saturdaymechanic
Well-known member
I love my Husky Pro ratcheting screwdriver. It's my go to around the house. I'm thinking about picking up a couple bigger sizes (P3, 5/16) to complement my CMan Pros.
The New Kobalt is here
- Thread starter Pro-Painter
- Start date
NJHandyGuy
Well-known member
man do i agree with that statement
KraftwerkMk1Jetta
Well-known member
The older USA Kobalts are great for the money IMO, I have zero interest in the new outsourced Kobalts.
timesrgood?
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- May 7, 2011
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I have some of the GM from AZ combo wrenches bought on a road trip in emergency. They are probably better than most wrenches I have. That's just the way it is, and it isn't surprising to me. The finish and broaching look perfect. It was 19.99 on sale. They must have bought the best machinery, why not, they can afford it.
It is getting closer to the coffin lid closing on American tool mfgs I am afraid. There will only be the names left. China is boomng, people starting new companies, dreaming, feeling positive. Where are any new American tool companies, founded on a dream, like the old days? What happens when the people who know how to make things are gone?
It is getting closer to the coffin lid closing on American tool mfgs I am afraid. There will only be the names left. China is boomng, people starting new companies, dreaming, feeling positive. Where are any new American tool companies, founded on a dream, like the old days? What happens when the people who know how to make things are gone?
tankboy_taylor
Well-known member
I just bought the metric and standard combo wrench sets for 20 bucks a piece thought that was a good deal for sets for the house. The quality isnt that bad imo if I had to guess Id bet they are made by Danaher in Taiwan.
JohnMcD348
Well-known member
I've been wondering about who/what is making the new Kobalt stuff. Since a lot of the stuff I looked at in Lowe's was already made in China, it kinda has me worried about who they're getting to replace them.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
When you look on the label on the back of the new Kobalt tools packageing, it lists the name L G Sourcing. An internet seach shows that this is a division of Lowes that specializes in sourcing quality made products from throughout the world. The new Kobalt line seems to all be from Taiwan. I think Lowes has simply cut out the middleman (danaher/apex) and found a Taiwan based tool company to produce their tools. A nearby lowes is slowly getting the new display stocked. Today I saw roto ratchets, a nice looking offset bit driver set and ratcheting wrenches. All of the tools have Taiwan stamped on them. Nothing labeled PRC yet. The ratchets (other than the rotoheads) have that 72 tooth quick release head that can be found on many brands from Titan, Genius, Toptul, and others. Some of it may be good only time will tell.
Bran Diezel
Well-known member
i went by today and they had the deep 12pt 3/8 drive 8-19mm and 1/4 to 7/8 socket sets on sale for $9.97 until fathers day. reg 26.97
made in taiwan, but hell not a bad price to add to my growing emergency tool kit in the car
made in taiwan, but hell not a bad price to add to my growing emergency tool kit in the car
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tankboy_taylor
Well-known member
I have no problem with Taiwanese tools some stuff is quite good. its the mainland made in china **** I wont buy
I played around with some USA Kobalt ratchet wrenches at lowes a few days ago... Felt like it had 20 teeth
and very rough engagement. At least that set did. I was not impressed, even at half off
The old story, they were free through a work incentive program. I have mentioned in the past that they are almost useless as they need about 5lbs of resistance to click. Yesterday I thought I would use one to loosen some crusty exhaust manifold bolts prior to installation. So of course they slip like crazy. Absolutely pitiful for made in US stuff.
back2class
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I made this mistake once. When Home Depot launched Husky. Started getting them insted of the Tried and true Craftsman stuff. NEVER does a big retailer like Lowes or HD stick with a line. They launch it, then cheapen it, then it sells like **** so they reduce the line. After that warranty is useless and heaven forbid yiiu need to replace a piece from a set. The accountant who made these bad calls has long since been promoted when it falls apart. I stayed away from the Kobalt line for this reason and I am glad I did. Not that Craftsman is immune from change oe cheap import ****, but the are 1000% better than any other retail tool line when it comes to long term support and reliability. This is junk you buy the guy who fixes his kids bike and may on occasion tighten a few nuts.
