Lol. Seems like the trend with many sets. I have older sets that use all the case and put sockets side by side. Much better for limited space in cabs of vehicles and equipment.
I bought my craftsman 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2 tool set from Sears back in the mid 70's made in the USA. Wrenching on my junk cars for about 8 or 9 years and about 20 years in a shop building cnc machinery. They never let me down. It's sad to see what happening to the craftsmen name! There is no pride in made in the USA anymore.
Just be aware that Craftsman under Sears never made a single tool they were made by companies like Western Forge and Easco and Stanley and branded as Craftsman for Sears but it was just a marketing name. Today Craftsman is owned by Stanley/Dewalt so they are making their own tools in house, so now they are a legitimate tool maker and not just a marketing name. Too bad the US factory closed but what is odd is that they already have a factory making MAC/Proto for professional line of tools so why not just expand it with a consumer grade stuff? Hopefully they can do something like that.
It's a damn shame what they did to the Craftsman name. My parents bought me a good sized set when I was a kid. Maybe around 2002 or so and it's trash. I have to replace stuff all the time. Meanwhile my dad is still spinning bolts with my grandpa's Craftsman tools.
@@drscopeify Mostly correct, and I say that because Western Forge (who made their pliers, adjustable wrenches and screwdrivers, among other tools) was actually a joint venture between C. William Schlosser and Sears. Sears provided investment capital to get them up and running in 1965 in Defiance, OH and move to Colorado Springs, CO in 1966. Same with Whirlpool---Sears provided investment money to them so they could expand and handle contracts with Sears. So yes, while Sears contracted out with most vendors, they did invest and "partner" with some of them to make sure that they could handle their large contracts.
ALWAYS GOOD STILL HAS LIFE TIME WARRANTY.. OWNED CRAFTSMAN FOR YEARS NEVER ANY ISSUE ..SAVED ME MANY TIMES..WITHOUT CRAFTSMAN WOULD NOT HAVE MADE IT TO THANKSGIVING DINNER AT IN-LAWS HAD TO DO REAR BRAKES BEFORE GOING..THANK YOU CRAFTSMAN...
I bought the same usa set. I also have craftsman sets from my dad's tools. Seems to be the same. Who cares about the finish. It works and I'm hard on my tools. No rust issues. No breakage or wear after some time of useage. The newer set works just as good as the old set. If you're picky about finish you probably don't use sockets very much.
The higher tooth count on the ratchets is not so they will be smoother. It is designed for tight spaces so the ratchet mechanism will engage on a shorter throw, allowing you to turn a socket in a space where a ratchet with less teeth would not engage.
I’m keeping mine and will be using it. I have an industrial Craftsman set I got on closeout from Ace Hardware for 169 dollars back in 2016 and that same set has other owners selling them for $600 on eBay used. Not that I would ever sell mine. This $69 set went into my car and should be nice to have when helping out friends or for small repairs away from home. My Blackhawk set is the one that will probably be e a collectible in the future, not so much these late issue Craftsman tools.
I agree. I am thinking of using it to replace my 216 piece versastack set to leave on my boat. I am getting a little tired of lugging it around back and forth in my jeep. Thanks for watching!
If any of my tools are worth money because they become collectible, that just sad because that means I didn’t use them. When I need to buy a replacement tool, the old one is well past destroyed.
I bought both sets just because,but I like the old original USA made tool sets too.....If you shop around you can find good used or NOS Craftsman USA mechanic tool sets at flea markets and swap meets....I picked up a NOS 188 piece USA Craftsman set(circa1995) for $65.00 last week.
My vintage crafstman ratchets and sockets from 1990's are still looking great and work like new. I spray wb-40 into the open side head of the ratchet and it washes out the dirt and lubes it up. 35 years and they are still like new. They also say "Forged in USA".
You missed some basic comparisons. How legible are the sizes 10mm 11mm etc.? How easy is it to tell the metric apart from the SAE? How deep are the deep sockets? Can you fit a spark plug in the deep 19mm without jamming up in the square driver hole which might break the porcelain? How deep does the internal cavity on deep sockets go on…the cheap deep sockets aren’t that much deeper than a short socket. Thanks for comparing, but I would liked it more if you’d compared a bit more closely.
