Lowes Craftsman Ad, Available April 2nd

[JazzBlueRT]

It was meant as a light hearted joke, if you took it as a serious personal insult than I'm sorry about that

I do not take anything personally, I actually have pity for people who feel the need to insult strangers or make disparaging blanket statements about people who disagree with them.

 

[JazzBlueRT]

Here here! By a strange coincidence they also drive blue Challenger R/Ts.

 

[K13]

If they don't, then sure, I will. They've already said they're going to, though, and I trust them more than I trust the haters here.

No they haven't. They have made a vague statement saying they would "move as much manufacturing as possible" back. That is not even close to saying they were definitely moving hand tool manufacturing back. That's just what people have read into their statements because that is what they want people to think.

 

[WWheeler]

I might be trying to read too much into it but what looks to be a rep from Stanley's blanket response to all the COO questions at lowes.com/b/craftsman seems to imply that Stanley is looking to bring back 'Made in USA' in "key Craftsman categories" but seemingly handtools isn't one.

In one of those Q's there's a response from someone saying you can zoom in 360deg mode on the site and see where it says 'Made in Taiwan'. I looked and didn't see it.

 

[xin]

Looking forward to Craftsman - a LOT better than the infamous outfit who beats all competitors...

 

[kythri]

No they haven't. They have made a vague statement saying they would "move as much manufacturing as possible" back. That is not even close to saying they were definitely moving hand tool manufacturing back. That's just what people have read into their statements because that is what they want people to think.

They haven't said that they're going to USA source all Craftsman production, but they have explicitly said that they are building manufacturing in the USA for Craftsman.

There WILL be USA-produced Craftsman.

 

[anndel]

Here's the info on the first wave of Craftsman tools from Toolguyd

http://toolguyd.com/so-the-first-wave-of-new-craftsman-mechanics-tools-are-made-in/

 

[BMack37]

They haven't said that they're going to USA source all Craftsman production, but they have explicitly said that they are building manufacturing in the USA for Craftsman.

There WILL be USA-produced Craftsman.

It will likely be similar to what they have had; screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches, hammers, pry bars, layout tools, etc.

Though, a Craftsman Pro line opens that up to a lot more production but do they want to compete with their own brand Proto?

 

[Super Sport]

They haven't said that they're going to USA source all Craftsman production, but they have explicitly said that they are building manufacturing in the USA for Craftsman.

There WILL be USA-produced Craftsman.

I don't think anybody is doubting that some Craftsman-branded items will be made stateside. Stanley already said they will be producing Craftsman in the USA "with globally sourced materials". This is a sure sign that they will be assembling Craftsman power tools here like they do with Dewalt, and continuing to sell Waterloo-sourced toolboxes. Anything beyond that is speculation at best.

Given this lackluster rollout of imported hand tools, my expectations are low in that department.

 

[Super Sport]

It will likely be similar to what they have had; screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches, hammers, pry bars, layout tools, etc.

These have only been kept stateside for long long because of Sears' contracts with Western Forge and Vaughn. I doubt Stanley will continue using those suppliers since they make most of that stuff already.

Though, a Craftsman Pro line opens that up to a lot more production but do they want to compete with their own brand Proto?

Proto isn't really a big player outside of industrial sales. It's extremely high priced and not easily available to individual consumers. I've been buying tools for many years from all sorts of places, and I can count the Proto I own on one hand. If they market Craftsman similar to how it always has been, they wouldn't make much, if any, impact on Proto sales.

 

[BMack37]

These have only been kept stateside for long long because of Sears' contracts with Western Forge and Vaughn. I doubt Stanley will continue using those suppliers since they make most of that stuff already.

I agree, I believe these are the manufacturing they're building manufacturing for because these are tools that can be made in the USA and be sold affordably.

Proto isn't really a big player outside of industrial sales. It's extremely high priced and not easily available to individual consumers. I've been buying tools for many years from all sorts of places, and I can count the Proto I own on one hand. If they market Craftsman similar to how it always has been, they wouldn't make much, if any, impact on Proto sales.

