What is up with Craftsman?

Link* www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-12... Sorry but there was a bit of bait and switch on the Amazon page and while it was a 121pc set, it was not the "overdrive" set. The best price I could find for that is $200 at Lowe's and at that price I still feel it's overpriced.
Craftsman has been up and down for a while now, especially since they were purchased by SB&D. So let's go over where they are with power tools storage, especially hand tools, and see if there is a future for this brand.
Big thanks to Craftsman for sending this set over for review.
#craftsman #tools #overdrive
💵*Just assume all links are affiliate links. They might be to Amazon, Walmart, or any of a dozen other sellers.
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[@Packhorse-bh8qn]

Craftsman Tools are long gone. Only the name remains.

[@stealthbomber2127]

china specials for years now.✌

[@DoubleD72]

Only thing that's long gone is American intelligence

[@corvettefan91]

I buy older used USA Craftsman tools at garage sales etc, and they will still outlast me.

[@BELCAN57]

Exactly.

[@branned]

Same here!

[@2dawgsmiked684]

@@corvettefan91 same!

[@looseballs1966]

Yep way to do it if ya find them.

[@Whatsthishere]

This is the way

[@2dawgsmiked684]

My single father retired as National Operations Director of Sears. Needless to say, I grew up Sears/Craftsman/Toughskins (Husky) in the late 70s and throughout the 80s. After they forced him into early retirement, he convinced the owners of a small chicken finger/wings restaurant (Zax) to franchise out, and this allowed it to explode. Despite Zaxby's success throughout the East Coast and the Southern U.S., my dad's heart broke as he watched what happened to Sears. I'm actually glad he was forced out, because he would have gone down with that ship. absolutely

[@ryanjewell9832]

Love me some zaxbys!!

[@lightningmacqueen4097]

@@codycox-mm6mq ☝☝☝ Found the Craftsman bot!!!🤣

[@dracodraco1982]

:/ I can only imagine, seeing something I spent so many years building up go to waste from mismanagement and foolishness.

[@MrMnmn911]

@@codycox-mm6mq Shut up. Fool.

[@patricksquires6348]

@@codycox-mm6mqI care and you sir can go touch some grass.

[@TheJayHamish]

When i enrolled for mechanic class at the junior college in my town, my dad took me to sears and got me a craftsman rolling tool box, and all craftsman tools. Fond memories.

[@Thestargazer56]

I did the same when my son graduated from getting his Associate Degree in Industrial Maintenance about 30 years ago, telling him that these tools will last you a lifetime. So far he still is using them and making a good living. I didn't want him to get into the Snap-On cult that drains your paycheck dry.

[@davelee9087]

@@Thestargazer56 I have spoken to mechanics at auto dealerships about their Snap-On tools and boxes and I am truly left with my jaw on the floor when they tell me how much they have "Invested" in them. Criminal!

[@ScottsLifeOffGrid]

I still have my Craftsman ratchets, sockets, and wrenches that I purchased close to 40 years ago.

[@treatzfortruckerz3913]

Me too

[@domosautomotive1929]

I have some Craftsman metric wrenches that are from mid 80's.

[@larryjohns8823]

Have many Craftsman tools from the 60's. All are still in great condition😊

[@daviddarby6263]

Lucky you! I donated most of my Craftsman tools to burglars.

[@a9ball1]

​@@daviddarby6263 I like the way you phrased that. Sorry for your loss.

[@hydro2wheel]

30+ years ago I bought a Craftsman Mechanics set with a blow molded case during an after Christmas sale for $75.00. Other than having to replace the case's latches it has NEVER failed me... Although I still have no clue as to where the dozen or so 10mm 3/8 drive sockets I have bought over time actually are right now. Fast forward 9 years from then and I attended a trade school (M.M.I.. Motorcycle Mechanics Institute. ) My family helped me purchase the recommended tools they required and they gave me a comprehensive list; All were Craftsman tools, including the appropriate Craftsman tool box to hold everything. Not only did that tool collection last throughout the schooling, it also lasted through 15 years of the best career of my lifetime until the economic collapse of 2006. I still have same tools and although I wish I still had that career, the tools are still ready for the task. I never had to use the Sears warranty for any of them and that says a LOT for the quality back then.

[@xeutoniumnyborg1192]

The leprechaun who takes every technicians 10mms has your missing sockets.

[@kirstenspencer3630]

My husband has had to reinvent his career several times as the economy changes and doors close. With great effort he mostly landed on his feet. I am most proud of his considerable efforts to feed his family. Never give up as again you may use the beloved older craftsman tools. My husband's craftsman tools are over around 63 years young and still going strong.

[@wizardofahhhs759]

Why is it always the 10mm's.?

[@hydro2wheel]

@@wizardofahhhs759 Back then (I don't know about now-a-days) 10mm hex drive was the most common sized fastener found on Asian vehicles be they cars or motorcycles. Because it was the size used the most it was also the size lost the most. If I knew their escape strategies it would have saved me a lot of trips to Sears.

[@hydro2wheel]

@@xeutoniumnyborg1192 If I ever meet that little bastard I will kick him in his lucky charms! >: (

[@erichood3169]

Craftsman fell off 25 years ago.

[@ralphturney2125]

Way longer than that! Any tool they made was overpriced, way underpowered, and just different enough that only Sears accessories worked on their tools. But to me, their biggest lies were the HP ratings they put on their tools! 1 HP drier motors were advertised as 5 HP! And all you had to do was look at the plate on the motor that SAID 1HP! All their power tools have been lowest bid junk sold at premium prices. Fcuk Sears.

[@Graham_Wideman]

With all the heartwarming tales in the comments from old timers about how when they came of age their Dads took them to Sears to buy a full set of Craftsman tools.... I can't help thinking maybe it was a solid fatherly way to give you a solid foundation in life when a chat about the birds and the bees was a bridge too far....

