[TR] Sears to Sell the Iconic Craftsman Brand after 90 Years

[dave n]

I will first say that I’m a bit of a tool snob, and have a pretty full collection of craftsman tools.  its rare now that I have to go buy a tool.  but when I do, I’ve been giving the lowe’s brand Kobalt a look.  they also have a lifetime warranty although I have yet to test it. 

I will also say that I bought some wire cutters at Lowe’s that were quite expensive ($30+), but they were totally worth it.  they will cut almost anything that fits in the jaws.  best wire cutters ever!!!  totally worth it.  oddly enough, they are not Kobalt.

from a nostalgic perspective, I think it is quite sad what has happened to Sears and Craftsman.  You can already buy Craftsman tools at Ace hardware.  I am surprised Sears is still alive – who shops there??????  good time to sell their stock short

From: Larry Griffin 
Sent: Saturday, January 7, 2017 2:07 PM
To: triumphs at autox.team.net 
Subject: [TR] Sears to Sell the Iconic Craftsman Brand after 90 Years

Sears must really need cash to survive since they are selling the Craftsman Brand to Stanley Black & Decker for about $900 million. Details are here:
Sears Sells Craftsman Brand 



This shocked and made me very sad when I read a news story last night that didn't have as much detail as the link above. I've always used Craftsman tools since since my uncle started helping me work on my Spitfire back in the '60s. After reading the above, I feel a bit better due to these details:
1) This might help Sears survive
2) Sears will continue to sell Craftsman. After 15 years Sears will start paying Stanley Black & Decker a percentage of Craftsman sales.
3) Stanley plans to open a new US plant to make Craftsman tools
4) Craftsman will be available at more stores
5)Sears will receive a percentage of Stanley's Craftsmen sales for 15 years
6)The unlimited lifetime warranty will continue under Stanley
7)Stanley will develop and build Craftsman products to sell outside of Sears. Not sure if this is good or bad. Hope they improve quality back to former Craftsman standards.

Still trying to digest this news, though. Thoughts anyone?​ 


Larry 
71 TR6



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