbs back then) These days though I want to keep my last 🇺🇸 3/8” craftsman around forever. So anymore I will just grab another ratchet like a Pittsburgh if things start getting real. And I don’t have the working room for a 1/2” ratchet or a breaker bar. And I use the craftsman for light duty work. If the fasteners rusted in place, thread sealed, or it’s taking more than around 80 ft lbs to break free I’m grabbing my Pittsburgh or something else easily replaceable.

[@WorkHorseLT]

@@Hipsters_N_Hippies if its the 36 tooth your talking about the us made ones are really easy to find used i have over 14 of them ranging from 1950s to the 1990s

[@eyellgeteven9928]

@@WorkHorseLT Those old ones are badass...you don't have to baby them. I still have a US made 1/2" Craftsman ratchet (early '80s) that I witnessed a 300 lb guy hanging his full weight, bouncing on the end of a 4' cheater. That same ratchet has been submerged in muddy water many times and all I did was douche it out with WD40 and it worked like new. That thing has seen more action working on Victaulic couplings, heavy pipe flanges ranging from 3" to 24" pipe, running ductile iron pipe with MJ fittings down in the dirt and mud in trenches, working on various heavy equipment, trucks, cars, farm equipment, etc, than most auto mechanics will ever see and the thing still works great. It's beat to hell, the finish is worn off of it in a lot of spots, it's rusty and crusty and old, but I damn sure wouldn't trade it for a brand new one. Edit: forgot to mention that the square handle has never bothered me on Craftsman ratchets...in fact, I prefer them to smooth handles for better grip.

[@982Nighthawk1337]

Very entertaining watching you break some more ratchets I can't wait to see how those other ratchets do. Thanks for the content.

[@fjnagle2nd]

While I'm not innocent of using a cheater bar from time to time, I don't make a habit of it. I do have breaker bars in my tool box for those fasteners that just don't want to break loose. And I've also broken breaker bars as well. (Snap-on and Craftsman) I've never broken one if my Pittsburgh breaker bars, even using cheaters. I try to use the right tool for the job, as a rule. I've invested lots of money in my tools, and even lifetime tools have to be exchanged, which takes time and gas. I've recently invested in Kobalt tools and really like them, especially the 90 tooth ratchets. Good job on the review. Never liked Craftsman ratchets, they will often reverse when under too much stress. God bless, stay well.

[@kingsporttoolreview8703]

Interesting results considering that the Kobalt and the Sears Craftsman were both made by the same company (Danaher Corporation). Also about 2 years ago I was in my local Sears (literally about 9 months before it closed down) . . .and I purchased that exact same cheap Ratchet set on a floor display for $9.99. I didn't need it, just bought it because of " Oh why not " reasons

[@cristiangonzalez8527]

I like their made in Taiwan tools. I picked up their 120 tooth ratchets and I’m loving the handle and action. I’m excited for what Stanley will do once their Texas factory opens for craftsman

[@colchronic]

Remember when craftsman was good? Pepperidge farm remembers

[@themaintenanceman1]

Yeah the craftsman has taken a hit with quality. But man oh man kobalt keeps impressing in these videos of yours!! Thanks for sharing Chris!

[@johnathonakers41]

There is something to be said about older Craftsman tools made in the US, I still have my mechanics set I bought over 20 years ago, I believe I paid about $100 for it, it's still all in great shape and performing as intended, they will outlast me for sure. I do have to agree about the boxy handle not being comfortable, but for what I use it for its not an issue.

[@durantplayz7111]

It's weird because the craftsman chrome handle is the only chrome handle I like. I have vintage forged in USA craftsman and one new breaker bar (chinese) and I think the handles are great. Obviously it's all personal preference. Good video

[@towboatjeff]

I just picked up that steelman cobra ran ratchet set on Amazon. They finally dropped the price enough for me to pull the trigger. It was only the 2 piece set, I really wanted the 3 piece set.