I don't really think Proto is extremely high priced but they could be a little cheaper if they had were less industrial focused and thus could sell more volume. If the make a USA made ratchet of high quality (IE not the Danaher junk sold by Kobalt) the price would likely price it out of store. How long did Metabo last in Lowe's? A month or two? If it's only available online, it's as accessible as Proto and thus has no real benefit other than name (but will the average customer know this line even exists?). Did the average customer even know there is a Craftsman pro line at Sears? It's getting really expensive to build tools in the USA, especially those with moving parts like ratchets and it's not going to get any cheaper. SBD has a TON of pull in Lowe's so Lowe's will do what SBD wants but it will be really hard to retail a USA ratchet. I hope they do bring a USA ratchet to Lowe's because I'll buy a set when it's clearanced to make room for the Taiwan/Chinese replacement.

 

[Skin]

It will likely be similar to what they have had; screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches, hammers, pry bars, layout tools, etc.

Though, a Craftsman Pro line opens that up to a lot more production but do they want to compete with their own brand Proto?

Actually pliers is one segment I suspect will remain imported. Stanley has never had dedicated pliers manufacturing in all the decades of Proto and MAC. What I am certain of is that sockets, ratchets, wrenches will be USA. This initial roll out is just what Stanley could bring to market fastest. I don't expect these imports to last unless they stick as a budget line (think evolv).



On an aside Stuey I don't know if you're reading this thread but I saw one of your comments saying Cman Pro was on par with Proto since it was Armstrong. Have to disagree. Proto/MAC has always maintained a superior fit and finish to the post 2000s Armstrong stuff. The chrome plating was the worst I've seen from any domestic manufacturer. A lot of my stuff quickly developed little specs of corrosion. If you get a set of each and place them side by side its pretty obvious that Proto has better chrome, polish, and crisper forging patterns.

Ironically, and sadly, my very last set of USA Armstrong wrenches from Matco were far and away the best looking out of Apex for over 10 years. I suspect they were from the new operations in SC but we all know how long that lasted.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Actually pliers is one segment I suspect will remain imported. Stanley has never had dedicated pliers manufacturing in all the decades of Proto and MAC. What I am certain of is that sockets, ratchets, wrenches will be USA. This initial roll out is just what Stanley could bring to market fastest. I don't expect these imports to last unless they stick as a budget line (think evolv).

That's sad. My Western Forge made Craftsman pliers are now ~25 years old, used professionally for a few years, and still work as new. I think I paid $19.95 on sale for the 4 piece set. That would be about $34 today, and I'd gladly pay it again.

 

[mdog892001]

Craftsman at lowes

I just seen this on Facebook I wonder when it will happen


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[metaldad]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

not in yet, at the local store

 

[mudflap]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

not in yet, at the local store

Here neither...was at my local lowes yesterday...no sign that anything is coming soon...even asked the zit squisher that was working the register..he said he hasn't heard anything about Craftsman.......lol

 

[Jeremy77]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Mine, Mobile Alabama, had the small three drawer portable chest in stock today when I was in there. That’s the only item that I saw but wasn’t looking in depth. It was 49.99.

 

[Floridaboy]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Nothing in Savannah but I do know ACE carry’s it


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[xin]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

GREAT news Craftsman at Lowes!

 

[Mikeske]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

When I was at Lowe's yesterday and I said something about Craftsman and the tool department employee said they have about half their initial allotment of Craftsman tools and boxes but they are held until they have their complete allotment and headquarters said to put them out. He suspects the earliest will be between the early to mid May.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

wait and see, It will not be long.

 

[dwasifar]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

It's happening as we speak. My wife works at Lowe's, and she tells me the Craftsman boxes are already in the store's receiving dock.

She says they're going to scale back the Kobalt offerings to make room on the sales floor for Craftsman.

I have also heard that Stanley is building new USA manufacturing facilities for Craftsman. Can anyone confirm?