[@superdog1964]

I have a key on my ring that gives me access to my Dad's shop. He started it when he quit farming and retired as a machinist from Alcoa in 1994. He worked on mostly agricultural equipment until his death in December of 2023 at 83. Growing up the only tools I ever remember using were Craftsman? We had a smaller shop to repair our own stuff but he built a much larger building when he went full time in the machine shop.All of the tools in it were also Craftsman. He was fortunate enough to have purchased everything he needed before Sears went out of business. After a few trips into Lowes attempting to warranty a few things that broke he just gave up and stopped trying. At the same time Sears closed a Harbor Freight opened close by and if he needed something? that was his store of choice. To this day, the shop is frozen in time and if you go inside, the tools are everywhere from his last full day working. He had no idea that tomorrow would never come and the last part he was working on (a spindle) is still chucked up in the lathe. The plow he was working on is still in pieces in the middle of the shop floor with the Craftsman sockets, ratchets etc. still laying where he left them. That situation will probably be there for awhile because I can't seem to bring myself to clean it up? To top it all off, the owner of the plow died in February of this year and his family doesn't want the job finished? It's an old 3 bottom and probably wouldn't bring much at the sale because most farmers use no till and plowing is old fashioned. They don't even want the plow? When I think about tools, I remember all the repairs he and I did. Almost all of it was Craftsman from the hammers to the chisels and everything in between. The neighbors all used them too, as did my grandfathers and uncles. They really have no idea how iconic that brand really is and how much damage has truly been done to a name that used to go hand in hand with quality? I think it's just to late and it is impossible to get back to where it once was? 100 years or more to build that name and less that 10 years or so to totally destroy it. I also have a lot of Craftsman tools in my boxes. None of it has been bought lately. Just like my dad, it is gone forever and I will never get it or him back?

[@dracodraco1982]

:/ That's the way things often go. Seldom do any of us have the benefit of knowing what project, what pleasure, or what words will be our last. I get leaving things where they sat, though. Feels like the project is a piece of him, yeah? Hard to let that go, even if it's a mess. There's no words that can touch that kind of hurt, just mean to say you aren't alone in that. "Sorry for your loss" from a rando carries no real weight, but I am all the same. Sadly, as it relates to Craftsman, they may have a minor comeback, but I doubt it'll ever be more than a shadow of what it used to be. No one trusts the brand won't get sold off or wrecked by cost-cutting; swapping pieces out as needed for failures just isn't viable if you don't believe the store won't close, brand won't get sold, or the warranty voided. In the end, brands are fickle things. Good will takes decades to really get rolling, and it's become such a common experience for good will to be abused when ownership changes (after all, that's why the name had value -- cheaper quality at the same price, less reliable service, they just flat out exploit that good will until, finally, it's gone forever.) There will be reboots and investments, but so often that's marketing meant to spur optimism that it might come back, but that's just trading on virtual, future good will. It rarely pans out. >.o Capitalism doesn't reward those who make the best value for the lowest price anymore. It's all marketing hype; exploiting good will, optimism, and nostalgia while charging the most you can for the cheapest quality you can get away with; all while gobbling competiting brands and vertically integrating until there's only a handful of players in a given industry. As it is with tools, so too is it with meat packers, egg producers, seed sellers, retail stores. Just wait until they find a way to make tools a subscription like software and services. x.x You can't even fix your own tractors anymore, or plant feed corn because it's invariably going to be Roundup Ready, and you don't have the license to plant it -- even if you buy it from stock meant for lifestock and never agreed to those terms. Welcome to late stage capitalism. x.x Given inertia, monied interests fighting to preserve the system as it is, and a political establishment that shows minimal interest in fixing these practices.. It's fixing to get worse before it even has a prayer of getting better. I just sort of assume, anymore, that I won't be around to see the tide turn. x.x Wish I had a more optimistic read to share. As is often the case, I hope very much that I'm proven wrong, but I'm rather resigned to being proven right. x.x

[@jeffho1727]

Lost my Dad and Mom two years ago, start and end of summer. I feel you. My daughter just had a little girl, our first grandchild. I got the feeling your Dad would be happy about who you've become. I think of my Dad almost daily and I hope to be as good a granddad as he was. Take care.

[@DinDooIt]

@@dracodraco1982 You're 100% right and I feel the same way, we are in the end stages of an empire, just remember it's all done with a purpose!

[@brianhoxworth3881]

I feel for you..I say get to work, and clean that shop up. Get it running again. That's what your dad would have wanted. You can't do anything about the ones that have died.

[@dannyo6699]

We've got a few stores that sell Craftsman in my town, Ace is the big outlet for them, Mac's does carry a limited amount of stuff, and so does Menards. But we are about to get a Harbor Freight opening up here, and I'm shockingly considering selling all my Craftsman tools and buying Pittsburg Pro or even Icon. I already owned several Pittsburg Pro 25 inch breaker bars, and gave them to family and friends as gifts, hard to beat $19.99 for a bar that is close to or exceeding $100.00 from the next closest prices. One doesn't hear much bad about them online, unless one is extremely picky about their tools. I'm not.

[@vasnellen9158]

I remember the 1970's tools were Sears, Wizard, Crescent. I was working in the Wilde Tool Co. Hiawatha, Ks. We hammered out millions of adjustable pliers and a ton of different hand tools. Millions of brake adjusting tools and the tiny channel locks. People would not believe the number of steps from red hot steel rod to the finished chromed product. The family owned factory is still there and limping along.

[@gwall1789]

Wilde still makes fantastic pry bars. Sold under the Wilde, Tekton, Hyper Tough and Channel Lock names. They made the same pry bars for Sears as well.

[@stealthbomber2127]

Its a miracle they have not been forced out of business by slick willie's nafta and gatt and our traitorous government.