[@jaimegenovajr3257]

I really miss the Craftsman USA, I have those different size of ratchets but I don’t use it anymore. I just display it

[@mcqueenfanman]

Yeah, I used to look forward to the tool flyers in the Sunday paper.

[@nathanr.8556]

I've used that style Craftsman ratchet for 40 years

[@kevinhevner9178]

Hello, hope all is going well for you and the family. Thanks for the testing. I definitely do not like the new Stanley Craftsman square ratchet handle style. I never minded the rectangular handle on the teardrop ratchets although there were more comfortable Craftsman ratchets. I have two sets from the 90s from craftsman that are much more comfortable. One set is the low profile set with a more oval handle. This sets letter code is VS. This set was made by Danaher Co. In California from 1995 to 2003. The other set has a very stylish round handle that kinda mimics snapon handles and has the letter code VJ, it was also made by Danaher Co. In California from 1994 to 2008. I have never broken either of these ratchet sets and I have used them hard with pipes etc. Another set that I have never broken is a set of craftsmen rectangular handle ratchets made by the Easco also in California from 1971 until 1976 and has the letter code -V-. The ratchets From Sears that you tested I have used with similar results, these ratchets are commonly just known as teardrop ratchets (not because they always break) but for the shape of their head. This type ratchet has been made by so many different foundries over the years I'd write 10min to list them all. Some companies made them well but most were made at a level far below spec. The first two styles I mentioned had been revived by Sears once they took manufacturing to ASIA. These remakes look very similar but hold up similarly to the teardrop style you tested and have t letter code that starts with an A. They also weigh about 70% more than their American made predecessors. But in this case the extra weight only equates to more fatigue as the metal is simply junk. I do very much enjoy your videos and appricate the fact that they are child friendly as I often watch them with my 10 and 9 year old grandsons and my 5 year old granddaughter. Funny thing about her in 2019 I gave her father a new set of 120 xp Gearwrench ratchets for christmas and she was so excited by them that she carried one or another around all day! Sorry for the length of this message. One more thing it would be great to see a tourtcher test of mid length extensions perhaps new and old from a host of makers. I haven't ever seen this done by anyone before but it would be informative to many I am sure. Thank you again and good health, Kevin

[@macelius]

The handle shape is one thing I didn't like about the old and cheaper new craftsman ratchets, It was good on the combination wrenches because it offered a wider surface than most others, but as frar as the wrenches, the nicer, newer ones that look more like Kobalt/Snapon are allright.

[@fosterschutt6125]

I still think Kobalt and husky are the go-to brands for everyone short of a full-time heavy duty tech. I still grab my Kobalt 3/8 over my snap-on just to prove to myself I don't need to buy a single tool that was worth as much as my 300 peice Kobalt set. Love the snap-on, just don't use it enough to justify the price. Tekton looks awesome too, I just prefer to buy in-store.

[@garymucher9590]

My humble take on this torture test, if anyone is using a mere 3/8" ratchet to do such high torque jobs, then they really aren't a mechanic but pushing their ratchet beyond it's useful purpose. Everyday use from any of them will do the job they were built for. Yes, China brand tools will never ever stand up to quality America drop forged tools. But the company went to China for those cheap made tools to make more PROFIT short term...period! JMHO

[@Pete391]

Yes if your going to cheater bar a 3/8 ratchet...Thats just abuse and not being smart....

[@pvt_mtbl9516]

They need a 1/2" ratchet

[@Holledel]

I bought a new craftsman set around November and I like the new ratchets more than the old 36 tooth square handles from my set I got in 2011

[@EvilTwinRC51]

I’m impressed with that Kobalt

[@dutchynehtam]

I hate the old Craftsman ratchets. I will break them and swap them out for the new gun metal ratchets at Lowe’s. Lol the dumb workers don’t even know the difference between a 3/8s and 1/2 inch ratchet. Sorry to the smart Lowe’s workers out there!

[@dudemcmann6936]

They probably know the difference, they're just not paid enough to care. If you ever want to get an instant discount, just point out some flaw and ask if they'll take less, no matter how minor (like a ripped box,) they'll usually work a deal. They get no commission, so they have no incentive to keep the prices high. They don't give a crap about corporate taking a loss if it gets a customer off their back.

