Are you in the market for a new circular saw?
If so, you may be wondering who makes Craftsman circular saws. With the recent acquisition of Craftsman by Stanley Black & Decker, there has been a resurgence in the brand’s popularity and quality.
But what exactly does this mean for the circular saws they produce? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Craftsman and its current ownership, as well as compare some of their circular saw models to help you make an informed decision on your next purchase.
So, let’s dive in and explore who makes Craftsman circular saws.
Who Makes Craftsman Circular Saws
Craftsman circular saws are currently manufactured by Stanley Black & Decker, a company that has been in the tool and storage business since 1843. In 2017, Stanley Black & Decker acquired Craftsman Tools from Sears, which had been struggling financially and closed many of its stores in 2015.
Stanley Black & Decker is a well-known company that owns many other brands, including DeWalt, Stanley, Black + Decker, Bostitch, Vidmar, Mac Tools, Irwin, Lenox, Proto, Porter-Cable, Powers Fasteners, Lista, Sidchrome, Emglo, and USAG. With such a diverse portfolio of brands under its umbrella, it’s no surprise that Stanley Black & Decker is a leader in the tool and storage industry.
The History Of Craftsman Circular Saws
Craftsman circular saws have a rich history dating back to the 1950s when the company began producing mobile tool stores. Ed Faulk, a Craftsman salesman, stocked his truck with merchandise and embarked on a 10,000-mile journey across America, selling his tools along the way. The mobile tool store was so successful that another truck rolled out the following year.
In the second phase of America’s largest housing construction project, Levitt & Sons began building 17,000 homes in Levittown, Pa. Site foreman Leonard Calderwood relied on his Craftsman 6.25-inch circular saw for his lumber-cutting chores. As suburbs continued their rapid growth and lawns became more extensive, Craftsman introduced riding mowers to the market at $350. Sales of Craftsman rotary mowers achieved the 1.5 million-unit mark.
Craftsman continued to innovate and introduced the Power Workshop, a 5-in-1 tool designed to save time, money, and space. The tool was a combination tilting arbor bench saw, jointer-planer, jig saw, saber saw, and disc sander.
Since Stanley Black & Decker acquired Craftsman Tools in 2017, the brand has been improving. Craftsman now produces three battery-powered circular saws and two motorized circular saws. The company has a reputation for making high-quality power tools that are suitable for both home projects and industrial construction.
One of the latest Craftsman circular saws is the CMES500 model. It is about a pound lighter than some of its competitors and has a smaller motor in terms of its amperage. However, its cutting performance is comparable to other models on the market. The CMES500’s shoe edge is not quite parallel to the blade, which can create minor inaccuracies when making crosscuts or rips with a long straight edge. However, with some extra diligence, users can keep the saw cutting true.
The Acquisition Of Craftsman By Stanley Black & Decker
In 2017, Stanley Black & Decker acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears for $900 million. The deal included a cash payment of $525 million at closing, $250 million at the end of year three, and annual payments to Sears Holdings of between 2.5-3.5 percent on new Stanley Black & Decker sales of Craftsman products through year 15. The license granted to Sears Holdings will be royalty-free for 15 years, and then 3 percent thereafter.
The acquisition of Craftsman lawnmowers, snowblowers, and barbecue grills added to Stanley Black & Decker’s line of power and hand tools – a market where Craftsman is also strong. The move into the lawn and garden market – estimated by Stanley B&D to be worth $12 billion – followed the company’s agreement in October to buy Newell Brands Inc’s tool business for $1.95 billion.
Stanley Black & Decker has spent about $3.4 billion on more than 30 acquisitions since it was created through the merger of Stanley Works and Black & Decker Corp in 2010. The acquisition of the well-recognized Craftsman brand has the potential to provide significant organic growth opportunities for Stanley B&D.
The deal is expected to add 10-15 cents per share to Stanley B&D’s earnings per share in the first year after closing, about 35-45 cents by year five, and 70-80 cents by year ten. The company expects Craftsman-branded products to generate about $100 million of average annual revenue for the next 10 years.
Sears, which gets a much-needed infusion of cash from the deal, will continue to offer products carrying the 90-year-old Craftsman brand at its namesake and Kmart stores through a perpetual license from Stanley B&D. With only about 10 percent of Craftsman-branded products sold outside of Sears’ retail channels, the deal will give Stanley B&D the right to expand the brand in non-Sears channels.
