Craftsman (tools) : Ask Biography

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Craftsman is a line of tools and lawn and garden equipment controlled by Sears Holdings Corporation; the brand is owned by KCD IP, LLC, a special purpose entity created by Sears Holdings for securitization purposes.

The tools are sold in Sears, Kmart, and Orchard Supply Hardware stores (all three owned by Sears Holdings), as well as Fastenal, US military Army and Air Force Exchange Service stores, and Ace Hardware. They are also now sold at "The Craftsman Experience," the brand's retail venue in downtown Chicago.

General hand tools have been made by a variety of manufacturers over the years including New Britain, Moore Drop Forge, Stanley, Easco Hand Tools, and most recently the Danaher Corporation (wrenches, ratchets, and sockets) and Western Forge (screwdrivers, pliers, and adjustable wrenches). Many newer tool designs are now imported, mostly from China.

Consumers have ranked the Craftsman brand second (surpassed only by Waterford Crystal) in terms of quality. In 2007, Craftsman was named "America's Most Trusted Brand" and brand with "Highest Expectations". In 2009, the readers of Popular Mechanics named Craftsman their favorite brand of hand tools in their Reader's Choice Awards. Craftsman is the official tool brand of NASCAR and the DIY Network.