Kobalt was overpriced before and unreliable as a product line. Now it is simply for suckers. HF offers a great value on import tools, I see no reason for Kobalt to exist.
Kobalt was overpriced before and unreliable as a product line. Now it is simply for suckers. HF offers a great value on import tools, I see no reason for Kobalt to exist.
powertrip
Well-known member
So I go to my local lowes and see that they have all the racks up for the new kobalt tools with the prices and description of what hangs on each peg. DAMN, if you thought sears was charging high USA prices for their asian tools, Kobalt and Lowes are going even further. The few tools that they had out look pretty good for asian tools but were really expensive for what they are. (the few tools I saw were all stamped taiwan on them)They had a spot on one of the racks where a 1/2 ratchet will go that cost $69 and it wasnt a torque wrench either. I counted about 10 different open empty pegs for ratchets alone. So it looks like they are going to carry a bit more tools than they carried of the USA danaher stuff but wow is it priced high. Case in point, they still had an 11/16 flex gearwrench, regular price before the clearance $16.96. The kobalt 11/16 flex ratchet wrench $25.47. Another example, gearwrench flat non reversable 5/16 wrench, regular price before clearance $7.96. Kobalt flat non reversable 5/16 ratchet wrench $11.47. They even had a kobalt 1/4 standard length 72 tooth ratchet for $19.99, harbor freight sells a comparable ratchet for $9.99 just 3 miles away. With these prices this new line of kobalts are more expensive and offer less quality than the danaher kobalt they replaced. I thought that was the reason that they were going with the asian stuff and getting rid of danaher was so they could drop the middle man and maybe lower prices but keep the same profit margin. This new line of kobalt may prove to be of decent quality and offer alot of choices for a big box store but the high prices will keep this stuff from selling. So if you missed out on the clearance priced danaher/usa tools you might be able to get the taiwan stuff on clearance within a couple of years when the high prices keep it from selling. Sears and Craftsman are looking better and better.
I think I'll stick with the tools that say "Made in Germany" on them
I'm getting that way myself.
John316
Well-known member
I stopped in Lowes today and they are setting up the new stuff. I couldn't agree more! What are they thinking?? These tools are basically Harbor Freight quality with a few improvements here and there, but the prices are completely insane.
OP
Pro-Painter
Well-known member
It's all marketing!
When I first seen the prices I thought they where insane also!
That is, until I seen how quick the clearance Kobalt went. Mark something with a yellow tag and people will buy it, no matter what the price.
I believe Lowe's has marked up the new tools so they can put them on clearance and make people feel like they are getting a "deal". For example, The new 11pc combo wrench sets where $39.99 and very few bought them. They put them on clearance for $19.99 and they sold a whole pallet worth in one day.
They should have only been $20 to begin with, But it sure feels a lot better when you buy something marked 50% off then it does to pay full price.
powertrip
Well-known member
I guess that $69 ratche is a 20"-24" 1/2 flex ratchet. Now tell me who is going to go to Lowes to get a 24" ratchet? Snapon trucks probably don't even sell that many 24" ratchets on a regular basis. Makes no sense at all. I say these ratchets will be discountinued within 6 months.
It's all marketing!
When I first seen the prices I thought they where insane also!
That is, until I seen how quick the clearance Kobalt went. Mark something with a yellow tag and people will buy it, no matter what the price.
I believe Lowe's has marked up the new tools so they can put them on clearance and make people feel like they are getting a "deal". For example, The new 11pc combo wrench sets where $39.99 and very few bought them. They put them on clearance for $19.99 and they sold a whole pallet worth in one day.
They should have only been $20 to begin with, But it sure feels a lot better when you buy something marked 50% off then it does to pay full price.
