A Brief History of Craftsman Tools

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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[@denoftools]

What Brand or Business would you like me to cover next in the series?

[@ajhieb]

Bosch or Makita

[@kirkjohnson9353]

How about Stihl. I think they are not what they used to be- and not in a good way.

[@BradsWorkbench]

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

[@mypugsdad5366]

how about history of Snap On. I can't afford um but I know they are good!

[@mackmccarthy9579]

You should do Festool next. Keep up the great work!

[@Tabasc99]

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!)

[@denali9449]

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.

[@Leveluplivin]

Wow how old are you guys? I'm 33 🤔

[@kenuber4766]

@@Leveluplivin Your a "Pup".. They are talking the 60's man. Peace, love, rock'n roll!! You know!!

[@badbiker666]

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.

[@discovery3509]

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.

[@BronZeage]

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.

[@owenruff4796]

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

[@larrymoore6640]

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.

[@MrJohnnaz]

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.

[@moparjalopy8223]

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

[@brianb7423]

Those tools seem awesome but they’re expensive as shit. Their ratchet sets and hammers are through the roof

[@DTFenn]

@@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."

[@MaximRecoil]

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

[@stevenbetassa7329]

@@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

[@NSNorfolk]

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 !

[@willb3018]

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.

[@toddosterhout9866]

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

[@ROGER2095]

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.

[@robertcasey3528]

I'd like to see one on Bosch

[@nunyabusiness6410]

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.

[@charlesthomas1142]

How about a deep dive into what was The Cooper Tool Group: Plumb hammers, Crescent wrenches, Weller soldering irons, Xelite drivers, etc.

[@robertcasey3528]

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👍

[@jonathangarzon2798]

Same is true for the current line

[@irishhandyman2009]

Great info on Craftsman and Sears. Wish more people knew this. Thanks for your time.

[@treerat7631]

I still have a rachetch set that my dad got me back in the 90's and I still have it

[@goldwinger5434]

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.

[@steveskouson9620]

Vanadium. Va nay dee um.

[@denoftools]

That's easy for you to say!

[@steveskouson9620]

Mo lib di num di sul fide steve

[@jamesf9610]

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

[@alakani]

Macadamia

[@WhenTheManComesAround]

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.

[@Rommel296]

My first credit card was Sears so I could buy Craftsman tools!

[@phineas626]

Al Fabeech I knew that they even started Coldwell Banker

[@lazerbeam3928]

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.

[@mikedeer8513]

I love craftsman

[@mrspock312]

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!

[@One-Crazy-Cat]

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. :-)

[@maurilio0529]

I would like to learn about Proto tools

[@geneintn1906]

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...........

[@charleskettering2626]

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.

[@BrianandhisdogJack]

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 .

[@georgetreepwood1119]

They should mark them "Not made or sold or associated with Fast Eddie "

[@tommyj387]

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

[@santoraofcali5458]

Exactly why, I'm looking at Harbor Freight, for the tools I need for my project.

[@pjkentucky]

Another top quality video from DaBear.....a sterling silver one.

[@GarageDoorGuy89]

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.

[@Mitalayeka]

I enjoyed this, thanks for the research u put in and keep them coming when u can.

[@cristianvera8506]

Wow smoking Bear ,good information 👌✌️

[@backyardgrillmaster2910]

Thank you for your time :-0)

[@chrischiampo7647]

Snap On Is the Next Tool Company id Like to See The History Of Next Red 😀😎👍🏼

[@emerkamp1]

Same here

[@FT4Freedom]

Same here

[@thelibertyworkshop2952]

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 …

[@davidgrover5996]

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.

[@airplane247]

I have tool box full of the good old tools I use at work

[@jimzivny1554]

Dayton is a big part of W.W.Grainger industrial supply.

[@jdreynolds29]

Yes Stanley Black & Decker Co has said that they will back the original Craftsman tools for their warranty however Lowe's will not honor it as a place to make the exchange you have to go to a DeWalt Factory Service door with your old broken tool

[@420Homestead]

Great video! I was a big fan of craftsman until they started outsourcing to china. The quality just isn't there anymore. I switched to Kobalt tools and am very happy. Their warranty program is even better than craftsman as it states "no hassle exchange" meaning no questions about how or why the tool broke. Kobalt still isn't a USA made tool but quality control in Taiwan is 100% better than quality control in china.

