Husky Vs Kobalt current production?

[NoMoreGreen]

How are the current husky branded tools?

Are the Kobalts better/worse?

Would I be better off forgoing the purchase of a "set" and piecing them together?

I grew up on craftsman tools, I don't have faith in the current production tools from though. I do love my fathers set though.

Just looking for some guidance, It will be awhile before I can replace mistakenly purchased tools.

I am a home owner that does the majority of his newer vehicle maintenance and home maintenance. I do not need, nor can I afford the SK, Snap on, Mac, Matco level of tools.

NMG

 

[CJM8515]

Im happy with husky, appear to be super similar to gear wrench. Have been using a husky 3/8 ratchet in my service truck tool box for 2 years now (same design as current stuff) with no issues.

Friend bought CMan stuff in the last year, fit and finish is poor and ratchets stink.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Which one is closer? HD or Lowes? Go for that one

I have a preference for Kobalt just based on what I've seen in store. More Taiwan made tools (although, they have been switching more and more of them over to China), don't think they have nearly as many sets or as wide a range of tools though.

As far as sets or piecing together tools, it all depends on what you need/what you are doing. Sets can be useful because everything is in one case, but sets often have 50 screwdriver bits, and another 30 allen keys (all of which are cheap to buy separately, and you probably already have) in a 100 piece set. For that reason, just buying a few socket sets and wrench sets and using those often gives you way more of what you actually need. I also find that a lot of those high piece count sets miss important tools (i.e. they stop at 18MM for wrenches and don't give you a 19MM, don't have a 3/8 drive 8MM, or something else that gets used a lot).

I would skip Husky or Kobalt though and just go for Tekton through Amazon. Cheaper than either, great quality for the price, and a very wide selection. Warranty is super easy too. Take a picture of broken tool (showing the issue and that it is stamped with "Tekton" on it), send it to their warranty department, and receive a new tool in the mail. Not "immediate" but you're not likely to break them when working around the house or doing a little work on the mower or the car. As a note, I would avoid their sets that have a round head ratchet in them, as I haven't heard good things about those ratchets. The pear head ratchets are wonderful though, and are the same design as kobalt's pear head ratchets.

Buying the 1/4 drive (part number 13001) and 3/8 drive set (part number 13101) will give you probably all the sockets you will need at home (depending on what you are doing, you might want a 1/2 drive socket set too). About $65 off amazon for both of these and you get 96 tools with pretty much no filler tools (screwdriver bits, allen keys, nut drivers, etc). These Tekton wrenches are also a really good value (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OZJN3PQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20). There also is a $10 off $50 of tekton tools on Amazon right now too, so good time to buy!

Are you also looking for some pliers or anything else?

 

[NoMoreGreen]

that's what I was worried about regarding Cman stuff. I did not like the way the Cman ratchets felt when I went and played with them earlier in the week.

The kobalt and Husky and defined "clicks." the CMan felt off. I cant really explain why. My dad thought the same.

 

[Citation]

I believe Cman and Husky are both made by Apex. The Cman and older Kobalt ratchets were almost the same. However, the Cman 32T stuff just doesn't feel that good. Some people like the raised panel feel, others don't. As for the wrenches and sockets, I would say the Cman is just as good as the others.

OK, Husky vs Kobalt. I generally like the Husky 72T ratchets better than the rest. Hey have a low profile head and the same basic guts as the 80T (or was it 82 or 84) Gearwench ratchets. No preference with respect to sockets or wrenches. I don't care for the 100T ratchet (same mech as the Gearwrench 120T ratchets). The back drag is higher than the 72T while the extra teeth of are marginal benefit. The black paint on the 100T ratchets just doesn't hold up at all.

The Kobalt ratchets are the same basic design sold by many brands (HF, Northern Tool, Tekton, and many others). The upside is the ratchets are VERY smooth and have very low back drag. The 3/8" Kobalt ratchet's back drag was similar to the Husky 1/4 drive! The down side is the heads are thicker and the direction lever is "reversed". No idea which ratchet is ultimately stronger but unless you are using a pipe that's not an issues. The Kobalt handle is the shortest.

