Previously owned and promoted by Sears for a number of years, Craftsman carries a line of tools, lawn and garden equipment, and work-wear items that are controlled by Stanley Black & Decker. The brand began selling tools in 1927, items manufactured by various companies under contract. Over the years, Craftsman has sold its items in Sears, Kmart, and other retailers. Legend has it that Arthur Barrows, the head of the company’s hardware company, liked the name Craftsmen and purchased the rights to use it from the Marion-Craftsman Tool Company for $500. Since 1991, the company has run the Craftsman Club customer loyalty program, which stands as one of the oldest such programs by a retailer. In early 2017, Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand.
As the name would suggest, Craftsman caters to mechanics who have their noses under the hoods of cars; household do-it-yourselfers who use portable power tools, wet dry vacs, and grills; and any number of people who use everyday items such as pliers, wrenches, and electronics. Craftsman even sells novelty items such as thermometers, pint glasses, coasters, and bottle openers. Early on, the company’s customers consisted of mostly farmers. As America moved into the age of automobiles, Craftsmen upgraded the quality and quantity of its tools and added chrome plating.
Craftsman has a good assortment of self-propelled, push, electric, and reel lawn mowers. Additionally, customers can purchase Craftsman-made lawn tractors, yard tractors, garden tractors, and zero-turn tractors. Separately sold tractor attachments include a rear-mount dethatcher, a plug aerator, and spike aerators. The company also offers a convenient app that helps mowers stay on top of their lawn-mower maintenance, plan their mowing routine around local weather, access tutorials for various maintenance tasks, and order parts for specific mowers.
Craftsman products are divided into six categories: hand tools, power tools, lawn and garden items, smart products, storage and garage products, and Craftsman gear. The hand tools offer the company’s biggest selection of products, which include open-stock hand tools, specialty tools, ratchets and sockets, and general tool sets. Overall, Craftsmen products are wide-ranging and utilitarian, from replacement blades and snow equipment to clothing, flashlights, and smart garage door openers.
The Craftsman brand has been trusted for generations by those who take pride in working on their cars, in their households, and out in their yards. Craftsman Club members, meanwhile, are a passionate bunch who care even more about improving their cars, backyards, and homes. Through Stanley Black & Decker, the Craftsman legacy is continuing on with products that are available in more locations than ever.