How would you all like to see how Craftsman/Waterloo tool storage products are made?

[Flyordie]

Would this be an interest to any of you? I have been granted the ability to do a tour of the plant in Sedalia, MO and ask questions, possibly take pictures etc..

What would you all like to see when I do the tour? Questions I should ask? Suggestions I could possibly submit to them?

I'd like to bring more awareness to US manufacturing and this is one way I can do it. So, chime in folks! Let me know what you want to know, ask, see etc.. I am new to all this so need pointers.

My name is Nathan btw.

 

[ChrisLS8]

If they will incorporate the old grip latch onto new products

 

[Y00PER]

Do they use U.S. or foreign steel.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Pictures or video, everybody loves pics and those moving picture thingys.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Video.

 

[1982fxr]

How many lines are they making?

Is there still an industrial line like Magnum used to be?

 

[MarvinBerry]

Continued parts availability & support for older boxes?

 

[themiller]

If they will incorporate the old grip latch onto new products

I would 2nd this. I want another grip latch box badly. Specifically, the side box.

 

[Flyordie]

If they will incorporate the old grip latch onto new products

I assume you mean Posi-Latch as Waterloo refers to it on their professional line?

Like one the chest I have?

 

[ChrisLS8]

I assume you mean Posi-Latch as Waterloo refers to it on their professional line?

Like one the chest I have?

Well CM refers to it as grip latch but if it's the same design then it doesn't matter to me

 

[Flyordie]

Well CM refers to it as grip latch but if it's the same design then it doesn't matter to me

Yep. Its the same. I'll be sure to ask if that would be in the realm of possibilities.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Things I would like to see?

- How they make a tool box, start to finish

Questions to ask?

What changed at Waterloo post SBD acquisition?
Are there going to be Waterloo branded products in the future?
Are they still going to produce replacement parts for Waterloo/craftsman tool boxes?
- slightly different question to are you still going to sell your existing stock of parts.
- their commitment to sell parts is in question because they make it so hard to find a way to contact them. Their web site has no phone number or email listed.

 

[Legion Prime]

Hell yeah! I always love a good how it's made video. If it's a factory tour to boot that's even better.

 

[Flyordie]

Things I would like to see?

- How they make a tool box, start to finish

Questions to ask?

What changed at Waterloo post SBD acquisition?
Are there going to be Waterloo branded products in the future?
Are they still going to produce replacement parts for Waterloo/craftsman tool boxes?
- slightly different question to are you still going to sell your existing stock of parts.
- their commitment to sell parts is in question because they make it so hard to find a way to contact them. Their web site has no phone number or email listed.

If you need to get ahold of Waterloo for parts or warranty assistance, you can reach their customer service department at 1-800-833-8851. They have amazing customer service and.. you will be speaking to an American.

and yes, I agree. They need to put a customer service number on the webpage.

 

[Toold_up]

Are they going to offer intermediary boxes? I have a new Craftsman 26" and would LOVE to have a middle box to complete the stack!

 

[Flyordie]

Ok, so this post is a summary of the things I am seeing for comments so far...

-Grip Latch/Posi-Latch.. Will it be incorporated into new products in the future? x2
-Do they use US or foreign steel?
-Pictures and video of production processes.
-How many lines do they have going?
-Is there still an industrial line like Magnum?
-Continued parts and support for older boxes?- Marvin, could you clarify what age range you are talking about? 10+ years old? 20+?
- What changed post SBD acquiring Waterloo if anything?
- Will they retain the Waterloo brand?
- Updating website to provide support to existing Waterloo customers?
- Timeline on intermediate boxes for 26" chests and carts?
----

I plan on asking more technical things and fun facts about the plant etc as well... I'd like to be able to provide interesting and fun things to talk about here as I want people to see and support US Manufacturing. (Even if it costs a bit more than say Harbor Freight... )
-How many employees roughly work at the plant?
- How many units do you churn out a year?
- Does being centrally located in the United States have benefits that make this location better than the east or west coasts?
- How many other OEMs do you produce product for? (If you can say?)
- What is the most popular storage product you make?

 

[1982fxr]

I think that's a great set of questions.

 

[Jazz1]

Video would be great. I used to get the nickel tour of numerous factories I hauled loads out of before cell phones. It's amazing the engineering that goes into automated factories. Toured Vise Grip(Dewitt), Arrow Staples(Ohio?), Gummie Bears, Baseball/Hockey card factory, got sheets of uncut cards(S Dakota), Penthouse Magazine printer,,didn't get the tour but got a arm load of "literature"(Appleton Wi)
Arrow Staple factory looked 19th century inside, a step back in time for sure

 

[ptschram]

I will be impressed if they let you take pics

 

[MarvinBerry]

Agree that's a solid set of questions... Support for older & even new boxes?

