We have received several tips over the past few months, about a new Craftsman V-Series of hand tools that are launching at Lowe’s.
Details are still sparse, but a new wave of product listings just went live, giving us the first real look at what the new Craftsman mechanics tools expansion will include.
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Thank you to reader Joe E and Jared for bringing all this to our attention!
Joe E also provided a first-look at the new Craftsman V-Series flex-head ratchet and its packaging.
In my opinion, this ratchet and many of the other upcoming Craftsman V-Series tools look to have a more premium appearance. I would guess that this new line will sit above current offerings in terms of features, quality, and also price.
The new Craftsman V-Series tool lineup will include two ratcheting screwdrivers – at the least.
What’s especially interesting about the new Craftsman V-Series ratcheting screwdrivers is that I recognize their handles as being Facom designs.
Facom is Stanley Black & Decker’s premium brand of mechanics tools. Some Facom offerings are available in the United States, but it’s much more popular and well-known in Europe.
Craftsman’s V-Series nutdrivers also resemble existing Facom tools, or were at least very heavily inspired by them.
The new Craftsman ratchets look to have sealed heads and a new knurled handle design.
Cushion-grip ratchets are also available.
At this time, there are listings for standard ratchets, stubby ratchets, and flex-head ratchets.
Some of the new Craftsman V-Series ratchets are described as having a 4.5° arc swing, which would mean an 80-tooth gearing mechanism. Others mention a 3.75° arc swing, which would mean 96-tooth or 96-position gearing.
The lineup extends beyond ratchets and screwdrivers to also include T-handle hex keys. The hex tips on these drivers feature new X-Tract Technology, and are designed to help remove damaged and partially-stripped fasteners.
This is a developing story, and there have not been any official announcements thus far. We’ve reached out to Lowe’s and Craftsman with questions and will update you once we hear back.
I’m a big fan of Facom tools and designs. Four and a half years ago, when Stanley Black & Decker officially acquired the Craftsman tool brand, I wrote:
If anyone at Stanley Black & Decker is reading this, I have 2 requests: PLEASE bring some of your European tool brand designs to the USA. I love Facom hand tools, and would love seeing some of them under Craftsman branding.
It looks like I’ll be getting my wish, at least in a small way. And, if this proves to be a successful move for the Craftsman brand, who knows what the future will hold.
