A Brief History of Craftsman Tools
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- A Brief History of Craftsman Tools - I got a lot of requests to cover other tools and even other businesses but by the far the most requested was the iconic Craftsman brand.
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What Brand or Business would you like me to cover next in the series?
Bosch or Makita
How about Stihl. I think they are not what they used to be- and not in a good way.
I’d like to see WEN, apparently they’ve been around for a little while but I’m just now starting to look at them. Also Stanley before the B&D days and Starrett would be interesting
how about history of Snap On. I can't afford um but I know they are good!
You should do Festool next. Keep up the great work!
Back in the 60's for xmas my dad gave me a craftsman tool box with a set of 1/2 inch socket set with ratchet, extensions and a breaker bar. It's the only present that I got as a kid that I still have! (thanks Dad!)
Was that the set with the gray steel 'tent-type' tool box and a speed wrench? I too received one from my father in '66. That original set sits in the front of my socket drawer along with the metrics, SAE's, deep wells, 3/8" and 1/4" (all made in the USA) that I accumulated while I twisted wrenches for fun and savings. My roller cabinet is a home made bear that is red and gray like the early 70's tool boxes. Just completed a major project on the front suspension of the old pickup and while wiping the tools and putting things away it struck me as to how fortunate I was to have to have had a Dad who knew putting a good tool in a 15 year old's hand was a good idea. Never made a dime with them, but did save a small fortune. And, after my 'on-my-own' project, I had the confidence to tackle just about anything.
Wow how old are you guys? I'm 33 🤔
@@Leveluplivin Your a "Pup".. They are talking the 60's man. Peace, love, rock'n roll!! You know!!
The first tools I ever bought were Craftsman. All my friends had S-K Tools but I thought the ratchets sounded "tinny" and I lived right down the street from a Sears, so that's where I went. That was 1974 and I still have most of those tools. I turned wrenches professionally for a few years and at one time somebody broke into my box and stole a crapload of my stuff. I was PISSED as you can imagine, but they ignored my good old faithful Craftsman stuff. Now I am retired but I still use my old friends nearly every day for something. I was working under the sink just this morning taking care of a leak and I used a 46 year old wrench to make it stop. I would like to be buried with them, but instead I think I'll pass them on to my son-in-law. He's a good kid and needs some Made In USA tools in his box.
I’m in my 50s and my first set of Craftsman was also received from my Dad 30 years ago. It was a 300+ piece set along with a Craftsman 6 drawers top box. The whole set along with the box got stolen a few years later by a garage break in. I was so sad and purchased another set from Sears but they are not made in USA anymore but still good in quality. I still using them to fix my vehicles. Love them very much.
My first and the majority of my tools are Craftsman. I bent a small open end wrench holding a top of a shock and the next day went to Sears with no questions asked they replaced it. I also had a ratchet that would lock up under pressure, they replaced it with the new quick release button type.
Craftsman was quality, good price and warranty.
I remember back in the 90's any Craftsman hand tools I owned could easily be exchanged at Sears with no questions asked if the tool showed almost any wear and tear damage. Ahh the good 'ol days👍
Same is true for the current line
Many years ago, I worked part time on and off for Sears including a 2 year stint in the hardware department. Sometimes it was unbelievable what condition some tools were in returned for warranty replacement. One of my most memorable was guy that came in with a screwdriver that was used as welding rod. We replaced it no questions asked. In another case and older gentleman came in with an antique Craftsman ½’ ratchet. He wanted it repaired but we did not have any repair kits available for this old tool and no direct replacement that looked and felt like his old ratchet. The guy was almost in tears that his beloved Craftsman ratchet could not be fixed. Ultimately we gave him our best ½’ drive ratchet and let him keep his old ratchet. That was the best we could do for him. That certainly not what Sears would do today.
I'd like to see something on Snap On. Maybe we might get a clue as to why a $95 socket set costs $400..... Shine On !
One of the overlooked aspects of Sears Craftsman and the other Sears brand names was the Sears Warehouse system. The Warehouse was also the service and parts system for any Sears power tool or appliance. If you needed a switch or a bearing for a Sears product, the Warehouse was one stop shipping. They kept the most common parts in stock and could order anything else. That is a real loss.
they have something similar online with sear parts direct, its ok for the most part but I mean I am able to source parts for old outdoor equipment and engines that I fix for people so it gets the job done
Both of my grandfathers always swore by Craftsman, they used used them during WWII and after which is why I got into into using Craftsman as well. Nice vid...Keep up the Great Work!
