Craftsman is a line of tools, lawn and garden equipment, and work wear. Originally a house brand established by Sears, the brand is now owned by Stanley Black & Decker.
As with all Sears products, Craftsman tools were not manufactured by Sears during that company’s ownership, but made under contract by various other companies. They were first sold in 1927 through the Sears catalog and in Sears retail stores. After the Sears-Kmart merger, the tools were also for sale in Kmart stores and through several other retailers.
In March 2017, Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears Holdings, which retained a limited license for Craftsman products. Sears maintains the right to manufacture and sell tools using existing supply channels under the Craftsman name for 15 years.
Lowe’s announced in October 2017 that it would start carrying Craftsman tools. This was the first new distribution announcement made after Stanley Black & Decker closed the Craftsman deal.
