Craftsman Tools, a brand with a rich history dating back to 1927, has long been synonymous with reliability and performance. Known for its wide range of products, patented technologies, and full lifetime warranty, Craftsman has been a go-to brand for both professional and DIY users. However, in recent years, the Craftsman brand has undergone significant changes, including a shift in its retail presence. One of the most notable changes is the availability of Craftsman Tools at Lowe’s, a major home improvement retailer. This article delves into why Lowe’s is selling Craftsman Tools and what this means for consumers.
Lowe’s is selling Craftsman Tools as a part of their strategy to offer a wider range of quality products to their customers. This move came after Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears in 2017. The availability of Craftsman Tools at Lowe’s provides consumers with more options and helps Lowe’s compete with other major retailers.
The Shift from Sears to Lowe’s
The journey of Craftsman Tools from Sears to Lowe’s began in 2017 when Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears Holdings. Before the acquisition, Craftsman tools were predominantly available at Sears, with a smaller presence in hardware store chains like Ace Hardware, Atwood Ranch & Home, and Blain’s.
The acquisition by Stanley Black & Decker marked a departure of the brand from its Sears home base, and Lowe’s began selling Craftsman Tools in 2018. This move gave Lowe’s an edge over its big box rival, The Home Depot, and further eroded one of Sears’ few remaining market strengths. As of now, Craftsman tools are available at various retailers, including Ace Hardware, Amazon, Atwoods Ranch & Home, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, CPO Tools, Lowe’s, Menards, and NAPA Auto Parts.
The Craftsman Brand at Lowe’s
Lowe’s offers a wide range of Craftsman tools, including hand tools, tool sets, mechanics tool sets, power tools, and outdoor tools & equipment. The decision to stock Craftsman Tools was a strategic move by Lowe’s to attract more customers and provide them with more options to purchase their products. Craftsman tools at Lowe’s are positioned alongside other brands like Kobalt, and they offer a selection of tool sets, tool storage units, garage organizers, and other items.
The quality of Craftsman Tools at Lowe’s has been a topic of discussion among users. While some users have found Craftsman tools to be satisfactory, others have mentioned that Craftsman tools at Lowe’s appear to be of lower quality, with thicker sections to compensate for inferior steel. In conclusion, the quality of Craftsman tools at Lowe’s seems to be a mixed bag, with some users finding them satisfactory and others preferring alternative brands like Kobalt.
Pricing and Public Response
The pricing of Craftsman Tools at Lowe’s can vary depending on the specific tool or tool set. Some users have mentioned that Craftsman tools can be priced higher compared to other brands like Kobalt. However, Craftsman tools are known for their quality, which could justify the premium pricing for some customers.
The public response to Lowe’s selling Craftsman Tools has been mixed. While some customers have appreciated the availability of Craftsman tools at Lowe’s, others have expressed concerns about the quality of the new products. However, Lowe’s continues to honor the lifetime warranties of Craftsman hand tools, regardless of where they were purchased.
Conclusion
The decision by Lowe’s to sell Craftsman Tools is part of a broader strategy to provide customers with a wide range of quality products. While the quality and pricing of Craftsman Tools at Lowe’s may vary, the brand’s reputation for reliability and performance remains. As a consumer, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing tools, as well as the warranty and customer support provided by the retailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the warranty policy for Craftsman Tools at Lowe’s?
Craftsman Tools come with a full lifetime warranty that is honored by Lowe’s, regardless of where the tools were purchased. This means that if your Craftsman hand tool fails for any reason, you can return it for a replacement.
Does Lowe’s carry the entire range of Craftsman Tools?
Lowe’s carries a wide range of Craftsman tools, including hand tools, tool sets, mechanics tool sets, power tools, and outdoor tools & equipment. However, the availability of specific tools may vary by location and online.
How does Craftsman Tools’ quality at Lowe’s compare to other brands?
The quality of Craftsman Tools at Lowe’s has been a topic of debate among users, with some finding them satisfactory and others preferring alternative brands like Kobalt. It’s important to note that quality can vary by product and personal preference plays a role.
Are Craftsman Tools at Lowe’s more expensive than other brands?
The pricing of Craftsman Tools at Lowe’s can vary depending on the specific tool or tool set. Some users have found Craftsman tools to be priced higher compared to other brands like Kobalt. However, Craftsman tools are known for their quality, which could justify the premium pricing for some customers.
