Snap-On vs Craftsman vs Mac vs Matco vs Mr. El Cheapo [Archive]

AlienTranz

07-21-2007, 10:50 AM

I threw all my craftsman tools away and all I use is snap on. I was sick of going to sears to warranty them, plus craftsman sockets are one time use it seemed they wore out to quickly and were rounding bolts off. None of our techs are aloud to use craftsman tools, because if we have to go behind them and pull something out that a craftsman tool was used on it takes twice as long since every bolt has to be chissled off. They are great for home use though.

Joe

07-21-2007, 11:14 AM

Craftsman here. Good prices, available everywhere you have a sears or Kmart and a lifetime warranty :D

1ugly88

07-21-2007, 11:18 AM

daman1

07-21-2007, 11:30 AM

I threw all my craftsman tools away
WTF!!!!!! :eek:

send them to me next time, gezzzz man...

Joe

07-21-2007, 11:34 AM

i started out with craftsman but quickly converted over to mostly mac and some snap-on stuff. i hated going to sears everyday to warranty sockets and rachets. i think craftsman is good for the weekend warriors but in severe everyday use they suck.
Ive used Craftsman for my home repair and backyard machanic work for over 20 years and only had to return one rachet, that was because I had a big pipe on it and probably shouldn't have :looking: :LOL:

For "Severe everyday" use, you are no longer the 'backyard mechanic' and need professional tools.

AlienTranz

07-21-2007, 11:51 AM

The last guy I worked with got so frustrated with his mac sockets that he threw away a brand new set of 8mm to 19mm. Of course someone dug them out. I didn't really throw away my craftsman I gave them away.

Mach929

07-21-2007, 12:20 PM

navihawk

07-21-2007, 12:31 PM

At home I have Craftsman,a small Husky 1/4 drive set, some of my grandfathers old stuff,(I kick myself for all the stuff of his that disappeared over the years), and everything in between.
At work I have a set of Snap-on flank drive standard set,Craftsman pro series thin metric. Both are great. an Armstrong 13 mm ratchet box wrench that sees alot of use.I highly recommend Armstrong for wrenches.
Snap on screwdriver set in red,Bonhaus "allen" wrenches...awsome.

bob308

07-21-2007, 12:33 PM

if the craftsman tools are messing up the bolts then some one is using them wrong. like i said i have been using mine for 40 years. i have used mine on every thing from race cars of all kinds to steam engines even an airplane. and matinance work where i am now.
don't know what the problem is taking them back to the store is. i never liked the idea of waiting for the truck to come around and then have to wait another week or more if he was out of that tool. now for those out of the loop mac, matco, craftsman, essco, napa, and a few others are made by the same factory.

GMCrazy

07-21-2007, 12:37 PM

I use Craftsman in my garage. At work they only buy Snap-On anymore. They are both good IMO.

chevyman992002

07-21-2007, 01:02 PM

My box is full of craftsman and husky tools. Never had a problem with any of them. I get 50% off on snap-on while im in school, so I'm sure I'll have some s/o stuff in my box by the time I get out.

tommie

07-21-2007, 01:10 PM

i have worked in dealers for about 10 years, i have a large mix of tools, I have some craftsman, some snap-on, some MAC and a couple of matco, and a few things from harbor freight.

If you are using the tool everyday then buy snap-on, all of the snap-on tools I have fall under this category. Most of the craftsman stuff I have was just used on ocassion, I have some MAC tools, but it sucks now because we do not have a MAC dealer down here anymore. Some of the harbor freight stuff, is just for a one time thing, or not used very much at all.

it is very easy to get overboard with snap-on, their tools are very expensive, they are good quality, but very expensive. Some of the guys at the dealer owed the snap-on man way too much money. If you have to go on the snap on truck each friday to cash your check, in my opinion something is very wrong....

I'm out of the dealer now, and teach high school auto tech at a brand new shop that is fully equipped with snap-on tools, it is nice...

Car_Freak

07-21-2007, 02:14 PM

at work most of my tools are mac and a few snap-on, got 50% off mac while doing my apprenticeship. Most of my home tools are mastercraft and craftsman.

Agent915

07-21-2007, 05:25 PM

I have almost exclusivly used Craftsman hand tools for over 20 years and in that span of time I had to have a 1/2 inch ratchet head replaced due to a stripped gear. My fault...huge breaker bar with me and a buddy pulling on it. As far as air tools go I bought solely Snap-On because the Snap-On truck came by once a week. If you look at the cost of a set of wrenchs on the Snap-On truck compared to Craftsman I never saw the logic in spending two-three times as much for wrenches when both have a lifetime replacement warranty. I have never experienced a problem with rounding nut/bolt heads with Craftsman tools. They seem to be a high quality as the Snap-On, Mac. But hey,to each his own.

