SBD Texas Made Craftsman products

[TheToolEnthusiast]

Interesting read that Stanley Black and Decker plan to bring production of many of the Craftsman hand tools back to the USA. Could this impact the second hand market out there right now? Do you think quality will improve over the Asia made hand tools they produce today?

 

[Renegade1LI]

With Stanley I think wait & see how serious they are, if they are close to the old cm tools. They do make Proto so they can make good tools if they want to & selling through Lowes isn't much different than selling through sears. If they are on par with the old cm I will resume buying for the shop & field, if not HF for field & Proto for shop.

 

[Farmall450]

We've been waiting to see this come to fruition for probably 2 years.

 

[Rinspeed]

I've been waiting to return a couple until the replacements are US made.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Do you think quality will improve over the Asia made hand tools they produce today?

I pretty sure SBD has changed suppliers since they bought the brand from Sears. I bought a couple of socket recently and they were made in Taiwan. Generally, things made in Taiwan are better than things made in main land China.

I would not expect a big step up from where they are today. The big issue will be can they matching the pricing !

I hope they bring back DBE wrenches and possibly the Craftsman Professional polished wrenches. The later is a big commitment ($$$) so it might never happen.

 

[qqzj]

There's no chance for them to make nicer tool in general given Sears and Lowe's have put so many average quality tools in the market. If they do, guys will damage their old tools and look for replacement. Nobody is that dumb.

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[RWPBR]

I think anything SBD makes in Texas will be better than the **** Danaher made in declining years of its contract.

 

[M6erfan]

Yeah, If good U.S.A. quality, SBD should expect an avalanche of "warranty exchanges". Sad, but most likely true.

 

[1982fxr]

This spot reserved for someone to claim tool returns were the reason Sears died.

 

[TheToolEnthusiast]

I would hope SBD has anticipated that there will be an uptick in warranty claims at the beginning and if quality is there the longer term sales will negate that.

 

[designer485]

I haven't bothered with a warranty exchange of anything Craftsman since they sold out and went Chinese. I would if they moved production back to the USA. I refuse to trade in something stamped Made in the USA for something stamped China, that's not why I bought so much Craftsman when I first started buying tools as a teenager. Quality, made in the USA and easy to exchange at Sears.

If they see an influx of warranty exchanges, that is the liability that SBD took with buying the Craftsman name. Unfortunately we have 10+ years of Made in China Craftsman diluting the Made in USA product.

 

[dogdog]

wow... SBD opened another new manufacturing faciity in Texas, did they abandon the one from few years back?

Either I am getting old or senile, I swear it is like ground hog day every year at least 2x a year we have this thread about SBD ground breaking facility in Texas....

 

[1982fxr]

wow... SBD opened another new manufacturing faciity in Texas, did they abandon the one from few years back?

Either I am getting old or senile, I swear it is like ground hog day every year at least 2x a year we have this thread about SBD ground breaking facility in Texas....

Wasn't one of the recent ones actually a huge addition?

And I'm sure SBD to warranty items into account when they bought the nine letters.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I bet the returns won't be that overwhelming, I had a friend that that managed the tool dept years ago at sears. I asked about all the returns, she said believe it or not most people don't return broken tools, she showed me a box of sockets, screwdrivers & some misc stuff, it wasn't much. She told me that sears kept an eye on returns & she was told if it ever becomes a loss they would change the policy, right after that sears started giving out the ratchet rebuilding kits. She did say sockets & screwdrivers were the most returned & also the cheapest to replace.

 

[Rinspeed]

I bet the returns won't be that overwhelming, I had a friend that that managed the tool dept years ago at sears. I asked about all the returns, she said believe it or not most people don't return broken tools, she showed me a box of sockets, screwdrivers & some misc stuff, it wasn't much.

I think I single handily had a large part in their demise by returning tape measures from the shop I work at.

 

[qqzj]

While, that is when Sears was going down hill.

I bet the returns won't be that overwhelming, I had a friend that that managed the tool dept years ago at sears. I asked about all the returns, she said believe it or not most people don't return broken tools, she showed me a box of sockets, screwdrivers & some misc stuff, it wasn't much. She told me that sears kept an eye on returns & she was told if it ever becomes a loss they would change the policy, right after that sears started giving out the ratchet rebuilding kits. She did say sockets & screwdrivers were the most returned & also the cheapest to replace.

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[1982fxr]

While, that is when Sears was going down hill.

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Sears going down was an orchestrated bust out.

 

[Jtels85]

While I’m excited to see what Craftsman under SB&D has in store for us, I’m curious as to whether we’ll see all new designs or can we expect the same tools we’re used to?

I wouldn’t be disappointed to see raised panel wrenches and the same socket designs stay around.

Three things I wish they would bring back are USA made screwdrivers and pliers, as well as the thin profile ratchets #44994, 44995 and 44996. Craftsman ratchets now look like ****. I wouldn’t buy one if they were 75% off.

 

[M6erfan]

I wouldn’t buy one if they were 75% off.

