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Date:         Fri, 08 Mar 1996 08:21:00 -0800 (PST)
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         "Maher, Steve (SD-MS)" <SMAHER@gi.com>
Subject:      Re: Craftsman tools (was: Spring clip pliers)

>> I've broken three Craftsman screwdrivers-- guess trying to lift an >> entire bus with one, just isn't a good idea. Replaced free each time. >> >> Also, when my open toolbox got rained on in Cape Cod, MA in 1987, all >> the tools rusted... except the Craftsmans. >> >> They're OK in my book. > >Mine too, though I keep them in the toolbox anyway 8^). I've broken a few >craftsmans in my time, including two 1/2" drive "breaker bars" (at least >that's what my dad and I always called them, though I forget the official >name) trying to remove splittie rear axle nuts with the proverbial "cheater >pipe" (the handle from my floor jack). The second of these was brand new >when I broke it. Still had the price sticker on it, and they STILL gave me >a new one

OTOH, I have *never* broken a Craftsman wrench, or even seriously dinged one up, despite becoming emotionally involved with the project a few times. This is even when I hastily used my 13mm instead of the 1/2" I should have used, etc.

As for bus axle nuts, I once did break another brand 1/2" swivel-head bar ("breaker bar") on one, using the aforementioned cheater pipe. So I finally got wise too, and went to a welding shop where they took a 5-foot long 2" mild steel pipe, and SOLIDLY welded a 3/4" impact-drive at right angles, to the end. That, with a 1-13/16" socket, makes a great "nut persuader". Works well on low-lying nuclear missiles, too. :^)

I've heard that Snap-on tools are even better (wrenches have narrower heads, able to fit into tighter spots, but just as strong) than Craftsman. But I've never bought any, 'cuz they're fantastically expensive. If I were a professional mechanic, they might be worth it. But for the amount of work I do on cars etc., Craftsman are great. (For the amount of *expertise* I have, K-mart blue-light specials are more than enough).

IMHO there are two kinds of expensive lifetime-guarantee tools. One kind is where they have put fantastic amounts of R&D into the design, used long, slow, expensive heat-treating and alloys, and made a tool that absolutely, positively never breaks. The other kind is where you are simply paying in advance for the next three or four replacements (like those triple-edge wiper blades for $19.95 + $10 S&H you see on late night TV commercials), after which they figure you'll give up and go away in disgust, thus ensuring they retain their profit.

Peace and love, y'all...

--------------------------------------------------------------------- Steve Maher smaher@gi.com '80 V6anagon w/Chevy 2800 '66 Mustang Coupevertible, for sale

Check out the cars at http://www.lookup.com/homepages/76242/home.html *** NOW *** New pictures of the V6anagon engine installation, and before&after pictures of the Coupevertible at haircut time! ---------------------------------------------------------------------


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