Craftsman is Killing Off Kobalt!

Craftsman is Killing Off Kobalt! The official word from Lowes/Kobalt is that "No, we are here to stay!" But actions speak louder than words. Lowes is losing their identity and they slowly becoming the Craftsman Store!
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[@denoftools]

Craftsman? Good or Bad for Lowes?

[@999thenewman]

It's great! Keeps the employees busy! An owned brand competing with another owned brand? Not so great!

[@towboatjeff]

I've got a good bit of craftsman tools I'm just hopeful that Stanley black and Decker will start having craftsman tools made in America and not China. If they stay with China production I'll stick with better options from us or tiwanese companies.

[@WeSRT4]

Bad! They have become a Stanley Black and Decker outlet. Home Depot kills them with tool selection IMO.

[@mikej8832]

Well Craftsman couldn't keep Sears afloat

[@jasie6668]

@@mikej8832 Craftsman WAS Sears for decades . Sears started having some trouble so they began low ending Craftsman tools seeking more profit.

[@Brandon-yp2wy]

Hopefully Kobalt stays around. They are one of very few tool companies that charges a reasonable price for batteries.

[@dazoomcat]

Man the last time I saw that much Craftsman it was called Sears.

[@tonycordell9205]

This is not your Grandad's craftsman tools....that quality is long gone...

[@soldozer]

The Lowes Craftsman tools are made in USA. Kobalt is not...

[@tonycordell9205]

@@soldozer Don't care where they are made, I have a set that I purchased in 1972...those tools are heavier, the wrenches feel thicker, and better balanced. the rathcets move more smoothly and the sockets are right on perfect. the grips on the screwdrivers are more comfortable...it may be that I am used to them, but the new Craftsman tools in my local Lowes, just do not feel the same

[@9unslin9er]

@@soldozer My Craftsman 22oz Framing Hammer is made in Taiwan. Taiwanese steel is pretty damn good. Last couple of Estwings I bought have been all over the place in terms of QC.

[@brianb7423]

Tony Cordell if you go on eBay you might be able to find some good vintage craftsman

[@blakewaddell451]

Damage, Inc. only certain ones are as of right now. All of the sockets, wrenches and hand tools and stuff are all made in China or Taiwan right now they are working on the factory

[@reviewscentralchannel4162]

Talk about a brand that went from expensive and reliable to cheap and horrible

[@SillyOmega]

You got it wrong it most big brands have become more expensive for less quality.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

@@SillyOmega Compare a craftsman to a Kobalt. Kobalt is fare superior. They have weight look thicker. Toolbox wise, Kobalt it thicker metal and it doesnt flex when you push down on it. Sadly, due to it, ill be going to Hobo frieght. I loved Kobalts blue, Black, and Stainless. Now, forget it. Sea of red and cheap.

[@bobs94formula]

I think Lowes overestimated the brand recognition/loyalty of Craftsman as Sears burned a lot of people who used to buy Craftsman when it was made in America. After the production went to China, the quality suffered, and the prices were still the same. Why over pay for the Craftsman name when I can get other stuff made in China for cheaper? I wish Stanley B&D would bring back the Craftsman Professional line, only if they have it made in America though.

[@troymeredith521]

A decent bit of the SB&D Craftsman are made in the US...V20 lines of power tools, tool chests, tool boxes, versatrack products, and many more. Just gotta look for the label.

[@soldozer]

You would complain the price is too high and not buy it anyways.

[@bobs94formula]

@@soldozer hahaha yeah you got me figured out lol

[@DennysPlantBasedJourney]

absolutely, Craftsman everywhere. If they want to liquidate the Kobalt and give me a liquidation price, I'll take it

[@mattgatewood3743]

When I found out Lowe's doesn't honor the Craftsman warranty for tools from Sears, that brand lost it's whole appeal. The whole point is a hassle free in store exchange. I'm done with Craftsman.

[@carnivalwholesale9809]

Its not true. It all depends on the Lowe's store you go. Some are douchebags and some are not douchebags.

[@hotdogs5265]

My fathers older craftsman is quality and the older power tools are built to last.

[@WolfsHaven]

The key word there is old. The majority of stuff coming out the last decade is junk that you could get Black & Decker, Kobalt, HFT, or other house brands of equal or better quality for less. The only reason to keep buying Craftsman was the warranty but Sears kept cutting back on it.

[@hotdogs5265]

Garou Wolfs Haven agree 100% that's why if I am going to buy China made tools I 'll just go harbor freight. At least the price is the lowest.

