Craftsman tools at MENARDS?

[Pete Judd]

I have built a high end cabinet shop here at the homestead, and have not one piece of Crapsman in it. They left a very bad taste in my mouth in the late 70' and early 80's when quality went to heck. My shop is Delta/Proter Cable, and Jet for the most part. For hand tools, I may have a few left from years ago, but the newer HF ones seem to be better finished, and a whole lot less. They used to, have "special features" that required you to only buy other pieces from sears at very inflated prices. I at one time thought they were great, but I don't think they will win me back before I die.

 

[not2old]

I bought Craftsman almost exclusively starting nearly 50 years ago except for power tools which had cords that kinked too easily. I started buying other brands when their Canadian market got offshore crap. I travelled to the U.S. for the good tools until other brands jumped on the "lifetime warranty" and now rarely visit Sears anymore. I hear that even the U.S. gets the cheap stuff now. Serves them right for trying to con us. I doubt they will ever regain their status in the market. I might not be able to afford much from Snap-on, but I respect their tools, they have the right idea.

 

[LD1]

I might not be able to afford much from Snap-on, but I respect their tools, they have the right idea.

Except for marketing and selling:confused2:

Online or off a truck only???? PITA if you have one break and have to return it:confused2: Not to mention 4x's the cost of other tools.:confused2: Sure they may indeed be better, but when a wrench that cost 1/4th as much can do the job just the same, well.....I guess thats why I dont own tools like Snap-off's, or Slip'n'Kills

 

[sixdogs]

I still think 90% of their hand tools are top quality. Like wrenches, sockets, ratchets, etc...

...NOT to mention, I think their "OTHER" tools are killing their good name. Like their mowers, weedeaters, chainsaws, some power tools, etc. Those ARE flat junk. And I think some people associate that with their hand tools as well.

Yes, their other tools are junk and have been for a while.
I got burned back in the 1970's and bought Makita or whatever and never looked back. Why would Sears, that has spent decades building a reputation for quality manly stuff, sell crap power and outdoor equipment? It baffles me and makes me think Sears could actually fail as a company and the few quality branded names get spun off.

 

[WM75Guy]

Sears is losing money and market share. Target just entered the Canadian market and likely will kill Sears Canada. Some companies such as Nike refuse to sell to Sears as they do not want their product in Kmart. Sears Holding is trying to improve sales by using Ace Hardware and others to sell product.

I have had trouble getting tools replaced. It used to be no questions, now if they suspect you used a socket and hammer to knock something out and the socket broke, they have refused to replace it.

 

[SPIKER]

I have LOTS of Craftsman tools. as of late though I been picking up lots of HF tools mostly the Metric stuff and lower use type tools such as brake hones and the like where I used to not use them very often. I have a bunch of the tapes that I have had to have replaced on & off again. I also have had some tapes that had worn off all the measurements on the first 4 or so feet from use. took them back for new ones as well. I used to buy the HF tools as cut up to fit tools disposable stuff but found them pretty good for the $s. Anyhow I had to us S&K stuff in the military hate it hated it hated it. smooth thin wrenches when covered in hydraulic oil ya couldn't hold onto them *($@^ things for nothing.

I still have craftsman wrenches bought in 84 or so when I needed them for school. use them regularly as well biggest thing is loosing them not breaking them.

lately the ratchets are junk though went thru 4 or 5 of the in past year or so. constantly breaking the teeth off.

bought a new gt6000 26hp koler has worst buy ever. engine is junk cant mow more than 4" high grass...

Mark