Kobalt handtools @ Lowe's

[W_KY]

Does anyone on here have much experience with the Kobalt brand of handtools that Lowe's sells? Specifically I'm curious about their screwdrivers and pliers. These would just be used for the normal DIY type work. I'm not professional that's for sure. I happen to notice them when I was walking through Lowe's and saw that they offered some sort of "hasslefree guarantee". Has anyone ever returned/exchanged one of these Kobalt tools, and how much a hassle was it really? I have heard that they don't require the receipt but didn't know if it really end up working that way. Thanks in advance.

 

[bchee]

I've exchanged Kobalt tools at Lowe's without a receipt with no problems. They did record my drivers license info.

The kobalt sockets and wrenches are US danaher made. The screwdrivers and pliers that you're interested in are probably imported.

If you have a Sears near you I would just go there if you're worried about exchanging stuff.

I wouldn't say there is any place that has a truly "hassle-free" guarantee. It just depends on the mood of the employees on any given day.

Another alternative for US made screwdrivers is Husky brand at Home Depot. They used to be US, then they weren't, now they are again (the pro line with the black rubber sleeves). They also claim to have a lifetime warranty, but I have no experience exchanging tools there.

 

[autoace]

I would just buy USA Craftsman, and skip the Kobalt imports. When they started, Kobalt was USA/Williams, back in 2000ish, now they are just another cheap line.

 

[krusty the clown]

I would just buy USA Craftsman, and skip the Kobalt imports. When they started, Kobalt was USA/Williams, back in 2000ish, now they are just another cheap line.

uhh......there the same mfr as craftsman

 

[smcdonn]

I can tell you that the wrenches are for sure USA made but I am not sure when it comes to their pliers.

 

[krusty the clown]

I can tell you that the wrenches are for sure USA made but I am not sure when it comes to their pliers.

i think the pliers and screwdrivers are imported by greatneck.

 

[autoace]

uhh......there the same mfr as craftsman

Last time I was at Lowes, there was not a USA stamped tool in sight. I didn't know they were Danaher, but I do know the early ones were Williams. The old Williams/Kobalt were prime quality, not like the junk I saw 7months ago at Lowes. My bad on that goof, but I would still buy the Craftsman, seemingly better selection, most USA made, and easy warranty, unless you get a PITA Sears manager.

 

[smcdonn]

Last time I was at Lowes, there was not a USA stamped tool in sight. I didn't know they were Danaher, but I do know the early ones were Williams.

Take a closer look All the wrenches are made in the USA, Arkansas to be exact.

 

[64merc]

Yes, current Kobalt wrenches, ratchets, and sockets are USA made Danaher. Their screwdrivers and pliers are imported.

I've never returned any Kobalt tools yet. I did exchange two Husky screwdrivers and a ratcheting wrench. The ratcheting wrench went very smoothly (they opened a set for me), as did one of the screwdrivers. The other screwdriver was met with some resistance and uncertainty of warranty, but I'm guess it was just ignorance on their part. The big box stores are so big that it is always a bit of a hassle to get things exchanged in my opinion.

 

[SocketDeviler]

My KOBALT 1/4 ratchet and sockets were made in the US and I bought them within the last year. I'm quite pleased with their performance. I have no experience with their other tools or warranty.

Last summer my friend brought his broken Husky ratchet in to Home Depot. The first employee he spoke with was a bit pissy and claimed that they did not warranty Husky tools so a manager was brought in. Soon after my friend left with a new ratchet.

 

[autoace]

Take a closer look All the wrenches are made in the USA, Arkansas to be exact.

I looked more at the end cap stuff. I saw some satin finish wrenches, that looked pretty cheap. I had a Kobalt wrench set from 2000, that had a nice polished finish, and SO looks. I saw nothing close to those, anyway I only bought the tools years ago, because of the Williams origin. Forgive the wrench/socket,etc. origin mistake.

 

[a390st]

I have and like the Williams Kobalt tools. The new satin finish wrenches ARE US made by Danaher. They are good wrenches, regardless of whether the satin is pretty or not. From what I've found, Lowe's is at least as good as, if not much better than Sears on returns. It just depends on whether you live closer to a Sears or Lowe's and how your local store is. The only disadvantage is that Lowe's don't carry the selection that Sears does.

When it comes to the LG sourced screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrenches, hammers, and the like, they are nothing more than decent quality mid-grade imports. Here is a little blurb about them: http://www.alibaba.com/activities/features/lowes.html

 

[Joe B.]

Other than the Danaher stuff (Wrenches, Ratechets & Sockets) the Kobalt had tools are equivalent to the stuff at Harbor Freight or the Evolv tools at Sears.

 

[yellowbox]

i have a kobalt 3/8 long handle ratchet that i have returned 3 times for a new one and this one is starting to slip .
think i paid maybe 28 to 30 for it ,next time is craftsman
everything wears out but these seem to be all too frequent

 

[a390st]

Well, my friend, be sure not to get the same style of head in the Craftsman as your Kobalt, because if it is, it will be the same ratcheting mechanism. You need to understand that they are the same ratchet, unless you have one of the old Williams, which you most likely don't. The newer teardrop/pear head ones aren't much good. The earlier models of the Matco version were much better ratchets for some reason. If you're going to get a cheaper ratchet, go with the round head fine tooth Craftsman ratchet. They are hard to beat.

 

[W_KY]

Thanks for all the input. I happen to live about 5 minutes away from Lowe's and had some time so I looked last night to verify the country of origin on the tools. Like pretty much everyone here said, the Kobalt wrenches and sockets/ratchets appear to be US made but no such luck on the other tools. (pliers/screwdrivers) I will say that not all the sockets had the country clearly marked. Thanks again for all the insight.

 

[Coach James]

Pliers are China made. I bought some to use in my classroom and they have worked fine. I was on the school's (taxpayers) budget so I had to make the $$$ go as far as possible so I passed on the C-man and bought Kobalt. The screwdrivers are "Made in USA from domestic and imported parts" by Great Neck. I have a couple and actually like them. The tips have help up well on the Phillips drive.

Coach