Beyond Static©

07-21-2007, 05:25 PM

If my job consisted of me using tools all day, I'd use cornwell and snap-on. But I dont use them too much, so I have mainly craftsman, and a few cornwells

BADLANDER

07-21-2007, 06:21 PM

matco IMHO

Chev98

07-21-2007, 07:51 PM

Mixture of Mastercraft, Craftsman, and Husky and snap-on. My dad is a shop foreman for a large Trucking company, so I get good deals on Snap-on stuff.

wm-webb

07-21-2007, 09:27 PM

Craftsman.
My father still has Craftsman tools that he bought 65 years ago. Most survived the shop burning down around them and that a good enough endorsement for me. Yes I've broken some but with a long enough piece of pipe I could break any brand.

:fsg:

crewcab06

07-21-2007, 09:28 PM

Do these pics answer your question? These dont even catalogue my 19.2V drills-batteries, 2 other sears skill saws, a chop saw, a sawzall, Numerous craftsmen tools at work, extensive socket-ratchet-wrench-nut driver-and much more collection. 1/2-3/8-1/4" Metric, it makes no diff. Even got a new push mower from them, to help the 54" cut john deere. Have 2 chainsaws. A creeper. Countless other things.

I swear by craftsmen tools. I've brought back one thing, a 1/4" swivel socket (not impact grade)....but then again i was using it on a 1/2" impact with an adapter tryin to free up an upper bell housing bolt on a 350 chevy :LOL:
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/nickboudro/100_0835.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/nickboudro/100_0836.jpg
http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d185/nickboudro/100_0837.jpg

GM Muscle

07-21-2007, 10:06 PM

I use mostly Craftsman. I have become pretty fond of Snap On ratchets so I have a few of those I got off ebay. Most of my specialty tools are alittle higher end too but still, atleast 80% of my box is Craftsman. Couldn't be any happier with them.

powderkeg

07-22-2007, 01:32 AM

I use mostly Proto tools, and a few select Facom tools, some cheap screwdrivers for prying etc... Seriously, you cannot beat Proto for quality and price. Out of all wrenches I used over the years, I think theirs is on par in quality with the best, and are easier on my hands. They're not cheap, but they're not as expensive as snap on.

99gixxer

07-22-2007, 02:05 AM

at work we use mostly craftsman. we always break the ratchets, but hey its a free replacement. we have Mac's & snap-on's impacts & air tools tho.

kenman1717

07-22-2007, 11:21 AM

i think you forgot, a few of the bigger names like GRAY for example.

and i don't know what you considere cheap sh*t tools, but majority of my set is mastercraft, they have the best warranty. and you don't realize that when you go with snap on you are paying all that money for the name right, cause there tools are no of a higher quality that anyone elses.

i have bought lots of snap on tools before and there warranty is sh*t in my opinion. MAC is alright but again, paying for a name, no better quality.

where do you rank Ultra Pro(NAPA) tools at, are they cheap sh*t. Me when i buy tools i buy ones with a good warranty. i buy tools with a no questions ask warranty policy, so it doesn't matter how you break it, you get a new one.

trying to get warranty out of Snap on or MAC is way to much of of a hassle.

i'm not trying to be an as*hole, but i hate it when people try to say those big name tools are the best, when in actuallity they aren't in those two main facts bullsh*t warranty, and paying for a name.

and saying everything else is cheap sh*t, when there is nothing wrong with alot of them, yeah so the price is cheap but as something you use everyday they last also,

now don't get me wrong there are alot of really cheap sh*t ones, that are no name, and some others that are a tool distributors bottom line, that break the first time you use it, if not before if you drop it.

oh and there is nothing wrong with craftsman, they are good, with a good warranty.

snwmn984

07-22-2007, 02:05 PM

Craftsman, you can't beat the price and warranty. When i was a diesel mech in In i used craftsman and Matco. Loved matco tools, pricey compared to craftsman, but the truck came every week and it was too easy to fall into temptation. Don't like Snap On!

usmc6213

07-22-2007, 02:23 PM

I inherited a complete set of Craftsman tools so the majority of my collection is Craftsman. I do have to agree that the ratchets aren't the greatest in the world, but I only have to pay for it once, so that works for me. I have a few Snap-On tools that were given to me. My favorite ratchet actually came from Advance Auto Parts. (It's the one I always look for when I have a light-medium job to do.) In my rush to finish a job I forgot to pick it up and just test drive the Tahoe and ran over the AAP ratchet. Crappy plastic handle cracked but still works great. I was taking my hubs off of my Tahoe with my Craftsman sockets and broke 3 15mm 6pt sockets. (Don't ask why I had 3 of the exact same socket...The guy at Sears looked at me like I was crazy) But I went to Autozone and bought one of theirs and it worked...So when I have to buy a new tool, I look for the warranty and judge the quality by using it.

