Walk into any garage in America, and you’re bound to find that red-and-black logo. For decades, Craftsman wasn’t just a brand; it was basically a birthright. Your dad had them. Your granddad had them. They were the tools that "just didn't break," and if they did, you just walked into a Sears and walked out with a new one. No questions asked. But things have changed—a lot. If you’ve looked at the back of a wrench set lately, you might have noticed the "Made in USA" stamp is getting harder and harder to find. Honestly, the answer to where are craftsman tools manufactured is a bit of a moving target these days.
It’s complicated.
Back in the day, companies like Western Forge and Pratt-Read were the backbone of the brand. They pumped out screwdrivers and pliers from plants in Colorado and Connecticut. But then Sears hit the skids. In 2017, Stanley Black & Decker (SBD) swooped in and bought the brand for about $900 million. Since then, the supply chain has become a global jigsaw puzzle.
The Texas-Sized Heartbreak
A few years ago, there was this huge buzz. Stanley Black & Decker announced a massive, 425,000-square-foot factory in Fort Worth, Texas. The goal was simple: bring the "Made in USA" glory back to Craftsman mechanics’ tools using high-tech automation.
It didn't work.
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By early 2023, the plant was slated for closure. It was a gut punch to the "Revive America" narrative. The automation tech apparently couldn't quite get the volume or consistency right for those shiny chrome sockets we all love. So, if you were hoping your new 2026 socket set came from the Lone Star State, I hate to be the bearer of bad news—that ship has mostly sailed.
So, Where Are They Coming From Now?
If you’re standing in a Lowe’s or Ace Hardware right now, you’re looking at a truly international lineup. Most of the high-volume stuff—the power tools, the cordless drills, and the basic hand tool sets—comes from Asia.
- China and Taiwan: This is where the heavy lifting happens. Most cordless power tools (the V20 line) and a huge chunk of the mechanics' tools are manufactured here. Taiwan generally handles the higher-end ratchets and specialized hand tools, while China handles the mass-market kits.
- India: You’ll see a lot of the basic combination wrenches coming out of India these days.
- Mexico: Some of the larger equipment and assembly happens south of the border.
- Vietnam and Thailand: Increasingly, small electronics and accessories like tape measures are popping up with labels from these regions as SBD tries to diversify away from China-only sourcing.
Where Are Craftsman Tools Manufactured in the USA?
Wait, so is nothing made here? Not exactly. SBD still maintains a footprint in the States, though it’s "Made in the USA with Global Materials." That’s a key distinction. It means they’re often assembling components that were forged or molded elsewhere.
South Carolina is a big one. The factory in Fort Mill has been a workhorse for assembling power tools. If you buy a Craftsman hammer drill or an impact driver, there's a solid chance it was put together by American hands, even if the internal motors and plastic housings arrived on a shipping container.
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Sedalia, Missouri is another bright spot. This is the "Metal Storage" capital for the brand. If you’re buying those big red rolling tool chests—the ones that make your garage look like a professional shop—those are largely manufactured in Missouri. There’s something about heavy steel cabinetry that still makes financial sense to build close to home.
The Quality Question: Does It Actually Matter?
Here is where things get heated in the forums. People love to complain that "they don't make 'em like they used to." And yeah, a 1970s forged-in-the-USA ratchet feels different than a modern one. It’s heavier. The teeth in the gear feel coarser, maybe, but sturdier.
But here's the reality: modern manufacturing in Taiwan is actually incredibly good. In many cases, the tolerances on the "overseas" tools are tighter than the old American-made versions. The problem isn't necessarily the geography; it's the price point. Craftsman is positioned as a mid-tier brand. It has to compete with Harbor Freight’s Icon line on one side and Milwaukee or Snap-On on the other.
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How to Check Your Tools
If you’re a stickler for origin, you’ve got to become a label hunter.
- Check the Box: Don't look at the front; look at the fine print on the bottom or back.
- Look for the "Flag": SBD is very proud when they assemble things in the USA. They will put a "Made in the USA with Global Materials" logo prominently on the package.
- The Steel Stamp: On wrenches and sockets, look for the country of origin stamped into the steel near the size marking. If it’s blank, it’s almost certainly from a high-volume overseas factory.
The Future of the Red Badge
Looking ahead through 2026, don't expect a massive "return to home" for the whole catalog. The global economy just doesn't work that way for $50 drill sets. However, Stanley Black & Decker has been shaking up their leadership lately, focusing more on "operations" guys rather than just "finance" guys.
There’s a push to simplify. They’ve been cutting back on the sheer number of different tools they make to focus on quality for the ones that remain.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re looking to buy, don't just assume "imported" means "junk."
- If you want USA-made storage, go for the S2000 or S3000 series tool chests—they're still solid Missouri steel.
- For hand tools, if the "Made in USA" stamp is a dealbreaker for you, you might have to hunt for New Old Stock (NOS) on eBay or look into brands like Wright, SK (now under Great Star), or Proto.
- For power tools, just focus on the battery platform. The Craftsman V20 system is actually quite good for homeowners, regardless of where the plastic was molded.
The Craftsman story is basically the story of American retail. It’s shifted from a local powerhouse to a global entity. It might not be exactly what it was in 1950, but for most of us fixing a leaky sink or changing our oil on a Saturday morning, the tools still get the job done. Just read the labels if you want to know exactly whose hands helped build your kit.
Next Steps for Your Shop:
Start by checking the labels on your current kit to see which generation of Craftsman you own. If you're specifically hunting for American-made storage, look for the "Select Products" labels on the 2000 series chests at your local retailer, as these remain the most consistent domestic manufacturing win for the brand today.