[@tomm8188]

Captain Ron I still have power tools that work great from my grandfather. He died in 1999! Today’s crap lasts maybe 5 years if you’re lucky

[@deanfirnatine7814]

Not now

[@brianb7423]

So true. I found a sears drill in my grandmas garage when we were cleaning it out. I looked it up and it had to be from the 70s. That thing still goes pretty hard today

[@roccoborghetti4693]

I love Craftsman. Been using the same tools my dad used and some newer. I love Lowes. Always felt more taken care of there as a customer than at Home Depot. I'm so happy these two are together.

[@JustinDowDIYcentralhighway]

Yuppers. Kobalt sliding more to the left and Craftsman moving in, but I'm in agreement. Craftsman has gone down hill over the years. Hope they fix themselves. Cheers! Great Walk Around.

[@cleophusA]

Craftsman? Craftsman is only as good as their warranty, and Lowes is not doing a very good job with it. I carried a broken Craftsman screwdriver into Lowes the other day to exchange it and was told that they didn't have the exact replacement so I could pretty much just go and pound sand. They gave me a 1 800 number to call and shooed me out the door. This is NOT the way Sears handled the tool warranty. If you took back a broken tool to Sears and they didn't have the exact replacement in stock, they would give you the choice of exchanging your broken tool for the closest match they had in stock, or you could wait for them to order in the exact tool you needed. There was no "sorry, we don't stock that particular item so I guess you're out of luck." They made sure you were satisfied and that your tool was replaced to your satisfaction. That's what "lifetime warranty" is supposed to mean. If Lowes is going to make a go of taking over the Craftsman brand, then they're going to have to step up their game on honoring the warranty. That's the entire reason I purchased Craftsman tools, so that I could get an immediate replacement. If I can't get that, then the "warranty," not to mention the tools, are just worthless junk.

[@rchydrozz751]

This video was a year and a half ago. Kobalt is not going anywhere. They are actually coming out with some new brushless tools. Theres also a new 24v 4.0 battery with the new 21700 cells replacing the older but still good 18650 cells.

[@erictompkins8226]

Sears/ Craftsman: too expensive, and low quality. I'm glad Harbor Freight is stepping up its game.

[@pjm8047]

Eric Tompkins I’d rather buy harbor Freight Tools then China craftsman.

[@firstonraceday7865]

there pure junk i got one 4plus yrs ago black Friday the tools are good the tool box is not held up at all hardly if they had the quality of the tools back then minus the tool boxes theyd be good

[@troymeredith521]

Sears/Craftsman is pretty much dead and irrelevant to Lowe's. Many of the new Craftsman are US made and really nice, IMO as I have the V20 line of US made tools. It's a good move by Stanley Black & Decker to promote the brand as long as their roadmap to building more tools in the US comes to fruition. Power Tools was a great start; looking forward to more now.

[@MadMetalShop]

@@troymeredith521 no they are China made with global components. You didn't think that big shiney USA sticker on the front of those boxes were legit did you? Look closer. Global materials. Its marketing 101. They do not make their tools in the US any longer. They are made by Stanley black and decker the same company that turned Dewalt into a zombie brand.

[@troymeredith521]

@@MadMetalShop Wow, very ignorant when considering you can go to Craftsman's website and actually see inside the factories where these are made. The South Carolina factory makes the tool boxes and toolchests and has the same sticker. Please do a little research before replying. (Feds have cracked down what qualifies "Made in USA" per federal law, so these stickers are far more legit than they used to be).

[@mikethompson6713]

Glad I bought my craftsman tools 40 years ago. Still using them. My drill press and planer are late 50 early 60’s and I love them.

[@richardfowler3254]

How long till Lowe's starts selling "Red" buckets and getting rid of the "Blue" ones ??

[@tommyapplegate30]

It's already happening.

[@Satman82]

I tried to warranty a kobalt ratchet at three lowes. They could not warranty it at any store. There was only 3 kobalt ratchets at all the stores I went to. Called kobalt they said had to go to stores for warranty. All the stores could not help me it's wrong when you can't even warranty your house brand.

[@Satman82]

@Woodgrain Owings Mills But if they don't carry the specific item in store they can't help you anymore. I searched online for the closest store that still had my ratchet. It was 5 hours away and only had two. Most of the common kobalt tools are being phased out.

[@jimmyvaught]

Did you ask to have them warranty it out for a Craftsman version?

[@PaulMishima]

@@Satman82 I warrantied a screwdriver & bit set at a Home Depot and it was a model that was discontinued almost 10 years ago. Of course there were no replacements. In the end they gave me store credit worth more than I paid for the set. I would have expected Lowes doing the same, though I'm guessing it depends on the store?

[@jimmyvaught]

At least my store allowed me to do so.

