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1334 Review
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Review on πŸ”§ CRAFTSMAN Shallow Socket, Metric, 3/8-Inch Drive, 10mm, 6-Point - Reliable Tool for Precision Work by Michael Boyce

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Many photos compared to early 90's Craftsman sockets made in USA

To my dismay I damaged one of my Craftsman sockets purchased in 1993. Handyman tools have served me well, but over the past few years I've discovered other brands like Williams, Wright, SK, and Proto that aren't much more expensive but are made in the USA and are good quality. I've also seen some Taiwan made hand tools that work just as well or sometimes better than my good old 90's Craftsman set. In the last 5 years I have seen Sears replace most Craftsman hand tools with imported suppliers. My first and last experience was with a set of curved box wrenches, just taking the keys out of the box you could see the chrome chipping off. It was rubbish. But Stanley Black and Decker (SB&D) bought the brand (not the tools) from Sears, these new Craftsman tools are no longer the same. As you can see from my photos, the base design is thicker, the 13mm base thickness is the same as my 1993 14mm "G" base. Also the etching and marking technique is different. Sears may have "specs" for their heads, obviously SB&D is starting from scratch and using their own designs for the new Craftsman tools they sell. the ratchet is good and the engraving is more legible than my old nuts in my opinion. I think for replacing an old Craftsman socket for 3.50 I can't complain. I equated them with every other brand in the store. However, I suggest if you want higher quality, consider brands like Wright, SK and Proto. By the way, Proto is another brand of SB&D. I'm slowly converting 3/8 sockets to Wrights (made in Barberton, Ohio just west of Akron) and I can't comment on how cool the Italian made proto round head ratchet is, but they type Wright/SnapOn/SK. run for your money. Wright sets are sold here at Revain for around $110-150, Proto Italian made round head ratchets also sold at Revain are around $30-120 depending on size and supply.

Pros
  • Single sockets
Cons
  • Cord is shorter than others