Craftsman News Roundup

[Andres26tnt]

i agree most of the stuff they had was average and barely any hand tools, i don't understand.

 

[HighwayTrout]

As ****** as that unveiling was. Looks like they’ll continue to heavily market to the Father’s Day and Christmas gimmickey tool crowd.

Did anyone see anything worth while at all? Anything? Seriously asking.

I was also looking forward to seeing a huge American made hand tool unveiling.


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[zendriver]

Since no one else has addressed the elephant in the room, I will.

Garage Journal didn’t see hardly any action at all today regarding the new Craftsman launch. Are you just disappointed or don’t really care?

I watched most of the Facebook live feed and was disappointed in the entire rollout. They barely showed anything that the majority of people wanted to see. The details and information were vague and the products looked mediocre at best. I wasn’t expecting a HUGE made in the USA extravaganza, but I was hopeful for a little more than this. The announcer didn’t even know the difference between a drill driver and an impact driver.

The website has been glitchy all day. Many of the tools aren’t even depicted yet. Details are extremely vague. I realize that these things take time, but they’ve had nearly 2 years.

I’m also not a fan of Richard Rawlings and Chip Foose. They’re only there for a paycheck. Their presence doesn’t make me want to buy Craftsman tools anymore than if they weren’t there. I know damn well they’re using tool truck brands to work on their cars, unless they have to use Craftsman for product placement during filming. Don’t try to pull a fast one on me.

All in all, on a scale of 1 to 10, I give today’s launch a 2. Poorly executed and they didn’t really show jack **** to the consumer who’s been waiting and waiting to see what Stanley Black & Decker planned to do with the brand. What a shame.

It's just like most everything else.

The fantasy of Craftsman as the strong American brand, is really all that matters, because the. reality will just never be that much and we all know it.

It's like back in school to finally bag the hot cheerleader, only to find out she's a complete bitchy dud in bed.

The fantasy was much better.

The expectation imo for craftsman is Snap On quality at Harbor freight prices, The recipe for disappointment.

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[Sco Deac]

I was impressed with what they are doing from a business standpoint. They are getting ta foothold in the lawn and garden space which will be important for the brand. SBD recently bought an implement business so they are expanding into light ag and construction in a way they haven’t previously.

We get myopic about hand tools on this board but that’s a 1/3 or so of Craftsman revenue and probably less for its profit. They will get there and maybe bring some to he US. Time will tell but it takes time. If SK is any indication, delivering a new tool to market takes years. If Craftsman has just cloned the entire DeWalt line of hard line tools, this board would complain. I am still giving them time and expect they will be able to return Craftsman to what it was (not what our faulty memories remember it as). It will be a dependable above average consumer grade with some prosumer offerings.

 

[Jtels85]

I was impressed with what they are doing from a business standpoint. They are getting ta foothold in the lawn and garden space which will be important for the brand. SBD recently bought an implement business so they are expanding into light ag and construction in a way they haven’t previously.

We get myopic about hand tools on this board but that’s a 1/3 or so of Craftsman revenue and probably less for its profit. They will get there and maybe bring some to he US. Time will tell but it takes time. If SK is any indication, delivering a new tool to market takes years. If Craftsman has just cloned the entire DeWalt line of hard line tools, this board would complain. I am still giving them time and expect they will be able to return Craftsman to what it was (not what our faulty memories remember it as). It will be a dependable above average consumer grade with some prosumer offerings.

From what I’ve seen, the DeWalt hand tools sold at Rurual King are actually really nice and I have already purchased a handful from there. I would be have ecstatic if they just had just cloned them into Craftsman’s. The quality, the feel, it’s all there with the DeWalt line.

 

[kythri]

If SK is any indication, delivering a new tool to market takes years.

SK isn't any indication. SK burned most of their bridges before Ideal bought it, and Ideal had to bust *** to get SK to where it is today, which is certainly far stronger than it was when Ideal took over, but doesn't seem to be near the peak of where it was during SK's hey-day.