[@W1ldt1m]

Agreed, I tried to warranty a hammer but since they no longer make it they wouldn't cover their lifetime warranty.

[@mattsmith9780]

Lowes employee here - yes they are dropping a lot of irwin, kobalt, troy bilt completely, and a few others to make room for crapsman on the shelfs..it's not the same quality of tools my father left me..they're pushing crapsman pretty hard going to see craftsman toilet paper soon

[@mandolinman2006]

I'd buy the Irwin and Kobalt, but not Craftsman. I'm not as impressed with their tools. Kobalt is much better, in my opinion. Oh well. Guess I'll find another brand.

[@1990notch]

Maybe a rollaway with a built in toilet. A real "Crapsman" product.

[@leom4932]

O really. Are they dropping irwin? I always get my irwin vise grips there a

[@james37603]

Nothing personal. Not going back. I Liked Kobalt. The wrenches where very good. I will not going to Lowe’s much anymore. When I break a kobalt socket. Just throwing it out. I am not taking craftsman for Lowe’s.

[@joshualawson7604]

I'd honestly rather go to Harbor Freight than Lowe's at this point.

[@ZippoVarga]

Walkway displays are typically called kiosks. Since Stanley took over the Craftsman namesake, they've been putting Craftsman anywhere Stanley is sold. Interesting recent history about the Stanley purchase. Not to mention, Stanley is building a US based factory to the tune of (if memory serves) 55 million dollars to bring manufacturing back to the US and they intend on employing 750-800 Americans. Just food for thought on a future discussion there Da Bear. Cheers! Zip~

[@denoftools]

I'd love to see it happen. Till then I buy HF for my cheap stuff and SK for the things that need that extra touch.

[@fastsetinthewest]

Beeeer, thxz for the trip down Craftsman memory lane. Plus, I ain't been in a Lowes store forever. Eaglegards...

[@HardKnocksForge]

I’ve been waiting for Lowe’s to come out and say they’re discontinuing the kobalt stuff for about a year now. Of course I’ve been waiting for snap On to come out and say they make their tools with chinese steel since about 2012...

[@ronberry2998]

I think it's a bad direction for Lowes. The quality and feel of every Craftsman product I've put hands on in the store is, in my opinion, far inferior to Kobalt. Couldn't agree with you more about the tool chests, way too thin material and just plain poor quality.

[@MadMetalShop]

That doesn't really tell me anything because imo kolbalt was already a cheap low quality tool. Can't imagine a tool getting any worse than what has already been coming out of China.

[@ronberry2998]

@@MadMetalShop Should tell you a lot. Go down to your local store and see for yourself. I agree with what you said, but I think you'll be able to see what I mean.

[@MadMetalShop]

@@ronberry2998 I've seen them both and not surprised by either but im more inclined to buy the craftsman name over kobalt given they are pretty much the same China junk.

[@ksufarmer5319]

I just sent Lowe's a message a few days ago complaining about the shrinking Kobalt section and my hatred of the sea of red! I won't buy Craftsman! I love my Kobalt tools. I told them if I had wanted Craftsman I would have gone to Sears and they would still be in business.

[@CrimFerret]

I seem to recall some reviews of newer Craftsman tool cabinets/boxes and they are made pretty cheaply in comparison to US General. The problem is Craftsman actually once was a top brand. Now it's not, but they are still trading on that reputation.

[@bonivuselderheart2716]

I recently bought the craftsman 26" x 37" high cart (the $229 one in the video) and the 5 drawer match chest (the $159 chest in the video); They are ok for my purposes, but the quality is _mostly_ there. I had to drill some holes in both items in order to bolt them together. (they *are* supposed to be bolted together, yes?) And while the soft-close is nice on the drawers, occasionally they don't quite close all the way, even after pulling them to maximum extension, and pushing them closed a few times. The gauge of sheet metal is a little thinner compared to the US general, and the drawers are about the same. Oh, and I had to buy drawer liner material for the chest and cart- the only liner that came with the chest was for the top area.

[@CrimFerret]

@@bonivuselderheart2716 It sounds like they are good enough at least for home use if you like the configuration better. I mean it's not like they are doing anything but holding the tools. The hatchback style top cover on some of them is kind of nice. No need to lift a set of sockets or wrenches on holders up, just slide them straight out.

[@fredflagstone181]

I was checking out the Craftsman boxes at Lowe's earlier in the week, and today I went to HF and looked at their boxes. Gotta agree with you. The US General boxes from HF appear to be much better quality. Not even close.

[@lawnmowerdude]

I’ve never been impressed by HF tool boxes.

