Husky versus Kobalt for wrenches and sockets

[nbpt100]

You guys all mentioned most of my thoughts on a road box or travel bag as I call it. After getting my tools stolen out of the back of my van I totally rethought the whole thing.
I leave a bag with basic mid grade to cheaper tools in my van now. HF,Stanley, Kobalt, Husky, Cman to no name screw drivers, a range of pliers, pry bars, hammer, wire strippers, cutters, knife, scraper and tape measure. Plus an old Cman SAE/Metic socket set in a hard case that I literately found in a free pile in front of someones house who was moving. It has the old 36Tooth ratchets. Nothing fancy.
It will all do what I typically want. If stolen or I lose a tool, I will not be so impacted like I was before.

If I am going to do a specific job for someone I pack another bag with specific tools that I think I may need. Often my better quality stuff like Knipex, GW, Icon, Power tools, Electrical tool bag, table saw.....you get it.

Everyone's view of chincy can vary. This is GJ so It varies a lot. If I beat on screw driver or other tool and it appears to be damaged I replace it or add an alternative to the travel bag. I am not OCD but I keep track as best I can as to what I have in the van and I never leave my other bags or tools in it over night. Unless I am at home and returning to work the next day. Of course I lock it and my neighborhood is pretty safe by most all standards.

Husky or Kobalt? If they are the same CCO they are the same. Ease of warranty is pretty good for both but can vary by store, day of the week and if management has an axe to grind that day. I have never had an issue with the small number of items I have replaced but I have read on here some have. Nothing stays exactly the same. Be adaptable and you will be just fine.

 

[Steve_P]

Where do you draw the line? You can't carry everything. A dedicated service truck doesn't even have everything.

Of course you can't carry everything. I have 8-19 mm sockets and wrenches, 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets, torx bits, bit driver, pliers, etc, in a tool roll. You can do a lot of typical repairs with just the basics. Anything requiring more than those basic tools you're typically not going to be able to do on the side of the road.

 

[dchawk81]

Of course you can't carry everything. I have 8-19 mm sockets and wrenches, 1/4 and 3/8 ratchets, torx bits, bit driver, pliers, etc, in a tool roll. You can do a lot of typical repairs with just the basics. Anything requiring more than those basic tools you're typically not going to be able to do on the side of the road.

I was asking him specifically because of what he said.

 

[liliysdad]

I was asking him specifically because of what he said.

Basic tools, jumper cables, and a jump box. Tow straps. Basic trauma focused first aid needs.

I’m not a service truck…I’m just a guy who has the ability to help folks out. I’m not out to rebuild a transaxle on the shoulder, but if I can help someone replace an alternator or a battery or a serpentine belt and get them to safety….why not?

 

[dchawk81]

Basic tools, jumper cables, and a jump box. Tow straps. Basic trauma focused first aid needs.

I’m not a service truck…I’m just a guy who has the ability to help folks out. I’m not out to rebuild a transaxle on the shoulder, but if I can help someone replace an alternator or a battery or a serpentine belt and get them to safety….why not?

Gotcha. So you acknowledge that carrying nothing is fine too because if it's okay that you can't rebuild a transaxle it's also okay that you can't change a tire or jump a battery.

 

[wolfinator]

I nabbed an Amazon prime deal set of tekton combination wrenches in SAE and metric for $127

It’s out of stock and had a 6 week delay so I have time to cancel my order if I change my mind. Icons would be $210 or so even after the 20% coupons.

Howe this Tekton set? Should I cancel the order and buy icons?

Are these also for your road box? If so I'd pocket the savings and not worry about any tiny shades of gray.

I haven't used my Tekton combo wrenches much, but I like them. They're good "middling" quality IMO. Certain a big step up from Husky where this discussion started. Better fitment, way smaller open ends, better chroming. Less warranty hassle (depending on your local HD).

I can't say if they're objectively better than Icon but I don't think they'll let you down. If the Icons are better it's going to a negligible difference.

Also I like that Tekton has nicely matched wrench rolls for portable use - you might want to check those out if you're carting them around. Their most recent wrench rolls are even USA made.

 

[micromind]

Everyone's definition of a road box is different. Is this for working on fleet vehicles, family or friend vehicles, or "other"?