Ideal had to establish (or re-establish) partnerships with every vendor they've got now, and more than a few of those would have been hesitant, to say the least.

SBD doesn't have to do that, so SBD doesn't have nearly the hurdle to jump that SK did/does.

All SBD has to do is manufacture the tool, and release it to distribution. That's not to say that tooling up for domestic manufacture is an easy job, but it's certainly easier than groveling and kowtowing to repair tons of business relationships that your predecessor's ruined.

As far as the launch went, I stopped looking at stuff after about five minutes. I don't care one iota for "personalities" being tapped to host a tool launch, and the Instagram hash-tagging of pictures was too heavy on "look at us, we're at a party!" and far too light on actual substance.

Had I known that Chip "Put Some Fat Shiny Wheels On It and Call It a Foose" Foose was involved, I wouldn't have even bothered to look at anything.

 

[highland512]

I watched a good portion of the live feed, the "host" was *** hat. I to was pretty disappointed but I would guess SBD put all of their effort into higher profit margin items first. They spent more time on red re branded fatmax tape measure as they did on a ratchet. It was pretty lame........I had a lot of hope but now I am starting to wounder.

I will say this, they showed a upper end tool that had a full width top drawer. At least thats a step in the right direction, I also think that black tool box with the removable cases will be popular with your average weekend HGTV viewers.

 

[wyattstihl]

Exactly! Why did they just brush over the hand tools?? That is what everyone has been eagerly waiting for!

I’m actually pretty angry about the whole thing and it takes a lot to get me fired up.

Where is the stuff made? Are tools going to be available only in sets or individually? Can we buy single sockets and ratchets? Details on specific hand tool features...

They dropped the ball.

I’m sorry to say I think the hand tools are most, if not all, still made overseas, including screwdrivers.

Tne reason is, if they were made here they would show up on craftsmans “where its made” page that features all its new USA made tools.

Also, the ratchets pictured everywhere are their new previous unservicable taiwanese ones, and sockets dont have any new markings on them to indicate otherwise.


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[Jtels85]

Had I known that Chip "Put Some Fat Shiny Wheels On It and Call It a Foose" Foose was involved, I wouldn't have even bothered to look at anything.

Thank you!!

It’s a pleasure to finally meet someone who calls it like it is in regards to Foose.

 

[Sco Deac]

SK isn't any indication. SK burned most of their bridges before Ideal bought it....

Ideal had to establish (or re-establish) partnerships with every vendor they've got now, and more than a few of those would have been hesitant, to say the least.

Fair points. Ideal/SK's challenges were 1) sourcing/procurement; 2) distribution; and 3) learning to be a tool manufacturer. That being said, they are clearing many of those hurdles, so why is there still a delay. I submit its because engineering clean-sheet new tools and establishing manufacturing capabilities for those designs (anywhere, overseas or domestically) is hard. Look at the 3/8 LP90s. Where are the 1/4 and 1/2s? Can't blame that on the rebuilding of burnt bridges. They've shown they can source domestic raw materials, engineer a good product in-house, and then produce and distribute that product.

Sure maybe SBD should be quicker with its greater capitalization and easier path to mass distribution, but to expect them to have introduced hundreds if not thousands of new skus hard line tools is unreasonable.

 

[R_einan]

Like the rest of us, I’ve been patiently waiting to see what SBD would do with the Craftsman line. While I feel like this launch was a bit of a let down as my interest is mainly in the hand tool lines, of which nothing has really changed, I’m still happy to see SBD moving Craftsman in a direction I can support. Cloning DeWalt cordless tools in Craftsman red is expected, but not unwelcome, and a significant improvement over the previous cordless tools offered by Craftsman.