kenman1717

07-22-2007, 09:00 PM

Ive used Craftsman for my home repair and backyard machanic work for over 20 years and only had to return one rachet, that was because I had a big pipe on it and probably shouldn't have :looking: :LOL:

i have one 1/2 drive craftsman ratchet that is well older than i am, and it has had 6 foot long pipes on it, and it never broke, and still doesn't slip, i will use it with a long pipe on it, alot more than i will use my snap on power bar, cause i know if it breaks, i can get another very easy, but if my snap on power bar breaks, i have to go through alot of hassle, and to me its not worth it.

oh i didn't buy the snap on power bar, i found it along side the road, so don't think i am going sanp on or anything.

karter25

07-23-2007, 06:37 AM

Hey Kenman, why all the anger? Or is it an age thang? Its just a tool discussion, not brain surgery. LOL

1996Silverado

07-23-2007, 10:09 AM

Mostly Craftsman, some Snap-on and some "other" brands.

But you can't beat the convenience of Craftsman. I have some that are more than 30 years old. :rocking:

87Iroc

07-23-2007, 12:28 PM

ThUmPiN15oO

07-23-2007, 01:55 PM

chwelch

07-23-2007, 03:26 PM

i have a ton of craftsman tools because on a weekends when i'm in the middle of a project sears is the only place i can run to get something. For certain things i use the hell out of like a 3/8 ratchet, snap-on rocks. a really nice screw driver set would be nice too but i don't have one yet.

You need better distributers! My Snap On dealer will drive to my house, all I have to do is pick up the phone! He's really a great guy but then again i probably have over $20,000 in Snap On tools. When it comes to professional duty tools, the only thing I use is Snap on. Plus they are the only local reliable dealer. Mac & Matco dealers come with the seasons around here then your stuck with tools that are a pain in the ass to get warrantied out.

Sleeper_6

07-23-2007, 04:19 PM

I am glad to see am not the only one who hates craftsman Drivers!

I have 95% craftsman sockets and wrenches and screwdrivers but I use Snap on Drivers.

sometimes I think the Powerbuilt tool kit i keep in my truck has better drivers in it them sears offers.

Sierra H/O

07-23-2007, 04:50 PM

Craftsman work for me, but if I used my tools for a living, I would probably use Snap On or Cornwell.

kenman1717

07-23-2007, 08:03 PM

Hey Kenman, why all the anger? Or is it an age thang? Its just a tool discussion, not brain surgery. LOL

no anger intended toward anyone, its just i get so P*ssed when people say that snap on or mac are so much better than everything else, and every thing else is sh*t, because its not true.

and for the simple fact that you are only paying for names with snap on or mac, and there warrantys suck, where as with others like mastercraft and craftsman(not saying they are the best or anything), have excellent warrantys, you break something, you return it and get a new one, with snap on, they have to send it away and test it, and if they find you were using it wrong your F*cked out of a new one, you have to buy it, its not like that with the 2 previous mentioned.

kenman1717

07-23-2007, 08:18 PM

maybe i was a bit harsh, its just that i have always had bad experiences with snap on and mac with there warrantys, and have worked with alot of guys who have also had bad experiences with their warrantys,

i have never ever had a problem with mastercraft or craftsman warrantys, yes their tools break, but with a good warranty its no problem.

yes i do have to admit, some snap on tools are made with higher quality for more specitalty jobs, but 3/4 of the tools are of the same quality as alot of cheaper tools(price wise), so when it all boils down to it you are just paying for a name.

i remember once i needed a 1/2 inch drive 12inch long extension for something, and the snap on guy happend to be right their, so i go out to the truck and grab one, and he totals it up to like $70 bucks, thats totaly outragous, so i put it back, told him i would think about it.

anyway so it was lunch break after he left, so i drove down the street to the NAPA store, and pulled and Ultra Pro one off the wall, it was like $20 bucks with tax, and it has an excellent warranty, i have had that extension for 4 years now, and it use and abuse it every day, never had a problem.

crewcab06

07-23-2007, 09:38 PM

My brother is a professional mechanic and he uses only Snap On and Mac for his permanent box. For his field service box he filled it with Craftsman and Pittsburg(Harbor Freight)...that way if some got lost it wasn't a big deal. The pittsburgh stuff is very nice too IMHO...just not as convenient as Sears.

I have 95% craftsman, and then 5% cheap stuff and Snap On/Mac handme downs.
Pittsburgh is nice? Harbor freight tools are used to get you out of a bind, cheap. pittsburgh is some of the cheapest **** out there.

I do have an engine lift from harbor freight that has well earned its keep on the other hand.

