Sears registered the Craftsman trademark for its tools on May 20, 1927. Arthur Barrows, head of the hardware department, reportedly bought the name from the Marion-Craftsman Tool Company for $500. Sears did not make the tools itself. Outside manufacturers such as New Britain and Easco made them.
From 1927 Sears backed the line with a lifetime warranty. In 2017 Sears sold the brand to Stanley Black & Decker in a deal worth $900 million. Most Craftsman hand tools are advertised as having an unlimited lifetime warranty. It requires no receipt or dated proof of purchase.