Eric Townsley I still like craftsman stuff. I remember buying my first set in the early 80’s and was told get a good American set that will last you a lifetime! Still have that same set! Damn near 40 years later. :-)
I have Craftsman tools I still use that my Grandfather owned and I suspect were originally bought by my Great Grandfather for his work.
Thanks for the History because I had wondered about them.
I began my Craftsman collection in my early teens. It began when I was a child...discovered the 'magic' of tools after my late Grandfather bought me my first tool...a small Stanley monkey wrench. It was made in the USA, and held up until my younger brother lost it. I think stole it from him. But this was a decade later. When I could afford tools of my own, I bought that first junk Chinesium set of sockets and 3/8" ratchet for $5. It imploded of course. And learned the importance of quality made in the USA tools. Graduating high school, I invested my limited funds into a Craftsman large combo set of all drive sizes and sockets. It was a thrill! And I built up my tool collection with each task in the garage, to working in construction. 30 years of tools, must have been over $10K invested, covering power tools, carpentry, mechanics, specialty bicycle tools, air tools, lifts, carts and cabinets. Long story short....I married the wrong woman...a real toxic witch. She had an affair with a cop in the next city over, and they conspired to serve me with a hostile divorce. She was only interested in the green card I could offer her, and to rob me of my assets, and even went so far to swindle my parents' retirement fund. Well, she stole everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, even my clothes. family heirlooms, basically all my possessions deemed valuable. She defied a judges ruling to return my 'half', after a 2+ year long divorce that costed $40+K in legal fees. She was a clinical sociopath. I guess I was lucky to be alive, as she thought about getting me whacked in hind sight. But my precious and much loved and journeyed Craftsman tools were all gone. A friend gifted me some old tools he found and no longer used...and happily, there were a few Craftsman pieces. I managed to return them for free replacements before Sears went bankrupt. So at least I have a set of decent screwdrivers, and a classic 3/8" ratchet. I have the bare minimum of tools these days, as my life was irreparably destroyed by the divorce. I lost my house that I bought, lost my career due to the accusations, and everything I held dear in the past decades of my life. I was able to fix almost anything back in the day, but I can't fix this. I'm too old to start over. But I look back and fondly remember my late grandfather who sparked a passion in me when he agreed to buy me that wrench in our local hardware store. Oh the joyous days of able to fix my tricycle, then my bicycle, then my first car. I pity the young generations that live a digital existence, and will never experience the fun, fulfillment, and experiences that we had growing up, that shaped and molded us into well-rounded and capable individuals.
Damn
My first credit card was Sears so I could buy Craftsman tools!
Al Fabeech I knew that they even started Coldwell Banker
I remember in the late seventies hearing Paul Harvey on the radio telling the rest of the story about the guy who invented the " quick release ratchet " and how Sears stole it and totally screwed the guy over …
Im just glad they sold the brand so we are lucky enough to still have them.
For whatever it’s worth, my experience with craftsman battery powered tools hasn’t been great: however, their hand tools have been fantastic for me. I still have, in great condition I might add, sockets, wrenches & ratchets that are still great performers and that I purchased decades ago as a teenager. I see a bright future for Craftsman under the American owned Stanley Black & Decker Company. I do believe their new battery powered tools will be great performers going forward👍🏻
I briefly returned to California around 1994, and worked at the Madonna Plaza Sears. I was a Craftsman salesman and also mixed paint. I learned how to take apart ratchets and replace the guts, as part of the guarantee. Before they closed, I saw Craftsman in K-Mart. Snap-on also made tools for WWII. They were unplated and the model #s ended with -M. A truck driver told me not to request service on the 1/2" ratchet I have. It functions perfectly still. Snap-on dealers are told to treat these tools as stolen property. Living here in Hawaii, a lot of government property went home with the workforce and is in civilian circulation
Snap On Is the Next Tool Company id Like to See The History Of Next Red 😀😎👍🏼
Same here
Same here
As a young mechanic in training, going to school and starting a long career as a tech, I purchased my starter set of tools (all Craftsman mechanics sets) of made in the USA /lifetime warranty Craftsman basic tools and all of the other basics that went with it. Several decades later, I've never had to replace any of those tools and they look like new and function perfectly. Sure I have added several other tools from all brands through the years, but that original set of sockets, wrenches, and other basics still remains like new.