IH8FORD

07-23-2007, 10:09 PM

Ive had a hell of alot harder time getting stuff warrantied at sears then my snap on or mac guys. both of them have vices on the truck and will break the tool for you and give you a new one. i still wont buy some things from them. i have alot of craftsman sockets and use them everyday and never have a problem with them.

porker

07-24-2007, 08:41 AM

I have a set of S-K's that my father bought in '46 or '48. They are still like new. I also have an S-K set I bought when I first got married, in 1974. They are also like new. Alas, the only shop that sold S-K just closed up, so I'm buying exclusively Craftsman. I've had to return a 22m deep socket that I used with a breaker bar for the lug nuts on my (formerly owned) jap vehicles. I really like the idea that you might break a Craftsman tool, but you'll only buy it once, and Craftsman is a lot cheaper than Snap-On.

85frdfandc

07-24-2007, 08:57 AM

Being a technician at several dealers, I've used everything from craftsman (what I started with) to snap-on. I really like snap-on stuff, granted its 3 times as expensive as craftsman, I think the severe duty use quality is much, much better.

ScoJack

07-24-2007, 10:04 AM

Most of the tools in this country are made by the Danaher Tool Group. They make everything, Snap On, MAC, MATCO, Husky, Kobalt, Craftsman, etc. If you go to Sears to warranty a ratchet, and they give you a rebuilt one; theres a good chance its got Snap On guts in it. Kobalt tools are also good. I have a mix of Craftsman and Kobalt that I got at Lowes.

I did however get a 3/8" Snap On impact gun for free. Sent it out for rebuild and they gave me a new one. I only paid $105 for it, but still waaaaay cheaper than the truck would have been.

:rocking:

wm-webb

07-24-2007, 11:08 AM

Alas, the only shop that sold S-K just closed up, so I'm buying exclusively Craftsman.

Sears still sells S-K tools. Not sure if it's by order only or if the stores stock them.

:fsg:

85frdfandc

07-24-2007, 03:23 PM

Most of the tools in this country are made by the Danaher Tool Group. They make everything, Snap On, MAC, MATCO, Husky, Kobalt, Craftsman, etc. If you go to Sears to warranty a ratchet, and they give you a rebuilt one; theres a good chance its got Snap On guts in it. Kobalt tools are also good. I have a mix of Craftsman and Kobalt that I got at Lowes.

:rocking:

Danaher does not make Snap-on. Snap-on has their own manufacturing plants in Michigan, Tennesee and I thinki 2 other states.

Mac and Matco have their tools made for them. Their is 2 other companies that make the hand tools besides Danaher. I'll need to ask my dad who works for MSC Tools.

CscottsSS

07-25-2007, 01:18 PM

Craftsman all the way!

trickedout420

07-25-2007, 02:33 PM

craftsman, mostly because out in BFE where i live and work we get a mac and snap on truck once every 4 months. and a sears is only about 20 miles into town

xjfish

07-26-2007, 01:11 AM

Danaher does not make Snap-on. Snap-on has their own manufacturing plants in Michigan, Tennesee and I thinki 2 other states.
True

Mac and Matco have their tools made for them. Their is 2 other companies that make the hand tools besides Danaher. I'll need to ask my dad who works for MSC Tools.

Dahner makes Mac's tools? Didn't know that...you sure? I know they make tools for Matco, Allen/Gearwrench, ect.

Personally I love Snap-on tools and have spent many clams on their stuff. Spendy stuff. I spent $20 on a damn used punch last time i was on the truck. I really like matco for the value also and have been buying quite a bit from them lately over the internet. My rollaway is a Matco. Nothing wrong with Craftsman/Husky for the home diy'er. I know that they are outsourcing a lot more of their tool manufacturing than previously and quality has dropped some, unfortunatly. Also not a big fan of their ratchets. Besides snap-on, matco, and craftsman I own my fair share of Menards "tool shop" tools just to have around.

polyanskiyalex

07-26-2007, 03:15 AM

All snap on here, got tired of bustin knuckles and them not replacing it saying it wuz abused. Air tools are all IR titanium.
By the way ken man snap on has all ways replaced mine right away, and never said anything about abuse unlike craftsman.

Great Replies here guys. I agree,the reason I've been upgrading to Snapon is; I am getting tires of bustim my knuckles becuase the tool doesnt grip too well. Craftsman tools are great for all around. But specialty stuff Snapon is the only way to go. Snapon's air tools suk. i have the IR titanium set also in 1/4 1/2 3/4 and 1 inch drive. I work on heavy Volvo trucks all day. The snapon dude has been really cool to us. He hooks us up with deals all the time.

thecodeman

07-26-2007, 11:13 AM

I have free craftsman and other no name tools but will upgrade to snap-on over the years. It is worth the price for the quality, and before their 75 year patent ran out on the Flank Drive, it was the only wrench worth its weight. Now everyone has Flank Drive features on their wrenches.

