Lowes: Kobalt Direct Drive 3/8" Ratchet/Socket set down to $9.95

[Davefr]

Looks like Lowes hasn't had much luck selling their new direct drive 3/8" ratchet + socket set.

I see the new price is $9.95 and the local store has >>100 in stock.

Price and avail. might be regional YMMV.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_607975-2202...&cm_mmc=AFF_CJ-_-4485850-_-1122587-_-10926682

 

[Rated ///M]

Anyone used this? Is it just gimmicky or does it actually work well?

 

[donthelegend]

Played around with one in the store. Seems to do what it claims, but the head is rather bulky. Seems like if you need an extremely small swing arc then you may not have room for the larger ratchet head either, but YMMV.

For 10 bucks I'm considering picking one up because I think it's a cool ratchet, but I'm not sure how much I'd actually use it.

 

[pauls_workshop]

The sockets are SAE + Metric spline, which isn't so good. Usually want separate SAE spline or Metric spline if going the spline route. So wouldn't put any value into those sockets. I've heard the rachet is pretty decent but haven't tried it. A 70 or 80 tooth probably is not too different in capability though of degrees to turn. If it turns in 3 degrees vs. instant, does that really matter? - Paul

 

[vjquan]

I almost bought one just to try out, but as I was playing with it in the store, it still does have a little play, maybe a degree or two, for it to engage. I thought the most slight movement would engage it, but it didn't. Didn't seem to be much different than a fine tooth ratchet (compared to my 84T). That and the fact that the head is large, like the old round heads made me think twice. I certainly don't need any more ratchets, but would still like to hear user experiences. May still pick one up for novelty sake based on what others post here.

 

[jpr278]

For $10 I'd try it just for the ratchet. Unfortunately none available where I'm on vacation across the street from a Lowe's, at home or ship to home.

 

[Davefr]

The biggest complaint I've heard, other then the size of the head, is lack of feedback. (if you can't see the ratchet/fastener and can't hear any clicks you have no idea what's happening).

However at $10, if it helps you just one time then it's paid for itself.

I agree those combined SAE/Metric sockets look like gimicks.

 

[unslow1]

You can use this.

10%
47000RRRRR3558R
exp- 01/15/15

Replace each "R" in the code above with a random number (the code is all numeric). Usually takes a few tries to get a code to work.

Here's a code that you can use. Took me 2 tries, but I verified it works.
470003773835587

If for some reason that doesn't work, that means someone else used it, and you'll need to modify the sequence of numbers.

 

[Davefr]

You can use this.

10%
47000RRRRR3558R
exp- 01/15/15

Replace each "R" in the code above with a random number (the code is all numeric). Usually takes a few tries to get a code to work.

Here's a code that you can use. Took me 2 tries, but I verified it works.
470003773835587

If for some reason that doesn't work, that means someone else used it, and you'll need to modify the sequence of numbers.

^^^Thanks. At $8.98 this becomes a no brainer.

 

[tweedlestan]

I bought a set just for the ratchet. The head size and mechanism are very similar to the Snap on FZERO gearless ratchet. Mine has no play at all, it's a true 0-degree ratchet. I have no complaints.

 

[unslow1]

I bought a set just for the ratchet. The head size and mechanism are very similar to the Snap on FZERO gearless ratchet. Mine has no play at all, it's a true 0-degree ratchet. I have no complaints.

Same here. I just got home with mine. I like the ratchet but probably won't even take the sockets off the rack. I guess I'll just toss them in my loaner/give to friends stuff box.

 

[In The Doghouse]

They have a bunch of these at my local Lowes for the < $10 price. Been trying to resist, but they may make some pretty good stocking stuffers.

 

[panknuckshovel]

They have two different versions of this set, both at $9.98. One set has a bonus palm ratchet.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_607975-22029-86773_0__?productId=50283593&Ntt=

http://www.lowes.com/pd_607976-22029-86777_0__?productId=50283595&Ntt=

Bottom link bonus set.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I can get the regular set but would like to get the one with the palm ratchet but it isn't carried in my store nor is it available to ship?

 

[Davefr]

I bought a set just for the ratchet. The head size and mechanism are very similar to the Snap on FZERO gearless ratchet. Mine has no play at all, it's a true 0-degree ratchet. I have no complaints.

I agree. I picked one up a lunch today and it's a pretty nice ratchet. I think it's worth having for those situations where you're extremely limited in clearance.

It grips with almost imperceptible swing.

 

[oldNbold]

Not available in my area.

