Craftsman used to be made for people who knew how to use the tools, now they are made for people who don't know anything about tools and are just looking to fill their new toolbox that sits in their pantry.
I don't think Craftsman os trying to appeal specifically to people who don't know anyting about tools, but rather sell a more diverse range of tools. Most of my tools are Craftsman, and all of them have been purchased fairly recently. their staples like wrenches and sockets are as good as ever. Their ratchet wrenches made by gear wrench for them are phenomenal as are their new 75 and 84 tooth ratchets. They do come out with some gimicky stuff sometimes. sometimes it works for some people, sometimes it works for nobody. It really depends on the tools and the person. Most of all, Sears is a business. They want to carry products that will sell and of people buy stupid tools, that's what sells.
I used to think of cheap,garbage tools and harbor freight.Now I think cheap rip off tools and Sears.I actually like harbor freight these days,they have honest prices on their crappy tools.
Some of the more expensive tools at harbor freight aren't even that bad. I'll gladly buy HF's Made in Taiwan Pittsburgh Pro line of tools over any Made in China Craftsman tools.
Harbor freight you have to discern the good from the bad. At this point I have quite a collection of Harbor Freight stuff, and their pro series hand tools are fantastic. I've also been using the colorful deep well sockets for years, have even run them with an impact wrench quite a few times, and they've held up great. Again, pick and choose. Some stuff is fantastic, and some is terrible.
River rat most of the sears tools are now made in china....and if u look some snap on and macto.....why pay for those big names.....im gonna have go sell myself to the feright
I bought the set of two adjustable wrench vise grips for removing rusted nuts and bolts when restoring classic cars. only used them on very rusted brake lines. they worked fantastic for that . they give you that extra little bite that the regular adjustable wrenches lack with the play in them.
Crescent is making a locking adjustable wrench very similar to #2 on your list, and while hardly a must-have, it occasionally works well on pipe fittings made from soft alloys. Simply makes it easier to preload the jaws and avoid rounding the corners off the wrench flats, as sometimes would happen with standard adjustable wrenches, smooth-jawed channel locks, or a ford wrench. Too bad the quick-adjust pipe wrench doesn't work as it should. Ridgid and Crescent have done similar takes that have been hit or miss, with certain sizes of pipe they adjust well to, and other sizes that they don't grip well at all. Good picks - Looking forward to the 5 Best list
I have the 913272 Grip Wrench and I love the thing. It has it's uses! You don't have to clamp down with the force of a hydraulic press and damage the fastener, and unlike most Crescent style wrenches, the jaws on this, won't move.
I have to agree that I really "like" the grip wrench! (the adjustable vice grip wrench) I received this as a gift per my request, it works for the purpose in which I apply it! i work In my shop daily, i use it for stuck or hard fasteners, it by far beats a vice grip in terms of "saving" the fastener from being destroyed! the little teeth in practice are what give it bite and do not destroyed it being rounded. I break the nut/bolt loose with this tool then go on to standard wrenches or sockets. the negatives to this grip wrench is: its big/bulky, and its slow as you have to release/rebite for each turn , hence why I only use it to break free. I stay away from vice-grips at all possible costs. the best application for this grip wrench IMO is hydraulic lines/hoses/fittings, some sensors etc. Also the jaw does not flex under hi-torque application when adjusted properly. I can agree on all the other tools in this video and this channel has been great, except i feel from experience, this tool has justified itself onto the "top" of my service cart!
I used mine to bust lose the jamb nuts on a friends Mitsu Lancer outer tie rods and it worked like an absolute charm! And those nuts were on there very tight! :)
I like your videos, but you make a lot of assumption about these tools when you haven't even shown any testing and for that I disagree with your review but to each his own. I do have the screwdriver unit and have had it for over a year without issue could it break of course it could, but if I have to do heavy fastening I'll grab my snap-on screwdriver but to have this craftsman unit sitting in the house for that occasional fastener it has save me a few trips out to the shop.
this guy completely missed the point of the adjustable wrench with the vise grip handle, i have a set of those and out in the field when you are trying to hold a nut while driving a bolt and the wrench keeps falling off or slipping or is just out of reach, you lock it on and get it done. it is NOT to replace either the wrench or vise grips. it is NOT to remove damaged fasteners. his assumptions are flawed.
Rod X Completely agree...thought that myself...he lost my interest at the point he said you can't use the pipe wrench thing in both directions like a real one.
I have one I bought at Lowes years ago and I really like it. Unlike the craftsman it doesn't have the teeth but has smooth jaws like a regular adjustable wrench. I use it often for the reasons you mentioned and also for removing tight nuts. Once it's tightened down and locked it doesn't slip like a adjustable wrench often does rounding the nut and causing you bust your knuckles.
Yep, thought the same thing. I knew exactly what that tool was for..... And it seems this guys doesn't actually have to use his tools for work.... He just reviews them.
The pipe wrench, vice grip adjustable, and the hammer have decent designs. Your complaints on the pipe wrench are actually how you have to use them. A actual pipe wrench is the same way. The adjustable vice grips is not for removing rounded nuts, but to get a better grip on a stuck fastener so you do not round it off. And the hammer is not a pry bar. the adjustable claw is used to make it easier to get leverage and a better angle to pull nails. the screwdriver and the sliding adjustable are junk. The displays i saw at the store were broken.
So the hammer isn't a prybar.....but they specifically advertise it as a 2-in-1 tool --- a HAMMER & a PRY BAR..... www.craftsman.com/products/craftsman-18-ounce-flex-claw-hammer
A hammer is not a prybar, it is a hammer, this one just has a adjustable claw. I consider using a hammer as a prybar abuse. The people who name these things done even know what most tools are, or how they are used.
"A(n) actual pipe wrench is the same way" If you have to hold the head of you pipe wrench to get grip (like this thing), your doing it wrong or you have a bad/poor/cheap tool. Pipe wrenches only require one hand.
Remember when sears was good? They had the satisfaction guarantee and replaced things no questions asked. Sears has long left our town and can't say I miss them.
I was just in Sears three days ago (first time back in about 10 years) to buy replacement blades for a Craftsman jig saw, because no one else carries them (u-shank with hole)...turns out, not even Sears carries blades anymore for their own tools; they only carry modern replacements for their Chinese plastic jig saws. Anyway, their tool selection was so sad looking: gimmicky crap everywhere, and their tools are still priced like they're made in the USA.
You can use U shape without a hole in that jig saw. I do all the time. Or just drill a hole if it doesnt work in your model. I just crank on the screw to hold it in
The monkey wrench actually seems like a fairly good design. A traditional one has to be flipped also in order to turn the pipe the opposite direction. You don't have to flip it under. If you have the room, you just go at it from the other side.
I feel ya. I'll likely inherit my father's pipe wrenches.He always called them monkey wrenches as his father did. They are trustworthy tools. I'm a 37 year old mechanical engineer, I love the old stuff because it works, I also love the new stuff because it tries to make improvements. Some of it sucks, some of it's good, that's how we evolve.
Good to see someone else state this. Working in the oil industry and working with hydraulic systems every day, I use a pipe wrench all the darn time. There has been many renditions of the spring-loaded pipe/monkey wrench. Can't beat a solid Rigid or Pony!!
Except you're only supposed to pull a pipe wrench. You're not supposed to push it. Granted that's not how most people use it, they just fit it on however they can get it to fit, but proper care does indeed state that you're only supposed to move it in a pulling direction, so you do have to flip it to switch directions.
I have a Stanley version of the vise grip style crescent. it's one of my favorite tools. I've had it for years, and use it almost daily working on tractor trailers. it's not meant for damaged fasteners, just for getting a tighter grip on a bolt/nut head. highly recommend
with the glorified pipewrench what is the difference is that from a conventional? you still need to flip it to change direction. same with any tongue and groove pliers.
My Grandpa, a WWII Vet who drove a tank in the Battle of the Bulge, passed away recently and in his shop I found loads of solid Craftsmen tools. They are a solid brand still. Serious Craftsman wont be fooled by these gimmicky new "tools" they are offering. Stick the the basics.
AT one times (let's say 10 - 15 years ago) I would purchase Craftsman Tools without hesitation. Over that time period they have completely gone down hill FAST! I walked through Sears about 6 months ago and would NOT buy ANYTHING they have to sell now! IMHO Craftsman tools are WORSE than Harbor Freight at many times the cost and are NOT worth the time spent to drive to Sears. A VERY SORRY state of affairs! Craftsman should be ashamed of themselves and should be re-named CRAPSMAN TOOLS!
Isn't that the truth. My older craftsman tools are great tools. What they sell now is just pure crap. Sure you can still get some of the older style tools that work, but all this gimmicky crap that looks like it's straight out of a infomercial has ruined there reputation.
It's pretty much all tool companies though, some times I'll even buy chinese over america these days, unless it was made 30+ year ago, It's probably shit, or, it's german...
I looked at all these tools a few days ago when I was in Sears. I just shook my head and thought "what a bunch of junk". Thanks for verifying. good channel
I have used the Snapon version of those locking adjustable wrench and it isn't trying to do the job of two tools it is simply an improvement on adjustable wrenches. And they actually work well. The fancy pipe wrench also comes in handy turning inner tie rods while doing alignments. Again Snapon makes them.
