Thoughts on Craftsman coming to Lowes

[ER70S-2]

What does Sears carry that you would want to buy? I asked this question in a previous thread and got no responses.

Hardware, like I said. You know, nuts, bolts, washers, machine screws, etc. My store has a very good selection or Hillman and other stuff. If you only need a few things for a project ASAP and you don't have the time to order an entire box from McMaster or wherever, it's pretty much the only option around.

 

[ER70S-2]

Good luck with that. When our local Sears stores here closed up shop all of "HUGE DISCOUNTS" were on marked up inventory that, if you were lucky brought you down to what used to be the normal sale prices. I went in specifically to buy the US made prybar sets and decided to leave them where they were. At 70% off, they were still higher than the old sale price. Just a word of advice, if there is something there now that's on sale, buy it while you still have selection. It's not going to be there later, or if it is, the price won't be much (if any) better.

Been there, done that, got the T-shirt!

Not my experience. A Sears Hardware closed in my area a few years ago. Everything, and I mean everything, was around 75-80% off. I bought a ton of USA made tools for literally a few dollars each. The prices were 75-80% lower than the lowest ever. They were not artificially jacked up.

 

[PFSard]

Just my opinion, but since everyone with a pulse, in the business world, knows Sears is a dead duck and that the Craftsman brand, would eventually be "in play" Maybe SBD decided to grab it before one of their competitors did.

I'm guessing that the cash flow problem that Sears has been experiencing for years got so bad that they shopped the Craftsman brand around, with SBD giving them the best offer.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Not my experience. A Sears Hardware closed in my area a few years ago. Everything, and I mean everything, was around 75-80% off. I bought a ton of USA made tools for literally a few dollars each. The prices were 75-80% lower than the lowest ever. They were not artificially jacked up.

Glad you got lucky - That sure wasn't the case here. Guess it depends on the local management.

 

[PFSard]

Hardware, like I said. You know, nuts, bolts, washers, machine screws, etc. My store has a very good selection or Hillman and other stuff. If you only need a few things for a project ASAP and you don't have the time to order an entire box from McMaster or wherever, it's pretty much the only option around.

I didn't bother going into Sears when it closed about a mile from me.

But I find the best opportunities for that type of hardware has been at estate sales of persons with halfway decent shops. Usually, not that many people that attend are interested; they are focused on the tools. So, the nuts and bolts go for really short money.

 

[Farmall450]

I can totally see why Lowes is in on SBD Craftsman.

First: HD is heavily invested in TTI and Husky. HD has tons of Ryobi (TTI HD exclusive), Ridgid (TTI HD exclusive) and Milwaukee (TTI), as well as the majority of hand tool shelf space going to Husky (HD exclusive). HD doesn't seem to like SBD all that much. HD has totally or virtually eliminated the SBD brands of B&D, PC, Bostitch, Irwin, and Lenox. HD only carries an ok selection of Dewalt (because pros demand it) and Stanley (mostly in tape measures because they are highly regarded, especially Fat Max), a few other things and that's it. HD is highly dedicated to TTI/Husky as they have done a very good job building up most of those brands. One can see why they want to shut SBD Craftsman out.

Lowes on the other hand is practically an SBD house. Lowes carries full lines of SBD's B&D, PC, and Dewalt with lots of Irwin, and Stanley, even some Bostitch, they carry a Lenox tool chest for crying out loud. Lowes doesn't have much ground to protect on Kolbalt either. Kobalt does ok on the hand tool front, but nothing special (brand wise), and Kobalt power tools (their only house brand power tools) are a joke (brand and sales wise) compared to Ridgid and Ryobi.

SBD moving lots of Craftsman in to Lowes seems like a natural fit, especially seeing their tight relationship with SBD and their weakness on the store brands front.

Edit: Forgot to add HD has lots of Emipre and Hart, both TTI.

Very well put - I completely agree.
Kinda wish I had a Lowes nearby.

 

[Farmall450]

I will predict with 100% certainty that SBD's Craftsman will offer power tools ... and they will not be C3.