However, there are some risks associated with the acquisition. One possible risk is that Stanley Black & Decker could be stuck with Craftsman warranty expenses or claims if Sears dissolves. Another risk is that the acquisition could be accused of being a fraudulent conveyance if Sears is deemed to have been insolvent at the time of the deal close or became insolvent because of it. Despite these risks, Stanley Black & Decker believes that it is in a good position and has had excellent legal support throughout the transaction.
Craftsman Circular Saw Models Compared
If you’re in the market for a Craftsman circular saw, it can be overwhelming to choose from the various models available. Here, we will compare three popular models to help you make an informed decision.
The first model to consider is the Craftsman 15 amp, 7 1/4 inch circular saw. This is the most expensive Craftsman model, but it’s also the most powerful. It features a laser cutting guide and safety features, making it an excellent choice for those who prioritize accuracy and safety. With its durable construction, this saw can be used for years without encountering problems or difficulty in cutting.
If you’re looking for a compact circular saw, the Rotorazer compact circular saw is worth checking out. While not a Craftsman model, it’s a popular option for those who need a smaller saw for more intricate cuts. The Rotorazer features a 400-watt motor and can cut through various materials, including wood, metal, tile, and plastic.
Finally, if you’re looking for a cordless option, consider the Craftsman 5 1/2 inch cordless circular saw. This model is perfect for those who need to work away from their shop or prefer the convenience of not having to deal with cords. It’s also lightweight and easy to handle, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
When comparing these models, consider your intended use and budget. If you prioritize power and accuracy and are willing to invest in a high-quality saw, the Craftsman 15 amp circular saw is an excellent choice. If you need a smaller saw for intricate cuts or prefer a cordless option, the Rotorazer or Craftsman cordless circular saw may be more suitable.
Remember to also consider factors such as bevel capabilities and blade material when selecting a circular saw. Additionally, make sure to buy appropriate safety gear like goggles, work gloves, and dust masks before using any power tools.
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Craftsman Circular Saw
When choosing a Craftsman circular saw, there are several factors to consider in order to ensure that you select the best saw for your needs. These factors include blade size, blade type, application, teeth count, gullet size, kerf, and price.
The first thing to consider when selecting a Craftsman circular saw is the blade size. Craftsman circular saws come in different sizes, including 6.5 inches and 7.25 inches. It’s important to choose a blade size that matches the size of your saw in order to ensure optimal performance.
The next factor to consider is the blade type. Craftsman circular saws come equipped with carbide-tipped all-purpose wood-cutting blades. However, there are many other types of blades available for special purposes such as cutting metal, tile, and concrete. If you plan to do a lot of work requiring clean cuts, consider buying a blade with a higher number of teeth.
Another important factor to consider when selecting a Craftsman circular saw is the application. Knowing what material you will be cutting is just as important as knowing the size of the blade. Typically, unless stated on the blade, a wood cutting blade isn’t meant to cut metal.
The number of teeth on a blade is also an important factor to consider. The lower tooth count cuts faster but the cut is rougher, making it good for rip cuts (cuts that go with the grain). Higher tooth count cuts slower and there is more friction, but leaves a nicer finish making it good for making crosscuts (going against the grain).
Gullet size is another factor to consider when selecting a Craftsman circular saw. The curved area between the teeth helps prevent the blade from burning the material as you cut it. For faster rip cuts, you’ll want this area to be larger.
Kerf refers to the thickness of the blade. An ultra-thin kerf cuts the fastest and removes less material so less wood is wasted. It is also known to draw less energy and prolong the battery life of the saw.
Finally, price is an important factor to consider when selecting a Craftsman circular saw. Circular saw blades range in price from $6-$8 to $40-$50 for high-end specialty blades. It’s important to determine what you are willing to pay before making a purchase.
Conclusion: Is A Craftsman Circular Saw Right For You?
After reviewing the information provided, it’s clear that Craftsman circular saws are a great choice for both DIY and commercial cutting work. The saws are built with durable materials, such as magnesium, which provide extra durability and reduced weight. Additionally, Craftsman circular saws come with a carbide-tipped blade that delivers speeds up to 5,500 RPMs, making them strong performers in the field.
However, it’s important to note that the Craftsman 3284 is missing some features found in top-rated saws, which could impact its overall performance. If you’re looking for a circular saw that is easy to use and has bright spots shining through in weight, sightlines, blade depth, and adjustment assessments, then the Craftsman CMCS500B might be a good option for you. However, it’s important to keep in mind that this tool suffers significantly in battery life despite having been tested with a 4 amp hour cell.
When considering whether a Craftsman circular saw is right for you, it’s essential to think about your specific needs and budget. Using the information provided in this article, you can make an informed decision about which circular saw is the best fit for your cutting needs.