[@johnmcdougald1238]

I'm just like you. Growing up in the 70s, Craftsman was THAT TOOL that I wanted and always went to when I was growing up. As a kid, after checking out the toy section at Sears, my parents would always find me looking at the biggest tool set display. My mom even talked about it possibly being a graduation gift after High school. Now, the last craftsman tool I bought was a smaller set that was being cleared out at Lowes just before they went offshore on their production. It was the last set of tools that were MARKED IN the USA. I haven't put money into the brand ever since. If I'm going to spend that kind of money on a tool, I may as well buy Tekton, Gearwrench, or one of the other Taiwan-made brands. It actually hurts me when I go to Lowe's or Ace and see these high-priced tools sitting there. I can't see putting good money into something that has the same, or slightly lower quality than so many other brands

[@jdshear01]

Same experience here...Tekton and Gearwrench are good replacements. Gearwrench is owned by Apex tools which has another brand called SATA. It's cheaper than Gearwrench and I've only seen it on Amazon...I thought about giving it a try sometime in the future. I believe it's warranty is right there with Gearwrench.

[@Javelina_Poppers]

I'm a 73 year old retired aerospace machinist, all my hand tools I've acquired and used over the years are Craftsman and SK. I loved the unconditional warranty on Craftsman and the ease of exchanging the occasional broken tool by simply heading to your local Sears store. I once bought a 3 foot 3/8 extension for a special application and broke it and when I took it back to Sears the guy asked me how I broke it and I fessed up and admitted I used it as a pry bar. Didn't matter, they replaced it anyway.

[@sunoclockoneday2576]

😂 yeah they don't care they just want to hear the story. Lowes was giving me a hard time about swapping out a 1/2" ratchet because they didn't make the same design anymore. The guy at Ace said that's craftsmans problem and swapped it no questions asked

[@cwg2325]

@@sunoclockoneday2576 I inherited all my dad's old craftsman after he passed. There was a 3/4" busted ratchet (I'm sure there was a large pipe involved). I called the craftsman hotline. They asked for the old part number, told me to properly dispose of the broken drive and sent me a new one. They didn't ask to me to send the tool back or even see a picture. It was that simple.

[@111000100101001]

Ace is awesome!

[@Rumpelstiltskin-yv4ep]

@@sunoclockoneday2576Ugh, lowes is terrible man. I hate that store with a passion

[@darinbell6982]

Bring the manufacturing back to America and then I will buy them again. It’s just important to me. All of my current Craftsman tools are American made.

[@6atlantis]

They tried and failed.

[@madjackgamingandfitness498]

Even brands like capri are trying to go USA. Apparently forges are so backed up companies have to use laser cutting as an alternative which works, but not as refine and strong. .

[@cuethenewt9375]

Same. I think they’d have a huge market ready to support them. Even pay a bit more just to counter the higher labor/material costs. It’s a shame, really.

[@AToolWithTools]

​@@madjackgamingandfitness498It's just Tekton doing that. They call it LaserMill and they patented it, patent 11040432 granted 2018 so still plenty of life in that patent.

[@DinDooIt]

They tried but were screamed at for giving the companies tax incentives to bring production back to America!! They said it was just a scam to pad the pockets of the rich.

[@crhend512]

I worked as a Program Manager for an electronics company and had to deal with Stanley. They may have made numerous claims about returning Craftsman hand tools to the US, but my personal experience is that was all smoke and mirrors (tax write off.) We had been building for Stanley for a period of time when the mandate came down to their buyers to "Go To China". I underbid and offered better delivery schedules than their selected Chinese supplier, didn't matter: off-shore it.

[@stealthbomber2127]

A result of slick willie clinton, the gift to china that keeps on giving.

[@raylopez99]

Well if those big tech companies leaving China for India are a harbinger, the next big fad will be to off-shore from China to India. Fashion is fashion.

[@Thomas-ul3uy]

I wouldn't doubt that China paid Black & Decker/Stanley to not make the tools in the USA/Texas. I'd almost bet that China was where the raw material came from to make the tools. There was a video I saw on KZbin, a guy who worked in the auto salvage industry. In the late 80s-early 90s I think he said people came in box trucks to salvage yards, buying every starter, alternator and fuel pumps - a lot of expendable parts. They all went to China to be reverse engineered and made. This is why cheap aftermarket parts have flooded the market. He said the salvage yard operators if they had known, should've held off selling the used parts instead of making a quick buck. It has definitely screwed things up now.

[@mrrevival6565]

I’ve never been able to feel the excitement that I felt when walking into Sears/down aisles of hand tools. Not HF, HD, Lowe’s, or Ace…only thing that’s comes close is finding the unicorn deals

[@donsurlylyte]

yeah.

[@davelee9087]

Just 'shopping' in the Sears/Craftsman area was a treat. Not buying, just shopping!

[@grantdavis5992]

About 10 years ago, Ace had sets of Craftsman branded "through drive" sockets and the sockets were metric and SAE and were "spline drive" which could also drive 4 sided fasteners. I bought 3 sets, one for my son, one for my brother and a set for myself. They are compatible with the large Gearwrench system, but are in black oxide finish.

[@kitmaira]

I have so many Craftsman tools from the 30s through the early 2000s that I’ll probably never need to buy a new overseas tool ever. I am glad they are still around, wish it was still possible to make them domestically, but there are so many factors, environmental, economic, making this near impossible. I did enjoy this video, I’m a Craftsman fanboy as well.

[@bhoov1969]

1992, the year I ETD'd from the Army, I started working with an electrical contractor. I went to Sears and bought everything Craftsman that I thought I would need, from a screwdriver and wrench set to tape measure and lineman and slip joint pliers plus wire strippers. I used those tools every day until 2023 when I started with a company that supplied tools, only replacing the ones I lost or wore out (which didn't cost me anything except the time to return them). Guess I'll just pass them on to my nephew.

