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Stanley Black & Decker buys Craftsman
- Thread starter Parrothead
- Start date
DudeCentric
Member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2016
- Messages
- 5
Stanley add to their long list of tool brands owned further consolidation the tool industry under their corporate umbrella. Found this infographic that shows how consolidated tools have become: http://pressurewashr.com/tool-industry-behemoths/#whoowns. It's understandable that people see this purchase as a bad thing but I think it's good. Stanley tends to make good tools and with their wealth I'm sure they will continue with the Craftsman warranty for the foreseeable future.Looks a lot like TTi, Stanley B&D, Bosch are all squaring up for all that tool revenue.
OP
Parrothead
Well-known member
ESL is a hedge fund company. He used ESL money to prop up Sears. Isn't he taking people investment to support a dieing corporation. Wouldn't the investors loose money? Isn't that illegal?
It IS illegal if done incorrectly. That's exactly why Sears HAS to make it till summer. Basically if he uses all the collateral to secure loans he knows they can't repay...it's illegal. There's a timeframe that allows you to be in the clear for that kind of manipulation and he clears it this summer.
He's been investigated by the SEC and sued by his own board so...
nbpt100
Well-known member
Dudecentric,
That is an interesting read on the Who's who in the tool industry.
I was as HD last Fall and one of the salesmen told me the Husky tools were made in the same factories that make Snap on. I found that surprising at the time and after reading this, I now know he was misinforming me. I don't want to say Lying because he may believe that.
There is certainly interrelationships that may not be fully captured in the charts as companies sub manufacturing out to others which more capacity or expertise. It is hinted to when they talk about Craftsman.
Also they failed to mention the Pittsburgh brand when they talk about HF.
Sad how all of the Milwaukee tools are now made in China.
SDB has certainly become a behemoth and has the resources to make great products if they choose to. Glad to see they still manufacture some in the USA. But, I don't expect they will be expanding here unless the Govt. gives them incentives to do so.
That is an interesting read on the Who's who in the tool industry.
I was as HD last Fall and one of the salesmen told me the Husky tools were made in the same factories that make Snap on. I found that surprising at the time and after reading this, I now know he was misinforming me. I don't want to say Lying because he may believe that.
There is certainly interrelationships that may not be fully captured in the charts as companies sub manufacturing out to others which more capacity or expertise. It is hinted to when they talk about Craftsman.
Also they failed to mention the Pittsburgh brand when they talk about HF.
Sad how all of the Milwaukee tools are now made in China.
SDB has certainly become a behemoth and has the resources to make great products if they choose to. Glad to see they still manufacture some in the USA. But, I don't expect they will be expanding here unless the Govt. gives them incentives to do so.
It IS illegal if done incorrectly. That's exactly why Sears HAS to make it till summer. Basically if he uses all the collateral to secure loans he knows they can't repay...it's illegal. There's a timeframe that allows you to be in the clear for that kind of manipulation and he clears it this summer.
He's been investigated by the SEC and sued by his own board so...
Essentially he is gambling with other people money. If it succeed, he get reward handsomely. If it fail, he loose nothing (he still actually gain based on fee he charge the investors for playing with their money), while investors that trusted him loose everything. That is why I have a distrust of hedge fund manager.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
I was talking to the owner of my sears hometown store today and he told me some very interesting news about SBD, Sears, KDC, and more...
First, the good news... He said that Stanley is committed to bring back production to the USA and that within 5 years they are hoping to be making most if not all things here! I know, I know, we'll believe it when we see it. But if that's the info he got from corporate then who am I to argue?
Second, he was telling me that they are planning on starting to sell Craftsman screwdrivers and maybe a few other small items at Walmart... I'm guessing this is kind of a test to see how they sell.
Third, they are REALLY starting to split off the Hometown & other independent stores from the corporate owned locations (Sears Holdings). They (franchises / KDC owned) will no longer "promote" Shop Your Way after this Sunday (the 26th). But I believe if you mention it they will still apply it. The Hometown stores / KDC actually get charged like 1.5% or something from the points people use (kind of like a CC fee) so KDC figured why are they bothering as it doesn't really benefit them any. You will still be able to buy online and pickup in store and do all the usual sears coupons & points and such.
