History and Evolution of Craftsman Tools
– Craftsman trademark registered by Sears on May 20, 1927
– Arthur Barrows bought rights to use Craftsman name from Marion-Craftsman Tool Company for $500
– Early customers were mostly farmers
– Tom Dunlap upgraded tool quality and added chrome plating
– Craftsman brand positioned as middle tier, with Craftsman Professional and Craftsman Industrial as higher tiers
– Sears used Dunlap name for lesser quality tools in late 1930s to late 1950s
– Companion tool line replaced Sears tool line in late 1980s, followed by Evolv tool line in 2008
– Sears never manufactured Craftsman products, relied on other manufacturers
– Manufacturers of Craftsman tools include New Britain, Moore Drop Forging, Stanley, Easco Hand Tools, and Apex Tool Group
– Western Forge no longer supplies Craftsman tools
– Some Craftsman tools sourced overseas, while industrial line still US-made
– Techtronic Industries manufactured many Craftsman portable power tools
– DeWalt produced Sears hand power tools under 900 model prefix
– Emerson Electric Company and DeWalt manufactured Craftsman bench and stationary power tools
– Air compressors made by DeVilbiss Air Power and formerly by Campbell Hausfeld
– Waterloo Industries previously manufactured tool storage, now supplied by Montezuma Tool Storage for Sears line
– Vaughan-Bushnell produces hammers (coded M on the tool)
– A&E Tool Company makes automotive specialty tools (S logo in a circle)
– Ullman Devices manufactures magnetic pick up tools, picks, and inspection mirrors
– Craftsman screwdrivers sold at Sears are typically sourced from China
– Equivalent models at Lowes are sourced from Taiwan
– Some products sold at Ace may still be the original US-made Western Forge products
– Roper, David Bradley, Lawn-Boy, American Yard Products, and Electrolux have supplied outdoor equipment under the Craftsman name
– Most Craftsman hand tools have an unlimited lifetime warranty
– Warranty program was instituted by Sears in 1927
– No receipt or proof of purchase is required for warranty repair or replacement
– Precision hand tools are not covered by the lifetime warranty
– Some Sears stores limit the number of hand tools that can be exchanged per day
Sales and Distribution
– Craftsman tools sold in Sears, Kmart, and other retailers
– Sold in US military Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores, Navy Exchange stores, and Summit Racing Equipment
– Also available at Blains Farm & Fleet, Menards, W. W. Grainger, Ace Hardware, Montgomery Ward, Lowes, and Amazon
– Stanley Black & Decker acquired Craftsman brand from Sears in 2017
– Lowes started carrying Craftsman tools in late 2018
Legal Issues and Lawsuits
– In 2004, Sears faced a class-action lawsuit for false advertising and consumer fraud
– In 2012, Sears was sued by LoggerHead Tools for patent infringement
– In April 2017, Sears sued Western Forge for abruptly ending their contract
– In 2019, Stanley Black & Decker sued Sears for breach of contract and trademark infringement
– Sears has been involved in various legal battles over the years
Sponsorships and Partnerships
– From 1995 to 2008, Craftsman sponsored the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
– Craftsman returned to motorsports sponsorship in 2016, sponsoring the World of Outlaws racing series
– In 2023, Stanley Black & Decker acquired the title sponsorship rights to NASCAR’s Truck Series, reinstating the Craftsman branding
– Craftsman has a history of sponsoring and supporting various sports events
– Craftsman has been involved in promoting motorsports and racing
– In the UK, Craftsman was licensed to Focus DIY and B&Q
– In the rest of Europe, Bosch was the main licensee for Craftsman
– Craftsman products were sold by various retailers, including Amazon
– Craftsman had partnerships with different companies to distribute their tools
– Craftsman had a wide network of licensees and partners worldwide
Reputation and Recognition
– Craftsman tools were highly regarded for their quality and durability
– Craftsman tools were popular among professionals and DIY enthusiasts
– Craftsman tools received recognition and awards from publications like Popular Mechanics
– Craftsman had a strong brand reputation for being reliable and trustworthy
– Craftsman tools were widely used and trusted by customers Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craftsman_(tools)
Craftsman is a line of tools, lawn and garden equipment, and work wear. Originally a house brand established by Sears, the brand is now owned by Stanley Black & Decker.
 | |
| Product type | Hand tools, power tools, lawn and garden equipment, work wear |
|---|---|
| Owner | Stanley Black & Decker |
| Country | United States |
| Introduced | May 20, 1927 |
| Related brands | Evolv, Craftsman Professional, Craftsman Industrial, Companion, Dunlap |
| Website | www |
As with all Sears products, Craftsman tools were not manufactured by Sears during that company's ownership, but made under contract by various other companies. While Sears did not directly manufacture tools and equipment in most cases, they did have ownership in some of their suppliers. An example of this was the joint venture that they established with Western Forge in 1965 and their partial ownership of Roper for a number of years. Both companies supplied products to Sears for many years. They were first sold in 1927 through the Sears catalog and in Sears retail stores. After the Sears–Kmart merger, the tools were also for sale in Kmart stores and through several other retailers.
In March 2017, Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears Holdings, which retained a limited license for Craftsman products.
