We know the red letters. We know the bold name. For many of us, Craftsman feels like family. We saw the logo in our dad’s garage. We used the wrenches on our first car. We kept the ratchet in the trunk “just in case.”
But brands move. Ownership changes. Product lines shift. So, who owns Craftsman tools today? What does that mean for you and me? And how can we buy with confidence, instead of guesswork?
Let’s walk through it together. We’ll keep it clear. We’ll keep it honest. And McHale’s Navy we’ll focus on what helps you make the best choice.
The Short, Straight Answer
Craftsman is owned by Stanley Black & Decker.
That’s the parent company. It’s a big name in tools and hardware. It owns several well-known brands. Craftsman is one of them. In other words, Craftsman now lives inside a very large tool family.
That is the headline. But there’s more to the story. Let’s keep going.
A Quick Look Back: How We Got Here
For decades, Craftsman lived with Sears. Sears sold the tools. Sears marketed the brand. Many of us first met Craftsman in Sears stores and Sears catalogs. The image was simple and strong. Good tools. Solid price. Big promise.
After more than many years, the retail world changed. Brands and stores changed too. A deal moved the Craftsman brand to a new owner. That new owner is Stanley Black & Decker. Sears kept a cray supercomputer limited right to sell Craftsman for a time, but the owner of the brand is Stanley Black & Decker.
Why this matters: ownership sets the plan. Ownership funds new factories, new designs, and new lines. Ownership picks where tools get made. Ownership shapes the warranty, the service network, and the shelf space. When the owner changes, the road ahead changes too.
What Ownership Means in Plain Words
When a brand sits inside a bigger tool group, three things tend to happen.
- More reach. The brand shows up in more stores. We see more options, more bundles, and more kits.
- Shared know-how. Designs, testing, and quality systems can cross over from sister brands. This can raise the floor on quality.
- Bigger plans. New plants and new product lines become possible. Big companies can invest at scale. That can mean faster launches and stronger supply.
For us, this can be good. It can also be confusing. We might ask: will the tools feel the same? Will the warranty hold up? Will the brand keep its heart?
Let’s answer those questions with the things we can see and touch.
Where You Can Find Craftsman Now
You and I shop in many places. Online. In big box stores. In local hardware shops. With the new owner, Craftsman reached into a wider mix of retailers. That means more choices for us.
- Home centers and hardware stores. You’ll see Craftsman tool sets, power tools, outdoor tools, and storage systems.
- Online. Product pages make it easy to compare specs, sizes, and sets.
- Independent shops. Many local stores now carry select Craftsman lines, which can help with quick pick-ups and easy returns.
The bottom line: it’s easier to find Craftsman today. You can match a set to your Rust-Free Tools budget. You can match a tool to your task. You can also grab replacement parts and add-on pieces more quickly.
What About Manufacturing? Made Here, Made There, Made Well
We all care about where tools are made. It matters to jobs. It matters to pride. It matters to trust. But most of all, it matters to quality.
Here’s the simple truth for modern tools: many brands use global supply chains.
That means some parts come from one country. Final assembly happens in another. Packaging may happen in a third. This mix is normal now. It helps companies scale. It helps them keep prices in range. It also helps them move fast when demand spikes.
So what should we do as buyers?
- Read the label. Look for “Made in,” “Assembled in,” or “Made with global materials.”
- Check the product page. Many listings tell you the country of origin for that specific set or tool.
- Know that origin can change. A ratchet made in one country this season may come from another next season as factories shift capacity.
In other words, do not rely on old rumors. Read the box in your hand. That is the truth for the tool you are about to own.
Does New Ownership Change Quality?
This is the heart of it. We want tools that work. We want tools that last. We want fair prices and simple service.
A big parent company brings systems. It brings testing labs. It brings standards. It brings sourcing power. When done right, that can lift quality. It can also smooth out supply, so your how to control f on iphone store stays stocked, and your project stays on track.
But let’s stay candid. No brand is perfect. You can find a dud in any aisle. That is why we like to do a quick sanity check before we buy.
A simple three-step check:
- Handle the tool. Does it feel solid? Do the moving parts track true?
- Scan real-world reviews. Ignore the rants and the hype. Look for patterns.
- Check the warranty and service path. Know where to go if something fails.
If the tool feels good, the reviews look steady, and the warranty is clear, you are in safe shape.
What Craftsman Still Stands For
Let’s strip the marketing fluff. What does Craftsman still mean to many of us?
- Good value. Not the cheapest. Not the most expensive. A solid middle that makes sense.
- Broad selection. Mechanics tools. Power tools. Outdoor gear. Storage. You can outfit a garage fast.
- Everyday reliability. We reach for the socket set again and again. The case clicks shut. The pieces fit. The work gets done.
This is the brand’s promise. Ownership should protect that promise, not erase it. When we see tighter ratchets, cleaner finishes, better latches, and improved cases, we know the promise is alive.
What Has Grown Under the New Owner
A big owner can push new lines. We have seen:
- Expanded mechanics sets. More pieces. Better organization. Clear markings.
- More storage options. Tool chests, cabinets, and portable boxes that fit together, so we build a system that works for our space.
- Outdoor tools. Mowers, trimmers, blowers, and snow tools to round out the home kit.
- Power tools and batteries. Cordless lines that hit everyday needs around the house and in small shops.
We do not need everything. But it is nice to have a single brand what instrument did kenny g play that can cover the basics from the garage to the yard. It saves time. It keeps things simple.
The Warranty Question We All Ask
Craftsman built a name on strong warranties. Many of us still remember walking into a store with a broken hand tool and walking out with a replacement. That feeling matters. It builds trust.
