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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Foster Positivity.

Does Lowe's offer the life-time warranty on the Craftsman tools like Sears did?

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Bill

Craftsman or Snap On for me. Life's too short to work with "Saturday Night Special" tools.

Our Lowes also now carrying Craftsman, and since our local Sears closed, nice to have Lowe's in the area.

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USAF/RET. 1966-1990

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.

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Foster Positivity.

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

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John 14:6, Luke 21:11

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)

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.

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Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

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.

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!

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Bill

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.

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Dan
Ps 96 SWCA 2930 SWHF 524

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.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

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.

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.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

I believe they are made in japan now.

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.

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Oh well, what the hell.

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.

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Wisdom comes thru fear . . .

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.

I haven't been thrilled with Craftsman tools since they started making a lot of them in China. Of course now Snap-On has their affordable line made in China also.
Ed

Just wanted to mention that you will be noticing more Craftsman tools being made in the USA. I have been hearing they're trying to bring back production and I've already spotted a few of their USA made tools being sold at Lowe's.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

Like many of you my craftsman tools were purchased close to 30 years ago.When lowes began selling Kobalt tools that are made in china they were the only tool I bought.probably have about 3 complete sets of sockets, wrenches,extensions and what all have you. I've never had to bring in a Kobalt tool in for warrantee. And lowes usually did a good job of making all tools were one the shelf available. My tool boxes are a mixture Old Cratsman,Kobalt,Proto, Armstrong, Williams and a bunch of others. And yes I'm a tool freak also. Frank

I noticed that Lowes was carrying Craftsman lawn mowers as well. I wonder how the quality is on those?

I'm curious if Lowes will drop their flagship Kobalt brand. Not sure about Craftsman now that Stanley bought the name, but up till now, both brands were made by Danaher Tool. By the shape of the handle on the OP's new ratchet, they still are.

Was looking for a mower with a Honda motor. Came down to a Craftsman at Lowes or a Troy Bilt at Home Depot. After reading the reviews I bought the Troy Bilt.

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

The Craftsman lawn mowers have Briggs & Stratton engines. I own one that is going on it's 5th season and it runs like a champ.

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Ephesians 6 (Armor of God)

Craftsman and Mac for me. They have lasted many many hard use years without a hitch. Just wish they could replace any LOST tools. That would fill a couple slots for me.

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And that's as long as my last Briggs and Stratton engine lasted.

M140 HONDA 160cc Push Mower - CMXGMAM1125500 | CRAFTSMAN

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LIVE FROM THE DAWGHOUSE

There's a five horse B&S on my K-Gro (Kmart) branded,
Frigidaire data labeled, push mower. Got it in 1998, still
running. Oil changes, air filters, a few spark plugs,
two magnetos, and she still usually starts on first pull.

Never had a question about replacing a Craftsman tool, socket, wrench, or part, ever. I think it should be the same at Lowe's. It's the brand.

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Heavily armed old man.

Stanley Black & Decker announced on Wednesday that it was investing $90 million in a plant in Texas – a move aimed at continuing its effort to shift production of a range of Craftsman products back to the U.S. The new 425,000-square-foot facility will be located in Fort Worth, where tools ranging from sockets, ratchets, wrenches to general sets will be produced.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

Craftsman tools announced they will be building a new factory to start building their tool line here in the USA again. Expect to see them on the shelves in 2 years.

I have taken good old Craftsman tools back to Sears for replacement and they wanted to replace them with imported junk. I had a bushel basket full of 7 1/2" saws that quit. One rainy day I was going to take them apart and make up a few from parts. All had same problem. After a hassle with a $200 drill that crapped out I gave up Craftsman power tools too. I went all to Dewalt, corded and battery both.

For many years Snap-on has been "King of the Tool Hill". Unfortunately, their prices have now exceeded their reputation and their quality has fallen from Grace at the same time. I dare say many or most of their tools are not even built by them or in the USA any longer. Although I own many S-O tools, I doubt I'd buy them today at today's prices when I can get other quality tools for about 1/4 the price that also carry a lifetime warranty. Milwaukee hand tools are excellent as are Tecton. Kobalt is very good too.

Once again Fellas, go on Fleabay and get them used but in excellent condition and don't listen to the Snap-on Truck guy - they ARE STILL under the same warranty through the Company.

I've had the same Craftsman 3/8" drill since the late 1970s. It was the first power tool I ever bought. All I've ever had to do, sometime in the mid 1980s, was replace the switch. Which was available because at that time Sears had a parts store nearby.

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Can open, worms everywhere.

At one time Sears had top of the line power tools. I don't know when they started buying the cheaper lines. The old Sears power tools with polished metal housings were top quality. But being metal cased had the shock factor. If you use tools daily you get a better idea of what lasts. A home owner that uses a tool a couple times a year can get a life time out of a power tool. I buy most power tools in pairs. You don't want to be caught short if a tool breaks down and lose time on a job going after replacement.

Sears did not buy Kmart...…..Kmart bought Sears.

My old shoulders are developing arthritis so I went to Lowes and bought a Craftsman battery operated weed whacker. Whoever heard of such a thing. Lithium battery. That little sucker can cut. Don't have any idea how long it will last but it's a keeper.

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Foster Positivity.

Joe44va, my wife is about 5' in height. And regular lawn care stuff is too big for her. She has a lithium battery powered weed whacker, and blower. And a key start push mower. I have a registered nurse that comes to the house and she mentioned that they were adding an extension to their house. next time she came I had a drill that was about 30 years old,bunch of old carbide and steel circular saw blades,sanders,an old belt sander, and a few other goodies. All were old but functional. Told her that if they die on here just chuck them in the garbage as they don't owe you anything. Nothing died and all were used. Funny thing is that after cleaning out the garage I still have enough power tools to keep two carpenters busy on the job. When my old corded sander died off to Lowe's and bought a new hitachi sander.Probably the first one in many years. the sander I gave the nurse I cleaned out I don't know many years of wood dust and blew out the whole sander dust and dirt. Lubed it and test ran everything I gave her. I didn't have much as a kid growing up and usually
take good care of my tools wether they are corded or just ratchets,sockets and wrenches. The stuff one accumulates over the years is amazing. I have two of those huge plastic bins full of power tools. We don't even want to get into just the hand tools. Just had some electrical problems
pop up and rummaged through some of my old tools for electrical tools and now all are together in one of those nylon tool bags. I hate running around the house looking for a specific tool. Now they are all together. Even the two inch pipe cutter. I'm a tool freak and proud of it. Love visiting tool world at Lowes. It's like an addiction for men. Frank

It's kinda like the makeup section is to women. My son and I call it The Vortex, and it regularly sucks my wife into its clutches.

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Or something like that . . .

Went back to Lowe's to get 10-50lb bags of gravel and after that went and got some weed killer turn around and the wife who's into gardening is looking at seeds and stuff. She's doing her thing and I do mine. Then off to the Kobota dealer for some oil and then Chinese takeout for supper.Needed a really fine toothed saw blade for my 10" circular saw. Dewalt 10"x80 teeth. I'll see how good it cuts soon's as I finish some honey do's. Frank