SearsPartsDirect has been kind enough to give the readers of this blog a 10% discount on Parts and Accessories for Craftsman, Kenmore, and Many Other Brands. 

See below to find a manual:

Use this link to get your discount: Save 10% on your purchase at Sears PartsDirect.com

Craftsman Parts

You will need the model number of the item you need parts for to easily find the parts on searpartdirect.

It will look like this 123.123456 and will be on a nameplate somewhere on the machine.

Lawn tractors – under the seat
Snow blowers – right rear of the frame.
Power Tools – on the motor.
Stationary Woodworking Tools – on the frame

Sorry, you will have to pay shipping on ALL parts ordered. Order all of your parts at once and you do get a better shipping rate than ordering them one at a time. At least the 15% discount offsets the shipping cost somewhat.

If you can’t find your model number you can try looking for the manual here: You can also get manuals from managemylife.com

Kobalt Tool Mechanics Tool Sets – Lowes

If you are looking for affordable, dependable tools don’t forget Lowes.  Lowes Kobalt tools are listed as Professional grade and have as good of fit and finish as all the rest.  Myself, I like the feel of the standard ratchets in my hands.  They are comfortable and the 72 tooth design provides for only a 5 degree arc swing.  If Lowes is the closest retailer to you, don’t be afraid to buy one of these sets.

I have included three common size mechanics tool sets.

227-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set with Case

Kobalt 227 Piece Tool Set

All the tools in this set are constructed of chrome vanadium steel for strength and durability and have a professional grade high-polish finish.

Total Number of Pieces 227.0
Shallow Socket(s) Included Yes
Intermediate Socket(s) Included No
Deep Socket(s) Included Yes
Spark Plug Socket(s) Included Yes
Design 6-point;12-point
Number of Quick Release Ratchets 3.0
Number of Wrenches 30.0
Number of Additional Tools 71.0
Weight (lbs.) 29.0
Case Included Yes
Measure Type Standard (SAE) and Metric combination
Warranty Lifetime
Finish Polished chrome
Includes 1/2″, 3/8″, 1/4″  Drive Ratchets
Number of Drive Tools 9.0
Number of Extensions 4.0
Number of Sockets 117.0

Check here for the current sale price:  Kobalt 227-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set with Case 85183

Kobalt 138-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set

Kobalt 138-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

Total Number of Pieces 138.0
Shallow Socket(s) Included Yes
Intermediate Socket(s) Included No
Deep Socket(s) Included Yes
Spark Plug Socket(s) Included Yes
Design 6-point;12-point
Number of Quick Release Ratchets 3.0
Number of Wrenches 8.0
Number of Additional Tools 38.0
Weight (lbs.) 18.5
Case Included Yes
Measure Type Standard (SAE) and Metric combination
Warranty Lifetime
Finish Polished chrome
Includes 1/2″, 3/8″, 1/4″  Drive Ratchets
Number of Drive Tools 6.0
Number of Extensions 2.0
Number of Sockets 86.0

Check here for the current sale price:  Kobalt 138-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set with Case 85181

Kobalt 129-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set with Case

Kobalt 129-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

Total Number of Pieces 129.0
Shallow Socket(s) Included Yes
Intermediate Socket(s) Included No
Deep Socket(s) Included Yes
Spark Plug Socket(s) Included Yes
Design 6-point;12-point
Number of Quick Release Ratchets 2.0
Number of Wrenches 4.0
Number of Additional Tools 50.0
Weight (lbs.) 12.75
Case Included Yes
Measure Type Standard (SAE) and Metric combination
Warranty Lifetime
Finish Polished chrome
Includes 1/2″, 3/8″, 1/4″  Drive Ratchets
Number of Drive Tools 4.0
Number of Extensions 1.0
Number of Sockets 71.0

Check here for the current sale price:  Kobalt 129-Piece Standard/Metric Mechanics Tool Set with Case 85180

Did you know Craftsman is introducing a whole new line of routers?

Craftsman has just introduced a new line of fixed base and plunge routers.  These great new routers have some great new features that will help you perform your routing tasks easily and with greater precision than ever before.

The router I will be showing you is the new 2.25 HP Digital Plunge Base Router Model 27669 from Craftsman. Craftsman sent me the Model 09-27669 Digital Plunge Base Router to review and here are my first impressions of it.  I am going to go through all the features and give you my opinion of each feature.