I think Jay has made a fair review of the set, no gushing praise nor a slagging off where he thought the older versions were better finished. I have used Craftsman tools for years. I inherited my father's set which date back to pre WW2, and they have served me well in both aero and auto work. When visiting the US I had to visit Sears to check for anynew items and the ever present bargains. The last of the make I bought was a metric set when they were still made in the US of A. I have rarely called the guarantee in, once being 'heavy handed' on a thin wall socket, readily replaced in spite of an obvious weld repair that didn't last. I have been very satisfied with the quality and price of the tools. My only regret has been not able to buy them in England, but due to work I didn't have to look too hard as I often went Stateside. Just hope they get the quality back to the old standard, I will keep looking.
It’s so sad that ppl care so much about how beautiful a socket and ratchet are. That’s the new age. These new youtubers who don’t even know how to use these tools with tool review channels pick on the dumbest shit. ( this is clearly not directed at you) 😮 Keep the us manufacturing and who cares about tiny little imperfections! I just bought 2 of these sets at Lowe’s for $55 each on sale. My sets are great! I must say these ratchets seem to be higher quality too which is awesome! I hope they reconsider and keep making USA made tools again.
I know right. They are super nice and $60. I think it is an impressive thing they did. They look just like my proto set just not shiny and 1/10 the price😂😂😂 WHO CARES????
Nice review, P.S. the 90 , 72 or what ever tooth ratchet is not for smoothness it's about how much the handle needs to move to latch into the next gear tooth. This is very helpful in tight places when you can't swing the handle.
Yep that’s the whole point. Also I have a very old ( not sure how old) 1/2 drive craftsman. The thing is great. Found it in the grass working on my brother-in-law’s car, rusted fast. No one knew who it belonged to. Took it to sears. They cleaned it and replaced the insert, been using it since. That was mid to late 80s
Only the gunmetal sets are made in Taiwan, not the regular mechanics. I don’t know why people are going crazy over these sets, they literally shut the plant down because of bad production/quality control. I’m a craftsman fan boy, and even though these are “limited”, they are literally defective tools.
My 216 piece tool set says made in taiwan. I think you are right. But I figured for $69 it was worth it, at least to make the youtube video. Thanks for watching!
@@JayCostaUSA The gunmetal boxes were always made in Taiwan (and they're pretty good finish) while the regular ones varied, some were made in China and some Taiwan.
Nice set! Regarding the sockets: It looks more like the forging dies are either worn out or poorly maintained. With a clean forging/machining you get better chrome plating results.
Growing up, my father and I used to go to Sears (Puerto Rico) just to look at the Craftsman tools. All of his tools were Craftsman, I eventually bought my own set. Now, I do not buy them, I instead get Gearwrench, Pittsburgh and Icon (HF). In my opinion, these sets are a waste of money. All companies need to drop the SAE and just provide us with Metric only. it is unfortunate to see Craftsman decline. This was an honest review.
I have too many craftsmans ratchet sets to justify buying another. Would just be collecting at this point. Collecting relics from a dead manufacturing empire
The online ad stated 'Forged in USA with Global materials". So the raw material can be junk and thus the finished product junk. I still have a couple of Craftsman power tools made in the USA. Still working. The Chinese made stuff from years ago broke down and are long gone. Sears sold out to having China make a lot of their stuff even before they went belly up and the products have gotten worse as they have sold off the Craftsman name to several manufacturers. I looked at some of their stuff a year or so ago and declined to but it. Since it has a "lifetime warranty" perhaps it is worth a purchase.
I know it’s been a year but aren’t the only “wrenches” in the set the allen wrench sets? I ask because in the video he states that the Sockets, Ratchets, and Wrenches are made in the USA. That should mean the only wrenches being the allen wrenches, those should be USA made, right?
I have two tool boxes, one with the good stuff, usually European or American made but not always, this toolbox has a lock on it and I want it buried with me. The other one has the garbage in it and no lock, grubby fingers that leave tools to rust at the end of the drive, loose, lend to people who never return them ect can use these. Put the good stuff in the locked box and leave the rest in the other box, job done!