In my opinion SK is the new Craftsmen.
Reasonably priced and made in the USA..
You should do a video on SK and their new plant in Sycamore IL.
you are the only other person ive EVER seen know what SK tools even is! they def need better marketing. well cheaper prices would be nice too, but def the best tools ive ever used
Those tools seem awesome but they’re expensive as shit. Their ratchet sets and hammers are through the roof
@@moparjalopy8223 When I was working there, I can't count how many times people would bring in a box of tools and mixed in would be some SK. Sometimes people would say that it had a lifetime warranty: "Yeah, but you need to go through SK."
How can S-K be the new Craftsman when they are older than Craftsman? S-K was one of the companies that manufactured tools for Sears under the Craftsman label in the late 1920s when the Craftsman brand name was first introduced.
In any case, S-K's recent prices are ridiculous. Their latest ratchets for example are priced like Snap-on, Mac, and other tool truck brands. This long-handle 3/8" drive ratchet is $116.42 for example...
sktools.com/shop/3-8-drive-lp90-fixed-head-ratchet-8-in.html
... which is only about $12 less than this similar Snap-on ratchet ($128.50)...
shop.snapon.com/product/Dual-80-Technology-Ratchets-(3-8%22)/3-8%22-Drive-Dual-80-Technology-Long-Handle-Ratchet/FL80
... and only 57 cents less than this similar Mac ratchet ($116.99):
www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratchets-and-Accessories/3-8-Drive/1e3b1617-518c-42fe-bbc4-a2eb010594c2/3-8-Drive-Metal-Pear-head-Ratchets/XR12K/3-8-Drive-Knurled-Pear-Head-Ratchet-12
@@moparjalopy8223 I have a SK 3/8 drive socket set, I got in 2016, and had to look for a while to fine a USA socket sets. I knew of SK from many years ago, but only could fine in on Amazon
Thanks for the show, Enjoyed, Grew up with Sears Craftsman tools all over the house, In the 70s I worked at a Sears store selling tools and Paint. You really never heard much of most of the other brands, My father owned a construction company and did buy Porter cable saws, But mostly Craftsman. At one time Sears would even warranty exchange saw blades and tape measures. Black/Decker tools were sold at discount stores in the 60s,70s and 80s and were viewed as economy tools. later from Texas.
They should mark them "Not made or sold or associated with Fast Eddie "
About 13 years ago, I bought a Craftsman Lawnmower from Sears. It still runs well. I saw Craftsman tools sold at Ace's Hardware. As you know, Sears sold the Craftsman tools brand. I can't see Sears surviving after 2019, so they are not likely to exist 15 years from now.
I bought my first Craftsman tool set at age 13, I used my separation pay from the army to buy the master mechanics set in 1990. In the years that followed I fed my family and raised 2 sons at the end of a Craftsman tool. Today my oldest son who happens to be the head mechanic in the shop I work at won’t even borrow one of the “ old mans” Craftsman tools. Oh how the mighty have fallen! Hopefully Stanley will do right by the Craftsman name.
As a DIY guy, and being old school, I have lots of Craftsman tools, both power and hand tools.
I've had great results and the stores always replaced broken tools.
I hope they continue making quality tools.
Thanks for sharing this interesting video. They are informative and entertaining.
When I was growing up in the 50's and 60's we went to Sears for Craftsman tools. I well remember my first screw driver that was given to me by a lady I worked with. I had had it about 5 years, and the tip broke off. This was in the late 70's. I took to our local Sears showed to a salesman he walked over to the screwdrivers got a new one and handed to me. Like they said no questions asked. Tot his day I still have all the Craftsman wrenches and sockets my dad had, as well as his 9" Table saw! It has a metal frame and top and still out performs my 10" Ryobi Table saw. Unfortunately my Ryobi case was made out of plastic and dry rotted. Now I am trying to make a new case for my table saw, but being disabled with multiple medical problems it's taking me a while.
