The "new" Craftsman tools

[Stuey]

Just got back from Baltimore, where Stanley Black & Decker launched/relaunched the Craftsman brand, now under their ownership.

Some things impressed me, other things did not. We didn't have as much time with the tools as I would have liked, but I got some good details.

I posted a pic of the new tool storage to my instagram, and will be putting images and thoughts up on ToolGuyd too. The "3000-series" has a dramatic redesign, with flat front and flat sides with recessed handles. I liked it quite a bit.

I was told by the hand tools and storage President that as of launch, 45% of the new offerings are made in USA, and in 3 years that figure will be 85%. Percentages are in terms of dollar amount.

Just about everything I saw looked to be very heavily inspired by existing SBD offerings, or existing OEM designs, such as the acetate screwdrivers. That's not a bad thing. SBD has been increasing their USA production capacity, but couldn't share specifics yet.

It looked like they went back Wilde for some things - they had a red-handled gasket scraper being used as a chocolate bar chipping tool. There were acetate handles that looked like they were made by Western Forge, but no COO markings on them yet.

I have a ton of questions I still need to ask. If there's something you want to know, I can tack it onto my list.

 

[Fedwrench]

looking forward to more pictures of individual tools,

do you think that the new Craftsman will simply be cloned versions of existing stanley/dewalt/blackhawk versions or will they be unique?

Ask them to remake the round head fine tooth quick release ratchets

 

[R_einan]

Not sure on that 3000 series box, kind of an odd drawer format. I certainly am interested to see what they can do with the hand tool side. Hopefully some will trickle into Lowe’s so I can see what they are doing in person.

 

[4xdog]

Very encouraging, Stuey. Thanks for the report. It will be a treat to be able to run down the street to get USA-made Craftsman. There are lots of different tool brands around the house, but Craftsman and SBD have taken good care of me over the years.

 

[Tom White]

Should this be merged into the existing "Craftsman News Roundup" thread? I think it would make sense rather than people having to follow two threads on the same subject?

 

[d.mcfarland]

So I wonder how much crossover there will be between Mac, Proto, Stanley, and Craftsman. Not much reason to have multiple production facilities.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Glad to hear they went back to Wilde. I've never been disappointed by a Wilde tool.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

It will be great if SB&D can maintain Craftsman as the bargain line America loves, while backing their USA pledge.

I have little or no desire for homeowner grade mechanics tools, but much of My woodworking equipment bears the Craftsman label.

 

[Gmonkee]

As a Stanley fan of my youth its good to hear that CM and other house brands are similar. Great home tools and some decent work tools.

I might even like CM again. Get some quality and consistancy back under the name stamp.

 

[MikeF2316]

I'd like to know if what you're learning 100% applies to Canada too. As you probably know, Sears Canada took Craftsman down a different and shittier road than Craftsman in USA.

 

[theoldwizard1]

It will be great if SB&D can maintain Craftsman as the bargain line America loves, while backing their USA pledge.

I would never call Craftsman a "bargain" line (except when some set went of sale a Christmas and at Father's Day). They were the best, affordable, DIY/low end professional tools available.

Where they lost a lot of customers was when the quality dropped down to the HF level but the price stayed the same.

 

[Moparman390]

Should this be merged into the existing "Craftsman News Roundup" thread? I think it would make sense rather than people having to follow two threads on the same subject?

Yes please merge it with my thread if it can be done, it would keep the discussion going in one place. It could even supersede my thread, I don't mind.

Stuey, did they show any new flex handled ratchets? I'm hoping for 72+ teeth and USA if possible. Also, was there any mention of US forging operations now or in the future?

 

[WittHay]

looking forward to more pictures of individual tools,

There appears to be a new logo beside the Craftsman name on specialty tools, probably sourced through Mac suppliers. The filter wrench looks like a Lisle.

Not sure if the scraper is a Wilde or Taiwan made

 

[fordgasm]

I'd like to know if what you're learning 100% applies to Canada too. As you probably know, Sears Canada took Craftsman down a different and shittier road than Craftsman in USA.

Didn't know that was possible.

 

[5ktq]

Canadian divison of sears started getting chinese tools a long time ago, and from what I've read on here that's a pretty recent thing in the US..?

Kind of moot now, as sears canada folded entirely last year. Though I'm not sure how the present arrangement is. I see craftsman in random hardware stores now. still chinese.

(I think the tool chests were american though).

 

[AA/FC]

Canadian divison of sears started getting chinese tools a long time ago, and from what I've read on here that's a pretty recent thing in the US..?