[@dutchynehtam]

Dude McMann that’s very true man. I’ll keep that in mind I see a tool set that looks like it fell off the truck and tumbled on the road a dozen times.

[@davidschwartz3427]

If those Craftsman ratchets hurt your elbow this won't be any better, but Lowe's carries Craftsman ratchets in a strikingly similar style to the Kobalt. If you haven't tested it before, give that a whirl. I have a 1/2" drive long handle I bought for when breaker bars are too big and my trusty 3/8s couldn't quite get it done and its served me well.

[@bobbygarrett9588]

Thanks Chris, I love the ratchet destruction videos! Even though it pisses me off, when I bust one.

[@abcsd1254]

My favorite ratchets are New Britain-made JCPenney Penncraft ratchets; super smooth and take abuse like it’s nothing. Never let me down and are rather fine toothed.

[@jimhaines8370]

I have a lot of those type of ratchets in all shapes and sixes from the nineties that help up and worked ok before they went to the plastic selector and other cheapened the line, then the fine tooth deal kicked in and they don't get used much anymore.

[@ZachLive]

That 7 ft extension is hilarious

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

ZachLive well honestly mine isn’t as long. But it’s definitely thicker. (36” matco 1/2” extension.) it’s long and strong and can help me dig deep to get a nut off really deep in there. Plus it can really take a beating too.🔧🔩

[@heyyou5189]

As an old timer there is a price to pay for thin handled tools. That comes from the amount of pressure it places on the tendons in your fingers. As you pull the edge of the handle gets pressed hard into your fingers. Using bulkier handles and wearing decent gloves can reduce that strain. Longer handles also help. I wish I had known 50+ years ago how much pain I would have in my hands from thin wrenches and lack of gloves. Its a cumulative effect over the years.

[@woodworkerroyer8497]

I have noticed that just after reefing on something for a couple nuts. I think it has to do with the blood getting cut off too. I HAVE Craftsman, but I also have quite a few other ratchets and my go to ate the Pittsburgh composites (I got them for a job I had where weight was everything) and they are REALLY smooth and plenty durable for my light use. I don't think that the round metal ones are much better, but maybe the real comfort grip ones ARE worth the money.... or maybe I just build some wooden handle covers...

[@craigcook1571]

I dont want nuttin Craftsman any more, the screw drivers break with hand pressure. The problem I have is my Lowes has almost quit carrying Kobalt wrenches and sockets and screw drivers. These new craftsman tools give Harbor Freight tools a good name IMO

[@gregserna963]

Craftsman USA!!! All the way here, I have a big black box purchased in early 90's that is still going Strong, I've added more USA tools since then, but really have no complaints Whatsoever‼ I've often enjoyed your Channel bud, keep up the good work, look forward to more of your content kind Sir.

[@g.fortin3228]

Even doing a brake job the torque required is under 50 and i break loose bolts with a mallet and closed end wrench.. so why would I care if it goes above 150 at all ? I understand it's a torture test, but for what it's worth you're not paying top dollar and I still think the Craftsman is a decent tool for the cost. If it breaks, they will replace it FREE ; -) Remember ? Mine are from the early 80's when I bought them. Had the internals replaced in the late 80's from using a pipe on it, I learned not to do that. I learned to use a breaker bar.

[@MikHoncho81]

I had one of the ICON 3/8, 90 tooth ratchets bust a pawl on a bell housing bolt. I was really disappointed, especially when I went to exchange it, and there wasn't another one available within 100 miles.

[@jeffmoss26]

I still miss Sears. Drove by one local that's going to be knocked down soon.

