In the United States, Stanley Black & Decker owns the Craftsman brand and its hand-tool business. Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears Holdings in 2017. Sears did not keep ownership, but it received a license that allowed it to continue selling Craftsman products through its stores and online channels.
That means Craftsman tools may still appear at Sears, but Sears is not the current owner of Craftsman. The brand owner is Stanley Black & Decker, which also owns brands such as Stanley, DeWalt, Black+Decker, and Porter-Cable.
When Did Stanley Black & Decker Buy Craftsman?
Stanley Black & Decker completed its purchase of Craftsman on January 5, 2017. The company announced that it had acquired substantially all of the rights to the Craftsman brand from Sears Holdings Corporation.
According to Stanley Black & Decker’s transaction announcement, the deal included:
- $525 million paid at closing
- $250 million paid after three years
- Additional payments tied to Craftsman sales during the following 15 years
- A commercial agreement that allowed Sears to keep selling Craftsman products
The deal was valued at about $900 million in total consideration, although the final value depended partly on future sales.
This arrangement explains why many Americans still connect Craftsman with Sears. Sears created the brand and sold it for decades, but the legal ownership changed when the 2017 transaction closed.
Stanley Black & Decker continues to list Craftsman among its brands. Its current brand portfolio describes Craftsman as a line of tools, outdoor products, and equipment for professionals, serious DIY users, and homeowners.
Is Craftsman Still Owned by Sears?
No. Sears no longer owns Craftsman.
Sears Holdings sold the Craftsman brand to Stanley Black & Decker. However, Sears received a license to sell Craftsman products. A license gives a company permission to use a brand or sell products under certain terms. It does not transfer ownership of the trademark.
This creates three separate roles:
| Role | Company |
|---|---|
| Brand owner | Stanley Black & Decker |
| Former owner and longtime retailer | Sears Holdings |
| Authorized seller under the transaction agreement | Sears |
| Other retailers | Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Amazon, and other approved sellers |
The exact products and seller policies can change. A Craftsman tool sold at Lowe’s, for example, is still a Craftsman product owned by Stanley Black & Decker. The store is only the retailer.
The same basic distinction applies to warranties. A retailer may process a return under its own return policy, while Craftsman or Stanley Black & Decker may handle a product warranty. Buyers should check the product’s warranty terms and keep the receipt when possible.
Who Makes Craftsman Hand Tools?
Stanley Black & Decker owns Craftsman, but it does not mean that every Craftsman hand tool is made in a Stanley Black & Decker factory.
Large tool brands often use a mix of:
- Company-owned factories
- Contract manufacturers
- Regional suppliers
- Different factories for different product lines
- Different sources for different generations of the same tool
Craftsman product pages may identify a tool as made in the United States, made in the United States with global materials, or manufactured in another country. The label can vary by product.
For this reason, the most accurate answer is:
Stanley Black & Decker owns Craftsman, while the actual manufacturer can vary by tool, model, and production period.
Some Craftsman hand tools are made in the United States. Others are imported. A “Made in USA” claim may also include a qualifier such as “with global materials.” That wording means the product was assembled in the United States, but some parts or materials came from other countries.
To check a specific tool, look at:
- The packaging
- The tool itself
- The product page on the official Craftsman website
- The model number
- The country-of-origin statement required on the package or listing
Do not assume that an entire Craftsman category has one country of origin. A ratchet, socket set, screwdriver, and plier may come from different factories.
Are Craftsman Hand Tools Made in the USA?
Some Craftsman hand tools are made in the USA, but not all of them.
In 2010, Sears announced plans to bring some Craftsman manufacturing back to the United States. After Stanley Black & Decker purchased the brand, it also announced plans to expand domestic production of selected Craftsman products.
The practical issue is that “Craftsman” is a broad brand. It covers:
- Ratchets and sockets
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Tool sets
- Power tools
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Storage products
- Automotive tools
The country of origin can differ across these groups. It can also change when a supplier, factory, or product design changes.
If domestic production matters to you, check the exact model rather than relying on the brand name. Search the model number on the official Craftsman product page and inspect the packaging before purchase. Retailer listings may include incomplete or outdated country-of-origin information.
A U.S.-made label also does not automatically prove that a tool is better than an imported tool. Quality depends on the design, steel, heat treatment, machining, finish, inspection, and quality controls. Country of origin is useful information, but it is only one part of the buying decision.
Does Stanley Black & Decker Own Other Tool Brands?
Yes. Stanley Black & Decker owns or manages several well-known tool brands. Its portfolio includes:
- Craftsman
- DeWalt
- Stanley
- Black+Decker
- Porter-Cable
- Mac Tools
- Proto
- Facom
- Irwin
These brands do not all serve the same buyer or use the same product strategy.
For example:
- Craftsman generally targets homeowners, DIY users, automotive users, and tradespeople.
- DeWalt focuses heavily on professional power tools, hand tools, and job-site equipment.
- Stanley offers hand tools, storage, and equipment for several consumer and professional markets.
- Mac Tools and Proto are more closely associated with professional automotive and industrial users.