I no longer keep tools in any of my vehicles, my dailies are later model and fairly reliable, and I have AAA. I'm old, my days of working on a vehicle in a parking lot, or on the side of the road are over.

My road box is ONLY for pulling parts in a salvage yard, or working on a vehicle at a friend or family members house. I'm somewhat OCD about keeping track of my tools, and I constantly keep getting reminded how easy it is to lose tools, since I'm always finding other peoples tools at the salvage yard.

My SnapOns and other higher quality tools NEVER leave my shop. That's what the mid-level stuff in my road box/bag are for.

My road box weighs about 60 lbs. so I can do a lot of stuff with it. Not only my cars but others too.

For example, a few months ago, I saw the remnants of a serpentine bely by the side of the road. A few miles later, there was a car pulled off to the side of the road. Guy, gal and a couple of kids. Pretty safe situation.

I pulled over and asked if I could help. The guy said he was a 'shade tree mechanic' (a lot like me.......lol) but had no tools. We went and got a new belt, he put it on using my tools.

Everyone won the day.

But yes, every road box is different, just as everyones ability is different.

 

[liliysdad]

Gotcha. So you acknowledge that carrying nothing is fine too because if it's okay that you can't rebuild a transaxle it's also okay that you can't change a tire or jump a battery.

You can push that argument as far out as you’d like…but I’d argue that not carrying at least basic set of tools is not “okay” for anyone who has the ability and knowledge to use them.

I’d simply prefer not to wait for someone to come my rescue, or tell someone I can’t help them when such a basic set of tools and supplies can solve so many basic, common issues.

 

[wolfinator]

IMO a Husky vs Kobalt comes down a lot to your local store. Locally, I have two HDs. One is wonderful with warranties and returns - "just go get one off the shelf". The other HD is a relentless shitshow. Limited stock, terrible employees, nobody at the CS counter knows how the warranty is supposed to work, etc.

My local Lowe's is better than both though, in terms of cleanliness and employees. It really just varies by area and store management.

In terms of the tools themselves: well, they keep changing! I've watched certain Husky products go from USA production to China to India/Vietnam, with perceptible quality shifts each time.

At this particular juncture, I would say Husky quality seems very inconsistent. I have a lot of Husky stuff, but I've also bought and returned items upon opening the package and just looking at the poor quality.

Some of their chromed tools are lousy with QC. Defective ratchets, scratched and dirty sockets, lobster claw wrenches. I recently bought a set of ratcheting wrenches and ended up having to take it back and swap halvsies with a different set to get a full set that didn't have any QC fails. IMO Husky right now is a lot like classic Harbor Freight - YOU are the final QA step, and you have to be prepared to return or exchange off the hop. That said the tools seem functional and are cheap when you get a good one. Husky also has sale prices that can't be beat.

I haven't had the same experience with Kobalt. However, the Kobalt selection at my local store seems to be ever dwindling. And they're constantly discontinuing tools. Lowe's has a serious case of brand Attention Deficit Disorder and I just don't trust them to "commit" to Kobalt long term. Just my 2c.

 

[dchawk81]

You can push that argument as far out as you’d like…but I’d argue that not carrying at least basic set of tools is not “okay” for anyone who has the ability and knowledge to use them.

I’d simply prefer not to wait for someone to come my rescue, or tell someone I can’t help them when such a basic set of tools and supplies can solve so many basic, common issues.

That's just it. What exactly is "a basic set of tools?" At what point are you personally okay with not being able to help? There are sooooo many makes and models of vehicles out there with various tool requirements. Different sockets for lug nuts. Are you carrying them all? Do you carry a jack? What kind? Something that can be used on anything I'd think. A tire is a basic roadside repair and quite common.

It's a slippery slope that I dealt with in my truck. I'd carry almost nothing then I'd need something so I'd add it. Then I'd need something else then add it. Eventually my entire cab was filled with tools that I almost never used, in an attempt to foresee and be prepared for every eventuality. And then I'd still be stuck out because I didn't have the part itself, and the person bringing the part had the tools to replace it.

So it's like where do you draw the line. Thinking you're going to help everyone every time is a fallacy. Thinking you're going to get yourself out of every possible bind is also a fallacy.