First, the good news... He said that Stanley is committed to bring back production to the USA and that within 5 years they are hoping to be making most if not all things here! I know, I know, we'll believe it when we see it. But if that's the info he got from corporate then who am I to argue?
Second, he was telling me that they are planning on starting to sell Craftsman screwdrivers and maybe a few other small items at Walmart... I'm guessing this is kind of a test to see how they sell.
Third, they are REALLY starting to split off the Hometown & other independent stores from the corporate owned locations (Sears Holdings). They (franchises / KDC owned) will no longer "promote" Shop Your Way after this Sunday (the 26th). But I believe if you mention it they will still apply it. The Hometown stores / KDC actually get charged like 1.5% or something from the points people use (kind of like a CC fee) so KDC figured why are they bothering as it doesn't really benefit them any. You will still be able to buy online and pickup in store and do all the usual sears coupons & points and such.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
The Wal-mart tool selection is awful, so making shelf space for Craftsman is a no brainer.
Coach James
Well-known member
It IS illegal if done incorrectly. That's exactly why Sears HAS to make it till summer. Basically if he uses all the collateral to secure loans he knows they can't repay...it's illegal. There's a timeframe that allows you to be in the clear for that kind of manipulation and he clears it this summer.
He's been investigated by the SEC and sued by his own board so...
Lawsuits by board members and SEC investigations are nothing new and do not show any illegal or unethical activity on anyone's part. The results of the investigation and/or lawsuit are what one would need to look at.
Hedge funds are far more risky than ordinary stock mutual funds, are quite volatile and. in general, do not have good track records of making money for investors. That is why, for years, federal regulations did not allow small investors to invest in hedge funds. Hedge fund managers have almost always made out far better than the investors.
Coach
Greg85mcss
Well-known member
The new Walmart that opened about a month ago has a huge tool section. It's pretty well stocked with individual sockets, 40" boxes, miter saws & a ton of space if they condensed their displays. Probably bigger than the local sears tool department. Right now it's full of Stanley but who knows. That might be craftsman in a year.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
drink
Well-known member
I was talking to the owner of my sears hometown store today and he told me some very interesting news about SBD, Sears, KDC, and more...
First, the good news... He said that Stanley is committed to bring back production to the USA and that within 5 years they are hoping to be making most if not all things here! I know, I know, we'll believe it when we see it. But if that's the info he got from corporate then who am I to argue?
Second, he was telling me that they are planning on starting to sell Craftsman screwdrivers and maybe a few other small items at Walmart... I'm guessing this is kind of a test to see how they sell.
Third, they are REALLY starting to split off the Hometown & other independent stores from the corporate owned locations (Sears Holdings). They (franchises / KDC owned) will no longer "promote" Shop Your Way after this Sunday (the 26th). But I believe if you mention it they will still apply it. The Hometown stores / KDC actually get charged like 1.5% or something from the points people use (kind of like a CC fee) so KDC figured why are they bothering as it doesn't really benefit them any. You will still be able to buy online and pickup in store and do all the usual sears coupons & points and such.
I wonder if they will replace broken tools under warranty that were purchased before their time.
dadsEH
Well-known member
Why not, the warranty is with Craftsman , not Stanley.
WWheeler
Well-known member
The Stanley-made Craftsman and Sears' Craftsman are contracted to be completely different product lines. Sears continues to source their own tools, and Stanley is free to source their own and use the Craftsman brand as they see fit. They only bought rights to use the name, not any of the product-lines.
That said, I doubt Stanley is going to venture into the hand tools line or anything typically associated with the well-known Craftsman lifetime warranty, at least not for some time. It makes more business sense that they'll more likely focus on rebranding their Dewalt line of power tools as Craftsman and venturing into the lawn equipment market which was the real pickup for Stanley, as both of those are much more easily sold through other retailers. Getting into the hand tools market would be really messy when it comes to dealing with the warranty when they won't be selling the same tools.
That said, I doubt Stanley is going to venture into the hand tools line or anything typically associated with the well-known Craftsman lifetime warranty, at least not for some time. It makes more business sense that they'll more likely focus on rebranding their Dewalt line of power tools as Craftsman and venturing into the lawn equipment market which was the real pickup for Stanley, as both of those are much more easily sold through other retailers. Getting into the hand tools market would be really messy when it comes to dealing with the warranty when they won't be selling the same tools.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
I've noticed Walmart selection can really vary based on location. In a small town I went to visit a friend, their Walmart sold welders! Also had a couple more isles for tools and home repair. Since it was basically "the" store in town, if Walmart didn't stock it then you were SOL and had to drive an hour to another town that has a HD.
