Routers are versatile — they can mill, do moulding, create dados, dovetails, mortises, and much more — but full-size routers, especially models over 1-1/2 or 2 HP, can be intimidating and hard to keep level when cutting narrow material like the side of a board. The smaller “palm” routers started coming out a few years ago, and now Craftsman has gotten into that game with their Professional Fixed-Base Palm Router.

(more…)

Craftsman’s LocBoard Tool Cart consists of two LocBoards, pegboard-like units that connect at the top, and a bottom “shelf” — the whole unit can hold 850 pounds.  While it would look really cool to fill up both sides of this cart with hand tools or specialty tools, I’m not sure if it’s practical for my shop.

(more…)

I caught this 3-pc. Locking Flex Pry Bar Set in the new Craftsman catalog — it looks like the classic pry-bar design, but Craftsman put a spin on it:  a pivoting head.

(more…)

Usually when I work under the hood, I keep the tools that I’ll need in the next hour or two on the body seams or on the coolant and windshield washer tank — and these tools often fall off or just end up missing.  This new portable automotive service tray from Craftsman reminds me of a TV tray for mechanics, but it’ll keep tools and small parts at your fingertips, not down in the engine.

(more…)

While browsing through the local Sears, I caught a glimpse of the new 2009-2010 Craftsman tool catalog.  Well, I did more than glimpse — I snagged a couple of copies for myself. I’ve been getting these since the mid 1980’s, and I still have most of ‘em stored away.  If I could have back all the time I’ve spent looking at those books, it’d probably add another year or two onto my life.

(more…)

I noticed this 94″ tool chest in Craftsman’s “hot off the presses” 2009-2010 tool catalog. Craftsman seems to be trying to keep up with the tool trucks with this monster, which is part of the Craftsman Pro Line of tools.  I know the Craftsman boxes don’t always shine so bright in performance tests, but they sure look sweet to me.

(more…)

These crowfoot wrenches caught my eye as I was walking through the local Sears — at first I thought they were the same old tool in a new package, but a second look showed ‘em to be a new-to-me flare-nut version.  Attached to an extension, crowfoot wrenches have often helped me get to out-of-reach fasteners, and these flare-nut versions should do the same trick for those hard-to-reach hydraulic fittings.

The wrenches come in both metric and standard ten-piece sets — the standard sets are in sizes 3/8″ to 1″, and the metric are in sizes 10 to 19mm.  The fully polished wrenches have the look of Sears’ professional line of tools.

Craftsman’s Crowfoot Flare Nut Wrenches sell for about $80 per set.

Fractional Wrenches [Sears]
Metric Wrenches [Sears]
Street Pricing [Google]

When it comes to tool storage, there are basically two types of Toolmonger:  the organized people and the “just throw them in one of those drawers” people.  Though you might not always be able to tell from looking at my shop, I come from the organized folk — I hate spending time hunting down a tool when it should be in a certain place.  Craftsman makes their Wrench Holder for people like me.

(more…)

Did you ever have a problem with your cooling system that just left you stumped?  Craftsman makes this Cooling System Pressure Tester to help you along.  You replace the radiator cap with the tool, and it brings the cooling system up to operating pressure so you can safely check for leaks with the engine off.  You can also monitor the pressure over time and monitor for pressure drops.

(more…)

Craftsman’s ratcheting bit wrench’ll help you get into a tight squeeze without losing your knuckles — it’s one of those tools that you’ll regret not having when you need it.  The last time I used  mine was for a job that required me to remove screws under the dash, a real knuckle-breaker for sure.

(more…)

Not long ago I was watching Norm knock out some dados for a garden fence project, and I felt inspired to go to Sears and check out their selection of radial arm saws.  Back in the day — the ’80s and ’90s at least — you could always find two or three versions of the radial arm saw in any Sears store.  Well, folks, it looks like we’re down to one sole survivor.  The good old days, when Toolmongers young and old could browse through all the different models and features, are gone.

(more…)

If you’re looking for some extra length in your hex-head sockets, Craftsman makes their mid-length hex-head sockets about six inches long so they can go where regular hex heads won’t reach, or where a socket extension is just too wide.

(more…)

Sears.com is selling this 2-1/4 ton floor jack and jack stand combo for $40.  To be honest I’m ashamed that I don’t already own these two tools — they’re must-have items if you’re looking to work on your car or truck.  This is a pretty sweet deal for the first-time auto mechanic.

2-1/4 Ton Floor Jack And Jack Stand Combo [Sears]
Street Pricing [Google]

My 7″ water-cooled tile saw sprays more water on me and on the ground than it does on the cutting surface, so I’m eager to step up to Craftsman’s 18” Laser Tile Saw.  The laser helps guide your cuts through ceramic, marble, or granite tile, and the saw cuts over the project, like a radial arm saw, so it’s easy to see where you’re going.  It comes with an extra saw blade and a stand with legs that fold up so you can roll the unit to your next job site.

The Craftsman 18” Laser Tile Saw sells for $300.  You can always rent one, but if your projects run as long as mine — several weeks or more — it’s cheaper to buy.

Tile Saw [Sears]
Street Pricing [Google]

Sears is advertising their Winter Woodworking Event, which as far as we can tell is a no-interest incentive to load up your Sears card with more than $300 worth of gear, plus the added come-on of a 10%  cash-back rebate.  We’re wondering if financing tools like this is such a hot idea.

I can certainly see putting a tool on a card if you’ve got to have it to get the car running the next day — or if you just about have the money to buy that new hand tool set and want to pull the trigger a month early. But is loading up a balance a good idea, even with the promise of long repayment deals and discounts? Some folks might depend on this type of deal to get what they need, but I’m willing to bet they’re in the minority.

You tell us:  Is this a great plan or more of a budgetary sucker punch?  Let us know in comments.

Winter Woodworking Event [Sears]

Craftsman’s Non-Skid Drawer Liners provide excellent grip — the extension bars don’t even roll around when I open the drawers.  And since the liners are resistant to acid, gas, oil, and solvent, they’ll keep your tools safe.

(more…)

The Craftsman Hand Impact Driver has helped me on numerous occasions to remove stuck screws and bolts. You just combine the 1/2″ driver with an impact socket or included screwdriver bit, then hit the end of the driver with a hammer to break lose the fastener.  I used mine for removing motorcycle case and tailgate fasteners.

(more…)