Amazon just launched new Cyber Monday 2022 tool deals on Craftsman V-Series mechanics tool sets.
Craftsman V-Series is the brand’s more premium line of mechanics hand tools, with wrenches, screwdriver, socket sets, and more.
The new Craftsman tool deals join a couple of other ongoing V-series deals that you might have missed – I’ve included those here as well.
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I have tested a couple of Craftsman V-Series tools and find them to be quite good and highly recommendable. I also own a number of Facom tools that these V-Series offerings strongly resemble.
Craftsman 38pc 1/4″ Metric 38pc Mechanics Tool Set
This compact tool set features a spinner handle, 80T 1/4″ drive ratchet, 6pt sockets, 2 extensions, a universal joint adapter, a bit holder, and an assortment of screwdriver bits.
Socket sizes include 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14mm.
Craftsman 38pc 1/4″ Inch 38pc Mechanics Tool Set
This SAE set is similar, but with the following inch-sized 6pt sockets: 7/32″, 1/4″, 9/32″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 13/32″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″.
Craftsman V-Series 3/8″ Metric 18pc Mechanics Tool Set
The 3/8″ sets come with a handy compact tool case with the included long locking extension doubling as a handle.
This set comes with a 96T 3/8″ ratchet, which features a 3.75° swing arc, universal joint, 2 locking extension bars, and 6pt sockets.
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Socket sizes: 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22mm.
Craftsman V-Series 3/8″ Inch 18pc Mechanics Tool Set
The SAE 3/8″ tool set comes with the same ratchet and extensions, and the following socket sizes: 1/4″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″, 1″ .
Craftsman V-Series 1/2″ Metric 21pc Mechanics Tool Set
The 1/2″ sets also feature a 96T ratchet, 2x locking extensions, and universal joint.
The metric set comes with 6pt sockets: 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32mm
Craftsman V-Series 1/2″ Inch 21pc Mechanics Tool Set
The 1/2″ SAE set comes with these socket sizes: 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 19/32″, 5/8″, 21/32″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 13/16″, 7/8″, 15/16″, 1″, 1-1/16″, 1-1/8″, 1-3/16″, 1-1/4″.
Craftsman V-Series 12pc Metric Wrench Set
The 12pc metric combination wrench set comes with a handy fold-out case. The wrenches feature an I-beam design, 12pt box head geometry, and full polish finish.
(The Facom version of these are my favorite wrenches!)
Sizes include: 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19mm.
Craftsman V-Series 12pc Inch Wrench Set
The similar SAE set includes these sizes: 1/4″, 5/16″, 11/32″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″, 5/8″, 11/16″, 3/4″, 7/8″, 15/16″.
Craftsman V-Series Flex-Head Ratchet Set
Lastly, there’s a 3pc ratchet set. The 1/4″ ratchet has 80T gearing for a 4.5° swing arc, and the 3/8″ and 1/2″ ratchets both have a 96T design for 3.75° swing arc. All 3 ratchets have cushion-grip handles.
More Cyber Monday Tool Deals
While Amazon didn’t launch many new tool deals on Cyber Monday itself, there are still plenty still ongoing and ending soon. Check ’em out while they’re still up.
ToolGuyd Cyber Weekend Coverage
50+ Best Early Cyber Monday 2022 Tool Deals at Amazon
Cyber Weekend EDC Deals on Multi-Tools, Knives & Flashlights
Here are the Best Cyber Weekend Tool Deals
Latest ToolGuyd Cyber Monday Tool Deals Coverage
Home Depot Cyber Monday 2022 Tool Deals – Save on Milwaukee, Dewalt, Ridgid, More
These HOT Cyber Monday Tool Deals are Ending Soon!
Incredible Dewalt and Milwaukee Tool Deals for Cyber Monday 2022!
Cyber Monday 2022: 10% off ALL in-Stock Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Metabo, Skil!
Nathan
awfully expensive for what it is. Probably the best deal of that is that 1/2 drive metric set for the completeness of the sockets but no breaker bar. I think 8mm is too small for a 1/2 drive set but regardless that’s a full line up for a starter set.
The ratchets are good and as someone said before they are FACOM items from the looks. they run smooth and wobble free.
MM
Agreed about the price. I think those 1/4 drive sets are pretty neat idea having a compact set with both sockets and hex bits, but the price seems a bit nuts. I think at the moment you can get a Wera Tool-Check Plus for about the same money if you want top-end tools, and there are surely more economical options if that’s not what you are interested in.