As for Warranty... Honestly EVERY brand these days has lifetime guarantees, even HF junk... I don't think Sears will last for too much longer so SBD will end up by default warrantying everything. Exchanging the occasional broken tool is a negligible cost factor when you consider a happy customer will buy MORE tools @ retail prices.
Like I said, we will have to wait and see. I'm just passing along the info that the owner of the Hometown told me.
I'm sure eventually Kenmore & DieHard will also get sold, if they can even sell them.... Not sure people are as picky about appliances & batteries as they are tools...
As for Warranty... Honestly EVERY brand these days has lifetime guarantees, even HF junk... I don't think Sears will last for too much longer so SBD will end up by default warrantying everything. Exchanging the occasional broken tool is a negligible cost factor when you consider a happy customer will buy MORE tools @ retail prices.
Like I said, we will have to wait and see. I'm just passing along the info that the owner of the Hometown told me.
I'm sure eventually Kenmore & DieHard will also get sold, if they can even sell them.... Not sure people are as picky about appliances & batteries as they are tools...
I was at my local Ace hardware earlier this week and one of the older guys working the tool department told me that if I had any Craftsman I needed warrantied, I better do it soon. He said they've been told that Stanley may not honor be honoring it soon. I don't know how true that is, or how much that is just worry.
I know they rearranged the store to be able to put up a big Tekton display. And it worked well enough to get me to bring home a 1/2" drive low-profile ratchet. I have a lot of US Craftsman, but until their quality goes back up and I know the warranty is good, I'm not buying any more
I know they rearranged the store to be able to put up a big Tekton display. And it worked well enough to get me to bring home a 1/2" drive low-profile ratchet. I have a lot of US Craftsman, but until their quality goes back up and I know the warranty is good, I'm not buying any more
drink
Well-known member
I was at my local Ace hardware earlier this week and one of the older guys working the tool department told me that if I had any Craftsman I needed warrantied, I better do it soon. He said they've been told that Stanley may not honor be honoring it soon. I don't know how true that is, or how much that is just worry.
I know they rearranged the store to be able to put up a big Tekton display. And it worked well enough to get me to bring home a 1/2" drive low-profile ratchet. I have a lot of US Craftsman, but until their quality goes back up and I know the warranty is good, I'm not buying any more
Sounds like SB&D needs to come out swinging soon and make customers want to buy their Craftsman products. Since so many others have been selling Craftsman tools some warranty claims turned difficult. Some old timers at Sears know how to give no hassle warranty service and some of the younger employees don't have a clue of how to satisfy a customer. They ask for a receipt to show proof of purchase and I think something like, "sure I just happen to have my receipt from the 1970's right here in my pocket." Currently I am stocked up on USA Craftsman to the point where I am not running to the store to buy more either. I agree with you on saying, "I have a lot of US Craftsman, but until their quality goes back up and I know the warranty is good, I'm not buying any more."
nbpt100
Well-known member
I would be astonished if SBD does not honor the Cman warrantee. After all, What is the point of paying all the money for the brand if you are going to kill it! As pointed out in an earlier post almost all hand tools carry a lifetime warrantee. The question is how easy will it be to use it.
My local Ace Hardware told me they will only honor Cman warrantees if you bought the tool from them. I guess you have to provide a sales reciept to prove where you bought it. If that is going to be SBD policy I think that *****. But lets see what officially comes down before we assume too much.
When you have a retail store who may sell 4 or 5 brands of tools they may want to push the brand that gives them the best incentives that month.
It would be very encouraging if SBD brings the china made Cman products back to the US. We can only hope!
My local Ace Hardware told me they will only honor Cman warrantees if you bought the tool from them. I guess you have to provide a sales reciept to prove where you bought it. If that is going to be SBD policy I think that *****. But lets see what officially comes down before we assume too much.
When you have a retail store who may sell 4 or 5 brands of tools they may want to push the brand that gives them the best incentives that month.