Owning several tool brands lets Stanley Black & Decker serve different price points and professional needs. It does not mean that every brand shares the same factory, warranty, tool design, or replacement-parts system.
When comparing Craftsman with another Stanley Black & Decker brand, compare the exact tool class and model. A Craftsman ratchet should not be judged against a DeWalt power tool simply because both brands have the same parent company.
Does Craftsman Still Offer a Lifetime Warranty?
Many Craftsman hand tools have a limited lifetime warranty, but the warranty does not apply in exactly the same way to every Craftsman product.
Traditional hand tools such as some wrenches, sockets, ratchets, and pliers may have warranty coverage for defects in material or workmanship. Some warranties allow replacement without proof of purchase, while others may require documentation or follow a specific claim process.
Warranty terms can differ by:
- Product category
- Model number
- Purchase date
- Seller
- Country
- Type of damage
- Whether the product is a hand tool, power tool, storage product, or outdoor product
A lifetime warranty is generally not a promise that the tool will never break. It usually covers manufacturing defects and may exclude:
- Normal wear
- Rust or corrosion
- Misuse
- Alteration
- Abuse
- Improper maintenance
- Damage caused by using the tool beyond its intended purpose
For current details, use the warranty information linked from the official Craftsman support page. If a claim concerns a particular tool, record the model number before contacting support.
Do not use a warranty as a reason to keep using a damaged tool. A cracked socket, bent wrench, split handle, or slipping ratchet can cause injury. Replace or stop using damaged tools, especially when working around vehicles or heavy loads.
Where Can You Buy Craftsman Hand Tools?
Craftsman hand tools are sold through several U.S. retail channels. Availability changes, but common sellers may include:
- Lowe’s
- Ace Hardware
- Sears
- Amazon
- The official Craftsman website
- Other authorized hardware and home-improvement retailers
The retailer does not determine who owns the brand. It only sells the product.
Before buying online, check the following:
- Model number: Confirm that the listing identifies the exact tool.
- Seller: Check whether the product is sold by the retailer or by a third-party marketplace seller.
- Warranty: Read the warranty terms for that product.
- Included pieces: A “set” may include fewer sockets, bits, or accessories than expected.
- Drive size: A 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, and 1/2-inch drive tool serve different jobs.
- Metric and inch sizes: Confirm whether the set contains SAE sizes, metric sizes, or both.
- Return policy: A store’s return policy may be different from the manufacturer’s warranty.
For an older Craftsman tool, the model number and design may help identify the production period. Vintage Craftsman tools may have different warranty procedures from newer products, especially when the original packaging or proof of purchase is unavailable.
What Changed for Craftsman Customers After the Sale?
The biggest change was ownership. Sears remained closely associated with the brand, but Stanley Black & Decker became responsible for developing, marketing, distributing, and supporting the brand under the new ownership structure.
Customers may notice differences in:
- Product packaging
- Retail availability
- Tool designs
- Model numbers
- Warranty instructions
- Manufacturing locations
- Product selection
- Replacement procedures
Older Craftsman tools may not match newer tools in finish, markings, dimensions, or internal design. That does not by itself prove that one generation is better or worse. A fair comparison should use the exact model, production period, materials, and intended use.
A common mistake is assuming that every Craftsman hand tool made before 2017 is automatically superior. Some older tools have a strong reputation, especially among long-time users, but reputation is not a substitute for checking the condition and specifications of the individual tool.
The reverse mistake is also common: assuming that every newer Craftsman tool is low quality because ownership changed. The ownership change alone does not establish performance. Buyers should compare the current model, warranty, fit, finish, and user requirements.
Craftsman Ownership: The Short Answer
Stanley Black & Decker owns Craftsman hand tools. It purchased the Craftsman brand from Sears Holdings in 2017. Sears was allowed to continue selling Craftsman products under a licensing arrangement, which is why the brand remains associated with Sears.
The manufacturer can vary by product and production run. Some Craftsman tools are made in the United States, while others are imported. Check the exact model and packaging for current manufacturing information.
For warranty help, use the current Craftsman support information rather than relying only on older Sears advertisements or statements about vintage Craftsman tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lowe’s own Craftsman?
No. Lowe’s is a major retailer of Craftsman products, but Stanley Black & Decker owns the Craftsman brand.
Does Sears still make Craftsman tools?
Sears may sell Craftsman products under its license, but Stanley Black & Decker owns the brand and controls the broader Craftsman product business.
Are Craftsman tools the same as Stanley tools?
No. Craftsman and Stanley are separate brands, although both are owned by Stanley Black & Decker. Their product lines, designs, warranties, and intended users may differ.
Are old Craftsman tools still covered by a lifetime warranty?
Possibly, but coverage depends on the tool, its condition, the warranty terms, and the current claim process. Check the model number and contact Craftsman support before assuming that an older tool qualifies.
Is Craftsman a good brand for home use?
Craftsman can be a practical choice for many home, automotive, and DIY tasks. The right choice depends on the specific tool, its intended load, fit, warranty, and price. For high-risk professional work, compare the exact model with professional-grade alternatives rather than judging only by the brand name.