As for set or individual, well that's a hard one. If you really want to have a complete set of sockets (few/no gaps, full sets of deep and shallow, and combination wrenches) then you are probably better off buying several sets over time. However, some of the sets that run $150+ on sale have enough sockets that you would likely never need additional sockets save for perhaps the occasional axle nut socket. Personally, I would find a ~$200 set with a good selection of 3/8" deep well sockets (preferably starting around 12mm) and then get a good set of combination wrenches separately. Many of the sets skimp on the combination wrenches. You end up with spares when you buy the same wrenches as part of a larger set.

Sears had a nice combo set that included the Gearwrench like ratchets and the ratcheting combination wrenches rather than traditional combo wrenches. The socket set was pretty good. As a set this was a nice one since WHEN you buy a set of combination wrenches you don't overlap with those included in the mechanic's set.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

Thank you guys for the advice thus far.

Home Depot and Lowes are pretty much a block away from each other.

I will check out Tekton tools. I am beginning to feel like I should piece my kit together. I think I will end up with higher quality stuff.

 

[Schurkey]

I do not need, nor can I afford the SK, Snap on, Mac, Matco level of tools.

I wouldn't say that SK is at the level of the others you mention in terms of price. I would say that SK is considerably less expensive. I'd call SK the Bargain of the American Tools. But that's me. It might be worth your time to investigate prices on the harryepstein.com web site.

I have full confidence in the quality of the SK sockets, extensions, and wrenches. Haven't played with SK screwdrivers, or ratchets. Some folks REALLY like their ratchets.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

Schurkey thanks for the lead on the website. some decent prices on there...

 

[Sco Deac]

Sounds like you don't make enough money to buy cheap tools. Be patient and get good tools you only have to buy once. Not saying go overboard and just get truck tools and industrial lines; saying stay away from the Wal-Mart, impulse buy at the auto parts store and even HF. Sounds like you are on the right track. I prefer Husky over Kobalt but they really are not that different for most non professionals. I still like some of the Craftsman products.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Buy quality.HJE and Cripe are a good source of good stuff at close out prices.

 

[geartow]

I have a the current husky wrench sets metric and sae in each of my to go.boxes in the trucks.they hold up well . I have taken them on the rd professionaly when I have to slip seat into someone elses wrecker.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

Another brand to consider is Pittsburgh Pro from Harbor Freight. You can pick up a complete set of standard and deep-well 3/8" sockets, plus a regular and a long flex ratchet, for $85 (and that's before any coupon codes). The Pittsburgh Pro ratchets seem quite a bit better than the Kobalt and Husky ratchets.

 

[cheechi]

If you find a given tool from either made in Taiwan, it is probably better than either brand from China.

Aside; Not China hate, Kobalt & Husky hate. Continuing.

Both used to be made in USA many years ago. At that time I would have chosen Kobalt. Later years they were both made in Taiwan. At that time I would have chosen Kobalt except for hex keys from Husky.

Given the choice between Chinese Kobalt or Chinese Husky, I would choose HF.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

Sounds like you don't make enough money to buy cheap tools. Be patient and get good tools you only have to buy once. Not saying go overboard and just get truck tools and industrial lines; saying stay away from the Wal-Mart, impulse buy at the auto parts store and even HF. Sounds like you are on the right track. I prefer Husky over Kobalt but they really are not that different for most non professionals. I still like some of the Craftsman products.

not making money is a true statement. I work for the government. In a prison

Very soon to be wife is an EMT.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

Another brand to consider is Pittsburgh Pro from Harbor Freight. You can pick up a complete set of standard and deep-well 3/8" sockets, plus a regular and a long flex ratchet, for $85 (and that's before any coupon codes). The Pittsburgh Pro ratchets seem quite a bit better than the Kobalt and Husky ratchets.