[@LisaMB2forU]

@@lawnmowerdude I agree, I think the USA made ceaftsman boxes are much better than HF ceap. HF is like dime store tools

[@TheChrismanis1791]

Ive seen multiple hf boxes hold up in professional settings including mine. Those new craftsman boxes wouldnt last. I feel like if i sit anything slightly heavy on the new red and black boxes they would fold 😂😂

[@northidahoguy5549]

If Craftsmen doesn’t make their hand tools in the U.S.A. I will just go to Harbor Freight.

[@LisaMB2forU]

Stanley which bought Craftsman from Sears for $900 million has started moving production of Craftsman back to the US and has been in R&D of new products for Craftsman. They did not invest $900 million just to sell crappy tools.

[@northidahoguy5549]

Lisa Ault when the USA stuff comes to market I will give it a look.

[@LisaMB2forU]

@@northidahoguy5549 Go to Craftsman web page and you will see right on home page they show products made in USA and that they are bringing jobs and new plants opening here. There are already things made here such at the tool boxes are again all made here and they look better as well as the prices are lower even. The 42 inch bottom and top were lowered $100 each and it was not listed as a sale but new lower price.

[@justinfoxbody]

I work at Lowe's in the majority of the hand tools that Craftsman has on the Shelf are made in the USA

[@LisaMB2forU]

www.yahoo.com/finance/news/stanley-black-decker-opens-state-130000167.html

[@Claysvids]

I noticed the same thing when I walked in lowes. It's in your face! Its a little nostalgic. I grew up hearing how fantastic Craftsman was but I never saw a difference. If they can make a good product with good support I'm cool with buying it. I'd love to be able to depend on a brand across dif products.

[@kamerongard8769]

I saw that 26” tool box set you saw. I feel in love,I’m around average height and I loved the Height of it. I think $220 is a great price for each. I’m looking forward to purchasing the set very soon!

[@fatbuddycat]

That shirt looks good on Red Bear! I run Milwaukee/Craftsman all day. The Versastack system is perfect for customizing your Craftsman hand tools. I built mine with a double sliding drawer unit on bottom and a regular lid style box on top.

[@UncleSarkis]

I was happy at first to see another brand at Lowe's, thinking bit of Craftsman will surely help competition. I always viewed Kobalt tools as a step above Craftsman and almost like the store brand and even as a more quality product than Craftsman. Sad to see Craftsman swallowing up Kobalt. I guess I'll just wait for a liquidation sale of Kobalt and buy what I need because looks like it will be completely gone.

[@RedemptionGarage]

I was at lowes the other day and seen a good deal on buying a battery starter kit and getting a free tool and the worker told me they are clearing the shelves to replace a lot of stuff with Craftsman

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

That's aggravating because I like kobalt tools from lowes

[@dilutedverm]

Agree completely

[@chevychase3103]

Do not buy their cock gun it will leak all over like you know what! Paid way too much for a $3 caulk gun!

[@calvinhandley2373]

Not to worry. You can still get them, they'll just say Craftsman on them now.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

@@calvinhandley2373 I wont be buying Stanley craftsman

[@TheyCallMeChickenBob]

True bear, I went in to Lowes to buy a regular ol' toolbox for my kids and now all they carry are overpriced craftsman. Went to HD and got a homer box for $8.

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

Not messing with a product line that doesn't seem like it will be around longterm. No warranty availability on hand tools, no battery replacement, no thank you.

[@fordguyaj5581]

I just went to my local lowes and the entire tool section was all out of order, shelves moved all over the place stuff not in it's normal spot, and in a huge section in the center , a big banner sign that says. " please excuse our mess while we make room for craftsman "

[@central_ky_prepper2679]

I was thinking about the 3/8 cordless impact Kobalt. It dropped to $69 but still shying away from it. Batteries 2-3 years or even longer might be hard to find. The other red tool keeps looking better after this. I did score a large Kobalt hand tool haul yesterday for pennies on the dollar though. I'm loading up on those to fill my empty socket holders for now.

[@jeffreydevoti8528]

I worked for Lowe's 30 years ago and their managers weren't too bright. They though pouring acid in a lawn tractor battery was charging it. Wouldn't listen to me, swapped out and took back a lot of mowers because of a dead battery. Back then they had the double secret warrenty, if customer had a receipt, no matter how long...birch enough get their money back. Still had price tags on everything then and raised prices and run a sale. Pretty scumbag practices. Everything had multiple layers of price stickers. Lastly, it was funny because when a locksmith showed up to re-key ALL the doors, you knew someone in management was fired. And that happened quite frequently.

