Honestly, if you grew up in a house with a garage, you probably remember that specific smell of grease and sawdust that seemed to cling to everything. And usually, right in the middle of it all, there was a red metal chest filled with Craftsman tools. For decades, it was simple. You needed a 10mm socket because you lost yours for the tenth time? You went to Sears. That was the law of the land.
But things aren't that simple anymore. Sears basically fell off a cliff, and if you walk into one of the tiny handful of remaining stores today, it’s… weird. It’s mostly empty floor space and nostalgia. So, where do you actually go in 2026 when you need a new impact driver or a replacement for a snapped flathead?
The short answer is Lowe’s and Ace Hardware, but there is a lot of nuance to how that works, especially if you’re trying to use that legendary lifetime warranty.
The Big Three: Where to Buy Craftsman Tools Right Now
If you want to walk into a store, touch the grip of a ratchet, and walk out with it, you have two main options. If you want it delivered while you stay on the couch, you have three.
1. Lowe's (The Big Box King)
Lowe’s is effectively the new home of the brand. Since Stanley Black & Decker bought Craftsman from Sears back in 2017, they’ve poured a massive amount of money into making Lowe’s the primary destination. You’ll find the massive V20 power tool walls, the lawnmowers, and the floor-to-ceiling stacks of mechanics sets here.
One thing to watch out for: Lowe's also pushes their own house brand, Kobalt. Sometimes the sales on Kobalt are better, but if you’re a Craftsman loyalist, the selection here is usually the deepest.
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2. Ace Hardware (The Neighborhood Spot)
Ace is kind of the sleeper hit for Craftsman. They don't have the massive square footage of a Lowe's, but they carry a surprisingly good selection of the core hand tools and the "best-of" power tools. The vibe is totally different. It's the place where you can actually find a human being to ask which specific snap ring pliers you need without hiking half a mile.
3. Amazon (The Convenience Play)
Yes, the official Craftsman store on Amazon is massive. It’s great for buying those huge 200-piece "mechanic's starter sets" that are too heavy to lug through a parking lot. Just make sure you’re buying from the actual "Craftsman Store" and not a third-party reseller who might be overcharging for discontinued Sears-era stock.
What Really Happened With the Sears Divorce?
It’s kinda messy. When Sears sold the brand, they kept a license to keep selling Craftsman-branded stuff for a while. This led to a confusing period where you had "Sears Craftsman" and "Stanley Craftsman" existing at the same time.
Today, the tools you see at Lowe's are the "new" Craftsman. Is the quality the same? That’s a hot debate in every tool forum on the internet. Some old-timers swear the vintage "Made in USA" Sears stuff is superior to the modern versions, which are often sourced globally. However, for most of us just trying to fix a leaky sink or swap out a car battery, the new stuff is plenty durable.
And about those remaining Sears stores—yes, a few still exist in places like California, Florida, and Texas. But honestly? It’s hit or miss. Some people report finding crazy clearance deals there, while others say the tool section has been reduced to a single sad shelf.
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The Warranty Headache: Can You Still Swap Broken Tools?
This is the question that gets everyone fired up. The "Full Lifetime Warranty" on hand tools is the reason people bought Craftsman in the first place.
Here is how it works in 2026:
- At Lowe's: Technically, they are a "stocking retail partner." If you bring in a broken ratchet and they have the exact same one (or a modern equivalent) on the shelf, most stores will do an even swap. But—and this is a big but—it depends on the manager. Some stores are getting stricter about wanting a receipt, even though the official policy for hand tools says you don't need one.
- At Ace: Most local Ace owners are pretty chill about the swap, provided they have the item in stock.
- The Phone Method: If the store gives you a hard time, you have to call the Craftsman customer care line (1-888-331-4569). They’ll often have you send a photo of the broken tool and then mail you a replacement. It takes longer, but it’s more reliable than arguing with a teenager at a customer service desk.
Beyond the Big Names: Other Retailers
You might stumble across Craftsman tools in some unexpected places.
- Blain’s Farm & Fleet: If you live in the Midwest, this is a goldmine.
- NAPA Auto Parts: Some locations carry a selection of the mechanics' tools because, well, they're NAPA.
- Military Exchanges: If you have base access, the PX/BX often stocks a solid lineup.
Why It Still Matters Who You Buy From
The reason you should care about who sells the tools is the ecosystem. If you buy into the V20 cordless power tool line, you’re married to that battery. You want to buy from a place where you know you can get a replacement battery or an add-on tool three years from now.
Lowe’s and Ace aren't going anywhere. If you buy your stuff there, you’re safe. If you find a random set at a "liquidator" store, just know that you're on your own if something breaks.
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Actionable Tips for Your Next Purchase
If you're looking to gear up, don't just walk into the nearest store.
Check the Ace Hardware "Red Hot Buys" circular first. They often beat Lowe's on the price of individual hand tools. If you’re buying a big chest or a large combo kit, wait for the Lowe’s major holiday sales (Father’s Day, Memorial Day, and Black Friday). That’s when the "Buy a Starter Kit, Get a Tool Free" deals usually pop up.
Finally, if you have a pile of old, broken "9-series" (the old Sears model numbers) tools, don't throw them away. Even though Sears is gone, that lifetime warranty still lives on through Stanley Black & Decker. It might take a phone call, but a free tool is a free tool.
Start by checking your local Ace's stock online; it's often more accurate than the big-box inventory trackers.