I've been a die-hard Craftsman tool fan for many many years and have a nice collection of good old Craftsman stuff. However, their tools have turned pretty junky. Chinese crap now. I had just bought a Craftsman reel extension cord and it broke just after a few uses. Took it apart to see if it was an easy fix and said "DANG - what cheap crap inside! No wonder it broke. I can get this garbage at Cheap-O-Mart." So, besides Snap-On (we all know those are great) are there any other tool manufacturers that still believe in quality?

 

Mac

 

Just because it has a Craftsman name on it doesn't mean it's made here anymore, it never really did. I believe that Easco (sorry if spelling is off) still makes their mechanic hand tools here in the USA though. Those I'll keep buying. The other crap, is just that, a crapshoot for quality.

 

Yeah, the Craftsman wrenches are OK. But who could screw up manufacturing a wrench? The only draw to their wrenches is that I can beat the snot of 'em and return 'em for a new one. Everything else is as you said "A crap-shoot." and the odds are definately with the house.

 

Well, most consider Snap-On the best tools money can buy. However, you definitely need money to buy them.

 

Def Snap-On and Mac. That's what most of mine are. Also, Cornwell are pretty good too, but cost close to what the other two do.

 

for a weekend doit yourselfer,,,, tools like craftsman are fine ,,,, plus replaceable!!!!
they have a huge selection at any store

 

I'd say Mac and Snap On, but I have Craftsman, I'm not as good wrench as for having the top stuff.

Mimo.

 

I love my Snap-on Tools! As mentioned above though, definitely big $$. My boxes alone (empty, no tools) cost about $15,000after adding heavyliners, keyed-alike locks, Snap-on dividers and my Playskool step stool . Inside is mostly Snap-on but also have some Proto, Blackhawkand Mac, plus air/power tools from Milwaukee, Bosch, Ingersol-Rand, National Detroit, Hutchins, Viking, and even a few Craftsmans. And as I always say, if you don't like cheap tools, stay out of Harbor Freight!

 

Snap-On, pays in the long run to have decent tools.