Craftsman Tools

Wood Gnome · 02-02-2009, 07:28 PM

A lot of advertising dollars have gone into trying to convince consumers that Craftsman leads the market as far as the quality of their power tools. Do you find this to be true or do you prefer another manufacturer?

Taggart · 02-02-2009, 07:32 PM

I've had very little if any experience with Craftsman tools, but I used to work with a guy who very candidly said how highly he thought of them.

I'd definitely check them out if I was in the market for tools.

WoodWrangler · 02-03-2009, 08:50 AM

Personally, I stay away from most all things Craftsman. They ruined their brand when they went cheap on quality and kept prices extremely high. I had a drill set from Craftsman .... garbage. I had a circular saw from Craftsman ... garbage.

Last year I made an annual trip into Sears to give them another shot ... and looked at a bandsaw they had (a smaller 14" model). For the price, it seemed like a good deal but when I got there and touched it the quality was not there. Needless to say, I was not impressed.

It used to be that they were really good. Never the best, but good, and the hand tools (wrenches, pliers, etc) had an undeniable warranty & excellent quality. Those days are gone though. Sears is over-priced, lesser quality, and distanced from so many for so long.

My vote ... not worth the gamble.

What types of tools are you wanting to buy from them? I'd be willing to bet we could offer advice on better quality and similar price (or lower).

katharina · 02-03-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wood Gnome

A lot of advertising dollars have gone into trying to convince consumers that Craftsman leads the market as far as the quality of their power tools. Do you find this to be true or do you prefer another manufacturer?

The woodworkers/craftspeople I know generally go for the Craftsman if they can't afford the top of the line professional tools. (I don't think of Craftsman as top of the line) Either that or some just stick with Black and Decker.

unique1 · 02-03-2009, 10:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodWrangler

Personally, I stay away from most all things Craftsman. They ruined their brand when they went cheap on quality and kept prices extremely high. I had a drill set from Craftsman .... garbage. I had a circular saw from Craftsman ... garbage.

Last year I made an annual trip into Sears to give them another shot ... and looked at a bandsaw they had (a smaller 14" model). For the price, it seemed like a good deal but when I got there and touched it the quality was not there. Needless to say, I was not impressed.

It used to be that they were really good. Never the best, but good, and the hand tools (wrenches, pliers, etc) had an undeniable warranty & excellent quality. Those days are gone though. Sears is over-priced, lesser quality, and distanced from so many for so long.

My vote ... not worth the gamble.

What types of tools are you wanting to buy from them? I'd be willing to bet we could offer advice on better quality and similar price (or lower).

You must have gotten a cheap package without looking into it first. :O
My dad, as well as I, have used Craftsman for years. Him, nor I, have ever had a problem with them. (aside from the time he accidentally cut the cord on his circular saw, but that's a whole nothing story. lmao)

In my opinion, they are the way to go. They do sometimes have some cheap items on the market though... but if you know what you're looking for then it shouldn't be a problem.

woodpecker · 02-04-2009, 11:18 AM

Why not read the product reviews before you purchase a particular tool? Craftsman might not be perfect, but it has produced some great tools that have satisfied a number of customers in the past. On the other hand, people are not 100 percent satisfied with Craftsman.

melodious · 02-06-2009, 04:41 PM

I wouldn't recommend buying any tool based solely on the brand name anymore. The quality just isn't as consistent as it used to be. With that said, though, Craftsman tools used to have a high standard of quality and they still make a lot of good tools. Go to the store, hold it in your hand, and then decide. I really think that's the best way to compare tools (even if you end up making a purchase online).

lynnharley · 02-08-2009, 12:55 AM

I just bought a 14 inch band saw from Sears after a lot of shopping around. I had to replace an older Vulcan model that I couldn't get parts for any more. The net saw works like a dread and it is just what I needed

oldnamvet · 02-16-2009, 04:31 PM

Since sears doesn't make their own tools, they simply ask for bids and take the lowest one as long as it meets some criteria they set out. From year to year, different suppliers build their tools. Sometimes, they are exactly the same as others, such as Delta, with the exception of the nameplate. Other times, they are totally different. Usually with tools, you get what you pay for. Look it over first before you commit to buy and compare with other tools. It used to be that you could go with brand names, but not any more.

heretoday · 02-17-2009, 09:17 PM

It's awfully sad that so many reliable old companies now simply outsource to the lowest bidder and then slap their name on an item.

Old Dutchman · 02-23-2009, 07:21 AM

Don't forget, other name brand companies are doing the same thing. I have a lot of craftsman tools, AND will be careful with what i buy, but all in all, THEY HAVE BEEN GOOD.

Taggart · 02-23-2009, 11:46 AM

Is there a lifetime guarantee on some Craftsman tools?