[@ClientGraphics]

Ditto SEARS😢

[@gregc9220]

As a kid Sears was the place to go on Sunday, mom would shop for clothes while Dad and I walked the tool aisles

[@johnp556]

Let it go man, let it go. We got Harbor Freight now. 😂

[@brian_youtube]

I still have and like my original USA ratchets from the early 90s, they all still work fine. They are not the best ratchets, but they were hard to beat for the price and service. The design of the 36 tooth RP ratchet is just outdated. If looking for reasonable priced ratchets, I think you are better off paying a bit more to get Gearwrench. I think the Sears China Craftsman is FAR worse than the SB&D Craftsman. Sears clearly cut corners to reduce every cent from their costs possible.

[@leotam3372]

Everyone gets nostalgic about the American Craftsman, but the USA 90s version of that ratchet wasn't anything to write home about either. Plastic selector, crude finishing, nasty feeling low count mechanism...

[@wcsd9577]

Impressive with the Kobalt.

[@Toyotas_n__Tools]

Snap on has a new breaker bar thats 30inches and has a square that hammers out and a new one hammers in, if it breaks. Pretty cool how they design it to fail at the square so it can be hammered out.

[@msclecarcrzy]

I bought a crapsman 3/8 socket set from Lowe's last Christmas on sale but it's made in Taiwan. Its the gunmetal chrome. I actually like it. I do have some of the old USA craftsman and everything still works as it should. Damn shame what fast Eddie did to Sears. I won't buy another crapsman until they bring it back to USA.

[@randymelendez7803]

China has ruined the name Craftsman. Very painful to watch.

[@heyyou5189]

@Lord Raiden In the old days China could only make crap. You are right they build to contract now. If you want quality they can and do make it.

[@toolsmetals2148]

Some of the kobalt Brand ratchets appear to be the same as Expert Tools that is distributed by MAC tools they even appear to have the same handles and the ratcheting tooth count basically sounds the same also but I noticed the kobalt Brand has its labeling laser etched instead but they appear to be the same tools I'm just not sure who rebrands who that Steelman Pro 160 tooth Ratchet got me curious about it but not in a bad way I would like to see the capabilities it has because I like my 100 tooth design SNAP-ON Roto head because it is very smooth at 100 tooth so 160 would be quite interesting

[@michaelmangino9819]

I prefer my kobalt over that crapsman.. just bcuz the ratchet mecanicism feels better. Now that I see your vid, I have the older model kobalt ratchet. They all stay in my crappy tool box tho. Not in my Mac or snap on household

[@jackgreenlund9904]

I think i bought my 1/2 drive craftsman ratchet in 1968 ,ive bought others scince but still have the set i bought back then!

[@CrazyPetez]

I have a Sears Craftsman set I bought in 1969. I’m not a professional mechanic, just a DIY guy. My Craftsman (square handle ratchets) tools have held up very well, none have failed, except my DigiTorque torque wrench. It pains me that Sears failed the Craftsman line, and now with Stanley Black & Decker name, all three have been cheapened.

[@joehorecny7835]

Do you return these ratchets under warranty? OR are they just causalities of evaluating?

[@dudemcmann6936]

I bought a Craftsman 189 pc mechanics set from our local Sears store at 75% off when they were going out of business and it included 4 Western Forge "Made in USA" screwdrivers. It got me so nostalgic for those classic design handles that I always saw in my dad and grampas' tool boxes. So I went to Lowes and bought a big 28 piece set, only to discover they aren't the Western Forge ones, but an inferior Chinese clone. It didn't take a very close inspection to see the difference in quality. The epoxy looks different and the steel is rough & pitted out of the box compared to the Western Forge Craftsmans I got at Sears. It made me sad, to say the least, to see the drop in quality and the fact that that I spent so much on it thinking they were still making them in the USA. I guess I should have read the back of the box before I went to the register, but figured I shouldn't have to since they were Craftsman.

[@KameraShy]

Next video: Try doing a warranty return on the Craftsman.