I've got a Cman top I bought mid 90s and the bottom drawer could use a new set of slides. Sorta blew out one side from overloading can I get parts?

Or new boxes. Really thinking about getting a new bottom chest sometime soon, probably Cman rather then a HF 44. Knowing if new slides, even matching locks will be available for a long time might be rad.

Likewise any plans for a more heavy duty pro line or just the standard **** that's in Lowes now... If pro, custom colors or at least options from a standard palette?

Actually, also kinda interested to know if SBD changed anything or it's been biz as usual.

 

[Flyordie]

Agree that's a solid set of questions... Support for older & even new boxes?

I've got a Cman top I bought mid 90s and the bottom drawer could use a new set of slides. Sorta blew out one side from overloading can I get parts?

Or new boxes. Really thinking about getting a new bottom chest sometime soon, probably Cman rather then a HF 44. Knowing if new slides, even matching locks will be available for a long time might be rad.

Likewise any plans for a more heavy duty pro line or just the standard **** that's in Lowes now... If pro, custom colors or at least options from a standard palette?

Actually, also kinda interested to know if SBD changed anything or it's been biz as usual.

Well, they run a 41" not a 44". (idk why, its something I can ask..)

https://www.elitetoolboxes.com/PCA-4111RD.aspx

That is their Professional 41" series cart. Shipping probably accounts for $150-200 of that price. lol. They are getting ready to ramp production for the summer though.

Can you get me the model # of the Craftsman top chest you have?

The Craftsman 2000 series in Lowes is roughly the same level of quality.

 

[Flyordie]

Last call for suggestions and questions before I send off my email to see about it all.

 

[MarvinBerry]

Well, they run a 41" not a 44". (idk why, its something I can ask..)

https://www.elitetoolboxes.com/PCA-4111RD.aspx

That is their Professional 41" series cart. Shipping probably accounts for $150-200 of that price. lol. They are getting ready to ramp production for the summer though

The Craftsman 2000 series in Lowes is roughly the same level of quality.

Wait a second..!

That box you linked is $1200..?!

The CM 2000 series at lowes, does look similar yes... Is $500??

Maybe I'm an idiot but whuddam I missing?

Eh?

 

[Flyordie]

Wait a second..!

That box you linked is $1200..?!

The CM 2000 series at lowes, does look similar yes... Is $500??

Maybe I'm an idiot but whuddam I missing?

Eh?

Its Waterloo. The box I linked is made a bit better and has Posi-Latch over soft-close drawers. The one I linked also includes MASSIVE shipping upcharge. Shipping bigger boxes like that cost ALOT.

Also, pricing list update will occur in July. lol.

 

[exmaxima1]

I bought a few of the CM Premium cabs with "Posi-Latch" or "Grip Latch" or something to that effect. Fairly lightweight construction but seem ok for home use. Not sure where they were made, the boxes had no info when I bought them

 

[6PTsocket]

Continued parts availability & support for older boxes?

Find out why they coudn't supply a touch up can for my old Cman red and gray or at least a link to a match.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Flyordie]

Find out why they coudn't supply a touch up can for my old Cman red and gray or at least a link to a match.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I can ask what color code they use maybe? They wouldn't be able to say anything if its proprietary blend though I am sure.

 

[Flyordie]

Update- I sent the plant managers an email on the 26th of May. Waited 8 or so days... no response.

Sent Stanley Black and Decker a message asking if I should follow up or if they had heard anything.. They informed me to follow up as they had let them know to expect my email and even sent them my email address. So I sent another email on the 4th. No response yet.

Not sure if they are just busy or if my email isn't getting through due to a junk folder or w/e.. but if I don't get a response I'll call the factory and see if they got it or w/e.
------


Ok. Got a reply. lol. Had to bump up to SBD and they nudged the plant manager.

Note guys- The pictures and video I will take on this trip will be with my Samsung Note 5. So, they may not be the best. lol.

The earliest I can do the tour on my schedule is early-mid July. But, alas.. it is up to them.

 

[Flyordie]

Ok... got a set of dates.. July 9-11th. Gotta speak with my boss on getting a day off but it'll prolly be the 9th or the 11th. 10th I know for a fact is a no go. lol

 

[MarvinBerry]

Rad.

Hope it comes together!

 

[InsanePyro]

Crapsman and Waterloo are the same?

 

[Flyordie]

Crapsman and Waterloo are the same?

You get what you pay for with Waterloo. They have some of the best boxes in the industry. It just depends on what you are willing to pay. I am anxious to give you all a glimpse into how these things are made and all that.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Crapsman and Waterloo are the same?

Jan 2017 Stanley Black and decker announced they were buying the Craftsman name

July 2017 SBD then purchased Waterloo Industries

 

[Flyordie]

Tour is on.

I MAY go live on my Facebook if allowed to or at least post some pictures.

