I can state as a former employee and consumer, that many of the items (read: TOOLS) are not new. I have found many single packaged items to be refurbished (meaning reconditioned) in tools.
I had a 3/8" ratchet break (strip the ratchet mechanism). I took in the ratchet to be replaced. The sales person brought out a "ratchet repair kit". I explained that I wanted a "new" replacement tool and that the kit wouldn't work since the ratchet handle was stripped.
The sales person then brings me a new ratchet. I noticed that inside the plastic package, there were dings and dents on the ratchet handle. I opened the package to discover that the "NEW" ratchet was actually a used tool that was reconditioned.
Well, later I was employed in the automotive department of the same Sears store and noticed this with several returned tools that were exchanged by customers. It seemed that many different hand tools were reconditioned and packaged on the shelves as "New" tools.
This is not uncommon, all the years I have been a mechanic, I have traveled to many Sears stores thru out several states. So... Buyer beware and carefully examine before you buy. That new tool may not be so new! I now shop for my expensive tools somewhere else... After looking them over carefully.
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