Report Says Pros Shun Craftsman Tools

Although Sears sells $3.1 billion worth of hand tools a year and accounts for 32 percent of the U.S. market, a recent contractor survey from Merrill Lynch Global Securities indicates consumers, not professionals, buy Sears Craftsman hand tools, which Sears touts as its “professional” line. Some Craftsman tools are manufactured at Danaher Corp.’s Springdale plant.

Here are a couple of contractor comments from the survey, which asked them about Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sears in particular:

n “Brand is very important in tools because you don’t want to be buying them everyday and Lowe’s does a better job with its depth of selection. Home Depot keeps trying to push Ridgid but I am not buying. Sears is not even on the radar screen. ”

n “I am very disappointed at both Lowe’s and Home Depot, and I don’t shop at either for tools. Neither company carries Porter Cable 19.2v drills and saws, which I believe are the best on the market. It’s never entered my mind to buy anything Craftsman.”