OuTcAsT

07-28-2007, 09:54 PM

I'm a Nissan tech and about 80% of my tools are Craftsman the other 20% are Snap-On cause Craftsman doesn't make a tool like it. My box is even a CraftsmanPro cause for the same space I would have paid over $10000 for a box from any of the others. And never let them tell you there box is better cause I've had my box for 7 years now and it still looks brand new.

Carl94

07-29-2007, 04:46 AM

Most of the tools in my garage are Westwards, not sure how they compare to snap-on but my westward ratchet set (imperial and metric.. 3/8's) has outlasted a craftsman set I got a year ago.

FarmTruk

07-29-2007, 08:12 AM

About 80% Craftsman. Like the other's have said, it's good quality at a fair price, with an excellent warranty. I guess I'm a moderate backyard mechanic and DIY'er.

The balance is a mix of stuff bought in lots at auctions. Mostly no name, but I do have both a 3/8" & 1/2" Snap-on ratchet , as well as deep well 6-pt. sockets, that I truely love.

I've got a small $19 Advance Auto "no-name" set that contains SAE/Metric sockets and 3/8" ratchet, 3/8" to 1/4" adapter and extension, and a couple other small misc. items. I bought it on a Sunday evening when I was out of town to do a emergency parking lot repair. I now carry it in my trunk for emergency purposes only.

Red376

07-29-2007, 08:47 AM

In the end it's whatever floats you boat when it comes to the hand or air tools.
I would recommend to anyone serious about buying a good toolbox to consider a Snap On or one of the other higher end brands. At least with the dealers that I have dealt with(Snap On) but I know the other brands are similar-yes, they are more expensive, but if you eventually want to upgrade to a bigger box, they will give you what you paid for your box on trade. Or if you want to re-sell it yourself, their value doesn't really fall off that much.
I will say if you are a weekend warrior type mechanic, the store bought tools with lifetime warranties are just fine. I am a Snap On fan myself.
When I go to swap meets, there's usually at least one booth set up selling all kind of tools, everything from used to new, all the brands, and some no name stuff. You can find hellacious deals there. I bought a POS China made 3 foot breaker bar for like $10 bucks, and I have beat the sh!t out of it and still hasn't bent or fallen to pieces.

crewcab06

07-29-2007, 09:42 AM

Most of the tools in my garage are Westwards, not sure how they compare to snap-on but my westward ratchet set (imperial and metric.. 3/8's) has outlasted a craftsman set I got a year ago.
What the hell did you do to a ratchet/socket craftsman set to make it not "outlast" a westward?

Buy a Craftsman socket set, buy it for life.

FarmTruk

07-29-2007, 11:14 AM

I've never bought any, but Lowe's "Kobalt" brand looks to be a decent enought set for the occasional user. And a lifetime warranty. Not sure how they handle warranty coverage though. It'd be cool if they did it like Craftsman.

Edit...nevermind. Doesn't Chad Knaus use Kobalt ?

That'd rule them out for automotive use, at least if it has to pass inspection...

hahhahahhahahahaahhahahhahhaaaahhahaaa.

Oh man, that was teh funnieh.

kenman1717

07-29-2007, 08:36 PM

Most of the tools in my garage are Westwards, not sure how they compare to snap-on but my westward ratchet set (imperial and metric.. 3/8's) has outlasted a craftsman set I got a year ago.

westward warranty is aswesome, i have some myself, but it is proven that they are lower on the quality scale, for most name brands but with their no questions asked lifetime warranty who cares about the quality.

bob308

07-29-2007, 09:25 PM

i have used craftsman ratchets all my life use them in my job and in my own business.i will give you guys a little hint. at the big end of the ratchet there is a little hole with w spring plunger you put a drop of oil in there about once a week.

question? does paying 3 times what a wrench would cost at sears make you 3 times the machanic?

for you snap-on guys i have a snap-on top and bottom box for sale.

91chevZ71

07-29-2007, 09:29 PM

craftsman all the way. plus I get craftsman at manufacturer price, not sears price...

Sierra H/O

07-29-2007, 09:58 PM

$gmoney$

07-30-2007, 04:56 PM

Craftsman, but I will admit their ratchets suck.

TOTHEMAX!

07-30-2007, 07:17 PM

snapon tools are nice when you are a professional mechanic and you need specialized tools. craftsman tools make up 90% of my collection. they are great for the do it yourselfer and from what ive seen in their new catalog they have definatly raised the bar with their selection and quality.

Ognob350

08-01-2007, 03:08 PM

Now I always thought a wrench is a wrench but when I go from using my tools, which are mostly craftsman, to my buddy's which is all snap-on its a world of difference.