Anymore, I find it less hassle to carry SUPER basics to fix things that I have encountered more than once, and am likely to encounter again, rather than be prepared for all of the things.

For everything else there's the credit card.

And I don't try to be a highway hero. They can take the same precautions I can.

 

[liliysdad]

And I don't try to be a highway hero. They can take the same precautions I can.

I’m not sure I’d call being prepared to help someone who simply can’t help themselves a “highway hero.” I tend to think of helping folks who need it a social responsibility.

Everyone is different. I don’t go around stopping for every car on the shoulder, but I’ll be damned if I am going to leave a mom with a van full of kids in the Aldi parking lot because she “should have taken the same precautions.”

 

[dchawk81]

I’m not sure I’d call being prepared to help someone who simply can’t help themselves a “highway hero.” I tend to think of helping folks who need it a social responsibility.

Everyone is different. I don’t go around stopping for every car on the shoulder, but I’ll be damned if I am going to leave a mom with a van full of kids in the Aldi parking lot because she “should have taken the same precautions.”

And then you can't help her anyway because it's her transaxle.

Or do you drive a tow truck everywhere?

She probably has a cell phone.

 

[liliysdad]

And then you can't help her anyway because it's her transaxle.

Or do you drive a tow truck everywhere?

She probably has a cell phone.

Like I said….everyone is different. Some folks tend to try to find ways to help folks, others looks for ways to justify not.

 

[dchawk81]

Like I said….everyone is different. Some folks tend to try to find ways to help folks, others looks for ways to justify not.

This isn't a moral or ethical dilemma, it's about practicality and deciding just how full to pack your vehicle for off chance repairs.

If you truly feel it's your social responsibility to help, as stated above, there should be no limit to what you carry because you never know what you'll come across. If you have the knowledge you should have the tool. Plain and simple.

Anything less is whatever because you set a limit.

 

[liliysdad]

This isn't a moral or ethical dilemma, it's about practicality and deciding just how full to pack your vehicle for off chance repairs.

If you truly feel it's your social responsibility to help, as stated above, there should be no limit to what you carry because you never know what you'll come across. If you have the knowledge you should have the tool. Plain and simple.

Anything less is whatever because you set a limit.

OK

 

[Drunkonunleaded]

Anyway, back to the original topic. I have little/no experience with Husky hand tools. Some of the newer Kobalt stuff is pretty decent, I am assuming that Husky is the same.

It's been awhile since this was first posted, but has OP considered Harbor Freight? The Pittsburgh/Pittsburgh Pro line would be perfect for this. For basic hand tools, I don't even bother with HD/Lowes any more unless it's something very specific.

The AutoZone recommendation is a good one as well. The Duralast tools are of pretty good quality and their receipt tracking/warranty process is the same nationwide as long as you remember to ring it in under your phone number.

 

[toyotadriver]

I carry basic tools. I carry a few more tools in my Jeep because we take back roads and some are pretty rough. I've had to fix small things with my tools and I have helped a lot of people with minor repairs roadside to get them back on the road. I like helping people and the look of relief on their faces when I get them going again is worth far more than money. I can't fix everything roadside but have fixed a lot of relatively minor things. But, if a minor thing is keeping you from driving down the road...it's not a minor thing.....to you.

I think Harbor Freight tools are just fine for a vehicle kit. I'm more concerned with being able to replace my stolen tools cheaply than having the absolute best tools. If you are only happy carrying SnapOn tools.....go for it. I don't think someone who chooses to buy SnapOn tools is wrong to do so. I don't spend the money for SnapOn tools for my home shop...I definitely won't spend that kind of money for an easily stolen tool set! I'm happier carrying cheap tools in case they get stolen.

I like the Husky wrenches. I've been very happy with mine. They feel good in my hands and I've never broken one. They meet my needs just fine. I'll never claim they are the "best" but they ARE the best for me.

Only slightly related but I like the story...last year we were riding side by sides on some forest service roads. We came across a vehicle stuck in a dip in the road. The driver never should have driving that vehicle down that road....not a rough road for a side by side but totally impassible for that vehicle. Ok....yes the driver was *******. So what? It was a couple adults and a child. They said they had been stuck there for hours. It was a remote area that people seldom travel with no cell reception. I asked them if they wanted me to try using my winch. They said yes. I wasn't very optimistic because my winch is only a 3500 lb winch but I had him hook it to his vehicle and I pulled. It was at the edge of my winch's capacity but it did it and we got them out. They were so grateful to me for helping them. It was a really good day. I enjoyed seeing what my machine/winch could do and they got unstuck. A win for everyone. Things like that make me feel good.




