Craftsman

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Craftsman

92 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 29, 2025

  Craftsman tool chest inherited from my dad in 2006. It’s probably 40-50 years old.

  i just inherited a few of these in next to perfect condition from my grandfather, a LITTLE newer but amazing quality and still sears craftsman badged

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• #2Dec 3, 2025

  The Moment I Realized “Buy It For Life” Actually Matters

  My daughter and I share a birthday. I received a craftsman cordless drill for my birthday the year she was born. I used that drill 10 minutes ago. My daughter turns 19 in a couple months.

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• #3Dec 1, 2025

  My grandmas drill that she gave me to use to hang curtains

  I have a metal-bodied craftsman drill from the 60s. I was using it yesterday to drill through half inch steel. It doesn't have the RPMs of a modern drill but it's a tank. I killed 2 newer drills in the past few years doing the same type of work with them.

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• #4Nov 4, 2025

  Which brands/products have gotten better over time?

  > American Made Craftsman Isn't as good as modern tools. I'll take a new Taiwanese tool from a quality brand over a US Craftsman. I'm from New England and have a few jeeps so rust is a big problem. The only tools I've broken have been the made in US Craftsman. And one T45 gearwrench.

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• #5Nov 3, 2025

  Which brands/products have gotten better over time?

  As an owner of a solid array of Craftsman cordless tools on their current 20-volt platform, they're pretty solid in terms of quality these days. Especially the RP line, many of which are sporting DeWalt internals. Still not competing with the professional-grade brands for quality, innovation or tool selection, but I'd easily put them on par with homeowner-grade brands like Ryobi. Then again, I've been beating the shit out of my old C3 19.2 volt tools for a decade, so maybe I've just gotten lucky with budget red.

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• #6Oct 8, 2025

  Hose that last outdoor

  Eley hoses are very stiff. I'd recommend trying it first if possible. I like the reel and fittings, but not the hose. I bought my first Eley reel with the hose, but not the second. None of my Eley reels now has Eley hoses installed. I prefer Flexzilla hoses, or even Craftsman black rubber hose. Mine have all lasted over 10 years now.

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• #7Oct 1, 2025

  Why are we allowing posts that are not in the spirit of BIFL?

  I used to think the same. Usually just machined steel and a handle, right? how could you go wrong? I still have my grandfather's craftsman screwdrivers, wrenches, estwing hammers, stanley chisels, and a few pliers that were made in the late 50s to early 70s and those are the quality and standard I expect. I broke a diagonal cutter of his (craftsman) and went to Lowe's to warranty it. After a fair amount of bitching, the cutters they were going to give me were not of the same quality. The hinge was not as tight. The machine finish was rough. It was just not to the standard I expected. I chose to keep the broke ones (I was using them as a pry bar and snapped a tip off - so still functional but not ideal). The tradespeople (and total hacks) I've worked along side have noticed a consistent decline in quality too. As soon as a big company or private equity buys into a brand - quality goes to shit. I coddle my grandads tools for sentimental reasons. And "replaced" them with Wera, Vessel, Wiha, Knipex, and Bondhus tools. But your average Joe typically wont spend the money for those brands. I use my tools everyday. So my perspective and needs are different from a DIYer/home owner. Am I just bitter and angry about minutiae? Probably. But I've broke enough (newer) craftsman and Stanley tools to never buy them again. So you're probably right if you only use your tools for a job/project here and there. Thanks for coming to my ted talk.

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• #8Oct 1, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  Laundry basket. Still using the plastic one I bought for going to college 30 years ago. Also still have the hammer, adjustable wrench, keyhole saw, and craftsman screwdrivers I took with me to college. And a plyer's set I got from my grandfather, who got them probably in the 60s.

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• #9Oct 1, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  craftsman socket set. bought in 1990, used Kay quitar, Cresent adjustble wrench, old ax, my son and daughter, 1984 Haro Master with astebula heat treated cranks, Those astebula cranks have out lasted any abuse

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• #10Sep 6, 2025

  Please recommend a screwdriver set before I lose it on these curtain rods.

  My dad gave me a set of Craftsman screwdrivers in 1996. Wish the ones they sell now were still as good now as they were then. I’ll pass this set on to my grandkids someday.

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• #11Sep 6, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Craftsman

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• #12Sep 6, 2025

  Please recommend a screwdriver set before I lose it on these curtain rods.