I think I remember hearing that if you break one of their wrenches, they'll replace it. I haven't used wrenches like that very much, so I wouldn't know that from experience.

Old Dutchman · 02-24-2009, 05:50 PM

I don"t know rhe name of the manufacture, but i believe they are sold at Lowe's. They have a lifetime guarentee on the wrenches and sockets, I have used them. I am 63 years old, and i still have a few origonal tools that i bought at 18 yrs old. None of them have failed. Have also bought from Snap-on and mac, ect. I can tell youthat i have had to have a few wrenches replaced by them, but the Craftsman have been very good.I have never cradkrd one of sears. I did body work, so they were used hardThis is the second reply

olfrt · 03-04-2009, 11:51 AM

We may be talkin' "apples and oranges"here. For years Craftsman made excellent hand tools and they were warrentied for a lifetime. I met a guy who was a buyer for Craftsman hand tools in 1981-82 and he said then that Sears was lessening the quality of their tools; going to lower grade steels, more economical finishes etc. but would still maintain the warrenty. I continued to buy Craftsman but found the quality lesser, and that on commercial building projects they did not hold up well. When one of the big box stores had an exchange program that let one swap their hand tools for the store brand I did so and have never looked back. Old Craftsman tools are good though; my rabbeting plane is a Craftsman and has given members of my family excellent service for literally a hundred years.
Power tools are a different ballgame. As oldnamvet, [ we are proud of your service BTB], stated Sears has outsourced powertools for years; ergo the quality has varied enormously. Obviously if you have the money there are better choices, but if you are like me and price shop Sears may be a good option. Read reviews online and in the mags, but remember both are dependent on advertisers for support and may have biases. Look at the tools sections of the forums; if you read multiple bitches dont buy. Talk to your friends who are woodworkers or are in the building trades, but listen skeptically.
As you learn begin to look at both power and hand tools in pawnshops, thrift stores, flea markets, yard and estate sales. Read tools section of Craigslist and the classifieds in the newspaper. My 10" contractors saw was purchased in near new condition from a thrift store for $80.00. I paid five bucks for a bisquit jointer without the front adjusting shelf and built the shelf for myself. It is heavy but it works well. Diligence can produce real deals but remember there are no warrenties and no returns on this stuff it is strictly BUYER BEWARE!

Forever Learning · 03-25-2009, 01:27 PM

I have learned the hard way to shy away from Sears’s power tools. I find plastic where it should be metal, underpowered drill motors, odd sized parts etc. That being said, I still have a few Sears tools running that I bought 25+ years ago. As with any tool, I look at the use I expect to get out of it and the price available. Some tools I know I will use once or twice for a special job, others I know I will use all the time and want the best quality I can get. I know my Sears worm drive circular saw is one heavy saw compared to what you can get today but it is still working top notch after many years of service. So the answer is, look them over and use common since.

I also agree that hand tools are a different story altogether. Total different warrantee.

02-02-2009, 07:28 PM	#1 (permalink)
Wood Gnome Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 25	Craftsman Tools A lot of advertising dollars have gone into trying to convince consumers that Craftsman leads the market as far as the quality of their power tools. Do you find this to be true or do you prefer another manufacturer?

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02-02-2009, 07:32 PM	#2 (permalink)
Taggart Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 154	I've had very little if any experience with Craftsman tools, but I used to work with a guy who very candidly said how highly he thought of them. I'd definitely check them out if I was in the market for tools.

02-03-2009, 08:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
WoodWrangler Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 16	Personally, I stay away from most all things Craftsman. They ruined their brand when they went cheap on quality and kept prices extremely high. I had a drill set from Craftsman .... garbage. I had a circular saw from Craftsman ... garbage. Last year I made an annual trip into Sears to give them another shot ... and looked at a bandsaw they had (a smaller 14" model). For the price, it seemed like a good deal but when I got there and touched it the quality was not there. Needless to say, I was not impressed. It used to be that they were really good. Never the best, but good, and the hand tools (wrenches, pliers, etc) had an undeniable warranty & excellent quality. Those days are gone though. Sears is over-priced, lesser quality, and distanced from so many for so long. My vote ... not worth the gamble. What types of tools are you wanting to buy from them? I'd be willing to bet we could offer advice on better quality and similar price (or lower).

02-04-2009, 11:18 AM	#6 (permalink)
woodpecker Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 30	Why not read the product reviews before you purchase a particular tool? Craftsman might not be perfect, but it has produced some great tools that have satisfied a number of customers in the past. On the other hand, people are not 100 percent satisfied with Craftsman.