Harbor freight is right next to HD and lowes. I will have to check them out. Did not even consider it.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I've been in a similar situation. I used to buy Craftsman almost exclusively, but modern Craftsman doesn't meet my needs due to the lack of quality. Yet I don't generally need Snap On quality either.

90% of the Harbor Freight stuff that I've bought has been absolute ****, so that doesn't work for me either. I've had decent luck with Kobalt, but most of their stuff that I've used is older and made in the US, so I can't comment too much on newer stuff.

What I've learned is that I end up saving money buy just buying quality tools the first time. I also got hurt pretty bad when I snapped a cheap breaker bar and it smacked me in the head resulting in a head that was busted up and blood everywhere. I still have a big knot there several years later. This made me realize that cheap **** can also get you hurt. I've found that if I buy something at Harbor Freight or similar that I almost always end up having to replace it with something better any way. So then I've paid for the HF item + the cost of the good item. It ends up being cheaper to just buy a better brand and then you don't deal with all of the stripped nuts/bolts, screws, busted knuckles from ratchets slipping, injuries, etc.

If on a budget, I'd look for old used Craftsman items at pawn shops, yard sales, etc. You can also sometimes find Snap On, Mac, and other great brands for cheap via these methods. I can almost always pick up stuff I want for less than half of what it cost new, allowing me to get great quality tools for prices of the cheap ones.

If you can't do this, I think Gearwrench is currently way better than any of the brands you listed. I'd go this route if you absolutely can't step up to SK, Williams, etc. If you can make the stretch for those, you won't regret it.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

If I go above the Husky/Kobalt/Pittsburgh line. I will be purchasing piece by piece or small kits at a time.

I need to get a tool box first. pretty much set on a larger husky.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Harbor freight is right next to HD and lowes. I will have to check them out. Did not even consider it.

That's a great option. The Pittsburgh Pro stuff (not just the regular Pittsburgh stuff) is very good and by far the cheapest. Some of the regular Pittsburgh stuff is okay, but check out the Harbor Freight Pass/Fail thread on here for recommendations on some of those items.

 

[PSYKO_Inc]

Harbor Freight is hit or miss. They seem to have gotten better over the last few years, but it's still very much buyer beware. Read reviews for anything you are thinking about buying. Also check out Sunex tools on Amazon, some of their stuff is right up there with the truck brands.

 

[Al Borland]

I've been using both, to see how they compare.
Husky and Kobalt are both more than adequate, better than my 90s ere Craftsman, and as good as my old SK Wayne (of course those have 30+ years of wear and tear, so probably not as good as new).
Kobalt I have are all Taiwan and are nice tools. Ratchets are very smooth, but the handles are shorter and the heads thicker than the Huskys.
The Huskys are Chinese, the ratchet handles are longer and the heads are smaller, but they are a little wobblier than the Kobalts and a bit coarser in feel.
Sockets are good with either brand. They fit nuts and bolts and, well, they turn the nuts and bolts as advertised.
Finish (not an issue for me but some folks care) is good on either. In fact, they are a little too pretty (Don't want to think about whether they will get scratched)
Both come in sets with blow-molded cases so they stay together.
As I said before the ratchets are better than Craftsman, so if you were brought up using Raised Panel Craftsman Pearheads, you will love these.
I use (abuse) tools and ratchets a lot, Harbor Freight is hit-or-miss. I have split their sockets and de-ratcheted their ratchets, but they are O.K. if I am giving them to the troops and don't care if they come back.
As far as the recent USA made Husky or Kobalt, they were ****. Sockets would bell and strip, and ratchets would skip and jump. pretty much on par with the last of the USA Craftsman. NOT impressed. I would like to hate on the newer stuff for being Chinese/Taiwanese, but I can't. They are much better.
Are they Snap-on Quality??? No. But they don't cost like a Snap-on either.
For hobby use, go look at both and get whichever you prefer. Either will work just fine and last for years.