Nothing in this post should be misunderstood, interpreted, misinterpreted, or construed to be of a political nature.

 

[Ton ton]

Duralast seems to be a step above Kobalt. Thank you to GJ member who did the price comparison.

 

[AEAdam]

Always shop at Home Depot. The employees are like transcendent geniuses imbued with Master Yoda-like wisdom. It’s why they wear orange. They are like Tibetan monks in safety shoes.

I particularly enjoy explaining basic construction materials I’m looking for (OSB? You’ve never heard of OSB?) then wandering the aisles with a slow walking employee searching for mislocated or stolen stock. ”hmm, my phone computer radio says we have 5 in stock“. It’s the best.

If I only had one day left on earth, I’d spend it in Home Depot looking for their last 3 rolls of Huber‘s Zip Tape, I’d stand in line to buy them, then realizing they don’t have skus, I’d try to find where they were originally located so I could find the sku.

 

[dchawk81]

Always shop at Home Depot. The employees are like transcendent geniuses imbued with Master Yoda-like wisdom. It’s why they wear orange. They are like Tibetan monks in safety shoes.

I particularly enjoy explaining basic construction materials I’m looking for (OSB? You’ve never heard of OSB?) then wandering the aisles with a slow walking employee searching for mislocated or stolen stock. ”hmm, my phone computer radio says we have 5 in stock“. It’s the best.

If I only had one day left on earth, I’d spend it in Home Depot looking for their last 3 rolls of Huber‘s Zip Tape, I’d stand in line to buy them, then realizing they don’t have skus, I’d try to find where they were originally located so I could find the sku.

"OFC I've heard of old school boards!"

 

[kilgorq]

I have Kobalt and I am replacing them all. The sockets that tend to get lost or break are never in stock. Our Lowes has pretty much converted 90% of their hand tools over to Craftsman.

As far a warranty goes with Kobalt. The only issue I have had was kind of related to my previous statement. I split out an 3/8 Drive 8mm socket and Customer service said they did not have any in stock, so I needed to bring the whole set back, and they would swap out the whole set. The Tool Guy was standing there and said "Come with me" we went back he opened a set handed me the socket I needed then put my old socket in the set and sent me on my merry way.

I also had a similar issue with a 3/8 ratchet. They did not want to replace it because it was a discontinued model. A different tool guy went back to the tool department and brought up the newer version and had "Customer dis-service" damage out the old one on the new part number.

I get my broken tools replaced, but it is always a huge headache.

As far a comparing quality, I have had the best luck with The Autozone "Duralast" brand. At Least when it comes to inexpensive tools. They cost a little more than Kobalt or Husky, but I have never broken one of them, and I abuse my tools.

 

[kilgorq]

Anyway, back to the original topic. I have little/no experience with Husky hand tools. Some of the newer Kobalt stuff is pretty decent, I am assuming that Husky is the same.

It's been awhile since this was first posted, but has OP considered Harbor Freight? The Pittsburgh/Pittsburgh Pro line would be perfect for this. For basic hand tools, I don't even bother with HD/Lowes any more unless it's something very specific.

The AutoZone recommendation is a good one as well. The Duralast tools are of pretty good quality and their receipt tracking/warranty process is the same nationwide as long as you remember to ring it in under your phone number.

I have never had any luck with Pittsburgh or Pittsburgh Pro. I have split about 14 of the 1/2 Drive sockets. This is using a standard 1/2 drive ratchet, not a breaker bar. On the other hand, I have used a 2-foot bar on Duralast with no issues.