Great reviews. Do yourselves a favor. Stay with Crescent brand wrenches for adjustable wrenches and Vise brand pliers for locking pliers. I also like Klien (man on the pole) side cutters and electrical pliers. There is a reason people keep buying them....THEY WORK AND KEEP ON WORKING... I was a commercial electrician for 20 plus years before I retired 2 yrs. ago. My coworkers and I all used DEWALT battery powered drills. We usually used 14 volt drills because they were lighter than the 18 volt drills. DEWALT must have been putting gold dust into their 14 volt drill batteries because the price of them went up to $95-105 per battery when the price of an 18 volt battery stayed around $50. That all changed a couple of years ago when they came out with their 20 volt series. That is a fine drill .Everybody I worked with switched to the 20 volt DEWALT drill and never looked back. It seems petty at first until you figure up time lost changing out batteries or waiting on a weak drill to anchor a screw, or for batteries to charge up...then things get more serious. Downtime is lost money...DEWALT IS THE WAY TO GO IF YOU WANT TO MAKE MONEY. They cost a little more, but you get what you pay for,
Since i'm an older fellow that grew up knowing the high quality of Craftsman tools i I bought a couple of Craftsman nipper/wire cutter sets. Two of my nippers broke while not using great pressure while cutting. A few years prior, i bought a ratchet set that i had to replace twice because the ratchet stopped working. The common theme amongst the tools was they were made in China. Sears lost a lot of money from me because i purchased a lot of non Sears tools years later because i moved into a house.
I have a locking adjustable wrench similar to the one you showed. Mine just doesn't have the toothed jaws. I find it far more useful than a standard adjustable because it can be used as a standard adjustable or with the locking mechanism for a better bite. I don't believe that the craftsman is intended to replace a vice-grip. I think the teeth are just to provide a better bite on the nut that a standard adjustable has rounded off. I like mine.
I agree with your appraisal of the Sears tools. The old Craftsman tools were good for a lifetime, and they were cheerfully replaced if broken or worn out. I do not believe that Sears will replace any of these tools if they break in use.
it's funny, I worked at sears, and I remember unloading these from the truck, and my boss and I said these things were stupid and felt like trash, roght after the holidays a ton came back as returns, and shortly after that, the rest came back damage
GigaDonk those are actually quite good I keep a set in my truck to bring with me to the junk yard because I never know what I'll run into so they've gotten a lot of work done!
they actually work ok for wing nuts but the old joke about wing nut wrenches goes, if you have to use them, you use them twice, once to loosen the wing nut and once to throw at the person who tightened it with one in the first place
I absolutely LOVE that socket. I never had a problem with it on standard nuts at all. Perfect when you don't know what size you need or working with more than one bolt size with easy access. I use it a lot under the car and truck on non-torque fittings, but never for "odd" fittings like they preach. I don't abuse it, keep oil on it, and that's probably why it's lasted me over 10 years now.
The only problem I have is that you are predicting them to fail in some sort of way without actually using them. You are using reason and logic to make predictions. I assume that you will actually try to use them before you make a final judgement? I can see some of these working just fine for light duty work.
Brought most of my craftsman and some snap tools over 40 years ago and still using them today. Rebuilt many motors,transmissions and plenty of front end work. Very,very rarely did I break one and need to get a replacement. I haven't purchased a new craftsman tool in over 10 years. As long as you have the ones that say "Make in the USA" you will be fine. Don't buy the garbage they are selling today.
Glenn--I've always thought that would be a better design, as it locks on to whatever you're trying to turn, leaving your other hand free to hold or steady something else. The problem with adjustable wrenches is how easily they let go of the nut or fastener you're tightening. I would leave the jaws flat (i.e., without serrations) in my design to minimize marring. Otherwise, it should work well.
Beginning in 1966 I have been buying Craftsman tools. They have been good quality items and I've been pleased with them. With the nearest Sears store now closed, it's a 20 mile drive to a nice Sears Hardware store. It's been 4 years since I've been there. I've noticed that the Craftsman items are of lower quality these day, so I've begun buying other brands from Internet sources. As this video shows, they are introducing items that I consider junk. Thank you for this warning!
Instead of craftsman spending all this money on R&D for junk tools, they should put that money into improving the quality of their existing tools. That would of course mean making something better which I don't think interests them much.
You can get good tools that were made in China, but they will be designed by the better tool companies and of course will cost more. China makes all sorts of things, good and poor, and sadly most of the stuff imported from there is cheaply made, because cheap is what most people want to pay.
I work for company that manufactures products in China and the USA. Both locations can make high quality products and low quality products. The quality has to be part of the specification and also monitored. What often happens is that end users will buy cheap over more expensive; which I believe is more of a decision of budget. If they had the money they would buy the more expensive quality items. Sears could make higher quality products and they would cost more.
I think there's a market for mid-range tools. You have a lot of extremely cheap garbage then you have your MAC, SnapOn. I think craftsman tools can be better if it were say 50% more expensive than now. I'm willing to pay $15 instead of $10 for a better product that I will be proud of owning and supporting.
seephor There are mid range tools. Snap on makes Blue point; basically the same tool, but without the warranty. There are others as well, S-K is available, very good tools, also not as expensive as snap on, matco, etc.. I think Sears craftsman brand was simply destroyed by the bean counters, they kept trying to squeeze every penny out of every single thing they sell, until it became crap.
I don't agree on the Adjustable Wrench/Vise Grip pick. My issue with adjustable wrenches is the fact I can never get them tight enough on the bolt so they slip when using them. The vice addition gives you the ability to get a tight grip and avoid slipping. I agree the teeth are not necessary and are problematic. I put my money where my mouth is, I bought a dozen Stanley wrenches that are similar to these without the teeth for Christmas gifts. I bought one for myself as well and early testing demonstrates that this tool indeed resolves my issue with conventional adjustable wrenches. No it does not replace my vice grips but I didn't expect it to.
Great review as always, All these tools make me wonder just what in the hell craftsman is thinking..... their bargain and gimmick lines are total garbage. Their brand name doesn't carry the weight it used to.
Agree with your opinions here. I''djust add that the traditonal adjustable wrench also belongs in the scrap pile. It "sort of" works, if you don't mind out of parailel jaws and consequent damage to fasteners.. But everyone has one or two just because no one wants to carry all their wrenches everywhere or can't afford every size.
As for the breaker wrench, I'm a pipefitter by trade and have used many pipe wrenches in my time. Even with name brand pipe wrenches you have to hold the head to get a good grip and have to turn them over or reverse direction to tighten or loosen. There is a pipe wrench available with the jaws in line with the handle instead of perpendicular for tight spots.
I have bought many Craftsman tools in the past, as I said, in the past. Craftsman used to be very high quality tools and I know many mechanics that wouldn't own any other brand. But now, most of what they put out is junk I wouldn't give you a wooden nickle for! As for your review, no one else could have said it better. Great review!
as a carpenter and hardware installer I use the flex claw and love it I haven't had any problem out it it's not meant to be used as a pry bar, the adjustable wrench is not to replace those it's to simply lock the jaw at the size you need so the wrench doesn't loosen like a standard adjustable wrench always does and the pipe wrench well that's exactly how you use a pipe wrench now I can do not speak of the screw driver and the sliding adjustable wrench but I will agree they look like they will fail you immediately
Have to say, I think the second tool is not meant to combine a vice grip and a crescent. The shortcoming of a crescent wrench is its tendency to get kinda loose and slip, rounding off nuts or bolts. But with the added vice grip lever, you can be sure the tool is tight on that fastener, eliminating the slipping, giving this tool the theoretical one-size-fits-all appeal without the shortcoming of its application in the real world.
What you guys don't realize is that most of the people buying these gimmicky tools are moms, wives and kids, who usually go for the snazzy thing that looks neat and fun, that dad doesn't already have. Then they make us use it in front of them and act like we like the tool hahah. The exception to this is a multi screwdriver with a built-in tiny flashlight which has been great for years to take off wall outlet covers, remote controls, toy batteries, tighten faucets, which my mom picked up at a dollar store for me. I literally had to fake it so bad that i was excited, but then ironically just used it a hundred times and loved it haha.
Real Tool Reviews yeah but my mom and her peer group would subscribe the hell out of your channel. untapped tool buying demographic: middle aged women.
I saw your like video and went to Sears to look at the multimeter. I looked at the other tools and was impressed. I saw these tools there also before I saw this and came to the same conclusions on all of them. My Sears didn't have the multimeter but it wasn't a wasted trip, the girl who tried to help me was cute. Accurate review for both videos.
That is not really new. I got a couple old tool that are 50 years or older and they have that same design. They work for the right instances but mostly they are gimmicky.
The vise grip wrench looks like a good idea to me. On a very stuck fastener a lot of times a normal wrench has enough clearance or give to slip and round it over. Normal vise grips will very reliability ruin a faster and round it over, so they're a bad idea except as a last resort when a faster is already rounded. This looks like it would be very useful for stuff that's stuck but not yet rounded. It might cause a little marring, but at least it wouldn't round the head and make the situation worse.
