Plymouthy Adams Posted September 30, 2007 Report Share Posted September 30, 2007 I have to admit that I have taken my purchases for tools to Craftman...they are getting some very find professional grade wrenches out there..little longer and feels good in your hand. Their screwdrivers suck buttermilk though...the local Sears told me that the worse time to buy screwdrivers is during the Christmas season as there is a rush to meet demand... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ivan Posted September 30, 2007 Report Share Posted September 30, 2007 This is the hub puller I have been using on my car. It belonged to my dad, so I know it is from the 1950's. It is a very well made tool, Dad was a Tool & Die Maker/ Machinist/Tig welder and he never believed in buying any cheap off-shore made tools if he could avoid them. It went thru Heck and back the first time I pulled my rear drums off. I remember that I really had to slam the center bolt with a small sledge hammer on the right side drum and it barely put a ding on the bolt head. It does look like Dad filed off the burrs and dings on the center bolt at one time, and he coated it in oil and wrapped it in plastic and kept it in the original box too.The arms are reversible, you bolt it on with the lug bolts. I also have a couple other much larger and smaller pullers, but they don't work on these drums. I would guess that something like this one would sell for about $75 in today's money. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob_amos Posted September 30, 2007 Report Share Posted September 30, 2007 Tim, You are correct about Craftsman tools. I actually like the feel of the Craftsman wrench in my hands better than my Snap-On wenches. The shaft is more comfortable on those hard pulls. The Snap-On's dig into my hands and is quite uncomfortable. Also, the sockets made by Craftsman are thinner walled. Yes, they do break easier but will fit in those tight places better. I actually use some Craftsman tools in my every day work at the shop. Some of my employees also found them more comfortable to use. And they never give you trouble on a return. Even if nothing looks broken. But they do have a no more than 5 tools at one visit return policy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plymouthy Adams Posted September 30, 2007 Report Share Posted September 30, 2007 Did not know about a limit on returns per visit...seldom have I ever had to return an item..maybe hve returned two max per visit...it is zero hassle at my local Sears...the base exchange is also a Craftsmans tool outlet...they be just across the street where I work...the good wife has outfitted me very well with lots of the professional series wrenches..also the special stuff like the grippers for removed rusted/rounded bolts/nuts..them things will make a believer out of you .. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Ivan Posted September 30, 2007 Report Share Posted September 30, 2007 When I was working as a bodyman/mechanic parts replacer I always bought the higher end hand tools because of the beating they took, especially working on trucks and equipment. Snap-On, Mac, Matco,Cornwell, and even some good quality SK tools. I could not afford to buy 2 sets of everything, and it was a pain in the @$$ to carry everything home and back to work on my vehicles. So I started going to local yard and garage sales and flea markets and buying worn out and broken name brand tools, Craftsman tools are easy to find. I would pay maybe pennies on the dollar value, then take them in for exchange. I am sure I am not the only guy who has done this at least once or twice. Never got asked for a receipt, tho I had to alternate 2 or 3 different Sears stores because some of the employees were getting wise to my tactics. There are a lot of high end Snap-On, etc, tools at some of these yard and estate sales to be found because the old timers "borrowed" them from the steel mills or factories where they worked, then "forgot" to return them when they retired. The Snap-On guy that came to our shop would sometimes question where I got some tools, especially when he knew the tool was older than me. I would say it belonged to my dad,uncle,grandpap, neighbor,etc.He got mad if I sold them too!! One time I bought a Snap-On 1/2 inch drive extra long ratchet for $3, and exchanged it for a new one that sold for over $200, then sold it to a co-worker for $125, I was very desperate because my mortgage was overdue. Most all I have kept for myself. Hopefully when I go to the big garage in the sky my wife won't sell them so cheap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
randroid Posted October 1, 2007 Report Share Posted October 1, 2007 Gents, I still like Bill Willards idea. I've got a '67 Bug I'll bet that will work on, too. -Randy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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