It seems to me that most of this launch revolves around Craftsman rebadging of products already available in the SBD group catalog. Lennox blades, dewalt cordless and corded tools, porter cable nailers, and some Stanley hand tools are usually excellent choices, though not usually the ‘best’ of the best, they provide a good user interface and a good balance between reliability, power, and cost. If this is the direction that SBD will take with Craftsman, then maybe things look promising for a Craftsman hand tool line; possibly cloning Proto as a Craftsman Professional line. I guess we will have to wait and see. As to their new made in the USA tool storage options, a friend bought the new red and black 41” combo and I had a chance to take a look at it pretty closely. It’s a nice set up and should be more than most home owners and amateur mechanics need to last their lifetime.

The cross section of customers represented by the membership of this forum doesn’t accurately reflect the majority of Craftsman customers. We expect more from our equipment and pay far more attention to the minutia than 90% of the DIY crowd. I say give SBD a chance and see what happens, I will look at their new offerings when they are out in the wild, and will likely consider them if their tool meets my needs.

 

[Moparman390]

I don't expect many of the hand tools to be USA made, at least not for a while, if ever. SBD is going to invest its domestic production capacity into higher margin, or at least higher overall money makers. It costs a lot more to set up a metal forging facility than a power tool final assembly plant and they are probably going to make a lot more off that power tool assembly plant. I surmised that the SBD domestic manufacturing footprint of forging operations for the products they already do make doesn't have the capacity to continue manufacturing those products and add the massive volume needed for Craftsman all to be sold at a lower price point. That's probably why we're still seeing that stuff imported and likely will for the foreseeable future.

 

[wyattstihl]

I don't expect many of the hand tools to be USA made, at least not for a while, if ever. SBD is going to invest its domestic production capacity into higher margin, or at least higher overall money makers. It costs a lot more to ay up a metal forging facility than a power tool final assembly plant and they are probably going to make a lot more off that power tool assembly plant. I surmised that the SBD domestic manufacturing footprint of forging operations for the products they already do make doesn't have the capacity to continue manufacturing those products and add the massive volume needed for Craftsman all to be sold at a lower price point. That's probably why we're still seeing that stuff imported and likely will for the foreseeable future.

Just saw Craftsmans last instagram post. Their imports.

See the ratchet? same as Sears.


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[WWheeler]

Just saw Craftsmans last instagram post. Their imports.
[image]
See the ratchet? same as Sears.

Since day one with their unveiling at Lowes Stanley has been selling a couple different 'gunmetal' sets of sockets/ratchets that are rebranded Stanley brand sets made in Taiwan alongside several Sears' made in China sets. The Sears' sets (made by Apex) are a lot better value for the price (more pieces per $, deep sockets that are actually deep instead of Stanley's mid-length-ish versions, etc), and even more so if you buy them through Sears instead of at Lowes, especially if you use Sears' SYW club discounts.

I've been saying since the brand purchase that I doubt Stanley's commitment to bringing Craftsman back to the US would include ratchets, sockets, and wrenches. Here we are coming up on 2 years later and so far I've been right and seen nothing to change that. If Stanley wanted to bring the core hand tool line back the US surely they would have rebranded some Mac/Proto tools by now. They haven't because it's not in their plans to. Like Sears, they just don't get it.

 

[wyattstihl]

Since day one with their unveiling at Lowes Stanley has been selling a couple different 'gunmetal' sets of sockets/ratchets that are rebranded Stanley brand sets made in Taiwan alongside several Sears' made in China sets. The Sears' sets are a lot better value for the price, and even more so if you buy them through Sears instead of at Lowes, especially if you use Sears' SYW club discounts.

Ive used Sears points and SYW. I basically got 5 USA ratchet wrenches free.


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[Mgdoug3]

I just hope SBD brings back the RHFT ratchet. That might be the only ratchet I buy from them. Nothing against SBD ratchets, but I already have a few GW ratchets that are overseas. I don't need anymore.