I’m just looking over my vintage SK 3/8 set here…on the shallow sockets the chrome does down on the insides to the joint. The deep ones it only goes down maybe 1cm
Still have and use my older Craftsman tools from Sears! They had a quality standard!So sad it's all gone now! China junk! The car parts will kill you!!!!
I decided to give the gunmetal chrome set a shot after giving up on the brand 15+ years ago. The sockets are okay but the ratchets suck and the warranty process at lowest is annoying and time consuming. I didn't bother taking them after the first couple times. With everything else available from Pittsburgh, gearwrench, tekton and others, I wouldn't bother with another craftsman product.
I have been abusing Craftsman sockets for 30 years including the new stuff almost no issues, the extensions and hex bits could be better but these kits are still a good deal
I have 2 lowes within 20 minutes of me and out of both of them, only 4- 88 piece sets have sold. 4 and that is it. A sad state of affairs all around for Craftsman. I absolutely love my American made Craftsman tooling. I’m more into their wood working lines but I had to own the master mechanic set back in the day.
Sad state of affairs, but like he said I think only older guys really appreciate Craftsman because of how they were in the 70s. I still have stuff from that era that is like new albeit a little dented and such from years of use , but on the flip side I have a set from a few years back that already broke the swivel. I truly miss the old Craftsman stuff. I started buying SK and I'll be darned if they didn't sell out to the Chinese a couple years back! I sent them a sympathy email and the office lady had worked their for years and years but wasn't sure how much longer or what was going to happen with the company. I still haven;t anythinf here a year or two later! If anyone knows anything please share.
Hope the ratchets are better than Taiwan. Went through 3 rachets in less than 2 months. It's a set I bought for truck so I keep my good sets in the shop. Haven't broke any sockets.
I plan on getting both sets for my 3-year-old son even though he'll get my made in America craftsman set that is in a big black heavy case that's over 20 years old and all of my many gearwrench tools. I personally don't think they will be worth anything more than the current price ever. Anyone who's buying them from resellers is spending way more money than they have to.
I’ve got some older Craftsman tools, that are good tools. I’ve got a metric 1/4inch drive set that I bought 4 yrs years ago to carry on my motorcycle that I think they used gravel for the bearings in the ratchet. The only reason that’s what got for it was something cheap in case it got stole as I don’t lock the bag they are in. However someone would have to be pretty desperate to steal that junk. I’m done with craftsman products having changed to Husky from Northern Tool or Harbor Freight tools.
With the deep wells being slightly shorter than other craftsman variants , I could see them making it into my arsenal of sockets. With todays cars, that could be the one to use in certain situations. As far as rust inside, soak the sockets overnight in evapo-rust , clean, then light oil, and use.theyll be fine. Im sure fitment is good on these.
I must have upwards of ten sets of the old school Craftsman socket sets in cases. Some I bought mostly complete and filled in with the missing pieces, one or two I put together from scratch after getting an empty case or finding an empty case tossed out. A friend gave me one set, missing about 10 pieces which is now complete. I might pass on these. I still have my 1990 original set I bought new in August of 1990. It's 95% complete with only a few sockets replaced over the years, the ratchets have never been apart and work just fine. I even still have the register receipt from Sears in my files for it. I can probably get it for less than $69 as I have some Fetch rewards I can use at Lowes. I'm a fan old school Craftsman hand tools, tool storage, power tools and yard equipment. I would say 95% of my tool collection and tool storage is USA Craftsman from the 1950s to the modern era. Much of my yard equipment came from the "curbside store" and with a little TLC, they run like brand new.
I will keep my eye open for a new Craftsman USA 3/8 long style swivel head ratchet. I need one. Right now its either gear wrench or the Icon but i would love a craftsman USA. Only time will tell how this USA thing in Texas works out but im a little scheptic. All the tool makers in Taiwon are now very well established. Trying to turn it back at this point is gonna be a feat.