 

[Banjorear]

Not available in my area.

Same here. Seems to be totally wiped in NJ.

 

[bfm336]

100's available in St. Louis area, but none with bonus palm ratchet

Tempted at $9 but based on large stock I should probably check back in a few weeks, maybe get a price adjustment lower

 

[ishiboo]

I have a gearless Titan, though one of those 1/4" mini ratchets... I like it. Might have to pick one of these up and see what happens.

 

[jonathan75]

Just not looking forward to in store pickup. My Lowe's every time you pick something up in the store they act like it is the first time they have ever done it. And when they walk over to pick the item up they can never find it. One time it took over 30 mins and they finally found the item in the back of the store.

 

[vjquan]

I got to play with one at the store again, this time out of its packaging, and it did not have any play as others have mentioned; it was the package slop that I was feeling earlier. A couple of things to note: 1) the length is about 7.5" and the head is 1 5/8", kind of like putting a 3/8" drive in a 1/2" body on a normal round head. 2) It feels pretty hefty, like you're picking up a 1/2" drive ratchet. 3) It's not a sealed design; the circlip gap on both sides is quite wide, maybe 3/8", so dirt and gunk will surely get in. It certainly wouldn't be my go to ratchet due to these cons, but nonetheless, is cool to play with.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

Same here. I just got home with mine. I like the ratchet but probably won't even take the sockets off the rack. I guess I'll just toss them in my loaner/give to friends stuff box.

Ratchet works GREAT the sockets are useless, worth the $9.95 I paid.

 

[shybuck34]

My store honored the deal with the bonus palm ratchet, they just adjusted the price of the palm ratchet to .01. Just showed them the price online.

 

[MagnumForce]

Picked up 4 for gifts. The ratchets are neat and who doesn't like gadgets?

 

[toplessHO]

anyone get a set at the $10 price today?
called and local store says it went back up to $20

 

[unslow1]

It's back up to $20 here in IL. I hope they put something on clearance soon. Most of the stuff here has been marked back up. They did take down almost the whole DeWalt section. I wonder if that is set for clearance soon.

 

[IBuiltWhat]

Picked one up last weekend at 10. Checked back thinking I could grab a couple as presents for later in the year but they are back up to 20 now.

 

[Docman]

Confirmed, now $19.9x at the local store where I had bought it for $9.9x a couple weeks ago.

 

[bobbycos]

$10 sounded good, $20 I dunno

 

[toplessHO]

kinda like Sears
dont buy unless you need ASAP because sooner or later its 50% off

 

[MagnumForce]

I definitely would not buy this for 20

 

[KTMrider]

$19.99 in CNY

 

[unslow1]

I got one back in the summer.The thumb release is defective will not allow the socket to lock in and when you tap a socket on you have to pry it off.My fix was to add a 3/8 to 3/8 adapter.Did not want to deal with returning it after prying the set off the plastic packaging.The sockets are junk I have not tossed them yet but its coming.I do feel the ratchet is useful in tight places.I thought I might give Kobalt tools a try.But after this I will pass.

Most Kobalt tools are much better than those. I bought the same kit for $9 and never even took the sockets off the rack. I'm not a big fan of Kobalt because I think they are overpriced. The quality seems generally comparable with Craftsman or Husky. They do clearance them at reasonable prices. The sets when they are on sale are a great deal. Perfect for my enclosed trailers and garage across town.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I checked one out the last time I was at Lowe's and I was impressed with how smooth the ratchet was, but I won't be buying one. The reviews I've read are generally negative and the head is huge and the handle is short.

 

[platypus20]

I have a couple of them, I like them. The first ones I got were defective, would lock up solid, the replacements have worked fine. At first the directional switching was bulky/cumbersome, but has freed up with a little use. If they go back to $10, I definitely pick up a few more.

 

[oak_park]

It's been 19.98 for a while but I noticed its down to 14.98 now. 130 of them in stock here.
Item #: 607975 | Model #: 86773

 

[elronin]

It's been 19.98 for a while but I noticed its down to 14.98 now. 130 of them in stock here.
Item #: 607975 | Model #: 86773

Wow 130 in stock my local stocks have about 100 each have a feeling they may go for 10 bucks again one day. Or go back to 20 bucks you never know with Lowes

 

[CNGsaves]

My Lowe's shows it at $14.98

Got one as Xmas gift but haven't had chance to try it yet. Short-throw might come in handy but will see if worth using. If nothing else, the ratchet will remain in the "ratchet drawer" collection !!