 

[BobsYourUncle69]

I'd go with the Husky as it's as bad and as good as the other budget stuff , better than HF Pittsburgh and their warranty is the least hassle free.
I've got one of thsie 290pc sets I bought mainly for the deep sockets and as a box I can put into the car when we go on vacation, it was on sale for $150 in October last year. The machining on the wrenches is miles better than Pittsburgh , the 1/2 and 3/4 in ratchets are better than craftsman at Lowes and interestingly are made in Vietnam and finished in China ( whatever that means ) while tge 1/4 is made in Taiwan and finished in China.
I do not like Pittsburgh wrenches or ratchets at all as they feel worth every cent HF charges for them rather than a great deal, I've posted pics of how badly machined their box ends are amd tge apparent lack of quality control verses even a Chinese set of ABN wrenches I picked up but have since sold as I was curious.
I did find it annoying that the Husky set didn't come with universal joins for the sockets or a 13mm wrench though, what if I need to change spark plugs on an 8v or 12v 4 cyl or SOHC V6 which have spark plugs just abouve the exhausts and wich one cant always get to with a straight extension. So I bought a set of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 universal joint set from HF and added it to the box aswell as a 13mm wrench.

EDIT : I've just seen tge price on the 290 pc set has gone back up to $250 so it's no longer something is recomend at that price ,the 270pc set is $79 at HD and seems more geared towards motorcycles and even has a single 1/4 12 point 10mm socket.

Anyone have experience with the Walmart tool box ? The name escapes me right now.

 

[nbpt100]

Anyone have experience with the Walmart tool box ? The name escapes me right now.

I think you are thinking of HART brand of tools at Wal-Mart. I have only purchased a few hand tools and they were fine for the price. I would guess the hand tools are pretty much in line with most Husky and Kobalt. I can not comment on the Hart power tools. They maybe made in the same factory as HF power tools. IDK.????

 

[BobsYourUncle69]

I almost bought a Hart ratcheting screw driver the other day , but got to the check out and it was $20 and for $20 I can get a Klein or a bosch etc so needless to say I have no experience with Hart tools yet.

 

[cherrybomb]

Slightly off topic here but why would you want chintzy tool for a road box? The last thing you need it to break a cheap tool or round off the corners with a cheap tool when there's nothing else around.

My road box has my best tools, mostly Armstrong and Wright. I really don't want to have to change a water pump in a parking lot and have my only 13MM wrench break.........

You might not of answered the question exactly,but you may have answered the question in the best way possible.You can upgrade for a bit more money,and get better features,quality and you won't have to worry so much about this warrenty thing!!!Sometimes buy once,cry once is actually cheaper in the long run.Quality very rarely fails you if you use it like its intended.Thats just my opinion

 

[nbpt100]

I almost bought a Hart ratcheting screw driver the other day , but got to the check out and it was $20 and for $20 I can get a Klein or a bosch etc so needless to say I have no experience with Hart tools yet.

Wow what price inflation.!!! One of the Hart tools I bought was a ratcheting bit screwdriver and I think I paid about $10 or $12. This was just before the pandemic. I guess I should not be so shocked. Wal-mart has really raised a lot of prices since the pandemic. Some things have come down a bit in the last year but not everything. And not enough. If you can get a better brand for the same price I do not blame you for walking. The tool has been good for how I use it, but I would not pay $20 for it. Then or now. I also have a Milwaukee ratcheting driver with long bits. I think I paid something like $16 two or three years ago at the Orange box store, and it is much better.

I also broke one of the Milwaukee PH2 bits when it is fairly new and they gave me a new tool at the store. No mailing anything, phone calls etc. or other BS. I Doubt a Hart Warantee would be that easy.

BTW. Sorry you had to go all the way to the check out line to find the price. I noticed this week my WalMart has removed all of the self price checking machines. I suppose yours did as well.

 

[cherrybomb]

Why don't you take either brand of wrench,try to remove a M8 bolt,Grade 10.9,the recommended torque value is 41.3,if your afraid your wrench won't do it and worried about the clerk behind the desk,your 13mm wrench might need a brand update

 

[nbpt100]

Why don't you take either brand of wrench,try to remove a M8 bolt,Grade 10.9,the recommended torque value is 41.3,if your afraid your wrench won't do it and worried about the clerk behind the desk,your 13mm wrench might need a brand update

This does not sound like a typical GJ response. It should be able to handle 10 times the typical torque while being beat with a hammer.

 

[dchawk81]

This does not sound like a typical GJ response. It should be able to handle 10 times the typical torque while being beat with a hammer with a cheater pipe and 3 hosses jumping on it.

FTFY