Craftsman has been around since 1927, but they have never made a tool....
Whoever made the tools in 1977 seemed to do a good job. But, as the article states - different tools were made by different companies.
And, a tool in made years ago is likely made by a different manufacturer today. Interesting there are that many variables - the specific tool
and/or it's manufactured date. I believe it could be the same situation with lawn tractors. My Sears model is very similar to an MTD, and a Murray... maybe even a Husky. I've heard there's just a few manufacturers out there - at least for the more basic lower cost tractors like mine
So much for Sears staying around this neck of the woods. About a month or so ago the only one in this area began closing sales.