 

[The Fall]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

The ratchets look to be a huge step up. I'm still waiting for them to say "Made in USA" on them before I pick anything up.

 

[Coach James]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

It's happening as we speak. My wife works at Lowe's, and she tells me the Craftsman boxes are already in the store's receiving dock.

She says they're going to scale back the Kobalt offerings to make room on the sales floor for Craftsman.

I have also heard that Stanley is building new USA manufacturing facilities for Craftsman. Can anyone confirm?

Our Lowes never has more than 1 Kobalt roll around on the floor so almost anything would be an improvement.

Coach

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Craftsman 27, 41, and 52" tool boxes coming into our local store soon, won't be on the sales floor until May 14. All the Kobalt boxes are on clearance to hopefully make room by then. No word on hand/power tools in store yet. Outdoor power equipment coming in late 2018.

 

[6PTsocket]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Nothing in Savannah but I do know ACE carry’s it


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Ace carried Craftsman long before SB&D bought the name from Sears. I assume Ace will now get it from SB&D as Sears can only buy and market Craftsman in house. For 15 years, I think.

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[mdog892001]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Well happy days then maybe I can make a 20 mile trip to replace broken tools instead of a 40 mile trip.


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[Wamsutta]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Here neither...was at my local lowes yesterday...no sign that anything is coming soon...even asked the zit squisher that was working the register..he said he hasn't heard anything about Craftsman.......lol

"zit squisher"

LOL!

 

[Benito]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Hope to see more, and more US made options so I can once again actually purchase Crafstman tools

 

[PelicanPines]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Nothing Craftsman at my Lowes either.

For the record... nothing made in China is suddenly going to be made in the USA... everybody would warranty their china stuff... they know that... therefore it ain't an option they would ever consider.

 

[The Fall]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Nothing Craftsman at my Lowes either.

For the record... nothing made in China is suddenly going to be made in the USA... everybody would warranty their china stuff... they know that... therefore it ain't an option they would ever consider.

I don't doubt that. However, they could have a more discerning exchange policy -- i.e., broken sockets only (some people would intentionally break their sockets, but a reasonable person wouldn't go through that effort). I think SBD wasted $900 million to purchase a company that lost its point of difference from their competitors in 2011. And I agree: the genie was let out of the bottle. Assembled in USA from global components is what I'm envisioning from SBD. SBD could surprise folks, but knowing their outsourcing history it's very doubtful. I'm with others who believe the brand should have been put to rest, unfortunately.

SK, Wright and (SBD's domestically produced) Proto for me these days.

 

[powertrip]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

There are only a couple of things available online only right now. Probably wont be any Craftsman in the stores until Fathers Day.

 

[PelicanPines]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Whatever happens... I hope they sell singles of sockets and wrenches, etc... I constantly misplace or drop a socket and they go to live with the socks you lose in the clothes dryer. So far I have only seen sets.

Not that it matters really... I have been replacing my missing or skipped size tools with SK singles...

 

[CobraRed]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

The singles available at Sears were always very helpful

 

[zbyler]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

Stopped into my local Lowes (CT) this weekend and saw several craftsman toolboxes mixed in with the kobalt ones that they seem to be having a fire sale on. Quality seems the same as the cheaper non-ball bearing models that used to be at Sears.

 

[Spdfreak91]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

In the wild on the top shelf at my store.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Moderator edit: In order to keep multiple threads from being started on this subject, I have merged a few threads and make it a sticky for the time being.

 

[dwasifar]

I am glad something is coming to fruition. Watching sears die, is like watching an old friend with a terminal illness.

An old friend with a terminal illness whose caregiver is stealing his fortune.

 

[dwasifar]

They're going to be reducing Kobalt's footprint in their tool section to make room for Craftsman. I wonder if this means in-store warranty returns of newly non-stocked Kobalt items will be replaced with Craftsman?

 

[xin]

Re: Craftsman at lowes

In the wild on the top shelf at my store.

What is a 'high performance toilet' - is it SOUPED up -- in the picture below the Craftsman box?