Just found this "history" series. Very enjoyable. Thank you "Bear". I have a real soft spot for Sears and the USA made Craftsman brand of old. When I was very young, I didn't even realize there were other good tools besides Craftsman. (as an aside, my dad never bought the good stuff but even the cheap stuff he bought was USA made in those days- I still have some). That is all my friends' fathers had. Even the independent mechanics we used had them. In the fall of 1970 I started working in Sears hardware department part time while in college and began my collection with my 10% employee discount. Everything from the basic wrenches and screwdrivers on up through the tool boxes and in later years tool cabinets, shovels, rakes, lawnmowers, you name it. The only thing I ever had to warranty was a hand pruner. Even bought some for dad on birthdays. That Sears warranty was sacrosanct. We were taking in tools weekly. Mostly cracked sockets. An occasional bent breaker bar. Never a question asked no matter how obvious it was that there was abuse.
As soon as Lampert took over Sears everyone said it was done and they were right. He was not a retail guy. He was a real estate guy and he wanted Sears real estate assets and proceeded to run Sears into the ground and ruin the Craftsman brand as well. I can't even remember the last time I was in a Sears. So sad. Hopefully there is a special place in hell for Lampert.
Kudos to Stanley if they are indeed honoring the lifetime warranty. Also for bringing back whatever work they can.
I've always looked down on Craftsman. But I worked at Irwin, my neighbors worked for Mac Tools up the road in Sabina.
I have a set of SK Tools with American made Craftsman as back-up tools.
After 30 years or more, I have greater respect for Craftsman Tools. Although not the new Chinese stuff.
I bought a 230 piece Metric & SAE tool set from Sears in 2002. It was (still is) my only home garage socket set. They've been used in over a dozen of my cars over the years and they've held up without any issues. I think I paid $150 at the time.
Old craftsman tools that were made in the USA except for the ratchets, just my opinion, were great tools. I’ve got a lot of the old wood working tools I’ve bought from estate sales they are still going
If you go into True Value you will see screwdrivers that look exactly like the classic Craftsman drivers. The brand is Master Mechanic and they are made in the USA(Chicago).
Thanks a always thought that handle design was the best!
@asrr62 unfortunately the company went under after many years and they are now made in china.
When I got married in the 90's my brother gave me a set of wrenches, sockets and screwdrivers for a wedding gift. And I was pleased! I still have most of them -- except the ones my son lost or "borrowed". I'd love to replace the lost ones with new ones. I stopped buying Craftsman after Fast Eddie closed our local rural Sears about 10 years ago. Why buy if I had to go 50 miles to replace a broken wrench?
I remember when Craftsman was the go to brand. My dad had tons of Craftsman tools. When I started buying tools in the early 90's I went to sears because that was the place to go. For years sears went downhill and the tools became harder and harder to find and trust. I'm glad that Craftsman got bought by Stanley/Black and Decker. I can't tell you how happy I am to go to Lowes and see the american flag on Craftsman tools. I know they're not fully made in america but it's a step in the right direction...
Henry Ford first popularized the use of vanadium-alloy steels. SK made many tools for the Craftsman tool line. 6:07 the Quick Release ratchet was the subject of protracted litigation over patent royalties.
I am so glad I bought all my Craftsman hand tools years ago. They are all "old school" Craftsman, and I bought many of them as used sets from local private sellers through bargain newspapers, and classified ads. Yeah, remember those. I have all the tools I will ever need, and can pass them down.
Got to say I love the history of industrial companies since I am one.
I use to have a decent little Craftsman tool collection I got for a birthday gift in the late 90s. I was so proud of it I carried it in the trunk of my car. I got in a car accident one day and it got lost, stolen by the tow company, or otherwise disappeared in the commotion. I no longer feel Craftsman is as good as it once was and now find myself buying HF tools. I don't particularly like buying foreign made merch, but most of the stuff sold today is foreign. I'd like to buy a good quality American set of tools at an affordable price, but those days are gone.
My first job in high school was Sears hardware 1985. Went to work for tool company supplied to big 3. Danahar located in North Carolina was making craftsman tools they also made Napa & Armstrong.all 3 are the same
I worked for Sears for many years. Sears has a long history of trying to screw people but that can be said of many major companies. Sears screwed the inventor of the quick release ratchet and years later the courts awarded him more money. Roto-zip was screwed by Sears. Loggerhead.
