By late 2024, Lowe’s was clearing inventory of Craftsman V-Series tools during holiday clearance sales. What began as an ambitious, premium line under Stanley Black & Decker turned into a discontinuation announcement. Customers responded to the clearance promotions, and inventory diminished across stores.
Craftsman enthusiasts expressed disappointment over what was once considered a strong offering—tools that combined refined engineering with favorable reviews.
Craftsman Legacy
Craftsman, once synonymous with American-made durability, started its journey under Sears, a pioneer of quality mechanics tools. In 2017, Stanley Black & Decker acquired the brand, promising to revive it. But as production shifted overseas to cut costs, the dream of “Made in America” Craftsman tools slowly faded.
The brand’s push for premium offerings like the V-Series raised hopes, but would they survive the corporate strategy shift?
Factory Failures Mount
Stanley Black & Decker’s attempt to revive Craftsman manufacturing hit a snag in 2023. The Fort Worth, Texas factory was supposed to be the cornerstone of American-made Craftsman tools. However, production delays and retailer pressure led to its closure.
As the factory’s gates closed, some Craftsman users had to face the reality that the high-quality tools they’d hoped for were no longer in the pipeline.
V-Series Axed
In 2025, Stanley Black & Decker officially announced that the Craftsman V-Series mechanics tools would be phased out. This move followed clearance sales that significantly reduced inventory across Lowe’s approximately 1,750 stores in late 2024.
The once-promised flagship product line had been sidelined in favor of core tools and a new Overdrive line. But was this the right decision?
Store Shelves Empty
By late 2024, the Craftsman V-Series was being substantially cleared from Lowe’s shelves. What was once a featured display of high-quality ratchets, wrenches, and sockets became increasingly sparse. With V-Series inventory cleared during the holiday season, Lowe’s faced inventory management changes as customers sought the discontinued products.
Enthusiast Disappointment
Tool enthusiasts, particularly from forums like Garage Journal, expressed their disappointment over the discontinuation of the V-Series. One user recounted losing three V-Series wrench sets in a garage fire and noted challenges with insurance replacement coverage.
Others echoed similar sentiments, claiming that Craftsman had finally turned a corner, only to retreat once again. The brand’s loyalty was tested, and many felt disappointed or betrayed.
Warranty Woes Emerge
Stanley Black & Decker promised to honor the V-Series’ lifetime warranties with “next equal-value Craftsman products.” But the problem? No products could match the V-Series’ premium quality. Some customers sought warranty replacements at Lowe’s and other retailers, only to find no direct equivalents available.
Warranty replacement challenges emerged, and concerns about the Craftsman brand’s commitment grew, causing frustration among loyal users.
Harbor Freight Rises
As Craftsman withdrew from the premium segment, Harbor Freight’s Icon series attracted tool enthusiasts seeking alternatives. Tool enthusiasts praised Icon as an option comparable to the now-discontinued V-Series. Known for its professional-grade quality at lower prices, Icon filled a market gap left by Craftsman’s discontinuation.
Market shifts were evident—consumers began exploring alternative brands, leaving Craftsman’s premium positioning challenged.
Overdrive Pivot
Stanley Black & Decker’s future strategy now centers on the Craftsman Overdrive line, designed to compete with top-tier brands like Snap-On. Overdrive, featuring “Rounded Bolt Removal Technology,” has been positioned as advanced technology.
But with V-Series fading away, is this a bold pivot or an attempt to fill the void left by the previous line’s discontinuation? The tools are available in Lowe’s sets—will they succeed where the V-Series did not?
Fan Backlash Builds
Craftsman enthusiasts voiced their displeasure, claiming that Stanley Black & Decker had mishandled the brand. Some noted the limited visibility for the V-Series at Lowe’s, questioning whether product positioning contributed to its discontinuation.
One commenter expressed frustration, arguing that Stanley Black & Decker had not maximized the brand’s potential. What was once seen as the brand’s best product was now relegated to a discontinued line.
