Craftsman Miter Mate Brought to You by The Blue Tools Crew

Nov

20

2009

Have you ever thought about putting up crown molding or done it yourself?  Want to save money on wood by avoiding missed cuts?  You have to check out this amazing new tool from Craftsman that uses a unique angle transfer system to measure corners, inside and out.  This exclusive new system gives you a great advantage with no measuring, no math, no miss cuts and no wasted material.  This saw also manages all of the standard miter, bevel and compound cuts. 

The Miter Mate was awarded a Wood Magazine 2010 Editor’s Choice Top New Tool.  It was also awarded the 2009 Handy magazine innovation award.

Click below to see this item on Sears.com. 

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00921226000P?keyword=00921226&sLevel=0

You can check out a video of the tool in action here. 

http://s7.sears.com/s7/video/flash_video.jsp?movie=Videos/MiterMateVideo.flv&company=Sears&config=Sears/EVideo_default_update&locale=en

ShipVantage - Save on Shipping this Holiday!

Nov

20

2009

 

Talk about a great deal…has anyone heard of the new Holiday ShipVantageprogram on Sears.com? In my opinion, this has got to be one of the greatest deals – ever!

 

I was on Sears.comlooking for a new headboardfor my daughter’s bedroom when I noticed my selection was eligible for ShipVantage. With ShipVantage you can receive unlimited shipping on all mailable items to the U.S. for just $19.99 for a 60-day trial or $79 for 12 months. And yes, the headboard was flagged mailable!

 

Benefits include:

-shipping of 3.5 million items

-shipping as often as you want - unlimited free shipping

-shipping as many as you want - no minimum purchase required

  

Now, with the holidays near, this is a perfect option for me. I love shopping online, but the thing that drives me crazy is paying all the shipping charges. Just last week, I just purchased an item on a web site and then two days later I saw something else I wanted – thus, I had to pay two base shipping rates. The second item I bought was only $9.99 on sale (which was great price), but with shipping, it was $16 – nearly the same price I would have paid in store.  

 

With ShipVantage, I don’t have to worry about any of that. Shipping is free once I’ve purchased the membership, so I can place 10 $10 orders and don’t have to pay shipping each time. Also, if I want to expedite my shipping, I get a discounted rate.

 

*Membership includes unlimited FREE Standard shipping

*Expedited shipping is $.99 per item

*Premium shipping is $3.99 per item

 

As Black Friday nears (and with all the special promotions and Deals of Day on Sears.com), this is a great option for someone like me, who is a bargain shopper, looking for good buy.

 

SHC-MichelleH is a wife, mom and Sears Holdings employee who blogs about her experiences using Sears.com.

Blue Tools Crew and You!

Nov

11

2009

We are working harder and harder to gain our customers trust and allow us to help them solve real life problems with the tools that we offer. I'm not sure if you have noticed or not, but we have an active presence on Facebook and Twitter.

Make sure you follow The Blue Tools Crew on those sites to keep up to date on project ideas and fix-it solutions, as well as promotions and special buys. We want to be your partner and solution center for all things tools. I would appreciate it if you would comment on this post to let us know what we can do better to serve you.

We will soon be offering real-time product assistance from tool professionals when customers are shopping on-line, and we currently offer fusion purchases that are bought on-line and picked up in-store. As we all learn how to build our lives around the digital age, remember that Sears and The Blue Tools Crew is looking out for you.

Great New Craftsman evolv Tools

Nov

05

2009

Craftsman evlov, has some new additions to the family. The entry-level line from Craftsman is expanding to help offer a more complete line of tools to Sears and Kmart customers. These quality tools are affordable and are great for gift giving this holiday season. The new tools below are great for the occasional tool user

• 18-Volt Drill/Driver (#11383)

 
 

• 13-Piece Quick-Fit Nutdriver Set (#14064)

 

• 5-Drawer Tool Center (#13993, #1255)

Also available, but not shown are the 3-Gallon Air Compressor (#15206) and 12-Amp Circular Saw (#18780)

Happy Holidays from the Blue Tools Crew!

Innovative products brought to life by the Blue Tools Crew!

