Craftsman tools disappearing?

[Tizzy]

Just out of high school (‘89) I bought a “mid size” tool set 1/4-1/2 drive sockets, ratchets, wrenches, etc., along with a top and bottom box. What a great way to establish some credit on the old Sears card with a new set of tools. Since then, I’ve added thousands of dollars in other Craftsman hand tools.
Over the years I’ve used them hard in both an industrial maintenance job and later, shade tree/hobby mechanic project out of my small shop, and the only failure I’ve had is stripping the guts out of a 1/4 ratchet. Operator error.
Now that my kids are a little older and using the shop more for their projects, I’m looking to add to my collection (which has evolved into 6 boxes and soon to be 8) and replace a few sockets that have mysteriously walked off.
I stopped at the local Ace that advertises Craftsman tools to pick up a few replacement sockets, but they said they are selling down their inventory and replacing it with Cresent. I checked Amazon but their offerings are limited as well.

Is Craftsman going the way of the wagon wheel? I know Sears going belly up definitely didn’t do the brand any good.
What are some middle of the road, equivalent replacements?
I’ve read great reviews from Tekton and especially Sunex.

 

[Fedwrench]

Do you have Lowes in your area? I would check local flea markets.

there are still tons of Craftsman in the secondary market and probably will be for years to come.

Depending on what you need, I'd look at Tekton.

 

[username2]

You know, just for the full Sears-style experience of the thing, I'd probably hit HF when I wasn't going to flea markets and garage sales. I think a lot of the fun was lost when shopping became clicking on a screen from an infinite variety. For one thing, it's a way to end up with way too much stuff. It's hard to get more grotesque than a bunch of the YouTube 'unboxing' videos, I feel like a deer caught in the headlamps.

It's fun to actually feel the goods and I doubt there's a lick of difference between all those Taiwanese brands. Make an adventure out of it.

 

[JradM]

I doubt the Craftsman brand is going anywhere. Despite some SIGNIFICANT setbacks, there is ongoing investment in the brand, innovation and new tool releases. Sometimes tool brands shake up their relationships with retailers. Ace and SBD might be in one of those cycles.

Craftsman is too big of a part of SBDs portfolio for it to wither and die. They'd probably abandon Stanley first, if it came to that. They already did let that happen to Porter Cable...

 

[Etchase]

Ace Hardware stores independent and are variable in what they stock and promote. Some carry a lot of Craftsman. I have a few that are fully stocked, with frequent promotions. Crescent is an unusual choice.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I don't think Craftsman name will go away, just depends on who end up own the name.

Lowe's are their main source. but at the price range, there are many decent budget tools out there as well. such as tekton, sunex, astro, ect....

however, if Lowe's are close by, it's easy to get a replacement.

 

[mikey03]

Ace Hardware stores independent and are variable in what they stock and promote. Some carry a lot of Craftsman. I have a few that are fully stocked, with frequent promotions. Crescent is an unusual choice.

Yea its this they are all franchise places so they do whatever they want honestly.

 

[shoggoth80]

Lowe's. They're not my favorite place, but the one I went to had plenty of Craftsman. Had drawers for individual pieces. Makes life easier if you're filling gaps. I'll agree that there's likely not any appreciable difference between the ok Taiwanese manufacturers. Price was alright. They looked and felt well enough made. Both the Kobalt and Craftsman (only regarding their sockets, I don't care for Kobalt ratchets).

I've picked up Tekton for some of the guys at work. They seem to be working out fine. Tekton is stand up when it comes to customer service. Personally have a little Tekton at home, can't complain.

I don't believe Craftsman is going anywhere anytime soon. It's a big brand, and was a large investment to acquire. There's lots of competition in their market segment, but they're not going anywhere.

 

[BTL-A4]

Just out of high school (‘89) I bought a “mid size” tool set 1/4-1/2 drive sockets, ratchets, wrenches, etc., along with a top and bottom box. What a great way to establish some credit on the old Sears card with a new set of tools. Since then, I’ve added thousands of dollars in other Craftsman hand tools.
Over the years I’ve used them hard in both an industrial maintenance job and later, shade tree/hobby mechanic project out of my small shop, and the only failure I’ve had is stripping the guts out of a 1/4 ratchet. Operator error.
Now that my kids are a little older and using the shop more for their projects, I’m looking to add to my collection (which has evolved into 6 boxes and soon to be 8) and replace a few sockets that have mysteriously walked off.
I stopped at the local Ace that advertises Craftsman tools to pick up a few replacement sockets, but they said they are selling down their inventory and replacing it with Cresent. I checked Amazon but their offerings are limited as well.