Meterials used are still from China. It will never be the same as vintage craftsman. Thes Craftsmans area also way over priced. You can get ICON for much less and the ICON is supurb. Craftsman best days are gone forever.@@JayCostaUSA
I believe when they allow Williams Tool Company the ability to make the Craftsman tool line again, that is when Craftsman will be a collectors USA made item once again!
I just want a set that has everything. Deep mid short. 1/4, 3/8/ and 1/2 , 6 point sockets, like 4 to 15 in 1/4, 6 to 21 in 3/8th and 10 to 30 somthing. Same goes with sae. All of them. Plus all the torx, etorx, tamper torx, hex sockets short and long. And if they wanted to jack up the pieces amount then they can throw in some t style allen wrenchs. Not the L shape things that i find everywhere yet never use but cant seem to throw any away. wheres that set..
This looks very similar to the smoke gray set that my wife unit bought me a few Christmases ago. It's held up very well with a lot of hard use, with only the swivel breaking which was my fault as I tried to break an automotive bolt loose that was rusted with a DeWalt MAC Daddy XR 3/8" impact. lol ACE replaced it no questions asked but it was replaced with plain chrome....to which I said "that's fine!" ;) I would pick this up especially at $69 to keep in one of our vehicles especially since mine was like $99 years ago! PS If you have an extra 10mm it's probably mine I've lost them all over the world!
I believe a lot of the issue is the global materials a lot of overseas steel isn't pure steel it is usually a lot of different metals or alloys combined and they call it steel but it is just a weakened version of steel because it is not pure
I purchased the 262pc set (CMMT45307) I looked at the sockets and I did not see anything inside from the USA. For the most part it seemed as if the finish was ok on the inside. They look like good tools for the amount of money. But I don't believe there as heavy duty as they used to be decades ago. I however have not used them just got them today as amazon delivery. Surely better than the cheaper tools from cheaper brains from Harbor Freight, though they have higher brand there as well. You be the judge. The cost was $169.00. with tax, $179.14. They say this is a value of $950.00 based on msrp individually priced items.
Made in Japan 70's, then made in Taiwan, Made in Korea, made in China and soon made in xxxxxx? Econ 101 (my PhD thesis in College). That's how we maintain our standard of living and each of the these countries rise up to our level move to service economy. China is so big its like all the previous countries combined so it'll take few decades to move them elsewhere... made is USA? We can't even fix a pothole. Now what's left is the service economy, so how do you think is our service? Go to China, Japan, Singapore... and see what is Service! We still have cutting edge tech like every one of those countries above try to maintain, we must expand these tech to lead. For the little stuff that these... it'll be made in Thailand soon with better quality! We haven't build stuff for the last 40 yrs... made in USA? My Taxa Cricket made in Houston is about 65% Chinese parts. :)
@@JayCostaUSA I found the best tools are from Japan, Taiwan and German, China high end is about 95% close to them but could be biased here because of the cost. Higher cost = higher quality. :)
I bought some sets to gift to my nephews, still have my set I got over 20 years ago. Not real impressed with the sockets. I think when people heard craftsman was coming back to USA they expected the old stuff, not the same stuff from overseas that just has a USA stamp on it. The ratchets are much nicer than my craftsman. Sure the finish itself doesn't make a difference, but a well finished tool is a sign of a company that actually puts in effort into making their tools. Made in USA imo should maintain a standard. Anyway, they were cheap and the last chance to buy made in USA craftsman so I'm not gonna be upset over it. I'll gift them to the kids in my family just like myself and my father when we were kids.