The future of the C3 line will depend entirely on how much Sears wants to invest in it.

I would imagine they'll be 20v max but won't fit Dewalt, PC, or B&D

 

[Finance Guy]

I would imagine they'll be 20v max but won't fit Dewalt, PC, or B&D

I still think you could see SBD rebrand Dewalt's 20v Max tools with a "Craftsman Professional" label with a battery that is cross compatible ... much like they have done with Mac and Graco.

I do acknowledge, however, that Dewalt batteries are not compatible with Bostitch's new (seemingly rebranded) nail guns.

 

[shanny19]

I've never ever been in a Sears w a fastener aisle. Where do you live that has that???

 

[davethorik]

What does Sears carry that you would want to buy? I asked this question in a previous thread and got no responses.

I liked going to Sears Hardware, because it was like a hunt. I wasn't interested in most Craftsman stuff, but there were random good items to be had. A couple that I recall were Lisle tap sockets and Nupla hammers. Craftsman badged Knipex Cobras. The newer set of striking pry bars. I bought one of the Craftsman metal bottle openers for $4 or $5 when one location closed.

 

[ER70S-2]

I've never ever been in a Sears w a fastener aisle. Where do you live that has that???

It's three or four aisles with stuff on both sides. East Norriton, PA.

 

[ER70S-2]

I liked going to Sears Hardware, because it was like a hunt. I wasn't interested in most Craftsman stuff, but there were random good items to be had. A couple that I recall were Lisle tap sockets and Nupla hammers. Craftsman badged Knipex Cobras. The newer set of striking pry bars. I bought one of the Craftsman metal bottle openers for $4 or $5 when one location closed.

Yep, I got my Cobras at Sears Hardware but they were branded Knipex.

 

[xin]

If they have tools that say Made in USA - and have a warranty on them (as they did in Sears). It will be a success, also they will have the ONLINE presence as well.

If someone wants something Made in CHINA (the USA is AWASH) in Chinese garbage. Regardless of brainwashed people, you can manufacture products in the USA and make a profit.

 

[kythri]

Not my experience. A Sears Hardware closed in my area a few years ago. Everything, and I mean everything, was around 75-80% off. I bought a ton of USA made tools for literally a few dollars each. The prices were 75-80% lower than the lowest ever. They were not artificially jacked up.

Sears Hardware is not a "normal" Sears store.

For regular Sears stores, the liquidation companies come in, raise every price to the full "normal" retail price, and then start marking down.

SOP for liquidation companies. Same way Circuit City was handled.

 

[Diesel Mechanic]

Well I for one can't wait for Sears to go under. I'm going to go ape-**** in the hardware section of my Sears Hardware store when it's all 75% off!

The prices for Craftsman at Sears seemed fairly reasonable already. I can't imagine this would affect their price point.

 

[kythri]

What does Sears carry that you would want to buy? I asked this question in a previous thread and got no responses.

For where I'm at in my tool collection, Sears doesn't really have anything else I want. I've pretty much bought the vast majority of what I want/need from the Craftsman brand as it sits today.

From a SBD/Craftsman standpoint, however, there are potentially things that I would be interested in.

For me, a prime example would be the Craftsman Professional/Craftsman Industrial long pattern full polish wrenches. I've got them from the legacy Craftsman line, but if the new line produced a US-made set that had Flank Drive Plus-style open ends, and provided a wide range (i.e. 6mm-32mm), I'd likely be interested in another set of wrenches - especially if they were even longer, like the long-pattern Snap-on stuff.

I'm sure that if I wanted to spend more time thinking about it, I could probably come up with a handful of other items. It would be quite nice for someone to stock open-stock stuff. Lowe's and HD's open-stock offerings are still anemic compared to Sears a decade ago.

 

[ER70S-2]

The prices for Craftsman at Sears seemed fairly reasonable already. I can't imagine this would affect their price point.