Kind of moot now, as sears canada folded entirely last year. Though I'm not sure how the present arrangement is. I see craftsman in random hardware stores now. still chinese.

(I think the tool chests were american though).

I would say that Sears has been sourcing Craftsman tools from China for close to 10 years now. Maybe longer. It's hard to put an exact date on it because even when the company would switch to a Chinese manufacturer for a certain product, there would still be an abundance of USA produced versions of that same tool in the supply chain. It might take several years to completely wipe out the US version of any given tool. In fact, I have personally noticed USA, and Chinese versions of the same tool, sitting in the same shelf with each other. For example, the manual brake line flaring kit.... there was 3 US versions, and a bunch of the imports versions sitting on the same shelf. lol.

 

[Stuey]

looking forward to more pictures of individual tools,

do you think that the new Craftsman will simply be cloned versions of existing stanley/dewalt/blackhawk versions or will they be unique?

Ask them to remake the round head fine tooth quick release ratchets

Me too. After presentations, we had less than 2 hours to cover everything. I took whatever photos I could, asked whatever important questions I could find someone relevant to answer, and spent the in-between time making mental notes.

Nothing looks brand new, but I'd say that the new Craftsman mechanics tools are tweaked ratchet designs and maybe restyled sockets.

They were showing off new basic wrenches and new "premium" ones.

So far, no new USA-made mechanics tools.

But, I'd say it's in consideration. They might already be increasing capacity, or they might be waiting for market performance to steer their direction.

Seeing the commitment to USA production, I'd say that select USA-made mechanics tools might in the roadmap.

The new basic ratchet will be 72T, and the premium 120T/gear system.

Not sure on that 3000 series box, kind of an odd drawer format. I certainly am interested to see what they can do with the hand tool side. Hopefully some will trickle into Lowe’s so I can see what they are doing in person.

The way it was explained to me, that flat sides help with fitting cabinets into tight spaces (I agree, side handles can stick out too much), and the flat fronts are in response to user preferences for Lista styling.

I'm all for it, since it results in drawer pulls that won't scratch my arms up when reaching to the top or side of a tool box.

So I wonder how much crossover there will be between Mac, Proto, Stanley, and Craftsman. Not much reason to have multiple production facilities.

I spotted Lenox-like hole saws, Porter Cable and Dewalt-resembling power tools, a Stanley-like pocket driver (online), Stanley-like nail sets, and so forth.

I have not seen any notable Proto or Mac crossovers.

The first 3000-series product I saw, it had a 2" butcher block top, that I later found out was simply borrowed from Mac inventory. Production models will be 1+ inches, but not quite that big.

It had a really nice hutch though, that *could* have come from an existing Mac SKU, as it certainly didn't resemble anything I've seen from Waterloo yet.

Versastak is rebranded T-stak, but with added accessories storage options.

Glad to hear they went back to Wilde. I've never been disappointed by a Wilde tool.

I *believe* they went back to Wilde. There weren't any markings, so I couldn't tell for sure.

I'd like to know if what you're learning 100% applies to Canada too. As you probably know, Sears Canada took Craftsman down a different and shittier road than Craftsman in USA.

I hope so. I'd have to double check, but I believe I heard or read optimism about this.

Stuey, did they show any new flex handled ratchets? I'm hoping for 72+ teeth and USA if possible. Also, was there any mention of US forging operations now or in the future?

Nope.

Nope.

All I was able to get, details-wise, was that dollar-percentage-wise, USA production is 45% and will increase to 85% within 3 years.

 

[R_einan]

...
The way it was explained to me, that flat sides help with fitting cabinets into tight spaces (I agree, side handles can stick out too much), and the flat fronts are in response to user preferences for Lista styling.

I'm all for it, since it results in drawer pulls that won't scratch my arms up when reaching to the top or side of a tool box.

I’m not against the flat front/sides or the pull style. My comment was directed towards the way the drawers are laid out. Not particularly convienient for organization IMO, but I don’t like having to move tools to find others. Im interested to see it in person and experience the different style drawers and pulls. Could be the perfect answer

 

[Fedwrench]

I am simply dumbfounded that the new Craftsman "premium ratchet " is an unserviceable clone of a stanley ratchet

That's the best SBD can muster?

On the other hand, if the new Craftsman 72 tooth pear head ratchet is based on the new Dewalt 72 tooth pear head ratchet, i think that would be a vast improvement over the old 36 tooth raised panel ratchet despite being made in Taiwan.

I mean, even Tekton recently released a nice looking 90 tooth ratchet that's serviceable and not expensive either.

