Snap-on or Craftsman? *Bought a small Kobalt set*

[SilthDraeth]

Update: I ended up buying a small Kobalt set. Appears identical to Craftsman, (and a little research indicates the same company makes them both) and I always go to Lowes, and almost never to Sears. If I ever have any problems with them I will report it on this site. *shrug*

I heard some of the newer craftsman products, ie combination wrenches etc where not quite the same quality as in the past. Is there any truth to this?
Plus I am not really trusting the whole K-Mart and Sears merger.

Basically I want a good, high quality metric socket and wrench set for my 06 Tacoma.

I know that the set will hardly ever be used, it will mainly sit unused in my truck in case of an emergency. I know that a $10 dollar Wal-mart set, either Stanley or some other cheaper brand would work at least once...BUT I am so so so tired of buying junk. I did it before when I was completely poor and needed a quick tool for something.

But now that I have the ability, albeit sort of slowly to save up and buy high quality tools and items that will last at least a decade to a lifetime, thats how I want to plan my purchases.

So is Craftsman worth buying still, like if Sears and K-Mart fold, will my lifetime guarantee still last, and will they hold up to abuse well, or should I save a bit more and get the Snap-on?

 

[Gibson486]

I have no idea, but I have this $15 set from walgreens that I bought 4 years ago and it has never let me down.

 

[HiTek21]

I still use craftsman since they're easy to get, fairly inexpensive, and they carry their warranties

 

[No1ustad]

I bought a 150+ set from craftsman. Hope their lifetime warranty sticks. Tools are decent. get the job done. Snap-on is more $$ (considering the deals i found) and i called sears, if my tools ever break, sides the screwddriver bits and hex-wrenches, i take it to sears and they replace it with same or better on the spot. Good enough for me.

 

[SilthDraeth]

I know Sears is good on their warranties. I just wonder about the longevity of Sears, and not really the tools. I will probably buy Craftsman.

 

[ValValline]

I have used both extensively over the years....

Snap-On = Better design/ergonomics. They fit the hand better, have smoother finishes, and fit in tight spaces better.

Craftsman = MUCH cheaper. Just as strong.

Both have lifetime warranties. It is a LOT easier walking into a Sears store and buying/replacing items. With Snap-On you have to locate a dealer. In my case that means tracking down a mobile truck, now that I no longer work as a mechanic.

For what you are looking for, I think Craftsman is your best bet.

 

[SilthDraeth]

Thanks Val

 

[Bartman39]

I am a mechanic and use both but really prefer my Snap-on... For a weekend warrior or someone that just needs tools every so often then Craftsman is the ticket for sure...

But beware...! You cant just walk in to just any Sears store and get just any of your Craftsman tools replaced... I had bought some of the impact sockets and broke one (a 13/16ths) and when I went to get a replacement they did not have one... Also was told I would have to call the 1-800 for Craftsman and would have to send it in and wait to get a replacement...

Most good Snapon dealers if called will come if you need a tool replaced or need one you dont have... Doesnt have to be the day they normaly come by... (This applies to both the new young guy and the nut like me that has over 60K in tools and roll cabs)


For most do it yourselfers Craftsman is just fine though...

 

[Pacfanweb]

Craftsman has NEVER made tools as nice as Snap On, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell, or even SK...which you can now buy from Sears.

Just tighter tolerances on their wrenches and sockets, for starters. Grab the same size wrench or socket from Snap On and Craftsman, put the on a bolt, and you'll see the difference.

And no, Craftsman is NOT just as strong.

But, the price is much better, for sure.

 

[JC]

If you use your tools to make a living: Snap On
If you're just a shadetree mechanic: Craftsman

The lifetime warranty on Craftsman is great, but when you're on the job, you don't have time to run over to Sears to replace a socket.

 

[steppinthrax]

For the amateur mechanic who is really going to work on one car Craftsman is more economical and more/less all you need. That is all I every bought I have all sizes of their 3/8? socket wrenches and both deep and shallow metric sockets. I break at least a couple of tools each year (for doing the wrong thing with them) and have never been asked any questions at sears. You don?t even need to bring the receipt.

The reason why a lot of professional mechanics use snap-on is because tools are replaced via a truck. If you ever see those snap-on trucks they drive around picking broken tools up from mechanic shops. It?s more convenient rather then going to a store. Also craftsman FOREVER warranty is not for commercial use.

 

[thedarkwolf]

Hows Home Depot's line of Husky tools compared to Craftsman? Most of my crap is Craftsman.

 

[steppinthrax]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Hows Home Depot's line of Husky tools compared to Craftsman? Most of my crap is Craftsman.

Husky is worse then craftsman. Husky dosen't have the ease warranty policy like craftsman. Husky is also made in Taiwan and China while craftsman is made in USA.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Hows Home Depot's line of Husky tools compared to Craftsman? Most of my crap is Craftsman.

Save some money and just get some tools from Lowes (task force) or anybody that sales Stanely, as that is who makes Husky tools as well. Stanley is the #1 maker of hand tools world wide.

 

[Gillbot]

I refuse to buy craftsman anymore. Usually they refuse to replace anything now and when they do, they are replaced with an "off" brand that carried no warranty. I don't know if this is a local thing but i've been fighting with them for years now.

I just get Stanley tools at walmart now since they also have a lifetime warranty and are cheap. Usually walmart will replace anything without asking a question.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Craftsman is good enough for most people. Snap-on, Mac Tools, and similar are for people who lose money when a tool breaks regardless of warrentee.

 

[Wolfie]

Without even reading other people's replies, I would like to give you at least some of my insite using both brands.