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

Taiwanese quality is up there. As good as Japanese quality. But China-made tools are hit or miss as the products are designed and made to a particular spec and price. Most are hot garbage. Only a few are made to comply to foreign specs.

[@robertherrera419]

New sub here. Enjoying the content thus far. Keep it up, Bear. 😊

[@donaldhollums3278]

I haven’t seen a history lesson on Stanley tools, yet. I remember seeing tv commercials back in the 70s and even early 80s. Cain’t believe I’m saying this but Craftsman is almost, pert near to being a little close to looking like an attractive buy again, but I’m still not sure yet. I went to look at a larger Craftsman tool cabinet at Lowe’s, but a similar sized cabinet from US General/HF still appears to be a better buy. I’m still getting funds set aside for the future purchase.

[@donaldhollums3278]

@Al Fabeech I haven't had any issues with the NAPA I shop at. Too me NAPA seems more so for auto parts for the automotive professional than the "Big Three"; O'Reilly, Advance, and Auto Zone. If I'm wrong, I won't lose sleep over it. I used O'Reilly Auto Parts for years in three different towns in the State of where I live. I don't have a problem at all with them or the other two stores, I just like NAPA better.

[@donaldhollums3278]

Al Fabeech I know your spot on, Sir. I don’t mean to imply NAPA caters only to the professional. I’m a DIYer and a part time mechanic. I work full time in another profession. I’ve always liked working on cars though. I worked auto parts back in the mid-eighties to early-nineties. The first auto parts store I worked at it was nothing to call down the street to the competitor for a customer that stopped in for a part and we were out of stock and save him a run around town. At the same time we used to joke the competitors on the phone by calling up pretending to be a customer and ask for a part on a car that doesn’t exist; a radiator cap for a ‘71 VW Beetle!

[@travisfrye7747]

I want to the lazer etched sockets come back. Start selling complete no skip sets.

[@jimm2442]

Excellent, Thank you!!

[@ravenrealestateservices9519]

AMC AMC AMC AMC AMC AMC Thank you for your time and what you do. You Da Bear.

[@5roundsrapid263]

Raven Real Estate Services The car company, TV channel, or theater chain?

[@jgolen220]

About 5 years ago I bought a Craftsman mechanic's tool set with the drawered box for several hundred dollars to leave in my mom's garage who lived about 40 miles from me that I visited about twice per month just in case I needed sockets or whatever that I didn't bring with me. About 11 months later I needed to use socket a wrench for the first time from the kit. When I went to attach the socket to the wrench it wouldn't fit the socket. I tried all of the sockets. The wrench wouldn't fit any of them. At this point I'm pissed as hell that this never used Craftsman set that I spent all this money on was crap so I took the never used socket wrench into Sears for a replacement exchange and after about an hour of trying to find assistance the kid i finally found the pulled out a plastic bin of assorted tore up hand tools and gave me a ratchet handle for exchange that looked like it had been run over on the freeway for about ten years. I explained to them again that my tool was new and never used and talked to the manager but they all told me this was the best they could do. I have never bought another Craftsman tool since nor even gone into a Sears! What a shame these idiot bankers have turned this once great tool line to crap! They can't go out of business soon enough for me!

[@avega2792]

Ray Lat from what I've heard exchanges could be hit or miss. Some locations are better at holding up the no questions asked policy and will give you a brand new tool off the shelf. Some will only give you a repair kit or will give you a tool that has been repaired.

[@craigjorgensen4637]

Sorry but I don't buy that story. Makes zero sense.

[@willmoutray2875]

Make a video on SK tools

[@edwardmartinez199]

Yes why did they go under good tools.

[@patcupolo9274]

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

[@SalandFindles]

They're still in business. Go to their website. They launch new tool lines every once in a while still.

[@WrenchAddiction]

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👍🏻

[@5roundsrapid263]

Lowe’s has already cut prices on their Craftsman tool sets. I don’t know if it’s introductory, or just to move them.

[@PaulSteMarie]

I don't know what the history of Dayton is, but currently it's just Grainger's house brand for power tools and machinery. Maybe they were an independent motor manufacturer at some point?

[@denoftools]

They were and they made some top notch stuff back in the day. If you run across some old Dayton equipment I'd grab it.