[@bradleyyounger8499]

I am keeping my fingers crossed that Craftsman will get this right.. huge Craftsman fan for 50 years or so. Breaks my heart that they now are exactly what they stood against for the first 80-90 years

[@ken2tou]

Roger this! 👍🏼

[@dustinb.77]

With an iconic tool brand name such as, "Craftsman" there are no excuses! Craftsman hand tools, at least their wrenches, ratchets, sockets, screwdrivers, and allen wrenches, must be proudly "MADE IN THE U.S.A."

[@ASpinnerASpinner]

Globalism kills everything, even ecosystems. Welcome to hell. It will get worse than this.

[@DrJohn493]

Grew up with all things Sears including Craftsman tools. When my Dad passed away I got all of his Craftsman tools he used to keep the farm equipment running and the barns repaired. Even the old Craftsman Skilsaw from the early 60s is going strong with only the power cord being replaced. When I dig out one of his rachets or wrenchs to loosen or tighten something, it reminds me of my days on the farm when Pop would tell me to go get him a 9/16s box end wrench, and run to the truck, don't walk. Years later I added some Craftsman metric sizes to my tool box to do minor work on my (hobby farm) Kubota tractors.

[@nstooge]

I remember buying some Craftsman tools. They were expensive to me, but man, I loved them. I would get a great deal of joy opening my tool box and seeing Craftsman tools in it. I was proud to own them….

[@manandatractor]

I started my Craftsman tool collection when I was a young man, some 50+ years ago. I still have everything and I'm happy to say it's still going strong with the exception of a socket or two that I had to get replaced, but Sears accepted the exchange at no charge. As a back yard mechanic / do it yourselfer, I have no complaints.

[@Yoyo81828]

Im like you- my dad had Craftsman while I was growing up and I always dreamed that one day Id have my own garage, filled with Craftsman tools. Sadly it didnt turn out that way. The folks over there over price their tools for what they are in hopes that people will buy them based on the reputation they had 40 - 50 years ago.

[@donsurlylyte]

not the only brand doing that either

[@jamesplotkin4674]

I still have my dad's Craftsman socket set from the early 1960's. Never going to get rid of them, except the crappy 3/8" ratchet I can't get parts for. I didn't have the heart to replace it way-back when you could go to Sears when they'd just say to go over to that isle and choose one.

[@Erik_The_Viking]

I'm so glad that I have my dad's Craftsman sets from the 70's and 80's. Those will outlive me. I'll only touch Crasftsman unless they're made in the US again.

[@steveRBForge]

I’m nearly 70, my parents gave me a Craftsman mechanics set for my 18 birthday. I used them for 3 years working as a mechanics, never broke a tool. I love those old tools. The only tool that ever broke was a 13/16 deep socket that I had to used to remove a locking lug nut that I had lost the key for. You old guys know what I’m talking about. I have worn out several #2 Phillips but sears always replaced them. Now you have to go thru Stanley to get a replacement. I bought a mechanics set for my son about 8 years ago. It is junk compared to my 1975 set. I avoid any Stanley if I can.

[@antilaw9911]

Stanley... uuug

[@airmobiledivision7759]

You can just walk into a Lowe’s or Ace and they’ll replace your broken tool if it’s in stock.

[@brianwhite3051]

Nope where i live they want to see your receipt for proof of purchase. They won't honor the lifetime warranty that predates the new craftsman.

[@airmobiledivision7759]

@@brianwhite3051 I guess your Lowe’s just sucks. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen reports of people calling the main Craftsman customer service number and getting them to, over the phone, force Lowe’s to honor the warranty (since that’s a condition of the brand being sold there). You could also try asking to speak to the manager if you haven’t already.

[@michaeleverett2650]

Stanley wants to help you do things right.

[@tracycrispino3446]

Craftsman helped me feed my family for many years. I remain grateful to this day for affordable tools to make a living as an auto tech.

[@NGMonocrom]

They haven't been around for nearly 100 years. Original Craftsman that our grand-fathers had access to were better than the stuff made overseas, that is simply labelled as "Craftsman." With the current owner Stanly Black & Decker having the legal rights to put that brand name on any sort of metal junk they wish. Not sure when the _real_ Craftsman expired and was buried. But that has already happened. BTW, are there still three separate "Craftsman" line of tools distinct from each other that don't use the same battery for their cordless power-tools? Or, did some lawyers get together for SB&D and finally correct that situation? Seriously, $900 Million to buy the rights to Craftsman from Sears?? But that didn't come with full exclusivity to the Craftsman name. Who was the raging "genius" over at SB&D who agreed to THAT stipulation? (As far as storage? Screw it! Go to Home Depot, buy any of the Husky storage boxes/bins. Take a can of black spray-paint. Take some painter's tape. Now you have a nice place to put your tools that wasn't ridiculously overpriced. Heck, a buddy of mine keeps his Milwaukee power-tools in HART brand tool bags to make sure no one steals them.)

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

I used to keep a lot of my tools in dirty buckets🤷‍♂️. The truck got the lock smashed in and they stole a drain machine and a couple tool boxes with faucet wrenches and parts, but they left all the buckets. Thankfully, security through obscurity isn’t just for the tech field.

[@Caje-zf8md]

As a Harry Homeowner, Sears hand tools have always been adequate for my needs. When I started seeing Chinese and Taiwan roll marks on their tools, I stopped buying from their stores. I now go down to the local flea market and find older "Made in USA" Sears hand tools that are not only better quality, but are cheaper, too.

[@dennislarson4960]

The real test of those tools is when you put a 3' pipe on the 1/2" ratchet for a little extra "oomf". If it holds up to that (and the sockets don't split out), it's a good wrench. I have a ton of Craftsman tools from the 70s-90s that are well-built tools (which are rarely abused as aforementioned). A little side note: in the 1970s my dad (a farmer, and a big Craftsman fan) used a 6' pipe on a 1/2" ratchet wrench to loosen some badly rusted wheel lugnuts. As I recall, he broke nearly all the ratcheting pawls before he finally got all the lugnuts loose. He took the wrench into Sears (but failed to mention the "big pipe on the handle" thing) - they didn't question anything, just gave him a brand new ratchet. That's when their guarantee really meant something. And that was part of what you were buying when you bought Craftsman in those days. Shortly after that, he discovered Northern Tools and Harbor Freight -- and beefy 3/4" drive socket sets with a solid ratchet that he wasn't afraid of breaking if there was "extra pressure" applied. 🙂

[@8avexp]

Yep, when they said Craftsman tools were warranted forever, they weren't kidding. I had a Craftsman basin wrench that broke. Took it to Sears across the street (literally) and they replaced it, no questions asked.