I have to disagree with your TOP pick...this tool is designed for "home repair" type jobs...not to be used by a "professional". So, if you have to hang a picture frame, go to the 'junk' drawer, and grab this tool. It would last more than you'd think, and you'd definitely get your $15 dollars worth. I am with you on 99% of what you said, just think this tool is for 'light', around the house type work...which it will do just fine at. IMO.
One tool that I think you overlooked as the WORST is their Item # 00944578000P...."Mach series ratchet. This thing is IMPOSSIBLE to use, and like you discovered, there was only 1 or 2 out of about 10 that actually worked in the store. Look at that item next time you're there...it's AWFUL, AWFUL, AWFUL...just JUNK. You're supposed to be able to move the actual handle up and down it's shaft, causing the socket to quickly turn. It's designed to be used when the nut/bolt is lose enough to unscrew by hand, but it won't even work in the store! I hope this is not part of your Top 5 video :)
It is certainly a home tool but it is made so cheaply that it probably won't last long. I take pride in having good tools at home that I know I can pass down. I don't want a tool box full of shit. I have a lot of good drivers and at home I pry with them, use them as chisels, and I even use them to poke holes in hard stuff among many other things. You can't do all of that with a cheap plastic driver set.
A standard adjustable wrench is NOT "without any issues". Every one of them has an issue. They don't stay where you put them, even with careful use. They require constant readjustment during use.
I'm a new viewer and I think you have a great channel! I don't have the "vice grip wrench thing" but I think the idea is to hang on to nasty, rusty rounded over nuts like everyone does with vice grips...not replace both tools. Kinda thought it would be useful. You should test it!
The issue is that it does BOTH jobs WORSE. The Craftsman would make sense it if had STRAIGHT jaws. In theory, it would be BETTER than an adjustable wrench, because the jaw wouldn't be loose. But it's not! So there :P
I like the locking adjustable wrenches, I do t know if you have ever used one but they work well I have no reason for an adjustable wrench but have used the snap on version befor and liked it.
Peter Welsh I know that might be the advertised use....however I would think it would get used for tough crappy nuts and bolts more often. I just don't think this is a bad tool. I think its not the one you buy before the other two.
as usuall, awesome video. i hope my sincerity comes across. your reviews are the standard to which all other tool reviews get measured. maybe a group effort with AvE, you do first video, let him do teardowns. should cut your costs in half. he has wrecked a few. lol. thx for what you do.
100 percent agree with your review of these tools. Traditional tools in most cases last a lifetime. I still use my grandfathers adjustable wrench. just needs an occasional drop of oil
That Craftsman wrench/visegrip thing would be good for steel pipe I assume because it does have a serrated jaw but we have pipe wrenches for less money lol.
Peter Welsh Well shouldn't you correct him rather than me then? I mean after all, I have no need for one since I can use a torch to just heat the damn things and break them loose lol.
Hello my name is Geoff Lewis. Wales, UK. As a fully qualified Joiner and have been a Joiner since 1961 it always pays to buy good quality tools. As being from the UK I cannot comment on the tools you have tested. But tried and tested are Stanley, Record, Miller Falls, Rabone, Baco, Starret, Eastwing. There are many more very good British tools. Too many to name here. Very good video's please keep them coming. Geoff Lewis, Wales, UK.
The loading rod is a thin ROUND section of aluminum with a magnet on the end. It does absolutely nothing to add strength to the screwdriver. The only portion actually holding the bit is the very top/end of the unit & the offset head will add stress to the plastic body when twisted ---- exactly as I described.
If you look around you can find other "toys" like this that do exist. Auto-loading screwdrivers are mainly sold to people that tend to use any tool rarely. I'm sure you have seen those electric screwdrivers that only have enough torque to screw or unscrew a fastener. There is quite a few of those that have this same cartridge style. Like the Worx line of "semi-automatic" screwdrivers. In works in those "tools" because it does the work for you after you load the bit and only if the fastener isn't torqued down. Craftsman also had another version of an auto-loading screwdriver. It has the same problem this version has. Except that one was worse. The bits would get stuck inside the screwdriver because it couldn't handle any amount of stress and you wouldn't be able unload/load a bit at all because the internal parts were made of weak plastic and thin and tiny metals.
The visegrip-crescent wrench is pretty ideal for when you can only have one wrench(motorcycle tool pouch? bug-out bag? the tiny ones for EDC?), and need to securely remove or tighten different sizes of nuts or bolts quickly, witout damaging them. Not sure why this was in there, as it actually works very well at what it's made for.
the marketing department designs just about everything these days, well, them and CEOs that have never used a hand or power tool in their lives... if you want something nice, make sure it's european. they still have engineers over there...
I was just saying that yesterday about those stupid ads on TV for plastic pieces of crap that they hype the hell out of and show everybody having a great time using it and everything. Same idea with these tools. They put so much into advertising and nothing into actually making a good product. Basically selling people lies.
Test them to fault and return them. I used to work receiving for a SEARS in Hawaii. I used to help the PMT load up the barrels that they used to send back defective tools in. People would return or exchange stuff for anything. From discolored handles to fiberglass shovels that have been obviously run over by a truck returned. Managers are overworked and don't really want to deal with customers. Argue long enough and you'll get your return.
Excellent way explained--You have really good knowledge of experience. I suppose these tool manufacturers just make these tools without having any practical experience of using them for different job works or for different working conditions . They need to learn that too.
I don't know about some of the other products but let me just say you got the flex claw hammer wrong, some of my friends and scout masters have this tool and getting nails out with the pry bar have been proven to work and when you need to hit it with a hammer, it held just fine! and Another thing, it looks like you haven't even tried to use these tools! YOU! are just looking at the appearance , what is the saying don't knock it until you try it!
I am not trying to change your opinion and if I am coming across as a dick I am sorry it is just I have never had these problems with my craftsman products before.
To be fair, I did make a follow-up video showing 5 good tools from Sears/Craftsman.....this video was intended to prevent people from wasting their money on tools that are gimmicks. I am sure individual results will vary. But --- for the same prices as these (or less) you can get far superior tools that are actually good. Thanks for commenting!
I am an old-timer from way back. It is so sad to see the Craftsman brand slipping away. From homeowners, diyers, shade tree mechanics, and even some pros just starting out, Craftsman was trusted to get the work done. Craftsman tools could be counted on to finish without question. Now the question seems to be how much longer can they survive. A American icon slipping into the shadows. Going the way of Montgomery Wards, if anyone remembers that name as well. Both marketed made in the USA quality merchandise. So sad.
I have a craftsman cordless lithium ion dremel like tool that bogs down at the slightest resistance. it is a terrible tool that I can only use for simple polishing at this point.
john somethin I feel like if I start mine out at full speed, it works a little better but its definitely not that great anymore. a corded steel tool will be in my future when this completely dies
+robhimself79 I've moved to the Milwaukee M12 line and they have the same type of rotary tool. I just don't use it often enough to buy right now, but that will probably be what I replace it with, since everything I have from that line is great. the 3/8 cordless ratchet is the most under rated cordless too. I use it every single day at work. that whole craftsman Nextech line is about dead and gone. the drill works for little stuff at best. I keep it around at work for the light, still one of my favorites and the little right angle impact driver, only for 5/16 head self drilling screws at work, but I do use a lot of them.
john somethin this past weekend I bought in on the home depot deal where you buy a 3 piece brushless kit (I went with ridgid drill/driver, impact gun and circular saw) and get 2 pieces for free.. I opted for the reciprocating saw and trim router. ridgid doesn't seem to have a rotary tool but the selection they have is pretty nice. I am super pleased with the tools especially because they're replacing my craftsman 19.2 kit. I was shocked at how much more efficient these new tools work. I drilled a 3/8 bit into the wall and the drill just fell in. I thought I missed the stud but much to my happiness, the drill was just really really good!!
Can't say I know of anything worse because I don't shop for tools very often. I do agree with your review of these tools though. I've been guilty of buying the gimmicky 2 in 1 type tools which usually resulted in me going back and buying the two tools I should've bought in the first place. But the right tools for the job, not one tool that claims to do all the jobs. Great reviews. Keep em coming.
and where are the tests? i cant stand a valid argument like this being wasted simply because the guy making it is too lazy to do the proper tests such as seeing if they will actually break or not now i do understand your immediate hate for the sliding adjustable wrench as that was just stupid but as for the other ones you have no excuse for not testing them.
+Craftsman's corner hmmm....well like I said, TWO of the THREE on the shelf were already jammed & broken. I'm guessing by your username that this reality check offends you.
what reality check? you actually did not test any of the tools properly and i am well aware that they are gimmicky but that is exactly what the cellphone was 30 years ago and the same with the standard reliable adjustable wrench when that was new.
and if thats what you were thinking no i do not have any craftsman tools as i live in Sweden and cant find them anywhere i simply advocate the proper way to scrutinize tools and other apparatuses
way to respond for the person i was talking to and you might want to check your grammar and there it is again "customers inspection" there is no testing being done here and as such this is just someones opinion of appearance of the products and not an actual review on performance
I work in a tire shop where i use the vicegrip wrench and the pipe wrench on a daily basis. The vicegrip comes in handy for nuts that just get rounded off when using regular tools. Also the pipe wrench works great for solid axle alignments such as jeeps and big pickups. It grips the round bars exceptionally well and majes it all 10X easier than using channel locks or anything of that sort. You just got to know how to use the tools your working with. The pipe wrench you have to pull a certain way in order for it to engage. The vice grip is just an improvment on the old adjustables that constantly round off nuts and slip.