[@Kent__the_Baker]

I have a Craftsman 12 gallon shop vac. Do not have a Lowe's close by and can not find Craftman branded paper bags for them and can't find them online any ideas if anyone stocks them?

[@bartenz4307]

I would like to see a fire rating for those upper boxes with the AC power strips, charging Li batteries.

[@spuddoright1970]

I saw the Craftsman 55" (or similar) tool boxes and decided I wanted them but needed to do some measuring before I bought them. Sadly for Lowes, I had to go to Harbor Freight to get some other stuff immediately after looking at the Craftsman boxes. The difference in quality was staggering. The Craftsman felt cheap, flexi, and weak. I ended up buying the 44" HF tool chest and couldn't be happier. Was cheaper too!

[@brucewelty7684]

Craftsman toolbox or COMPANION???? Yeah I am old enough to remember the lower priced stuff. I even still own some of them. Like from 1972!!

[@yellownp22541]

Bruce Welty Wow 1972 you beat me by 10 years, I started buying Craftsman tools right out of high school. Love to see some of those early 1970’s tools. Have a great day.

[@MitchellSmith]

Just a heads up with regard to the toolboxes. For whatever reason, once you get the drawers loaded with some weight they feel WAY nicer. Buddy of mine has several of the CMAN 52" boxes and I've got a HF 44" and I would totally trade him if he offered.

[@op25ttfd]

I love Kobalt but if Lowes is going to do this I will gow with Ridgid.

[@soldozer]

So you like Made in China better than Made in USA?

[@op25ttfd]

@@soldozer I will go with what I know works.

[@ZippoVarga]

FYI, the niche for the smaller Miter Saws are Finish Trim Carpenters like my self. I trimmed out countless homes ranging from your run of the mill remodeled 1970's post war era row home to very nice HOA homes and all were done with a 7 1/4" compound Miter Saw. Blades are much cheaper, you're not cutting through super wide pieces to trim out a door frame or window casement and they're ever so much more portable. I do have a compound sliding miter saw, but it doesn't get used nearly as often as the compact unit when I'm trimming homes. Of course, this was all before I retired a few years ago, but any Finish Trim Carpenter will tell you....their favorite tool beyond their compound protractor squares and measuring tools is their small miter saw and worm drive circular saw (which share the same blades). Cheers Da Bear! Zip~

[@Josse702]

NEED advice Gents! I recently got a large craftsman rollaway and need to fill it up with tools which should i go with Craftsman, Kolbalt or Husky? Note this will be my stater box for my aviation career.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Word of advd, dont fill it up and return it. Go to Harbor Freight and buy a box to last. Those sockets, and impacts will work great. As for power tools, Milwake (however its spelled) or Bosch

[@techydog7854]

My last Craftsman purchase was a riding mower about ten years ago. Yeah it's really MTD painted red but at least it has a Briggs and Stratton so I can get parts easily. Craftsman tools used to be the go to but that changed when Harbor Freight came to town.

[@QuikSeps-UltraSeps]

I was checking out Lowes recently and a ton of the Craftsman stuff appears cheesy to me. I won't be buying any.

[@soldozer]

So you will be buying Horrible Freight.

[@rayc.1396]

Home Depot or Harbor Freight. Screw Craftsman, I have a couple k worth of old craftsmen, when they break I go Harbor Freight.

[@xxxxxxxx183]

When they break just warrenty them at lowes lol

[@henryk1031]

Vcg said kobalt was going to focus on making bigger cordless tools. They said something about a bench grinder also.

[@elfpimp1]

At my local Lowe's Ranier in Seattle, cobalt still has a decent presence. Mixed with craftsman, metabo(got) dewalt and a little dash of, wait for it, Bosch and porter cable.

[@markbeiser]

A Lowes near me has a couple of pallets of Kobalt hand tools on clearance way in the back near the culled lumber.

[@jason3000tt]

Hey man, I'd be grateful if you can give me contact for that store.....

[@wileecoyote5749]

@@jason3000tt just call nearest one

[@XxStratAttackxX]

I'm a dedicated kobalt user, I didn't suspect that the brand would be running away any time soon when I brought my set of 24v tools. It will definitely feel like a slap in the face when I need to put that warranty to use. Cheap and very powerful impact/hammer drill set with cheap quality batteries is what started my love affair with them. I at the very least expect the craftsman brand to provide the same quality and value if they're replacing kobalt.

[@markdain4018]

These are red Stanley tools. I didn’t buy Stanley tools when they were yellow. Will miss the Kobalt tools. How long will it take for folks to realize these are not their fathers Craftsman and stop buying them.