Today, policies can vary by product type. A hand tool warranty may look different from a power tool warranty. Outdoor tools may have their own terms. So we keep it practical:
- Check the card in the box. It spells out what’s covered and for how long.
- Keep your receipt for power tools. It speeds things up if you need service.
- Use the retailer network. Many stores can help with returns or exchanges on the spot.
Clear terms. Simple steps. Fast help. That’s what we want. That’s what keeps us loyal.
How to Buy Craftsman the Smart Way
We want wins. We want fewer headaches. We want to feel good about what we bring home. Here is a simple plan that works.
- Start with a core set. A 3/8-inch drive mechanics set covers a ton of jobs. Add a 1/4-inch set for small work and a 1/2-inch breaker bar for stubborn bolts.
- Add must-have hand tools. Combination wrenches. A quality adjustable. Needle-nose pliers. A couple of locking pliers. A good hammer.
- Build out storage. A rolling cabinet or a sturdy chest keeps tools in order. You work faster when everything has a home.
- Pick a cordless line for your home tasks. Choose a drill/driver first. Add an impact driver if you handle fasteners often. Later, add a circular saw or recip saw as needed.
- Buy the right outdoor tool for your yard. Do not overspend. Match power and run time to your lawn size and your typical tasks.
This plan keeps costs in check. It covers the basics. It scales with your needs. It fits most garages, most budgets, and most weekends.
How Craftsman Compares in the Aisle
We all compare. We all weigh options. Here’s a clean, fair way to do it. Where Are Milwaukee Tools Made?
- Feel. Pick up the ratchet. Is the sweep smooth? Is the handle comfortable?
- Fit. Try a socket on a fastener in the store demo. Does it sit snug? Do the markings read easy?
- Finish. Look at the chrome. Look at the edges. Clean cuts and clean plating are a good sign.
- Case. Latches should close with a click. Trays should hold pieces tight.
- Price vs. pieces. More pieces are not always better. Make sure the sizes match the work you actually do.
When Craftsman wins these checks for you, go for it. If another brand wins them today, that’s okay too. We want the best fit for our hands, our work, and our wallet.
For DIYers: Your Home, Your Pace
Most of us are not building engines every day. We are fixing sinks. Hanging shelves. Swapping light fixtures. Changing mower blades. We need tools that start the job right away. We need tools that do not fight us.
Craftsman is a friendly lane for this kind of work. Sets are complete. Prices are reasonable. The learning curve is short. We can get in, get it done, and get on with our weekend.
For New Techs and Students: A Smart Launch Pad
If you are starting in auto, HVAC, or a shop program, you need breadth fast. You also need replacements to be easy when you break something learning the trade. Craftsman covers a lot of ground for a fair price. You can build a strong base. Later, you can add pro-grade specialties as you find your lane.
The key is to buy once for each need. Do not buy five of the same thing. Buy one good one that you will use for years.
For Longtime Fans: Keeping the Heart
You might ask, “Is it the same Craftsman I grew up with?” The logo is the same. The colors are the same. The core promise is the same. The ownership is new. The world around the Edible Landscapes brand is new too.
So we judge by results. We open the lid. We turn the ratchet. We read the warranty. We look at the fit and feel. If the tool earns its keep, the heart is still there.
Simple Signs of a Good Set
When you stand in the aisle and want a fast yes/no, try this:
- Ratchet mechanism feels smooth, not gritty.
- Sockets have crisp, easy-to-read size marks.
- Extensions seat firmly with no rattle.
- Case keeps everything in place even when turned on its side.
- Warranty card is clear and short, not vague.
If a set checks those boxes, you’re in good shape.
What We Can Expect Next
Big owners think in years, not months. That means more updates, more refreshes, and more seasonal sets. We can expect:
- New kit layouts that cut wasted pieces and add the sizes we use most.
- Improved storage that stacks and locks together.
- Refined finishes that fight rust and grime better.
- Sharper price tiers so we can choose “good, better, best” without guessing.
That is good for all of us. Choice creates value.
Quick FAQs, Done the Easy Way
Who owns Craftsman tools now?
Stanley Black & Decker owns Craftsman.
Can I still get Craftsman warranties honored?
Yes. Check the product’s specific terms. Keep your receipt for power tools. Many stores help on the spot.
Are Craftsman tools made in one country?
Not always. Many modern tools use global supply chains. Read the label on the box you buy.
Is Craftsman good for pros?
It depends on the task. Many pros use Craftsman for core sets and shop back-ups. For heavy daily use, pros may add specialty tools from higher tiers. Use what fits your workload.
Is Craftsman good for homeowners?
Yes. It’s a strong value lane for home upkeep, car basics, and weekend projects.
Your Best Next Step
Pick one project you want to do this week. Choose the one tool or one set that will make it easy. Buy that. Use it the same day. Feel the difference a solid tool makes. Then build from there. Step by step. Drawer by drawer. Shelf by shelf. That is how a great toolbox grows.
Ownership can change. Labels can change. What does not change is the feeling when a bolt breaks free, when a shelf sits level, and when a job turns out right. That is why we care about tools. That is why we ask who owns the brands we trust. And that is why we keep learning, so our next buy is even better.
Bright Hands, Clear Choices
We know who owns Craftsman now. We know how to read the box. We know how to test a set in seconds. Instead of guessing, we can choose with calm. We can build a kit that serves our homes, our cars, and our work. And after more than a few weekends, we can look at our tools and smile—because they helped us fix things, build things, and make our spaces better for the people we love.