As for the lifetime warranty on handtools not being honored, that really was a local thing. Warranty replacements come out of each store's bottom line. Seriously, that money is not refunded by corporate to the stores. So managers would impose rules like "no rusty tools" or "only ten tools per day." We would get memos on a regular basis directing us to replace rusty tools, etc. but local managers would still invent their own rules.
One thing that caused much consternation among customer was the "repair or replacement" wording of the warranty. We would rebuild ratchets, old handle with all new guts. Customers would get upset over that, mostly because stupid managers, trying to save a buck, would rebuild rusty and seriously damaged handles.
Discontinuing of some tools is just something that happens. I have Craftsman distributor wrenches. No one has made a distributor wrench for over a decade because cars no longer have distributors. The official Sears policy on discontinued tools was to either replace it with something of comparable value or, believe it or not, a refund of the purchase price.
There is some irony with Apex. When Danaher Tool Group was making the wrenches and sockets for Craftsman, they were mostly made in the USA. Danaher received an award from Massachusetts for keeping manufacturing in the state. Shortly thereafter, Apex bought Danaher and shut down US manufacturing and moved everything overseas. Sadly, we did not see our wholesale price drop to reflect the savings in manufacturing cost.
Instead of saving Sears, Fast Eddie destroyed an American icon by playing financial games he'll walk away smelling like a rose and, as always, the people at the bottom get screwed. The store that I worked at just closed. That store employed over 100 people, many of whom were full time and had worked there for the better part of their lives. One woman celebrated her 40th Sears anniversary on the day they announced the store closing. A friend and former coworker, had 32 years at that store, he started when he was 18.
I own 2 50's circular saws, and a belt sander, used to have a regular sander as well as a jig saw. Most of my hand tools are 30 yrs. old
Ive inherited craftsman from my dad AND my grandfather
Those decade old tools still work great, and all the toolboxes need is a little spray grease here and there on thw tracks
40 years of use and still going strong
I inherited my Dad's tools and that includes loads of Craftsman hand tools that were made in the 40's and 50's. Decades of use, but they're all still good. In the 80's, a Craftsman hacksaw broke (good of the good-better-best line). The pin that holds the blade snapped. It had to be 30 years old. But I returned it to Sears and they graciously replaced it with a best (of the good-better-best line) and I've been using it ever since.
Thanks for bringing out the history of these companies it's interesting to know history of places.
As for Stanley Black & Decker they have a massive facility right on the South Carolina North Carolina border right next to Carowinds Water Park.
Sometime recently they just built another massive facility so I'm sure that Craftsman is being built there as well as the Stanley and Black & Decker tools.
Vanadium.
Va nay dee um.
That's easy for you to say!
Mo lib di num di sul fide
steve
Steve Skouson very nice I was curious how many people knew how to say that I'm one of few around here that can say it right lol
Macadamia
How about a deep dive into what was The Cooper Tool Group: Plumb hammers, Crescent wrenches, Weller soldering irons, Xelite drivers, etc.
Hat's off to Stanley Black and Decker for doing their best to save a piece of Americana.
Last year, I bought a Husky 268 piece, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 wrench set with nice plastic case, flip top and two slide out drawers, for $100, at Home Depot. I'm very impressed with the quality, the fit and finish, which seems to rival any Craftsman tool I've ever seen.
As for Harbor Freight, many of their tools seem to have improved in quality in the last few years. My suggestion is where they make several grades of tool, don't buy the cheapest version since it may be junk. They are now promoting lines of power tools that they are positioning to compete with Milwaukee, DeWalt, Rigid, etc. And, they have jumped their prices up on those lines.
While in the Air Force I bought my first toolbox and tool set in 1967, Craftsman of course. The quick release 3/8ths socket wrench is even marked "1967", still have them all. A few years later I was traveling to another base and was looking for something in my overstuffed trunk, the Craftsman automotive vacuum gage fell on the pavement. I drove to the nearest Sears in Omaha and traded the broken one for a brand new, in the box replacement, no questions asked.
I would really like to see a history of Starrett. Thanks for the great info.
Here's an idea, as someone who lives in northern illinois Indestro mfg co/ duro metal co. Also, montgomery wards powerkraft, I think that what it is called. Hey if you do sears at least do their main competitor.
