Did Craftsman just go Sissy?

[MikeW]

Did Craftsman change their socket sets/lineup to be almost 100% "easy read"?
These sockets seem geared towards people who have no idea how to turn a wrench. If I can't get the traditional style anymore, then Im going with S&K

[loveshackle]

I like 'em. Doubled up on 'em all when they came out a few years ago. Makes it a lot easier when I'm under the rig hollering to the wife or 2-year old which socket I need. Welcome to 2004! :flipoff2:

[Wyoming9]

Now that I am old I like those easy read sockets.

I wish they would come in pink though:flipoff2:

[dopeassjackson]

i hate those sockets. a little grease and you cant even find the size much less read it.

[mondtster]

i hate those sockets. a little grease and you cant even find the size much less read it.

That's what I hate about them too.

MikeW, I haven't seen a set of "normal" craftsman sockets available for a few years now around here. I don't know if they are still available or not, but I don't think the local store carries them if they are.

[body damge]

crafstamn was bought by k-mart :(

[PAToyota]

i hate those sockets. a little grease and you cant even find the size much less read it.

Yep, exactly!

[4Mogger]

Now that I am old I like those easy read sockets.

I wish they would come in pink though:flipoff2:

:laughing:

[76scoutman]

The quick answer to your topic title is "YES".

Craftsman has been pissing me off for years as their quality and service have declined. Other than their hand tools, I won't buy any of their other junk. The only reason I keep coming back to their hand tools is cause it's so damn easy to swap out broke ones when I do actually break one.

As for the easy read sockets, I haven't had to buy any of those cause I had most of my socket arsenal bought before they went to those style. Give them another couple years and their marketing dept will think it's the greatest idea to put LED lights on the sockets so that you can see what your putting on your nuts. :laughing:

[Rerock]

For X-Mas I picked up a set of 3/8"dr deep sockets (std & metric) for my 8y/o son. I always get him something, and he alread has as many tools as I did when I was 22! Sad...

Anyway, the sockets I picked up have the old style engraving AND the new sissy laser etching. Random.

[ChiScouter]

The only thing I would give a shit about is if they are as strong or stronger than the old ones. 9x out of 10 I can tell what the size is by looking at it, id feel like a sissy if I couldn't.

[mudskipper4x4]

The last set of sockets that I bought was about a year ago. Haven't really used them that much but when I was rebuilding a motor this summer using them all the chrome plating was chipping off when I was wrenching on the rotating assy. Thats pretty crappy if you ask me.:mad3:

[Static-XJ]

crafstamn was bought by k-mart :(

The sissy sockets predate the K-Mart deal by several years.

[Rockn4x4]

Is it just me or do the easy read disappear after several uses?

[Speedy2222]

the easy read is just some ink... ssooo ya i can see it coming off, the more expensive true "easy read" ones are laser etched IIRC

and i agree that the quality of their products and definitely customer service has gone down hill

[dimichele]

I thought they switched to the easy off to deny warranty claims. If it doesn't say craftsman on it they don't have to warranty it.

[dopeassjackson]

I thought they switched to the easy off to deny warranty claims. If it doesn't say craftsman on it they don't have to warranty it.

then break it just before you cant read it and return it. i dont think they will warenty it because the craftsman is coming off.

there black handle pliers have the same crappy craftsman printed lable. thats one of the reasons i will ONLY buy the craftsman pro pliers.

[nissancrawler]

I thought they switched to the easy off to deny warranty claims. If it doesn't say craftsman on it they don't have to warranty it.

:rolleyes: The new sockets have both markings on them. Put the tinfoil back in the drawer.

[Travis Waldher]

:rolleyes: The new sockets have both markings on them. Put the tinfoil back in the drawer.

How new?

I was looking at sockets before christmas and all I saw was the paint on label. No other marking.

[Gutter Runner]

I bought a 200 piece mechanics kit to keep in my rig last year. The sockets are the old style. I musta got lucky. :D I cant stand their ratchets, though. Seems like they start to skip after very little use.