  I think some of the people in the comments haven't experienced *just* how shitty a screwdriver can be lol. A month or so ago someone handed me their brand new junk dollar-store screwdriver to do a task for them, and the tip crumbled within two screws. I finished the job with my multi-tool, bent the screwdriver in half (yes, it was that cheap) so it couldn't hurt anyone ever again, and bought them some new tools. Wera or Wiha (different brands, similar names) are both solid choices, especially when looking for smaller sizes. Here in the US market, Tekton has become my favorite recently for hand tools - check their Outlet section and you can get good US-made tools for very reasonable prices. Also US market, find your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore and you can probably find some vintage Craftsman or Stanley for a few bucks. Handle design is very much a matter of personal taste. If you're looking to spend big money on tools, there may be a tool store in your area that caters to professional tradespeople that carries all the premium brands and you can try them in person. And yep, your curtain rod probably came with screws made of recycled bubblegum and cheese, cheap screws get cheaper every year. Unfortunately it means you either need to maintain a whole hardware store of good-quality screws or use very careful technique.

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• #13Sep 5, 2025

  Please recommend a screwdriver set before I lose it on these curtain rods.

  Basically any screwdriver set you get at Home Depot will be fine. I got a Milwaukee set for the tool library and they're holding up okay. Screwdrivers do wear out, so then you regrind the tips if possible, or you toss them. Another option is to get a bit-holding screwdriver that take those short insert bits. That way you just replace the bit when they wear out. Also you can buy weird tips like Pozidriv, torx, tri-wing, pentalobe, and the various security heads. The downside is that the shaft is wider than the standard screwdrivers, so you might have trouble reaching into deep holes (like in toys, consumer electronics, etc.). If you want to spend more money, Wera is good, but yes, those handles are polarizing. So there's also Wiha, PB Swiss, NWS, etc. But even Kobalt, Husky, or Craftsman will be fine, and will cost a lot less.

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• #14Sep 5, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  everyone loves craftsman tools from the 40s to the 70s and then they turned into really awful stuff at some point Wasn't there a Dave Brubeck ad with Kenmore? [https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fninbj45734ic1.jpeg](https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fninbj45734ic1.jpeg)

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• #15Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  I have a lot of Craftsman hand tools that I use daily for work. I really don't have any issues with them at all. As far as power tools go, I use DeWalt at work (company supplied) and for home use I have Craftsman, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi for battery stuff. Usually if I need a new tool for the house I'll look at Craftsman first as they are usually cheaper and consumer grade is usually fine for what I need around the house. Milwaukee and DeWalt for heavy duty stuff.

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• #16Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Craftsmen Tools.

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• #17Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Craftsman tools :(. My dad’s old set from the 80s got lost in a move and the new stuff is shit.

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• #18Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Craftsman tools unfortunately

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• #19Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Happy to report that Craftsman is semi-returning to what it once was. Certainly not BIFL, but also certainly better products than when the conglomerate first bought them. Consumers complained loudly enough

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• #20Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  This is why I’ll forever cherish the Craftsman tools my grandfather left me

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• #21Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Craftsman L.L. Bean

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• #22Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  My Dad gave me a shit ton of tools a decade and a half ago, almost all Craftsman. Included in the windfall was two sets of allen wrenches (metric and imperial, obvs). I was going to buy my daughter, who started college this year, some new ones for her toolkit and holy shit the absolute CHEAPness of the new ones. I couldn't bring myself to spend the money.

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• #23Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Not sure how much truth there is to it, but my father is a big craftsman guy (has a whole chest from the 80s) and these days if he needs something he buys Craftsman made in Taiwan only, or Icon brand from Harbor Freight made in Taiwan. He said that a lot of his older tools are stamped with Taiwan, so he thinks the modern stuff made in Taiwan is the closest to it.

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• #24Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  > Some of the Harbor Freight stuff does still hold up, but its kind of a gamble if you get quality or not. I have my Craftsman wrenches from before they were junk, and am loathe to have one get lost / broken, because the replacements are just crap now.

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• #25Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  craftsman tools

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• #26Sep 4, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Craftsman

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• #27Sep 4, 2025

  Best Buy it for Life Gift?

  If he likes fixing cars, maybe a nice toolset if you know which tools he may need to replace or doesn’t have or wished he had. There are several brands that would most likely be BIFL. Craftsman, Dewalt, Husky, Milwaukee depending on your budget. Or maybe a tool storage cabinet.

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• #28Aug 12, 2025

  Are we still doing staplers?

  I have a veeeeery old Craftsman staple *gun* in the same color, and yep - it’s very much BIFL lol

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• #29Aug 12, 2025

  What's the oldest thing you still use daily that works like new?

  Probably my 50 year-old craftsman tools

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• #30Aug 10, 2025

  Stanley tools are forever

  I dont have any at home but at work we have older craftsmans and stanley putting in the abuse. Holding strong. We work on usps mail processing machines for reference.

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• #31Aug 10, 2025

  What's the best BIFL item you own?