Craftsman Model 27669 Digital Router

First off this new router looks and feels like the very popular existing Craftsman router line it is replacing.  The rest of the industry appears to be headed to sub-compact routers, but I for one like this base size.  I just don’t feel the sub-compacts from the other manufactures are big enough and stable enough for most woodworking tasks.  This new Craftsman router is lightweight.  This size base gives me good stability on all work surfaces and yet is small enough to work on even those tiny jewelry boxes.  Your current Craftsman sub-base plates, bushings, pantagraph, router table and accessories will fit.  It comes with both a 1/4 inch and 1/2 inch collets for hobby and professional router bits.

12.0 Amp, 2.25 HP, Variable Speed Motor with Digital Readout. The 12.0 Amp motor is permanently sealed, has top and bottom ball bearings and a 10,000 to 25,000 variable speed RPM settings.  The top-mounted LCD display allows you to easily set up the router. (More about the display later)  With replaceable brushes this motor will last a long, long time.

6 Variable Speeds. The speed is easily controlled from the top-mounted LCD panel and you know precisely what you router is set on. You can slow this router down for those big raised panel bits and speed it up to get those perfect laminate edges.

Soft Start Motor Technology. I use a 10 year old single speed, 2 hp router all the time without this feature and it is always an exciting moment when I turn the router on.  If you are not hanging on with both hands it will go dancing across your work table. This new soft start is great!  When you turn the motor on it starts slowly and comes up to speed without any torque twist at all.  In fact, I tested the soft start by not touching the router and flipping the ON switch.  The router never moved as it started and came up to speed.

NEW Digital Readout. Yes, there have been a few routers with an LCD panel before, but I like this new panel.  This panel lets you set the type of bit you are using, the diameter of the bit and the type of material you are routing.  The router uses this information to set the proper RPM for the application.  The display shows icons for the bit type, size and type of material. I read the manual once and then tried the display.  The setup is very intuitive and easy to use.

Electronic Feedback Circuitry. Coupled with the display is the Electronic Feedback Circuit.  This Feedback Circuit is like a govenor on your lawn mower.  With the older routers you always noticed the router would slow down when it hit a harder section of the material or would slow down if you pushed the work through to fast.  This new circuitry senses the increased load and keeps the bit at a constant speed.  To test this I inserted a 1/2 inch round over bit and used it on a 4 foot length of hard maple.  The router never slowed down no matter how fast I ran the maple through it.

LED Lighting. Three super-bright LEDs on the bottom of the motor housing really light up the work area.  This was always a problem for me with older routers-I couldn’t see the work very well.  The new lighting makes it easy for me to see exactly what I am doing.

Rack and Pinion Height Adjustment and  Depth Stop Turret. The aluminum base uses the familiar 4-position depth stop so you can make deep cuts in three or four passes.  In addition there is a Height Adjustment knob on the depth rod that allows you to tweek your cut in 1/64 inch incrediments.   This helps you get the perfect depth for those intricate cuts. The big thumb lock for the plunge slide is quick and locks repeatedly well.

Vacumn Port Accessory Included. This vacumn port actually works.  It screws into the base and covers the entire cutting area.  The 1 1/4 inch hose fitting is just the right size for your Craftsman 19.2 volt C3 Cordless Vac.

Above Table Depth Rod Tool. In addition to using this router as a handheld it can easily be installed in a Craftsman Router Table.  Your bit depth is easily adjusted from the top of the table with the supplied hand crank.  This is so much easier than your old router where you have to reach under the table, unlock the base and spin a ring.

Tear Drop Handles. The handles fit my hands well.  They are not to0 big or too small and are comfortable with the router in any position.

Heavy Duty Precision Machined Base with Clear Sub-Base. Your existing Craftsman sub-bases and bushings mount quickly.  The quick release motor latch makes changing your bit a breeze!

Spring Loaded Spindle Lock. The spindle lock is located on the working end of the router.  You can change your bits just one wrench. The supplied wrench actually has a cushioned handle!

Full View Chip Deflector. If you decide not to use the supplied vacumn attachment there is a good chip deflector to keep the chips from flying all over you. (Always wear safety goggles when using a router.)

The 27669 Kit Includes. Router, Plunge Base, 1/4 and 1/2 inch collets, Clear Sub Base, Collet Wrench, Depth Adjustment Wrench, Edge Guide, Vac Adapter, All Screws for Mounting Attachments, and a Nice, Heavy Duty Soft Carrying Case.

The 27669 comes with a 1 Year Warranty and you can purchase the opitonal 3 year money-back Sears Protection Plan.

Go Here To Purchase This Great New Router: Craftsman Model 27669 Digital Router

This is one pliers I wish I had 30 years ago.  The Knipex 4-in-1 Electrician’s Pliers is one tool that is critical if you work on household wiring.  It will grip, crimp and strip 10, 12, and 14 gauge electical wire. It will help make your rewiring and new wiring projects easier. You will be glad you spent the extra money and bought this high quality pliers.