[@baumiiirobert]

My old Craftsman stuff is still very good and I like it better than even the snap on stuff I have, I will take my 3/4 drive Craftsman over my 3/4 snap on any day. and I personally prefer the traditional Craftsman which doesn't slip in a sweaty or oily hand more than the round polished slippery stuff that is hard to hold on dry and clean. Testing only one of each brand is so unscientific (and unrealistic), when the self styled experts get together enough cash to test at least ten or twenty of each and to average it out to compensate (somewhat) for manufacturing variations that occur even within the same lot on the same day from the same process I may begin to take them at least somewhat seriously. Do a hundred of each and I will grudgingly respect you, mean time don't bellyache about the cost of the video. I find my 1 inch drive snap on as shoddy as the 3/4 snap on, just a larger version with all the same slopiness. the old Craftsman feels better in my hand from long experience. The tool market is now aimed more at the inexperienced fickle wannabe attracted by glitter more than substance than at serious users . Used to be there weren't many options and most stuff was pretty good and you were lucky to have it. now there are so many options that you can never have enough time to weed through the junk and find something good. I do like the progressively more fine tooth stuff, but you are wasting your time breaking ratchets with cheaters anyway, nobody with good sense works like that, I have never broken a ratchet, and have made it a rule to never abuse my tools. Main rules: never use pipes on ratchets and never loan tools (especially screwdrivers). Bad friends are easier to come by than good tools. Macho stuff got old when I was young (and I am still not that old). My Chicago press brake and power leaf brake were made in, yes, Chicago. they moved some manufacturing to Mexico in the 70s or 80s, and Taiwan by the late 90s, but I am sure their stuff is still top of the line. All my brakes have been U S made. Plate rolls as well. I do have a Portuguese Adira shear which is beautiful and I would not trade it even for a Cincinnati (well, maybe). What I mostly use my tooling for now is maintaining all this heavy hobby stuff . I have bought a half a million in tools in my lifetime, and sold very little, and damaged almost nothing. I have hundreds of combo wrenches, ratchets and sockets all spread out so I don't waste time looking for anything (the object of buying tools is to make things easy and convenient. If you don't want to spend money and don't mind working use your fingernails). (Usually when I have to go look for something I order another one to put where I was when I had to look for it.) Point is, I have seen and used enough tooling to know what I am talking about and to see this macho ratchet breaking as a macho attention getting farce. And the 6 point / 12 point controversy is another farce. I have everything in both, and prefer 12 points. For loosening really stuck stuff I have 12 point Stanley (yes, Stanley, that is what I can get easy here) combination wrenches cut in half with well fitted heavy wall pipe handles of different lengths (interchangeable). Nuts break loose and even if I have used a jack to turn the handle I have not rounded anything off. A correctly designed 12 point is better than a 6 point any day. And the in line application of force with this method better than the already offset force with a ratchet which is more likely to twist out of line and damage the nut (or bolt). An added benefit is that the cut off wrenches are better than bulky stubby combos. I have cut off ratcheting combos as well to make sleeker stubbies. Too much stuff when I think about it, Maybe I should take up smoking and drinking and happy hour and casinos and stop wasting money on tools. I could become an eBay seller. I picked up on eBay a Tractor Supply aluminum tool box with holes left in the poorly welded seams, maybe I'll reweld them when I get one of the tig welders out again, there isn't much quality today. Thin macho diamond plate poorly welded sells to people who put pipes on ratchets. One always thinks about who will get his tooling when he dies. Few people are serious enough or industrious to deserve such a wind fall. Years ago I entertained the idea of cutting up ships on the beach here like they do in India and Pakistan and Bangladesh. So I have decided that when I get tired of my stuff I will cut my shears and brakes and rolls and wrenches up for scrap and fulfill that lifelong dream, leaving only cutting torches and gas bottles for my wife to sell. Even so, It will probably still be emotionally tuff to destroy the Dynasty 350.

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

What’s your opinions on how this all went down? Where you surprised?

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

Let’s get this video past 1,000 likes. This guy deserves it.

[@ClientGraphics]

Thanks buddy I appreciate that, anything to help get me motivated is appreciated now more than ever!

