What do you think of Craftsman Evolve?

I've seen then in the stores, they look nice and all -- but I stick with Craftsman.  I trust the name brand and the quality.

cratsman makes evolve?

Craftsman dosnt make tools they only sell them Danaher makes them at this time  and puts Craftsmans name on them 

I think Sears used Craftsman to introduce the evolv brandname.

It's a brand new brand name.

Both, brands made by the same OEM (Danaher).

The things that fascinate me are the green and gray, soft handled, evolv screwdrivers.

I'm certainly not giving up any of my Craftsman tools...

Ah! More tool storage.

:)

Makers of Craftsman hand tools include; Danaher, Western Forge, Pratt-Read with a smattering of SK stuff.

Where's the evolv Breaker Bar?

AdamO said…

Where's the evolv Breaker Bar?

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it broke because it was cheap junk?

So, back to the original question... What do you think about the Evolv tools?How do they compare in price and features against Craftsman or other brands? Do you think the colored grips make them more appealling to a wider audience?  

You can see what they look like by visiting:  http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10153_12605?keyword=evolv

I think they're a great improvement overall versus the Companion line. First of all, it has an actual warranty of some kind, unlike Companion. Granted, that acted as a great segue to selling up to Craftsman, but evolv also offers some innovative tools, like the extending ratchet and the twist-handle ratchet, and the ergonomic rubberized grips, that set it apart as a user-friendly version of tools for those not yet at the advanced or professional level. The prices are in line with Companion, because they're still made in China, but for most of the products the quality seems a bit better than Companion. I'd say the evolv line probably matches favorably with the Home Depot Husky line.

Evolv was made to compete with Home Depot's "Husky" line and, more specifically, Lowe's "Kobalt" line.

In comparison to Companion, there's no contest.  Evolv is much better than Companion.  The interesting ratchet technologies, great screwdriver grips, and fantastically priced hex socket sets make evolv tools a great value.

Consumers understand the whole made in China deal.  All we do is say that this is how we compete in price with the competition while still offering you the option of (mostly) Made in America Craftsman tools, and they understand completely.

The main gripe I hear from customers is the "limited" portion of the lifetime warranty, which requires you to have the receipt whenever you process an exchange.  This is made especially hard because many evolv tools are sold in sets, and none of the individual tools seem to have a model # on them.  Evolv tools sell well though.  It's going to be a horrible hassle once it's time to start exchanges though ...

One question I keep hearing is whether or not we will start carrying Evolv power tools like we did with the Companion line.  It would be nice to have an evolv drill, jigsaw, recip saw, and circ saw available to sell at starter price points.

Not too much!!!  First test on phillips screwdriver Number 2 head, the tip broke off.  My Sears was happy to replace it without any question.  The best I can say is that that warranty of Sears is worth the money... every  time.

 

Thanks,

Michael L. Meltzer,

Lancaster, CA 93535

Something about Phillips screwdrivers and bits seems to be always wrong. Either the tips are too soft or too brittle. It could almost go down to one bad production tip tempering run of screwdrivers. I wouldn't necessarily give up on a whole line of tools, based on one poor screwdriver tip performance. Especially with Phillips, Pozidrive and Reed & Prince fasteners, out there.

Time to supplement the tool kit with a Craftsman Breaker Bar or two (3/8 and 1/2 inch drive sizes).

I just stocked an evolv screwdriver set, that includes some little pick tools, with those evolv comfy-handles. I do a LOT of cleaning work, with picks and miniature screwdrivers, when rebuilding/restoring the Craftsman ratchets. I think I found my "test" purchase of new evolv tools.

If any of you have a problem returning Hand Tools to Sears print off this letter. Hopefully most of you have never had a problem.

It's from David Figler the VP/GMM, Hardware,Tools & Paint at Sears.


Subject: Craftsman Hand Tool Lifetime Warranty

There have been several news articles and emails regarding customers being denied Craftsman Hand Tool exchanges for reasons that are not part of the warranty. We've had specific complaints of denied exchanges based on:

- Tools having rust on them

- A 3 Piece per day limit on exchanges

These are NOT valid reasons for denying our customers their right to exchange their Craftsman Tools under the Lifetime Warranty.

The warranty states: "If for any reason your Craftsman hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, return it to any Sears store or other Craftsman outlet in the United States for free repair or replacement. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state."

Our Craftsman Hand Tool Lifetime Warranty is one of the most important competitive advantages we have in the market. It is crucial that we ensure all of our sales associates are trained to understand all the hand tools that are covered under this warranty.

Also......

The main gripe I hear from customers is the "limited" portion of the lifetime warranty, which requires you to have the receipt whenever you process an exchange.  This is made especially hard because many evolv tools are sold in sets, and none of the individual tools seem to have a model # on them.  Evolv tools sell well though.  It's going to be a horrible hassle once it's time to start exchanges though ...

Sounds like Sears is having a hard time figuring out any of their handtool warranties.   

 

That's a GREAT letter - that covers Craftsman Mechanics' Hand tools.

Gearwrench and evolv tools are NOT Craftsman Mechanics' Hand tools and are sold (or soon will be) at competitors stores.

Not ALL of the Craftsman tools are covered by the lifetime warranty, either.

The warranty printed on the packaging is what store Associates use to determine what is covered and what is not.

Generally, consumeables are not covered by a lifetime warranty.

But, a LOT of tools ARE covered by the full unlimited warranty - including Craftsman files...

The evolv line is a Craftsman product and is a Sears exclusive. The only places it will be available are Sears Holdings properties like Sears and K-Mart.

However, you're right, GearWrench is an independent brand that is available at just about any retailer.

My small craftsman file says only.....MADE IN CHINA.  Will you replace them for me when they break?

The people at your local store should compare it to the files they have to see if it's a Craftsman product, and then replace it.

and when they don't have one on a hook like it..............sorry but it's not warranted.