The rise and fall of Craftsman

Thanks to Homebase for sponsoring this video! Managing your team shouldn't eat your whole day — Homebase handles scheduling, time tracking, and payroll all in one place so you can focus on running your business. Get started for free at https://yt.link/T2n0AjC What REALLY happened to Craftsman Tools? For generations, Craftsman was synonymous with affordable, American-made tools and a lifetime warranty you could actually count on. But somewhere along the way, everything changed. In this episode of "What Happened To?", I'm tracing the history of Craftsman from its beginnings at Sears in 1927 to the decline of American manufacturing, the switch to imported tools, and Stanley Black & Decker's failed attempt to bring Craftsman mechanics tools back to the USA. I've collected several generations of Craftsman ratchets, including a pre-WWII New Britain Machine ratchet, an American-made Craftsman 44808, its nearly identical Chinese-made replacement, and a rare Fort Worth, Texas-made ratchet set. We'll compare the actual tools, examine the differences in construction and design, and explore why one of America's most trusted tool brands lost its way. But there's more to this story than outsourcing. Craftsman was built on an enormous network of American manufacturers, an unmatched retail presence, and a warranty that made customers loyal for generations. When that system collapsed, the Craftsman name survived, but something important was lost. And with Stanley Black & Decker continuing to invest in American manufacturing, is there any hope that Craftsman can regain its former reputation? **Topics covered:** - The history of Craftsman Tools and Sears - Who actually manufactured American-made Craftsman tools - New Britain Machine and vintage Craftsman ratchets - USA-made vs. Chinese-made Craftsman 44808 comparison - The decline of Craftsman manufacturing in America - Stanley Black & Decker's acquisition of Craftsman - Why the Fort Worth, Texas factory closed - Modern Craftsman V-Series and Overdrive tools - Whether Craftsman tools are still worth buying Have you owned Craftsman tools for years? I'd love to hear whether you think the modern tools live up to the originals. And let me know which American tool brand I should cover next. #Craftsman #CraftsmanTools #MadeInUSA WORKWEAR AND GEAR I ACTUALLY RECOMMEND These are products I’ve personally used, tested, or would recommend to someone working in the trades. Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through one of them, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. That helps support the channel and the work that goes into testing this gear. BUDGET WORKWEAR Work Boots: https://ktku.co/3h Work Pants: https://carhartt.pxf.io/nXy3r9 Work Jacket: https://carhartt.pxf.io/K00d39 Work Shirt: https://wrangler.sjv.io/Vm1z7J TOP-TIER WORKWEAR Work Boots: https://rebrand.ly/duweo8u Work Pants: https://rebrand.ly/a13vwy1 Work Jacket: https://ktku.co/oh Work Shirt: https://rebrand.ly/ji596y7 CASUAL WORKWEAR Waxed Jacket, Budget: https://rebrand.ly/s116zp1 Waxed Jacket, Top-Tier: https://rebrand.ly/g6ewpc3 Wool Coat: https://bit.ly/3N2W9Qg Leather Jacket: https://bit.ly/3LAKOUZ EVERYDAY CARRY Budget Knife: https://rebrand.ly/1vmhgwp Pen: https://bigidesign.com/?dt_id=105329 Flashlight: https://bit.ly/473dNvq MORE FROM CARL Website: https://www.carlmurawski.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carl_murawski Patreon: https://bit.ly/3CgauCW Timestamps: 00:00 What Happened to Craftsman Tools? 00:32 The History of Craftsman and Sears 01:13 Who Made American Craftsman Tools? 02:55 Craftsman Ratchets and the Lifetime Warranty 03:32 Sponsor Break 04:33 The Release Mechanism 06:24 When Craftsman Stopped Making Tools in America 07:01 USA vs China Craftsman Ratchet Comparison 9:27 Stanley Black & Decker Buys Craftsman 10:26 The Failed Fort Worth USA Factory 11:57 Are Modern Craftsman Tools Any Good? 13:40 Why Craftsman Lost America's Trust Carl Murawski is a licensed electrician and lifelong tradesman who tests workwear, boots, tools, and gear like they’re actually used on the job. The goal is simple: help working people buy better, stay safe, and build a solid career without wasting money on things that don’t hold up. Topics covered here include workwear reviews, work boot testing, tool reviews, electrician tips, apprenticeship advice, jobsite safety, construction careers, and blue-collar life.