Good reviews thank you. I like craftsman tools but with the recent attempts to reinvent the wheel is sad to see quality not a priority. Especially the claw hammer. Their plain Jane hammer works just fine but the adjustable claw hammer is a good idea that was not carried out well.
I learned a long time ago that vise grip pliers are specially designed to chew the flats off a hex head or square head fastener. Much like a cheater pipe being designed to break the head off an adjustable wrench.
I use that locking crescent wrench all the time at work. It works great for tightening a started nut on a bolt with restricted access. I'll often lock the crescent wrench on the nut and tightening the bolt from the other side of a wall or on the back side of a fixture. It's basically a third hand or second person for some jobs. All you need to do is make sure the wrench hits something solid to tighten properly or use a lock washer to make sure you can properlubtorque the nut without it flopping around on the other side of the wall.
You are explaining possible problems with the hammer design but the only problem is, claw hammers are not meant to be used a pry bars... pry bars are meant to be used as pry bars. The reason it doesn't work well for that purpose is because it was never designed to be used for that purpose... weird.
I have the locking adjustable wrench and it does work when you need it to. The same way you made a video a little while ago about how some hand wrench had grooves on it made it harder for the nut to slip, Craftsman is going with this idea too. It's very good at breaking bolts loose but to finish the job just use it like a regular adjustable wrench. Also the gripping wrench is a good idea, you weren't even trying that much, and I know your sponsored by many other tool manufacturers. So why not knock Craftsman's name. The other products I do agree with you. And yes I will like it more if they were made in the USA, WHICH SOME OF THEIR TOOLS STILL ARE. But then again even being from China they are very well made, and being a tool guy you can see what's good and what's not. Also you can always return it which I love. The prices are decent compared to the other tools you put on here that cost 3x as much. But yes the other products are gimmicks, just please do other brands too even your sponsors, because right now your looking like a sell out man and I really like your channel. That gripping wrench part...you weren't even trying. Love the channel keep up the great work.
Sears has made some very good tools, and continues to do so. Their Wrenches and Screwdrivers are excellent tools, and an are still an excellent deal. But this review is right on about the gimmicks they occasionally throw out there. What are they thinking??????
I really enjoyed your review. I found it very helpful. However, I disagree with your view on the locking adjustable wrench. I do not have the Craftsman. I have the Stanley version of it. I've had mine for about 5 years now, and I love it. It was a very handy addition to my tool box, when I was a mechanic in the Marine Corps. When I've used a standard adjustable wrench, a lot of times, they tend to slip off. The locking adjustable wrench is not designed to replace the vice grip, it is designed to give a tighter, firmer hold on the nut, making it less likely to slip off. With that being said, I give it 2 thumbs up on it's performance.
I have that snap on gun. I bought it back in 2011 off a truck new. paid cash for it so I got a really good deal on it. I am a professional mechanic and use it almost daily. I try to take care of my tools but an impact really gets abused, and the junk that gets run through them is a hole another story.. this gun has worked flawlessly for the last 5 yrs tho it is getting tired.. It is as strong as just about any 3/4 drives I have ever used. I have broke 3/4 inch bolts off with this gun, shattered high quality impact sockets with it. it is truly is the best gun I have ever owned. I used to be an IR impact only person for over 15yrs, until my 1/2 inch IR broke and could not get a kit for it and the snap on guy came in and told me his snap on gun was 4 times better.. I did not believe him but he told me he would personally stand behind the clam. he would give me back my money the next week when he came back in if I was not pleased with it. I figured that was a deal and a half. it was only a 1/3 of the weigh of my IR and could not see it doing even close to the same job my IR has. First job I did with it was changed 8 drive tires on a semi. I usually used a 1 inch drive impact to R&R the lugs. which sometimes had to hammer and hammer on them to get them off. This 4 pound 1/2 in drive gun spun them lugs right off. that 1 in drive has to weigh 15 or 20 lbs . I really put that snap on thru its paces for that week. Never missed a lick.. sorry about the long winded review but though it would give a good history for it.A friend of mine has that new Harbor freight gun and I will have to say its just as strong as my snap on. Was very impressed. don't know about the longevity of that H/F gun but its good out of the box...
Bought a set of wrenches by the name of "metwrench" . The gimmick was that one set of wrenches and sockets fit both metric and standard size fasteners. Turned out they actually worked well. The tool set was compact and well built and surprisingly worked exactly as described.
Real Tool Reviews the crescent wrench slider gap is actually big enough to get anything out of something were to go inside, and it feels sturdier than other crescent wrenches. The flex claw hammer works wonders when prying crates or taking pallets apart and the rubber handle is solid and feels good
Two of the three on the shelf were already jammed & not working....as far as the hammer goes, perhaps there would be situations where it would work.....but in most cases, a normal hammer would be superior.
Real Tool Reviews you can't say a tool is bad because you saw some messed up at the store. A lot of floor models are always damaged and have missing parts because people don't take care of a tool unless it's theirs.
It wouldn't be Christmas though without Craftsman gimmick tools.
+jettcity 😂👍
As a carpenter, the various battery not included Tape measues make me giggle.
Graftsman is now china junk Sears wont be around much longer
china freight
Sear Roebuck is long gone. All that remains is the name Sears. KMart is KMart no matter what you call their some of their stores.
Craftsman used to be made for people who knew how to use the tools, now they are made for people who don't know anything about tools and are just looking to fill their new toolbox that sits in their pantry.
That's dead on true.
Most of the tools we have are craftsman tools from 30 years ago. Maybe the problem they are having is none of there old tools break! lmfao
Nick believe your right!
+Nick As a professional auto technician, I can tell you that all tools break, new and old.
I don't think Craftsman os trying to appeal specifically to people who don't know anyting about tools, but rather sell a more diverse range of tools. Most of my tools are Craftsman, and all of them have been purchased fairly recently. their staples like wrenches and sockets are as good as ever. Their ratchet wrenches made by gear wrench for them are phenomenal as are their new 75 and 84 tooth ratchets. They do come out with some gimicky stuff sometimes. sometimes it works for some people, sometimes it works for nobody. It really depends on the tools and the person. Most of all, Sears is a business. They want to carry products that will sell and of people buy stupid tools, that's what sells.
I used to think of cheap,garbage tools and harbor freight.Now I think cheap rip off tools and Sears.I actually like harbor freight these days,they have honest prices on their crappy tools.
Ever since Kmart bought Sears you can't tell the two apart. Kenmore appliances and Craftsmen tools have become junk.
Some of the more expensive tools at harbor freight aren't even that bad. I'll gladly buy HF's Made in Taiwan Pittsburgh Pro line of tools over any Made in China Craftsman tools.
Harbor freight you have to discern the good from the bad. At this point I have quite a collection of Harbor Freight stuff, and their pro series hand tools are fantastic. I've also been using the colorful deep well sockets for years, have even run them with an impact wrench quite a few times, and they've held up great. Again, pick and choose. Some stuff is fantastic, and some is terrible.
River rat I actualy hate the small needle nose pliers but the rest are great
River rat most of the sears tools are now made in china....and if u look some snap on and macto.....why pay for those big names.....im gonna have go sell myself to the feright
I bought the set of two adjustable wrench vise grips for removing rusted nuts and bolts when restoring classic cars. only used them on very rusted brake lines. they worked fantastic for that . they give you that extra little bite that the regular adjustable wrenches lack with the play in them.
Crescent is making a locking adjustable wrench very similar to #2 on your list, and while hardly a must-have, it occasionally works well on pipe fittings made from soft alloys. Simply makes it easier to preload the jaws and avoid rounding the corners off the wrench flats, as sometimes would happen with standard adjustable wrenches, smooth-jawed channel locks, or a ford wrench.
Too bad the quick-adjust pipe wrench doesn't work as it should. Ridgid and Crescent have done similar takes that have been hit or miss, with certain sizes of pipe they adjust well to, and other sizes that they don't grip well at all.
Good picks - Looking forward to the 5 Best list
I have the 913272 Grip Wrench and I love the thing. It has it's uses! You don't have to clamp down with the force of a hydraulic press and damage the fastener, and unlike most Crescent style wrenches, the jaws on this, won't move.
anything german lol. Whatever you do don't buy american, chinese equivalent at 3x the price.
Carl the Unexceptionable Gamer 7
Huh?