[@troymeredith521]

Considering the move to make more and more tools in the US to restore the Craftsman brand, I think it's a good move. Check out SB&D's country-wide roadmap to more factories that will start building more tool lines in the US. Being hopeful they'll proceed with that.

[@me7229]

I like a lot of Kobalts hand tools. Pretty decent stuff.

[@fishbonenetworks]

Vince at VCG claims that they are cutting back the Kobalt hand tools but doubling down on the power tools.

[@denoftools]

I head that as well and I'm sure that is what he is hearing from Lowes... I'm just not seeing it.

[@fishbonenetworks]

But I watched the rest of the video and your point is well made.

[@pjm8047]

My 20 year old craftsman ball bearing box is a lot better quality then those new ones. The drawers suck.

[@calvinhandley2373]

pjm8047 It's a Waterloo box. Craftsman had their boxes made by Waterloo. So did MAC, Matco, Cornwell, and most others were all made by Waterloo.

[@andybub45]

Yep. Thats why I bought an HF box. Much higher quality and better space optimization.

[@scootergeorge9576]

Seems like it wasn't that long ago that Sears and Craftsman were synonymous.

[@Mike-lh4wn]

And we all know what happened to Sears. Even when Craftsman was top notch stuff, it was not enough to save the company.

[@scootergeorge9576]

@@Mike-lh4wn - "We" may know what happened to Sears but why is another matter.

[@bamd8770]

I just bought a nice kobalt drill bit kit for 15 bucks, its like half the price of the similar dewalt kit. found it hanging off the end of an aisle at lowes like they wanted to get rid of it. makes sense now

[@jgz6989]

I just loaded up on some Kobalt plier sets for Christmas....I may go back for sockets. Best time to buy is now. I bought Kobalt 24v chainsaw awhile back ....it kicks bass.

[@sickofliberals9403]

Looks like I will be going to the homedepot now

[@Dumbass_mechanic]

Fyi.... here in the suburbs of Chicago I once had my choice of 4 Lowes stores, 3 of which were across major intersections from home depot. About 5 years or so ago those 4 choices turned into one choice, and that choice is the one that is furthest away from my house. Before the other 3 closed they were having great clearances, like... I bought 4 ceiling fans for $8 each. They're off brand, but if you set the motor next to a harbor breeze you can't tell them apart, it probably is one.

[@Save-A-DogAps]

Now in 2021 Lowes is FLOODED with KOBALT power tools and handtools ..and VERY LITTLE CRAFTSMAN

[@LBM01028]

Kobalt XTR is killing the game right now that’s why. Look at the power those tools have. Highest RPM, SPM, etc.

[@hatsunemikufan4]

I legit felt like there was a bear behind the shopping cart until I saw your hand.

[@mws3779]

I thought Lowe's had Craftsman locked in I went to Menards tonight an I see Craftsman popping up in the store.

[@PerfectInsanity]

I am looking into getting a DYI/semi professional tool box. I am torn between the 41inch 12 drawer Kobalt and the 41inch 16 drawer Husky. I went to my local Lowe’s because I wanted to see the box before I buy it and they didn’t have a single Kobalt box! NONE AT ALL! They had a dozen different Craftsman ones but they are a little more than what I would like to spend. Home Depot had the Husky and I think I am going to end up buying.

[@blacknsilver_]

May you do a brief history of Orchard Supply Hardware?

[@aaroncover2762]

I agree!

[@jayc2754]

Just in Lowe's they have a dedicated kobalt cordless shelf that looks to have some of the newer items and the sea of red has blown up with dedicated cordless shelf and other tools

[@sabarlow80]

My lowes also

[@airbikecop]

So I have one Kobalt item I really like, maybe others but only one comes to mind. But I will admit they were a decent store brand and had some good products. I think now there is a Craftsman equivalent to that Kobalt item. Obviously Craftsman is replacing Kobalt but some of the replacing is very obvious to where there are some very similar equivalent products. I noticed when Craftsman was taking over some of the rebrands compared to other SBD products (not just Stanley) were very obvious but others took inspiration from other SBD brands which isn't horrible but there could and should be more effort in these products if you want to make it your "store" brand. What next? Stanley replacing Husky at Home Depot?

[@QuantumPlayz]

Omg I LOVE Craftsbear, that’s badass man!