 

[B Hansen]

I think SBD will be smart with the rollout of Craftsman, and I'm still fairly optimistic for its future even though the launch was a little disappointing. They did mention that only 40% of the release was USA made with the goal to get that to 70%+ so hopefully there will be continued improvement going forward in the areas we care about. I assume they focused on the power tool and outdoor equipment side because those were easier for them to fit with their existing production, and like others have mentioned that's where most folks are spending their money on tools these days. Most DIY guys will buy a simple mechanics socket/wrench set for $100-200 and be fine for life, but drop 10x more on power tools and yard equipment so it makes sense to focus where the demand is.

That said... part of the Craftsman brand is being made in the USA so I think it's a bit of a miss for them to launch without any USA made hand tools (ratchets, sockets, wrenches, etc). I still run into folks who buy overseas made Craftsman sets because they still think it's USA made. There are just already so many options for decent quality overseas tools that it doesn't make sense to me to add yet another to the mix. Unfortunately, since they seem to have put some time and effort into making some new Taiwan made socket sets it makes me think USA Craftsman hand tools are further out than I originally thought.

I definitely understand the realities of manufacturing today and see anything USA made (yes, even with global materials) as a win. I'm even sure that some of the "USA Made" tools we know and love from our past would probably require the "... with global components" label if they were made now given the legal environment and label requirements of today. I just hope that with the release of their power tool line, yard equipment, and tool storage they will turn their focus now to hand tools. Unless they do that I'll just keep buying Gearwrench (or old stock USA stuff).

 

[61scout80]

I don't expect many of the hand tools to be USA made, at least not for a while, if ever. SBD is going to invest its domestic production capacity into higher margin, or at least higher overall money makers. It costs a lot more to set up a metal forging facility than a power tool final assembly plant and they are probably going to make a lot more off that power tool assembly plant. I surmised that the SBD domestic manufacturing footprint of forging operations for the products they already do make doesn't have the capacity to continue manufacturing those products and add the massive volume needed for Craftsman all to be sold at a lower price point. That's probably why we're still seeing that stuff imported and likely will for the foreseeable future.

This is my fear. I'm a Craftsman loyalist, well, until 2012 when they moved to China. It's one of the few brands I actually have some attachment too. My dad loved craftsman tools, so the name and logo remind me of restoring cars with him and his tools. I REALLY want to see Craftsman improved, because it means something to me.

But after watching the release video it seems at this point they are focused on more planned obsolescence products than tools that last a lifetime. The cordless power tool line is a prime example. They can get people on the platform, then they look at other planned obsolescence products that also use the battery, like the lawn mower that starts with the drill battery. I can see that style of crossover being a huge perk to the average consumer.
When my C3 impact recently died the ability to power a huge variety of tools with a single battery was a huge part of my decision with a new platform. I think it is for a lot of those folks that might occasionally need to put a hole in something and want something a little better than Harbor Freight sells. Although it seems like HF is working hard to upgrade their offerings as well.

But hand tools? How many wrench sets can they realistically expect to sell? how much profit can they actually make when they need to pay US labor and environmental costs to produce? This is where the warranty hurts the future of the brand. People can abuse the tools, then when it fails due to the abuse simply take it back and get a new one. There's not a lot of incentive for the customer to buy new or the company to make the product cost them more.

I really like that they are making working hard to get at least some aspect of production back in the US. Maybe that'll spill over to the hand tools. I sure hope so.

 

[Andres26tnt]

here is the problem what has Craftsman stood for in its many years of existence? 2 things lifetime warranty and USA tools. The number one thing i expected to be Made in the USA is the hand tools, not the Power tools.

 

[Tom White]

I'm even sure that some of the "USA Made" tools we know and love from our past would probably require the "... with global components" label if they were made now given the legal environment and label requirements of today.

That is a really good, and mostly overlooked point.
I'm guessing there is more truth to this than many of us have thought about.
Thanks for bringing this up.

 

[Tom White]

But hand tools? How many wrench sets can they realistically expect to sell? how much profit can they actually make when they need to pay US labor and environmental costs to produce? This is where the warranty hurts the future of the brand. People can abuse the tools, then when it fails due to the abuse simply take it back and get a new one. There's not a lot of incentive for the customer to buy new or the company to make the product cost them more.