I have to agree that I really "like" the grip wrench! (the adjustable vice grip wrench) I received this as a gift per my request, it works for the purpose in which I apply it! i work In my shop daily, i use it for stuck or hard fasteners, it by far beats a vice grip in terms of "saving" the fastener from being destroyed! the little teeth in practice are what give it bite and do not destroyed it being rounded. I break the nut/bolt loose with this tool then go on to standard wrenches or sockets. the negatives to this grip wrench is: its big/bulky, and its slow as you have to release/rebite for each turn , hence why I only use it to break free. I stay away from vice-grips at all possible costs. the best application for this grip wrench IMO is hydraulic lines/hoses/fittings, some sensors etc. Also the jaw does not flex under hi-torque application when adjusted properly. I can agree on all the other tools in this video and this channel has been great, except i feel from experience, this tool has justified itself onto the "top" of my service cart!
I used mine to bust lose the jamb nuts on a friends Mitsu Lancer outer tie rods and it worked like an absolute charm! And those nuts were on there very tight! :)
I like your videos, but you make a lot of assumption about these tools when you haven't even shown any testing and for that I disagree with your review but to each his own. I do have the screwdriver unit and have had it for over a year without issue could it break of course it could, but if I have to do heavy fastening I'll grab my snap-on screwdriver but to have this craftsman unit sitting in the house for that occasional fastener it has save me a few trips out to the shop.
+rchopp if a plastic screwdriver is holding up for you...that's awesome.....I like metal tools.
i second that
+Mike Honaker Did you need to tighten her up?
I think I've seen the end of a metal rod coming out of the hex pipe coming out of the handle. That should hold.
this guy completely missed the point of the adjustable wrench with the vise grip handle, i have a set of those and out in the field when you are trying to hold a nut while driving a bolt and the wrench keeps falling off or slipping or is just out of reach, you lock it on and get it done. it is NOT to replace either the wrench or vise grips. it is NOT to remove damaged fasteners. his assumptions are flawed.
Rod X Completely agree...thought that myself...he lost my interest at the point he said you can't use the pipe wrench thing in both directions like a real one.
I have one I bought at Lowes years ago and I really like it. Unlike the craftsman it doesn't have the teeth but has smooth jaws like a regular adjustable wrench.
I use it often for the reasons you mentioned and also for removing tight nuts. Once it's tightened down and locked it doesn't slip like a adjustable wrench often does rounding the nut and causing you bust your knuckles.
Yep, thought the same thing. I knew exactly what that tool was for..... And it seems this guys doesn't actually have to use his tools for work.... He just reviews them.
best thing in the world for holding inner tie rod ends
@@jeffreyvandermeiren9806 that's exactly why I bought it. It works perfectly for that purpose.
The pipe wrench, vice grip adjustable, and the hammer have decent designs. Your complaints on the pipe wrench are actually how you have to use them. A actual pipe wrench is the same way. The adjustable vice grips is not for removing rounded nuts, but to get a better grip on a stuck fastener so you do not round it off. And the hammer is not a pry bar. the adjustable claw is used to make it easier to get leverage and a better angle to pull nails. the screwdriver and the sliding adjustable are junk. The displays i saw at the store were broken.
So the hammer isn't a prybar.....but they specifically advertise it as a 2-in-1 tool --- a HAMMER & a PRY BAR..... www.craftsman.com/products/craftsman-18-ounce-flex-claw-hammer
A hammer is not a prybar, it is a hammer, this one just has a adjustable claw. I consider using a hammer as a prybar abuse. The people who name these things done even know what most tools are, or how they are used.
+Maverick Wagner like I said originally....gimmick
Does not mean it is a bad tool, I would like to see a torture test to see if it can handle abuse.
"A(n) actual pipe wrench is the same way" If you have to hold the head of you pipe wrench to get grip (like this thing), your doing it wrong or you have a bad/poor/cheap tool. Pipe wrenches only require one hand.
I worked at a Sears Hometown store, and I can say first hand, all five of these tools are junk, inexpensive, but junk just the same.
Remember when sears was good? They had the satisfaction guarantee and replaced things no questions asked. Sears has long left our town and can't say I miss them.
I was just in Sears three days ago (first time back in about 10 years) to buy replacement blades for a Craftsman jig saw, because no one else carries them (u-shank with hole)...turns out, not even Sears carries blades anymore for their own tools; they only carry modern replacements for their Chinese plastic jig saws. Anyway, their tool selection was so sad looking: gimmicky crap everywhere, and their tools are still priced like they're made in the USA.
Craftsman tools has been owned by Stanley since about 2011. They are just a bunch of useless gimmick tools for the most part anyway. No loss.
You can use U shape without a hole in that jig saw. I do all the time. Or just drill a hole if it doesnt work in your model. I just crank on the screw to hold it in
The monkey wrench actually seems like a fairly good design. A traditional one has to be flipped also in order to turn the pipe the opposite direction. You don't have to flip it under. If you have the room, you just go at it from the other side.
I feel ya. I'll likely inherit my father's pipe wrenches.He always called them monkey wrenches as his father did.
They are trustworthy tools.
I'm a 37 year old mechanical engineer, I love the old stuff because it works, I also love the new stuff because it tries to make improvements.
Some of it sucks, some of it's good, that's how we evolve.
Good to see someone else state this. Working in the oil industry and working with hydraulic systems every day, I use a pipe wrench all the darn time. There has been many renditions of the spring-loaded pipe/monkey wrench. Can't beat a solid Rigid or Pony!!
Except you're only supposed to pull a pipe wrench. You're not supposed to push it. Granted that's not how most people use it, they just fit it on however they can get it to fit, but proper care does indeed state that you're only supposed to move it in a pulling direction, so you do have to flip it to switch directions.
Slang term for pipe wrench.
dan andy also know as a ford wrench!
I have a Stanley version of the vise grip style crescent. it's one of my favorite tools. I've had it for years, and use it almost daily working on tractor trailers. it's not meant for damaged fasteners, just for getting a tighter grip on a bolt/nut head. highly recommend
Does yours have teeth on the jaws?
Real Tool Reviews
No it is smooth jaw
with the glorified pipewrench what is the difference is that from a conventional? you still need to flip it to change direction. same with any tongue and groove pliers.
My Grandpa, a WWII Vet who drove a tank in the Battle of the Bulge, passed away recently and in his shop I found loads of solid Craftsmen tools. They are a solid brand still. Serious Craftsman wont be fooled by these gimmicky new "tools" they are offering. Stick the the basics.
Craftsman tools are not solid anymore. Too many are made in China
AT one times (let's say 10 - 15 years ago) I would purchase Craftsman Tools without hesitation. Over that time period they have completely gone down hill FAST! I walked through Sears about 6 months ago and would NOT buy ANYTHING they have to sell now! IMHO Craftsman tools are WORSE than Harbor Freight at many times the cost and are NOT worth the time spent to drive to Sears. A VERY SORRY state of affairs! Craftsman should be ashamed of themselves and should be re-named CRAPSMAN TOOLS!
Isn't that the truth. My older craftsman tools are great tools. What they sell now is just pure crap. Sure you can still get some of the older style tools that work, but all this gimmicky crap that looks like it's straight out of a infomercial has ruined there reputation.
It's pretty much all tool companies though, some times I'll even buy chinese over america these days, unless it was made 30+ year ago, It's probably shit, or, it's german...
Bobby W the only good things that they make now are some of their lawn mowers
I looked at all these tools a few days ago when I was in Sears. I just shook my head and thought "what a bunch of junk". Thanks for verifying. good channel
I have used the Snapon version of those locking adjustable wrench and it isn't trying to do the job of two tools it is simply an improvement on adjustable wrenches. And they actually work well. The fancy pipe wrench also comes in handy turning inner tie rods while doing alignments. Again Snapon makes them.
I was thinking the same thing....it's not trying to be a vice grip. Just a better Adjustable wrench
Great reviews. Do yourselves a favor. Stay with Crescent brand wrenches for adjustable wrenches and Vise brand pliers for locking pliers. I also like Klien (man on the pole) side cutters and electrical pliers. There is a reason people keep buying them....THEY WORK AND KEEP ON WORKING... I was a commercial electrician for 20 plus years before I retired 2 yrs. ago. My coworkers and I all used DEWALT battery powered drills. We usually used 14 volt drills because they were lighter than the 18 volt drills. DEWALT must have been putting gold dust into their 14 volt drill batteries because the price of them went up to $95-105 per battery when the price of an 18 volt battery stayed around $50. That all changed a couple of years ago when they came out with their 20 volt series. That is a fine drill .Everybody I worked with switched to the 20 volt DEWALT drill and never looked back. It seems petty at first until you figure up time lost changing out batteries or waiting on a weak drill to anchor a screw, or for batteries to charge up...then things get more serious. Downtime is lost money...DEWALT IS THE WAY TO GO IF YOU WANT TO MAKE MONEY. They cost a little more, but you get what you pay for,
Sears has filed for bankruptcy protection. Here, in Canada. Any and all warranties are void.
Since i'm an older fellow that grew up knowing the high quality of Craftsman tools i I bought a couple of Craftsman nipper/wire cutter sets. Two of my nippers broke while not using great pressure while cutting. A few years prior, i bought a ratchet set that i had to replace twice because the ratchet stopped working. The common theme amongst the tools was they were made in China. Sears lost a lot of money from me because i purchased a lot of non Sears tools years later because i moved into a house.