Oct

30

2009

One of the fun things about being involved with the products we sell is seeing the evolution from concept all the way to delivery in to the customer’s hands.  You can’t help but hope that everyone shares the same excitement you experience.  I remember the first time I saw these two new Craftsman innovation items and thinking about how cool and functional they actually were.  After all, it isn’t enough for a product to just be new.  It has to function to make your life easier, provide you with something that may be missing.

This Holiday, we are introducing a couple of great new wrench innovation items that I hope everyone likes just as much as I do.  Not only will they make your life easier, they will lighten the load in your toolbox and in you wallet

At $19.99, the Craftsman Dog bone has the unique functionality of fitting 8 different size sockets on one wrench.  It has a Go-thru swivel head that allows for easy access and fits just about any angle.  On top of all that, it has a built-in 8lb magnet great for holding fasteners without losing them.  When you really think about it, the beauty of this device is replacing 8 different size wrenches in your toolbox and replacing it with just one.  It’s durable enough to handle a rugged job, but convenient enough to take anywhere.  Pick it up today in standard or metric (14277/14278)

Also at $19.99 is the Universal Wrench Set.  Like the Dog bone, this wrench set promises to make your life easier.  The unique Universal tooth design on the box head of this wrench fits 6 different types of fasteners including Hex 6pt, Square 4pt, Hex 12pt, External Torx, Spline and partially rounded.  It also has a reinforced open end for increased access.  It comes in a 6pc set and includes a bonus 7^thwrench and case.  When you think about this wrench set, think about the tag line “one wrench, many jobs”.  Think about how many different wrenches this can replace in your toolbox.  Available in standard or metric (14018/14019)

This is just the beginning of Innovation for Craftsman Mechanic’s tools.  2010 is shaping up to be a stellar year with tons of exciting new products designed to be truly innovative. 

 

Find out how Duct Tape, a Mannequin, and a 7 Story Building Prove the Toughness of Craftsman

Oct

29

2009

Craftsman has a strong reputation for having some of the toughest tools out on the market. This reputation has been driven by the Craftsman Labs team. Yes, the Craftsman Labs is a true place that pushes products to the limit. In fact, products have to pass numerous tests before we allow the Craftsman name to be placed on a product. Now we knew showing off our tests in our lab wouldn't be as entertaining as letting 3 guys run loose in an abandoned building, so that is what we did. We provided Kenny, Matt, and Sam with all the Craftsman tools and props under the sun and let them push the limits of our tool brand. This is where duct tape, a Mannequin, and a 7-story building come into play. I mean who would have thought a drill taped to a mannequin ghostriding off a 7 story building would still work. Yet, that is what happened...check it out!!

I have to admit...shhhh...keep this a secret...but n our secret lab we do drop tests all the time on our drills. We climb up tall ladders and drop drills from all different angles because in fact, that is what happens on a job site or at home. If a drill doesn't survive we make it better and stronger, just think of the 6 Million Dollar Man.

I know what you are thinking - all these tests - there was probably some fancy video editing involved....However, nothing fancy was done with these videos. The results are the results, so when we dragged the radio through the mud and it worked, it really still worked. When the guys smacked around the toolbox and it broke the golf club, it really broke the golf club. In fact to make a point - all the items were right off the shelf, the same Craftsman products you can go to your local Sears and purchase are what is used in these videos. I do have to admit though...it was fun making these videos. Check them all out at www.craftsmanlabs.com and don't forget to submit your thoughts on what we should test next. At www.craftsmanlabs.com we allow you to give your suggestions on how we should push the limit of some of our products.

All I want for Christmas

Oct

23

2009

I know, I know, I know. It isn't even Halloween yet. Truth is it's never too early to think about adding to your Christmas list. Fortunately when I was helping my daughter fill her's out for Santa, it got me thinking about what I need. My requests usually involve tools and golf equipment. Since I got a new driver last year, it is time for tools this time around.

I really need a new Mechanics Tool Set or a Tool Storage Unit (They both will last until I'm long gone so I figure they should be a good investment). I need to carefully weigh my options to make sure I am getting exactly what I want.

First the Mechanics Tool Set. I have been doing my research and have landed on the 35283 - 283pc Mechanics Tool Set which includes the following.

