Craftsman Air Compressors: All Your Questions Answered

Craftsman is a big name in the world of home-use tools. As a company, they advertise widely and sell their products in many major box stores and online. So since this website is all about air compressors, we figured we’d take a hard look at Craftsman compressors to tell you what they’re all about and if they’re any good. 

Table of Contents

• Are Craftsman Air Compressors Any Good?
• Who Makes Craftsman Air Compressors?
• Where Are Craftsman Air Compressors Made?
• Craftsman Warranty Information
• Types and Sizes of Craftsman Air Compressors Available
• What We Like and Don’t Like About Craftsman Air Compressors
• Are Craftsman Air Compressors Worth It?
• Best Craftsman Air Compressor for Home Use
• Craftsman Air Compressors FAQ’s

Are Craftsman Air Compressors Any Good?

Craftsman air compressors are a good choice for those who want a solid, dependable compressor for home use. They’re a solid company that makes good compressors that many people have kept in their garages for many years without major issues.

But there are many different compressor types and sizes available. Getting the wrong size and type of compressor for what you need, no matter the brand, can cause frustration. That’s why we’ll explore every aspect of the available compressors on the market so you can determine if a Craftsman is right for you.  

Who Makes Craftsman Air Compressors?

Craftsman was originally the brand of parent company Sears. However, in 2017, the Stanley Black & Decker company acquired the Craftsman brand from Sears. So while Black & Decker now owns the Craftsman brand, Sears still has licensing rights and the ability to manufacture and sell Craftsman tools to existing retailers for 15 years after the sale.  

At this point, any given Craftsman compressor could be made under the umbrella of either Sears or Black & Decker. There’s limited information on this, but it seems that both companies use various manufacturers to make their compressors. These currently include:

• Alton Industry LTD
• Ace Trading

Craftsman Company History

Craftsman first sold tools back in 1927 after being formed by the then-parent company Sears. In fact, the tool line first appeared in the Sears catalog in that year. Craftsman tools have been made by various manufacturers over the years. The recent acquisition of the Craftsman brand by Black & Decker has resulted in some legal drama between the two companies, but the quality of the tools seems to have survived the sale.   

Where Are Craftsman Air Compressors Made?

Since so many different manufacturers make compressors for the Craftsman brand, it’s hard to say with certainty where exactly they’re made. However, you will see some Craftsman compressors with a decal on the box and the compressor itself that says “Proudly made in the USA with global materials,” or “Proudly made in the USA with global materials in Jackson, TN.” 

It’s important to note that the “global materials” part of this declaration likely means that the parts are made elsewhere and then assembled in the USA. 

While this is more than some other compressor manufacturers can say, it is a bit misleading at first glance. And it would be false advertising for Craftsman to say “Made in the USA” without specifying the “global materials” portion. Still, assembling these compressors gives Americans jobs, which is something to consider if you’re thinking about getting a Craftsman compressor. 

There’s not much information online about where these “global materials” come from. It probably changes, with the company searching for the lowest price available for sourcing the materials. 

In short, if you buy a Craftsman compressor, most of the major components are likely made in China or Mexico and assembled in the USA. But the price reflects this, which is one of several factors making Craftsman an attractive prospect for home use. 

Craftsman Warranty Information

Most Craftsman compressors come with a standard 1-year limited warranty. This includes material or workmanship defects. They also come with a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. 

Do Craftsman Air Compressors Have Lifetime Warranties?

Although most Craftsman hand tools come with limited lifetime warranties, their air compressors do not. They only come with a 1-year limited warranty/90-day satisfaction guarantee. 

It’s rare for any compressor to have a lifetime warranty, so it’s important that you don’t confuse the Craftsman hand tool warranty with their compressor warranty. 

Does Lowes Honor Craftsman Lifetime Warranties?

There are no lifetime warranties on Craftsman air compressors. However, if you have a Craftsman hand tool you need replaced, Lowe’s might be able to replace it. This is because Lowe’s also sells Craftsman tools. And since there are fewer and fewer Sears stores around, you’re likely to have a hard time taking a hand tool in to get it replaced at a Sears, like you could in years gone by. 

However, Lowe’s is limited by the tools they sell. If you bought a Craftsman hand tool online or at Sears and you want to take advantage of the lifetime warranty, Lowe’s may or may not be able to help you. But you can always contact Craftsman to get the hand tool replaced. 