What I like.

- The crimping section is in the right place, inside the handle.  This gives you the maximum power to make a crimp connection properly.

- The wire strippers are machined and sharp.  They are exactly the right size so they won’t knick your copper wire.  They are strong enough to cut soft and hard copper and aluminum wire.

- The wire loop hole is at the right location to give you the perfect loop every time you need to wrap a wire around a screw.

- It’s just the right size.  Small enough to not take up a lot of room in your tool belt, but big enough to get the job done every time.

Buy at Sears.com.  Buy online, get the best deal, pick up at your local Sears or have it shipped to your home.

Knipex Electricians Pliers

Alligator Pliers are a variation of the tongue and grove pliers (commonly called Chanel-locks after the original pliers)

These tough pliers from Knipex fix some of the agrivating design issues all the other tongue and groove pliers have.

-Pinch guard protects against hand and finger pinching

- Optimum adjustment for different size work.  It will grab the smallest piece of wire and pipe up to 2 3/4 inches on the 10″ size.

- Wear resistant, hardened teeth grip objects of any shape.

Use these pliers to grip just about anything, pipe, metal rods, pull brads out of wood.  Yes, it will mar delicate surfaces but for plumbing and general use this is a great choice for a pliers that will last you a lifetime.

Buy at Sears.com.  Buy online, get the best deal, pick up at your local Sears or have it shipped to your home.

Knipex 10 in. Alligator Pliers

Knipex 12 in. Alligator Pliers

Knipex 7 1/4 in. Alligator Pliers

I am busy working on 2011 reviews of mowers and tractors over at TodaysMower.com/.  Feel free to go over there and take a look at all the new mowers.  In particular Craftsman has really improved their line and Sears is offering a great bunch of mowers this year.  When I’m done or when I see a new product that you need to know about I’ll be back here.

In the meantime   ToolGuyd Wrote a great article on the difference between Imported Tools and Outsourced Tools you are welcome to go over and read.  I too see a lot of wild rampages roaring on the tool forums and community sites about “Made in the U.S.” and ToolGuyd’s article helps to put this into perspective.  Why Imported Tools are Okay, Outsourced Tools are Not

A few weeks ago Tools of The Trade Online asked it’s readers to fill out a survey on tools.  So far 1800 readers have responded and the results are somewhat surprising.

There were a series of multiple choice questions and the main improvement readers wanted was durability.  Safety features were second and dust control dead last.

There was also a section in the survey to write in ideas and the highest number of responses was “made in the USA” or at least not made in a communist country.  Price was second and the author of the article below basically stated that “you can’t have both”

Please note: Tools Of The Trade focuses on contractor tools and doesn’t spend any time on homeowner tools like we do here at ToolBoxHero.  The results of this survey don’t reflect homeowner’s wants and needs – only contractors.

Here is a reprint of the article.

Tool Survey Results

Go to Survey Results

I would like to thank everyone who completed the Tool Survey we posted a couple of weeks back. It contained a long list of questions and yet over 1800 of you took the time to fill it out and add comments of your own. The survey is still open and can be found on the home page of our website, along with a link to the results. Your responses confirm many of the things we already believed about our readers and show how incredibly well tradespeople understand the tools they use to make a living.

The first question had to do with the types of improvements you would like to see in tools. Out of six possible answers, improved durability won by a wide margin. It was surprising to see safety beat out “ease of adjustments” and “ergonomics and comfort”. That’s good news if it means tradespeople are becoming more safety-conscious. Dust collection was ranked near the bottom, though that may change as remodelers adapt to the new RRP lead rules, which require power tools to be connected to HEPA vacuums when used to sand, plane, or grind surfaces that contain lead-based paint.

Question number ten had to do with things that affect your purchasing decisions. Quality was far and away the most important consideration. When looking at rankings such as these I like to combine the number of first and second place votes for any one item. If you do that, brand reputation and price emerge as the clear second and third place issues. I thought “performance features” would do better than it did, though in today’s economy it’s hard to argue with folks who rate it well below quality and price.

Some interesting things showed up in the comments people wrote in the “other” category. To see them yourself, go to the results and click the links for “show results”.

Two comments appeared again and again, that people want lower price tools and more tools made in the USA. Of course both things can’t happen at the same time. One reason why tools have become less expensive (and they have relative to inflation) is because so many are now made in low-wage countries such as China. As much as I would like it to happen, I don’t see tool production coming back to this country any time soon.