 

[Brownsfan]

Current production I say Husky. They are pretty much Gearwrench clones top to bottom. I needed a 5/16 socket to replace a lost one in my gearwrench set. You couldn't tell a difference between them except for the markings. Pretty much all store brands are now made in china so go with the most convenient at this point. Don't overlook Craftsman either. Yes made in China like the others but when they put sets on sale it's a good deal. New sets are coming with the new 75 and 84 tooth ratchets. They are actually pretty nice.

 

[Citation]

I would second what Brownsfan is saying (without actually endorsing the Browns...). This 84T Craftsman is all but the same as the 72T Husky save for handle shape and the 12 extra teeth.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-1-2-...gclid=CNONlKOqkc0CFZA2gQodWl0BSA&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[NoMoreGreen]

Thanks for the information. more digging to do.

NMG

 

[dar24601]

Best advice i ever got was to buy tools when you need them and buy the best you can afford. There are a lot of good quality tools that aren't the truck brands. Williams, Armstrong, Proto, Wright to name a few. Also if COO doesn't matter lot of good German made tools. Knipex, whia, and felo all make good stuff. Then there are the Taiwan brands Gearwrench and Blackhawk. there is a saying in spanish "el que compra barato comprará a cada rato" which roughly translates to "He who buys cheap buys often"

Sets are nice but unless you regularly plan to use every piece offered in a set of you're better off buying what you need.

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

I would second what Brownsfan is saying (without actually endorsing the Browns...). This 84T Craftsman is all but the same as the 72T Husky save for handle shape and the 12 extra teeth.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-1-2-...gclid=CNONlKOqkc0CFZA2gQodWl0BSA&gclsrc=aw.ds

But for the same price, you could pick up a long flex and a standard fixed 3/8" Pittsburgh Pro at HF and still have some money left over.

The Craftsman really isn't worth the $40 - I'd be looking at a pair RHFT SK ratchets from ebay for that price if I wanted US-made. I used the full-polish Craftsman for a while at work, and while it's nice, it's not worth the premium over the Pittsburgh Pro ratchets I have at home, and the handle is actually less comfortable because of the weird shape.

 

[Brownsfan]

I would second what Brownsfan is saying (without actually endorsing the Browns...). This 84T Craftsman is all but the same as the 72T Husky save for handle shape and the 12 extra teeth.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-1-2-...gclid=CNONlKOqkc0CFZA2gQodWl0BSA&gclsrc=aw.ds

I'm a Browns fan and I don't actually endorse the Browns. It's something you are born into not something you choose.

 

[geartow]

I'm a Browns fan and I don't actually endorse the Browns. It's something you are born into not something you choose.

Preach it brownsfan and I was born it steel country but the Browns r me team.

 

[geartow]

I'm a Browns fan and I don't actually endorse the Browns. It's something you are born into not something you choose.

Preach it brownsfan and I was born it steel country but the Browns r me team.

 

[erty67]

Everyone is talking ratchets. Lets talk combo wrenches. I'll take the kobalts over cman (new china), HF, and husky. Im still a die hard fan of my US cman raised panels though.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

 

[R. Johnson]

I have bought newer Kobalt stuff. Haven't bought any Husky since the made in US days. I now buy Tekton. Better value for money and more complete range of tools IMO.

 

[decableguy2000]

You can order Tekton from depots web site as well.

Jeremy

 

[Brownsfan]

I have bought newer Kobalt stuff. Haven't bought any Husky since the made in US days. I now buy Tekton. Better value for money and more complete range of tools IMO.

The new Tekton stuff is really good stuff. Readily available at Meijer if you have one. The new combo wrenches are fantastic. Like the old Taiwan made Kobalt. The new screwdrivers are better than any of the store brands. Most of the stuff is very similar to the Taiwan made Kobalt. The new Kobalt stuff is now China and it is not as good fit and finish wise to the old stuff. If you see them side by side at the store it is pretty bad. I do own some older Kobalt and it's decent. Has lasted with no issues for a few years in a service truck environment.

 

[NoMoreGreen]

well a Kobalt 227 piece set ended up going on sale for 129.99. I ended up purchasing it because it came with a tool box and was made in Taiwan. it will be a good set for my truck.

http://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-227-...c-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/50200795