  The tool snobs have a lot of nitpicks with the VV (80s) and VA (80s-90s) series Craftsman ratchets. I have a couple of old 1/4" drives of the VA and have zero complaints and don't know if there's actually any physical differences, functionally there is zero difference. I will say that from what I've seen, these ratchets didn't start falling off until the mid-2000s. I got a rebuild kit a few years ago for an old 3/8" drive that I found at my grandfather-in-law's estate (the hand is the original V series) and the mechanisms post 2010-ish when they started making these in China are absolute trash and have tons of slop.

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• #32Aug 9, 2025

  What's the best BIFL item you own?

  1992 Craftsman USA ratchets, still perfect.

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• #33Aug 9, 2025

  Will I regret going all in on Craftsman v20 tools?

  The pros use Hilti. The pros on a budget use Milwaukee. The pros on an even tighter budget/ homeowners who want what they think is the best get Dewalt. I use all Craftsman and have never needed more.

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• #34Aug 8, 2025

  Searching for small toolkit

  If you have a ton of tools already why not build out a vehicle tool set out of what you already have. I am assuming you are like me and have multiples of some tools . Craftsman used to make a great under truck bench seat tool box which I am still rocking 20 plus years later Maybe just get one of those small canvas zip top tool bags. I am not really a fan of the pre made kits for my car because I always wind up needing bits and tools that are not part of those kits. Or they have tools that I never will use in them. That being said I usually also have a multi bit ratcheting driver in my glovebox. And that gets a surprising amount of use.

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• #35Aug 6, 2025

  $2K Amazon Budget—Help Me Turn Digital Money Into Sawdust

  Presuming g this is just about basic home ownership: One approach is to look at by tasks you’d likely tackle. First off is painting and drywall repair. Some good name brand wall knives, disposable drywall cutting knives, trowel and some small putty knives. My dad and I have been painting forever and our tools are easily 20 years old. Just wash and dry after use. Get some name brand paint rollers, brushes and a metal tray or two. Some real drop clothes. You’d likely need to do some demo at some point too. A painters four in one or five in one tool is a great chisel, hammer, scraper and more in one tool! Trim removal tools and demo hammers are worth an investment. Check out Stanley fat max fubar. I’d guess maybe an overall $300-500 budget for all this? You’ll probably wind up replacing some outlets or fixtures so get some basic electrical tools. A decent multimeter, some wire strippers (I like the spring powered ones you squeeze) and some small wire snips or similar. An inexpensive battery powered screw driver helps here to as drills can be overkill here. $100? An electric pressure washer and foam gun is great for Keri g the house clean. Maybe $250ish? A basic mechanics socket and wrench set can be useful, not just for cars but appliances and some odds and ends. 1/2 drive is likely overkill. Maybe $200? Craftsman should still be honoring warranties at Lowe’s should anything break. That may be a good starting point for evaluation. Get a large adjustable wrench or two for some basic plumbing. Nothing else will do the trick here. I’d imagine you need some garden type tools too. A leaf rake, metal rake, flat shovel and spade shovel will all get used routinely on nearly any property. Depending on climate, a snow shovel or maybe a snowblower. That could easily eat half the budget here but unless it’s a huge driveway or you’re in he snow belt, I wouldn’t go higher. As others have mentioned, there’s a lot to consider with power tools. You are absolutely buying into a battery ecosystem and one that may even include lawnmowers and similar too. Two recommendations are: Hilti (expensive pro grade) is the only one with a warranty due to wear and tear. Everything else is mfg defect only. Hilti and Makita are the only ones where the company only owns that. The rest are part of umbrella corporations and I question how much some of these brands are cared for or may even last. Lowes and HD have also driven down the quality on a lot of tools (and mowers and blowers etc) because they want a certain price point instead of building what’s really needed. I want to say Makita has bowed out or pulled a lot out from HD over this but I could be wrong. Also, YouTube is incredibly helpful with evaluations. Start with Project Farm and you’ll see what I mean.

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• #36Aug 3, 2025

  What products used to be well built back in the day but now are low quality?

  Hunter ceiling fans. Briggs and Stratton lawn equipment motors. Craftsman tools.

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• #37Aug 3, 2025

  What products used to be well built back in the day but now are low quality?

  Hunter ceiling fans. Briggs and Stratton lawn equipment motors. Craftsman tools.

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• #38Aug 2, 2025

  What products used to be well built back in the day but now are low quality?

  Craftsman tools

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• #39Aug 1, 2025

  What products used to be well built back in the day but now are low quality?

  Craftsman tools are still good. You can tell all of these issues are ideological because they don't test applies torque, durability, features, anything like that. My new Craftsman stuff is flat out better than my old stuff in every major way. Except for crescent wrenches since nobody can do what Western Forge did.