 

[Stuey]

I’m not against the flat front/sides or the pull style. My comment was directed towards the way the drawers are laid out. Not particularly convienient for organization IMO, but I don’t like having to move tools to find others. Im interested to see it in person and experience the different style drawers and pulls. Could be the perfect answer

There will be different configurations.

The general design is the hard part; there's always the potential for different drawer sizes and layouts in the future.

I am simply dumbfounded that the new Craftsman "premium ratchet " is an unserviceable clone of a stanley ratchet

That's the best SBD can muster?

On the other hand, if the new Craftsman 72 tooth pear head ratchet is based on the new Dewalt 72 tooth pear head ratchet, i think that would be a vast improvement over the old 36 tooth raised panel ratchet despite being made in Taiwan.

I mean, even Tekton recently released a nice looking 90 tooth ratchet that's serviceable and not expensive either.

Craftsman boasted that this first wave will include 1200 new SKUs. Even considering that some of those tools are made by partnered OEMs and licensed partners, there's still a whole lot of tools that need to be manufactured using existed infrastructure.

I'm seeing some new designs and new styling, so I'm not very disappointed. And I know that more is coming.

As much as it *****, we have to be patient. Sears' destruction of the Craftsman brand didn't happen overnight, and Stanley Black & Decker's return of the brand will take a few years as well.

As it is, it will take the next 10 months until Lowes fully stocks everything on their shelves, and that's just the first wave.

I mentioned, in no uncertain terms, that I really want to see Proto influence on the next batch of USA-made tools. I also requested Facom design influence (I really like some of my Facom tools), and mentioned wanting to see new USA-made screwdrivers similar to the ones that Dewalt quietly came out with. (If I had to guess, I'd say that the Dewalt drivers are made at the same place as Proto and Mac screwdrivers.)

I tend to be forgiving because they can't just pull new production capacity out of nowhere.

 

[wyattstihl]

There will be different configurations.



The general design is the hard part; there's always the potential for different drawer sizes and layouts in the future.







Craftsman boasted that this first wave will include 1200 new SKUs. Even considering that some of those tools are made by partnered OEMs and licensed partners, there's still a whole lot of tools that need to be manufactured using existed infrastructure.



I'm seeing some new designs and new styling, so I'm not very disappointed. And I know that more is coming.



As much as it *****, we have to be patient. Sears' destruction of the Craftsman brand didn't happen overnight, and Stanley Black & Decker's return of the brand will take a few years as well.



As it is, it will take the next 10 months until Lowes fully stocks everything on their shelves, and that's just the first wave.



I mentioned, in no uncertain terms, that I really want to see Proto influence on the next batch of USA-made tools. I also requested Facom design influence (I really like some of my Facom tools), and mentioned wanting to see new USA-made screwdrivers similar to the ones that Dewalt quietly came out with. (If I had to guess, I'd say that the Dewalt drivers are made at the same place as Proto and Mac screwdrivers.)



I tend to be forgiving because they can't just pull new production capacity out of nowhere.

You have a link to the Dewalt screwdrivers by any chance?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Tom White]

.....and mentioned wanting to see new USA-made screwdrivers similar to the ones that Dewalt quietly came out with. (If I had to guess, I'd say that the Dewalt drivers are made at the same place as Proto and Mac screwdrivers.)

The Dewalt screwdrivers I've seen have been pretty much clones of Stanley screwdrivers. Are there others that perhaps I missed?

 

[sberry]

Doesn't matter much, already have too much.

 

[Stuey]

You have a link to the Dewalt screwdrivers by any chance?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/dewalt-dwht66397
https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/dewalt-dwht60446

The Dewalt screwdrivers I've seen have been pretty much clones of Stanley screwdrivers. Are there others that perhaps I missed?

Not these.
They remind me of Proto Duratek.

 

[Tom White]

https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/dewalt-dwht66397
https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/dewalt-dwht60446



Not these.
They remind me of Proto Duratek.

Both of the ones you have provided links for are almost identical to ones made under the Stanley name. Now, maybe you will not find those particular Stanleys at Lowes or Home Depot, but they are out there.

It makes sense though. after all Stanley DOES own Dewalt.

 

[PelicanPines]

Looks like I'm gonna keep an eye out for the new Craftsman.

 

[Stuey]

I’m not against the flat front/sides or the pull style. My comment was directed towards the way the drawers are laid out. Not particularly convienient for organization IMO, but I don’t like having to move tools to find others. Im interested to see it in person and experience the different style drawers and pulls. Could be the perfect answer

Honestly, I'm not sure what you mean.

