mbshop
Well-known member
Went to lowes yesterday. Thought I was in sears. Kept having to remind myself I was in lowes. Really messed up my mind.
Lowes, now sears
- Thread starter mbshop
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toolaholic
Well-known member
Yes I actually liked kobalt better than craftsman now all I see is craftsman .
onarant
Well-known member
Yeah, I was at lowes 2 weeks ago and was feeling the same way. Glad it was not just me.
Yup they have been having some pretty good clearance sales on Kobalt stuff.
I'm not sure how I feel about the Craftsman brand anymore Sears kinda burned us in my area by closing all of their stores making warranty of broken sockets impossible for several years.
I'm not sure how I feel about the Craftsman brand anymore Sears kinda burned us in my area by closing all of their stores making warranty of broken sockets impossible for several years.
NoahG
Well-known member
Craftsman and Southwire stuff has been appearing in Menards as well.
I've picked up a few nice Kobalt deals on the clearance stuff too.
Lowe's Craftsman is currently unconnected with Sears Craftsman. Sears sold the brand to Stanley Black & Decker with the provision that they (Sears) could also continue to make (well, contract for) and sell Craftsman for a set period. So the CM at Lowe's is not the same stuff as the CM at Sears. If you're waffling about buying CM at Lowe's, you should be asking yourself how you feel about Stanley, not Sears.
AndyCBR
Well-known member
Some Craftsman sets at Lowe's are Taiwan manufacture and pretty nice.
Some are China COO and not so nice.
It's a shame what the CM brand has been reduced to. Honestly Tekton seems to be the best balance of cost and quality nowadays. My screwdrivers and ratchets are still Snap On though.
Welome to the Global Economy....
Some are China COO and not so nice.
It's a shame what the CM brand has been reduced to. Honestly Tekton seems to be the best balance of cost and quality nowadays. My screwdrivers and ratchets are still Snap On though.
Welome to the Global Economy....
KE6KA
Member
Stanley has manufactured Craftsman tools over the years. My understanding is Sears has a perpetual license to source and sell their own Craftsman tools without any further claims to the Craftsman trademark (which Sears has already violated), including sourcing them from Stanley. The last time I was in Sears I noticed they were selling "V" series Craftsman power tools. I think that redesign is a Stanley product.
joseywales
Well-known member
Yeah, not sure what to make of it. I grew up down the road from Sears. They had a 3 story parking complex. We used ride bikes and play half ball on the upper level. Lots of memories walking into the store and seeing all the tools, then buying tools as I grew up. I bought my first screwdriver set there.
As far as Lowes, I don't know. I haven't been able to warm up to CM there. I walked right past it all, and grabbed what I thought were good deals on Kobalt, for the few things I really didn't need. CM and Kobalt can't coexist and they're smart enough to realize that. I wish CM was all Taiwan, at least then there'd be no guessing about origin and to some extent quality. I'll say this, their sockets, etc., did were not inexpensive. Even prior to the Kobalt sales, the CM were mor expensive and I'm not sure the quality supports that.
As far as Lowes, I don't know. I haven't been able to warm up to CM there. I walked right past it all, and grabbed what I thought were good deals on Kobalt, for the few things I really didn't need. CM and Kobalt can't coexist and they're smart enough to realize that. I wish CM was all Taiwan, at least then there'd be no guessing about origin and to some extent quality. I'll say this, their sockets, etc., did were not inexpensive. Even prior to the Kobalt sales, the CM were mor expensive and I'm not sure the quality supports that.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Does the same stuff cost more than Kobalt used to?
KE6KA
Member
Craftsman was never inexpensive. What they did do was put on really good sales and promotions for the various holidays and it appears that is still the case. Also, buying a single tool, ratchet for example, is very expensive. But, you can buy a ratchet and socket set with the same ratchet for a few $$ more. Sometimes less.
M_George
Well-known member
Half ball, it's been a very long time since I've heard of that game. Brings back some found memories.
Yea,,,add me to that list...they replaced a busted tool with no questions asked....the kobalt wrenches i would cut and reform for a particular need....seemed to hold up well even after that abuse....always thought chrome finish was excellent as well.....have not bought craftsman line tool in years
rtz
Well-known member
Was in a Lowe's the other day and all their prices are sky high on everything. If they want to be number one or outsell HD; cut the prices in half. That would be a good start.
anndel
Well-known member
Pass on Craftsman tools. I stopped buying their tools after they moved manufacturing to china.
mikehaugen
Well-known member
I'm not sure what to think of the new Craftsman stuff at Lowes. I think I would view it like any other brand. This isn't how I viewed it up to about 15 years ago at Sears. In the past it was easy to recommend Craftsman as a one stop shop for most DIY and even some level of professional needs. For instance, I know a very good machinist who saw no reason to spend SO money vs Craftsman and he was in a position to know.
