But Snap-on isn't too easy to get a replacement for unless you work for a shop....Craftsman is as close as your closest sears....

Tell me about it. I've had enough trouble just trying to buy a few Snap-On hand tools. Waiting at a local garage for the truck to arrive (if it even shows up that day) is not my idea of a good time. One thing I did get from them is a 1/2" opening, 3/8" drive crows-foot wrench (for the base nuts of S&S cylinders on a shovelhead - 7/16" stud, 1/2" flats on the nuts - somewhat of a problem). The Craftsman piece was not up to the job at all.

However, every time I get a newly-redesigned Craftsman tool, the quality seems to deteriorate. But that's probably just my failed memory of the older tools.

I will note that I've never had trouble returning Craftsman hand tools for any reason, whether broken by abuse, worn, or simply not adequate when new because of bad fit, finish or operation.

Another good line of tools is Husky from Home Depot.

They're not Snap On or Mac, but nearly inline with Craftsman quality, and an equally good replace/exchange policy.

They can be real handy for us weekend warriors, because HD has GREAT business hours and there are lots of stores around. Around here, Sears is open 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. Home Depot is 6:00 am - 11:00 pm. That can be a key feature when you have to finish a job tonight in order to go to work in the morning.

Jeff Pierce

Stay far away from Craftsman tools. The "lifetime" warranty is bs. A couple of years ago I purchased several wrench sets in their "professional" line. One of them, a 13mm stubby, rusted after the chrome flaked off. Sears told me they "don't cover rust". The fellow in line in front of me was refused replacement of a Craftsman tape measure because it had "moving parts". After calling the gm of the store I was given the same excuse. However, they can't seem to find where it is written that tools are not covered for rust. Alan Lacy can find some smart Indian/Chinese people to buy his overpriced junk. Do a Google search on Alan Lacy's(former ceo of Sears) comments about outsourcing earlier this year.

The Harbor Freight by me has a replacement guarantee on all hand tools. It MIGHT require a receipt, though.