I was not talking about Craftsman, I was talking about hardware. But, i have gotten Craftsman at 75-80% off when a store was closing its doors as I said earlier.

 

[Moparman390]

Yeah, the Sears Hardware stores they are talking about are a separate company and franchises, so a Sears bankruptcy wouldn't shutter those, although they aren't doing well either

 

[ChrisLS8]

If they have tools that say Made in USA - and have a warranty on them (as they did in Sears). It will be a success, also they will have the ONLINE presence as well.

If someone wants something Made in CHINA (the USA is AWASH) in Chinese garbage. Regardless of brainwashed people, you can manufacture products in the USA and make a profit.

And usually those prices are much higher than the average Joe is willing to pay for a tool that will loosen the bolts on his kids playset or changing his oil.

 

[Moparman390]

I wonder if SBD will use any of their new SC power tool manufacturing capacity for Craftsman.

http://www.greenvillebusinessmag.com/2017/12/14/162880/stanley-black-decker-opens-york-location

 

[zendriver]

Deleted

 

[Fialaja]

Not only was sears hardware good for deals, but I had a sears essentials that I picked up all kinds of great deals on knipex, Klein and even the occasional craftsman tool.

 

[Shadowdog500]

A little while back, I thought it would be good to replace my 40 year old floor standing Craftsman drill press with a new one. When I got the drill press home, it vibrated so bad that nothing could stay on the table. I called Sears/Craftsman and they sent me a new belt but it didn't change anything. I brought the item back to the store and continue to use the old one which is far superior to the new one.

Same hers a few years ago. I bought my new Craftsman drill press and it vibrated so bad that I returned it the next day. Wound up getting the full height Porter Cable drill press from Lowes, which is hands down the best consumer grade drill press I have ever owned. Chris

 

[Velosprout]

delete

 

[Professional Tool User]

From another viewpoint, every tool for sale in Canada is “Harbour Freight” quality, unless its from a tool truck or online. Hit and miss at best. Husky handtools are far lower quality than princess auto (which is our harbour freight ). Canadian tire mastercraft used to be highly respected but has gone scarily downhill. Napa isnt bad really, we dont get carlysle tho, although some may be the same. Craftsman went offshore long ago here, while it was still USA down south. If we got the same craftsman as the states, AND it was made in USA, I think it would be a big hit up here. It couldnt be worse than what we have already.

As a Canadian I've actually gone out of my way to stash and hoard certain Craftsman tools available in the US that I know are from a reputable supplier before Stanley decides to discontinue or change the supplier for anything. Craftsman in Canada has been dead ever since people were have trouble getting stuff warrantied at least 20-30 years ago. If sears.ca had half the stuff available on sears.com before it went under, it might still have some credibility. Otherwise, Craftsman in Canada isn't even a viable alternative to Mastercraft and Princess auto's various rebranded Made in China and Taiwan tools. You are giving Harbor Freight more credit than it deserves. For Princess Auto and even Canadian tire, I don't have to visually inspect what I want to buy to avoid getting a QC reject. Harbor Freight might be like what Princess Auto used to be like before they started raising prices and improving quality. I highly doubt the Ultra pro stuff that Napa Canada sells is better than Gearwrench at best.

 

[Millwright77]

As a Canadian I've actually gone out of my way to stash and hoard certain Craftsman tools available in the US that I know are from a reputable supplier before Stanley decides to discontinue or change the supplier for anything. Craftsman in Canada has been dead ever since people were have trouble getting stuff warrantied at least 20-30 years ago. If sears.ca had half the stuff available on sears.com before it went under, it might still have some credibility. Otherwise, Craftsman in Canada isn't even a viable alternative to Mastercraft and Princess auto's various rebranded Made in China and Taiwan tools. You are giving Harbor Freight more credit than it deserves. For Princess Auto and even Canadian tire, I don't have to visually inspect what I want to buy to avoid getting a QC reject. Harbor Freight might be like what Princess Auto used to be like before they started raising prices and improving quality. I highly doubt the Ultra pro stuff that Napa Canada sells is better than Gearwrench at best.