[@scottbrown8142]

When i started mechanicing in the early 80s i bought a craftsman box and tool set to get started then bought tools as needed. I was always a fan.

[@branned]

I wish Craftsman would make the repair kits for old USA ratchets.

[@4GSR]

I have a bunch of those repair kits I picked up way back for all of the ratchets I have and still have. Have not had to repair one, but I have them if needed. My son will probably do the repair.

[@jesusmunoz5184]

You can find them, but cheap. I bought a kit for my angled, multi position ratchet, works like it use too. But it was pricey.

[@branned]

@@jesusmunoz5184 I find the whole ratchets for $1-5 at estate sales. EBay wants way too much for the old repair USA made kits.

[@gills3141]

im 23 and the part where you said "I too want a garage full of craftsman". I did it too. I'm still collecting the old sockets and tools and have a solid collection to a point where I can use chrome sockets as impacts and be ok for quite a time. Thank you for the great upload! God bless! Whats sad is overdrive is just rbrt from mac. Its the same wrench,

[@snowdogs01]

My late father-in-law gave me a Craftsman 3/4" corded drill and a skilsaw. Included was the sales receipt, dated December 1950. I was born 12/14/1950. I still use the drill on occasion, when the job REALLY needs the OOOMPH.

[@Saw_Squatch]

My grandfather left me an entire shop full of USA made craftsman from the 70-90's, I never liked handles from the last 15-20 years so I'll be rebuilding the old stuff for as long as kits are available

[@antilaw9911]

Cool 👍

[@DinDooIt]

Treasure it because tools will never be made that good again!!

[@DJAlup]

I agree Craftsman wrench handles suck. They cut into your hands. That stupid raised panel.

[@user-ly6vk6cx1h]

We all just need to give up on craftsman, I use to love them and I still have tons of their USA made tools so yes it was a hard breakup but its time to let them go. With all the other decent tool brands out there who the heck needs Chinese made craftsman.

[@branned]

Most are made in Taiwan like Icon that I have seen.

[@dougfowler6898]

@@brannedI think that’s an important point. The Taiwanese made Craftsman are way better than the Chinese tools.

[@hp7093]

I bought a set of craftsman tools 30 years ago. They have had moderate use. The 3/8 drive locked up recently. I walked in Lowe’s and customer service told me to pick out the closest model. Walked out with the $40 model. No complaints with Lowe’s and craftsman

[@garymiller5937]

I really like the idea of the overbite concept. I've not used any, so I can't give a testimonial. Just saying I like the concept. Thank you for the review, Jeff ! Well done as always. 😃😃😃❤❤❤

[@rockyracoon3281]

I have several complete sets of craftsman wrenches, sockets, ratchets, & screwdrivers from 1983. The only thing that broke was a 3/8 universal. A few months ago, my son & i replaced all the brake lines and hoses in his truck. I couldn't find my line wrenches, so i went to Ace and bought a sae & metric set. We kept stripping the flare nuts, and the lines leaked. I figured the new craftsman chineseum line wrenches stretched out, so i measured them with a micrometer, and they were stretched by almost 1/8" on average. But then i measured the wrenches we didn't use, and they were too big by about 1/16" on average. Then i got the typical jerk job when i tried to return them. What part of lifetime warranty is so hard to understand. I eventually found my original 1983 line wrenches, and they were still measuring dead on balls accurate. I miss the good old days!

[@tsl7881]

Exact opposite of what a flare wrench is supposed to accomplish. Could have done that with a "Crescent wrench".

[@rockyracoon3281]

@tsl7881 yea, we used a crescent wrench to stop the leaks where we could. I was really trying to teach my son the old right tool for the job scenario. Plus, he had never seen line wrenches yet. He learned more than one lesson on that project and saved over $1000. Plus, we got to hang out together for 2 days and get his truck safe and roadworthy. Except for the crappy craftsman line wrenches, we actually had a great weekend together. Priceless.

[@DFisk75]

My first set of tools was a craftsman set i purchased back in 2000. I was excited they were bringing back USA manufacturing and disappointed it didn't work out.

[@Alan-pv2bi]

Bought a set of Craftsman tools in 1988 when i started working at a quarry in the maintenance department. Still have them, but left the quarry in 2005 and was provided tools on site after that. Likely my nephew will get them.

[@akbaird88]

My very first tool set was Craftsman and my first power drill was Black & Decker! So when I heard Craftsman was coming to Fort Worth Texas I applied and got the job in the Machine Shop. I was there before all the machines were in the building. I machined dies for the wrenches and ratchets, modified dies for the sockets. They really did try but it seems they just couldn't get the ball rolling. It really does suck because I really liked that place and the people I worked with. I really wish it would have worked out.

[@KameraShy]

Back in the 70's I worked for a company that opened a huge electronics manufacturing plant in Fort Worth. It was a mess. Total management incompetence at even the most basic levels. Tried to do too much, too fast. They eventually got the problems resolved, sort of, but not without a lot of pain, time and money.

[@jamesmurphy9346]

The Wayback Machine takes us to 1971. I bought a Craftsman set , like 108 piece including box AND a 3/8th Electric Drill. I started decarboning a set of heads with the drill and it dies in 5 minutes. Sent it in for repair, 3 months later I got it back, started using it, died again, threw it away and bought a Black and Decker, did well. The Craftsman tools did well and got me into the Auto Tech trade . They more than made the money back that I invested. Craftsman to me is a wait-n-see . Thanks for the info.