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• #40Aug 1, 2025

  What products used to be well built back in the day but now are low quality?

  Craftsman tools/ Used to be made in USA with lifetime warranty. No made overseas, warranty no more.

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• #41Aug 1, 2025

  What products used to be well built back in the day but now are low quality?

  Sears Craftsman

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• #42Jul 11, 2025

  What's something you've had forever that surprisingly outlasted its time ?

  OG Craftsman tools from the 70's, passed on from my father. Not only will they not quit, if they did it's a pretty easy 1:1 exchange at Lowes. Was easier at Sears, RIP, mostly because Sears had damn near every tool Craftsman ever made. Man, wandering the aisles there as a kid was like a dream!

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• #43Jul 10, 2025

  Are there any legit BIFL water hoses? The kind that doesn’t kink and fall apart?

  Old rubber craftsman hoses were similar, hex shaped instead of round. I got one going about 15 years now.

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• #44Jul 9, 2025

  Are there any legit BIFL water hoses? The kind that doesn’t kink and fall apart?

  Back when Sears existed and had the Craftsman Natural rubber hoses - those survived the Arizona heat. Had mine now for over 12 years and they are still going strong. Unfortunately no longer available.

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• #45Jul 5, 2025

  Brass Fitting Garden Hose?

  This is probably useless to you now, but when Sears started panicking (sales and promos all the time leading up to bankruptcy about \~5 years ago), I picked up a 50' Craftsman, made in USA rubber hose with stainless fittings for $20. It gets heavy use in the garden, lives out in the weather year round, and it's still perfect. I'm sure Sears doesn't make these any more but maybe you can find some new-old stock? (I wish I bought a half dozen!)

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• #46Jul 2, 2025

  Name your top 5 BIFL items

  1.) A Martin acoustic guitar. Old, used or new. They hold their value and get better with age. Buy once cry once 2.) Good pair of leather boots. Love my Thorogood Moc-Toes 3.) Craftsman tools. All the ones I have are hand me downs that are 20+ years old but work great. Pretty sure they could be swapped out if they get broken but haven’t had an issue after 10 years of abuse 4.) Japanese import cars. Loved my ‘00 Honda Civic that had 300k on the odometer before it got totaled in a wreck by a drunk driver 5.) Maybe controversial, but Beagles. Best dog breed I’ve ever had the pleasure to share life with. I’ve been converted to a lifelong beagle dad

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• #47Jul 1, 2025

  Does anyone else feel like it's impossible to buy quality stuff anymore? Seems like every single thing I buy falls apart absurdly fast. I try to get quality stuff, but reviews are all fake, star ratings are bought... how do you avoid buying junk?

  I rely more on word of mouth if possible. If someone has X product, and they are happy with it and its lasted a reasonable amount of time, I sort of file that away in my brain for the future. And with many things, it just makes sense to buy older stuff. Some exceptions are things like Craftsman tools, which were great pre-00's, then shitty for 20 years, and are now pretty decent again. But, so many products have suffered enshitification to achieve a more appealing P&L statement for their parent company, it can be hard to tell which "Legacy" companies are still good. Point in case, my All-clad non stick cookware. Absolutely terrible.

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• #48Jun 10, 2025

  Nowadays is there anything really that is still bifl?

  Craftsman hand tools, craftsman hand tools have a lifetime replacement warranty. You can have a craftsman handtook given to you by your great grandfather and if it fails or breaks you can get a free replacement and so can your great grandkids when the one you give them breaks.

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• #49Jun 7, 2025

  Looking for high-quality, Made-in-USA compact tools as a gift—suggestions

  For good american made tools that wont kill your budget your best bet is ebay. Most anything pre 1990 by SK, Craftsman, Proto and many others are made in usa and can be picked up without breaking the bank. If you can get NOS stuff its better then most tools available today. Ive even got older snap on stuff that still performs great.

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• #50Jun 6, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  My Craftsman 22" push lawnmower. It wasn't expensive when I bought it. I basically neglect it. It just keeps running. Glance at the oil dipstick periodically, replaced the fuel line once ($5), replaced the blade once ($12). It starts up first or second pull every spring. I keep hoping it will die so I can upgrade to something electric, but for the last 23 years it just keep running. Guess they were right about the Briggs & Stratton motor being reliable.

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• #51Jun 6, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  A set of Craftsman wrenches I bought in 1985 to work on my first car.