I have a locking adjustable wrench similar to the one you showed. Mine just doesn't have the toothed jaws. I find it far more useful than a standard adjustable because it can be used as a standard adjustable or with the locking mechanism for a better bite. I don't believe that the craftsman is intended to replace a vice-grip. I think the teeth are just to provide a better bite on the nut that a standard adjustable has rounded off. I like mine.
I agree with your appraisal of the Sears tools.
The old Craftsman tools were good for a lifetime, and they were cheerfully replaced if broken or worn out.
I do not believe that Sears will replace any of these tools if they break in use.
I quit buying Craftsman tools when they quit makin' them in the USA.
it's funny, I worked at sears, and I remember unloading these from the truck, and my boss and I said these things were stupid and felt like trash, roght after the holidays a ton came back as returns, and shortly after that, the rest came back damage
How about that socket with the little rods says it fits all sizes
GigaDonk those are actually quite good I keep a set in my truck to bring with me to the junk yard because I never know what I'll run into so they've gotten a lot of work done!
GigaDonk total junk
I had one. It never worked well. The pins jammed. Springs broke.
they actually work ok for wing nuts but the old joke about wing nut wrenches goes, if you have to use them, you use them twice, once to loosen the wing nut and once to throw at the person who tightened it with one in the first place
I absolutely LOVE that socket. I never had a problem with it on standard nuts at all. Perfect when you don't know what size you need or working with more than one bolt size with easy access. I use it a lot under the car and truck on non-torque fittings, but never for "odd" fittings like they preach. I don't abuse it, keep oil on it, and that's probably why it's lasted me over 10 years now.
"To change the bitch" 8:00
frenzythebeast lmfao good catch
Was thinking the same thing LOL
The only problem I have is that you are predicting them to fail in some sort of way without actually using them. You are using reason and logic to make predictions. I assume that you will actually try to use them before you make a final judgement? I can see some of these working just fine for light duty work.
dobbins2550 but then he wouldn't be able to return them. this dude's fooling no one
Brought most of my craftsman and some snap tools over 40 years ago and still using them today. Rebuilt many motors,transmissions and plenty of front end work. Very,very rarely did I break one and need to get a replacement. I haven't purchased a new craftsman tool in over 10 years. As long as you have the ones that say "Make in the USA" you will be fine. Don't buy the garbage they are selling today.
You know what's wrong with all of this? None of it is made in Germany :)
lmao, all of my comments on this are "just get something made in europe. you'll thank yourself later..."
FoodOnCrack I agree, I love my Knipex hand tools.
FoodOnCrack one word FESTOL
Two reasons why people buy Festol.... #1 to compensate for there small cock #2 people with too much money to show off
dewaltcarp yep
I've used a similar adjustable-locking wrench for years with great success
Glenn--I've always thought that would be a better design, as it locks on to whatever you're trying to turn, leaving your other hand free to hold or steady something else. The problem with adjustable wrenches is how easily they let go of the nut or fastener you're tightening. I would leave the jaws flat (i.e., without serrations) in my design to minimize marring. Otherwise, it should work well.
i have the locking adjustable wrench and i love it, great for air line fittings!
Beginning in 1966 I have been buying Craftsman tools. They have been good quality items and I've been pleased with them. With the nearest Sears store now closed, it's a 20 mile drive to a nice Sears Hardware store. It's been 4 years since I've been there. I've noticed that the Craftsman items are of lower quality these day, so I've begun buying other brands from Internet sources. As this video shows, they are introducing items that I consider junk. Thank you for this warning!
Great video, another gimmicky item would be the gator socket.
Thanx for the laugh. I was in Sears yesterday and checked out every one of those tools. sears sells a lot of gimmicky tools that I am wary of.
Instead of craftsman spending all this money on R&D for junk tools, they should put that money into improving the quality of their existing tools. That would of course mean making something better which I don't think interests them much.
You can get good tools that were made in China, but they will be designed by the better tool companies and of course will cost more. China makes all sorts of things, good and poor, and sadly most of the stuff imported from there is cheaply made, because cheap is what most people want to pay.
I work for company that manufactures products in China and the USA. Both locations can make high quality products and low quality products. The quality has to be part of the specification and also monitored. What often happens is that end users will buy cheap over more expensive; which I believe is more of a decision of budget. If they had the money they would buy the more expensive quality items. Sears could make higher quality products and they would cost more.
I think there's a market for mid-range tools. You have a lot of extremely cheap garbage then you have your MAC, SnapOn. I think craftsman tools can be better if it were say 50% more expensive than now. I'm willing to pay $15 instead of $10 for a better product that I will be proud of owning and supporting.
seephor
There are mid range tools. Snap on makes Blue point; basically the same tool, but without the warranty. There are others as well, S-K is available, very good tools, also not as expensive as snap on, matco, etc.. I think Sears craftsman brand was simply destroyed by the bean counters, they kept trying to squeeze every penny out of every single thing they sell, until it became crap.
tool companies want shit to break so you buy more
I have a ton of powertools from the 50s and 60s that work just fine
I don't agree on the Adjustable Wrench/Vise Grip pick. My issue with adjustable wrenches is the fact I can never get them tight enough on the bolt so they slip when using them. The vice addition gives you the ability to get a tight grip and avoid slipping. I agree the teeth are not necessary and are problematic.
I put my money where my mouth is, I bought a dozen Stanley wrenches that are similar to these without the teeth for Christmas gifts. I bought one for myself as well and early testing demonstrates that this tool indeed resolves my issue with conventional adjustable wrenches. No it does not replace my vice grips but I didn't expect it to.
Great review as always, All these tools make me wonder just what in the hell craftsman is thinking..... their bargain and gimmick lines are total garbage. Their brand name doesn't carry the weight it used to.
Agree with your opinions here. I''djust add that the traditonal adjustable wrench also belongs in the scrap pile. It "sort of" works, if you don't mind out of parailel jaws and consequent damage to fasteners.. But everyone has one or two just because no one wants to carry all their wrenches everywhere or can't afford every size.
They'd be great gifts for people you don't like!
As for the breaker wrench, I'm a pipefitter by trade and have used many pipe wrenches in my time. Even with name brand pipe wrenches you have to hold the head to get a good grip and have to turn them over or reverse direction to tighten or loosen. There is a pipe wrench available with the jaws in line with the handle instead of perpendicular for tight spots.
I have and use a locking adjustable wrenches. they are not meant to replace vise grips where did you get that info from?
The sears employees.
Really? locking adjustable wrenches are not a gimmick tool . Its a great tool if you understand how to use it .
I have bought many Craftsman tools in the past, as I said, in the past. Craftsman used to be very high quality tools and I know many mechanics that wouldn't own any other brand. But now, most of what they put out is junk I wouldn't give you a wooden nickle for! As for your review, no one else could have said it better. Great review!
as a carpenter and hardware installer I use the flex claw and love it I haven't had any problem out it it's not meant to be used as a pry bar, the adjustable wrench is not to replace those it's to simply lock the jaw at the size you need so the wrench doesn't loosen like a standard adjustable wrench always does and the pipe wrench well that's exactly how you use a pipe wrench now I can do not speak of the screw driver and the sliding adjustable wrench but I will agree they look like they will fail you immediately
"I waste money, so you don't have to" XD reminds me of the Nostalgia Critic
Bob Villas was able to retire several years ago selling this Craftsman junk for them. ;)
No one cares about Bob Villa. If it were Norm Abrams, then we would be disappointed.
BobbyW00 Bob Villa would be rolling over in his grave if he saw these "tools."
Robert Joseph Vila is 70 and still alive.
hahahaha
Back then, Craftsman was fairly ok.
Have to say, I think the second tool is not meant to combine a vice grip and a crescent. The shortcoming of a crescent wrench is its tendency to get kinda loose and slip, rounding off nuts or bolts. But with the added vice grip lever, you can be sure the tool is tight on that fastener, eliminating the slipping, giving this tool the theoretical one-size-fits-all appeal without the shortcoming of its application in the real world.
What you guys don't realize is that most of the people buying these gimmicky tools are moms, wives and kids, who usually go for the snazzy thing that looks neat and fun, that dad doesn't already have. Then they make us use it in front of them and act like we like the tool hahah. The exception to this is a multi screwdriver with a built-in tiny flashlight which has been great for years to take off wall outlet covers, remote controls, toy batteries, tighten faucets, which my mom picked up at a dollar store for me. I literally had to fake it so bad that i was excited, but then ironically just used it a hundred times and loved it haha.
I'm just sad I couldn't find any Dogbone wrenches..... hahaha
maybe the dollar store has some dogbone wrenches somebody can find and mail you for a joke review haha!
I would lose too many subscribers.... ;) hahaha
Real Tool Reviews yeah but my mom and her peer group would subscribe the hell out of your channel. untapped tool buying demographic: middle aged women.
My viewers are normally around 98% male (from what CZcams tells me....) & the other 2% are probably guys logged in under their wives accounts....haha
I saw your like video and went to Sears to look at the multimeter. I looked at the other tools and was impressed. I saw these tools there also before I saw this and came to the same conclusions on all of them. My Sears didn't have the multimeter but it wasn't a wasted trip, the girl who tried to help me was cute. Accurate review for both videos.