...

Just snap it in half and trade it in for the USA version when available

 

[The Fall]

Tool returns? Cry me a river. If anything, this is trying to make up for all the job outsourcing Stanley did in the late '90s-'00s.

CMan sockets and wrenches made in USA again? Yeah, I'm board. Let's see SBD make this happen.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I don’t know but I seen at Lowe’s the other day majority of the newer stuff is now Taiwan made and the tool guy at the store said they move most production to Taiwan now and plan to have it back in the USA by 2021 or 2022 so I am excited not that I need more tools but I’ll give them a try for sure.


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[BDT/NWMN]

I think anything SBD makes in Texas will be better than the **** Danaher made in declining years of its contract.

Agree !!! For Me, the small Danaher produced socket sets even failed as Christmas stocking stuffers. I still have about seven of the 3/8 drive ratchets. They proved to be so crappy, that I was ashamed to give them away as gifts..

 

[SuperCat]

I would be happy to give Sears another try if they bring back made in USA tools and they are a good bang for the buck. Like many folks, over half of my tools are Craftsman and they are still getting the job done for me. I have branched out to other brands, mostly thanks to GJ, but I admit I still have a soft spot for Craftsman tools.

 

[dogdog]

Wasn't one of the recent ones actually a huge addition?

And I'm sure SBD to warranty items into account when they bought the nine letters.

There was some discussions about the warranty... I think few threads mention when this first happens is to ask them go back to sears... now with sears going down... I don't think SBD is picking up those warranties...

As far as that "new" again facility... I just chuckles.... Nothing wrong with it. but didn't they been working on this for a few years now...Not sure.

 

[TheToolEnthusiast]

Three things I wish they would bring back are USA made screwdrivers and pliers, as well as the thin profile ratchets #44994, 44995

I'm hopeful for this as well. Possibly a higher tooth count.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think SBD Craftsman is bringing back any of the old Craftsman designs but, instead will launch their own versions, Time will tell.

 

[Jtels85]

It would be really great if we could have a sneak peek at what’s coming soon. Anything from a prototype, pre-production sample or artist rendering... hell, a more approximate date when we might see the new USA tools hit shelves.

Like an addict, just give us something... just a taste, come on.

 

[lardy1]

If SBD is killing off the Blackhawk brand, I wouldn't be surprised to see Craftsman label fill that void. I'm sure there is disagreement on this but I personally believe that Blackhawk was a higher quality/price than Craftsman. It will be interesting to see where the quality/price point is. I think some former Craftsman customers may be disappointed in the price of a new line of domestic made tools.

Conjecture and speculation. As has been pointed out every time a new C'man thread starts, we won't know until they show us.

Personally, I think I'll miss Blackhawk. I have quite a few of their tools.

 

[BrandoJames]

I bet the returns won't be that overwhelming, I had a friend that that managed the tool dept years ago at sears. I asked about all the returns, she said believe it or not most people don't return broken tools, she showed me a box of sockets, screwdrivers & some misc stuff, it wasn't much. She told me that sears kept an eye on returns & she was told if it ever becomes a loss they would change the policy, right after that sears started giving out the ratchet rebuilding kits. She did say sockets & screwdrivers were the most returned & also the cheapest to replace.

The above rings true. I've always been skeptical of claims that Craftsman's lifetime warranty cost Sears money. I think just the opposite is true. Craftsman's lifetime warranty for DIY tools that were occasionally used is one of the most brilliant marketing strategies ever.

In the rare case where a Craftsman tool broke--most DIYers aren't going to take the time to return a low cost item. And professionals typically use professional quality tools.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

In the rare case where a Craftsman tool broke--most DIYers aren't going to take the time to return a low cost item. And professionals typically use professional quality tools.

That's it. It's hardly ever worth the effort to make a trip only to exchange a ratchet or cracked socket. But it's more worth it to do the exchange and pick up a pair of jeans and a typewriter and a new clock radio. Or whatever.

 

[m6z]

The above rings true. I've always been skeptical of claims that Craftsman's lifetime warranty cost Sears money. I think just the opposite is true. Craftsman's lifetime warranty for DIY tools that were occasionally used is one of the most brilliant marketing strategies ever.

In the rare case where a Craftsman tool broke--most DIYers aren't going to take the time to return a low cost item. And professionals typically use professional quality tools.

I'm not sure I agree with that. The few times I broke a socket, I always made a trip to Sears for a replacement. I actually enjoyed going to Sears just to browse. I've got to get a replacement regardless and I'm always going to opt for the free replacement if possible.

Maybe I'm just cheap.

 

[Renegade1LI]

It would be really great if we could have a sneak peek at what’s coming soon. Anything from a prototype, pre-production sample or artist rendering... hell, a more approximate date when we might see the new USA tools hit shelves.

Like an addict, just give us something... just a taste, come on.

You make a good point, tools to some of us really are an addiction, a good one though!