Just hope the rain stops enough to get the roads re-opened. Current shortest path to the factory is almost 4 hours. The usual path is 2.2-2.5hours.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I have two questions I would like to see answered

1) How long do you support a tool box with replacement parts?

I am curious about this as it seems like tool boxes with ball slides (most brands) have slide availability problems over time. I was looking at a 2000 vintage 40" wide Craftsman top chest and checked out the availability of replacement roller slides. Sears said slides were no longer available and there was no alternate replacement. I called Waterloo and they confirmed the same thing. I was told "buying used slides off of Ebay might be the best source". So much for the lifetime warranty, even for the original purchaser . I understand the accounting reasons for not keeping unused stock in the warehouse for tax reasons. But if you intend on buying something to last a long time it figures into the equation of will you have parts available (free or at cost). So this is probably an advantage for Snap-on, who seems to support tool boxes with parts longer than most.

2) How do you recommend transporting a roller tool box full of tools at near drawer load capacity from one shop to another?

There is a lot of debate on the Garage Journal regarding (remove tools, keep full of tools, resting on casters, sitting on wood blocks so the casters are unloaded, etc.).

Thanks

 

[1982fxr]

I would expect them to dodge the transporting question.

 

[Flyordie]

I have two questions I would like to see answered

1) How long do you support a tool box with replacement parts?

I am curious about this as it seems like tool boxes with ball slides (most brands) have slide availability problems over time. I was looking at a 2000 vintage 40" wide Craftsman top chest and checked out the availability of replacement roller slides. Sears said slides were no longer available and there was no alternate replacement. I called Waterloo and they confirmed the same thing. I was told "buying used slides off of Ebay might be the best source". So much for the lifetime warranty, even for the original purchaser . I understand the accounting reasons for not keeping unused stock in the warehouse for tax reasons. But if you intend on buying something to last a long time it figures into the equation of will you have parts available (free or at cost). So this is probably an advantage for Snap-on, who seems to support tool boxes with parts longer than most.

2) How do you recommend transporting a roller tool box full of tools at near drawer load capacity from one shop to another?

There is a lot of debate on the Garage Journal regarding (remove tools, keep full of tools, resting on casters, sitting on wood blocks so the casters are unloaded, etc.).

Thanks

Well, technically, Sears/Craftsman is responsible for that warranty. Is the lifetime warranty a full warranty? If so, they may be required to replace the chest. Got that receipt?

(That means they are the ones who must stock the parts unless prior agreement was made. I am kinda shocked they didn't have a viable cross referenced part that could work though.)

I expect my slides for my Waterloo box will be held for 10 years from date of final production of the box SKU.

I can ask but generally.. their manuals recommend unloading them. I mean, you could transport it but the risk is tipping. I'd unload the top drawers at minimum on a tall roller chest if it was being moved on a truck/trailer etc..

 

[tool_scrounge]

Well, technically, Sears/Craftsman is responsible for that warranty. Is the lifetime warranty a full warranty? If so, they may be required to replace the chest. Got that receipt?

Interestingly, I have seen on a number of Waterloo tool boxes made for Sears there is a sticker in the wall of the top right drawer that says to call Waterloo if there are any issues with the product. I saw the same type of note with craftsman industrial wrench sets made by Armstrong. So it makes me wonder if Sears offloaded some warranty responsibility as part of their contracts with manufacturers.

 

[Flyordie]

Interestingly, I have seen on a number of Waterloo tool boxes made for Sears there is a sticker in the wall of the top right drawer that says to call Waterloo if there are any issues with the product. I saw the same type of note with craftsman industrial wrench sets made by Armstrong. So it makes me wonder if Sears offloaded some warranty responsibility as part of their contracts with manufacturers.

I doubt it. But, to answer your question- Waterloo/Armstrong could handle the warranty but they'd bill the warranty holder and it'd only be IF they still had any of the parts laying around.

I tried to get rebuild kits for my Armstrong manufactured 84T ratchet and GearWrench replied.. "No kits are available." It ***** when you run into things like that. Especially on a ratchet design less than 10 years old.

Any company that doesn't support products past 10 years on at least keeping wear items/rebuild kits available from the date of last manufacture is a company not worth buying from if you intend to stay true to that brand.

Its why I will never buy GearWrench foreign made products. Ever.

 

[dscheidt]

Interestingly, I have seen on a number of Waterloo tool boxes made for Sears there is a sticker in the wall of the top right drawer that says to call Waterloo if there are any issues with the product. I saw the same type of note with craftsman industrial wrench sets made by Armstrong. So it makes me wonder if Sears offloaded some warranty responsibility as part of their contracts with manufacturers.

Usually it's so the vendor can fix initial quality problems (forgot to put keys in the box, missing a caster, that sort of thing) or idiot user problems (what do you mean I have to plug my TV in?) instead of having customer return the item. Vendors get charged back for returns, and too many sours the relationship.