There may eventually have to be a change to the "lifetime warranty". I'm just not sure how they would do it, yet make it fair to both sides and keep it convenient at the same time.

I know people don't like to hold onto receipts, but what about a free replacement within a year or purchase, if you have the receipt. Outside of a year, or without a receipt, give the customer a decent discount on a new tool. Call the last part a "brand loyalty discount"?

Maybe something like that would work? Just throwing out ideas.

 

[Moparman390]

I will say I don't think they are going to change the hand tool warranty at all. We've been through this before, and SBD has run the analysis too, the warranty return rate is so low and the cost per part is so low that the warranty doesn't hurt them at all because it brings people in to the stores which drives more sales and brand loyalty vs the cost of how mad everyone would be if you took it away.

Also, you are never going to get away from "globally sourced materials" in the 21st century. It's a global economy and there's just no isolation like there used to be anymore. Companies can't even make every sub component themselves anyway. Every factory they build in the USA for any step of the manufacturing process is a good thing with hundreds of jobs.

 

[61scout80]

That is a really good, and mostly overlooked point.
I'm guessing there is more truth to this than many of us have thought about.
Thanks for bringing this up.

If I ran a company that's what my label would say, even if I knew it was 100% USA materials.

Too many middle men anymore. If I have a subcontractor factory, that has a distributor for steel, that has a supplier chain for steel. If one of those links makes an error, omission, mistake, or change and it doesn't make it to me there is the potential for our litigious society who loves to be a victim to cause a fuss.

 

[61scout80]

here is the problem what has Craftsman stood for in its many years of existence? 2 things lifetime warranty and USA tools. The number one thing i expected to be Made in the USA is the hand tools, not the Power tools.

Legacy and marketing are about the only reason I see them moving hand tool production back. I hope it happens, if love to fill my box with new Craftsman tools.

 

[Tom White]

Legacy and marketing are about the only reason I see them moving hand tool production back. I hope it happens, if love to fill my box with new Craftsman tools.

I agree, as long as I don't have to set foot in a Sears store to buy them.

I have numerous Craftsman USA tools - too many sockets, ratchets, combination wrenches and screwdrivers and such to mention. Never really had a problem with them. What I have had problems with is Sears itself. Have absolutely hated Sears with a purple passion for years.

But again, this is about SBD and their Craftsman products, and I'm really hoping they do well.

 

[WittHay]

For a long time Stanley tool user like myself. My thought on the Craftsman unveiling was that the products were good, the presentation could have been better.

There are no shortage of Stanley US hand tools, I dont need a rebranded Proto or Mac. I am interested in the other stuff. What caught my eye was the red storage racking. The outside tools like shovels and rakes. Made in USA utility knife.

I like the red color on the levels and tape measures. Being Canadian i get tired of having of having a company like TTI endlessly releasing new Chinese tools with a American sounding name like Milwaukee. There was a separate Canadian Craftsman for years. Another choice for red tools is good

 

[L.Cheapo]

I was working all day so I didn't get to see any of it. But if those idiots Foose and Rawlings were involved, I'm glad I did miss it!

 

[Y00PER]

I was working all day so I didn't get to see any of it. But if those idiots Foose and Rawlings were involved, I'm glad I did miss it!

Other than knowing who they are, I know nothing about them. I don't have cable or satellite, and haven't for years. I never really watched any of the car repair shows on TV, since everything on them was fantasy land compared to my reality. They always take cars apart with hand tools, my mechanic had to use torches to get a hub assembly off my yukon that was put on 2 years prior because everything had rusted so bad

 

[dnschmidt]

L. Cheapo. I'm in agreement with you about Rawlings he's a faker. However, Chip Foose is the real deal. You don't win multiple Riddler Awards if you're not. I met him personally at SEMA and there isn't a nicer human being on planet Earth. The man has limitless talent and treats everybody with respect. He deserves everything he's got and then some. My thing is car painting and I watched him do his famous Foose Fade once. Amazing. Chip Foose, Mike LeVallee and Jon Kosmoski are true legends in my world.