It would be very encouraging if SBD brings the china made Cman products back to the US. We can only hope!
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Well, I think what happened was KDC (which is a separate entity from Sears Holdings) started letting every tom, ****, and harry stock Craftsman products in order to try and improve sales, but many of those places can't or don't want to handle warranty and tell you to go to a Sears store...
I think with SBD taking over it will get better... At least they aren't running their brand names into the ground...
I think with SBD taking over it will get better... At least they aren't running their brand names into the ground...
drink
Well-known member
I would be astonished if SBD does not honor the Cman warrantee. After all, What is the point of paying all the money for the brand if you are going to kill it! As pointed out in an earlier post almost all hand tools carry a lifetime warrantee. The question is how easy will it be to use it.
My local Ace Hardware told me they will only honor Cman warrantees if you bought the tool from them. I guess you have to provide a sales reciept to prove where you bought it. If that is going to be SBD policy I think that *****. But lets see what officially comes down before we assume too much.
When you have a retail store who may sell 4 or 5 brands of tools they may want to push the brand that gives them the best incentives that month.
It would be very encouraging if SBD brings the china made Cman products back to the US. We can only hope!
Does Ace enter their Craftsman tool purchasers into a store warranty database, or do they ask you to keep a copy of a receipt in your pocket for a lifetime? Some stores keep a database and all you have to do is get them to look up your purchase history with your phone number. From what I have heard a lot of Ace stores are independently operated so I have my doubts they will have a national warranty database. Being able to get a tool replaced whereever you happen to be might be a challenge. I have my doubts about how well a warranty will be honored. It seems like a lot of places sell people on a lifetime warranty but fudge their way out of it when they get asked to perform warranty service.
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Schurkey
Well-known member
Are you insane?I think with SBD taking over it will get better... At least they aren't running their brand names into the ground...
Black and Decker used to be industrial-grade tools. Now it's consumer junk--coffee makers and toaster ovens included; so bad they had to start promoting DeWalt...which is becoming consumer-grade junk although they're not there yet. I used to think that Porter-Cable was top-notch, but I may have been deluded. I don't know where it fits into the Stanley Madhouse relative to B&D and DeWalt.
Want to explain what happened to Blackhawk tools under Stanley ownership?
Stanley-branded tools are all Chinese garbage.
Mac, Proto, and Facom are hanging on...I guess. Some products are shared across all three lines, with different badging and color schemes. There's lots of outsourcing to Asia, too...so things aren't overly rosy there either.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
Okay... Well what I meant is at least SBD is staying a profitable company, unlike Sears that is sinking like the Titanic with the inevitable end of the company going belly up.
Yes, many brands of the past were much better quality, but to stay competitive and fit the budget of the larger market segments prices had to be cut, and in turn quality suffered. You can still buy high-quality tools, you are just going to pay out the nose for them and for a homeowner that might use a tool once a month it wouldn't make sense.
Yes, many brands of the past were much better quality, but to stay competitive and fit the budget of the larger market segments prices had to be cut, and in turn quality suffered. You can still buy high-quality tools, you are just going to pay out the nose for them and for a homeowner that might use a tool once a month it wouldn't make sense.
Zeke
Well-known member
Okay... Well what I meant is at least SBD is staying a profitable company, unlike Sears that is sinking like the Titanic with the inevitable end of the company going belly up.
Yes, many brands of the past were much better quality, but to stay competitive and fit the budget of the larger market segments prices had to be cut, and in turn quality suffered. You can still buy high-quality tools, you are just going to pay out the nose for them and for a homeowner that might use a tool once a month it wouldn't make sense.
Tools can last a few lifetimes. The better ones seem to be kept track of and looked after. The junk ends up in a pawn shop barrel of "you pick — 50 cents each."
However, it's difficult to draw an arbitrary line of what's a good tool and what is junk when you're talking CM. It's been a slow decline. Some would say that line is when the manufacturing went overseas. There is still a lot of crossover as some lines went OS while others were still USA made. If you value the tool by the COO, then you might have some sockets next to some ratchets and extensions that you use together but some of them may not be of the value you'd like to think they are.
If any of that makes sense.
None of that worries me as I might just happen to use a Proto ratchet on a HF socket. Or vice versa.