What’s the opinion on Lowe’s Craftsman tools.

[4570Man]

My opinion is they are overpriced and of no better or worse quality than other imports at a premium price hoping to sell with a once good name. One example I can think of is a $30 tape measure. I can buy 25 foot metal body tape measure or plastic if you prefer for under $10. Another example was cordless tools. I didn’t take the time to make a spreadsheet but it seemed priced along with the best brands where I’ve never even seen them prior to now. Another thing I dislike which is shares among other brands is the sets are composed of mostly 12 point sockets.

 

[Turbys_1700]

Sometimes when they are put on sale they are competitive with Harbor Freight in price. Most of these tools come out of the same Chinese factory and are rebranded. I see now that Harbor Freight is trying to upgrade some of their power tools into the more prosumer line. Don't know how that will work out.

Couple years ago my wife bought me a 20V DeWalt small impact. I like the commonality of batteries with those. As far as Lowes I typically buy lumber, building, electrical, or plumbing supplies there. Harbor Freight, Northern Tool, Tractor Supply, etc...are all convenient to me for lower priced hand tools.

 

[thepumpguysc]

I agree 4570.. another thing is on their "sets". lets say>a 200 pc set for 180.00.. on closer inspection you'll see that 80pcs are Allen wrenches, counted 1x1..lol.
Atleast Sears didn't leave us all hangin in the wind when it came to the lifetime warranty.. We now have someplace to "pop-in" & exchange a wrench or screwdriver..
It might take u 30 minutes to check-out tho..

 

[EddieWalker]

One example I can think of is a $30 tape measure. I can buy 25 foot metal body tape measure or plastic if you prefer for under $10.

Not to be contradictory, but as a contractor, I go through a lot of steel tapes. At first, I just figured it was the normal life span of them to fail after six to nine months, but every now and then I would find one that would last over a year. I bought dozens of cheap ones, bright ones that are easy to see, and fat ones. They just fall apart. So out of frustration, I spent $35 on a Milwaukee steel tape three years ago. It's still in perfect condition and works great. I have two of them now and considering how much money I wasted on Stanley, Lufkin, DeWalt and a bunch of other brands too cheap to mention, I've saved a bunch of money buying the most expensive ones that I've come across.

As for Craftsman tools being worth the money, I don't think that there is any measurable difference between any of the lifetime warrantee type hand tools out there. Back in the 80's manufacturers where recovering from the Carter environmental changes that affected how everything was made, and it was hard to find a socket that didn't break on you all the time. Craftsman did a great job selling strong sockets and wrenches that held up for an affordable price. Now everyone does it.

 

[Birdhunter1]

Eddie I have had the same results with tape measures, but I have had a 16' Kobalt tape that is a shop tape, it doesn't leave the shop, is used mostly for wood only jobs and I have had it a long time.. I'd almost say 8 years but I know at least 5 years. The 1/16" marks are starting to have enough wear where they are hard to see. I will replace it with another Kobalt.

 

[fidowanttobe]

I totally agree. Cheapo tapes are made to stay in the glove box. Buy a $30 one and it lasts forever and actually goes back inside without "help"!

 

[crazyal]

I can't say what the quality of today's Craftsman tools are but I have lots of HF tools and most aren't the same quality. That doesn't mean they aren't up to doing the job or that they haven't gotten better but even to this day I'll grab a Craftsman socket over a Pittsburgh. Then there's some tools that are just a joke HF sells. The HF speed square is terrible where as the red anodized Craftsman one I have (which cost 4 times as much) is worth every extra penny. I like HF stuff and own plenty of it. I did look at buying some Craftsman sockets a few years ago when they were still made in the US but they laser etched the size onto them vs stamping it deep into the side. I have some Craftsman sockets that the chrome is long gone, had they been the new style they would of been worthless. As for both possibly made in China, that's meaningless as it's not where but to what standard they are made to. To HF the end user is the Quality Assurance. If you get a great set then congrads. If not it's on you to return them and play the HF lotto a second time.

 

[crazyal]

I have over a dozen Stanley 25' tapes. Lowes had a version with a coupon on the back of the package. Buy a tape and the next time you spend $60 or more get a free one. Since I was building my garage at the time and they were the only store open late that was on my way home from work I was always stopping it to buy stuff like wire or nails. The end result is a lifetime supply of tapes. I have one that got PL400 adhesive caulk on it and another that got too close to a spinning saw blade but otherwise they are all doing just fine 10 years later.

I have heard good things about the new Gunmetal Craftsman line. But like I said, I haven't seen them in person.

 

[newbury]

Re: What痴 the opinion on Lowe痴 Craftsman tools.

Not to be contradictory, but as a contractor, I go through a lot of steel tapes. At first, I just figured it was the normal life span of them to fail after six to nine months, but every now and then I would find one that would last over a year. I bought dozens of cheap ones, bright ones that are easy to see, and fat ones. They just fall apart. So out of frustration, I spent $35 on a Milwaukee steel tape three years ago. It's still in perfect condition and works great. I have two of them now and considering how much money I wasted on Stanley, Lufkin, DeWalt and a bunch of other brands too cheap to mention, I've saved a bunch of money buying the most expensive ones that I've come across. <snip>

Being a homeowner/hobby carpenter/hobby tree farmer/hobby mr fixit I go through a fair amount of steel tapes. But I also have a lot of places I'm doing stuff and I dislike wasting time looking for something. I try to keep one in each vehicle, every level of every house, shop, apartment. That way I rarely have to walk far to get one. That's about a fifteen to start with. And I keep several extra in major toolboxes etc. So I've gone with HF freebies.

Yes, they fail. Some jam up, some the hooked tab breaks off. But there is always another one not to far away. I go through probably one or two a year.

As far as Lowes Craftsman tools, I expect it is just part of their race to the bottom of the quality pile.

 

[Ford850]

Eddie- I agree 100% about the Milwaukee tapes. They have a design that fits so natural in your hand, it makes it much easier to use than any other tape I've used. And they are excellent quality too.