 

[61scout80]

Other than knowing who they are, I know nothing about them. I don't have cable or satellite, and haven't for years. I never really watched any of the car repair shows on TV, since everything on them was fantasy land compared to my reality. They always take cars apart with hand tools, my mechanic had to use torches to get a hub assembly off my yukon that was put on 2 years prior because everything had rusted so bad

When I lived in Pennsylvania the gas axe was necessary for suspension work.

Then I moved to Arizona. In 2009 I took apart my 1987 Cherokee's suspension with a 1/2" drive rachet. All of it. Even the rear leaf spring bolts turned out. It's all about where the car spent it's existence. I'll never consider a vehicle that's spent time up north ever again.

 

[wyattstihl]

When I lived in Pennsylvania the gas axe was necessary for suspension work.



Then I moved to Arizona. In 2009 I took apart my 1987 Cherokee's suspension with a 1/2" drive rachet. All of it. Even the rear leaf spring bolts turned out. It's all about where the car spent it's existence. I'll never consider a vehicle that's spent time up north ever again.

Everything takes one heck of a beating up north. Everything. Cars/tractors/trucks rust out within a few years from the salt, and any untreated tool in a box will rust from temperature changes. (-25 to 100 degrees by me)

Back on topic

I honestly dont give a damn about the sports and racing behind Craftsman these days. I just want my tools, as many as possible made here, my International Harvester, and my Gunsmoke on the radio.


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[theoldwizard1]

As ****** as that unveiling was. Looks like they’ll continue to heavily market to the Father’s Day and Christmas gimmickey tool crowd.

You are correct, that is when all the gimmick tools come out !

In the past, 30-40 years ago, you used to be able to get good deals on some smaller set, like screwdrivers, wrenches and sockets. These were all Craftsman brand. This was the only time of year to get a good deal.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I was impressed with what they are doing from a business standpoint. They are getting a foothold in the lawn and garden space which will be important for the brand.

I wonder if they will warranty my old Craftsman wooden handle shovel ?

One summer I think my son and I went through about a DOZEN shovels digging/prying out stumps and fence posts. I went into the local store with 2 broken ones once !

 

[theoldwizard1]

Just saw Craftsmans last instagram post. Their imports.

Those ARE imports, but they are much better quality than they had 10-15 years ago. Now they are back up to at least HF quality !

 

[fowldarr]

When asked about hand tools on instagram this was their response:

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[fowldarr]

When asked about hand tools on instagram, this was their response.

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[derosa]

Always loved to have this kind of set up, but where would I put the other 15 bicycles?

 

[zendriver]

LOL

"I want an American hand tool factory and I want it NOW!"

The selfishness of America is just unreal, but it is, alas, real.

 

[Fedwrench]

LOL

"I want an American hand tool factory and I want it NOW!"

The selfishness of America is just unreal, but it is, alas, real.

There are a few to choose from, SK, Wright, Most of Proto, a lot of the tool trucks. You just need to support the companies by buying new from a dealer.
I get the nostalgia of the Craftsman name but, sorry, no amount of wanting, demanding, longing for, or tariffs are going to bring Craftsman back to its glory days

 

[zendriver]

There are a few to choose from, SK, Wright, Most of Proto, a lot of the tool trucks. You just need to support the companies by buying new from a dealer.
I get the nostalgia of the Craftsman name but, sorry, no amount of wanting, demanding, longing for, or tariffs are going to bring Craftsman back to its glory days

IMO SBD could probably make some of the Cman tools at those existing factories, relatively easy, maybe even using similar materials, processes and finish.

The problem will be that everyone, is now expecting "Craftsman pricing", which will then get all buyers wondering, why they should pay more for, those other brands.