For generations, Craftsman has been synonymous with quality, dependability, and pride in workmanship. As one of the most iconic tool brands in America, Craftsman has a rich history dating back nearly a century. With a product line that includes everything from wrenches and sockets to lawn mowers and garage door openers, Craftsman built a reputation as the brand of choice for DIYers and professionals alike.
However, the retail landscape for Craftsman has shifted significantly in recent years, leaving many loyal customers wondering where they can now buy their favorite tools. One of the most common questions is whether Home Depot, the largest home improvement chain in the United States, has started selling Craftsman products.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll examine the current availability of Craftsman tools, compare the brand to Home Depot‘s offerings, and provide expert tips for making the best purchasing decisions. Let‘s start with the most pressing question:
Does Home Depot Sell Craftsman Tools?
The simple answer is no. As of 2023, Home Depot does not have a partnership with Craftsman and does not sell the brand‘s tools either in-store or online. This may come as a surprise to some shoppers, given Home Depot‘s vast selection and Craftsman‘s long history.
To understand the situation, let‘s take a closer look at Craftsman‘s background. For most of its existence, the Craftsman brand was owned and sold exclusively by Sears, Roebuck and Co. Sears introduced Craftsman in 1927, and the brand quickly gained a following thanks to its innovative designs, high-quality materials, and impressive warranties.
In fact, the Craftsman lifetime warranty became one of the brand‘s biggest selling points. As explained in a 2018 article from Popular Mechanics, "The Craftsman tool warranty is about as simple as it gets: If it breaks, Craftsman will replace it. The warranty covers all hand tools and full-size mechanics tools, but not consumables like hack saw blades."
For 90 years, you could only buy Craftsman tools at Sears stores, through the Sears catalog, or on the Sears website. That all changed in 2017 when tool giant Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears for $900 million.
The End of Craftsman‘s Sears Exclusivity
When Stanley Black & Decker took over Craftsman, many assumed it was only a matter of time before the tools started appearing in Home Depot and other major retailers. After all, Stanley Black & Decker already had a close relationship with Home Depot through its DeWalt and Stanley brands.
However, a deal between Craftsman and Home Depot has not materialized as of early 2023. According to a statement from Home Depot spokesperson Christina Cornell, "The Home Depot continually evaluates opportunities to provide our customers with the best products and value in the marketplace. At this time, we have not made any partnership agreements with Craftsman."
There are a few potential reasons why Home Depot has not brought in the Craftsman line. For one, Sears still retains the right to manufacture and sell Craftsman products, even after selling the brand to Stanley Black & Decker. This means that Sears remains Craftsman‘s primary retail outlet.
Additionally, Home Depot already has a strong stable of tool brands that compete directly with Craftsman in terms of quality and price. These include Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi, and Home Depot‘s own Husky brand. By partnering with Craftsman, Home Depot could risk cannibalizing sales from its existing offerings.
It‘s also possible that Stanley Black & Decker is being selective about which retailers can carry Craftsman in order to maintain the brand‘s reputation and value proposition. By keeping Craftsman out of Home Depot, Stanley Black & Decker may be trying to differentiate it from the brands commonly found in big box stores.
Craftsman‘s Current Retail Presence
So if you can‘t buy Craftsman tools at Home Depot, where can you find them? Here‘s a rundown of the major retailers currently carrying the brand:
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Sears: Sears remains the primary destination for Craftsman tools. You can find a wide selection at full-line Sears stores, Sears Hometown locations, and the Sears website.
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Lowe‘s: In 2018, Lowe‘s announced that it would start selling Craftsman tools, making it the brand‘s first major retail expansion since the Stanley Black & Decker acquisition. Lowe‘s now carries over 1,500 Craftsman products in stores and online.
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Amazon: Many Craftsman tools are available on Amazon, often with free Prime shipping. However, the selection is more limited compared to Sears and Lowe‘s.
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Ace Hardware: Over 900 Ace Hardware stores nationwide carry Craftsman products, according to the company. Selection varies by location.
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Menards: This Midwestern home improvement chain offers a variety of Craftsman tools both in-store and on its website.
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Atwoods: Farm and ranch retailer Atwoods sells Craftsman at its 66 locations across the central US.
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Blain‘s Farm & Fleet: Another Midwestern retailer, Blain‘s Farm & Fleet stocks Craftsman tools at its 43 locations in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Michigan.
Additionally, you can order Craftsman tools directly from the brand‘s website and use their store locator feature to find authorized retailers in your area.
Despite the changes in its retail strategy, Craftsman remains one of the most widely recognized tool brands in America. In a 2021 survey by market research firm YouGov, Craftsman ranked as the 16th most popular consumer brand in the United States, ahead of iconic names like Sony, Visa, and Starbucks.
According to data from Statista, Craftsman held a 7.3% share of the US hand tools market in 2021, making it the fourth-largest brand behind Stanley, Crescent, and Channellock. In the power tools category, Craftsman had a 4.1% market share, putting it in seventh place behind brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Black & Decker.
While these numbers are lower than Craftsman‘s peak market share during the Sears era, they still demonstrate the brand‘s continued relevance and popularity with consumers.
"Craftsman has one of the highest levels of brand recognition and consumer trust in the tool industry," says John Thompson, a retail analyst with Forrester Research. "Even though it‘s no longer an exclusive Sears brand, it still carries a lot of weight with shoppers across generations."
Comparing Craftsman to Home Depot‘s Tool Brands
Now that we‘ve established Craftsman‘s current retail situation, let‘s examine how the brand stacks up against the tool offerings at Home Depot. We‘ll look at three key categories:
Hand Tools
In the hand tool department, Craftsman is most comparable to Home Depot‘s Husky brand. Both Craftsman and Husky offer a wide selection of sockets, wrenches, pliers, hammers, and more at affordable prices for DIYers.