Many respondents complained about cordless tools and batteries, which is not surprising given the short lifespan of these tools. The tools themselves hold up pretty well but it would be unusual to get more than two or three years out of a battery. Tradespeople understand that batteries don’t last forever but forcing them to buy over-priced replacements or replace tools when the batteries go is like telling someone to buy a new truck when the battery dies or charging them a third of the price of the vehicle for a new battery.

A number of people said they wished batteries were forward and backward compatible. It so happens that some already are; for a list of products for which this is true see the Q&A column column in the October 2010 issue of JLC.

We heard from a lot of folks who said they want straight-forward tools that do not contain a bunch of worthless bells and whistles. It’s not just a matter of having to pay for things that don’t get used, added features make tools bigger and heavier than they need to be. This is rarely a problem with stationary equipment but is a serious concern with hand-held tools.

There are some interesting things in the survey results and I encourage you to take a look at them. We hope to do surveys on a regular basis because your input is valuable and it helps us improve the magazine. If it pushes manufacturers to produce the kind of tools you want, then that’s even better.

(This is a reprint of the article I posted on todaysmower.com titled “Sears Finally Gives Up”

In an unfortunate move Sears announced that it’s very lenient return policy on Gas Powered equipment will be changing from 90 days to 30 days as of May 23, 2010.

Why, reading the news, talking to manufactures, and just listening to mechanics and homeowners I feel that at least 40% of the returns on gas powered equipment are FUEL RELATED!  These returns have nothing to do with the quality of the Craftsman products, instead has to do with the poor fuel our government has forced us all to use.  This poor fuel may work in larger engines like cars, vans and pickup trucks, but it is just a royal pain for small engines.  Most consumers don’t understand this and blame the engine, or the retailer for a poor product.  In reality it is a problem with our fuel, and the government regulators who keep messing with the quality of that fuel.

While Sears decision only affects new merchandise the problems are not just with the new gas powered equipment, but motors we have been using for years are now having problems with these “reformulated” blended fuels.  I’ve seen fuel systems literally dry out, crack and fall apart. Other fuel systems melt and turn into a gooey mush.   And to make matter worse apparently the imported engines are having even more fuel related problems than the ones still made here in the U.S.

Ace, Lowes, Home Depot and others all have had this policy for quite a while now and Sears is one of the last hold-outs.

Even with this change Sears still has one of the best return policies out there.

Sears Holding Corporation

Note: The following is not the EXACT wording of the new revised return policy, but it is close enough for you to see the changes.

Please visit Sears.com or your local Sears store to read the exact policy.

I highlighted in bold the items that affect us in Lawn & Garden

Sears Return Policy:

“Our goal is that you are completely satisfied with your purchase. If for any reason you are not satisfied, simply return your purchase in its original packaging, with your original receipt within 90 days of your purchase, 30 days from the purchase date for Home Electronics, Mattresses, air conditioners, gas powered equipment, jewelry, and watches for a refund or exchange.  Video games, CD’s, DVD’s, computer software and sports/toy collectibles must be unopened for a refund or exchange.  For other items, including folding guest beds, air/inflatable beds, continuous air bouncers, water slides, pools, gas powered lawn equipment, power tools, scooters over $149.99, specialty occasion clothing, video camera/camcorders, handbags, jewelry, and watches  if the original packaging has been opened or tags and/or labels have been removed the items will only be exchanged with an identical item or a substantially similar item of equal value.  Replacement products obtained in an exchange transaction will only be exchanged and are not eligible for a refund. Returns and exchanges are not allowed on customized jewelry.

Where applicable, all refunds will be issued in the same form as the original method of payment.  If you are not satisfied with your purchase after this please let us know.  Your satisfaction is important to Sears.

Restocking/Cancellation Fee Policy

A 15% restocking fee is charged on Home Electronics returned without the original box, used, and without all of the original product packaging and accessories; mattresses, built in home appliances, and special orders on hardware, sporting goods, lawn & garden, and automotive merchandise.  Home electronics returned in unopened boxes may, but need not be, determined to have been used.  Special orders canceled after 24 hours of purchase are subject to a 15% order cancellation fee.

Refunds.

Refunds will not be given without a receipt.” (My understanding is items purchased with a Sears Card and/or you used the Shop Your Ways Reward Card to record the purchase can be refunded without a receipt)

Kidvantage Wear-Out Guarantee, Craftsman Hand Tool Full Warranty, and the Land’s End Guaranteed. Period has not changed to my knowledge.

Every once in a while there is a tool that does not get much attention, but is so good that people just buy it without all the hoopla of product announcements and hype.

C.H. Hanson Precision Ball Level

This level is a great example.  The C.H. Hanson level is one of the best on the market.  It’s extremely easy to use and will do so much more than just measure 90 and 45 degrees.