+1. Completely agree with this statement. It does not suprise me what they are doing to the Kobalt line. I will be staying away from them either way.
Well, I was in Lowes today and bit on the 11 piece, 3/8" drive deep 12 point sets in both metric and standard. Made in Taiwan. Pretty decent looking sockets (think Danaher/Northern Tool). I bought them because they were on sale for $9.99 a set and they are 12 point. I wanted to have a decent set of 12 point deeps around. I think "regular" price is around $25 or so. I'd pass on them at that price.
mixxmstrmike
Well-known member
I snapped up a few pictures of their new ratchets:
These stubbies, IMO, look very similar to the ones being sold at HF as Pittsburgh Pros. Again, just my opinion and observation. That stubby flex, I think, is priced at $28.
Here's a closer look at the LONG 1/4" drive quick release flex ratchet. It's 12" long, 36-tooth with a price tag of $50. I'll pass. I think either EZ Red or Titan makes a comparable 72-tooth version for substantially less money.
Enjoy,
Mike
These stubbies, IMO, look very similar to the ones being sold at HF as Pittsburgh Pros. Again, just my opinion and observation. That stubby flex, I think, is priced at $28.
Here's a closer look at the LONG 1/4" drive quick release flex ratchet. It's 12" long, 36-tooth with a price tag of $50. I'll pass. I think either EZ Red or Titan makes a comparable 72-tooth version for substantially less money.
Enjoy,
Mike
Displaced Hokie
Well-known member
Most of the new stuff looks fine, but seems to be prived 25-50% too high. I see "new lower price" tags appearing in the future. Or...contined big discount sales every week like Sears does.
Just got back from Lowes. Had a few ratchets, wrench and socket sets, no single sockets just empty spaces. Anyhow I noticed their new line of socket organization. Hanson look a likes for around 9 bucks or 25 bucks for a set of three in red/blue. They also had short anodized dual sided socket rails, single sided aluminum rails with a magnet strip on the back, and a 4 socket rail set riveted on a painted steel plate. Red only. I have to say I was impressed by these items.
powertrip
Well-known member
The tools that are out dont look bad at all and the selection is big, probably too big. They are going to have a lot of tools just collecting dust because the prices are way too high and not many people have a need for, lets say, a 24" 1/4 flex ratchet. Pros seldom use this ratchet much less the homeowner picking up paint on a saturday afternoon.
nato
Well-known member
UGH!!!! Those "comfort grips" are FUGLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AND...they look not so comfortable
AND...they look not so comfortable
First thing I thought when I saw them... who the heck designed that? It's horrible. They should just copy some company who knows what the hell they're doing. Even a simple square acetate grip would be better
GoBlue
Well-known member
I'm sorry what was that...I was busy washing the vomit out of my mouth...
back2class
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- Jan 7, 2009
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- 2,723
The average consumer is pretty stupid. However tool buyers, at least the ones who buy more than just a basic set of wrenches tend to appreciate tools and are, may I say passionate about them. I predict a huge backfire and rejection of this line of overpriced import. It is something that can't be accounted when the bean counters make these decisions. Then they wonder why they fail. This line will mosty be pirchased by buyers in a bind on a sunday or as fathers day presents.
Stuey
Well-known member
They had a few new sets for 50% off, so I bought some for review.
Supposedly the new mechanics tools are supposed to be of better professional quality than the previous Danaher USA-made tools. *shrug* we'll see.
Supposedly the new mechanics tools are supposed to be of better professional quality than the previous Danaher USA-made tools. *shrug* we'll see.
back2class I was wondering the same thing, i said dang these new sets seem cheap! and they are blowing out these new sets at my store like 10-25 bucks for these sets which the old ones would have been like 25-50 or more...sure they're on sale 50% off.
Only thing is i've been in there couple times the past 2 weeks i haven't seen them sold down unless they're restocking. In fact the floor box they had setup for the 19.99 set i haven't een more than 1 move. But usually if it's a sale item and seems cheap and people want it the racks get empty pretty quick...easy to tell what is selling. So i'm wondering if they're not selling at 50% off who's going to buy them at 50% more.