[@jamieflexer9347]

O.M.G ... just back from my local lowes & unbelievable clearance deal I mean I got the 121 piece craftsman gun metal set with the 3 120 tooth ratchets for $99 down from the $179 but also had a 300 piece kobolt set I've been watching for months that came in like 4 foam trays that fit into most larger tool boxes (shop size not the carrying size)that was just over $400 around Christmas then been $299 for hope everyone is sitting down $74 bucks then I found the 4 piece ratcheting style open end I think you posted also for $9 even found a porter cable hog ring 20v max LInked system (whatever that means) from $119 down to again have a seat...$26 Bucks plus a few little nice deals under $10 so Definitely worth a check out.but REMEMBER if ya see something you really like but is a bit higher then you hoped for price check it cause so many great deals I guess either there to lazy to change prices to there sale or clearance prices or they wanna save it for Idk a friend or family member to clean up on specially if there workers aren't allowed to hold stuff for there own either way Its Worth PRICE CHECKING again happy tooling!!!!

[@bennunyour4121]

I was told by three employees at my Lowe's that they are phasing out Kobalt and going with Craftsman

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Not in Arizona lowes only has like 4 racks at most either battery operated power tools that's about all the craftsman we have

[@jamieflexer9347]

Just wanted to share this I'm heading to lowes tomorrow for there craftsman 121 piece tool set mainly for the 120 tooth ratchets if bought separately would probably run ya close to $80 but the sets on sale this month for $99 but also they have a kobolt 189 piece tool set with all 3 90 tooth ratchets on clearance for $62 just says limited stock so can check out inventory's before heading out & may be even able to order it, not sure how your people are with Ebay but I get great deals on everything from gearwrench to SK & even the occasional snap on but also great for specialty tools. Quick example just got a brand new SK allen/torx ¹/⁴ &³/⁸ set I think 33 sockets for $66 which even a great deal is over $300 & high as $400 also a 18 piece SK screwdriver set under $50 new shipped so it SAVE'S to shop around ha ha happy tooling man!!!

[@likeaboss882]

Not really a fan of the new SBD Craftsman stuff... it’s so goddamn cheap. I grew up using craftsman stuff, and the quality was good, not amazing but pretty decent and it worked. Just let down that craftsman is totally going down the shitter

[@planejet42]

I would love to see Craftsman stuff made in the USA. Keep Kobalt as an overseas line and make Craftsman an American made line?

[@jameslawlor1404]

New ownership was too stupid to figure out why we bailed to begin with. A new USA rollout with the right advertising may have brought us all back, with the right $ however.

[@brucepierce6124]

The new Menard tools boxes are 25 inches deep.

[@PuffsDragon]

my lowes has turned red as well, made me sick. i used to buy and be proud of my craftsman tools, but since they stopped honouring their guarantees i stop buying. a short while ago my tools were stolen, since then i been replacing with mainly harbour freight stuff and been doing ok. i will noy be buying any of that red junk.

[@duanemiller5606]

Craftsman has been a favorite tool line for my family for four generations. All though my great grandfather didn’t start using them till later on in life because he had a hardware store so why buy a tool from sears that in those days you had to order through the mail when he could just get what he needed from his store. My first set of tools was a set of Craftsman tools handed down to me from my father’s collection and I still have many of those tools today. Most of the missing tools I simply misplaced and there were a few ratchets that stopped working so I took them back and they gave me a brand new one to replace a tool that at the time was as old as me. I know a lot of people who use Craftsman tools because that’s what their fathers and grandfathers used. And say what you want about the newer power tools, for the hobbies and DIYers there more than capable. For the construction professionals you may want to look at the more expensive heavy duty tools. So now that Lowe’s has become the new home for Craftsman tools there will be a whole lot of people who are brand loyal to the tools of the last three or four generations in their families. In my opinion, I think Lowe’s knew Craftsman was looking for a new home as Sears imploded and saw it as a way the improve their standing in the home improvement store competition against Menards and Home Depot. Had either of the other two home-improvement giants got the Craftsman line you’d be saying the same thing happening in ether of them.

[@dbrock0031]

I bought a complete set of Kobalt tools when they was still made in the USA, wish they kept the manufacturer that made them back then. Your spot on though, Kobalt is getting slim at my local Lowes. If you look at Kobalts Facebook page they say their tools aren't going anywhere and they are adding more tools.

[@squareone4407]

The "center aisle pods" are called displays, shippers or shipping displays. At least that's what our pick list would call them when i worked in a distribution center. Ive been enjoying all the kobalt deals with this whole craftsman move. They say they are suppose to share the market but we'll see, only time will tell.

[@UndreamedFool17]

Thumbs up for the video thumbs down for Crapsman.

[@jeffarthur322]

Ben Brown was waiting for someone to say crapsman ; )

[@markurban4766]

You're right about the 26" tool boxes... I looked at the Craftsman boxes before I bought the Harbor Freight. HF was much nicer.

[@M.Wilson7946]

Talking about Kobalt and Craftsman with a Ridgid drill in the background. lol. Ridgid is my choice for house brands. If only they would make a 3/8" impact.

