The word ‘craftsman’, when brought up in many cases, brings to mind lifetime guaranteed tools that last. In fact, when mentioned to many mechanics, woodworkers or weekend do-it-yourselfers, pictures of sockets, wrenches and power tools dance in their heads. Some may even have stories of what their favorite tools have helped them do or been through. I do not know of any other hand tool manufacturer that can cause this same effect. What is it about a Craftsman tool, anyway?
A Little History
Craftsman tools became the brand name for Sears products in 1927. Mr. Arthur Barrows, head of the Sears Hardware Department, paid the Marion-Craftsman Tool Company $500.00 for the rights to use the Craftsman name on Sears products. This created a name for the Sears products that was easily distinguished from other manufacturers. Why the name ‘Craftsman’? Simply because he liked it.
The tools now known as Craftsman were about to have a face-lift. Knowing the pride mechanics took in their tools, Tom Dunlap decided to improve the look of Craftsman by adding chrome plating onto the wrenches, sockets and handles of screwdrivers. This act itself increased the sale of chrome plated tools by an incredible six percent the next year alone. These tools had quickly become very popular with mechanics because of their look, reliability and were easy to clean.
Over the last 75 years in which Craftsman Tools have been in existence the company has continued to not only improve their existing tools but has introduced new tools as well. In 1940 they introduced a new blade saw. The new blade saw was 9-inches and tilted to 45 degrees. In 1960 the new “Kromedge” blades were introduced. These blades increased the not only the cutting life but the efficiency of the tools by up to 5 times their original life span. 1966 saw the introduction of the push-button socket release on the ratchet wrench. This was such a breakthrough in design that it is now common place in Craftsman ratchets today. In 1980 a buffer/polisher that simulates hand polishing was introduced. 1991 was the year that professional screwdrivers debuted with tool-steel blades with grit-blasted tips and ergonomically designed handles. 1992 brought the introduction of a new plating process that is environmentally friendly and 50% more rust-resistant than the nickel chrome finish.
A Little About the Tools
Craftsman tools are known for their reliability. These tools are made to be tough enough to withstand the constant, everyday use that professional mechanics put them through. To earn the right to have the name of Craftsman, each tool has to pass not only the toughest industry standards but the high standards set by the Craftsman Quality panel. If a tool cannot pass the rigorous quality, stress and endurance tests, the tool simply never makes it to the shelf in a Sears store.
Once a Craftsman tool has made it to the shelf in a Sears store they are sold with a Lifetime Guarantee. This guarantee is not simply a guarantee; the Craftsman Unlimited Hand Tool Warranty states: “If any Craftsman guaranteed forever hand tool fails to provide complete satisfaction, return it for free repair or replacement”. There are no ‘ifs, ands or buts about it. Guaranteed forever. Period. These tools are created tough to be used, abused and last forever. In fact, they are tough enough to be the official tool for NASCAR.
The Craftsman Tool Line-up
Craftsman Tools are by no means limited to one general line of use. Their tools include general purpose and carpentry hand tools, bench and portable power tools, homeowner tool sets and mechanic tool sets. There are 26 types of general purpose hand tools, 28 types of carpentry hand tools, 30 types of bench power tools, 26 types of portable power tools, 5 types of homeowner tool sets and over 80 mechanics tool sets.
No matter what your need is, Craftsman has the tool.