In terms of quality, Craftsman hand tools have a slight edge thanks to their sturdy construction and comfortable grips. However, Husky tools are backed by Home Depot‘s lifetime warranty, which rivals Craftsman‘s famous guarantee.
Price-wise, Husky tools are often less expensive than their Craftsman counterparts. For example, a 10-piece set of Craftsman combination wrenches retails for around $50, while a similar Husky set can be had for roughly $30.
Power Tools
When it comes to power tools, Craftsman‘s product mix aligns with mid-tier Home Depot brands like Ryobi and Ridgid. Craftsman offers a solid selection of drills, impact drivers, saws, sanders, and more for both DIY and professional use.
In general, Craftsman power tools deliver reliable performance at a more affordable price point than pro-grade brands like Milwaukee and DeWalt. However, they may not have quite the same level of advanced features, ergonomics, or "feel" as the top-tier offerings.
For instance, a Craftsman 20V brushless drill/driver combo kit typically costs around $200, while a comparable Milwaukee M18 kit can run upwards of $400. The Milwaukee will likely have a more powerful motor, longer battery life, and more precision, but the Craftsman is a capable choice for most home improvement tasks.
Tool Storage
Craftsman has long been known for its high-quality tool storage solutions, including tool boxes, chests, cabinets, and workbenches. Many professional mechanics swear by Craftsman‘s durable construction, thoughtful organization features, and classic red color scheme.
Home Depot‘s Husky brand also offers a wide variety of tool storage options with a focus on value and functionality. While Husky tool boxes may not have the same "heirloom" quality as Craftsman, they are still well-made and designed to withstand regular use.
As with hand tools, Husky tool storage products are generally less expensive than similar Craftsman offerings. A 52-inch Craftsman tool chest and rolling cabinet set retails for around $800, while a comparable Husky set can be found for closer to $600.
Warranties: Craftsman vs. Home Depot Brands
One of the main reasons for Craftsman‘s enduring popularity is its industry-leading warranty. For many years, Craftsman hand tools came with an unlimited lifetime warranty that promised free replacement for any defects or failures.
However, there have been some changes to Craftsman‘s warranty terms since the Stanley Black & Decker acquisition. According to the brand‘s website, the lifetime warranty now only applies to Craftsman tools purchased before 2014. Tools bought after that date are covered by a limited lifetime warranty that may require proof of purchase for replacement.
In contrast, Home Depot offers a simpler lifetime warranty on all Husky hand tools, regardless of purchase date. If a Husky tool ever fails during normal use, you can return it to any Home Depot location for a free replacement, no questions asked.
For power tools, both Craftsman and Home Depot‘s brands (Ryobi, Ridgid, etc.) typically offer limited warranties ranging from one to five years, depending on the specific tool and model. Be sure to read the fine print and register your tools promptly to ensure coverage.
Expert Tips for Choosing Between Craftsman and Home Depot Tools
With so many options available, how can you decide whether to go with Craftsman or one of Home Depot‘s brands for your next tool purchase? Here are some expert tips to guide your decision:
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Consider your skill level and intended use. If you‘re a DIY beginner or only need tools for occasional household tasks, Home Depot‘s affordable brands like Husky and Ryobi are a great choice. If you‘re a more experienced user or professional, you may prefer the upgraded features and performance of Craftsman or top-tier Home Depot brands like Milwaukee and DeWalt.
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Compare prices and value. In many cases, you can save money by choosing Home Depot‘s house brands over Craftsman while still getting reliable quality. However, keep an eye out for sales and promotions on Craftsman tools at retailers like Lowe‘s and Sears, as you may be able to score a great deal.
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Read reviews and ratings. Before making a major purchase, take the time to research the specific tool you‘re interested in. Look for reviews from trusted sources like Consumer Reports, The Wirecutter, and professional trade publications. Pay attention to feedback on durability, ease of use, and overall value.
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Evaluate the warranty and service options. As mentioned, Craftsman‘s warranty has undergone some changes in recent years, so make sure you understand the terms before buying. Home Depot‘s brands offer competitive warranties, and the store‘s nationwide presence makes it easy to get service or replacements if needed.
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Go with what feels right for you. Ultimately, the best tool brand is the one that meets your needs, fits your budget, and gives you confidence in your work. Don‘t be afraid to mix and match brands based on the specific tools you‘re looking for. You may find that Craftsman is your go-to for wrenches and sockets, while Milwaukee is your top pick for cordless drills.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, Home Depot does not currently sell Craftsman tools as of 2023. While the iconic brand is now available at more retailers beyond Sears, including Lowe‘s, Ace Hardware, and Amazon, Home Depot has not reached a partnership agreement with Craftsman or its parent company Stanley Black & Decker.
However, this doesn‘t mean that Home Depot is lacking in high-quality tool options. The retailer‘s exclusive Husky brand offers a wide selection of affordable hand tools and storage products with a lifetime warranty to rival Craftsman‘s. In addition, Home Depot carries top power tool brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita that cater to professionals and serious DIYers.
When deciding between Craftsman and Home Depot‘s offerings, it‘s important to consider your specific needs, budget, and intended use. By comparing prices, reading reviews, and evaluating warranties, you can make an informed decision and choose the tools that will help you tackle any project with confidence.
Regardless of where you ultimately buy your tools, one thing is certain: Craftsman‘s legacy of quality, innovation, and pride in workmanship will continue to inspire DIYers and tradespeople for generations to come. With a nearly 100-year history and a bright future under the Stanley Black & Decker umbrella, Craftsman remains a trusted choice for anyone who values performance, reliability, and the satisfaction of a job well done.