The mach series ratchet is terrible as well. This is the one that when you push on it, the spiral shaft is supposed to help install the fastener.
John Gibson.
That is not really new. I got a couple old tool that are 50 years or older and they have that same design. They work for the right instances but mostly they are gimmicky.
The vise grip wrench looks like a good idea to me. On a very stuck fastener a lot of times a normal wrench has enough clearance or give to slip and round it over. Normal vise grips will very reliability ruin a faster and round it over, so they're a bad idea except as a last resort when a faster is already rounded. This looks like it would be very useful for stuff that's stuck but not yet rounded. It might cause a little marring, but at least it wouldn't round the head and make the situation worse.
I have to disagree with your TOP pick...this tool is designed for "home repair" type jobs...not to be used by a "professional". So, if you have to hang a picture frame, go to the 'junk' drawer, and grab this tool. It would last more than you'd think, and you'd definitely get your $15 dollars worth. I am with you on 99% of what you said, just think this tool is for 'light', around the house type work...which it will do just fine at. IMO.
One tool that I think you overlooked as the WORST is their Item # 00944578000P...."Mach series ratchet. This thing is IMPOSSIBLE to use, and like you discovered, there was only 1 or 2 out of about 10 that actually worked in the store. Look at that item next time you're there...it's AWFUL, AWFUL, AWFUL...just JUNK. You're supposed to be able to move the actual handle up and down it's shaft, causing the socket to quickly turn. It's designed to be used when the nut/bolt is lose enough to unscrew by hand, but it won't even work in the store! I hope this is not part of your Top 5 video :)
It looks like it might be useful but I would imagine that it breaks easily due to all the movements.
It is certainly a home tool but it is made so cheaply that it probably won't last long. I take pride in having good tools at home that I know I can pass down. I don't want a tool box full of shit. I have a lot of good drivers and at home I pry with them, use them as chisels, and I even use them to poke holes in hard stuff among many other things. You can't do all of that with a cheap plastic driver set.
A standard adjustable wrench is NOT "without any issues". Every one of them has an issue. They don't stay where you put them, even with careful use. They require constant readjustment during use.
I'm a new viewer and I think you have a great channel! I don't have the "vice grip wrench thing" but I think the idea is to hang on to nasty, rusty rounded over nuts like everyone does with vice grips...not replace both tools. Kinda thought it would be useful. You should test it!
The issue is that it does BOTH jobs WORSE. The Craftsman would make sense it if had STRAIGHT jaws. In theory, it would be BETTER than an adjustable wrench, because the jaw wouldn't be loose. But it's not! So there :P
I like the locking adjustable wrenches, I do t know if you have ever used one but they work well I have no reason for an adjustable wrench but have used the snap on version befor and liked it.
Peter Welsh I know that might be the advertised use....however I would think it would get used for tough crappy nuts and bolts more often. I just don't think this is a bad tool. I think its not the one you buy before the other two.
I have a older version of that crapsman screwdriver, the bits pull down in the handle. I actually love it, it's always in my demo bucket
as usuall, awesome video. i hope my sincerity comes across. your reviews are the standard to which all other tool reviews get measured. maybe a group effort with AvE, you do first video, let him do teardowns. should cut your costs in half. he has wrecked a few. lol. thx for what you do.
Um No if real tool reviews and AvE combo up I will do nothing but watch youtube
lol, me too
100 percent agree with your review of these tools. Traditional tools in most cases last a lifetime. I still use my grandfathers adjustable wrench. just needs an occasional drop of oil
That Craftsman wrench/visegrip thing would be good for steel pipe I assume because it does have a serrated jaw but we have pipe wrenches for less money lol.
Peter Welsh Well shouldn't you correct him rather than me then? I mean after all, I have no need for one since I can use a torch to just heat the damn things and break them loose lol.
Hello my name is Geoff Lewis. Wales, UK. As a fully qualified Joiner and have been a Joiner since 1961 it always pays to buy good quality tools. As being from the UK I cannot comment on the tools you have tested. But tried and tested are Stanley, Record, Miller Falls, Rabone, Baco, Starret, Eastwing. There are many more very good British tools. Too many to name here. Very good video's please keep them coming. Geoff Lewis, Wales, UK.
can't judge the tool if you don't test it
+Manuel Gutierrez looks like you can.
+Real Tool Reviews I'm just saying would be better if you put them to the test
The loading rod is a thin ROUND section of aluminum with a magnet on the end. It does absolutely nothing to add strength to the screwdriver. The only portion actually holding the bit is the very top/end of the unit & the offset head will add stress to the plastic body when twisted ---- exactly as I described.
If you look around you can find other "toys" like this that do exist. Auto-loading screwdrivers are mainly sold to people that tend to use any tool rarely. I'm sure you have seen those electric screwdrivers that only have enough torque to screw or unscrew a fastener. There is quite a few of those that have this same cartridge style. Like the Worx line of "semi-automatic" screwdrivers. In works in those "tools" because it does the work for you after you load the bit and only if the fastener isn't torqued down.
Craftsman also had another version of an auto-loading screwdriver. It has the same problem this version has. Except that one was worse. The bits would get stuck inside the screwdriver because it couldn't handle any amount of stress and you wouldn't be able unload/load a bit at all because the internal parts were made of weak plastic and thin and tiny metals.
Manuel Gutierrez to
The visegrip-crescent wrench is pretty ideal for when you can only have one wrench(motorcycle tool pouch? bug-out bag? the tiny ones for EDC?), and need to securely remove or tighten different sizes of nuts or bolts quickly, witout damaging them. Not sure why this was in there, as it actually works very well at what it's made for.
looks like the marketing dept designed those tools!
The ideas are sound, but the implementation sucks. It's a shame how many tool companies hire some guys retarded uncle to engineer their tools.
the marketing department designs just about everything these days, well, them and CEOs that have never used a hand or power tool in their lives... if you want something nice, make sure it's european. they still have engineers over there...
I was just saying that yesterday about those stupid ads on TV for plastic pieces of crap that they hype the hell out of and show everybody having a great time using it and everything. Same idea with these tools. They put so much into advertising and nothing into actually making a good product. Basically selling people lies.
Any good engineering school will have their students use tools, some of the bad ones don't have the budget for hands-on projects.
I was minutes away from buying the extreme grip adjustable wrenches. I think I'll look for something else. Thanks for the heads up.
some of those actually look quite interesting, but as usual gimmicky. Traditional tools usually work the best, stood the test of time.
Love your review here, especially pointing out plastic, weak, crappy, etc parts of each tool.
wth, you aren't going to test them to fault and destruction?
+Peter Stanley they destructed my wallet
Real Tool Reviews Return the items.
Test them to fault and return them. I used to work receiving for a SEARS in Hawaii. I used to help the PMT load up the barrels that they used to send back defective tools in. People would return or exchange stuff for anything. From discolored handles to fiberglass shovels that have been obviously run over by a truck returned. Managers are overworked and don't really want to deal with customers. Argue long enough and you'll get your return.
Man...your tools reviews are fantastic. Keep it up.
craftsman ratchets have got so cheaply made 1\4 3\8 1\2 3\4
Excellent way explained--You have really good knowledge of experience.
I suppose these tool manufacturers just make these tools without having any practical experience of using them for different job works or for different working conditions . They need to learn that too.
I don't know about some of the other products but let me just say you got the flex claw hammer wrong, some of my friends and scout masters have this tool and getting nails out with the pry bar have been proven to work and when you need to hit it with a hammer, it held just fine! and Another thing, it looks like you haven't even tried to use these tools! YOU! are just looking at the appearance , what is the saying don't knock it until you try it!
Someone else commented about how this hammer broke and smacked them in the face.....you like it....more power to you.
OK! That is just one person out of several hundred who might have never had that happen to him
I stand by my words.....these are junk.
I am not trying to change your opinion and if I am coming across as a dick I am sorry it is just I have never had these problems with my craftsman products before.
To be fair, I did make a follow-up video showing 5 good tools from Sears/Craftsman.....this video was intended to prevent people from wasting their money on tools that are gimmicks. I am sure individual results will vary. But --- for the same prices as these (or less) you can get far superior tools that are actually good. Thanks for commenting!
I am an old-timer from way back. It is so sad to see the Craftsman brand slipping away. From homeowners, diyers, shade tree mechanics, and even some pros just starting out, Craftsman was trusted to get the work done. Craftsman tools could be counted on to finish without question. Now the question seems to be how much longer can they survive. A American icon slipping into the shadows. Going the way of Montgomery Wards, if anyone remembers that name as well. Both marketed made in the USA quality merchandise. So sad.
I have a craftsman cordless lithium ion dremel like tool that bogs down at the slightest resistance. it is a terrible tool that I can only use for simple polishing at this point.