Hello 🙋♂️ That’s a shame that this kit was not up-to the normal standard of USA 🇺🇸 craftsmanship. I am all for tool management and manufacturing to come back to the states rather than our Asian friends flooding the world 🌎 market with their cheap crap !! I remember when I was a child - if something had 🇺🇸 USA stamped on it you knew it was quality and would last a life time !! Why did we let this go ?? I do honestly think 🤔 that those days will come back and some guy will start up a manufacturing production company making only the best !! BTW - I am European and not American - however, I feel your pain and willingness to take back something the was once a statement of our individual countries home grown craftsmanship !! The world 🌎 seems to have gone crazy !! Thanks 🙏 James ✌️
I bought the 59-piece set. In my opinion, quality is OK. It's definitely a notch below the older Sears USA Danaher/Apex manufacturered Craftsman. It's no better than Kobalt, Pittsburgh Pro, or Quinn from Harbor Freight. If you want the old school Craftsman quality, you should definitely look into the New V series, which is rebranded Facom. I do like the new V series. The frost look inside the socket is normal. That said, coating is found on higher end brands of sockets. I agree that there are inconsistencies in the chrome and broaching. In my case the broaching is too shallow in my 3/8" and 10mm shallow sockets. I ordered proto branded sockets in those said sizes. Lol. I am gonna be like they can't even get the brands right and incorporate them into the set. Then I could sell it for a collectors item lol
Thanks for the video! I will disagree about the collectability. I was on the garbage bandwagon at first. After some reviews and teardown, my opinion started to change. Also, if for nothing else, this is a piece of American history, albeit sad. Decided to pick one up. The 3/8 ratchet actually feels really really nice. Heavy. Much better operation than the asian ones hanging on hooks at lowes. All my sockets are oily, and with a little cleaning they would just polish right up but lets leave them be to preserve them. The only quality issue I found was the cardboard filler was not cut well and the large sticker on the back not exactly centered. The tools themselves, no issues. I also have a new condition 1994 set 123 pieces with 5 sae and 5 metric wrenches. Wrenches still in unopened bags. It is a G set. The G sockets are better, the ratchets have a heavier plating and overall a better quality set but after a lot of comtemplation, the bug bit me. Very happy. Now if you are someone buying a set to use all the time in the garage, best to pass on this. On a side note - the chroming issues on the inside of the sockets is really grasping at straws. This area usually gets beat up by bolt heads and oils so to me the inside area does not matter.
I agree. Doesnt bother me that there is no chrome on the inside. Are you planning on using this set or letitng it sit in the case as a collectors item?
@@JayCostaUSA it will sit. If or when my daughters find a man, perhaps it will be a pass down, just like my 33623 set. So many socket sets from mint to rusted, no real reason to use this one. Or maybe my family will not care at all and donate all my Craftsman finds some day haha. Likely will amass a sears store within the next 30 or 40 years.
It won't be collectable, full stop. Also, the ratchets are objectively terrible, a ton of slop makes the tooth count irrelevant, which makes sense since the internals are made in Taiwan. These don't hold a candle to the old USA made stuff.
I wished they went back to the "etched" size labels on the sockets, easier to read. It's sad, Craftsman was a great product, ESPECIALLY for the DIY'er.
People need to buy just to support made in USA. Craftsman made a attempt to bring manufacturing back to the USA - that is a commendable act. Obviously they had problems with production because of tooling and China virus. I read the factory shut down in Texas. I hope it isn’t permanent and that if these tools sell they can come back. China is set to be the global economic leader in 2030 - The USA will have the 2nd best economy. India is set to surpass the USA by 2050. We are losing our economic advantage fast. We will lose our military strength as well because we will have to cut spending. Buying USA made products and boycotting Chinese made trash will help slow China’s rise. Do your part unless you want your kids to learn mandarin.
I purchased this set as a collector item. The sockets are nothing like the old USA ones. Rust and plating issues on new sockets is crazy. The crispness of stamped data , polishing and finish is all inconsistent too. And, the wall thickness of the material is too thin for my liking. I noticed how much lighter in weight these sockets are compared to Western Forge made Craftsman USA. What a mess! What went on in Texas I have to blame on the upper management. They tried to implement too many new processes and systems at once for profitability and ended up with too much to overcome resulting in failure. They can blame the supply chain all they want, Snap-On , Wright and others here continue cranking out high quality products in spite of it.
They could make everything craftsman USA made if they wanted to. Since Stanley black and decker owns Craftsman, Proto and Mac. They could re brand proto stuff to craftsman and sell it at Lowe’s. The problem is you’re typical lowes tool buyer won’t pay for USA made stuff.
