Homestead mailing list

[Gil White <gil.white AT xplornet.com>]

I've had mixed luck with Craftsman tools. 

I purchased a set of wrenches and sockets years ago that have been abused 
with barely a scratch. As a few people mentioned earlier, I use the 3/8 set 
for just about everything, though I generally prefer the 6 sided sockets. 
Even with heat or rust penetrator, I find the 12 sided sockets don't get the 
same kind of grip. 

The one thing I use the 1/2 for is torquing tires. By 1/2" I mean the 
sockets, I couldn't tell you the last time I used the wrench itself.

I'm less impressed with the Craftsman power tools. I have a 30 year old 
radial arm saw that's been a real workhorse but both the corded and cordless 
Craftsman drills have no torque at all. And even with a straight edge I could 
never cut a straight line with their jigsaw. I also have a Craftsman 
reciprocating saw that I've been meaning to replace just about since I bought 
it. The only thing I use it for is pure destruction work. 

The other thing I like is when they have their screwdriver sets on sale. 
They're not my favourite ( check out LeeValley.com if you want some beautiful 
screwdrivers ) but they're good enough that I keep a set in the car. I also 
gave my dad a set for Christmas one year, I got tired of him asking me to do 
some little job and he never had the right size screwdriver around.  

I used to subscribe to Fine Homebuilding and they have pretty good tool 
comparisons. Their audience is more contractors then do it yourself people 
but they usually include a few tools in their reviews that we might actually 
purchase. 

As for cordless drills, I had purchased a Dewalt drill to augment the 
Craftsmen. I had been happy with the drill but I've been revising my opinion 
over the batteries.  After about 18 months, one of the batteries is 
completely shot and won't hold a charge at all. The second battery will only 
hold a charge for a few hours (no use) and only a few screws worth if you 
actually use it. And a new battery costs almost as much as I spent on the 
tool. Now that was one of the 14.4 volt models but I think I'll try a 
different brand the next time I start a real reno project.

Gil



On Nov 5, 2009, Lynda <lurine AT com-pair.net> wrote: 

OMG, surely you jest, Chris. You're a guy, you have to have at least one of 
every tool made <g>

Between now and Christmas, Sears will have absolutely every tool you could 
ever possibly want on sale!

DH wants a new cordless drill (24v, 1/2") for Christmas, so I'll be doing 
some investigation on them. He had a Craftsman but he wore it out. They 
are made by Ryobi now, so don't know how they are rated. I've read that 
Panasonic makes one that is really highly rated. Of course, Mikita is 
always rated a good value drill. So many choices, so little time <g>

Lynda

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Chris Clarke" <hstead AT nc.rr.com>