I only ask because I bought a 17mm socket after the buyout and Bob saw me break it on my TJM install. I was definitely giving it some torque but I'm surprised at how easily it cracked open.

 

Yes, i broke my 3/8" drive low profile ratchet, went and got it replaced. 2 days later it started slipping, i had already stripped a few teeth. I havent needed the thin ratchet again after that job, so i have yet to go replace it again, and frankly i dont know if i will.

 

I didn't know that KMart bought Craftsman. That explains alot. Their tools have gone down hill quickly. I'm sorry I mean THEY ARE JUNK!!!

That would be a YES

 

I have two sets of deep sockets.

The older ones I have never had a problem with.

The new ones just don't feel right.

 

Technically, KMart bought Sears, and the Craftsman name/line came along with it. Happen about a year ago:

http://money.cnn.com/2004/11/17/news...0/sears_kmart/

 

Damn it!!! I had no Idea they bought sears out. Now i feel like I got jipped with my tools. I had a 12 pt. 17mm break on me too. oh well....what can i do?

 

aww man! how do when know when the tools become as worthless as the kmart crap?

 

just because they bought them out doesnt mean they changed production procedures....

 

Much as I hate to say it, but when a low-end, low-quality merchandise company buys out a better one that's in bankruptcy, they're the ones who dictate terms in order to return to profitability and keep the shareholders happy. If they need to cut corners somewhere, then so be it.

I've thought both K-Mart and Sears have been crap for years with the exception of Craftsman hand tools. However, since Sears came out with their "Companion" line (read: cheap casts with one-year warranty), their tool quality has suffered. Luckily, they still offer the lifetime warranty on the Craftsman brand tools, but at what cost? I'm sure they'll notice an upswing in returns/swaps due to defects, so they'll have two options: change their manufacturing procedure to emphasize qaulity again, or change the warranty to limit time or amounts of returns. Usually its the latter that suffers since its easier to change policies than procedures.

For me, I've found the Husky line at Home Depot to be just as good with the same warranty, and better customer service than at Sears.

 

Hope this isnt a hijack here...but has anyone dealt with Kobalt tools, and if so, what do you think? Ive never heard anything about them, but I have a few friends that have em, just wondering what ya'll think.

 

Funny thing is i am not worried about now im just worried about the quality in the next decade and after. Tools shouls stay with you till ya die

 

That was my opinion until my 17mm socket broke.
Bob_98SR5 was there taking point on my TJM install. Man that thing broke EASY!

 

I would think they are still selling the old stock. If they did change the production, how quick can the newer stuff flood the market?

S•K all the way.