Husky vs Kobalt, why the price difference?

[derosa]

I run a small town/rural bicycle clinic and we are looking to add a repair station so that local high school students can earn service hours, work on their bikes and learn to use tools. This requires us to add some tools, particularly wrenches, HF is out since they don't have complete sets; we require 8-19mm with no missing wrenches. So I went to the local lowes where they have Kobalt, and was shocked to find their 11pc set, http://www.lowes.com/pd_338600-25428-85551_1z0wchl__?productId=3369956&pl=1 was 40.00, toss in the missing 9mm from the rack and I'm looking at 45.00

Head to the HD and their 10pc set, http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Metric-Combo-Wrench-Set-10-Piece-HCW10PCMM/202934505 is 20.00, toss in the missing 16 and 18mm from the rack and the end price was 26.00. Are the Kobalts that much better then the huskys or is Lowes over charging for the same item with a different name? We're on a serious budget so the clinic will probably be getting the huskys unless I find something as good but cheaper, open to suggestions there, but is Kobalt worth the difference?

On a similar note the true value hardware in town is just as expensive as the Lowes but right in town for warranty if we need it and the local Napa is also the same. I have bought a set from the Napa to personally donate but that was as much to say thank you after they were generous enough to donate a set.

 

[Coach James]

Lowes seems to set a price for many of their Kobalt tools then frequently have them on sale whereas HD does not. The Kobalt combo wrenches are on sale here every month it seems.

As to warranty, how likely are you to break a combo wrench working on a bicycle?

Coach

 

[Empty Pockets]

My guess is that they are all about the same quality, as the students will be learning rather than using the tools professionally, I'd go with the Husky.

If ease of warranty is an issue, go with the True Value or NAPA

 

[Empty Pockets]

Lowes seems to set a price for many of their Kobalt tools then frequently have them on sale whereas HD does not. The Kobalt combo wrenches are on sale here every month it seems.

As to warranty, how likely are you to break a combo wrench working on a bicycle?

Coach

I've noticed that with my local Lowes, as well

 

[jerseykat1]

Go with Husky. I can't see many tools being broken working on Bicycles.. IF they do break its an easy hassle free exchange at HD

 

[Mastermind]

If there's menards or tractor supply near you I love the present brand for inexpensive wrenches. On sale be a couple dollars less than hd. Normal price about the same with the fillers.

 

[derosa]

Lowes seems to set a price for many of their Kobalt tools then frequently have them on sale whereas HD does not. The Kobalt combo wrenches are on sale here every month it seems.

As to warranty, how likely are you to break a combo wrench working on a bicycle?

Coach

That would explain the difference. As a bicycle mechanic I've snapped wrenches trying to loosen rusted stem bolts, which we have a lot of at the clinic and that's about it. Don't think I've ever broken a wrench other wise. But that is why I looked to HD and Lowes, both are 30 miles away, more worried about cost then warranty.

If there's menards or tractor supply near you I love the present brand for inexpensive wrenches. On sale be a couple dollars less than hd. Normal price about the same with the fillers.

Never seen a Menards but I'll check the tractor supply, I have one close-ish and always forget they exist.