Will Lowe’s Replace Craftsman Tools? The Definitive Answer and Expert Analysis

No, Lowe’s will not replace Craftsman tools. While Lowe’s carries a wide selection of tools, including their own house brands and other national brands, Craftsman is exclusively available at Ace Hardware. This exclusivity agreement is a significant shift from Craftsman’s previous availability at Sears and subsequently at both Sears and Lowe’s.

The Evolution of Craftsman: A Tool Brand’s Journey

To understand the current landscape, we need a brief historical overview. Craftsman, for decades, was synonymous with Sears. It was the brand, a stalwart of workshops and garages across America. Think of your grandfather’s tool chest – chances are, it was brimming with Craftsman wrenches and screwdrivers.

However, Sears’ decline created an opportunity for Craftsman to find a new home. In 2017, Stanley Black & Decker acquired the brand, seeking to revitalize and expand its reach. The initial strategy involved distributing Craftsman through both Lowe’s and Sears, attempting to capitalize on existing consumer awareness and retail networks.

The Lowe’s Era and the Shift to Ace Hardware

For a time, Craftsman thrived at Lowe’s. The brand benefited from Lowe’s extensive customer base and marketing power. You could find a wide range of Craftsman products, from hand tools to power tools, right alongside competing brands like DeWalt and Kobalt (Lowe’s in-house brand).

Then came the strategic shift. In late 2023, it was announced that Ace Hardware would become the exclusive retail home for Craftsman tools. This was a major move, designed to reposition the brand and perhaps recapture some of its original, trusted-hardware-store image. The transition took time, and you might still find some remaining Craftsman inventory at Lowe’s during clearance events, but the future is clear: Craftsman is now an Ace Hardware brand.

What Does This Mean for Consumers?

This shift has several implications for consumers:

• Availability: You’ll now need to visit Ace Hardware, either online or in-store, to purchase Craftsman tools.
• Product Focus: Ace Hardware likely has influenced the Craftsman product line, potentially emphasizing hand tools and smaller power tools that align with their core customer base.
• Branding and Perception: The move to Ace Hardware aims to reinforce Craftsman’s image as a reliable, quality tool brand, associating it with the trusted service and knowledgeable staff often found at Ace stores.
• Competition: Lowe’s will likely continue to strengthen its own tool brands, such as Kobalt, and promote its existing partnerships with other major tool manufacturers to fill any perceived gap left by Craftsman’s departure.

Lowe’s Tool Strategy: Beyond Craftsman

Lowe’s has a comprehensive tool strategy that extends far beyond just one brand. They offer a diverse selection of tools, catering to a wide range of needs and budgets.

• Kobalt: This is Lowe’s primary house brand for tools. Kobalt offers a wide range of products, from basic hand tools to power tools and storage solutions. They are generally positioned as a mid-range option, providing good value for the price.
• DeWalt: Lowe’s maintains a strong partnership with DeWalt, offering a comprehensive selection of their power tools, hand tools, and accessories. DeWalt is a well-respected brand known for its durability and performance, often preferred by professionals.
• Milwaukee: Another major player in the professional tool market, Milwaukee tools are widely available at Lowe’s. They are known for their innovation and high-performance power tools.
• Other Brands: Lowe’s also carries tools from other manufacturers, including Bosch, Metabo HPT, and Irwin, providing customers with a wide variety of options.

Therefore, the absence of Craftsman doesn’t leave a void at Lowe’s. They have a robust tool selection catering to DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors alike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Craftsman and Lowe’s

1. Why did Craftsman leave Lowe’s?

The exact reasons are complex and likely involve strategic decisions by Stanley Black & Decker and Ace Hardware. It’s generally believed that Ace Hardware offered a more focused and brand-aligned retail environment for Craftsman, emphasizing customer service and a curated tool selection.

2. Can I still find Craftsman tools at Lowe’s?

You might find remaining Craftsman inventory at Lowe’s stores during clearance sales or closeout events. However, Lowe’s will not be replenishing their Craftsman stock, so availability will be limited and dwindling.

3. Is Kobalt a good replacement for Craftsman at Lowe’s?

Kobalt is a viable option for many users. It offers a good balance of quality and price. Consider the specific tool and your needs. If you’re looking for professional-grade performance, DeWalt or Milwaukee might be better choices, but for general DIY tasks, Kobalt often suffices.

4. Where can I buy Craftsman tools now?

You can buy Craftsman tools at Ace Hardware stores and on Ace Hardware’s website.

5. Will Craftsman tools be cheaper at Ace Hardware than they were at Lowe’s?

Pricing can vary depending on promotions and specific products. It’s best to compare prices between different retailers and consider factors like warranties and customer service. However, the average price is approximately the same.

6. What’s the future of Craftsman tools?

Stanley Black & Decker’s strategic focus seems to be on repositioning Craftsman as a premium brand associated with quality and reliability. The partnership with Ace Hardware is a key part of this strategy.

7. Does Lowe’s have its own tool brand?

Yes, Kobalt is Lowe’s primary house brand for tools.

8. What are the best alternatives to Craftsman tools at Lowe’s?

Good alternatives at Lowe’s include:

• Kobalt: For a similar price point and a wide range of tools.
• DeWalt: For professional-grade performance and durability.
• Milwaukee: For innovation and high-performance power tools.

9. Will Lowe’s offer similar discounts and promotions on tools now that Craftsman is gone?

Lowe’s regularly offers discounts and promotions on their tool selection, including Kobalt, DeWalt, and Milwaukee. These promotions are independent of the Craftsman brand and will likely continue.

10. What kind of warranty does Craftsman offer at Ace Hardware?

Craftsman still offers warranties, and the specific terms vary depending on the tool. Check the product information or Ace Hardware’s website for details. Some Craftsman tools still carry the “forever warranty” that the brand was famous for.

11. Is there a loyalty program at Ace Hardware that can be used to purchase Craftsman tools?

Yes, Ace Hardware has a loyalty program called Ace Rewards. Members can earn points on purchases, including Craftsman tools, and redeem those points for discounts.

12. Will Lowe’s develop new tool brands or expand its existing offerings to compete with Craftsman at Ace Hardware?

Lowe’s is constantly evolving its tool offerings. They will likely continue to invest in the Kobalt brand, expand partnerships with other tool manufacturers, and potentially introduce new private-label brands to meet consumer demand.

In conclusion, while Craftsman had a presence at Lowe’s for a period, it is now exclusively available at Ace Hardware. Lowe’s, however, has a diverse and robust tool selection to meet the needs of any and all DIY and professional needs.