Stuart
In my experiences so far, Craftsman V-Series and the Facom tools they’re adapted from or inspired by rival Wera quality.
fred
To me that seems interesting. Facom (Société Franco-Américaine de Construction d’Outillage Mécanique) founded in 1918 – at one time claimed to be the largest manufacture of mechanics tools in Europe. At one point they acquired the Italian manufacturer USAG and also briefly owned SK Hand Tools. Then they – perhaps also other industry based in France) fell on hard times. Ultimately, they were acquired by Stanley and most production now seems to be in Taiwan.
Wera (Wera Werkzeuge GmbH) is a somewhat younger company founded in 1936. Lately, they do seem to have been more innovative and aggressive in marketing (in the USA anyway) than Facom. Much of their production seems to be based in the Czech Republic. Some years ago, I was in Essen shopping for a Wera socket set that a relative had requested. I had a bit of a hard time finding it – and was repeated offered Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore and Elora – touted as better alternatives. I was not sure if that was an artifact of where I was shopping (or my bad German) – or if Wera is more popular here than in Germany. I finally located the desired set – at a decent price – even with shipping back to the USA.
Nathan
FACOM competes with them over there. and I think they make good tool items – but are these made in Spain, or ?
I like the locking extensions included in the kit – not something you see much but it’s gaining ground in EU I see.
Stuart
I believe they’re made in Taiwan.
Julian Tracy
Why are any of these considered deals? And the idea those tiny sets are “mechanic” sets is a bit of a joke.
Even the ratchets, though nice looking are simply Taiwan tools, so better deals from brands that haven’t burned their bridges can be had.
Walking into Lowes these days is like walking thru the red-bricked road of crappy Craftsman overload. I’d sooner buy some Pittsburgh branded tools I think. Same quality, fit and finish for 1/3 the price.
Stuart
These are appreciable discounts on good tools. Maybe it’s just what someone looking at Craftsman V-Series was looking for to jump off the fence.
If they’re not for you, they’re not for you, stick with Harbor Freight if it serves you well.
There are tools that can do the same for less, but the same is always true for most categories and brands.
I’m absolutely not objective when it comes to V-Series. I spent a lot more on the Facom versions, and am glad to see comparable tools from Craftsman for less. I’ve been wanting to see better Facom availability here in the USA for years. While not quite the same, if Craftsman V-Series is the way to accomplish that, I’m all for it.
This is a great line of tools that is, in my opinion, severely under-marketed.
Julian Tracy
I’ve been a bid fan of Facom tools for years. Even had a genuine Facom huge toolbox someone had brought back from them from Europe, including some Facom tools, ratchets, sockets,etc.
But Craftsman of late has been bright red cheap or OK tools at higher prices generally. Their tool chests are ridiculously cheaply built, even the “3000” premium series. I have a Craftsman “Epic” box that had a Lifetime warranty – called the 800 number because of some problem slides and Craftsman told me they no longer source from that supplier and I’m sh%T out of luck.
Hard to be very enthused at premium pricing from that brand. $79-89 1/4” mini sets – ho hum.
Mark M.
I would put the small metric one in my truck as a backup if it were in the $30 range. At double that price I’d buy Wera or some other German brand.
Ohhhhhh, new Craftsman, why do you have to suck? The cheap stuff is too cheap to pay attention to and the nice stuff is priced high enough to make me look at competitors. I’m glad to have complete sets of USA-made Craftsman from 15-20 years ago but their current offerings (to me) just aren’t compelling in any way.
Ball_bearing
Nice compact sets. I hope they sell well.
Thechad
I had a Lowes gift card and purchased the flex ratchets online from them last may. They are very smooth and nice.
I agree they are quite expensive, but if you have an gift card to burn these ratchets have kind of turned into my go to ratchets for using now (granted an Amazon gift card gives you a lot more opportunities than my Lowe’s card gave me).
Happy holidays all!
Aaron SD
Amazon has an alternate craftsman set cmmt045071 71 piece with Versastack that might be good for $65 and a Tekton 1/4” drive 55 piece for $72 (skt05301).
I’ve mainly been looking at socket sets since want a smaller box than my 155piece craftsman from 20 years ago and the giant blow-molded case. So far nothing really justifies replacing it. A nice thing is that it has a bunch of wrenches and 1/4, 3/8, 1/2” drive sockets
Aaron SD
I think it was all made in USA too. I just really don’t like the big case.
MM
If the contents are OK have you considered just getting a new toolbox or case to put it in? The majority of my sockets are older USA-made Craftsmans I bought in those big blow-molded sets more than 20 years ago. I’ve long since thrown out the cases, traded most of the ratchets for Snap-Ons, but I still use the sockets, I just have them in new organizers.