I was tempted to buy some myself as I have all **** tools i've had forever and the sets do look nice and seem dirt cheap, but i'm looking for a bit better names now and would prefer usa.
Only thing is i've been in there couple times the past 2 weeks i haven't seen them sold down unless they're restocking. In fact the floor box they had setup for the 19.99 set i haven't een more than 1 move. But usually if it's a sale item and seems cheap and people want it the racks get empty pretty quick...easy to tell what is selling. So i'm wondering if they're not selling at 50% off who's going to buy them at 50% more.
I was tempted to buy some myself as I have all **** tools i've had forever and the sets do look nice and seem dirt cheap, but i'm looking for a bit better names now and would prefer usa.
tinbender 66
Well-known member
I was in Lowe's today and spotted those Hanson-looking socket holders. They only had four and when I looked closer I noticed that they all had one post broken off. Looks like somebody "tested" them. I'd say they failed.
Fordfixer
Active member
Never thought I'd buy a pass thru ratchet but actually ran into a reason last week at work. Front stabilizer bar end link lower nut on a 2005 Expedition. Nut is a 18mm and the link has a hex holding feature. The nut is recessed in a pocket of the lower control arm. Went to Lowes after work and found a 22 piece SAE/ Metric pass thru socket set on clearance for $19.99. Picked it up brought it home and the ratchet will not ratchet. Went to exchange and all five Lowes in the area are out of stock and will not be getting anymore. So much for hassle free lifetime warranty. First and last Kobalt tool purchase.
powertrip
Well-known member
As far as fathers day presents, they dropped the ball big time on that. All of the new kobalt tool shelfs of the 5 lowes near me are 90% empty. Real F-N stupid if you ask me.
yeah it's all empty at mine too just the new sets out on the aisles. Though I'll give lowes some props for even having a father day sale. HD didn't do jack except point out gift ideas. Lowes has compressors,etc 20% off and few other things.
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
Stopped by tonite, and I'm 90 mile south of you and same scenario. Day before Father's day and 95% of the handtool pegs are empty. For everything.
Meanwhile in another part of the store they have racks and racks of markdown Kobalt combo wrecnhs, open stock sockets, breaker bars of the Kobalt Made in USA "old stock" for pennies on the dollar with all the above having USA stampings. Did I say all were USA stamped? LOL.
I said &^%$ 'em and picked up a set of 24 to 36mm chrome shallow 1/2" drive sockets for $2.09 ea, normally 8.69 to 12.99 ea. 1/4" sockets were 87 cents to $1, 3/8" $.49 to $1.79 and 1/2" drives sockets were around $2.00 to $2.25 ea. All USA stamped and made.
3/8" breaker was was $9, 1/2" breaker bar $12. Again Kobalt Made in USA.
Meanwhile, the poor little Tawianese and Chines tool pegs were empty.
I was pretty taken aback and astounded all at the same time. Tool area employee just shook his head and said, "yep, we're still waiting."
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Lowes by me has the new full polish combination wrench sets, socket sets, and a few larger sets on sale for close to half off. The sale displays are almost empty by me. It reminded me of the half off Gearwrench sales sears use to have when Gearwrench did his first large expansion. I'm sure they'll be more sales later on as Lowes tries to establish a foothold with their new tools.
I got their new metric combination set and it is fine. I beat on them with mallet and the wrench and the bolt came out fine. I am not a pro but they have worked for me. I also stocked up on their old USA Danaher stuff on clearance it has worked for me. I was afraid the tools would snap and round off all my bolts the way danaher/Taiwan kobalt is trashed on here.
Kirbot
Well-known member
I don't think it's the quality of the new Kobalt thats being trashed...
It's the fact that yet another mostly American tool brand has been flushed down the Chinese crapper.