Menard666

08-01-2007, 03:19 PM

Snap-On is overpriced junk. Put a pipe on a snap-on wrench and what do you hear....snap. Do the same to a craftsman and you'll see the difference, and for a lot less money.

Oh, and never put a pipe on wrenches.

Same for impacts, the snap-ons have a lot less power. IMO anyways.

Bouy

08-01-2007, 10:56 PM

I have been using my dad's craftsman tools wich are now over 30 years old. The only thing I have ever broke was a flat blade and I would say thats a :10: As long as you keep them clean craftsmans should never be a problem.

bigwobbely

08-01-2007, 11:01 PM

well most of my stuff is duralast(socket sets), great neck (wrenches), craftsman (socket set), and my 1 name brand tool is a very bad a$$ pair of snap-on "channel locks". $49.00 from the truck. could have bought the vise-grip brand from home-depot but i thought i'd treat my self 2 a fancy name brand tool.....lol

all my tools wil be around alot longer than i will!!!!!!lmao...

NotLifted

08-03-2007, 11:07 AM

I've got a mix of craftsman, snapon, and mac. At the least invest in a nice set of snapon screwdrivers. I thought the craftsman professional ones would be ok...dead wrong, they still suck. Most of my sockets and wrenches are craftsman. I've got some nice snapon ratchets, allen sockets, blue point impacts. I've got some el-cheapo tools too. A select few of them work great. Those are the ones that get customized when I need a special tool and I don't feel bad about cutting or welding or pressing/hammering on them at all.

jmcgriff19

08-03-2007, 11:55 AM

ALL of my tools are Craftsman. I wish I could afford snap-on but it isn't worth the extra money to me when Craftsman make great tools and also has a life-time warranty.

bowtiewounderes

08-04-2007, 08:44 PM

im afraid to buy really good stuf cuz at work ppl steal my tools and others to i evan put my name on them with a dremel so i normaly buy craftsman

kenman1717

08-05-2007, 12:24 AM

im afraid to buy really good stuf cuz at work ppl steal my tools and others to i evan put my name on them with a dremel so i normaly buy craftsman

same thing happens to me, people steal mine, and i even engrave my name on them, i even caught one guy with some of my stuff, some he spray painted his marking on them, and left my name, others he ground off my name and put his, i got some of my tools back, but not all.

this guy was reported several times for stealing tools, our service manager said one more complaint and he's fired, but its been two weeks since a complaint, now the guy asks to borrow stuff, and returns it after, i thick he must be scared of loosing his job.

bowtiewounderes

08-05-2007, 02:04 AM

lol well its a family and friend shop and we all use each other tools but i hate not geting mine back cuz i need them for my truck to.

99SLT

08-07-2007, 09:20 AM

hmmm... this is a good question, I guess it's whatever my neighbor leaves out :D

speed_freak5150

08-07-2007, 11:18 PM

I use only craftsman. Snap/on are not worth the money. We broke more snap/on sockets than any others at the tire shop I worked at. Snap/on dealer would not warranty them because they were being used in a tire shop.

00shortbox

08-24-2007, 10:12 PM

Most of my tools are Snap-on and Matco, but I'm a fulltime mechanic at a GM dealer, the lower brands work just fine for the average guy. Heck I still have some of the Mastercraft Maximum tools I started with when I got in the trade 3 years ago. Still work great.

Jokeman

08-25-2007, 02:36 PM

Snap-On, Mac, SK, Craftsman, Cornwell I think there might be more types in my box, not too sure.

da_vato

08-25-2007, 11:28 PM

I gotta admit I was pro craftsman untill I got back from overseas last year. I have actually found craftsman to be the same price as Mac and Matco. I personally like Mac. Craftsman realized there was money to be made.

kyle_877

09-05-2007, 02:58 PM

Craftsman. Was given a small set for christmas one year and
has done everything i've asked. No complaints, but if I was going to buy a set and money was no issue i would probably go snap on. Heard a lot of good things about them

K1500Tech

09-05-2007, 07:26 PM

:fsc:
I have all the brands of tools except the cheapo stuff it just depends what the tool truck has when they come to my work.

lay low 87

09-05-2007, 11:17 PM

i voted Matco. for the home mechanic/DIY'er, Craftsman is great.

professionally, a tool distributor is the way to go for certain tools, the convenience of them coming to you, and you can pay them off over time.

i hate how most people, at least in the repair shop/body shop fields, automatically think snap-on is the best. snap-on buys almost all their designs from Mac anyway. youre paying for the name, and its been my experience that snap-on tools break the most, usually under regular use when theres no reason tools should fail.