[@manuelvalenzuela5729]

Did Mr. Peabody and Sherman go with you?

[@jamesmurphy9346]

@@manuelvalenzuela5729 actually it was a guy in a stainless steel sports car. Lol !

[@jeffwright9431]

When I was a teenager in late 60's I was able to build a Craftsman tool set one piece at a time at garage sales, swap meets, and believe it or not, Sears itself. The Sears tool department in Long Beach, CA would have buckets and trays of single wrenches and sockets that were on close out, or had been returned, or who knows why, but I picked up 1/2" drive sockets for as little as 50 cents each. When I use the tools today they bring back fond memories of the search and I enjoy explaining to people who see them what the differences are in the design and finish of the older tools.

[@spartanwarrior1855]

Me too

[@josephberger9441]

I have an old set of craftsman from in the 80s approximately 85 or 86 and it was a stainless steel line. The ratchets are super thin and still working fine day and I do a lot of wrenching on my cars.

[@malcolmmallett4936]

I’m a professional mechanic and my first set of tools with top and bottom box was a Craftsman set. I got back in 1978 through a program at my high school auto mechanic trade school. I still have them and use them regularly along with snap on,Mac,Marco, etc that I have added on through the years. If someone asked me years ago I always recommended Craftsman because Sears were everywhere but you couldn’t always have a tool truck when you needed it. That advice went by the wayside when Craftsman went down the tubes. Nowadays I don’t need to buy new tools very often, actually I haven’t bought any hand tools for years but the men’s toy store (Harbor Freight) is my go to now.

[@dirtlegdirtleg]

Wonderful lighting so we can see everything

[@mavision6525]

I inherited a lot of old craftsman tools and it's very rare for me to buy hand tools. If I need something I usually get Icon. I've never bought Craftsman battery tools since they were sold. Nostalgia yes, but my Craftsman buying days at the new big box store are done.

[@anthonyroberts7718]

I had always bought Craftsman tools. My Dad worked for Sears warehouse as a service technician repairing electronics and appliances back in the 1960s and early 70s. When I got married a few years later my father in law gave me a set of jockey lot Chinese made wrenches. I put those wrenches through hell. Hit them with hammers and put long pipes on them for leverage. They never let me down and I still have them today.

[@billyhaddock5540]

Thanks for telling-us what was Craftsman Company thinking with their newest 121 piece set. I found a big Craftsman top/box at my local pawnshop for $89.00 I put all of my old type Craftsman tools in the box. I got the tool/box on top of a Farmers wooden table. I like it.

[@PhillyFixed]

You happened to catch me on a day where I'm pissed at Craftsman. Helping my buddy replace a water pump on his truck, and his Craftsman torque wrench never clicked and he snapped off a bolt in the engine block. (Admittedly, he should have been able to tell he exceeded 90 ft lbs by feel, but still). I verified with it set to 10 ft lb on a random bolt and it never clicked. Brand new.

[@mattadams7922]

Lets be real a Torque Wrench is one if those things you never buy cheap and always wanna verify it works properly before you go using it. Ive watched a buddy do somwtbing similar with a Pittsburgh pro from HF and he went nuclear. That MFer never clicked. I said the same thing you mean you didnt realize you were past 75 ft/lbs. Tested it no click thoguht he was gonna smash the poor guys head with it at HF.

[@turbo32coupe]

If you are going to have one expensive tool in your box, it should be a name brand American torque wrench. Especially if you are working on engines, where torque is critical.

[@choccolocco]

That’s why I prefer the old cheap kind with a scale and needle. Of course, they’re not always the best as far as size, but you don’t have to worry about it “not clicking”.

[@homelee665]

I picked that same set up to use as a truck set. Not top of the line, but handy in a pinch.

[@wwclark]

Have a lot of older tools, still work good. Bought the 256 piece set on sale now for $99. Maybe kinda wish I would have held out for the Kobalt seal for same price. But happy so far. Good set for basement

[@orsonwells7997]

Thirty years ago I bought the craftsman tool kit in the blow molded case. The first time I used the half inch drive ratchet the guts gave out. Off to the local sears store with the ratcet in hand and before I got to the desk the guy seen me coming and had the new repair kit on the counter. He already knew what the problem was going to be. Have not had any issues since or with any of the other tools in the kit. Best seventy bucks I have ever spent on tools.

[@willb3018]

I started working for Sears part time in the hardware dept working my way through college in the fall of 1970. As a kid everyone I knew had Craftsman and while working there I started accumulating using my employee discount. Screw drivers, pliers, sockets, ratchets etc. Probably haven't bought any Craftsman in 30 years now. So all USA made. But that isn't to say I've stopped buying. Just for fun I have purchased some HF and Tekton stuff. honestly, for the price, HF isn't bad at all. I like Tekton too. It is a shame what that Lampert did to Sears and Craftsman.

[@waterbottle4782]

When I first entered trades over four decades ago I bought one of those big box with 100s of hand tools from Sears. One of the best things I did considering I still use the same tools today. I do not know about quality of Craftsman tools now because Sears no longer exists in my country.

[@cheyennecombs8756]

Talk about nostalgia, I keep an early 90s Craftsman USA set in my old squarebody Chevy. Ratchets are a bit clunky but otherwise a joy to use.

[@FedUpCanuck]

I am 65 and have always had craftsman. Never had any issues and stuff I had years ago work fine today. I even have craftsman tools from 1977 when I first started out. And they still work great. Black and Decker is another story. They used to make amazing power tools and would last forever. The newer power tools especially the cordless drills are so under powered even the 20 volt are not much use other than screwdrivers

[@kirbywalker5307]

I’m an apprentice working on agriculture equipment and a 159 piece craftsman set was my first purchase in my career and over the past couple months the base set has takin the beating and kept on ticking and I don’t regret my purchase at all. Yeah the ratchets are a little beefy (but functional) but the sockets work fine and other craftsman tools I own I’ve had warrantied at my local Lowes relatively easily. I’m not a bit disappointed with my purchase

[@johnpoerio4071]

Hi, I have some 40-year-old craftsman. Wrenches that say made in USA but now I’m sticking with icon.