Bought a craftsman set at lowes.used it to change out plugs on car.plastic insert released on the plug when it was installed. After trying and removing the plug 3 or 4 times I went to a sears store for a replacement. Was told that I had to return it at Lowes as that's where I bought it. Also over an hour drive.the kit proudly displayed the made in USA and guaranteed 4 life stickers. Lady in sears was a bitch,refused to exchange,but offered to sell me a replacement for around 10 dollars. I looked at the socket and it was identical to the one I had.left the store after some choice words across the street to auto zone bought a 7 dollar magnetic one and never looked back.the rest of the set is great but don't know why they won't warranty their products no matter where you bought it.they partnered with Lowes and ace.maybe the Caro mi store just has a Karen for a service rep.hope no one else has this issue
Sorry to hear that. Lowe's isnt the same as Sears was back in the day. I think it is very dependent on the rep as well. I have heard some are easy and some are not. Thanks for watching!
I believe they stopped this immediately because they did the math and found it cost money in relation to the Chinese/Taiwanese versions, but how hard would it be for Craftsman to branch into two divisions, one foreign made and the other domestic USA made??? The two lines would have similar but slightly different models distinguishable from one another. Now I know it’s the headache of having to lifetime guarantee a more expensive USA made variant as one of their bigger nightmares but if for USA tools, craftsman just implement a flat rate damaged tool replacement fee, like $5 or something cheap OR the foreign made equivalent. The difference in model sub variant (USA made or Asian) will indicate the initial price AND determine if, should a replacement ever be needed, the replacement is going to be replaced with a USA model or if the customer is willing to “step down” to the Asian one for no exchange fee and just take the Chinese variant.
"Proudly made in the USA with global materials. This is a total waste of money. These are not like the old craftsman tools that were made using American steel, these are made with cheap Chinese steel. It's still a crappy product, people are just going nuts over it cause it says made in USA.
Should be "Poorly made in the USA" . I just bought this set from Lowe's with 20% off so it was $56 total. The quality is not there compared to the Craftsman of old.
@@glc4155 It's sad to say, but the Taiwan-made Craftsman tools are of much higher quality. I just checked out the Taiwan-made ratchets and the finishing is immaculate. On the American made ones, the finish is horrendous.
Great content! I have 2 Craftsman "MADE IN THE USA with global parts" 27" basic 4 drawer rolling toolbox (with optional wood top) and it is one of the biggest POS's i own. I dont know how anyone uses this for tools, the drawers are all out of whack as it is. I use it for clothes and it still sucks. 😂🧂
That's because SBD bought Waterloo who was making Craftsman tool storage for decades. I have 1960s-2000s "old school" Waterloo made Sears tool storage and they are solid, with the older ones being better made and of thicker metal. I bought a 1969 Waterloo made Craftsman ten drawer top off Ebay filled with US made tools for $45. It was well cared for and the drawers slide like butter and it even came with the paperwork and two original keys. It's in very nice original shape.
I purchased that set at Lowe's & a few Tools didn't have craftsman logo on the tool they were stanley & also there was a lot of rust on the sockets which some also looked used. I wasn't impressed so I returned it back to Lowe's. Some people might like this set but, in my opinion it was just crap.
I dunno the USA made ratchets weren’t great the last ten years or so they were around, 2000-2011. I had bought a few of them as a young dude starting out as a mechanic. They were well known amongst my peers and I for being clunky and not well made. The US made sockets on the other hand were great. The point I’m trying to make is, I’d honestly rather have crusty USA made tools than nice tidy chrome Taiwanese or Chinese tools. They’re just tools.
I'm not super impressed by DeWalt and Stanley ratchets I own. I have a 1/4-inch and a 1/2-inch. Stanley Black and Decker makes all DeWalt, Stanley, and Craftsman ratchets. I think the lower-end ratchets are worse than those from Harbor Freight. The price of the ratchets has to be very low to make to be in a $70 kit. A $20 Harbor Freight ratchet feels better to me than the cheap ratchets that get thrown into these kits. The Craftsman Overdrive Ratchets feel good, but they're $33 or $36 a piece as bare tools.
I feel like the problem with USA made tools is they are expensive to produce. If you want a USA made ratchet for the same price as a Taiwan model, it’s going to be less refined. In essence, it’s going to be a worse tool. If you want the USA made tool to have the same or better level of refinement, it’s going to cost a lot more. I think Craftsman tried, but couldn’t make the numbers work.