 

[designer485]

I'm not sure I agree with that. The few times I broke a socket, I always made a trip to Sears for a replacement. I actually enjoyed going to Sears just to browse. I've got to get a replacement regardless and I'm always going to opt for the free replacement if possible.

Maybe I'm just cheap.

I would have to agree.

If something broke, it was to easy to drop in to Sears and get it replaced, but I am also guessing that a large majority of people also bought something while browsing the tool section. It was a great way to keep getting people into the store. Even if they replaced every socket that someone owned, cost wise I'm guessing they were still ahead or possibly breaking even. Don't think Sear's didn't account for that warranty in the pricing structure (sales not included).

SBD needs to do a long hard look at their brands and remove some of the crossover. Why have DeWwalt do hand tools, Craftsman do power tools or why did they water down the Stanley brand name so bad? Bring manufacturing back to US, cut out a bunch of the crossover and have brands focus on core segments / markets.

Just an example:

Proto - Industrial (USA)
Brackhawk - Industrial (USA / Import)

DeWalt - Power Tools and Accessories
Porter-Cable - Kill the Brand

Mac - Automotive (USA)
Facom - Automotive (Europe / Import)

Stanley - DIY (Hand tools, USA / Import)
Craftsman - DIY (Sockets, Ratchets, Etc - USA Only)
Irwin - (DIY / Professional) Locking Pliers, get rid of everything else
Bostitch - DIY / Professional (Air tools and accessories)

Lista - Combine with Vidmar (Use brand name for all storage needs)
Vidmar - Combine with Lista

 

[qqzj]

I think they simply don't have the plan to make Craftsman great again. For their power tools, they changed the appearance and put the Craftsman brand on Porter Cable. Specifically for pancake compressor, I was hoping they can use Bostitch. Nope. So I bought a Ridgid.

Same thing for other power tools.

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[zendriver]

They might be running at full production, just stockpiling everything in anticipation of the warranty returns.


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[theoldwizard1]

I would be happy to give Sears another try ...

My family has over 60 years of Sears and Kmart service. I would be surprised if any of us that are still living EVER sets foot in either of those stores again.

 

[ike]

I would have to agree.

SBD needs to do a long hard look at their brands and remove some of the crossover. Why have DeWwalt do hand tools, Craftsman do power tools or why did they water down the Stanley brand name so bad? Bring manufacturing back to US, cut out a bunch of the crossover and have brands focus on core segments / markets.

I agree, but can't see Stanley changing anything to slim down either Dewalt or Craftsman. They are putting a Craftsman logo on everything they can fit into a Lowes store at this point. I was honestly expecting to see Craftsman branded Xmas trees in the store this year.

I'm assuming Dewalt will stay Dewalt, power tools and accessories, and Craftsman will be a name they will continue to put on every tool, bucket, bin, gimmick, and gadget they can. I hope the USA made hand tools have good quality, but certainly wouldn't be shocked if they were a DIY level product. That seems to be where they are aiming the brand.

 

[justintendo]

I would have to agree.

If something broke, it was to easy to drop in to Sears and get it replaced, but I am also guessing that a large majority of people also bought something while browsing the tool section. It was a great way to keep getting people into the store. Even if they replaced every socket that someone owned, cost wise I'm guessing they were still ahead or possibly breaking even. Don't think Sear's didn't account for that warranty in the pricing structure (sales not included).

SBD needs to do a long hard look at their brands and remove some of the crossover. Why have DeWwalt do hand tools, Craftsman do power tools or why did they water down the Stanley brand name so bad? Bring manufacturing back to US, cut out a bunch of the crossover and have brands focus on core segments / markets.

Just an example:

Proto - Industrial (USA)
Brackhawk - Industrial (USA / Import)

DeWalt - Power Tools and Accessories
Porter-Cable - Kill the Brand

Mac - Automotive (USA)
Facom - Automotive (Europe / Import)

Stanley - DIY (Hand tools, USA / Import)
Craftsman - DIY (Sockets, Ratchets, Etc - USA Only)
Irwin - (DIY / Professional) Locking Pliers, get rid of everything else
Bostitch - DIY / Professional (Air tools and accessories)

Lista - Combine with Vidmar (Use brand name for all storage needs)
Vidmar - Combine with Lista

probably makes a little too much sense right?

 

[m6z]

I agree, but can't see Stanley changing anything to slim down either Dewalt or Craftsman. They are putting a Craftsman logo on everything they can fit into a Lowes store at this point. I was honestly expecting to see Craftsman branded Xmas trees in the store this year.

I'm assuming Dewalt will stay Dewalt, power tools and accessories, and Craftsman will be a name they will continue to put on every tool, bucket, bin, gimmick, and gadget they can. I hope the USA made hand tools have good quality, but certainly wouldn't be shocked if they were a DIY level product. That seems to be where they are aiming the brand.

Lol, so true.

 

[TheToolEnthusiast]

I reached out to Stanley to ask if there were any updates on the plant and their exact response was

“The plant is completed and is already in production.”

2021 already starting to look up