Bad-Intentions

09-06-2007, 02:16 AM

It all depends I have Craftsman, Snap-On, and Mac. For sockets skrewdrivers and wrenches I have Craftsman. I use Snap-On for ratchets and ratcheting wrenches also my impact sockets and my 3/8 MG31 impact gun(I love that thing) are snap on. From Mac I have my 1/2 gun and my 3/8 and 1/4 air ratchets plus my pry bars.

tatoodkelt

09-06-2007, 07:31 AM

I've always had Craftsman,dont know about the rest.

Bowtie2000

09-06-2007, 09:00 AM

I got all of the big 3, craftsman is not one of them. Snap-On, Mac, and Matco. I do have Craftsman, but only use them when I don't want to abuse my good tools.

dave89iroc

09-06-2007, 05:49 PM

Snap-On, Mac, and Matco

Proxy

09-07-2007, 09:51 PM

Craftsman.

Lifetime warranty and not ridiculously expensive, how can you go wrong?

I've never had a Craftsman tool break.

slicpartna

09-16-2007, 10:03 PM

Ive beem upgrading my tool collection from Craftsman to Snap on. What do you guys use? Also what do you think of the tools?

i use craftsman for the following reasons:

1. not that expensive
2. lifetime warranty
3. if a tool breaks, i can simply drive to the nearest sears
to exchange it no questions asked

patriot9879

09-16-2007, 10:21 PM

SimpleGreen

09-16-2007, 10:36 PM

I currently still use an older Channelock socket/ratchet set I got from Sams. It was like 170 pc for $80. Ive been very impressed with it for the money. Ive been adding alot of Craftsman to it as well, really like the prices. I will only buy SnapOn used. I love their ratchets, plan on picking up a set on the Ebay soon. I always like to try out various auto shop brand tools to find the good and bad ones....

slicpartna

09-22-2007, 07:40 AM

I think that you could break any tool if you tried hard enough. Also keep in mind that if any tool is used at its limit frequently, it will eventually fail. I personally use just about every brand there is on a daily basis. I have purchased snap-on and mac only to have them walk away on the first job, and I have purchased "el-cheapo" stuff that is still in my box and works fine in some pretty miserable conditions. The occasions when I work in a shop with my shop box next to me are far and few between. BTW, my shop bax and tools are all Craftsman, and I have never had a problem that I did not cause.

i dunno about the el cheap-o stuff especially tools from autozone or any other discount parts stores,
apply too much torque to their sockets or a 1/4 adapters bam, the socket splits open and you have busted your knuckles open. Now they might have a lifetime warranty on their tools but i value my knuckles

trickedout420

09-23-2007, 12:12 AM

slicpartna

09-23-2007, 06:08 PM

well the snap on truck came by here this month and i bought a ratchet and socket set and now i have to wait till he comes back out here so he can replace it cause i broke the ratchet after 5 hours i guess i will stick with craftsman from now on.

Wise decision

I couldn't stand to be without my tools especially when i need them
Don't get me wrong snap-on make some good stuff but the inconvenience of waiting for the truck to come around to replace a broken tool sucks

dave89iroc

09-23-2007, 07:52 PM

Wise decision

I couldn't stand to be without my tools especially when i need them
Don't get me wrong snap-on make some good stuff but the inconvenience of waiting for the truck to come around to replace a broken tool sucks
if you need it quick, give him a call, most will swing by that day if its a needed tool

DarkCharisma

09-24-2007, 09:05 AM

Use Snap-on at work, they're tons tougher... but, since I'm a cheap-ass, I use cheap-ass no brand and Craftsman tools at home. I can't count how many Craftsman tools have broken, snapped, bent, exploded, or rounded off on me. They're more or less disposable tools.

Too bad a full set of MAC or Snap-on tools is in the ballpark of 15k. :wtf:

05BlackCrew

09-29-2007, 09:50 PM

I like that yall use Craftsman! I'm a store manger for the home improvement dept at Sears and I use nothing but Craftsman tools!
That and our tool warranty awesome!

99RCSB

09-30-2007, 09:35 AM

I use Craftsman at home for small jobs,but always have to run back to the shop to get my S/O stuff when it breaks. I work at a heavy duty truck shop and can't keep any Craftsman stuff from breaking. Not to mention the hassle i get trying to take them back. Have you ever wore out a socket in 4 months and tried to get a new one from Sears? It doesn't happen. I walk on the S/O truck hand it to him he throws me a new one and i'm on my way. As far as boxes go. I have a Matco box that i paid 1900 for and got 3500 trading it in. They hold their value extremely well.