[@lonniechartrand]

I enjoyed your review. I recently bought a new Craftsman ratchet set, not the overdrive, and have to say that my BIGGEST COMPLAINT, is the tool "box" that the set came in! It is difficult to remove the tools from the box. So much so, that I resorted to getting a cheap, flat, "wrench" that came with a bicycle, and use that to PRY the sockets, etc. out of the slots!

[@joer5627]

I have a hand plane and router from my long gone grandad. Both sears 2nd brand. Router is an Emerson. Both tools work just fine easy 60 years since he bought them. Have his 1963 Craftsman tablesaw. Cleaned it up, replaced the pulleys, added a link belt, and added dust collection. I will die before this does.

[@jasonsmith373]

The USA-made Craftsman Professional line in the 1990's was nearly as good as Snap-On for half the price.

[@peterkwan4772]

But it was not profitable for Craftsman to keep the USA-made Craftsman Professional line in the 1990's going.

[@whirledpeaz5758]

After landing my first post plandemic job, building marine engines, I have been rebuilding my toolbox with Icon wrenchs and Quinn sockets and Gear wrench ratchets, Pittsburg 1/2" impact sockets. DeWalt 20v power tools.

[@callen1904]

Got my craftsman rollaway box and tools back in 2006 from sears, love those tools, not the same today.

[@Travis141123]

I had one of the big socket sets in the fitted box I used for years doing side work. Loved it. Still got a wrench set in steel box that was my granddads (I'm 60), no numbers on the tools so it's got to be old. Their boxes are still kind of clunky and have a cheap feel. I still buy up odd Craftsman tools if I see them. Vintage Craftsman and Radio Shack stuff: good enough, affordable and sorely missed.

[@astridsactionrc545]

I left the mechanic trades 20 years ago. I’m a recovering Craftsman fan boy too. I never fell for the tool truck scam. I have thousands of dollars worth of Craftsman tools. Other techs used to trash talk me all of the time. I gave up on Craftsman when they introduced and pushed their Evolve line. 🤮 I worked at Sears at the time and I couldn’t stand it!

[@Failure_Is_An_Option]

Liar.

[@busman2050]

Many years ago sears had a cheaper priced tools like adjustable wrenches that were made in Japan. I have one of those. They were cheaper than craftsman in price but the quality was just as good, they were far superior to any adjustable wrenches sold today.

[@busman2050]

The evolve tools were junk

[@CallLeeFree]

I always had Craftsman until I went to buy a new master set 12 years ago and it said 'made in China'. I instead bought Tekton master sets and love them.

[@n0yxl]

Hey thanks for the good video review. Admittedly, I've moved onto the HF Pittsburgh and ICON(pretty nice!) branded tools for home use, but it would be really nice to Have "Made in the U.S.A" badging back on Craftsman tools and I would probably hop back on the bandwagon again if that happened.

[@jeffreybaker7406]

I got the stack system toolbox and the top storage unit just for something to keep in my truck for emergencies. It’s not horrible but it isn’t great. Lots of fluff and not a lot of wrenches. There’s a decent selection of sockets in all 3 sizes. Definitely not a professional set, but it’ll get you out of a pinch on the side of the road if you add the extra storage and add pliers, consumables and hand held tire inflator.

[@kb9oak749]

Craftsman used to be my go to brand. Unfortunately that is no longer the case. Why pay a premium for just a name when comparable tools can be had for less?

[@n9wox]

I've bought a good amount of Craftsman over the years. I've moved onto Tekton and Gearwrench.

[@NealB123]

I bought a DIY collection of Craftsman tools back in the 80's -- wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, ratchet set and a few other odds and ends. All have been well used and still look good as new to this day. Haven't bought anything Craftsman since they started outsourcing to China in the 2010's. I live close to HD and now buy Husky whenever I need something I don't have. Never had a failure with either brand.

[@stevekerr1386]

I still have and use my original Craftsman starter set with 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch ratchets and STD/Metric sockets that I got 45 years ago. I've had to replace the 3/8" ratchet a few times using the lifetime warranty, once with Sears and the 2nd time with Lowes when they took over. Back when I had a lot less disposable income, I use to get the old Craftsman Tool catalog and just dream good thoughts.

[@Thestargazer56]

I bought my son a set and tool chest after graduating from getting his Associate Degree in Industrial Maintenance about 30 years ago, telling him that these tools will last you a lifetime. The tool chest is long gone. So far he still is using them and making a good living, along with a few other speciality tools required by his job.

[@scarling9367]

I like what SB&D has done with Craftsman. The quality has gone up since moving away from Chinese production.

[@ChrisLoew]

GUNMETAL GREY IS THE ONLY WAY TO WIN ME OVER, WHO ELSE DOES THAT?

[@dave3657]

I bought a complete set of tools and a tool chest back in 1990, over the years I have had to replace a few screwdrivers and two rachets. It was a good investment.

[@michaeladkison98]

I feel like Tekton is turning into the new craftsman. Made in America, lifetime no questions asked warranty, and quality tools and boxes. I tried to take my dad's craftsman tools back numerous times and have always been told "we don't service items that old..". I've sent a pictures of a broken socket or wrench to tekton, gotten an email back within a few hours with a tracking number for an overnight package containing my replacement. Times have changed sadly :/

[@KameraShy]

I filled my hand tool box(es) with Craftsman back in the 70's. No need for more. Power tools are a mix of DeWalt, Hart and HFT - which I have had unexpectedly good luck with.

[@Mag_Aoidh]

I grew up at Sears being a kid of the late 60/70s. Every year I got one pair of toughskins and they were never worn out but my Mom wanted them to look nice before school started. I too will buy every older craftsman hand tool I can find.

