This is first hand information about the Craftsman/Stanley deal, as I tried to exchange a broken 1/2” breaker bar. This was right after Sears stores closed and Lowes took over the sales.
1) They would exchange the bar if I had original receipt (very unlikely in my case)
2) All new Craftsman tools would be replaced when broken as long as there was a receipt (again, highly unlikely)
3) I eventually got hold of someone from Sears Corporate who sent me a new bar. Probably more effort than it was worth and it was made over seas.
Now the important stuff. Stanley was going to take over the manufacturing of Craftsman labeled tools. Stanley tools are still made in the USA, thereby Craftsman would be made here again. This is according to a news article I found when all this stuff was happening. I have not looked at any Craftsman hand tools recently, so I can’t say for sure. Like a lot of other guys all my Craftsman stuff is very old and made here. Interesting note, some of the wrenches are stamped with the size and “AF“
I have some Stanley stuff, and I believe Ace Hardware (Master Mechanic Series) are Stanley tools. I am very impressed with them.
OK bored you guys enough