Lowe's will replace Craftsman hand tools and power tools under their return policy and Craftsman's warranty, but the process and timeframe depend on when you bought the tool and what went wrong with it.
If you bought a Craftsman tool at Lowe's within the last 90 days, you can return it for a refund or exchange without a receipt. After 90 days, you move into the warranty period instead. Craftsman hand tools typically carry a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, while power tools usually have a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. Lowe's handles the return; Craftsman handles the warranty claim.
The tool must have failed through normal use, not misuse or neglect. A broken hammer head or a drill that won't turn on qualifies. A tool you dropped from a ladder or used for something it wasn't designed for does not. You will need your receipt or Lowe's account information to prove where and when you bought it.
Key Takeaways
- Lowe's accepts returns of Craftsman tools within 90 days for a full refund or replacement, no receipt required if you have your Lowe's account.
- After 90 days, Craftsman's warranty takes over—hand tools are covered for life, power tools for one year from purchase date.
- The tool must have failed from normal use; damage from misuse, drops, or improper storage voids the warranty.
- You can start a warranty claim at Lowe's customer service or directly through Craftsman's website, and the process typically takes one to three weeks.
Returning a Craftsman Tool Within 90 Days at Lowe's
If your Craftsman tool is defective and you bought it fewer than 90 days ago, take it back to the Lowe's store where you purchased it. Bring the tool in its original condition and your receipt if you have it. If you don't have a receipt, provide your Lowe's account number or the card you used to pay, and the store can look up the transaction.
You can choose a refund or an exchange for the same tool. The refund goes back to your original payment method. An exchange happens on the spot if the store has the item in stock; if not, they can order it to the store at no charge. Most returns process within minutes at the register.
Craftsman Warranty Coverage for Tools Bought at Lowe's
Craftsman hand tools—wrenches, screwdrivers, hammers, sockets, and pliers—carry a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects. This means if the tool breaks or fails during normal use, Craftsman will replace it at no cost, even if you bought it years ago. You do not need to register the tool or provide proof of purchase, though having your receipt makes the process faster.
Craftsman power tools—drills, saws, sanders, and impact drivers—carry a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase. This covers defects in materials and workmanship but not wear and tear, battery degradation, or damage from misuse. After one year, the tool is out of warranty, though Craftsman may offer paid repair services.
The warranty does not cover tools that were dropped, used in ways the manual warns against, stored in extreme heat or cold, or modified. It also does not cover normal wear—a saw blade that dulls after months of use, or a drill chuck that loosens from regular operation. If you are unsure whether your situation is covered, contact Craftsman before you return the tool.
How to File a Craftsman Warranty Claim
You have two routes: file the claim at Lowe's or go directly to Craftsman. Most people start at Lowe's because it is faster if the store has a replacement in stock.
At Lowe's, go to customer service with the tool and your receipt or account information. Tell them the tool is defective and you want to use the warranty. They will inspect it, confirm it qualifies, and either replace it on the spot or process a claim with Craftsman. If the store does not have a replacement, they will order one to the store at no charge.
To file directly with Craftsman, visit their website and look for the warranty or support section. You will need the tool model number (usually on a label on the tool or in the manual) and your proof of purchase. Craftsman will send you a prepaid shipping label, you mail the tool to them, and they inspect it and send a replacement or repair. This route takes one to three weeks.
What Counts as Normal Use vs. Misuse
Normal use means using the tool for its intended purpose, following the manual, and storing it in a dry place. A hammer used to drive nails, a wrench used to turn bolts, a drill used to bore holes—these are normal use. If the tool breaks during normal use, the warranty covers it.
Misuse includes using a tool for something it was not designed for (a screwdriver as a pry bar, a drill as a mixer), dropping it, leaving it in a damp garage or car trunk, or ignoring warnings in the manual. It also includes using the wrong bit or blade, forcing a tool past its rated capacity, or failing to maintain it (a saw with a dull blade that you keep pushing harder instead of replacing).
If you are not sure whether your situation is misuse, be honest when you describe it to Lowe's or Craftsman. They have seen thousands of claims and can usually tell the difference between a real defect and damage from use outside the tool's design.
Timeline for Replacement and What to Expect
If you return the tool to Lowe's within 90 days, you walk out with a replacement or refund the same day. If you file a warranty claim at Lowe's after 90 days and the store has stock, you get a replacement within a few days. If the store has to order it, expect it within one to two weeks.
If you mail the tool to Craftsman, the timeline is longer. Shipping takes three to five business days each way, and Craftsman's inspection and processing takes another week. Total time is usually two to three weeks, sometimes longer during busy seasons. Craftsman will email you updates as your claim moves through their system.
Keep your receipt or order confirmation until the replacement arrives. If something goes wrong—the replacement does not arrive, or it arrives damaged—you will need proof of the original purchase to follow up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a Craftsman tool to Lowe's if I lost the receipt?
Yes. Provide your Lowe's account number or the card you used to buy it, and the store can look up the transaction. If you paid cash and have no account, you may not be able to return it within 90 days, but you can still file a warranty claim with Craftsman directly if the tool is defective.
Do Craftsman hand tools really have a lifetime warranty?
Yes, Craftsman hand tools carry a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. You do not need a receipt, and the warranty does not expire. If the tool breaks during normal use, Craftsman will replace it.
What if my Craftsman power tool breaks after one year?
It is out of warranty, but Craftsman may offer paid repair or replacement. Contact their customer service with your tool model number and describe the problem. They can tell you whether repair is worth the cost or whether buying a new tool makes more sense.
Do I have to return the broken tool to get a replacement?
For returns within 90 days at Lowe's, yes—bring the tool to the store. For warranty claims, yes—you either hand it to Lowe's customer service or mail it to Craftsman. They inspect it to confirm the defect before sending a replacement.
Can I get a refund instead of a replacement under warranty?
Craftsman's warranty covers replacement, not refunds. If you want a refund, you must return the tool to Lowe's within 90 days of purchase. After 90 days, warranty claims result in a replacement tool only.