Craftsman at Lowes

joe44va

joe44va

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I've looked at the Craftsman tools at Lowes before and wasn't impressed. I was there again today and bought a new 1/4" ratchet (they were sold out of the 3/8 and 1/2). Seems that I like tools almost as much as revolvers. Anyway, this ratchet looked good, felt good, and it was smooth with a very short throw. A definite improvement over the ones I saw there before. We'll have to see how it works. It's the one on the right and was labeled "gun metal chrome. Nope, I don't know where the one in the middle came from.
 

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This ratchet said on the label that it has a lifetime guarantee. Didn't say whos lifetime, but neither did Sears. It will be interesting to see if Lowes honors the lifetime guarantee on tools purchased at Sears. Now that would be great customer service.
 
From what I understand, Lowes is supposed to be honoring any Lifetime Warranty issues. Or so I've been told. I have yet to have to find out first hand.
For those of you looking for tools, you might want to check Sears website, as they have recently been slashing their prices on their tools, and I've been picking up some Craftsman tools, at prices cheaper than most of the no name brand selections. They also ship most orders for free. FYI
 
Cut and pasted directly from the Craftsman website.

WILL THE CRAFTSMAN WARRANTIES REMAIN THE SAME?
We understand the CRAFTSMAN warranties are important to existing customers and intend to honor existing and offer similar warranties going forward. CRAFTSMAN branded products will continue to be covered under their existing warranties. In the immediate term, there are no changes to how you will get service regarding your warranty. For more information about our warranties click here, or call us at 888-331-4569.

Customer Care | CRAFTSMAN(R)
 
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Craftsman tools had sunk so low over the last 10 years the only way they could have gone is up! I'm glad to hear that they are starting to upgrade the Craftsman line. I own plenty of them however I am happy that most were purchased man y many years ago when they were all made in the USA. I've heard rumors recently that they are bringing back some tools to USA production - let's hope so!

I am a tool nut also and there are some tools that I will spend the extra money on and get Snap-on. Ratchets and combo wrenches are some examples. Craftsman, even in their hay day, never felt as good in your hand as a Snap-on. If you use tools often it really makes a huge difference. For the type of guy who uses these tools once a month or so for a few minutes, Craftsman and many other brands will serve just fine - just not as comfortable.

Most of the S-O tools I've purchased lately have either been on deep sale from the S-O truck guy or I've bought them used on ebay. I just refuse to pay their regular prices!! While S-O has always been pricey, they have crossed the line for me and I will not be extorted! Believe it or not, one can get S-O tools either new, as-new, or ever so slightly used for about half of the truck prices. The lifetime warranty STILL applies and you can go right to the S-O Co. if the truck Guy won't help you out with an exchange under warranty.

For affordable pliers and excellent quality you just can't beat Channelocks. They make just about any type one would need and they carry a great warranty as well. Quality is excellent and they are made in PA, USA.
 
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About 15 years ago, when I took a broken Craftsman tool to my local Sears store, they refused to replace it They said I needed to have the ORIGINAL receipt for the tool before they would replace it. Do you keep your original receipts for the tools you buy? That was the very last time I have been in a Sears store and all my tool purchases since have NOT been the Craftsman brand!
 
BigBoy99 said:
About 15 years ago, when I took a broken Craftsman tool to my local Sears store, they refused to replace it They said I needed to have the ORIGINAL receipt for the tool before they would replace it. Do you keep your original receipts for the tools you buy? That was the very last time I have been in a Sears store and all my tool purchases since have NOT been the Craftsman brand!
Click to expand...

Sounds like someone at that Sears didn't know what they were talking about.

I can't speak for 1400 or so Lowes stores but ours doesn't require receipts. It seems to me the tool is the receipt.
 
Good to know. I have a couple of fairly ancient screw drivers that have worn tips. I was wondering if I could bring them to Lowes for replacement.

Gives me something to do later today. ;)

g-dad said:
I work part time at Lowe's in the tool department. Yes Lowes honors the lifetime Craftsman warranty. I've already replaced the broken tools I had and we've had quite a few customers bring their broken screw drivers, ratchets, etc for replacement. Hope that's the answer you're looking for.
Click to expand...
 
We didn't have any of those around here, so I never knew they sold tools.

OTOH, I have a couple of sets of Snap On tools that were bought by my uncle in the 1970s. Not that they break often, but I wonder if they'd cover them?

I see you're in Iraq. I don't know what you're doing there, but come back safe.

biku324 said:
I've got a chest full of PowerKraft 1/2" drive sockets, a rachet, speed rachet, and extensions from 1972 I got at age 16 that I use every time I need them. I guess Monkey Wards will no longer stand behind those:).
Click to expand...
 
BigBoy99 said:
About 15 years ago, when I took a broken Craftsman tool to my local Sears store, they refused to replace it They said I needed to have the ORIGINAL receipt for the tool before they would replace it. Do you keep your original receipts for the tools you buy? That was the very last time I have been in a Sears store and all my tool purchases since have NOT been the Craftsman brand!
Click to expand...

I've warranteed plenty of Craftsman tools over the years and was never asked to show a receipt. Mostly screwdrivers but a Ratchet or two also. NOW I can see them asking for a receipt since there are other stores selling the line, they can't be sure you purchased the tool at Sears, but that is only recently. Up until recent times Sears had Craftsman as an exclusive.
 
All of mine were U.S.-made, bought over thirty years ago. I had one socket split over twenty years ago. It was replaced without question, but that was before Sears began the long slide to terrible decisions like acquiring KMart.
 
As long as we are chatting about tools,Milwaukee's line up of hand tools has shocked me as to just how excellent they are! Their combo wrenches are (IMO) better than S-O's! Milwaukee has come on really strong over the past two years and they are reasonably priced and carry a full lifetime warranty.

Most are not made in USA (a few are) but many are made in Europe - not sure which Country - but excellent quality!
 
I once found a rusted Craftsman Phillips head in the dirt near my home, probably dropped by the construction crew when the place was built in the 80's. The tip was rounded off pretty good and unusable. Got a new one no questions asked.

BigBoy99 said:
About 15 years ago, when I took a broken Craftsman tool to my local Sears store, they refused to replace it They said I needed to have the ORIGINAL receipt for the tool before they would replace it. Do you keep your original receipts for the tools you buy? That was the very last time I have been in a Sears store and all my tool purchases since have NOT been the Craftsman brand!
Click to expand...
 
I've noticed the improvements with the Craftsman brand of late and have been picking up a few new items. I don't have any currently broken to replace but, it's good to hear they are still honoring that.

I'm also in agreement with the above about the current Milwaukee lineup - I recently won a selection of their hand and power tools during a fund raiser raffle and they seem pretty nice! Time will tell.
 
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