Craftsman 3 Drawer Tool Box - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

charmalu · #1 09-23-2011, 10:28 AM

I have quite a few of the gear Wrenches. I haven`t had any strip.
I have some other brands, Crescent, and some off brand I got a Costco, only because it had a small size, think a 4 or 6mm.

I have had 2 that decided they didn`t want to ratched in one direction, but not the Gear Wrench. I have them in about every style they have, flex head, fixed angle and straight.

This is the tool box I mentioned in post#1

Have any of you tried these type of wrenchs? they have the twist in the handle so you pull on the flat side instead of the edge.

Best time to buy new Craftsman tools is the sales at Christmas time. 1/2 off if you watch.

I bought one of these Craftsman Torque wrenches a few years ago for a project. It has 2 little windows FT lbs & NM scale. the FT lb window has some dirt covering it from inside. took it back to Sears, and it doesn`t have the normal tool warranty like hand tools. after I left, I felt like they thought I was trying to screw them for having a problem with one of their tools. they would have sent it in to a shop to be cleaned/recalibrated for a price.
Won`t get one of these again.

I picked up a Chinese torque wrench in Inch Lbs and in one of the blow molded red cases for $20. wouldn`t work right out of the box. get what you pay for.

Charlie

Hip001 · #2 09-23-2011, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

I bought one of these Craftsman Torque wrenches a few years ago for a project. It has 2 little windows FT lbs & NM scale. the FT lb window has some dirt covering it from inside. took it back to Sears, and it doesn`t have the normal tool warranty like hand tools. Charlie

That is just a sad story about Sears! Why would it NOT have the same coverage?? I'd be willing to bet they didn't mention this when you bought it! Same thing happened to me with a cordless screwdriver, but kind of understood since it was a battery powered device. A Torque wrench SHOULD be covered!! Sad times when the tool company we all grew up using start changing the rules that made them legendary!

libbybapa · #3 09-23-2011, 12:52 PM

Wow. I guess if the price of something is what someone considers exorbitant, then that entitles them to steal it. LOL! I opt for not stealing it and instead buying it elsewhere...

boneheaddoctor · #4 09-23-2011, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hip001

That is just a sad story about Sears! Why would it NOT have the same coverage?? I'd be willing to bet they didn't mention this when you bought it! Same thing happened to me with a cordless screwdriver, but kind of understood since it was a battery powered device. A Torque wrench SHOULD be covered!! Sad times when the tool company we all grew up using start changing the rules that made them legendary!

Good reason why torque wrenches aren't covered. They are a calibrated instrument. They do eventually go out of calibration even when taken care of, should be periodically recalibrated, and if dropped onto the concrete, can be knocked out of calibration.

tangofox007 · #5 09-23-2011, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

Good reason why torque wrenches aren't covered. They are a calibrated instrument.

Nice theory. See the reality here:

Craftsman

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hip001

That is just a sad story about Sears! Why would it NOT have the same coverage??

Same as WHAT?

boneheaddoctor · #6 09-23-2011, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

Nice theory. See the reality here:

Craftsman

Same as WHAT?

Talk to metrology labs that calibrate equipment then. I worked in one for a brief period, strong mechanical shocks can and do affect these. No they aren't crystal stemware delicate, but they aren't impervious either.

Some types are more sensitive than others.

And if you read the warranty....thats against actual breakage.....not calibration. Two unrelated issues.

You won't see an aircraft mechanic using a torque wrench he picked up at a yard sale. But if you are working on a lawnmower, ballparking it by feel is close enough to not cause issues. How much do you care about what the wrench says vs what it really might be?

Marvelicious · #7 09-23-2011, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

...You won't see an aircraft mechanic using a torque wrench he picked up at a yard sale...

...or anyone else who can write their tools off on their taxes. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used torque wrench of good quality, but I would have it calibrated. The trick is knowing what constitutes good quality and being able to spot abuse.

boneheaddoctor · #8 09-23-2011, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvelicious

...or anyone else who can write their tools off on their taxes. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a used torque wrench of good quality, but I would have it calibrated. The trick is knowing what constitutes good quality and being able to spot abuse.

Yeah...if you ever walked into their shop it would be fairly easy to see. I'm rough on my regular tools I admit, but my torque wrench resides in its original box on a shelf safe from harm or damage between uses.

tangofox007 · #9 09-23-2011, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

And if you read the warranty....thats against actual breakage.....not calibration. Two unrelated issues.

You were provided with a direct link to the Craftsman warranty policy and you still cannot get it right!!!

"If this product needs re-calibration within ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, it will be re-calibrated free of charge."

Quote:

Originally Posted by boneheaddoctor

You won't see an aircraft mechanic using a torque wrench he picked up at a yard sale.

The might depend on whether he/she is working in a FAA-approved repair station or not. In any case, aircraft mechanics are just like everyone else; qualifications and professionalism are two unrelated issues. In any case, it's the rare aircraft mechanic who actually uses a torque wrench on every fastener that has a torque specification.

boneheaddoctor · #10 09-23-2011, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

You were provided with a direct link to the Craftsman warranty policy and you still cannot get it right!!!

The might depend on whether he/she is working in a FAA-approved repair station or not. In any case, aircraft mechanics are just like everyone else; qualifications and professionalism are two unrelated issues. In any case, it's the rare aircraft mechanic who actually uses a torque wrench on every fastener that has a torque specification.

Well, there isn't a device made that needs a calibration that doesn't and can't ever go out of calibration. Even a lump of metal used as a weight standard requires it at intervals. You obviously never dealt with a Metrology lab or had to have things calibrated. Like I stated....I actually worked in one for a short while....and as a minor part of my job responsibilities....I've made sure several hundred pieces of equipment scattered over the east coast got periodic calibrations, over the last 15 years.

I read that warranty....it covers breakage. Breaking a torque wrench, is NOT the same as having it go out of calibration.

Now of course, if you don't actually care about if its accurate or not, or even how far off it reads, then why even bother using one in the first place. And how will you even know if its still accurate if its never calibrated or recalibrated in the first place.

I do like Craftsman tools, and most of mine are that brand. They aren't the only good ones made....and their newer ratchets aren't as durable as the older ones.... but they have honored them at my local store. even when I broke a 24" breaker bar after putting a 3 foot cheater pipe on it and snapped it in half jumping on it trying to remove an axle nut off a Honda the wouldn't budge, not once...but twice.

I'm sure a real machinist and some pros would prefer other brands....but its good enough for me.

boneheaddoctor · #11 09-23-2011, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

You were provided with a direct link to the Craftsman warranty policy and you still cannot get it right!!!

"If this product needs re-calibration within ninety (90) days from the date of purchase, it will be re-calibrated free of charge."

The might depend on whether he/she is working in a FAA-approved repair station or not. In any case, aircraft mechanics are just like everyone else; qualifications and professionalism are two unrelated issues. In any case, it's the rare aircraft mechanic who actually uses a torque wrench on every fastener that has a torque specification.

Gee......90 whole days......that leaves what? 30 or 40+ years of perfectly useful life after that runs out without a warranty on the calibration? Do you return it to the store after you use it each time and buy a new one when you need it next? Or do you get it checked every 5 or ten years just to make sure its even remotely accurate? I've had mine for roughly 35 years now....I have it checked every 5 or so years when I think about it....it still looks and works like new. And I can be sure its accurate.

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