Are Craftsman Tools Good For Mechanics?
Are you just starting off in the mechanic trade? Looking for a good toolset? Before you show up to your new job with Craftsman tools you should know a few things first…
Craftsman tools are made by a range of manufacturers in different countries. But they are still widely considered to be among the best consumer-oriented hand tools in the world.
Here’s the thing. Craftsman tools are actually quite okay. They are not perfect and if you get a real stubborn bolt for example Craftsman may not be up to the job – but overall these tools will handle most common tasks with no issues. They are also durable as well.
So these are the perfect tools for turning up to your brand new mechanic job – right? Hmm… Maybe not! There is one other very serious thing you need to consider and that is peer pressure.
You see… most mechanics these days despise Craftsman. You know how when something starts getting a reputation for not being as good as they used to be and no matter how they might improve or how they may actually perform everyone and their dog starts to jump on the bandwagon.
It doesn’t matter that they have never used the tools themselves because the other guys told them, who heard from some other guy, who heard from some old guy, and before you know it everyone knows they are no good – right?
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So here’s the thing. While the Craftsman tools are actually a fabulous way to get started – after all, they are way more affordable than most others – as soon as you walk into that new workshop with your flashy new Craftsman tool set all of the guys are going to laugh at you and give you a hard time.
So… how much is the price of peer pressure? I bet it is so much that you bypass Craftsman and spend extra money just to fit in. After all, it’s about looking the part, isn’t it? More so than whether or not the tools can actually do the job.
So… are Craftsman tools good for mechanics? They are perfectly fine if you have thick skin.
Are Craftsman Tools As Good As They Used To Be?
The overwhelming consensus is no they are not. But, reality check, we are living in a different world than the good ole days and things are made differently now. It’s a fact of life.
Craftsman tools have earned a bad rap and perhaps unfairly by those who constantly remember the old-fashioned way tools were made. When they used to be American-made.
But here’s the thing… Craftsman still makes very good tools. Sure, they are not considered to be the creme de la creme but almost everyone has to acknowledge that they are still way above the average mark for tools and you are not paying top dollar for them.
So, no they are not as good as they used to be but if you stop comparing old Craftsman tools with the new ones and compare them against other manufacturers they more than hold their own.
Are Craftsman Wrenches Any Good?
Craftsman wrenches and sockets are a good choice if you’re looking for an affordable set of tools. While they may not offer as much as high-end professional tools, they can still do the job well. In fact, some mechanics swear by Craftsman tools as being better than the premium brands.
In terms of durability, Craftsman tools far exceed those from discount hardware stores. They’re built to last and can take a beating without losing their shape or finish. And they’re built to be lightweight and comfortable for everyday use.
You can use them for everything from changing tires, tightening bolts on your motorcycle, and even making repairs around the house on some of the smaller items like fans or plumbing fixtures.
In summary, The Craftsman brand has earned itself a certain degree of respect in the tool world — although it’s not quite up to the same level as brands like Snap-on, Matco, or Mac.
The Craftsman name is known for some tools, notably some of their screwdrivers and wrenches. While the company has a line of some impressive hand tools, they are often overshadowed by other brands that are more popular in the mechanic market.
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What new mechanics should know about Craftsman tools is that they are not built to last forever. That’s not particularly surprising — many brands of tools fall into this category. Most Craftsman hand-tools are made with stamped rather than forged construction, which means they cannot be expected to last as long as higher-end tools.
To be fair, there are some excellent Craftsman products on the market, but they aren’t necessarily better than what you can buy from Snap-on or Matco — just different.
The bottom line is that if you’re doing high-stress work, then you’ll want to go with Snap-on or Matco every time. But if you’re just starting out and want to try using some Craftsman hand-tools, they may do just fine for your needs.
You may also be interested in… Is Craftsman A Good Brand? and Is Rikon A Good Brand?