No it’s the problem with companies getting too greedy and wanting a huge profit. I’m sure they can still produce them in US and sell them for decent prices . But their profits won’t be as high.
it seems the youth of today will fall for any sales pitch that goods manufacturers can throw at them. ANYTHING that is offered for sale will become collector status just by printing the 2 words "Limited Edition" on the package no matter what it is with buyers willing to spend a lot more than the product is worth. Here we have a set of Craftsman Tools. Craftsman did make very good tools back in the day. I was a machinist for 50 years and most of my tools were Craftsman and unless I lost them are all still in very useable condition. So now we have this "limited edition" set of regular old Craftsman tools in a cheap plastic case that is a collector set? Really? Because Craftsman chose to put a fancy red, white, and blue stars and stripes label on the package??? Just buy the damn thing, use the tools, and be done with it. Anyone that would collect junk just because it says limited edition on the package is just a hoarder and a dope... And BTW I don't see "limited edition "on the label anywhere so where did you dream that one up???
@JayCostaUSA Idk but if I was a betting man, I'd bet it was. Back in the 90s they had China made and Japanese made craftsman tools only certain sets but they did.
@@JayCostaUSA In the mid-1990s, Sears got in trouble with the FTC over "Made in the USA" on some of their tools. Apparently, they were only assembling and plating them here (I think Stanley made have been the supplier in that case). That didn't qualify for the "Made in USA" stamp on the products. It's a well-documented case you can find online. I have some 1990 era "Tri-Wing" Craftsman ratchets that I believe National Hand Tool (which Stanley eventually bought) in a tool set I bought new in August 1990 (I still have the receipt and the set is 95% original with only a few sockets being replaced) and they've never been apart for any reason and still work fine. Those I believe were one of the more "assembled in USA" scenarios that got them in trouble. The sockets in those sets are "EE" coded which means Easco (which was part of Moore Drop Forge) made them. V coded tools are Moore Drop Forge, E and EE are Easco, G are Danaher, WF is Western Forge, P is Wilde, PR is Pratt-Reed, among others.
I saw this and went to Lowes to get one yesterday, just for the heck of it. They had a bunch at low prices, but NONE that were "Made in the USA". The same container, same amount of tools, just no USA labels on them. Losers.
Craftsman is not what it once was. I started wrenching in 1968 and own tons of Craftsman. The quality is gone, the warranty is laughable, and replacing broken tools is a chore. I can do better at Harbor Freight, and their warranty is far better than Craftsman's.
I havent had any issue with Lowes and the warranty. Id still prefer Craftsman over cheap harbor freight. But their Icon stuff seems good. Thanks for watching!
The issue I've had at Lowe's is that they seldom have what I need. I have a cracked 9/16-6 point and a cracked 14mm-6 point that I've been trying to replace for over a year.
This is lipstick on a pig. I'll keep my Craftsman Master Set I bought back in 1988. I have retired the 3 original ratchets and replaced them with a 90 tooth Gearwrench ratchets. It's sad to see something so iconic turn to shit.
Labor over seas is 5 dollars a day (China) or 5 dollars an hour (Taiwan). Here we would have to employ gradeschool kids to compete with that kind of labor costs...or you and I would have to commit to paying Snap-On prices for Craftsman.
It makes me sad what craftsman has become I used to go into sears when I was a little kid with dad to buy tools and always dreamed of going and buying them when I had the money but sears closed and craftsman went overseas and that was it for me I don’t by this new stuff
They didn't close because of quality control they closed because it cost too much to make in the USA they pay a worker 2 dollars a hour in Taiwan here you have to pay 15 dollars a hour and you have to supply them with insurance
@@loucifer4205it wasn’t bc of paying us workers. it was bc of software issues with their “state of the art robotics”. the software for the machines comes from overseas so it’s not something that can be easily fixed. craftsman’s really fumbled with this one
These won't be anything like older craftsman tools made in USA. The global materials are what kills it. They look the same, because they are. You can only polish a turd so much