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• #52Jun 5, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  1993 GE clock radio/alarm/cassette. Still works 32 years later. 1997 Craftsman self propelled lawnmower with 6.25 horsepower Tecumseh engine. Other than replacing a dead ignition coil at 17 years old, it's still works flawlessly with no repairs. Still on the original blade and belt. 1999 Honda Accord LX 4 cyl 5 speed manual built in Japan. Bought new and still the daily driver. 1984 Toyota truck my dad bought new and passed down to me in 1996. Other than regular scheduled maintenance, it has only had a water pump, clutch, and clutch master cyl replaced. All original, down to the 41 year old power steering fluid. 1975 Maytag washer and dryer pulled out of the scrapyard for free almost 20 years ago. Still kicking. [https://www.reddit.com/r/Maytag/comments/1iwrc3w/real\_maytag\_set\_from\_its\_heydays/#lightbox](https://www.reddit.com/r/Maytag/comments/1iwrc3w/real_maytag_set_from_its_heydays/#lightbox) 1926 Maytag Model 80 wringer washer saved from the scrapper for free. 99 years old and still churning out laundry in the shop.

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• #53Jun 3, 2025

  What’s one thing you bought once and it’s still going strong years later?

  Craftsman Riding lawnmower from Sears 16 years ago.

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• #54Jun 2, 2025

  What are your favorite niche BIFL items that are currently available?

  Craftsman premium rubber garden hose. Mine is 15 years old(?), lives outdoors on a reel, and is like new.

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• #55Jun 1, 2025

  What's something you've bought because of bifl that you're still using?

  Vitamix Freiling stainless French press Bunn coffee maker Danner boots Mtn hardware rain jacket 15yrs(probably not anymore) Carhartt insulated bibs Craftsman wrenches Vasque boots Chevy k10 (1983) Toyota prius (300,000+ miles) Kitchenaid pro stand mixer. Wustof knives

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• #56May 10, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  The newer Craftsman hand tools I've bought have been fine. I do wish the warranty was as good as it used to be though. The battery string trimmer I got stopped feeding line early on which was irritating.

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• #57May 10, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  I saw a video test of a craftsman adjustable wrench. It did surprisingly well.

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• #58May 10, 2025

  Top BIFL Household Items for Starting Over

  I am a sustainability educator and finding things that last are a bit part of that. I’ve done quite a bit of research on possible options. Some of these I have (*) while others have been HIGHLY recommended to me. I would still check out the brand as some people who have had their (insert brand name item that they got 15 years ago here) have said that quality has diminished in recent years and won’t last as long. Also if anyone has had bad experiences with any of these, please let me know! Kitchen: *Dualit kettle *Vitamix Stainless steel blender-this is so expensive we got it as a group wedding present but dang it’s nice for smoothies, sauces, even hot soup *OXO stainless steel bottle brush with replaceable heads *Metal cup for hot/cold liquids-Thermos, Kleen Kanteen, HydroFlask, Stanley, etc. *Metal tea strainer spoon for loose leaf *Silicone baking mat *Stainless steel, copper, or ceramic cookware - I have a baking sheet from 360 cookware and one pan from Caraway *Stainless steel mixing bowls *Metal or ceramic measuring spoons and cups -My spoons are shaped like geese and I got them for $10 at a thrift store *Wooden toaster tongs- CHANGED MY LIFE and my slightly burnt fingers *Stasher bags *Fiskar scissors *OXO metal strainer for pasta •Metal coffee makers -French press, percolator, Bialetti Moka Pot, Breville espresso machine, •Silicone or metal ice cube tray •Duralax glasses •Crockpot •Older PYREX glass food containers •Villeroy and boch plates, bowls, etc. •Dualit toaster •Pizza stone •Cast iron pan •Le creuset •Self sharpening knife block-“A dull knife is a dangerous knife” or learn how/where to sharpen -Victorinox, Cutco, Wustoff because warranties •Hardwood cutting board •Zojirushi rice maker •Kitchen aid stand Bathroom: *Wild deodorant case and refills (discount code: SUSTAINABLESIRENIAN) *Leaf safety razor *Sisal soap saver bag •Turkish or waffle weave towels- dry quicker take up less space, wears slower Office/School *Cross refillable pen *Rocket planner (they also have reusable sticky notes which is cool but I haven’t tried them) Laundry: *Dryer balls *Bags for more delicate stuff *Tip-unless it is nasty, cold water is fine, saves money, saves water, and doesn’t wear out your clothes as much *Basic Sewing kit and learn how to do basic patching or visible mending •Miele machines Clothes: *Darn tough socks •Older Levi jeans •Doc martens •Chacos •Rainbow sandals •Birkenstocks •Blundstone Outside things/wear: *Blunt umbrella *Xtra Tuff boots •Duluth Trading Co •Older things from LLBean •Older Carhartt •Gear from Osprey - “All mighty warranty” •Gear from Patagonia -“Ironclad guarantee” also they have “Worn wear” which is used gear that were great or they refurbished it •Canada goose coats and parkas •CamelBak •Maglite •Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags •Red wing boots •White duck canvas tarp •Yeti coolers •SmartWool Misc. *Lupine Pet Collars and leashes •Goughnuts dog toys •Zippo lighters •Briggs and Riley luggage •Swiss army knife •Leatherman tool •Otterbox phone cases •Big Green Egg Grill •GoRuck •Henry the vacuum •Coop’s, Casper, Purple, or Buckwheat pillows •BOTE paddle board •Le Cord •Williams and Sonoma •Tweezerman •Craftsman tools •Saddleback leather co •fjallraven backpacks •Eley garden hose •Felco shears •Vermont Glove •Hori Hori garden knife I hope this helps