[@qwikz28]

Just bought a new overdrive set because it was on sale for $150 at Lowe's but mostly because I wanted the ratchets and it was about the same price as buying the ratchets individually. Ended up hating the ratchets but loving the sockets and wrenches. Just did the suspension on my old Land Rover Defender with the sockets and wrenches and didn't strip a bolt. If you know anything about old Land Rovers, you know that's impressive.

[@wrightwc1]

I very much like my old craftsman pro ratchets and wrenches. The old raised panel stuff is all but erased from my box now. Using tools on the job daily made me gravitate to higher quality stuff.

[@hu5116]

I love the V20 series battery tools and own most of them, and love em! Have not had any complaints and work well. Also, look for the tool packages that include a battery and charger: it’s usually notably cheaper than buying the batteries separately. So I now have plenty of chargers and batteries at both home, the office and the shop and it was all very affordable.

[@jimmace6148]

That is the identical box to the Stanley set I bought in 2009. The 1/2" ratchet that came with it is chunky and still works fine as I had to scavenge it for my main box after my Mac destroyed itself .

[@lukenohren1545]

I’m a recovering craftsman fanboy as well. As a young man, I recall aimlessly wandering the tool section of Sears drilling over tools I couldn’t afford and would rarely use. Over the years I’ve been able to buy a few sets on sale. My rule of thumb with tool sets is approximately $1 per tool. Obviously a small quarter inch drive set would be cheaper than a small half inch drive set, so it was all within reason. On sale the bigger sets were at or under $1 per tool!

[@chuckmckee2741]

I have set of made in the USA Craftsman wrenches and sockets. Never had a complaint especially when you could return them at Sears life time warranty. Works on all my stuff for 20 years or more.

[@jimydoolittle3129]

Aircraft mechanic for 30 years here , my tool box is mostly full of craftsman tools from the 80s and 90s , and the same ratchet , they were great ( people always damage them because they’re using them the wrong way ) , had some snap on and MAC but they’re very expensive , 🧰 I’ll probably retired soon with my craftsman as the first choice 🔧🛠️,

[@hondafan20111]

I have a old craftsman sockets set my dad gave me. For power tools I use Dewalt XR line and couldn't be happier. The only thing I hate is battery prices but I'm guessing most brands r the same.

[@ruck-a-tron]

The ratchets are a little big, but space is usually not a problem when you need a 1/2" drive ratchet. I bought a Craftsman impact driver a few months ago. It is the brushed version, but it's still pretty powerful. I think they are good if you aren't using it daily for work. I think I got it for around 60 or 70 bucks with a battery so it's not bad.

[@bobdunn4179]

Bought a Craftsman battery operated chain saw last fall, and it's little dandy. It is excellent for light work.

[@joshuamilesmiles4810]

I've had really good luck with the overdrive series. I buy classic cars from the junkyard and put them back on the road and have used matco,snap-on, and several other brands but I really like the craftsman overdrive set I got as a gift. I've since purchased the whole set.

[@garyb.4080]

I’m 75, and I have my Dads old Craftsman hand tools, there as good today, as the were when he bought them!

[@F0XD1E]

What lantern light do you have on the disassembly bench?

[@joshschackmann9607]

First, I want to say I really enjoy your videos. You have spent alot of my money for me. LOL. I would like to comment on the Craftsman Overdrive Tools from my experience. First I will agree they are a bit over priced. However, I did decide ( because of nostalgia and the gun metal chrome) to replace my 21 year old Husky Pro set with the 284 piece over drive set. To date this set has been awesome. Missing a few things that old set had and I had to buy a few more things ( oh darn :) ) but I am enjoying the set. My personal garage has all of the Brushless RP series tools as well and they have been solid. IN addition to all the craftsman tools I also have a ton of pittsburg and ICON. I would consider myself an advanced DIYer in the mechanics field. We have a 5 vehicles from 2003 to 2019, a Travel trailer and 2 ATV's that we work on. From Transmission swaps to simple oil changes and everything in between. I guess the moral of my story is the Overdrive stuff works super well and has never let me down as of now. If you can get past the price which some may not.... for me it has been a work horse so far. I guess time will tell. I am always wrenching but I have to say not on a Pro level. Well unless it a jeep. Then I am a damn Pro!! HAHAHA In my professional trade I use Makita power tools but I would glady rock my craftsmans hand tools and all of the RP power tools I have on any jobsite. This is just my to cents. Keep up the great videos. To anyone reading this... regardless of the brands you buy... KEEP WRENCHING!

[@arlynking1300]

I'm with you brother ! I have a 35 year old set 1/4,3/8 and 1/2 inch drive along with the wrench set same age, never broken a single piece of it and don't expect it to happen. Craftsman isn't what it once was, off-shored production etc. Their lawn mowers are now MTD rather than the AYP/Husqvarna , high end name downgraded quality. When it happens that I need a tool of some kind I look elsewhere , Craftsman Tools aren't what they used to be and anyone that's been using tools a lot will tell you the same thing. Thanks for the great review of Craftsman.

[@hbarwickjr]

It's an improvement since Sears sold out. I was Craftsman exclusively back then but afterward switched to Husky wrenches. These overdrive Craftsman are tempting.

[@DBRCustoms]

I was just at lowes and I told the wife that I will always be drawn to craftsman but I know that there are better tools at better prices out there. But like my constant struggle to not but every mystery bucket of what ever, I will always want to look at craftsman knowing it's not the best route. I've got the 4 drawer tool set that was a christmas gift that I love but the bottom drawer is filled with the things the set is missing.

[@gwall1789]

The overdrive sets were on sale at Lowes for months. They just recently went back to regular price. I have the wrenches. They work great and they’re almost identical to the MAC RBRT wrenches.

[@TRONABORON]

2024 still using all my dad's hand me down Craftsman tools from the 60's-70's-80's! 🛠️ The older ones were solid!