Is Craftsman going the way of the wagon wheel? I know Sears going belly up definitely didn’t do the brand any good.
What are some middle of the road, equivalent replacements?
I’ve read great reviews from Tekton and especially Sunex.

Tell your kids to get their own tools! Ha! Seriously, I bet they will be more into it and take better care of them if they own their own sets.

The newer Craftsman won't match the older stuff, if you care about that sort of thing. I have Olsa ratchets and they are really nice. I have a Tekton ratchet as well and it's nice, too.

 

[Jtels85]

Independent Ace Hardware locations have the option to sell either Craftsman, Milwaukee or Crescent. I’ve stopped at many locations during my travels (hundreds of stores) over the years when the Craftsman USA stuff was still somewhat plentiful. I can tell you that across the Midwest, south and northeast, it’s hit or miss. I have visited a few locations that were Crescent tools only, and the stores up the road were Craftsman.

Craftsman isn’t going anywhere. The store just opted to carry a different brand for whatever reason.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Pawn shops and secondhand stores have been a good source for old tools, for me. If you are so inclined, leave your contact information with the stores I listed.
After decade or so, I felt it was time to cancell my contact information. The calls kept coming and I kept buying, fewer tools.
After some time had passed, I became aware that one of the secondhand stores was a Police Sting. I was not one of the persons they were focused on. I knew that everythong I bought was OK to own.
One of the most interesting Vice Grips I bought at the Police Store is pictured here.If anyone has any idea what this is used for. please let me know what you think.
I bought over 200 pair of Vise Grips from the Police. The list of interesting tools goes on and on.

 

[d.mcfarland]

What if Snap-On buys the Craftsman brand and uses it to sell in the retail space that they currently don't compete in? That won't happen, but just pondering, what if. They would have economies of scale on their side when manufacturing or rebranding. Could also sell it on the trucks and use the name as a sales tactic with the old guys. I have no experience just what I've heard here about their cordless tools. Maybe use the brand that way? Again, doubt it, but fun to consider.

 

[Skellyii]

Is Craftsman going the way of the wagon wheel? I know Sears going belly up definitely didn’t do the brand any good.
What are some middle of the road, equivalent replacements?
I’ve read great reviews from Tekton and especially Sunex.

I wouldn't worry about Craftsman going away, unless some egocentric money folks decide to slap their own name on it.

The brand has way too much recognition, they can slap the name on a turd, and some people will still buy it.

I've got a lot of old Craftsman stuff that I've had since the 70s. Most of it still performs well, and I've picked up some replacements from estate sales. The newer Craftsman stuff, with maybe the exception of the Overdrive series, isn't nearly as good.

When I can't replenish my old Craftsman stuff from estate sales or FB or Craigslist, I buy either Tekton or Sunex...sometimes Gearwrench.

I just noticed that True Value declared bankruptcy. I wonder how that's going to affect the market?

 

[zendriver]

Recently in a local Ace Hardware, that had a huge selection of Cman tools.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I got a 1/4"-3/8" set for Christmas over 55 years ago. I still have most of the original sockets and ratchet ! Of course, no metric back then ! I have been adding ever since then, most of it in the 70s and 80s. I have a couple of "Craftsman Professional" corded power tools ! STOUT !! Outfitted my son and daughter with some Craftsman tools, so I don't have to drag thing there when I go over. Son says, "Don't buy me any more tools ! You live close enough, I will borrow what I need. Plus you are not going to live forever !"

Bummer on Ace dropping Craftsman. I had to warranty a couple things there over the past 5 years.

There are still tons of Craftsman in the secondary market and probably will be for years to come.

Still lots on eBay, although some people want crazy money for them ! I actually had a hard time selling some extra wrenches.

 

[RTM]

One of the most interesting Vice Grips I bought at the Police Store is pictured here.If anyone has any idea what this is used for. please let me know what you think.

Pic is kinda tiny, but I’d guess it was used as a bender, need to see the jaws to know more, but can you put a combination square scale in the head?

 

[isb cornbinder]

Pic is kinda tiny, but I’d guess it was used as a bender, need to see the jaws to know more, but can you put a combination square scale in the head?

 

[RTM]

Still same sized, postage stamp on my phone, slightly bigger on my iPad.

 

[fourjeepin]

NAPA is also dropping Craftsman. The store I frequent is clearancing their stuff currently.

 

[four.cycle]

Plenty of Craftsman right here, guys!

Mintgrun, maybe that's some kind of meter to test how strong your grip is?
(can't really tell... that photo image is only about 1/2" tall on my HELLA GIGANTIC monitor)

 

[Theronswanson]

I'd say they're making room for new stock, but who knows. Check the classifieds for tools though, If you need some.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Now that SB&D has given up on building in the US, they have to compete with HF. The "top end" HF stuff is nicer than the imported Craftsman !