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• #59May 10, 2025

  Brands you swear by that have Buy It For Life quality products

  Lodge cast iron, but one of my Dutch ovens has a Crack. Og brown label North Face down jackets. Leatherman, Swiss Army knives.  Sorel boots. Craftsman hand tools. Pendleton shirts. Woolrich esp. Vintage. I have had great experience with Eureka tents. Sportif hard shell Goretex jacket for years and years, just one sewing repair on a torn pocket edge.

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• #60May 4, 2025

  My dad's drill. 40 years and still going strong!

  I have a craftsman corded circular saw, jig saw and drill that are 40 years old and will outlive every other power tool I’ve ever acquired

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• #61Apr 9, 2025

  Items that made your life so much easier/saved time?

  Completely off topic but the older craftsman tools were legit the best tools ever made. I have my grandpa’s screwdriver set in my work tool box because it’s still reliable

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• #62Apr 8, 2025

  First Time Homeowner...any BIFL recommendations?

  What's the climate? If snowy, I'd get a Craftsman snowblower. I've had mine for 15 years and it's still as strong as day 1.

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• #63Apr 4, 2025

  I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.

  Some of these conglomerates make great stuff. Gearwrench is pretty popular, and we’ve got a ton of xcelite tools at my workplace. SBD also seems to make the most of their different brands. They released some craftsman wrenches that were clones of a Mac set for like 1/4th the price

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• #64Apr 3, 2025

  I’ve always been a Makita guy without knowing anything about the corporate side. My tools always just felt more solid and durable than coworkers’ Dewalt or Milwaukee. Then I saw this in r/construction.

  I’ve been a Porter Cable guy for a long time and the only tool of their that broke was one I let my father in law use and I’ve never let him borrow another tool since. Saying that, my dad has some old, corded Craftsman tools that still work great and I know his radial arm saw is 60 years old and still works like a champ. . .

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• #65Apr 1, 2025

  Will I regret going all in on Craftsman v20 tools?

  Went all in with the Craftsmans mainly because I bought the lawn mower and weed whacker. Bought the starter kit for the drill, and saws. I am not a fan of the 5 3/4 circular saw or the reciprocating saw. While I would hand it to anyone without experience with saws... this is because its kinda underpowered and the motor kicks out and needs the trigger repulled with any resistance on the blade. While I usually use the battery powered saws for disposing of materials. I keep my plugin tools (Dewalt and skil worm drive) for things that matter).  The drills are ok, though the non rp craftsman is slower than the similar harbor freight drill... the 1/4 impact is actually overpowered and tends to break any construction screw or even impact rated adapters i put on it... 

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• #66Mar 12, 2025

  What is the longest lasting item you've bought?

  I still have a set of Craftsman tools from 93. They rock.

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• #67Mar 11, 2025

  What is the longest lasting item you've bought?

  Tools, most of the hand tools I have purchased over the years are truly lifetime- my first credit card purchase as an adult was a craftsman tool box that I still have today almost 40yrs later. And many of the tools are even older

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• #68Mar 5, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  Maytag washer is almost 40 years old. Leaks but works. Washed a lot of kids clothes in that one. I can’t think of anything as old… maybe a craftsman power saw could be getting up there. Nothing else in the house unless you want to talk about furniture.

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• #69Mar 5, 2025

  My father old Schrade LD7

  I have a nearly identical Craftsman made in the USA I picked up at an estate sale. Pretty sharp knifes. 95205 Sears craftsman. Possibly made in the same factory?

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• #70Mar 4, 2025

  BIFL, but also BISecondhand. What are some things that everyone should keep an eye out for, but can commonly be found for cheap when preowned.

  $5 craftsman string trimmer. Been beating the shit out of it. Lol

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• #71Mar 3, 2025

  Where Does "Buy It for Life" Not Make Sense?