02-06-2009, 04:41 PM	#7 (permalink)
melodious Newbie Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 3	I wouldn't recommend buying any tool based solely on the brand name anymore. The quality just isn't as consistent as it used to be. With that said, though, Craftsman tools used to have a high standard of quality and they still make a lot of good tools. Go to the store, hold it in your hand, and then decide. I really think that's the best way to compare tools (even if you end up making a purchase online).

02-08-2009, 12:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
lynnharley Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: califorina Posts: 1	I just bought a 14 inch band saw from Sears after a lot of shopping around. I had to replace an older Vulcan model that I couldn't get parts for any more. The net saw works like a dread and it is just what I needed

02-16-2009, 04:31 PM	#9 (permalink)
oldnamvet Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Mid michigan Posts: 114	Since sears doesn't make their own tools, they simply ask for bids and take the lowest one as long as it meets some criteria they set out. From year to year, different suppliers build their tools. Sometimes, they are exactly the same as others, such as Delta, with the exception of the nameplate. Other times, they are totally different. Usually with tools, you get what you pay for. Look it over first before you commit to buy and compare with other tools. It used to be that you could go with brand names, but not any more.

02-17-2009, 09:17 PM	#10 (permalink)
heretoday Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 396	It's awfully sad that so many reliable old companies now simply outsource to the lowest bidder and then slap their name on an item.

02-23-2009, 07:21 AM	#11 (permalink)
Old Dutchman Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: I was born and raised in Holland Michigan Posts: 7	Don't forget, other name brand companies are doing the same thing. I have a lot of craftsman tools, AND will be careful with what i buy, but all in all, THEY HAVE BEEN GOOD.

02-23-2009, 11:46 AM	#12 (permalink)
Taggart Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 154	Is there a lifetime guarantee on some Craftsman tools? I think I remember hearing that if you break one of their wrenches, they'll replace it. I haven't used wrenches like that very much, so I wouldn't know that from experience.

02-24-2009, 05:50 PM	#13 (permalink)
Old Dutchman Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: I was born and raised in Holland Michigan Posts: 7	I don"t know rhe name of the manufacture, but i believe they are sold at Lowe's. They have a lifetime guarentee on the wrenches and sockets, I have used them. I am 63 years old, and i still have a few origonal tools that i bought at 18 yrs old. None of them have failed. Have also bought from Snap-on and mac, ect. I can tell youthat i have had to have a few wrenches replaced by them, but the Craftsman have been very good.I have never cradkrd one of sears. I did body work, so they were used hardThis is the second reply

03-04-2009, 11:51 AM	#14 (permalink)
olfrt Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: in rural West Central NM at the end of a 32 mile road. Posts: 6	We may be talkin' "apples and oranges"here. For years Craftsman made excellent hand tools and they were warrentied for a lifetime. I met a guy who was a buyer for Craftsman hand tools in 1981-82 and he said then that Sears was lessening the quality of their tools; going to lower grade steels, more economical finishes etc. but would still maintain the warrenty. I continued to buy Craftsman but found the quality lesser, and that on commercial building projects they did not hold up well. When one of the big box stores had an exchange program that let one swap their hand tools for the store brand I did so and have never looked back. Old Craftsman tools are good though; my rabbeting plane is a Craftsman and has given members of my family excellent service for literally a hundred years. Power tools are a different ballgame. As oldnamvet, [ we are proud of your service BTB], stated Sears has outsourced powertools for years; ergo the quality has varied enormously. Obviously if you have the money there are better choices, but if you are like me and price shop Sears may be a good option. Read reviews online and in the mags, but remember both are dependent on advertisers for support and may have biases. Look at the tools sections of the forums; if you read multiple bitches dont buy. Talk to your friends who are woodworkers or are in the building trades, but listen skeptically. As you learn begin to look at both power and hand tools in pawnshops, thrift stores, flea markets, yard and estate sales. Read tools section of Craigslist and the classifieds in the newspaper. My 10" contractors saw was purchased in near new condition from a thrift store for $80.00. I paid five bucks for a bisquit jointer without the front adjusting shelf and built the shelf for myself. It is heavy but it works well. Diligence can produce real deals but remember there are no warrenties and no returns on this stuff it is strictly BUYER BEWARE!

03-25-2009, 01:27 PM	#15 (permalink)
Forever Learning Junior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 4	I have learned the hard way to shy away from Sears’s power tools. I find plastic where it should be metal, underpowered drill motors, odd sized parts etc. That being said, I still have a few Sears tools running that I bought 25+ years ago. As with any tool, I look at the use I expect to get out of it and the price available. Some tools I know I will use once or twice for a special job, others I know I will use all the time and want the best quality I can get. I know my Sears worm drive circular saw is one heavy saw compared to what you can get today but it is still working top notch after many years of service. So the answer is, look them over and use common since. I also agree that hand tools are a different story altogether. Total different warrantee.