[@TheFlatlander440]

I think Lowes is shooting themselves in the foot having to bank on Craftsman to keep their tool dept afloat. Perhaps they're counting on German Matabo cordless tools to pick up the slack but I doubt it. Craftsman in the day, before 1980 made pretty good quality hand tools and I own a few sets. No longer. I'd say stick a fork in Lowes if they stay the Craftsman route, they're toast.

[@marcusjohnson1705]

Metabo cordless is just rebranded Hitachi.

[@TheFlatlander440]

@@marcusjohnson1705 Yes and no. There are now Metabo HPT (Hitachi Power Tools, made in China) and Metabo cordless that are made in Germany. Weird, I know.

[@paulsmith9341]

I have only one Kobalt. A multibit ratcheting screw driver. The ratchet in the first one took a dump but they replaced it with no problems. I still have the second one after about a decade.

[@GregAlanEdwardsEmmanuelRidge]

Bear! Bubba! Glad to see you survived a day off!

[@covishen]

Right now I have Ryobi cordless tools, mostly because they have one battery for almost their entire cordless lineup, Craftsman has gone from their 19.2 line, to the C3 line and now this new battery lineup. I like the idea of US made even if they are only assembled here, its still an improvement over Ryobi, but the battery issue will be watched carefully. If they stay true to the same battery format I'm going to slowly start replacing my Ryobi tools as they wear out to Craftsman.

[@MrAnonymousRandom]

I've been to my local Lowes a number of times and it just seems that they are having trouble selling Kobalt tools judging by the amount of stuff on the shelves. Craftsman doesn't seem to have anything new to offer that other Stanley brands don't already have.

[@carlostrujillo2248]

Hi Red, check this out, I went to Lowe’s today cause I was wondering how their Craftsman warranty worked. Well I had purchased a $30ish 3/8 Ratchet that I bought at Sear’s a ways back that stopped working, lLowe’s wanted to Replace it with their basic $20 3/8 Ratchet that everyone has when you buy a set. I even opted to pay the difference of $36 one, but they would not do that. What would you suggest I could do? Maybe Craftsman.com? That’s why I giving my businesses Texton Tools because of their warranty.

[@n2godswork]

Craftsman is now a subsidiary of Stanley - Black & Decker (Sears sold them). They also own DeWalt and Porter Cable. Not only is Kobalt being pushed out of Lowe’s, but sister brand Porter Cable is, too.

[@Aubreykun]

I think the 24v miter saw might be for apartment dwellers and such - it's only 40lbs, which is light enough to wheel out onto a balcony or down an elevator/stairs and back in on a stand or something. Or carry. It also uses the same size saw blades as a circ saw, so theoretically you only need 1 relatively inexpensive blade type. Some of these smaller portable bench tools don't really make any sense without considering that there's a whole "maker" subculture among younger people now, with a lot generally lacking in space.

[@jeffholloway9922]

Craftsman and Kobalt are made by the same manufacturer. I once found Craftsman wrenches in Kobalt packaging at Lowes. This was about a year and a half ago.

[@timsimmons9042]

My local seems to have it spread out along end caps from one side of store to other right yet other than I saw one very expensive kolbalt tool box and the rest was craftsman. They need to rethink the all black with red drawer pulls though. Agree on quality as I see them as better built than sears models but still lacking when compared to other brands. Love your content and videos. Stay safe all

[@georgehoy5144]

I drove to 2 Lowes stores looking for a Craftsman 1/2" drive impact socket. None in Stock. Should have gone to Sears.

[@terrystockstill251]

hey red glad to see u again

[@ericschofield3244]

Kind of explains why the Kobalt router table I've been wanting is down $40 in the last two weeks. I think I'll wait another two weeks and see what's up before I buy.

[@bigrobbyd.6805]

I cannot recall who posted it (VCG, maybe?), but apparently Lowe's is doing away with the Kobalt hand tool line, but doubling down on the Kobalt power tool line. If I happen across it, again, I'll share the link.

[@jodymadewell1415]

I live a hour north east from vegas so i dont get to lowes often, but the closet one is on craig and lossee by sams club, but most i go home depot cause i have a lawn business and buy echo products and i might have to go check out lowes i love craftsman products and tools i buy my mowers that are craftsman, riders and push i been usally getting my stuff at the sears hometown store in mesquite. I spent 10 grand there one year, so been vip customer, walk in the store everyone knows my name and greets me. But there selection doesn’t come close to what u showed so next time i go vegas definitely going have check out lowes.

[@toolhead147]

Craftsman is taking over the world lol, great video!