Yesterday I was in the local OSH (Orchard Supply, a Sears Company) looking at end wrench sets. The open ends on the Craftsman wrenches had very sharp flash inside at the bottom of the U, enough to cut you. I've never seen such a thing, even on cheap imports. I also noticed that the corners on the handles were quite square - altho they didn't have flash. Is the stock in OSH and Sears stores in other parts of the country similarly bad? (I'm in southern California.)
Hen-ry
Production of Craftsman tools is quietly and steadily being moved to China.
DS
I don't have a direct answer to your question. However, I have noted that Sears has in recent years been carrying lower level of tools than the main Craftsman line. Some don't have the regular Craftsman type guarantee. Everybody seems to be buying cheap tools from China. The chrome is usually pretty good to start. Sometimes the dimentions are not as exact though. Many times I bring home tools and sand, file or modify them to what I want. So if you got a bargain price and everything else is OK then sand/grind off the flash and put some oil on it. Otherwise, return it.
This lower level of tools is called "Companion," not Craftsman. I'm not sure what the warranty might be, but have a hunch that it is not the well known Craftsman "hand it in and get a new one indefinitely" warranty that has inspired generations to (mis)use Craftsman screwdrivers as chisels, crowbars, paint stirrers, tent pegs, etc.
Some Sears locations seem to be additionally carrying your typical off-brand, offshore discount-bin tools these days.
The Sears website says that "over 80%" of Craftsman tools are made in the US, without comment on the other nearly 20% or on trends.
Anyway, if you've cut yourself on plating flash on a new tool, there's a QA problem and I'd take it back and show it to them. I haven't noticed that, and would neither expect it nor accept it on any product that was supposed to be good and was priced accordingly.
I haven't bought any Craftsman hand tools (nor any other brands) in a year or so, but those were of the expected quality, plus or minus the use of matte finishes where they used to be polished -- an advantage in some ways, I think. My fairly recent shopping trips to both Sears Hardware Store and Orchard Supply Hardware were as satisfactory as ever in customer service.
Cheers,
--Joe
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required