[@russelmcfarland9521]

I grew up with craftsman tools and 40s of olde English.

[@MA-mg4cd]

do Matco next.

[@wngimageanddesign9546]

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.

[@_BusterHighmen]

Damn

[@johnnyyuma9326]

What that means is........................MADE IN CHINA! I have a Craftsman Industrial tool box from the early 90's. It has a Lifetime warranty (it say's it right on the tool box itself) I have all the receipts and paper work and they will not honor it.

[@uncletoy774]

did any of you hear what he said there never has been a company named craftsman that made craftsman tools it was outsourced made by whoever. it was sears that was responsible for quality and the warranty. so all of you hoping that "craftsman" will go back to making tools the way they use to is ridiculous. that being said I have some black and decker/Stanley tools and like them very much so im sure they will do just fine with the craftsman name just wondering how lowes part of this whole thing will play out. Thanks Mr. Bear for the great vid

[@WhatIsYourMalfunction]

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?

[@hatsunemikufan4]

11:27 is gold

[@likeaboss882]

Id like to see the history of KD, Gearwrench!!

[@Michagan_outdoorsman_James]

i just bought 1200 worth of tools for 300.00 (sears website)i understand that sears have faced some trial and tribulations but for the not so rich man you really cant go wrong with the sears deals, alot of times if your just respectful and nice to the box stores they will take your craftman tool in on replacement if its broke and they have the replacement tool in stock. i literally paid 1.00 a tool of this website and from the looks off they website the look to be the same quality that my dad left me in his toolbox from the late 90s early 2000. i will be doing a full review on everything and comparing as my dad tools are a little dated but still riding strong

[@TartanJack]

I too think Snap-On would be interesting learn. I also wonder what happened to Makita. Years ago my perception was that they were a quality brand. Now it seems I hardly see them anymore.

[@denoftools]

They are still out there as a high-end tool but you're right. They don't get the press that other tools get. Did you see that battery powered wheel barrel thing they came out with? That was pretty cool.

[@TartanJack]

Can't say I've seen the wheelbarrow thing... will google it and check it out

[@davinp]

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.

[@rocksandoil2241]

VAN-NAID-eye-UM - Vanadium

[@charlessmall4075]

Do a video on Proto tools. They have been around since 1907.

[@drfalcon4102]

From my understanding, Proto made a lot of Craftsman and Matco tools back in the day, really heavy duity stuff

[@TheTim16964]

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).

[@asrr62]

Thanks a always thought that handle design was the best!

[@TheTim16964]

@asrr62 unfortunately the company went under after many years and they are now made in china.

[@waynehullihen3066]

You are DaBear

[@sbuzz5889]

a neighbor bought a sears stove,stopped workin, called for repair--- 6 weeks- later -after meeting 3 service techs + try to sell her service plan, no fix. she got 7 phones calls to buy a sears protection plan . i ordered a circ board ,and fixed in 20 min.

[@workingshlub8861]

i had a tenant that retired to florida years ago....he was a army helicopter mechanic back in the 80s..anyway he gave me all his tools as a thank you for being a decent landlord. it was probably at least 10k worth of craftsman stuff and some sk as well.. he said he was done turning wrenches and he knew i liked wrenching on cars.this was 12 years ago and they still work as they were brand new...i would not buy todays craftsman ..nowhere near the old school quality they had.its a shame.

[@NSNorfolk]

Howdy Red Beard. Any of the yellow de Bear shirts left in XL? Shine on!

[@denoftools]

Yep, you can order them here; denoftools.threadless.com/

[@tomfrazier2195]

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

[@chadharmon5716]

Another snazzy shirt bear 🐻 you killing it

[@GearWolf]

It is nice to see videos that collate information like this, but you need to dig a little deeper on certain topics. There are a few things where you were on the right track but wrong about. I'll touch on the biggest one. The lawsuit wasn't about affiliated tool makers for the Craftsman brand inappropriately labeling the tools with a manufacturing mark directly on the tool. It had to do with Sears placing the "Made in USA" label along with imported tools within the Sears catalogs, Craftsman flyers, and various advertisements or marketing. Yes, there were instances where packaging wasn't clear that tool sets would/could contain parts that were imported. Also, there were instances where imported Craftsman tools on sears.com were were either described as being "Made in USA". Whether intentional or a very foolish mistake, the case was dropped due to the sheer number of plaintiffs (~40 million estimated) and a difficult to gauge level of damage done to consumers. Ultimately, what saved Sears' ass in the eyes of the court was the fact that, at that time, the no questions asked "Lifetime" warranty/return policy allowed dissatisfied customers the option to return the product for a full refund/exchange.