Great vídeo! I remember going down to Sears with mom and dad picking up a craftsman tool, good old memories. Just hope now that they can keep up and not kill the craftsman name.
Great info on Craftsman and Sears. Wish more people knew this. Thanks for your time.
Go Stanley! I'm impatiently waiting for the news the Craftsman hand tools are made in the US again. Another longtime fan here, really wanting his favorite brand to come back to credibility.
I have some ancient Sears ""Companion"" stationary power tools. The sanding station with the compound miter table is still an awesome tool. These were cast iron bodies, with spring lid oiler ports, that are readily replaceable with standard modern grease zirks. The old ball bearing races can also be replaced too, IF NEEDED.
Utica & Bonney made some of the specialty Craftsman tools. Sears never ever really MADE anything. You could buy a Fabrique Nationale Mauser action .30-06 under the JC Higgins brand name. The remainder of JC Higgins guns were usually Marlin, Savage Stevens, H&R, Iver Johnson and that's about it, and the same for Ward's Western Field guns. Go back 150 years, and you could buy Colt revolvers from Sears. Western Forge also made tools for Home Depot. Western Forge's steel is actually quite excellent. Sears Crapsman is not worth owning, even the older USA made stuff. It has no warranty now, and it's just not a replaceable tool anymore. Sears' Emerson power tools are generally CRAP. Sears is not worthy of selling tools anymore. I'd sooner buy from Horrible Fright and Sears can get bent. Honestly the Stanley socket sets sold at Walmart are quite decent, and you get an 18mm! Why doesn't Harbor Freight put 18mm in their socket sets? And they don't sell open stock.
I would really like to see a very detailed history video of Proto. I was suprised to see that that you did not have one yet.
The sears in Sioux Falls here just closed this month. I used to troll the tool isles looking for a good deal on any tool I thought I would need in the future. Then I noticed they were all going to import status. ... not Germany or Japan either. Luckily I got most of it bought before 2008. Not that the warranty is any good anymore!
The rise and fall of Porter Cable (BTW... take a real close look at the Craftsman cordless tool line-up, and it's basically Porter-Cable stuff with different colors. Some of the items they didn't even bother to change the castings/cases/grips, even just a little bit)
My father passed away the other day. But, before he did he gifted me his tool collection, which includes a 1935 craftsman jointer. It needs some work, along with a new set of knives..I found two set of nos blades AND the original manual and parts list.
A real find was my craftsman blue enamel 9" wood lathe. It came with the stand and 12 blue and red handled handle chisels. This was made by Atlas. I found the lathe and chisels at a junk store, tools, base and trailer rental, for delivery, for under 150$. This has really lanched some workshop time Turing spindles .
How about the history of Rockwell Tools and what became of them. My Dad still has a couple reciprocating saws he bought in the early 70s. They were used everyday for years in the construction trade as he installed rough heating in residential.
It's kind of crazy how all these "different Brands" are really owned by the same parent companies. Thanks for a great and enlightening video
Wow!!! You already predicted the demise of Porter Cable even back then. Great job being able to tell the future on this one. It completely correlates with your most recent Porter Cable video.
Another top quality video from DaBear.....a sterling silver one.
About 1970 Craftsman put a tool truck in Jacksonville, FL. Sears found out quickly that tools was not their business, especially when mechanics began to reach into corners and pull broken tools out and want them replaced. So much for a tool truck from Sears, it was pulled off the road, quickly! And it made NO money for them...........
Love the History of "insert tool brand here" videos! Keep 'em coming.
Thanks ! Didn’t know the history of Craftsman.
I agree with you Porter-Cable will be phased out or just be some minor brand that might be sold off in the future.
I've still got my Craftsman 101 piece Mechanic's Socket set (33-101) I bought 20 years ago. I believe it was one of the last mad in USA sets they produced. And no bits to up the piece count either. Still use it all the time.
I have a bunch of old Easco tools. I don't remember when or where I got them, but I do remember being told that they made Craftsman tools. I did a Google search after watching this video and it turns out to be true. BUT you mentioned APEX and Easco was rolled into that company some time ago, so you weren't wrong.