Aaron SD
That’s what I’m starting to think and maybe break it down to smaller sets. That’s the appeal of the versastack.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!!
Stuart
Craftsman’s USA-made tools have not launched yet.
Amazon Listing
Lowe’s Listing
The same set is currently $55 at Lowe’s.
Aaron SD
This was likely 20 years ago and definitely bought in Sears
Neighbor Joe
Thanks for the update. Not a fan of Taiwan and Chinese Craftsman tools. Craftsman’s USA made tools have not launched yet. I suspect the suits at SBD are not happy missing the Christmas holiday shopping season.
Jeff D.
I still have my Craftsman tools made in the USA, i.e. wire cutters, sockets, screw drivers, wrenches. I need replacement ratchets for my 1/4 and 3/8 sockets, which lasted 40 years.
I will only buy tools made in the USA and I’m waiting for Craftsman to be made in the USA again before I purchase it!
I found other vendors with Made in the USA from which to buy but I miss Sears and real Craftsman tools!
Davethetool
Marketing Hoopla? I remember and own some of the Craftsman Professional Wrench sets from decades ago. Back then competition was a lot less for hand tools. Majority of people bought Craftsman, and professionals purchased the truck tools like Snap On and Mac. Craftsman professional tools came out all chromed like snap on , we’re still affordable and wiping the grease off the chrome was like butter off a knife! Most auto parts stores carried off brand imported stuff like Wilmar and other generic no name tools for those on a tight budget. Today, the market is fierce with competition and there is also a lot of smoke and mirrors regarding hand tools and pricing. I wonder how ICON is doing for Harbor Freight Tools? SK is back in the picture again also but honestly I don’t own any as they were always sold at specific distributors and I rarely had one in the neighborhood. It will be interesting to track how this new “professional” series does for Craftsman. Will it grow into its own market or die in a few years taking with it warranty issues or replacement?
Jared
I’ve wondered if the V series tools were a bit of a market test before Craftsman committed to a direction with the USA-production tools (which I hope appear eventually). E.g. to see how people react to premium Craftsman-branded tools with up-market pricing.
My impression is that it attracted a lot of criticism (even though I personally really wanted them to bring the line to Canada so I can buy some). The most frequent refrain seems to be “I want Craftsman from 40+ years ago when the tools were “good”, made in the USA, but not expensive”.
I bet that poses a conundrum for SBD. Making “inexpensive” tools in the USA isn’t really a winning proposition. Production costs are higher so USA tools tend to be premium offerings where those costs can more easily be absorbed.
MM
I don’t have a problem with Craftsman offering higher end tools or sub-brands, but:
1) They need to do a better job with the marketing. With “Craftsman Professional” it was obvious what to expect: pro-tier, or at the very least “higher-end tools compared to their standard line”. “V-line” is vague. What does V mean? If I had to guess, “Value”, implying it’s a lower-end product. Is that wrong? I think so. But it’s what I have to work with.
2) They need to find a way to differentiate themselves, like the Craftsman and Craftsman Professional of old. Standard Craftsman tools were mid-tier quality but had fair prices and excellent warranty service. Unlike tool truck brands they were widely accessible to everyone. Craftsman Professional tools were higher end, not too far off tool truck brands, but again with excellent pricing. And it was all made in the USA. They have lost these niches now: most brands have excellent warranties today, and there is a lot more competition in terms of value for money and accessibility. Now anyone can get online and shop everything from the cheapest knockoff imports. In that world, making a “me too” product that copies Facom seems like a poor move; even if the tools are great what is going to get customers attention and bring them in without something (the price, design, quality), being exceptional? Especially when many customers already feel betrayed by the brand in one way or another?
Jared
Good points. We’ll have to see what SBD does with the USA Craftsman – e.g. will it be a distinct line of tools with branding to differentiate it from the import offerings?
At the very least I bet it’s going to have “USA” on every available surface. 😄
And what about the tools themselves – any predictions for where the USA line will land in the price scale?
The lack of V-series success (just my perception) is what makes me wonder whether we’ll see “top tier” tools with commensurate pricing – or if SBD will shoot for a lower grade so customers don’t get sticker shock.
Jim
Amen!!!
And yes, as a lifelong professional mechanic, the craftsman professional line was the real deal.
Back in the day, for example, their Stubby wrench set was an incredible value.
MM
Agreed! I still use those stubby combination wrenches (and flare nut wrenches) to this day!
Bort
Looks like facom, but made in Taiwan. Completely insane prices, extremely hard pass. Getting real tired of hand tool price gouging.