Mechanics Tools (warning: Long Random Post)

fm2176 · May 30, 2011

So, as I sit here procrastinating over starting the Criminal Investigations research paper due in two weeks my mind suddenly turned to mechanics tools. Lowe's has eleven-piece SAE and Metric 3/8" drive deep-well socket sets for $10 this weekend, and my neighbor picked up a set which got me thinking about what was in my tool box (shows how much I use them nowadays). Anyway I checked it out and found I have two sets of metric deep-wells (Craftsman and Snap-On) and a set of SAE Craftsman sockets, ruling out any spur-of-the-moment run to Lowe's for that deal.

Rummaging through my recently reorganized (despite not paying attention to what types of sockets I have) toolbox I found my broken tool drawer; with the old SK ratchet, Matco 90-degree needlenose pliers and Benchtop 3/8" and 1/2" u-joints; which in turn got me to wondering if Benchtop tools are still warrantied by K-Mart. I found one link where people claim to receive Craftsman or at least Evolv tools in exchange. Speaking of the SK ratchet I still remember when it broke...

Over ten years ago when I was still a forklift technician I was sent to a Wal-Mart store on an easy job: remove the front wheels from a truck and bring it to the shop to press new tires on. Lo and behold, the trusty IR 231 impact wouldn't take them off, so I broke out the 3/4" impact. It wouldn't budge them either, so I broke out the breaker bar. True to form, it broke, so I decided to use the SK ratchet in conjunction with a six-foot sign post. Not surprisingly it broke as well and I finally resorted to big hammer and Craftsman ratchet. That worked on all six lugs where the other tools failed miserably. My only guess is someone used a 1" or strong 3/4" impact to put the wheels on in the first place.

Speaking of Craftsman I had a very good warranty experience one of the last times I actually brought tools in. A younger guy working told me to grab the replacements but one ratchet was no longer made. It was much nicer than the regular ones so I asked about the slim profile, which the guy told me was fine. Similarly, when a punch could not be found separately the guy gave me a (still unopened) set of punches. That along with a few other good swaps got me over $200 of tools for stuff I might have paid $150 for. Unfortunately, the last time I swapped out tools I was told they couldn't warranty single miniature wrenches and I'd have to bring in the set.

I could go on (after all, if I were not on here I'd be typing a few thousand words anyway) but will try to close this out soon. My old single cab Mac box is who knows how old (I bought it used as an 18-year-old mechanic at Great Dane Trailers) and contains an eclectic assortment of tools: mostly Craftsman, Snap-On and Matco, with a few Mac and others thrown in. Most of the common hand tools were bought used or on clearance from tool trucks--after all, why spend $100 for a set of Snap-On screwdrivers when a used set cost $30? Over the years many tools have been lost due to PCS moves with the Army (though too many were lost when my service truck was literally cleaned out after being laid off from the forklift company on 10 September 2001) and the indifference of my father-in-law who mistook my allowing him to use them as agreement for him to adopt them. All told, though, I still have enough to get most of the work done on my truck and other vehicles and regardless of how little they are used for the foreseeable future they remain my tools.

PS: Thanks to this site for the info on PO 449 and the replacement parts! The CEL came on last week, I hooked one of my last tool investments up (a scanner from Advance that was 50% off last year) and pulled the code. Despite my lack of presence here recently I used my ninja lurking skills to find a wealth of info. The AC Delco 214-2149 was a perfect fit despite both Advance and Amazon listing a 214-1105 as the proper part for my 2006 Sierra 1500. Cleared the CEL Saturday and it hasn't been back on.

fm2176 · May 30, 2011

Oops, tried checking my new, improved signature...

mhenshaw · May 30, 2011

Well since you asked I bought this U.S General toolbox and Craftsman tools in the last 6 months. No breakage yet!

MikeNH · May 30, 2011

Craftsman stuff has been hit or miss for me and I can say I've never had a nice experience trying to exchange a failed tool, they always act like they're doing me a huge favor or act all suspicious like I'm trying to pull a fast one on them. Most of my tools other than normal/non-impact sockets are from the tool trucks though as I used to work for a dealer. I had a Mac impact gun fail on me but I can't remember much else. These days my tools don't see much use- a few oil changes for my personal vehicle and maybe a brake job or two a year that I'll do for someone so I haven't broken anything since I left the business.

ChevyTech77 · May 30, 2011

99.8% Snap-On with the last .2% being Matco and Craftsman.......All $35,000 worth. And no, I didn't studder or miss spot my comma, you read that right. I am just thankfull that they are all bought and paid for.

05GMCZ71 · May 30, 2011

Craftsman, Husky, and some stuff from Harbor Freight.

oldschool327 · May 31, 2011

99.8% Snap-On with the last .2% being Matco and Craftsman.......All $35,000 worth. And no, I didn't studder or miss spot my comma, you read that right. I am just thankfull that they are all bought and paid for.

Right there with ya (paid for and all)! My Three tier box and Step ladder is Snap-On but 99% of the tools are MAC. I find comfort in great tools and lots of them! My ADD will kick in if I see a MAC truck on the side of the road, My wife just shakes her head.

fm2176 · May 31, 2011

Craftsman stuff has been hit or miss for me and I can say I've never had a nice experience trying to exchange a failed tool, they always act like they're doing me a huge favor or act all suspicious like I'm trying to pull a fast one on them. Most of my tools other than normal/non-impact sockets are from the tool trucks though as I used to work for a dealer. I had a Mac impact gun fail on me but I can't remember much else. These days my tools don't see much use- a few oil changes for my personal vehicle and maybe a brake job or two a year that I'll do for someone so I haven't broken anything since I left the business.

Sadly, Craftsman stuff has gone downhill rapidly over the past ten-plus years. It pains me whenever I take an older tool to exchange it as I know I'm not getting the same quality. As for the warranty, I've only exchanged tools the two times mentioned in the initial post since around 2001 or so. I noticed a few years ago that they stopped covering tape measure blades; now it seems they don't even make tapes anymore.

My IR 231 1/2" drive impact is still going strong. The tip for the impact grease gun got misplaced years ago but I finally found it and greased the bearing for the first time in 10 years, which tightened it up quite a bit.

Wingnut · May 31, 2011

I've got a little of everything in my workshop. Mostly Snap-On though.

Because I'm retarded.

ChevyTech77 · May 31, 2011

Right there with ya (paid for and all)! My Three tier box and Step ladder is Snap-On but 99% of the tools are MAC. I find comfort in great tools and lots of them! My ADD will kick in if I see a MAC truck on the side of the road, My wife just shakes her head.

I seem to have the same issue but I do so no matter where tools are sold and yes, my gf does the same thing as well.