Craftsman-Strong, and a really good tool for the average home user. The wrenches tend to have a little more "flex" then say snap-on, but the strength is good. They are a little thicker and hard to get into some of the tightest spots with a great price. Also tends to be a little easier to replace with a quick trip to sears.

Snap-on- Also strong, and thend to not "flex" as much as craftsman under extream force. They tend to be slimmer and easier to get onto those are to get spots. They are also a lot more expencive, and a little harder to replace unless there is an easy access to a dealer. Also tends to have those "unique" tools for those one of a kind tool for the special job.

Both brands are great quality, but if you can afford it, and do a lot of work, you will come to appreciate the snap-on over craftsman a little more.

These are just my opinions.

 

[steppinthrax]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Hows Home Depot's line of Husky tools compared to Craftsman? Most of my crap is Craftsman.

Save some money and just get some tools from Lowes (task force) or anybody that sales Stanely, as that is who makes Husky tools as well. Stanley is the #1 maker of hand tools world wide.

I've had that type of thinking but quickly found them to be pretty low quality. When you put a lot of force on tools they break in places you would never think of. Especially with the socket wrenches.

 

[SilthDraeth]

Thank you all for the replies. I will talk to my local Sears managers to fine out the store policy on replacing the Craftsman tools. Then I will probably but them online, and have them shipped. I found about a 30% savings online, and a better selection.

 

[steppinthrax]

Originally posted by: SilthDraeth
Thank you all for the replies. I will talk to my local Sears managers to fine out the store policy on replacing the Craftsman tools. Then I will probably but them online, and have them shipped. I found about a 30% savings online, and a better selection.

It's best to get them online. I bought all my craftsman tools though ebay.

 

[Zenmervolt]

If you have to have the best, Snap-On or Mac. But you'll pay, boy will you pay.

At the price point, it's impossible to beat Craftsman. As has been said, if you're a professional, you want Snap-On or Mac, but really there's no justification for the (substantial) extra cost of Snap-On and Mac tools for the average driveway mechanic.

ZV

 

[Kelvrick]

I got started with one of those metric/sae kits from craftsman for like a hundred bucks.

After that, I just stop by harbor freight for anything I need. Their tools haven't let me down yet, and replacements are cheap.

 

[steppinthrax]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
I got started with one of those metric/sae kits from craftsman for like a hundred bucks.

After that, I just stop by harbor freight for anything I need. Their tools haven't let me down yet, and replacements are cheap.

Harbor freight is dirt cheap sh1t tools. They are probably worst then wal-mart tools. But they have tools that no one else has. Like Manifold gauges (A/C) and vaccum pumps.

 

[Gillbot]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
I got started with one of those metric/sae kits from craftsman for like a hundred bucks.

After that, I just stop by harbor freight for anything I need. Their tools haven't let me down yet, and replacements are cheap.

I'm a HF fan myself. They do have just about anything and everything. They will also pricematch even to their website sales! That way you can get the super cheap prices without shipping or waiting.

Originally posted by: steppinthrax

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
I got started with one of those metric/sae kits from craftsman for like a hundred bucks.

After that, I just stop by harbor freight for anything I need. Their tools haven't let me down yet, and replacements are cheap.

Harbor freight is dirt cheap sh1t tools. They are probably worst then wal-mart tools. But they have tools that no one else has. Like Manifold gauges (A/C) and vaccum pumps.

Walmart sells stanley tools mostly and they have a lifetime warranty, as do harbor freight's pittsburgh brand tools. I'll take a cheap tool with a lifetime warranty over a craftsman anyday. I've broken WAY more craftsman tools lately than anything else. Craftsman quality is in the crapper IMHO.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Bartman39
I am a mechanic and use both but really prefer my Snap-on... For a weekend warrior or someone that just needs tools every so often then Craftsman is the ticket for sure...

But beware...! You cant just walk in to just any Sears store and get just any of your Craftsman tools replaced... I had bought some of the impact sockets and broke one (a 13/16ths) and when I went to get a replacement they did not have one... Also was told I would have to call the 1-800 for Craftsman and would have to send it in and wait to get a replacement...

Most good Snapon dealers if called will come if you need a tool replaced or need one you dont have... Doesnt have to be the day they normaly come by... (This applies to both the new young guy and the nut like me that has over 60K in tools and roll cabs)


For most do it yourselfers Craftsman is just fine though...

Only problem is most Snap-on (if not all) will not come to a private residence to swap a simple tool.

Sears and Snap-On both are subject to inventory. I doubt a Snap-On truck has every tool possible in it. 9 times out of 10 though if Sears has it regularly they usually keep a decent quantity on hand.

The only time I suffered from them not having the right tools I was compensated by getting free upgrades to a better tool (like my basic craftsman needlenose to the double the cost professional line).

Sears also makes some more ergonomic tools like Snap-On...you pay extra for them and for most the job length is not warranted for the extra cost.

I use my tools about everyday. I do a ton of auto work for friends and family. It makes no sense for someone to go spend a small fortune on tools when I have most mechanics tools on hand (like all sizes up to the high 30's metric and 2" roughly standard ).

My dad has a ton of wood tools.

Buying a 'Craftsman Set' is the best way to start off, especially during the big sales (Father's day is a huge one as is Christmas). Ebay is a great source as even if you get a bad tool you can exchange it.

Depending on your jobs a torque wrench is an invaluable tool. It doesn't pay to guess how tight something should be when you can strip aluminum so easily and very easily undertorque something like a crankpulley or axle nut.

Snap-On for home use is more about bragging rights though. We all know at least one guy out there it seems that has a decorated garage with a full Snap-On set yet still brings their cars in for service