Craftsman 1/2 Dr 18 Breaker Bar

The 1/2 Dr 18 Breaker Bar from Craftsman, model CMMT44202, recently found its way into my toolbox. I was eager to put it through its paces, considering the mixed feelings surrounding Craftsman's shift to offshore production. This breaker bar is a tool designed for one primary purpose: to loosen stubborn nuts and bolts that refuse to budge with a standard wrench or ratchet.

Upon first inspection, the breaker bar feels solid in hand. The full polish chrome finish gives it a sleek, professional look, though I noticed that the finish isn't as pristine as some of the older Craftsman tools I remember. However, this isn't a tool I plan to keep on display; it's meant to get dirty and take a beating.

One of the standout features of this breaker bar is its flexible design. The head of the bar rotates 180 degrees, allowing for versatile angle adjustments. This flexibility is incredibly useful when working in tight or awkward spaces where a straight handle just won't do. I found this particularly handy when tackling undercarriage bolts and engine bay fasteners, where space is at a premium.

The extended length of 18 inches is another significant advantage. This added length provides increased torque, making it easier to loosen even the most stubborn fasteners. In my experience, the extra leverage made a noticeable difference, especially when dealing with over-tightened lug nuts on my car. The comfort of the handle is also worth mentioning. Its size and shape make it easy to grip firmly, even when applying substantial force.

One area where this tool could improve is the locking mechanism for the head. Older models had a detent ball that locked the head at specific angles, but this newer version lacks that feature. The head swings freely from +/- 90 degrees, which occasionally made it challenging to maintain the desired angle. While this isn't a deal-breaker, it's a feature I missed and one that could significantly enhance the tool's usability.

The heavy-duty steel construction of the breaker bar instills confidence. It's built to withstand high torque applications, and I didn't experience any bending or flexing, even under significant pressure. However, I did notice a slight pre-bend in the handle when it arrived. While this didn't seem to affect its performance, it's worth keeping an eye on for potential long-term issues.

Using this breaker bar on various tasks, it consistently performed well. From loosening lug nuts to breaking free rusted bolts, it handled everything I threw at it. The tool's durability was evident, and the full lifetime warranty offered by Craftsman provides peace of mind. If something does go wrong, I know I can get a replacement without hassle.

One of the concerns with tools made in China is their long-term durability compared to those made in the USA. While this breaker bar has held up well so far, only time will tell if it can match the longevity of its predecessors. That said, the current performance has been impressive, and I haven't encountered any significant issues.

For those looking to tackle high torque jobs, this breaker bar is a solid choice. It offers excellent leverage, a flexible head for versatile positioning, and a robust build that can handle tough fasteners. While it may not have the same level of refinement as older Craftsman tools, it still delivers reliable performance at a reasonable price.

In conclusion, I would recommend the Craftsman 1/2 Dr 18 Breaker Bar. Despite some minor shortcomings, it offers excellent value for money and performs admirably in various high torque applications. The flexible head, extended length, and sturdy construction make it a valuable addition to any toolbox. If you're in the market for a reliable breaker bar that won't break the bank, this one is worth considering.