 

[finn]

I don't think Craftsman name will go away, just depends on who end up own the name.

Lowe's are their main source. but at the price range, there are many decent budget tools out there as well. such as tekton, sunex, astro, ect....

however, if Lowe's are close by, it's easy to get a replacement.

There are 1737 Lowe’s stores in the US, compared to about 5000 ACE hardware stores.

Granted Lowe’s stores are higher traffic and sell more per store, but Ace actually has a bigger presence in the tool market than Lowes based on store count.

 

[Tizzy]

Ace Hardware stores independent and are variable in what they stock and promote. Some carry a lot of Craftsman. I have a few that are fully stocked, with frequent promotions. Crescent is an unusual choice.

That’s what I thought. I’m a tool guy and Cresent wasn’t even on my radar for sockets and wrenches.

 

[Tizzy]

I don't think Craftsman name will go away, just depends on who end up own the name.

Lowe's are their main source. but at the price range, there are many decent budget tools out there as well. such as tekton, sunex, astro, ect....

however, if Lowe's are close by, it's easy to get a replacement.

I’d given that some thought as well; warranty. Even though I’ve never enjoyed using it, it’s no good if you can’t find a place that sells the brand.

 

[Tizzy]

I wouldn't worry about Craftsman going away, unless some egocentric money folks decide to slap their own name on it.

The brand has way too much recognition, they can slap the name on a turd, and some people will still buy it.

I've got a lot of old Craftsman stuff that I've had since the 70s. Most of it still performs well, and I've picked up some replacements from estate sales. The newer Craftsman stuff, with maybe the exception of the Overdrive series, isn't nearly as good.

When I can't replenish my old Craftsman stuff from estate sales or FB or Craigslist, I buy either Tekton or Sunex...sometimes Gearwrench.

I just noticed that True Value declared bankruptcy. I wonder how that's going to affect the market?

Ironically, I just heard about the True Value bankruptcy from the teller at Ace today. . lol

 

[finn]

That’s what I thought. I’m a tool guy and Cresent wasn’t even on my radar for sockets and wrenches.

Torque Test Channel gave their flare nut wrenches an honorable mention, and I don’t have an issue with the 1/4” drive sockets I bought a couple of years ago. I think I even have a set of ratcheting combination wrenches, or at least combination wrenches somewhere.. They not so bad that I noticed, so that’s something. I don’t go out of my way to use something better.

i ordered three SAE and three metric flare nut wrenches. If they don’t work out, I’m out $24.

 

[Etchase]

Cresent, SATA and gearwrench products are very very similar. My perception is that Craftsman and Milwaukee have much bigger consumer marketing campaigns than Crescent, which is why those brands sockets annd wrenches are more commonly found in independent hardware stores. Nothing wrong with Crescent quality, and they are usually a good value. I personally have never seen individual crescent sockets for sale in a brick and mortar, but I haven’t been in many stores. Apex makes over a million sockets a day, so I’m guessing the vast majority of private label sockets are theirs.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Now that SB&D has given up on building in the US, they have to compete with HF. The "top end" HF stuff is nicer than the imported Craftsman !

Not entirely true, craftsman got some really good stuff under the V line, and some gems in their powertool line(dewalt rebrands/updates). This comparison doesn't make much sence as craftsman isn't "top end". Mac/proto/facom/usag/dewalt are the supposed top end offerings for Stanley b&d. I would expect icon to be good, as they directly compared themselves to snap-on.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Cf isn't going aways, Stanley spent 900 million for the name. Its also still paying a portion of the sales to Sears holdings or what ever crook Eddie's company is called. They also have spent millions on factories and marketing for the brand. I think it's important to remember that, stanley doesn't own any of its retailers partners. Ace particularly is one of those retailers that operate independently.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Which is exactly why ACE is the perfect fit for SBD's "Craftsman".
ACE franchisees that want to deal with the "warranty" nonsense will buy the program.
Those that do not can stock Crescent (or whatever.)
Win-win all around.
SBD is thus assured they will have their product line in (literally) thousands of retail locations (as ACE outnumbers both Home Depot AND Lowes combined) and they don't have to worry about what Home Depot or Lowes choose to do.
What's not to like?
Home Depot and Lowes are then faced with the challenge of "what do we put up against Craftsman?"

 

[Andres26tnt]

^ Which is exactly why ACE is the perfect fit for SBD's "Craftsman".
ACE franchisees that want to deal with the "warranty" nonsense will buy the program.
Those that do not can stock Crescent (or whatever.)
Win-win all around.
SBD is thus assured they will have their product line in (literally) thousands of retail locations (as ACE outnumbers both Home Depot AND Lowes combined) and they don't have to worry about what Home Depot or Lowes choose to do.
What's not to like?
Home Depot and Lowes are then faced with the challenge of "what do we put up against Craftsman?"

