I dont know if anyone on here would care, but if I can cost Sears a sale I’m willing to try.
The roll out began in December
I found out yesterday. I know they have been selling imported supplies and larger items for years, but the hand tool line has been synonymous with Made in USA, and since they have other tool lines, I never thought they would ruin the Craftsman line.
To me this undercuts what I have spent decades buying into as part of their warranty, as they will no longer be able to back up the products I’ve bought with an acceptable replacement.
Its also very underhanded how they plan to take advantage of everyones assumption that Craftsman = USA. They have apparently been subtly removing Made in USA off packaging on US made tools so that as the switch rolls out, it will be even harder to notice. The tools will come in the same basic shape (although as the link below shows, thicker to make up for lesser quality steel, rougher finishing quality and less gear lube), with the same packaging part numbers and price. It doesnt look to be stamped with its new country of origin, they just removed the USA and leave you to assume its the same tool you have been buying for 85 years.
Without getting political, I agree with anyone that thinks our manufacturing and economic problems start at the top. That said, I wont let sears off the hook for the following:
- ruining a trusted American brand
- sneaking chinese goods in under the guise of American made
- charging American product prices without supporting American business
Personally, Id rather see the Craftsman line die than sell out, but my agenda is different from theirs and I understand that. However, we dont know their monetary situation. The USA tools could easily be profitable and they would still be willing to trade long term business for the quick buck. They also could have taken any of the following steps instead:
- increase the visibility of their lower tool lines as harbor freight has, in order to compete on multiple price points
- market the difference in the quality of their products more effectively
- modify their warranty requirements to cut down on losses due to improper use or the common practice of finding old estate sale tools, damaging, returning for new etc
- been honest to the tool buying community about their intentions and direction
Just thought everyone should know. To me, its an absolute deal breaker. I only support American made tools.
For more pix/info:
Chinese vs. USA Craftsman RP ratchets (PICS) - The Garage Journal Board
Still Made in USA.com - American-Made Tools
-Mark