I have the same one. it wasn't like that at first but now it bearly works. Shame since it's handy.
john somethin I feel like if I start mine out at full speed, it works a little better but its definitely not that great anymore. a corded steel tool will be in my future when this completely dies
+robhimself79 I've moved to the Milwaukee M12 line and they have the same type of rotary tool. I just don't use it often enough to buy right now, but that will probably be what I replace it with, since everything I have from that line is great. the 3/8 cordless ratchet is the most under rated cordless too. I use it every single day at work. that whole craftsman Nextech line is about dead and gone. the drill works for little stuff at best. I keep it around at work for the light, still one of my favorites and the little right angle impact driver, only for 5/16 head self drilling screws at work, but I do use a lot of them.
john somethin this past weekend I bought in on the home depot deal where you buy a 3 piece brushless kit (I went with ridgid drill/driver, impact gun and circular saw) and get 2 pieces for free.. I opted for the reciprocating saw and trim router.
ridgid doesn't seem to have a rotary tool but the selection they have is pretty nice. I am super pleased with the tools especially because they're replacing my craftsman 19.2 kit. I was shocked at how much more efficient these new tools work. I drilled a 3/8 bit into the wall and the drill just fell in. I thought I missed the stud but much to my happiness, the drill was just really really good!!
robhimself79
Can't say I know of anything worse because I don't shop for tools very often. I do agree with your review of these tools though. I've been guilty of buying the gimmicky 2 in 1 type tools which usually resulted in me going back and buying the two tools I should've bought in the first place. But the right tools for the job, not one tool that claims to do all the jobs. Great reviews. Keep em coming.
and where are the tests? i cant stand a valid argument like this being wasted simply because the guy making it is too lazy to do the proper tests such as seeing if they will actually break or not
now i do understand your immediate hate for the sliding adjustable wrench as that was just stupid but as for the other ones you have no excuse for not testing them.
+Craftsman's corner hmmm....well like I said, TWO of the THREE on the shelf were already jammed & broken. I'm guessing by your username that this reality check offends you.
what reality check? you actually did not test any of the tools properly and i am well aware that they are gimmicky but that is exactly what the cellphone was 30 years ago and the same with the standard reliable adjustable wrench when that was new.
btw judging by your response you read about three words of the argument i left or you are simply too juvenile to respond in a mature way
and if thats what you were thinking no i do not have any craftsman tools as i live in Sweden and cant find them anywhere i simply advocate the proper way to scrutinize tools and other apparatuses
way to respond for the person i was talking to and you might want to check your grammar and there it is again "customers inspection" there is no testing being done here and as such this is just someones opinion of appearance of the products and not an actual review on performance
I work in a tire shop where i use the vicegrip wrench and the pipe wrench on a daily basis. The vicegrip comes in handy for nuts that just get rounded off when using regular tools. Also the pipe wrench works great for solid axle alignments such as jeeps and big pickups. It grips the round bars exceptionally well and majes it all 10X easier than using channel locks or anything of that sort. You just got to know how to use the tools your working with. The pipe wrench you have to pull a certain way in order for it to engage. The vice grip is just an improvment on the old adjustables that constantly round off nuts and slip.
What happened to you Craftsman? You used to be cool.
Good reviews thank you. I like craftsman tools but with the recent attempts to reinvent the wheel is sad to see quality not a priority. Especially the claw hammer. Their plain Jane hammer works just fine but the adjustable claw hammer is a good idea that was not carried out well.
Terrible tools. Thanks for the review.
I learned a long time ago that vise grip pliers are specially designed to chew the flats off a hex head or square head fastener.
Much like a cheater pipe being designed to break the head off an adjustable wrench.
Glad we don't get Craftsman crap in Australia 😀, we've got Craftright & thats pretty good 👍🏻
Dirk Gibbons We have SCA here. Same shit, different bucket
That crap has a life time, you brack it they will replace it forever
I worked for sears selling tools and was amazed at the gimmicks people would buy glad I found your channel any other x sears out there
I'm even more amazed at the amount of people arguing with me & telling me that these ARE NOT gimmicks! hahaha :)
Great channel.. Congrats!
I use that locking crescent wrench all the time at work. It works great for tightening a started nut on a bolt with restricted access. I'll often lock the crescent wrench on the nut and tightening the bolt from the other side of a wall or on the back side of a fixture. It's basically a third hand or second person for some jobs. All you need to do is make sure the wrench hits something solid to tighten properly or use a lock washer to make sure you can properlubtorque the nut without it flopping around on the other side of the wall.
THAT´s what I call a really helpful review... Thank you!
:-D
Hopefully still in the package so they can be swapped out for something else.
great review...i would have thought the quick change driver was a good idea but great point about no support. thank you
I gotta say that Craftsman sure has gone down hill from when I was a kid. Just looks like cheap China made gimmick crap.
You are explaining possible problems with the hammer design but the only problem is, claw hammers are not meant to be used a pry bars... pry bars are meant to be used as pry bars. The reason it doesn't work well for that purpose is because it was never designed to be used for that purpose... weird.
Don't worry, Sears is going they way of the dodo birds, the news is that Sears is going out of business FAST. Do expect them to be around much longer.
I have the locking adjustable wrench and it does work when you need it to. The same way you made a video a little while ago about how some hand wrench had grooves on it made it harder for the nut to slip, Craftsman is going with this idea too. It's very good at breaking bolts loose but to finish the job just use it like a regular adjustable wrench. Also the gripping wrench is a good idea, you weren't even trying that much, and I know your sponsored by many other tool manufacturers. So why not knock Craftsman's name. The other products I do agree with you. And yes I will like it more if they were made in the USA, WHICH SOME OF THEIR TOOLS STILL ARE. But then again even being from China they are very well made, and being a tool guy you can see what's good and what's not. Also you can always return it which I love. The prices are decent compared to the other tools you put on here that cost 3x as much. But yes the other products are gimmicks, just please do other brands too even your sponsors, because right now your looking like a sell out man and I really like your channel. That gripping wrench part...you weren't even trying. Love the channel keep up the great work.
Tools designed by people who've never worked a day in their lives.
Sears has made some very good tools, and continues to do so. Their Wrenches and Screwdrivers are excellent tools, and an are still an excellent deal.
But this review is right on about the gimmicks they occasionally throw out there. What are they thinking??????
A true review is from someone who has used them. just saying
+Michael Branham go waste $100 on these and let us all know what you think genius....
@@RealToolReviews exactally
I really enjoyed your review. I found it very helpful. However, I disagree with your view on the locking adjustable wrench. I do not have the Craftsman. I have the Stanley version of it. I've had mine for about 5 years now, and I love it. It was a very handy addition to my tool box, when I was a mechanic in the Marine Corps. When I've used a standard adjustable wrench, a lot of times, they tend to slip off. The locking adjustable wrench is not designed to replace the vice grip, it is designed to give a tighter, firmer hold on the nut, making it less likely to slip off. With that being said, I give it 2 thumbs up on it's performance.
Good to know and thank you for subtitles!
MicBergsma lol im subbed to you and see you in the comments here
haha small world! :)
I have that snap on gun. I bought it back in 2011 off a truck new. paid cash for it so I got a really good deal on it. I am a professional mechanic and use it almost daily. I try to take care of my tools but an impact really gets abused, and the junk that gets run through them is a hole another story.. this gun has worked flawlessly for the last 5 yrs tho it is getting tired.. It is as strong as just about any 3/4 drives I have ever used. I have broke 3/4 inch bolts off with this gun, shattered high quality impact sockets with it. it is truly is the best gun I have ever owned. I used to be an IR impact only person for over 15yrs, until my 1/2 inch IR broke and could not get a kit for it and the snap on guy came in and told me his snap on gun was 4 times better.. I did not believe him but he told me he would personally stand behind the clam. he would give me back my money the next week when he came back in if I was not pleased with it. I figured that was a deal and a half. it was only a 1/3 of the weigh of my IR and could not see it doing even close to the same job my IR has. First job I did with it was changed 8 drive tires on a semi. I usually used a 1 inch drive impact to R&R the lugs. which sometimes had to hammer and hammer on them to get them off. This 4 pound 1/2 in drive gun spun them lugs right off. that 1 in drive has to weigh 15 or 20 lbs . I really put that snap on thru its paces for that week. Never missed a lick.. sorry about the long winded review but though it would give a good history for it.A friend of mine has that new Harbor freight gun and I will have to say its just as strong as my snap on. Was very impressed. don't know about the longevity of that H/F gun but its good out of the box...
7:56 " to change the bitch" hahaha im dying
+VeNoMxKinG 😂 .... bit .... haha
Bought a set of wrenches by the name of "metwrench" . The gimmick was that one set of wrenches and sockets fit both metric and standard size fasteners. Turned out they actually worked well. The tool set was compact and well built and surprisingly worked exactly as described.
Some of them are actually good, he doesn't know how to properly use them
+Luis Ruiz none of these are any good.
Real Tool Reviews the crescent wrench slider gap is actually big enough to get anything out of something were to go inside, and it feels sturdier than other crescent wrenches. The flex claw hammer works wonders when prying crates or taking pallets apart and the rubber handle is solid and feels good
Two of the three on the shelf were already jammed & not working....as far as the hammer goes, perhaps there would be situations where it would work.....but in most cases, a normal hammer would be superior.
Real Tool Reviews you can't say a tool is bad because you saw some messed up at the store. A lot of floor models are always damaged and have missing parts because people don't take care of a tool unless it's theirs.
Sounds like you would buy a car if the demos on the lot all had blown up engines....smart move.