Yeah could work, craftsman needs dedicated retail partner.

 

[four.cycle]

Actually, they don't. The name will continue to sell itself, irrespective of piss-poor quality.
That $14.99 1/4" drive socket set that both Blake and Cody reported on several months back is still flyin' off the shelves up at my local ACE Hardware (at the "everyday price" of $26.99.)(The display rack is about 15 feet inside the front door, so I see it every time I go in.)
You will have to move heaven and earth before you do away with the publics' perceived belief that "Craftsman" equates to "quality".
In the retail world: perception is reality for the buyer.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Actually, they don't. The name will continue to sell itself, irrespective of piss-poor quality.
That $14.99 1/4" drive socket set that both Blake and Cody reported on several months back is still flyin' off the shelves up at my local ACE Hardware (at the "everyday price" of $26.99.)(The display rack is about 15 feet inside the front door, so I see it every time I go in.)
You will have to move heaven and earth before you do away with the publics' perceived belief that "Craftsman" equates to "quality".
In the retail world: perception is reality for the buyer.

That kit has 3 things going for it, price, nice packaging, convenience. I think they do need a dedicated retailer to fully bring them back to the good old days. But you right craftsman has a great name, reminds me of Macdonalds. Will sell itself for sure.

 

[NoahG]

One Ace near me sells Crescent sockets and wrenches and has for as long as I can remember.

The other Ace near me sells Craftsman, and has a very prominent sign stating that original purchase receipt is required for warranty.

I agree with @four.cycle The Craftsman name is a powerful consumer meme and it’s why Stanley paid so much for the name.

 

[slowtwitch73]

You'll pay out the nose at ace.

 

[finn]

Actually, they don't. The name will continue to sell itself, irrespective of piss-poor quality.
That $14.99 1/4" drive socket set that both Blake and Cody reported on several months back is still flyin' off the shelves up at my local ACE Hardware (at the "everyday price" of $26.99.)(The display rack is about 15 feet inside the front door, so I see it every time I go in.)
You will have to move heaven and earth before you do away with the publics' perceived belief that "Craftsman" equates to "quality".
In the retail world: perception is reality for the buyer.

I would argue that rather that the “piss poor quality” is satisfactory for the target market at the price point it’s sold for and the widespread availability it enjoys.

It will assemble and repair any number of kids bicycles, perform routine and not so routine household repairs, keep the family truckster running without issue, and has wide name recognition, and excellent availability.

Are there premium brands out there that are “better”? A resounding yes, but SBD plays in that market too, with its other brands like Proto, albeit not with the widespread availability that the Craftsman brand offers.

I don’t need, nor even want, a Rolex to tell time, and although I certainly cherish my SnapOn tools, the ancient, and a smattering of newer Craftsman and other mid grade tools in the box work just fine for replacing the shear pin on the CUT, or for changing oil on the UTV.

The whole premium tools concept is largely an ego driven phenomenon for many, including myself, and probably excluding the two percent of the population who swing wrenches forty or sixty hours per week, fifty two weeks per year.

No arguing that people like nice things though, and that is justification enough for some to buy into Premium Brands.

 

[finn]

You'll pay out the nose at ace.

Ace always has sales going on and regularly offers coupons for regular priced merchandise.

Don’t forget that the short trip to the local ACE overrides the extended quest to find or travel travel to Lowes.

 

[username2]

I agree with @four.cycle The Craftsman name is a powerful consumer meme and it’s why Stanley paid so much for the name.

I lot of thought goes into that sort of thing, but I've never really grokked it all. I've been swept up into a couple of corporate-takeovers-for-a-famous-brand-name and they never seem to work out in the long run. Maybe 'Craftsman' is different since it was always just a reseller of other peoples' products. Selling for 1x yearly sales doesn't seem outrageous, but it all smells like Proctor & Gamble and their many brands.

Honestly, it all confuses me. Any of the big players could have bought Craftsman (including HF) and knit them into their lineup. Better to spend $1B on a name or cook up your own (Icon, etc.)? Dunno. The strength of the consumer, as opposed to industrial, lines surprises me since it's not like this stuff wears out...it's like the firearms business. Maybe there's some temporary boost due to people filling up their shops/garages with shiny, it's obvious how many more hand tools tool people will tend to own compared to 50 years ago.

My own guess is that difficulties in consumer repair, whether it's cars, appliances, home electronics and the veering of hobbies from the physical to the virtual will tend to put the kibosh on sales of consumer hand tools over time.

 

[zendriver]

You'll pay out the nose at ace.

It almost always cost more to support local businesses