  I outlived craftsman’s lifetime warranty apparently. (At least for what would consider to be a proper craftsman socket wrench. Gotta buy parts on eBay for the good ones)

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• #72Mar 2, 2025

  What used to be buy it for life but is now more questionable?

  Craftsman tools are still a good option for the price, just not BIFL anymore. They're more in the Gearwrench and Ryobi tier of price and quality

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• #73Feb 7, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  I had a craftsman drill that I dumped in the pool on accident. Didn’t mind cause I wanted an excuse to upgrade… that mother fer dried out and worked for another 5 years until I couldn’t find a new battery for it. 15years +\- For the record I do a lot of DIY so it was well used during its life.

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• #74Feb 5, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  I have some old craftsman stuff that I think I'll just repair myself because I don't want them replaced with their new stuff. It's mostly rust from years anyway so I'll buff them to as good as new but damn.

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• #75Feb 5, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  I still have Craftsman tools I bought in the 1970's when I was in high school. A Black and Decker drill with a metal case. Milwaukee Magnum electric drill.

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• #76Feb 3, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  Cookware — I got my wife and I a nice set of stainless steel, 5 ply and they perform the exact same 7 years later. Same with high quality aluminum (nordic ware) baking sheets. Tools - I have a 99 piece Craftsman mechanics set I got 23 years ago. Still works perfectly. I did break one ratchet about 10 years ago, but it was replaced instantly. I also have been given tools my dad and grandfather owned. Buy them right, buy them once. There is some limitation on power tools because lithium has a lifespan, but I have had the same Dewalt cordless power tools for about 7 years now. I am finally seeing some battery degradation, but the tools themselves are still perfectly functioning. Bicycle - lots of cheep stuff exists, but if you buy a bike with an aluminum or “chromolly” frame they will last and last. I still have my BMX bike from when I was 15 (Powerlite p19) and it’s 25 years old. My kids will ride it one day. I bought my wife a high quality aluminum beach cruiser because we live (you guessed it) by the beach. Only the chain is susceptible to the elements.

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• #77Feb 3, 2025

  What’s one product you bought that has lasted forever and was totally worth it?

  1988 I was sixteen and my parents bought me the 325 piece Craftsmen mechanic’s tool set that came with a two-piece rolling box (about 50” tall, 24” wide or so) PLUS a smaller two-drawer carry box. I remember it so distinctly because the price was $325 and I thought it was so cool that it was $1 per piece. I still have and use a little less than 50% of the tools and the rolling box shows its age, but still operates flawlessly. The small box got left outside here and there over the decades and rusted out. I have four other boxes now, equal or bigger size, but it’s still my favorite.

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• #78Feb 2, 2025

  Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?

  For me the only issue that I have had is the size of the impact driver and cordless ratchet. Don’t get me wrong both my Ryobi impacts and my cordless ratchet work great, but if space is an issue I have to grab my work bag with my M12 series. Actually now that I think of it my only M12 stuff I have is the ratchets, tiny impact driver, and heated vest (which is amazing). I use Ryobi for most everything else that’s not plugged in. The nice thing about Ryobi is their huge catalog with each tool having multiple levels. But the thing I will stress is to use the right tool for the job. A hammer drill for instance has multiple different types that are different internally to do different things. Also good accessories really help any tools. My 30 year old Craftsman table saw has Forrest blades and it cuts like a dream, and my Ryobi sanders use 3M Cubitron sandpaper. Good accessories will help with any tool perform to the best they can. As for your specific tools you are looking at, I own everything but their pressure washer. That I have a Powerhorse from Northern Tool, so I can’t give you any advice on that. But the other stuff I own and use and are more than happy with. My caveat with the shop vac is don’t expect the Ryobi or any battery powered one to compete with a good plug in model (which if you need one Ridgid and Craftsman make top notch wet/dry vacs). If you have anymore questions let me know.

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• #79Feb 2, 2025

  Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?

  I would go for Ryobi, Craftsman, or Kobalt if you just want one system. All of them have wide variety and they go on sale all the time. If you want some compact tools, Skil 12V are very good and really cheap

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• #80Feb 1, 2025

  Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?

  Yea Craftsman is owned by Stanley Black and Decker, which also owns Dewalt. In many cases, the tools are almost identical to the Dewalt version. There are videos where they take them apart and compare internals. They have a huge catalog of tools from lawn tools to vacuums and of course power tools. I use Milwaukee at work but at home Craftsman is plenty adequate of a quality level.

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• #81Feb 1, 2025

  Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?

  I use craftsman and wait till shits on sale at Lowes. The deals are rad. I have 5 batteries I’ve had since 2019 and they work great and don’t appear to have lost any life. I have: Drill Blower Weedeater Ratchet 1/2 inch impact The batteries are frequently on discount at Lowes. I don’t think I paid full price for any of it and I needed a single system that would support yard maintenance and automotive needs.