• 171 sockets in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in. drive, standard and metric, shallow and deep depths
• 3 quick release ratchets, 13 combination wrenches, 40 hex keys and a 22 piece bit set with magnetic handle
• Tool box with drawers that have trays molded to fit tools which automatically lock into place when the lid is closed
• Priced as low as $249.99 during the holiday season

The Tool Storage Unit that I have my eyes set on is the 62020-1. It is a great value at $299.99 over the holiday season for both the large and small chest. The amazing features are listed below:

• 26 in. Red Combo system has baked enamel shell
• Drawers with full extension and ball bearings
• Internal locking system with two over-molded keys 
• Full-width aluminum drawer pulls

This is a tough decision, but I think I know which way I'm leaning.......the Mechanics Tool Set is the best fit for me. The feature that sealed the deal is that it comes with its own tool chest. Now I am going to subtlety grab a Sears ad and circle the Mechanics Tool Set and set it next to the pumpkin (We aren't going to set up our tree until after Thanksgiving).   : )

Ultimate Garage Sweepstakes

Oct

23

2009

 

Ok, Craftsman fans-this one's for you!  Looking to spiff up that garage with Craftsman shelving, floor cabinets, wall cabinets, workbench, hooks, 5 drawer modular tools chest, 6 drawer heavy duty top chest, and Versa track?  ENTER TO WIN all this and more in the Sears.com Ultimate Garage Sweepstakes.  Not only, will you be eligible to win the Grand Prize, but, there are lots of Sears Gift Cards being given away, too!  Click here for details.

Be the envy on your block-enter to win your dream garage today!

Some Fun Facts Tool Facts from the Blue Tools Crew

Oct

16

2009

We all know that Craftsman tools have been around for what seems like forever (1927 to be exact). Sears bought the Craftsman name for $500 and the rest is history. Over that time some pretty amazing things have happened that involve Craftsman tools.

• 1938 - Craftsman power tools help build the world's largest adobe building, the Rocky Mountain offices of the U.S. Forestry Service.
• 1944 - A Sears associate-turned-Army sergeant reports in the Sears News-Graphic that one of the first things he saw in The Philippines was a toolbox with Craftsman hammers, saws and hatchets, left from a previous Allied landing.
• 1950 - Craftsman hits the road as salesman Ed Faulk takes a Craftsman truck on a 10,000-mile selling trip across America, the first time Sears has sold merchandise from a mobile unit.
• 1966 - Sears debuts a quick-release ratchet wrench that quickly becomes one of the most popular wrenches in the hand tool industry.
• 1976 - Western Forge ships its 100 millionth Craftsman screwdriver and commemorates the occasion by presenting Sears with an 8-foot screwdriver for "people who think big."
• 1981 - The staff of outgoing President Carter gives him a complete Craftsman woodworking set as his farewell gift. Carter says, "If I had to choose one place to get a complete workshop, I'd get it from Sears because they stand behind what they sell."
• 1991 - The Craftsman Club debuts in October, with great popular response. In its first four months, Craftsman Club members save more than $250,000 on Craftsman purchases.
• 2002 - Since 1980, the maintenance crew of the Golden Gate Bridge has used Craftsman tools in the repair and upkeep of the bridge. Today, their work tools include: wrenches, sockets, ratchets, pliers, toolboxes, hacksaws and blades, propane tanks and pneumatic tools. 

Let us know what memorable personal experiences you've shared with Craftsman tools.

All facts from this post were gathered from the Sears brand archives(http://www.searsarchives.com/brands/craftsman.htm)

New Tool Ideas

Oct

09

2009

The Blue Tools Crew is always searching for the next great tool that revolutionizes how jobs get handled. We are working hard to bring innovation to the market. The new Craftsman Universal Wrench Sets, Craftsman Dog Bone and NEXTEC Multi-Tool are some great examples of the excellence we are trying to achieve. Some of our best ideas come from end users that are passionate about their tools. Don't be afraid to send in ideas and product suggestions that should be added to the Sears Tool Department.

• What are those tough situations where you really needed a better way to handle the task at hand?
• Situations where a better tool could have saved you time and effort.
• What tool brands to we need to add to our department?

We look forward to hearing from everyone.