Does Home Depot Sell Craftsman Tools in 2024?
With over 2,000 retail stores across North America and sales of $151 billion in 2021, Home Depot is hands-down the largest home improvement retailer. But surprisingly, if you scan the orange-hued aisles of your local Home Depot, you won’t find iconic American tool brand Craftsman on the shelves.
Craftsman and Home Depot: A History
Craftsman tools have been around since 1927 when Sears, Roebuck and Co. first launched the brand. For nearly a century, Craftsman enjoyed strong brand recognition and loyalty through its exclusive partnership with Sears. However, in 2017 Sears sold the brand to Stanley Black & Decker.
Around this time, there were rumors that Craftsman could find its way into Home Depot, perhaps replacing their in-house Husky brand. But as of 2023, Home Depot has yet to forge any official retail partnership or licensing deal to sell Craftsman tools.
What Tool Brands Does Home Depot Sell?
The main tool brands sold by Home Depot include:
Husky – Home Depot‘s flagship brand, covering hand tools, power tools, tool storage, automotive accessories. Mid-range quality and pricing.
RIDGID – Owned by Emerson. More expensive prosumer/professional brand made in the USA. Lifetime service agreement.
Milwaukee – Pro-grade power tools made by Techtronic Industries. High performance for tradespeople.
DEWALT – Also owned by Stanley Black & Decker. Known best for durable power tools and jobsite equipment.
According to Statista, Home Depot holds an estimated 25% market share of all home improvement retail sales.
In 2021, Home Depot tool sales grew 22% to $7 billion, according to company financial reports. This suggests Home Depot sees strong demand among its core DIY and professional customer bases for their existing tool brands.
How Does Craftsman Compare to Husky Tools?
Husky caters to everyday household tasks while Craftsman positions itself closer to mechanic-grade tools. Here‘s a detailed comparison between the two brands:
| Tool Feature | Husky | Craftsman |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Lower | Slightly higher |
| Lifetime warranty | Yes | Yes |
| Hand tool storage | Plastic case | Blow molded case |
| Tool chests | Low-end to high-end | Mid-range |
| Power tools | Entry level for homeowners | Better for automobile work |
| Made in USA | Select products | Select products |
According to Roger Young, a technician with over 20 years experience:
"If you‘re replacing a toilet or building a birdhouse, Husky tools are just fine. But for major auto repairs or commercial work, Craftsman wins out for durability and strength."
So while the Husky brand meets occasional DIY needs, avid hobbyists may benefit from the extra features and assurance that Craftsman provides.
Where Can You Buy Craftsman Tools?
Craftsman branded tools are no longer exclusive to Sears stores. Today, you can purchase Craftsman products at the following national retailers:
Lowes – In 2017, Lowe‘s stores became the official "new home" of Craftsman with a multi-year retail partnership with Stanley Black & Decker. All Lowe‘s locations sell Craftsman tools.
Ace Hardware – Many local Ace Hardware owners carry Craftsman as an optional brand. Use Craftsman‘s store locator to find nearby retail availability.
You can also buy Craftsman tools directly from their website. This allows customization options and easy home delivery.
The Bottom Line
Craftsman remains an iconic American tool brand with nearly 100 years of consumer trust behind it. But don‘t expect to find Craftsman products at your local Home Depot anytime soon. Home Depot retains its focus on exclusive brands like Husky and RIDGID.
For professional-grade Craftsman tools, check out Lowe‘s, Ace Hardware, Amazon, or the manufacturer‘s website instead. While not yet a staple inside orange-tinted walls, Craftsman retains its standards for quality and performance.