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• #82Feb 1, 2025

  Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?

  I have a very different take it seems, but for me Craftsman provides the best mix between price, quality, and availability. Craftsman is carried by Lowe’s and Ace hardware. I travel to some more rural places and there is almost always an Ace Hardware somewhat nearby should the need arise. The quality has been good enough for my level of use. I have a few houses all around but am super far from any kind of professional. I work on my own cars and motorcycles as well.

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• #83Feb 1, 2025

  Which tool brand ecosystem would you invest in for 2025 and why for the occasionally frugal DIYer?

  I was gifted a bunch of craftsman v20 tools so that’s what I have. They seem solid to me who’s not very handy and does not use them regularly. But they are all well priced and seem to have solid warranties. Idk how BIFL their tools are these days but I always thought craftsman was supposed to be one of the better brands

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• #84Feb 1, 2025

  Will I regret going all in on Craftsman v20 tools?

  lol craftsman is literally dewalt painted red. Also as a Lowe’s worker, and craftsman tool owner, as well as dewalt, I’m all craftsman now, they are the exact same they just take away one feature. Sometimes the craftsman is actually even better, like their impacts. My craftsman tools have also survived a flood twice now. Our house unfortunately got flooded twice, not your water line busting kind of flood either. Had batteries and tools sitting in tool boxes full of flood water for over 24 hours and 4 years later they are all still working. Only lost 1 4ah battery and craftsman replaced it for free no questions asked. For a diy’er you can’t go wrong with either but I have had fantastic experience with craftsman.

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• #85Feb 1, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that has lasted for YEARS and was worth every penny?

  Snap-On 3/8" Flex-Head Ratchet from the 90's. Craftsman sockets from the 60's and 70's that were my Dad's. Williams 1/2" SuperRatchet Snap-On screwdrivers from the 90's Klein Side-Cuts from the 60's - 70's Ridgid Pipe Wrenches Wiss Tin Snips 4" Wilton Bullet Vise Wilton C-Clamps Stafford Boxer Briefs Carhartt Jeans Eddie Bauer Henleys Nike All Conditions Gear Coat - 15 years and still looks like new

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• #86Jan 10, 2025

  What did you buy not realizing you bought it for life?

  I bought my husband a floor jack for his birthday more than 40 years ago, on the recommendation of a co-worker. It's still going strong. (And he's used it. A Lot!) Friends and family have had floor jacks since that they've gotten and they've failed. (I think it was a Craftsman from Sears, before Sears and Craftsman were ruined by vulture capitalists.)

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• #87Jan 7, 2025

  Has everything we buy reduced in quality over time? Has anything increased in quality or stayed high quality and durable?

  I’d say there’s a survivor bias to that statement. There’s always been cheap shitty power tools being made, only the best have actually lasted long enough to represent their time. That being said I’d gladly fight somebody for the chance at new power tools built with as much metal parts and standardized/off the shelf components as my Rockwell, craftsman, millers falls, and Stanley stuff.

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• #88Jan 6, 2025

  Which snowblower will last a lifetime?

  We just had 12 inches of Snow. my 24 “ wide Craftsman Snowblower bought in 2014…worked like a champ! On a huge circle driveway and sidewalks. Only maintenance has been oil changes. highly recommend Craftsmans snowblower. I had a smaller Honda snow blower , worked well, but struggled if snow heavy wet type or if more than a foot. It works for most driveways.

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• #89Jan 6, 2025

  Which snowblower will last a lifetime?

  My 30 yo craftsman with a Husk engine starts 1st pull every year

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• #90Jan 6, 2025

  Which snowblower will last a lifetime?

  Came here to say this. I know Sears has gone thru some changes over the years and my experience may no longer be the case, but my 5 hp electric start 2-stage Craftsman snow blower served me well from the mid-80’s, and was still going strong when we sold it to a friend in 2013 when we moved south. And the best thing about Craftsman was the Sears parts support, because you’re going to need things like shear pins, chute scrapers and the like.

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• #91Jan 2, 2025

  BIFL Request: Snow Blowers, does electric hold up?

  I bought a big asset craftsman snowblower in 2008. We needed it the first couple of years, but snowfall has seriously dropped off here on Cleveland west side. The way I figure, I'd rather have a blower that is too big rather than too small. We use it 2 or 3 times a year. I think I've changed the oil maybe three times. Though, we do remove the gas before we pack it away. It just keeps starting up.

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• #92Jan 1, 2025

  What's the oldest item you still use daily that has withstood the test of time, and what's its story?

  I have a Craftsman drill press that my dad gave me. According to the owners manual, it was bought new in 1975.

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