I am seriously hoping Craftsman makes it. I honestly think they will be the next new great thing. Stanley is doing it right. Moving most of the manufacturing BACK to USA is the best thing anyone could do. For that, I am going all in. My plan in to completely switch to Craftsman. Providing they keep there promises. They need to hurry though. It's hard for me to skip the likes of Husky and their lifetime warranty also. And easier to replace if needed. But it's the cordless line I want the most. With a huge, vast array of cordless tools and equipment.
I'm looking to replace my current cordless tools. I've got the Kobalt ones that Lowes sent me for review. They are great but the line is very limited. I was considering trying the new Craftsman line but it's a hard move to make when you consider the value and warranty offered by Ridgid.
Thanks Guys - - - - And Gals !
Exactly why, I'm looking at Harbor Freight, for the tools I need for my project.
The news about Stanley acquiring the rights to the Craftsmen name to me is fantastic. I've known for quite some time that Craftsmen were not what they used to be, and that they were no longer honoring their "lifetime warranty", but didn't know why. Like many people, I thought Sears had acquired K-Mart, not the other way around. I've actually brought broken sockets into Sears in the past and had them simply hand me a new one.
On the other hand, I have a mid-size Stanley mechanics tool set that I bought ~20 years ago, with well-designed ergonomic wrenches, ratchets and screwdrivers, and haven't broken one yet. Even better is their commitment to honor Craftsmen's warranty.
Mr. Bear - how about Owatonna Tools? (Owatonna, MN) In working with Pittsburgh Test Labs in the 80's I ran across a 3/4" drive monster of a torque wrench. When my Indiana farmer father-in-law passed in 2006 I found a complete set of combo wrenches from 1/4" to 1 1/2". They were quite comfortable even though they did not have the offset on the box end we see today. Also they were not plated. Thanks
Wow, never heard of them. I'll have to look into that.
I still have and use my father's old Craftsman ratchets and sockets from the 50s. When I bought my own cabinets and auto tools, I stuck with Craftsman. Did have trouble 10 years ago trying to turn in 2 screwdrivers, I was told at Sears if its on the shelf I can swap them. All the screwdrivers were in sets... Went to Lowe's today and saw a mess of Craftsman tool sets for sale. Checked online for a tall cabinet, and I'm debating between the Craftsman 72" high cabinet or the HF 55" tall cabinet. I do get a 10% veteran discount at Lowe's, so I'm leaning toward them. Will have to try to exchange those broken screwdrivers! Enjoyed the video very much. BTW, Sears stock is ~ $2 a share now. Not much longer...
Personally I would pick the Harbor Freight, the US General tool boxes are surprisingly good quality. Thank you for your service as well!
Second HF. They are very good quality. Plus use a coupon and they are priced right
I would like to learn about Proto tools
I worked for Sears selling tools during a lot of this. It was horrible experiencing one bad upper management decision after another, watching the Sears and Craftsman names getting more and more tarnished. I was on the front lines hearing the customer complaints.
My hats off to Stanley for keeping Craftsman brand alive , I have just about every tool out there including Pittsburgh tools and you right bear that there agood tool . Whatever happened to the old Thorsen or S&K brand tools .
Great video. Thanks for sharing, What about Western Auto or the old Firestone stores.
casey 1959 Western Auto was owned by Sears and was sold to Advance Auto.
Who knew a talking bear smoking a cigar could provide such useful information!
Mr bear, i do enjoy these videos. This one in particular. Growing up (i’m 21) my grandfather, uncles and everyone around me used craftsman tools. That was all i ever knew. Looking at craftsman now, its nothing like it used to be. The quality is 1/4 of what it used to be.
i have high hopes for SBD with them, and i hope they use them as an outlet to chase the homegamer auto mechanic like Milwaukee is doing. I just recently purchase the 51pc kit from lowes. I’ll do a review of it here soon.
I still have a rachetch set that my dad got me back in the 90's and I still have it
I think Sears should have just pulled back to what they were, tools, outdoor power equipment and Kenmore. WE had a store that this was all they sold and it was making money, but the moved it into a mall and made it a Sears Grand which most everyone hated.