The quality of Craftsman was generally decent and the prices obtainable though rarely the best deal if you looked around. The range of what Sears offered was very impressive. If someone needed something you could say go to Sears and expect that they would would have it and the tool would be at least of an acceptable (if often on the low end of) quality. That I think is the flaw at Lowes. First, they have other brands so I'm not sure why I would buy Craftsman vs Kobalt or Stanley (or DeWalt, etc for power tools) in that store. Second, the selection isn't what it used to be. I can't pick up some of the more extensive sets or less common tools as I used to be able to do at Sears.
In the old days I went to Sears to shop for Craftsman because I was confident they would have the tool I needed. Now I go to Lowes because it's close and I buy Craftsman or Kobalt or whatever based on what is at hand and I don't expect them to have less common automotive tools in stock.
The quality of Craftsman was generally decent and the prices obtainable though rarely the best deal if you looked around. The range of what Sears offered was very impressive. If someone needed something you could say go to Sears and expect that they would would have it and the tool would be at least of an acceptable (if often on the low end of) quality. That I think is the flaw at Lowes. First, they have other brands so I'm not sure why I would buy Craftsman vs Kobalt or Stanley (or DeWalt, etc for power tools) in that store. Second, the selection isn't what it used to be. I can't pick up some of the more extensive sets or less common tools as I used to be able to do at Sears.
In the old days I went to Sears to shop for Craftsman because I was confident they would have the tool I needed. Now I go to Lowes because it's close and I buy Craftsman or Kobalt or whatever based on what is at hand and I don't expect them to have less common automotive tools in stock.
Handyandy23
Well-known member
I think in Canada we get condensed tool sections in Lowe's and HD compared to the US, which makes the Craftsman switch at Lowe's even harder to stomach here. The tool section overall seems like it's 50% Craftsman at least, and it's all junk. Like usually a rebrand will have some decent stuff, but the CM I've seen is not good at all.
The prices are high and the features and quality are low. Cruddy raised panel wrench sets for more than the polished Mastercraft Maximum wrenches cost on sale at Canadian Tire. RP ratchets that feel like they were packed with fine gravel instead of grease. Chinese hammers that look fine, but cost more than the Estwings beside them on the hook. Why??
Lowe's is definitely my least favorite hardware store to go to. Tool quality and selection is last of the options, and they don't even sell all the brands (no Milwaukee for example). HD at least their house brands I can stomach. Husky is nothing special but at least priced reasonably. Ryobi and Ridgid are both good bang for your buck. Wish we had Menards here too as it sounds good.
Really the best hand tool big box store in Canada IMO is Canadian Tire and their Maximum line. Their marketing tactic of pricing the tools too high and then having regular 50-70% off sales is annoying, but the value and quality of the tools far surpasses anything Lowe's has with Kobalt or Craftsman badges on it.
The prices are high and the features and quality are low. Cruddy raised panel wrench sets for more than the polished Mastercraft Maximum wrenches cost on sale at Canadian Tire. RP ratchets that feel like they were packed with fine gravel instead of grease. Chinese hammers that look fine, but cost more than the Estwings beside them on the hook. Why??
Lowe's is definitely my least favorite hardware store to go to. Tool quality and selection is last of the options, and they don't even sell all the brands (no Milwaukee for example). HD at least their house brands I can stomach. Husky is nothing special but at least priced reasonably. Ryobi and Ridgid are both good bang for your buck. Wish we had Menards here too as it sounds good.
Really the best hand tool big box store in Canada IMO is Canadian Tire and their Maximum line. Their marketing tactic of pricing the tools too high and then having regular 50-70% off sales is annoying, but the value and quality of the tools far surpasses anything Lowe's has with Kobalt or Craftsman badges on it.
Well, it's tools that says "craftsman" on them and red /black colors.
What's it supposed to look like?
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
What's it supposed to look like?
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
Lots of Kobalt battery-powered tools on steep clearance. Probably only worth it if you already have their battery system.
I took a look at the craftsman ratchets they had in the other day. Huge heads, and plastic swing selectors that you could easily pry up a couple mms with your fingernail. Passed.
I took a look at the craftsman ratchets they had in the other day. Huge heads, and plastic swing selectors that you could easily pry up a couple mms with your fingernail. Passed.
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Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
Retailing is crazy, First you buy tools in a department store, next to ladies lingerie , now you get them at a lumber yard.
The other thing Sears was known for was their Sears Card. They were probably one of the first to have a department store card for their own brand. A card that allowed you buy something and make payments on it in the same store, unlike MC/Visa where you had to send a payment off via US Mail. I remember many times buying tools and making weekly payments at the local store.
I'm sure that alone helped greatly with Cman sales over the years till everybody else caught up and online shopping started.
More, not much more, but maybe a buck or two here and there on smaller stuff like pliers. However since it’s just run of the mill Chinese stuff it’s still cheaper just to order Sears’ Craftsman stuff even if you have to do it online if you have some odd reason to want it Craftsman branded. If it were USA made it would be a different story. Kobalt was a better fit. Since they are charging a premium for the name you’re simply better off going to harbor freight, or Home Depot.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-15-Piece-Set-12-Point-Metric-Combination-Wrench-Set/1000595393
Lowe’s wants $57.98 for a 15 piece metric wrench set.
https://www.sears.com/kd-tools-carb...sellerId=SEARS&prdNo=7&blockNo=7&blockType=G7
Sears wants $44.99 for a 26 piece set.