[@mikecrabtree8200]

If you gave me a million dollar card that I could spend at sears, I would auction it off for as much as I could and spend that money somewhere else. I despise sears. Would not spend a penny at sears knowingly. On a side note, I really like your videos, keep them coming.

[@wcsd9577]

Hat's off to Stanley Black and Decker for doing their best to save a piece of Americana.

[@Legoguy1979]

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.

[@fdmackey3666]

Ah hell...What the...?....Might as well go shopping for high quality tools at Harbor Freight....And here we go....

[@68shiloh]

Great video. Thanks for sharing, What about Western Auto or the old Firestone stores.

[@5roundsrapid263]

casey 1959 Western Auto was owned by Sears and was sold to Advance Auto.

[@robsdeviceunknown]

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.

[@denoftools]

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.

[@STB-jh7od]

I have seen that Ace Hardware is now carrying Craftsman.

[@walterwillis5351]

Thanks to Sears selling Craftsman to Black and Decker.

[@toddosterhout9866]

They have been selling craftsman tools for quite a while now.

[@raabsand]

They have been selling craftsman for years. They are a place to warranty craftsman too. With Stanley buying them idk what's going to happen there cuz lowes owns Ace. But I did notice my ace is replacing craftsman with ace brand stuff. Same packaging and same factory location. Just not name or warranty

[@andythompson3528]

3:24 vuh-nae-dee-um. (Vanadium steel)

[@mikecrabtree8200]

I think Harbor Freight is putting Lowe’s out of business. Super cereal

[@roywhitt]

I agree with you Porter-Cable will be phased out or just be some minor brand that might be sold off in the future.

[@davidcorbin9456]

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.

[@tedlesch2543]

Makita

[@tomfrazier2195]

Makita Electric Works, a friend's Dad had been using then since the 1980s at least.

[@RRRRR7-c7r]

Got to say I love the history of industrial companies since I am one.

[@vegasvince2301]

Sears understands “The Chicago Way”

[@gopher8310]

I know it’s only hand tools, but have you heard of Tekton tools? I have a few and they seem pretty good but would like to hear your review of them. Thanks Keep the videos coming. Very interesting information.

[@milesralls7972]

He mentioned them in the video...

[@jamesf9610]

We can't talk about the Trojan war and how they used a Trojan horse to enter (penetrate) the walls. Trojan has always been the best way to penetrate secured walls.

[@stephaniehernandez9013]

Can you do history of Klein

[@WaybackTECH]

Depending on who you talk to, Craftsman has been a joke even before the Sears / Kfart merger, so anything Stanley does with the brand will probably be a positive. We shall see. Heck some of the cheap tools that Wally world sells ain't too bad, I agree though, HF has taken over the market where Craftsman once occupied.

[@MrZavrie]

So it looks like things came to loggerheads with loggerhead. Steam roll on Craftsman.

[@chrischiampo7647]

😀👍🏼 Shine on Red Love this Series 😀👍🏼

[@edbigtruck]

Craftsman the once Greatest name in Tools. Is now just that a Name. I wouldn’t make it my first choice to buy Craftsman anymore. I have my original 75 piece Set. When I was 17 starting to build my Mechanic Set. Sad how far the great tool line has fallen.

[@sebastian56309]

Mr. Bear I believe EGO POWER EQUIPMENT offered Craftsman the EGO line but they rejected them. Then EGO sold them on their own and have been extremely successful.

[@GCJT1949]

Lindberg was New York City to Paris City! The Atlantic just got into the way. Geoff Who is accurate.

[@johnlandis5889]

I would like to see u do a video on Ingersoll Rand

[@tomfrazier2195]

They made heavy equipment used in sugar mills here. I have some I-R brass ID plates from machinery of the '20s or so.

[@WrenchAddiction]

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 👍🏻

[@kcgfy81]

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.

[@waterbottle4782]

Too bad sears and craftsman tools are no longer in Canada. I actually liked them.

[@thorlo1278]

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.