Sears
I heard a news story on the radio about Sears closing stores recently while driving, and I've spent some time recently obsessing about improving my toolbox. It occurred to me that since I moved to California, I don't know that have bought any tools at Sears. I have lots of Craftsman stuff, all from Orchard Supply Hardware. (Orchard has been owned by Sears for about 15 years.) But I have started having problems finding things at Orchard, which doesn't carry a few things I wanted.
What a difference! Orchard doesn't have small Torx stuff, with or without the Craftsman label; Sears has two different kinds. Orchard has given up on most Craftsman power tools, but naturally Sears has lots. Their socket wrench selection is limited -- I couldn't find a spinner handle there. There are no Craftsman hammers at Orchard, either.
Of course, Sears has relatively little that isn't Craftsman, but I had forgotten how much they do have.
Orchard has started pushing their new OSH house brand and lots of cheap tools. I gather they're trying to escape the Sears-Kmart death spiral. I just can't trust tools without a real warranty. (I realize Craftsman is not Snap-on, but it is still a very nice lower bar.)
What a difference! Orchard doesn't have small Torx stuff, with or without the Craftsman label; Sears has two different kinds. Orchard has given up on most Craftsman power tools, but naturally Sears has lots. Their socket wrench selection is limited -- I couldn't find a spinner handle there. There are no Craftsman hammers at Orchard, either.
Of course, Sears has relatively little that isn't Craftsman, but I had forgotten how much they do have.
Orchard has started pushing their new OSH house brand and lots of cheap tools. I gather they're trying to escape the Sears-Kmart death spiral. I just can't trust tools without a real warranty. (I realize Craftsman is not Snap-on, but it is still a very nice lower bar.)