Ownership Shifts Exposed
Since Stanley Black & Decker acquired Craftsman in 2017, quality control and production shifted significantly. With U.S. plants closing and overseas manufacturing increasing, the manufacturing landscape for Craftsman changed substantially.
The Fort Worth factory closure in 2023 was a clear indication that SBD’s vision for Craftsman faced challenges. Was this acquisition achieving its intended goals?
Strategic Overhaul
Stanley Black & Decker’s 2025 plan involves significant financial restructuring through cost-cutting initiatives. Craftsman’s future now lies in entry-level and Overdrive tools, moving away from premium products like the V-Series.
With retailers like Lowe’s shaping their product lines, SBD faces pressure to make strategic decisions in this competitive market.
Experts Question Revival
Industry analysts have expressed skepticism about Craftsman’s premium positioning going forward. They question whether the Overdrive line can succeed as a premium competitor. Despite positive reviews for the V-Series mechanics tools, the line was discontinued due to business decisions.
As Harbor Freight’s Icon series remains a presence in the market, experts question Stanley Black & Decker’s ability to reclaim Craftsman’s former standing in the premium segment. Can they turn it around?
Future Uncertain
With the V-Series officially discontinued, the future of Craftsman’s premium positioning remains uncertain. If the Overdrive line fails to gain traction, will Craftsman be able to make a comeback? Lowe’s partnership will be key to the brand’s survival in the U.S. market, but the competitive landscape remains challenging.
Will Craftsman ever recover its standing as a premium tool brand?
Retail Power Plays
Lowe’s influence on Craftsman’s product lineup cannot be overlooked. As the key partner for Craftsman post-Sears, Lowe’s had significant influence over the brand’s offerings. With substantial ordering power, Lowe’s participation in product decisions shaped the eventual discontinuation of the V-Series.
The big-box retailer’s focus on volume and market demand influenced manufacturing priorities for Stanley Black & Decker.
Global Supply Ripples
The V-Series, influenced by European designs, now faces competition from global manufacturers like Facom and USAG. These brands are available in the U.S. market as Craftsman retreats from premium offerings. Meanwhile, Harbor Freight continues to expand its tool offerings, creating a competitive environment for SBD to maintain its market position.
Craftsman’s shift to overseas production has resulted in new competitive dynamics in the tool market.
Warranty Legal Risks
As the Craftsman V-Series is phased out, warranty holders face the challenge of receiving “equal-value” replacements, but no current Craftsman products match the original premium V-Series tools. This situation creates warranty fulfillment challenges for consumers with lifetime coverage on discontinued products.
Cultural Tool Shift
Craftsman users are increasingly considering alternatives like Harbor Freight’s Icon series, reflecting availability and pricing factors. What once was a tool brand built on American pride now competes in a market where competitors offer comparable or value-oriented alternatives.
The tool community is adapting to new product availability, and Craftsman’s market position continues to evolve.
What It Signals
The discontinuation of the Craftsman V-Series marks a significant business decision in the U.S. tool industry—retailers and manufacturers are adjusting their product strategies based on market conditions. Stanley Black & Decker’s decision demonstrates the challenges of managing brand portfolios across multiple price points.
The question remains: Can Overdrive establish itself as a competitive premium line, or will competitors continue to gain market share?
Sources:
ToolGuyd: “Craftsman Discontinued their Best Hand Tools – Goodbye V-Series” (September 30, 2025)
ToolGuyd: “Craftsman is Closing its USA Hand Tools Factory” (February 28, 2023)
Hartford Business Journal: “Stanley Black & Decker Continues Cost Cutting; Aims to Mitigate Tariffs” (February 4, 2025)
YouTube: “Craftsman V-Series EVERYTHING IS ON CLEARANCE AT LOWES! RUN TO LOWES!” (November 22, 2024)
YouTube: “Craftsman V-Series & FACOM – Sharing Tools Across The” (December 1, 2021)
Hartford Business Journal & Reuters/Bloomberg Coverage: SBD Acquisition of Craftsman (2017)