I didn't realize it was a Necro thread since the HF parking lot sale was this weekend here, lol.
RE Craftsman tools: Lifetime warranty doesn't mean much when you rely on your tools for a living, because if it breaks and you don't have a spare, you are not able to make money until it is replaced. Also, if you HAVE ever had a socket break on you, it is usually in spectacular fashion when you are in a position to hurt yourself when it gives. Nothing like an injury to go along with that broken tool you have to take to the store to get replaced. When I worked in a shop I bought Snap On and Mac because A) they lasted longer than the Sears stuff and just worked better, and B) the truck was there every week and if something DID break, they replaced it, and I didn't have to take part of my day to go to the store. That was about 20 years ago though, I can't speak for the quality of Snap On, Mac, and Matco now.
For home use, Craftsman is perfect and probably a better choice than the expensive stuff. Many of my tools are now craftsman. Unfortunately going to Sears these days with a couple broken sockets usually means you are going home with the same broken sockets because they don't have it in stock.
HF has its place for tools, particularly when you need a specialty tool you will use once and put in a drawer. I have spring compressors, jack stands, a torque wrench, and maybe 10 other tools I picked up over the years, and I saved a TON buying them. The reason I knew there was a sale this weekend was because I just ordered a drywall lift off Amazon but I was going to buy it at HF, and when I mentioned it to my son he told me about the sale. BTW, the lift at Amazon was cheaper than at HF, and is shipped directly to me, where I would have to drive for 10 minutes to pick up the one at HF.. Amazon is my "go to" for tools these days, unless I need it right now.