Craftsman is one of the best-known tool names in the United States. Many people first saw the red logo in a Sears store, a family garage, or an old tool chest.
The brand still exists, but the owner changed. That matters because ownership affects where products are sold, how new tools are developed, and where customers go for service.
Who Owns Craftsman Today?
Stanley Black & Decker owns Craftsman. The company bought the Craftsman brand from Sears Holdings in 2017.
Craftsman is now part of the same large tool group that includes brands such as DEWALT, Stanley, and BLACK+DECKER.
An official Craftsman press release identifies Craftsman as a Stanley Black & Decker brand. Stanley Black & Decker records also show that it purchased the brand from Sears Holdings in March 2017.
That is the simple answer. Stanley Black & Decker owns the name and develops Craftsman products for a wide retail market.
How Craftsman Moved Beyond Sears
For decades, Sears and Craftsman were closely linked. Sears stores and catalogs made the brand familiar to generations of homeowners and mechanics.
The retail world changed. Sears became much smaller. Stanley Black & Decker bought Craftsman and pushed the brand into more stores and online channels.
That change made Craftsman easier to find outside the old Sears network. It also gave the brand access to a much larger tool company.
Does Stanley Black & Decker Make Every Craftsman Tool?
Craftsman sells many types of products. The line includes hand tools, power tools, storage, lawn equipment, and accessories.
Those products do not all come from one factory. Modern tool brands often use several plants and suppliers. Country of origin can differ by model.
If origin matters to you, read the label on the exact tool or set. Look for wording such as “Made in,” “Assembled in,” or other origin details.
The same rule applies to other big brands. Our guide to where DEWALT tools are made explains why one brand can have products from several countries.
What Happened to the Craftsman Warranty?
Warranty terms depend on the product. Some hand tools carry strong coverage. Power tools, outdoor equipment, and accessories may use different terms.
Check the warranty for the exact model before you buy. Keep your receipt for products that require proof of purchase.
Craftsman also offers product registration and customer support. That can make warranty work easier if a covered product fails.
Is Craftsman Still a Good Value?
Value depends on the tool and the job. A homeowner who fixes shelves and changes mower blades has different needs from a mechanic who uses a ratchet all day.
For many home and garage jobs, Craftsman sits in a useful middle range. The brand offers broad sets, common sizes, and tools that are easy to find.
If you are building a basic garage kit, a Craftsman mechanics tool set on Amazon can show the kinds of socket and wrench bundles that are available.
For cordless work, you can also compare Craftsman V20 drill and driver options on Amazon. Check battery size, included tools, and warranty before choosing a kit.
How to Judge a Tool Before You Buy
Do not buy a tool only because of the logo. Pick it up if you can. Check the grip, weight, switches, latches, and moving parts.
- Make sure a ratchet feels smooth.
- Check that sockets are easy to read.
- Look for a case that holds pieces firmly.
- Check battery size on cordless tools.
- Read the warranty before paying.
Tool care matters too. Even a good wrench or socket set can suffer if it stays wet. Our guide to removing and preventing rust on tools covers simple storage and cleanup habits.
Craftsman vs. Other Tool Brands
Brand comparisons are easier when you compare the same type of product. Put similar drills, ratchets, or tool sets side by side.
Look at price, warranty, battery system, tool weight, and the products you may add later. A cheaper starter kit can cost more in the long run if you have to change battery platforms.
Our guide to where Milwaukee tools are made is useful if you are comparing another large tool brand with a global supply chain.
Where Tool Shopping Fits With Outdoor Gear
People who work on trucks, trailers, boats, and outdoor equipment often shop for tools and field gear at the same time. This Noah’s Outdoors guide to Bass Pro Shops in Independence, Missouri is one example of how large outdoor stores mix equipment, accessories, and service under one roof.
A Simple Craftsman Buying Plan
- Buy the tool for the job you actually do.
- Compare the exact model, not just the brand.
- Read the country-of-origin label if it matters to you.
- Check the warranty and keep the receipt.
- Stay with one battery system when that saves money.
The Bottom Line
Stanley Black & Decker owns Craftsman. It bought the brand from Sears Holdings in 2017 and expanded it into a much wider retail network.
The Craftsman name still covers a large range of tools. Quality, origin, and warranty can vary by product, so the smartest move is to judge the exact tool in front of you.