This level is designed to measure all angles and pitches.   It will measure accurately and easily.

The precision ball level is a little more expensive than the current levels made by Empire but at around $40 it is a great deal in my opinion.

I particularly like the wide stance and heavy-duty construction of this level.  It is the same size as common lumber and that makes it very easy to hold in place for measuring and marking.  You can use it and abuse it and it will give you years of service.  The heavy duty aluminum frame is very stable and even has groves for leveling pipe and other round objects.  For example, when I get through with this article I will be using it to set up construction for a patio.

Pitch and Degree Scales

It will measure angle in any position and has built in markings for both degrees and pitch.

It is fairly hard to find this level.  I have only seen it in a few stores but you can easily buy it from Amazon and have it shipped free to your home.  It’s worth the wait! BUY IT HERE! CH Hanson 50024 24-Inch Precision Ball Level

Sears sent me this one-handed reciprocating saw back when the snow was still on the ground and to be honest I just don’t have much of a need for a reciprocating saw.  My corded one has been out of the bag maybe three times in the last five years.

C3 19.2 v Add-on Reciprocating Saw

But yesterday I got around to fixing a small platform (deck) at the back of our property.  This platform sits under a huge elm tree and it makes a nice quiet seating area to just enjoy the wildlife.  Last fall I added a 4 foot by 8 foot section of used deck to my small platform and I just needed to fill in and trim a couple of missing boards.

Now I never use my corded reciprocating saw because (one) it’s too noisy, (two) it’s too heavy, (three) the blade fits in upside down from what I think it should be, (four) it is full speed or nothing.  It usually does more shaking of the wood I’m trying to cut than cutting.  I hate the thing.

Well I grabbed some cedar decking and ripped it to the width I needed to fill in the gaps using the table saw in the shop but I forgot to measure how long I needed the strips.  I grabbed a hand saw and then before I got out of the garage remembered I had this cordless reciprocating saw in the basement.  I was already taking the 19.2 C3 Craftsman Impact Driver with me so I already had the battery I needed.  Why not?  Let’s see if this saw is better than my old corded one.  Watch the video to find out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CYyHsxc3qWs

Yes, this saw works great.  I like the variable speed.  It will go slower than any other reciprocating saw I have used.  It’s quiet … much quieter than my old corded version.  I like the weight and balance.  Even with the triple capacity lithium battery attached the saw was well balanced and could easily be used with one hand.   And most of all it’s powerful.  After I finished my deck I used it around the property to prune a bunch of limbs off of trees in the back yard.  It always had enough power to handle my 10 inch pruning blade!

Now I know this saw is designed for deconstruction (demolition) tasks but… if Sears would come up with a pole to attach this saw too so I can trim those high branches………..the C3 reciprocating saw is light enough to easily be used as a pole pruner.

In summary: I like this saw a lot more than the 11574 C3 cordless saw that comes in the 19.2 volt combo kits.  When your 11574 quits (and it has a history of not lasting too long) I highly recommend that you replace it with this saw.

I like it a lot more than my old corded reciprocating saw.  I particularly like the smooth variable speed and the ergonomic grip.  It is powerful enough to do all the tasks you need it to and lightweight enough that you can use it all day.

Sitting under the Elm tree

I highly recommend this saw. I know I will buy one of these for myself soon.  I will use this saw a lot more than my old corded version.

You can read more and buy this saw here: 19.2 v C3 Reciprocating Saw. This is an add-on to the C3 line.  It does not come with a battery and charger.  Sears assumes you already have a 19.2 volt drill or another tool that came with a battery.  If you don’t have any of these 19.2 volt tools and want this tool I suggest you purchase the 19.2 v C3 High Capacity Lithium Battery and 19.2 v C3 4 Port Charger.  There is a cheaper way to get a battery and charger for this saw but once you own it, I know you will quickly add on more C3 tools.  In the long run buying the triple capacity battery and 4 port charger now will save you money later on.

Specs:

Listed on Sears.com as: Craftsman 17600 19.2-volt C3 Cordless Reciprocating Saw

Strokes Per Minute: 0-3500
Convenience: Tool-less Blade Change
Main Handle Grip: One-hand Ergonomic
Overall Color: Black/Gray
Power: 19.2 volt C3 Rechargeable batteries

BUY HERE: 19.2 v C3 Reciprocating Saw I make a small commission when you purchase through this link.

Blades: Any reciprocating saw blades will work in this saw including Craftsman Reciprocating Blades. I recommend the Milwaukee Sawzall Blades. Buy different ones for metal, wood and general demolition. They last a long, long time.