Is there a way to tell if Kobalt sockets are the kind made by Williams (Snap-On) or if they are the newer Danaher kind? Is there a difference in appearance? Are these tools any good? I found some I might want to buy and the script for the size looks similar to Snap-On. It is also written upside down (must be read with square drive up) like Snap-On sockets. I'm not looking for a SO clone per se...I just want to buy a quality tool. Thanks in advance for replies!
Kobalt Sockets
- Thread starter Mike83
- Start date
If I'm not mistaken, they look like the sockets in this listing:
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-KOBALT-USA-1-...ryZ20773QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
BTW, this guy is always selling tons of these NOS sockets.
I have some that I haven't had a chance to use much, but they strike me as pretty good quality.
http://cgi.ebay.com/4-KOBALT-USA-1-...ryZ20773QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
BTW, this guy is always selling tons of these NOS sockets.
I have some that I haven't had a chance to use much, but they strike me as pretty good quality.
billymade
Well-known member
I do know the new Danaher based line are pretty much identical to the Craftsman version.
(currently shipping) Danaher Kobalt sockets
(discontinued not currently shipping) Williams Kobalt sockets
Looks like you have figured out to ID them quickly; the lettering on the Danaher based sockets are read with "drive side down". Sounds like that is the ID factor!!!! I would skip the newer Kobalt; the pricing structure at Sears with their continuous sales are more aggressively priced and have sales more often IMHO. You didn't mention their ratchets but they are the same sucky design as most all of the Danaher ratchets; I'm not a fan and we rebuild at ton of them at Sears.
Quality wise I would assume they are similar to Craftsman which are both made by the same 1000 pound Gorilla, Danaher. With all things being equal; Sears has more choice, more mechanics tool sets, sales and cheaper prices.
Sears has discounts on their sets, sale and a discount if you spend over a certain amount of money.
Current sale and promotions:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/c_10153_12605_Tools_Tool+Sets
There are better quality tools out there but for the price and selection it is hard to beat Craftsman; you might get a mechanics tool set from Sears and some Snapon ratchets or upgrade to the new thin profile pro ratchets or the old fine tooth models.
Craftsman 3 pc. Thin Profile Ratchet Set
Sears item# 00944992000 Mfr. model# 44992
Craftsman 1/2 in. Drive Ratchet, Fine Tooth
Sears item# 00944977000 Mfr. model# 44977
(discontinued not currently shipping) Williams Kobalt sockets
Looks like you have figured out to ID them quickly; the lettering on the Danaher based sockets are read with "drive side down". Sounds like that is the ID factor!!!! I would skip the newer Kobalt; the pricing structure at Sears with their continuous sales are more aggressively priced and have sales more often IMHO. You didn't mention their ratchets but they are the same sucky design as most all of the Danaher ratchets; I'm not a fan and we rebuild at ton of them at Sears.
Quality wise I would assume they are similar to Craftsman which are both made by the same 1000 pound Gorilla, Danaher. With all things being equal; Sears has more choice, more mechanics tool sets, sales and cheaper prices.
Sears has discounts on their sets, sale and a discount if you spend over a certain amount of money.
Current sale and promotions:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/c_10153_12605_Tools_Tool+Sets
There are better quality tools out there but for the price and selection it is hard to beat Craftsman; you might get a mechanics tool set from Sears and some Snapon ratchets or upgrade to the new thin profile pro ratchets or the old fine tooth models.
Craftsman 3 pc. Thin Profile Ratchet Set
Sears item# 00944992000 Mfr. model# 44992
Craftsman 1/2 in. Drive Ratchet, Fine Tooth
Sears item# 00944977000 Mfr. model# 44977
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The williams made Kobalt sockets have deeply made size, and brand markings. They also have a groove that runs arounds the socket towards the drive end that's handy for gripping the socket. Metric sizes have a single knurled band that runs below the K in Kobalt around the socket to where the size is stamped. The sockets are also heavier than a similiar sized Craftsman socket. Additionally the old Kobalt 6 point sockets have radiused corners ala Flank Drive.
The current Danaher made Kobalt sockets look just like a Craftsman socket (or napa, allen, KD, etc) with faint or lightly made markings.
The old Kobalt stuff is pretty sweet but, if you ever break one (unlikely though normal use), you'll get a new style one in exchange.
The current Danaher made Kobalt sockets look just like a Craftsman socket (or napa, allen, KD, etc) with faint or lightly made markings.
The old Kobalt stuff is pretty sweet but, if you ever break one (unlikely though normal use), you'll get a new style one in exchange.
What I need is a set of deep 1/2" dr metric. I think I might go with that seller mentioned above, which is why I asked the question (just to confirm his claim that they are the old style - not Danaher). The price is competitive against Craftsman, even sale prices.
I've got those Thin Profile ratchets - I love them!
I've got those Thin Profile ratchets - I love them!
eschoendorff
Well-known member
billymade
Well-known member
Were they the Danaher or Williams OEM sockets?
I am pretty sure that they look just like the first on w/o the ring around the bottom. I could be wrong I will check. I am not to sure abut the quality now. I will try and snap a pic or 2 to show. I have some 1/2" metric sockets that have done fairly well. I will post what I have to give you an idea of what i am talking about.
billymade
Well-known member
If its the Danaher (it sounds like it is); I'm not surprised at all; the 1000 pound gorilla is taking over everything and quality isn't part of the program IMHO!
lbgradwell
Well-known member
That's not very impressive! I'd definitely take them back...
As promised... as you can see the chrome is falling off. I didnt notice till i got home. I guess i should take it back and get another one.
That is horrid!!!!!!!!!!
billymade
Well-known member
Killer quality control!!! LOL!!! Danahers QC seems to be pretty low; in the Craftsman line their standard ratchets have gotten pretty bad!!
The ratchets are a dime a dozen!! And are very dangerous!!
As promised... as you can see the chrome is falling off. I didnt notice till i got home. I guess i should take it back and get another one.
The chrome is bad on those but they have been ran on a impact.
wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
In the last few years (10 or 15), I read something about OSHA and EPA and such going pretty much after any chromers. Seems they started trying different types/mixes of chrome, that so far are not attaching or holding up as well, and don't look the same.
The the deep 1 1/16 have only had at the most a breaker bar. Here are the other shots with different shutter speeds/lighting to give you a different view. If you look at the different photos w/ different levels of exposure you can see different angles of the sockets. I would say that the sockets are on the soft side... The deep well socket was just bad from the start. It actually was flaking before i pulled the tag from it. I think if you are in a pinch an need a special size socket its Kobalt is not a bad route to take. Cheap and accessible (as long as there is a lowes close by). I have impact sockets that i use with my impact gun. I guess based on your observation you see the corners starting to round, however the 1 1/16 deep well socket never saw an impact gun. I am pretty sure that these sockets were only used by hand... since i bought my impact gun with impact sockets. But the kobalts are pretty soft to say the least. I might have had a moment of weakness with the 30mm...
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