If you have a faulty Craftsman air compressor that you need to return within the 1-year window, it’s best to contact the company that you bought it from, as proof of purchase is required. They may be able to handle your return themselves. If not, they can put you in contact with Craftsman customer service to get the compressor replaced. 

Types and Sizes of Craftsman Air Compressors Available

There are many compressors offered by Craftsman. They range in size from small and portable to large versions. Let’s take a look at them now. 

Small and Portable

The smallest compressors Craftsman has on offer are 1.5-gallon, 2-gallon, and 3-gallon. They have HP rating between ⅓ and 1.5 and SCFM ratings between 0.5 and 6 at 90 PSI. For use around the house, these compressors are great, especially the 3-gallon compressor with the high CFM.

Medium Sized

For medium-sized air compressors, you have three options from Craftsman: a 6-gallon and two different 10-gallon options. They range from 0.8 HP to 1.8 HP. Their max PSI ratings are from 150 to 175, and thief SCFM ratings are between 2.6 and 5 @ 90 PSI. For those who use their compressors more often and want slightly larger but still portable compressors, there are three Craftsman options that will work.

Large Air Compressors

For larger compressors, Craftsman offers two different 20-gallon options and one 33-gallon option. The nice thing about these is that they all have wheels. So while they’re not as highly portable as the smaller compressors, they are still more portable than other large compressors without wheels. They offer between 4 and 5.1 CFM @ 90 PSI, making them useful for a wider range of air tools.

What We Like and Don’t Like About Craftsman Air Compressors

Now that you know what kind of compressors Craftsman offers, let’s cover the pros and cons of Craftsman compressors in general. 

What We Like: Craftsman Compressor Pros

• Price Tag – Craftsman compressors are affordable, which is one thing we like a lot about them. They tend to be in line with other comparable compressors, which makes them a viable choice for a home-use compressor. You don’t need to break the bank for one of these solid compressors. 
• Quality – Although Craftsman compressors parts aren’t made in America and are manufactured by different companies, there is a consistent quality among these compressors. The Craftsman name means something, and you can take rest easy knowing you have a quality compressor. 
• Oil-Free –  All the compressors mentioned above are oil-free models, which means essentially no maintenance is required. You don’t have to worry about changing the oil or topping it off. Oil-free pumps are very popular among homeowners who want low or no maintenance with their compressor. 
• Portability – All the compressors mentioned above are also portable. Even the large compressors have big sturdy wheels on them so you can wheel them around your shop or garage. This is very convenient for anyone who needs a big storage tank but who still needs the flexibility of a portable compressor. 
• Easy to Use – Craftsman air compressors are great for those who want an easy-to-use compressor. They come with detailed manuals and simple instructions so even if you’ve never used a compressor before, you’ll have it up and running in no time. 

What We Don’t Like: Craftsman Compressor Cons

• Noise Levels – Most Craftsman compressors aren’t the quietest compressors on the market. While most of the smaller ones feature a decibel rating under 80, this can still be too loud for many people. If you want a quiet compressor, make sure to check the decibel rating before you buy!
• Not for Commercial Use – Craftsman, like other brands from big box stores, is not ideal for commercial use. If you’re looking for a compressor you’ll be using for hours a day, five days a week, you’ll want to spend a bit more money for an industrial compressor. 

Are Craftsman Air Compressors Worth It?

If you’re looking for a compressor that is ideal for home use, you can’t go wrong with a Craftsman compressor. They’re worth it for those who want to fill up tires and use some basic air tools. They’re a trusted brand that has been in business for a long time, and they do offer a 1-year limited warranty. 

Best Craftsman Air Compressor for Home Use

Now for our Craftsman recommendation! 

This 6-gallon compressor is the perfect size for people who want a highly portable compressor without taking a bunch of space. It features an oil-free pump for no maintenance and offers a 150 max PSI. With the 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI, this compressor allows for the use of a wide variety of small air tools.

Best Craftsman Air Compressor

Features

• Only 32 pounds for easy transportation
• Oil-free pump for long life and no maintenance
• 6-gallon storage tank
• 0.8 Horsepower
• 150 max PSI
• 2.6 SCFM @ 90 PSI & 3.5 SCFM @ 40 PSI
• Includes 13 piece accessory kit

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Craftsman Air Compressors FAQ’s