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

ClientGraphics Idea. What flex’s more? a impact extension, a chrome or a quick release chrome. That way some folks can learn that we can just buy impact extensions for our wobble and straight cut extensions. and only buy chrome for our locking extensions. Hope that makes sense to you and helps you along your path to helping out others. Happy Easter. And may god bless you and your family throughout your upcoming adventures and trials. As well as the ones you are going through now. Be thankful for the bad times and whole heartily praise him throughout the bad trials. As well as the good. (as hard as it is too)✌🏻✊🏻🤝🙏🏻🤙🏻

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Happy Easter Brosuff 🍻🤙

[@ClientGraphics]

Happy Easter to you as well!

[@buildurtruck9188]

Ive got a sneaking suspicion that stanley is making the craftsman line to a lower quality to promote there stanley professional line or the fat fat max line. I definitely think stanley sockets are strong as any minus the laser etch maybe stronger than 90% of the other mid brands but the ratchets went down hill massively.

[@rcud1]

I had just bought some new Craftsman wrenches that are definitely not as good as my ones from 20+ years ago. I will not be buying another Craftsman tool, on sale or otherwise.

[@Leeroy2586]

Would be super cool to see a kobalt or channellock single gear ratchet test in here

[@harrisonhamilton13452]

Craftsman was never the best brand of tools, but they were still better than they are today and its really unfortunate to see these ones perform so poorly when the old ones did better

[@TomisaLami]

What do you mean by Sears craftsman? Since 2017 crashed and has been owned by Stanley Black & Decker they're all Stanley Black & Decker are they?

[@alvinprettyman1802]

what do you do with all the broken tools????

[@eduardomenchaca1916]

I bought a craftsman mechanic set because it is what my dad and grandpa used but man it sucks. I used the ratchet once and lost it and don’t care for looking for it I’ve already replaced it with a trusty crescent I’ve had forever. Quality really sucks and you can easily distinguishable between my grandpas old craftsman and mine.

[@mitsuevo8mr]

Next time throw a home depot Husky to see how it performs against kobalt!! I have some husky tools and im pretty confident with husky tools for the price!

[@kendehaas668]

I am surprised that the wrenches took that much torque. I've broken some craftsman wrench without using a cheater (although I had previously). When you get to the better quality wrenches, try a Wright one. I have used (& abused one) for years. Also find it comfortable.

[@WildernessPreacher]

Looking forward to the test on the Ares.

[@victorwilson993]

stanley moved craftsman tools to BE MADE IN Taiwan wonder if they are any better yet still waiting on the production to start in texas for the made in U.S.A. ONES

[@oconeeiceman8998]

My only take away from this channel as a whole is that you did not fuck around when you anchored that table down

[@MCEngineeringInc]

Great testing!👍🏻👍🏻

[@pospc2]

That handle of the crapsman hurts my hand so bad. I would never buy another ratchet like that.

[@TylerSnyder305]

You gotta get your hands on a 1960's flying Craftsman V ratchet. The edges are round and the raised panel isn't so pronounced, in my opinion those actually feel great in hand. You could also get ahold of an early RHFT, the handles on them have all the same rounded edges and such and these are often considered one of the best ratchets ever made by guys who've been at it for decades. The recent Chinese raised panels and later American raised panels have crisp sharp and blocky handles that are definitely horrible on the hand. Of course they Chinese examples complete crap in general from my experience, the last of the US made stuff isn't that great either really.

[@tyrrellroach5872]

Once craftsman went to being made in China the quality definitely went down hill. Another point when I noticed a difference was when they started replacing parts in store on broken tool that too seemed to be another point when the quality changed

[@Kianrui]

Should I buy Craftsman, Husky , or Kobalt?

[@ClientGraphics]

I’d probably pick Husky if Home Depot we’re closer. Otherwise Kobalt, but Lowe’s can be difficult or will ask for ID for warranty without a receipt

[@xephael3485]

How was warranty with MotivX? 👍

[@ClientGraphics]

I need to go back and do a review on the 3/8 and 1/2 sets. Limited Lifetime Warranty is non-transferable and they do not warranty products that have been subjected to abnormal use or have worn out due to normal wear. It’s a good thing my normal use is to destruction🤫 I was back up and running within the week.