There's a mobile workbench with hutch, and it looks like the lower drawers are all shallow-ish and optimized for hand tools, with the hutch designed to fit power tools and similarly bulky equipment.

The tool storage combo looks unusual, but doesn't have a different layout compared to other units of similar size. It was odd to see full-width top chest drawers mixed with a split lower configuration, but I didn't really think anything of it at the time.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Those Dewalt screwdriver sets appear to be clones of the Proto durateks or the Macs. They do look like quality drivers!

Looks like I was wrong, Mac sells for $109 and the Proto for $86 ,I guess these Dewalts are a better value at $50 than I first thought.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Nothing looks brand new, but I'd say that the new Craftsman mechanics tools are tweaked ratchet designs and maybe restyled sockets.
.
.
.
The new basic ratchet will be 72T, and the premium 120T/gear system.

So the old pear-head ratchets are gone ? Sad I have one that is over 50 years old and still gets used regularly.

 

[Stuey]

So the old pear-head ratchets are gone ? Sad I have one that is over 50 years old and still gets used regularly.

Yep.

They're pretty "gone with the old, in with the new" about certain things, and the basic raised panel wrench is one of them.

 

[Moparman390]

Basic raised panel wrenches are one of the first things they rolled out at Lowes. They call 'em "polished" but they really aren't any different.

 

[Gmonkee]

Consistancy in a decent user grade tool is the key. Years of similar styled always trustworthy stuff this generation can learn to love.

When our kids take over our toolboxes they too can feel the same trust and the legend is reborn.

 

[Andres26tnt]

the raised panel ratchets aren't gone, they are included in the regular kits. I for one don't care if they disappear its one of the worst ratchets I've used, usa made or china both were horrible in my opinion.

 

[dwasifar]

Glad to hear they went back to Wilde. I've never been disappointed by a Wilde tool.

Would it then be fair to say that you're a...

...WILDE-man??

 

[AA/FC]

Would it then be fair to say that you're a...

...WILDE-man??

Lolol.

 

[Tom White]

Yep.

They're pretty "gone with the old, in with the new" about certain things, and the basic raised panel wrench is one of them.

??? Did you really mean to say that? Look on the Lowes website. They are still around.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Would it then be fair to say that you're a...

...WILDE-man??

20 years ago maybe!

 

[Stuey]

the raised panel ratchets aren't gone, they are included in the regular kits. I for one don't care if they disappear its one of the worst ratchets I've used, usa made or china both were horrible in my opinion.

??? Did you really mean to say that? Look on the Lowes website. They are still around.

Those sets came out before Father's Day (https://toolguyd.com/first-new-craftsman-ratchets-tool-sets-appear-lowes/).

It looked to me that SBD made an arrangement with Apex Tool Group to get "current" Craftsman tool sets into Lowes stores in time for Father's Day.

Judging from what I was told by Craftsman (SBD) people, including the President of the hand tool division, I am quite convinced that they really intend to do away with as many external designs as they can.

They trashed the raised panel wrenches pretty hard. At lunch they had a demo where you had to race ratchet speeds between obstructions.

(Sorry for the low volume, it's the best we could do. Closed captioning is so-so if you cannot turn the volume up.)

~3:38: "Moving to a 72T system to align it with the rest of the market."

~3:46: "This is actually the new design, the 70T, more ergonomic, but we still kept a classic Craftsman look.

I tried my best to get as many details and insights at the event as possible, but it was really, really short.

Maybe they'll contract with Apex Tool Group in the future, but I wouldn't think so. They will likely want to keep the branding consistent, and even in-house as much as possible.

 

[M_George]

I can get a good deal on made well made in Taiwan tools any day. When I see Made In USA, that will sway me.

 

[WWheeler]

[...] They trashed the raised panel wrenches pretty hard. At lunch they had a demo where you had to race ratchet speeds between obstructions.

(Sorry for the low volume, it's the best we could do. Closed captioning is so-so if you cannot turn the volume up.)

~3:38: "Moving to a 72T system to align it with the rest of the market."

~3:46: "This is actually the new design, the 70T, more ergonomic, but we still kept a classic Craftsman look.

I tried my best to get as many details and insights at the event as possible, but it was really, really short.

Maybe they'll contract with Apex Tool Group in the future, but I wouldn't think so. They will likely want to keep the branding consistent, and even in-house as much as possible.

Thanks for that vid Stuey.

I literally cringed when he just dropped that handful of tools in the drawer and shut it (~8:09). Do people actually do that with their tools? I wonder if that isn't why the guy got up and left right after?