I honestly disagree with mastercraft. I find the maximum line pretty good quality for at home. I have plenty of proto tools at work but for home use mastercraft hasn't really let me down.

 

[winlinmac]

Sear's Liquidation Sales will be highly regarded as some of Sear's best performing years of the century

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Sear's Liquidation Sales will be highly regarded as some of Sear's best performing years of the century

Their liquidation sales were garbage. They just marked everything up to the highest price they'd been, then the "closing sale" prices were just normal prices. I actually found tools with higher price stickers put over lower "sales" price stickers.

 

[winlinmac]

Could have been location specific. And if they were able to magically clear shelves before shuttering doors then it makes me wonder the type of customers that thought they were getting a good deal

Instead of sending off perfectly good merchandise to local shops and online auctions, some retailers toss it out into landfills from what I've heard, which is really a waste of resources

Their liquidation sales were garbage. They just marked everything up to the highest price they'd been, then the "closing sale" prices were just normal prices. I actually found tools with higher price stickers put over lower "sales" price stickers.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Craftsman coming to Lowes might be a good move for the brand, but as the quality of craftsman went down, I have found other brands and vendors with quality tools at fair prices.

On a recent trip to Kansas City, i visited HJE and bought a few tools that I needed. Long Live HJE

 

[winlinmac]

I'm still surprised that much of Sears Craftsman merchandise is not Black and Decker. It means they have excess stock stored somewhere in the country or just moving between stores. All of Lowes Craftsman is essentially Black and Decker. It will be interesting to see if and when they start making in USA again. They had pledge to bring back jobs, but can't really know for sure until something positive arises

 

[pstemari]

SBD is a master of manufacturing to a price point. Stanley hand tools slowly had the quality sucked out of them over the years. I'd expect the new Craftsman-branded items to be just good enough to get by, with every possible corner cut that they can get away with.

Proto and Mac aren't immune to that, but their target markets are less price-sensitive and more demanding. Proto, and I assume Mac, makes wrenches with nice tight tolerances

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[sberry]

Sears sold more stuff on closing sale in 3 months than they did in last 3 years. Trucks came in every night.

 

[Roundhouse]

The craftsman tools quality has been going down for years

And now is on par with China junk
In fact a lot of craftsman branded tools are made in China

And why pay extra for craftsman at Lowe’s when it’s made in China

Just get the made in China tools at northern or harbor

Or get the kobalt lowes brand

 

[Skeptic68W]

SBD is a master of manufacturing to a price point. Stanley hand tools slowly had the quality sucked out of them over the years. I'd expect the new Craftsman-branded items to be just good enough to get by, with every possible corner cut that they can get away with.

Proto and Mac aren't immune to that, but their target markets are less price-sensitive and more demanding. Proto, and I assume Mac, makes wrenches with nice tight tolerances

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

This is something I've been very concerned about. I miss the days of "underengineered and overbuilt" tools and equipment. Probably why I still drive an old pickup and fix up 50 year old shop equipment instead of buying new.

 

[Tom White]

Instead of sending off perfectly good merchandise to local shops and online auctions, some retailers toss it out into landfills from what I've heard, which is really a waste of resources

Who have you heard of that is doing that sort of nonsense?

 

[ChrisLS8]

The craftsman tools quality has been going down for years

And now is on par with China junk
In fact a lot of craftsman branded tools are made in China

And why pay extra for craftsman at Lowe’s when it’s made in China

Just get the made in China tools at northern or harbor

Or get the kobalt lowes brand

Well glad to see someone has been reading the thread and bringing some much needed insight

 

[winlinmac]

From what I've been told, penny items at The Home Depot but at the manager's discretion. If its really true, then that's absurd

Who have you heard of that is doing that sort of nonsense?

 

[lasertamu]

The new Craftsman power tools are basically rebranded porter cable.

 

[lasertamu]

Nothing against porter cable, so I guess it is a step up from the junk that craftsman had been putting put for the last couple years.