[@xephael3485]

@@ClientGraphics lol :-D

[@ham7053]

Kobalt ratchets really ain’t that bad, I got a kobalt set and they’re alright

[@michaelclabaugh9634]

Kobalt is actually decent, and priced good. Warranty at lowes is no questions asked replacement.

[@heyyou5189]

Not my Lowes. Original receipt or too bad for the consumer.

[@michaelclabaugh9634]

@@heyyou5189 wow really? I broke my 7 inch 3/8 ratchet, took it in to replace and they didnt have one in stock so they told me just grab something close to it. Got the long handle flex head 3/8.

[@samsgarage1716]

Omg every time I here one of those ratchets snap I think about how much it cost.I really appreciate the amount of money you spend on your videos to show us what not to buy.Do you have a video on metal drill bits? Because I have a drill bit issue and I need strong bits for metal.

[@mlacher100]

Did you ever test the steelmen pro?

[@mikehenthorn1778]

no tekton wrenches? you may want to check them out.

[@kissisagod]

Soooo buy craftsman wratchets put anvils in kobalt wratchets might work better might need some slight trim work

[@Swiat34]

I wish you would have had a classic US made Craftsman to compare in this video.

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

What do you all think he did wrong? What should he have done instead?

[@bwselectronic]

Craftsman will never be what it was until they go back to the quality materials they used years ago. The Chinese use over recycled steel. If they used more fresh steel in their tools they would hold up better

[@johnp556]

Yes, exactly. Try some USA made channelocks pliers, they use quality American steel last I checked.

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Chris In the time that you've been been testing out tools. I believe you said that Milwaukee Ratchets had highest torque level? Has anything even come close? Again thank you for the Great Video.

[@wadewells808]

Hey Chris, love your channel bud! Any chance you might consider doing some torture testing on screwdrivers in the future? Mayhew, Proto, Icon, Felo, and other popular brands. Thanks for the consideration and keep up the good work!

[@johnp556]

Wiha

[@KameraShy]

China Craftsman is JUNK. This month I received a 3/8" as a warranty replacement for one that was barely used and just locked up. It feels cheap and flimsy. The selector wobbles and shifts. The anvil feels loose. And as the video points out, it only has 36 teeth. I have bought Craftsman since the 70's. But Craftsman is now dead to me. Will go to big box brands. Looked at a HFT 3/8" and on the first two, the switching lever was locked. Couldn't move it. Then the Walmart Hart which looks and feels very nice. Think I will buy one of those.

[@charlesgarner9539]

Sir, If you are going to quote specs from SAE, please know that SAE stands for the "Society of Automotive Engineers" not SA&E which would be "Society of Automotive and Engineers".

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

Actually he didn’t say S.A.&E. And actually said A.S.M.E. Which stands for American Society of Mechanical Engineers. You see most industrial fasteners are covered by two basic standards: #1 is for materials and properties; And #2 is for dimensions and tolerances. #1 Specifications for materials and properties are published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), although other groups such as the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) also publish specifications covering these requirements. #2 Standards for dimensions and tolerances are issued by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in cooperation with the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and the Industrial Fasteners Institute (IFI)

[@larryborkstrom3580]

It's Sad that kobalt is on the way out for craftsman I like the handle better but the Sears one held up better than new one but if used proper have no problems with all tested

[@EdisonChar]

Just curious. Was that Craftsman’s ratchet made in China or Taiwan?

[@charlieretherford]

I want to see the torches test on the long tekton 3/8s

[@donaldhollums3278]

Me too!

[@path3848]

Tekton is crap, craftsman usa was the bottom of the barrel 30 years ago and tekton was never as good

[@donaldhollums3278]

Pat H what kind of issues have you had with the Tekton ratchets?

[@path3848]

@@donaldhollums3278 from complete un unusable doesn't ratchet to switching directions while ratcheting, junk, if you got to buy chiwanese the Sunex held up pretty good

[@path3848]

And I NEVER experienced their good customer service, talking about tekton,