Go with Kobalt if you like Craftsman. Craftsman mechanic tools (sockets, ratchets, wrenches) are made by the same company that makes Kobalt. Pretty much the same tool and quality, just tagged a different name for different stores.

 

I have a lot of Mastercraft in my toolbox. Sold by Canadian Tire in Canada. Warranteed for life if your not using them professionally. They take them back no questions asked, even when I destroy a screwdriver by using it as a punch. Not that I would do that . If you use them the way they were intended they are very tuff. I would love to know who makes them for Canadian Tire, I always assumed it was one of the big companies in the USA.

 

Mastercraft's are made in Taiwan/China by Stanley and a few other companies.

 

Weren't Mastercraft tools Montgomery Ward's version of Craftsmen tools before they went "belly up" back in the 90's.....???

 

I actually carry a JC Penny socket set in my emergency box in the truck. From about 1974. Tools at home are a mixxed set, Craftsmen, Snap On, S-K and Klein.

 

My Dad works for Lowes, and he said that Kobalt was bought out by a new company this year. So, Craftsman has no part anymore. Is that true???

 

I bought a set of Kobalt torx bits last month and I'll be shopping a different brand next time.

I would rather a bolt head strip than have the torx bit snap...twice. Lesson learned.

 

Last I heard was that Kobalt tools are being made by Danaher. Same people who manufacture Craftsman sockets, ratchets, etc...

 

Kobalt is does not manufacture tools, just like Craftsman, they have a contract to have tools made by someone with their name on them.

Craftsman is now part manufactured by Apex Tool Group ( Danaher Tool Group and Cooper Tools joint venture ), but parts in the set can be from overseas manufactures.
Same holds true for Kobalt , Snap On, Allen Hand Tools, and KD Hand Tools.
Some of the tools are made overseas In a set you might get a mixed country of origin.

I have been purchasing S-K tools since Craftsman went cheap back in the late 80s / early 90s, they are nothing like my set from the 70s.
S-K is not a low cost option by any means, but they are serious tools that will take an abuse, and to be self centered they are based in the Chicago Metro Area. Klein is another one I grew up with ( dad is an electrician ), and continue to buy from. Again another Chicago area company.

Just keep in mind
1. Just because it is made in the US, does not mean it is a good tool.
Some companies made junk to keep in the same ball park as the import junk.
- This is true of job manufactures in general. Hand tool mfgrs are making the tool to the specifications of the company that the name is going on it. Danaher making a tool for Kobalt and the same tool for Craftsman can be very different in not only appearance but also quality. Danaher making a tool might be still be under the Danaher name as part of contract manufacturing ( specific manufacturing location ) or it could be under the Apex name so part of the manufacture is done overseas ( Apex operates in 30 countries ).

2. Good tools are not cheap to buy.
Does not matter if it is made in the US or in Europe. If you see a "brand name" tool that is within 2.00 of the overseas junk, expect it to be junk. This is why you won't see a basic S-K 3.8" socket set for < 140.00 and each ( Metric or SAE ) wrench set is 125.00 +.

I go with the major US brands ( a lot of them are local to me ) S-K tools, Klein, Eastwing hammers, etc. I still have the 1 Estwing framing hammer I bought 23 years ago. I have used it for a crowbar fulcrum, prybar, cleaning concrete forms, and driving nails. Held up to all this abuse to this day, and I will still have it another 30 years from now. Nothing neat or trick about it no Ti hammer BS, just a good steel hammer that will last a life time.
Want a screw driver you can abuse with a crescent wrench as a helper, Klein, later the same screw driver in a pinch is a prybar to move something out of the way. I have 20 year old Klein screw drivers that have been used and abused that are still straight with a good blade on them ( not twisted around )

 

You're 100% correct about Craftsman. They were built much better in the 70's and 80's than they are now and tools that are going to last a lifetime aren't going to be cheap.

I forgot to mention S-K. S-K, Klein, Cornwell are tools that will actually last long enough to be passed down from one generation to the next.

 

I know I sound like every previous generation when I make statements like this, when I was younger...

 

In order by fav, = Mac tools, Blue point, S&K, Snap-on...

Seems like I still have more Craftsman stuff around tho. From before It got serious.

Oh, -I do collect Klein tools. I don't use them much, since the paint smudges on the handles. - Can't have that!

 

I'm with you jbrew on the Mac, I love mine. My favorite in my Mac stuff is the 6" extension that has a handle on it like a screw driver, don't know what I'd do if I lost it. I haven't seen any body else that makes that tool.

I liked my Proto stuff too, until some body decided I didn't need it any more....freaking thief!

 

I passed my Mac tools on to my grandson about 2 years ago. Yep, showing my age but I bought those tools in 1961 and used 'em up til 2006 and they were still in very good condition even after they had helped me make over 2 million $ with 'em. And I did indeed use 'em. One of the most indestructible tools I ever owned was a 1/2 in. ratchet wrench I found in the street in Chicago. It was a Williams I believe. I think that thing was made of kryptonite. I beat on that thing with a 3 lb. hammer more times than I can even remember. It was a double pawl even and it is still going strong with my grandson now. I simply could not believe what that thing took and never whimpered. Still have enough tools to sink a battle ship though. I give new meaning to tool freak.

 

Yea well, mine are going with me. I'll need a good size tomb. I might need them, you never know. At least I know they'll be in good shape, -IF I ever wake up.