05BlackCrew

09-30-2007, 08:13 PM

sockets are lifetime! You break it, we replace it!

bob308

10-02-2007, 10:43 AM

i did not know there was such a thing as a full set of tools. there is allways one more you need.

quad700

10-02-2007, 07:53 PM

I use craftsman,sk,stanley.My wife bought me a new craftsman set,the 1/2 ratchet was missing the button.The 3/8 was soso,and the 1/4 ratchet worked about as rough as a 1/2 would.Sears replaced my brand new ratchet with a refurb,gee thanks.Tha older sears tools seemed to be much better.I also see some Snap-on tools,that are indenticle as others,wire strippers for example.There is nothing like high quality tools if you use them everyday.

bored&stroked

10-02-2007, 08:17 PM

Craftsman for me... cheaper then snap on and much easier to get a replacment if it ever breaks [its happened once in 9yrs now]

99RCSB

10-03-2007, 05:39 PM

sockets are lifetime! You break it, we replace it!
Thats what they told me too. They put emphasis on "break" and told me mine was just wore out,but still usable. It had to be broken as in a split down the wall of it. :dunno:

CKTA

10-04-2007, 05:48 AM

Thats what they told me too. They put emphasis on "break" and told me mine was just wore out,but still usable. It had to be broken as in a split down the wall of it. :dunno:

Bring it back when someone else is working there.

I had a similar deal when returning a 3/8" drive.....they wanted to give me a reman one. I refused and went back later (different guy behind the counter) and he said go to the isle and get a new one.:aniteef:

claviz13

10-04-2007, 07:33 AM

Mastercraft. Better than Craftsman. Available only at Canadian Tire. :daddy: Snap-On is the sh!t but hello price tag.

NathanL

10-09-2007, 12:45 AM

I have a ton of craftsma tools. 20 years ago when I took high school auto mechanics we used craftsman - when a tool broke they threw it in a barrel.

I asked the shop teacher one day if I could have em and he said yes. Took me a few weeks but I took them all back to 3 different sears for replacements. I'm guessing I got aroud $3,000 worth of tools if I had bought them new.

Not just sockets and stuff but ring compressors, valve spring compressors and other speciality tools because we were an engine centric program.

I've won several snap on tools certificates in high school for winning auto contest and outta high school and won several at drag races as prizes.

Not once could I get a driver for snap on to redeem them no matter how hard I tried - even offering them at a discount and meeting them at their regular route at the gas station etc...If I added them all up I probabl got shafted on $1,000 face value of "free" tools from Snap-On. When I called to complain I was told it's up to the local dealer....

I have some Sk tools around, Klein tools, Craftsman, 1 or 2 snap and a Williams set of 3/4" and 1/2" Drive sockets that are probably 35+ years old or older and never had a problem no matter how big a breaker bar I use on them on some pretty tough stuff in the tractor/skidder/dozer arena.

Justin_Inc

10-09-2007, 12:52 AM

you couldnt pay me to get snap-on tools, mind you this is my own biased opinion due to the ****ty sales rep around here, hes an idot and i'll never buy a snap-on tool because of him. So far my box is 90% MAC Tools! I use them hard for 8+ hours every day working on HD trucks and have no complaints. I also have a few "el-cheapo" tools and i honestly have to say that i have no complaints from them either! I'm not a fan of mastercraft since they changed suppliers. back when they had the pro series i loved them, hell most of it was along the quality lines of mac/snappy but since changing suppliers and product lines to the maximum series i'm less than impressed.

00redz71

10-09-2007, 01:12 AM

Ive got mostly Matco tools And quite a few snap-on tools in my box. Really when you work at a dealer or shop you cant afford craftsman tools. Not price wise but for the simple fact that you can ring up a bill of 500 or so dollars on the snap-on truck and pay 30-40 dollars a week as apposed to going to sears and droping a couple hundred dollars right there. Id much rather get something off the truck than go to sears and pay full price now. IMO

99RCSB

10-15-2007, 09:34 PM

NathanL- I'll take your certificates off your hands!! :aniteef:

snowandtorque

10-15-2007, 10:50 PM

craftmans great...fairly cheap (copaired to snap-on ect) pretty durable, and if I snap one I run across the street and trade it for a new one!!! haha

NathanL

10-16-2007, 12:47 AM

NathanL- I'll take your certificates off your hands!! :aniteef:

They're all at least 10+ years old now so no good. I got them all in high school or right after high school. Been out of school now almost 20 years.

Got one for winning state automotive contest and a few others as door prizes/grab bag prize/runner up prize at drag races when I built cars for a while.

east1la

10-20-2007, 05:15 PM

Craftsman here. Good prices, available everywhere you have a sears or Kmart and a lifetime warranty :D

I agree w/ ya!!

87 Chevyrado

10-20-2007, 07:11 PM

I have mostly craftsman. I do have a little bit of everything though. Craftsman warranty always did me good. I had some sockets that were 30+ years old and when I broke it and took it in they just swapped it even for a New one. wether a wrench, socket, ratchet, etc they always swap em out. I never buy el Cheapos except every now and then theres some cool little tool thats light duty and I'll get it if its cheap enough. I like to use cheapies when I need to modify one that will make it unusablr for anything else.