Same general stuff. If memory serves correctly the old Kobalt version of the craftsman set at Lowe’s was $49.98.
Consequently we can go to harbor freight and get a 32 piece set for $20
https://www.harborfreight.com/32-pc-fully-polished-sae-metric-combination-wrench-set-68854.html
Home Depot wants $44.97 for a 34 piece Husky.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-S...tubby-Wrench-Set-34-Piece-HW34PCMIX/202934547
The quality on most of them is quite similar so Lowe’s is probably the worst value wise amongst all its competitors.
They are pretty much craftsman stamped versions of Stanley things Wal-Mart carried in the past. I picked up many on clearance and they were fine at that level of pricing but to charge such a stiff premium is crazy.
This is not a bad set. Have to look for the sales.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...unmetal-Chrome-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/1000596571
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...unmetal-Chrome-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/1000596571
WittHay
Well-known member
For me going to Lowes is a treat. Dont have to see all that Ryobi and Milwaukee hand tools that are at Home Depot. Lowes in my area has the largest tool area of any big box store. Full selection of Craftsman hand tools
Craftsman is available in multiple stores up here Rona, Ace as well as Lowes. Happy with all the new Craftsman stuff that I have purchased. Wish they were introducing new tools faster.
I like that SBD sources Craftsman from different countries USA, Denmark, Thailand, Taiwan as wel as China
Craftsman is available in multiple stores up here Rona, Ace as well as Lowes. Happy with all the new Craftsman stuff that I have purchased. Wish they were introducing new tools faster.
I like that SBD sources Craftsman from different countries USA, Denmark, Thailand, Taiwan as wel as China
woody 73
Well-known member
WOW sticker shock man those prices are insane...
I've snagged some Kobalt ratchets, sockets, and wrenches and they seem pretty decent to me. I could have gone all in and started putting together sets but then Lowes by me started taking Kobalt stuff out and funneling Craftsman stuff in.
Oh well, I should have pulled the trigger sooner.
Oh well, I should have pulled the trigger sooner.
I did the same, I bought a complete tool set in one of those chests and some universal ratcheting wrenches. Gonna put them in my shed so I don’t have to walk all the way to the garage any time something trivial is needed like retentioning a chainsaw.
KE6KA
Member
Sears discontinued a majority of their automotive tools. I think I purchased everything I needed to rebuild engines in the past. You couldn't do that now, and I think you would likely have to buy the various automotive tools at several locations now. Many of the tools aren't needed on the newer vehicles, and there aren't nearly as many people working on their cars past oil changes and brake jobs. What I do wish Craftsman, or someone else carried is a good 1/4" drive torque wrench. I can't find one around town at all and I don't know anything about the brands that are available online.
I was going to set up a rollaway for use in the garage, so whenever I was working on my 86 Toyota I wouldn't have to keep walking back and forth to my shop for a tool. But the truck got totalled last year, and so that whole exercise got put on hold.Both CDI and Proto make 1/4" torque wrenches. I prefer the graduations on the Proto, although the knurling is rather sharp. The CDI has laser-engraved markings.
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I have purchased the new Craftsman 120 tooth 1/2 and 3/8 in drive ratchets. I use them quite a bit and found them easy to hold and grip. I am older so the ratchet handle shape is easier on my hands. Also have a set of their brushless drill and driver and saw set they seem pretty durable. You can find decent value on their line of Craftsman pliers and cutters, they seem to be of good quality. I have not tried any of their sockets or combo wrenches as I have far to many already. I am seeing more made in Taiwan items every time I walk through their tool section. In the early 1970's I worked as a ag tractor mechanic and had a mix of Snap on and C-man at that time they both did the job with little breakage. except I paid a whole lot more off the tool truck. Have quite a few of the original C-man stuff. I may have to grab a set of the made in Taiwan combo wrenches just to try em out. If I don't like em they can go to my grandson.
BarryWells
Well-known member
Knurling is supposed to be sharp. It's a sign of good craftsmanship and grabs calloused hands. It'll eat up girly man gloves though !
k1rodeoboater
Well-known member
I won't touch new Craftsman with a 10' pole. If I'm buying China made tools I will buy them at Harbor Freight. If I can avoid China made tools I try to.
Lowes is making huge mistake going all in with Craftsman brand. I have stopped shopping there all together now due to the way they screwed over us Kobalt owners. I will shop at Home Depot moving forward for hand tools. Not to mention the Craftsman power tools will never meet the quality of Milwaukee etc.
They have sales, of $70 billion per year
Hopefully, they will survive.
On the flip side, it's doubtful, having the Cman brand, is setting their sales on fire.
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yamaha0343
Well-known member
This! If anything Sears at one time was convenient. Almost never had to worry whether they’d have what I needed.