I've got some of the newer craftsman hand tools, purchased within the last 2 years, and they honestly hold up fine. Nothing like the old things I've gotten from garage sales, of course, but I've had no problems with the pieces I do have. My local Sears actually remodeled their entire tool section within the past 6 months and after playing with some of the displays a bit, I have to say the craftsman cabinets and power tools generally look and feel way better than HF's, and the ones that seem like they're on even footing tend to cost less when you factor in the whole points and generic dollar-off coupons sears has. The only piece I've really had issues with is a speed square that had some of the degrees scale mutilated in shipping, which is more of an issue with the warehouse it was sent from than the tool itself.
It's so true about the warranties on how companies like the Ace store here where I live they completely declined every Craftsman warranty tool even if you walk out the door try to use it on your car out in the parking lot and brakes on you they will not reimburse you for it. It's the whole reason why I don't even bother buying Craftsman anymore other than maybe a set of sockets and those are only Chrome ones that I'll probably buy. I just wish them being owned by Stanley along with Mac me and owned by Stanley Black & Decker that the Mack trucks would end up dealing with them because at least those guys warranty everything
Do a video on Proto tools. They have been around since 1907.
From my understanding, Proto made a lot of Craftsman and Matco tools back in the day, really heavy duity stuff
😀👍🏼 Shine on Red Love this Series 😀👍🏼
I really liked this one. Watched it twice. Good information. Teach me more about Harbor Freight. What tools are guaranteed?
Great video. I would love to see a video on Tekton and Gearwrench.
If anybody wants a good set of Sears/Craftsman tools, look around on eBay I see them there all the time. Yard sales, garage sales, estate sales and probably even flea markets I’m sure, would have some of the sears quality tools for a cheap price.
True value store sold the master mechanic brand of power tools had a drill of theirs for years, don't know if they still make them.
For years I bought Craftsman and liked them. I use a lot of hand tools but my allen wrenches I use every single day, I use them enough I usually buy a new set every year. I was going to a job a few years ago and for some reason (I don't remember why) I didn't have my allens, so I dropped by Ace hardware and bought a new set of craftsman allens. The metal was bad I could feel them doing damage to the setscrews I was trying to remove. I was so disgusted with them I threw the whole set away that same day. I would not use craftsman allens even if they were giving them away free. I now use Bondhus primarily but I do like Wera and Wiha. I really do like the feel of good hand tools and they are always worth paying for.
Enjoyed the video. I have a lot of Craftsman mechanics tools dating back to the 80's and they still serve me well. Last time I bought any Craftsman was maybe about 8 years ago. I figured as long as Sears is selling Chinese made tools at American made prices I may as well go to Harbor Freight. I am hopeful Stanley can save this iconic brand
Nice prediction Red. Lowes is clearing out Porter Cable as I type
Make a video on SK tools
Yes why did they go under good tools.
I bought sk socket set years ago in a tool store in Hicksville ny, can't remember the stores name, but the sk socket set was ok, never saw sk again thought they went out of business
They're still in business. Go to their website. They launch new tool lines every once in a while still.
I’m sure you know that no matter who made the tool. When Sears took it back as defective...it went back to that manufacturer for credit to Sears.
I still regularly use my grandpa's Craftsman ratchets & wrenches from the 50's & 60's. Any new stuff I have is Harbor Freight all the way!
Good history! I thought I knew a lot about Craftsman, buti learned a lot. I like the series as well.
Wow after hearing the underhanded things that Sears did, I'm curious to see if Stanley Black and Decker can turn the brand around. The history of tool companies is becoming one of my favorites to watch.
Do The history of the worm drive circular saw,I recently imported a vintage black and decker one from Toledo to Ireland, the best saw I have ever used.
Some, not all, of porter cable will be eliminated. Craftsman will fill the gaps where Porter Cable is lacking. I see this as a great move plus, I’d kinda like to see Craftsman in stores going forward 👍🏻
I enjoyed this, thanks for the research u put in and keep them coming when u can.
My trusty Craftsman 1/2" ratchet just broke but good thing it has a lifetime warranty so I take it to my nearest Sears store for a replacement. Now I just have to find a Sears outlet somewhere in the North Texas area. Looks like I'll search in Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas,New Mexico...........
Where's all the stores at ?
Has anyone seen a Sears store open lately ?
Don't waste your time looking in arkansas
neo....Batesville, Arkansas has a Sears store and I have exchanged a few ratchets there.
I think the one of the two in Austin is still there.
I would like to see you do a video on the Bonnie tool co.