Kobalt wrenches

[ironfist]

Last week I was at Lowes' looking at there wrenches , and wonder'd why Kobalt doesn't make open end or box end wrenches ? Another thing I noticed was they make any thing bigger than 19 mm ( there wrenches ) or 1'' . Just curious in why they don't make them . Thanks

 

[I can fix anything]

They have wrenches, I have some.

 

[a390st]

They barely sell the common items. They aren't going to sell anything else. Mechanics tools at a big box type hardware store aren't going to make a drop in the bucket of their sales. I'm actually surprised they have kept the Kobalt mechanics tools around for this long. I have some and they are fine, but that's just never going to be their main focus.

 

[mrholeshot]

Kobalt makes combonation wrenches. Double open or double box are poor sellers. Not worth the trouble to tool up for the novice crowd.

 

[Kirbot]

Not to go off topic, but what is the point to double open end, or double box end wrenches?
It seems to me that having two sets of combination wrenches would do every you could wan't?

 

[matthew]

Not to go off topic, but what is the point to double open end, or double box end wrenches?
It seems to me that having two sets of combination wrenches would do every you could wan't?

DOE or DBE wrenches are kind of older ideas, and most people prefer combos, but the DOE and DBE have some advantages:

1) it takes half as many wrenches to have the same number of sizes
2) if you have one set of each DOE and DBE, you have two wrenches to use of the same size (you can put one one both ends of the fastener)
3) open ends are weaker, so making a shorter pattern wrench can be sensible for these to prevent overtorquing. Also makes the wrench less cumbersome. DOE are particularly good for plumbing, IMO.
4) if you need another set of a different length or style (long / short / different offset angle / flare / etc) you need to buy fewer wrenches, saving space.

Most of that doesn't really matter in a well equipped shop setting with unlimited storage, but can be nice if you've got to carry a limited number of tools around, or have a specific job that only needs open ends (or for that matter doesn't need open ends, and you can get away with just box ends).

 

[Fedwrench]

The current Kobalt lineup is by no means, a full selection of mechanics tools. The first generation Kobalt selection made by Williams was a lot larger (more wrench and socket sizes, line wrenches, open end and box end wrenches) but, Lowes isn't a big supplier of mechanics tools. They only stock what might move these days.

 

[Pro-Painter]

I miss the old Williams made Kobalt tools. They where great. The wrenches where full polished and very flat.
I had a set of long metric box wrenches. One side was 12 point the other was 6 point and they where 0* offset. I loved them. They where stolen along with all my other Williams made Kobalt tools back in 2002. Damn thief's.

Now, kobalt is a joke.

 

[Scout Driver]

Not to go off topic, but what is the point to double open end, or double box end wrenches?
It seems to me that having two sets of combination wrenches would do every you could wan't?

The double box end wrenches with a deep offset are very handy for breaking loose fasteners. There are spaces where they work better than anything else. I keep a set in my junkyard box and it saves having twice the wrenches along.

Scott

 

[ironfist]

I miss the old Williams made Kobalt tools. They where great. The wrenches where full polished and very flat.
I had a set of long metric box wrenches. One side was 12 point the other was 6 point and they where 0* offset. I loved them. They where stolen along with all my other Williams made Kobalt tools back in 2002. Damn thief's.

Now, kobalt is a joke.

I never had the chance to use the williams made kobalt , wish i had . I know kobalt isn't the greatest tools out there. I use them as road tools , or let people " borrow " them .

 

[ironfist]

The current Kobalt lineup is by no means, a full selection of mechanics tools. The first generation Kobalt selection made by Williams was a lot larger (more wrench and socket sizes, line wrenches, open end and box end wrenches) but, Lowes isn't a big supplier of mechanics tools. They only stock what might move these days.

That makes sense Fedwrench , never thought about . Thanks

 

[vssjim]

The old Williams made Kobalt tools were better over all but the 1/4 " ratchets were a problem as they tended to lock up and I knew a few people who had them and it happened to all of them but the bit sockets were good as were the wrenches. The ratchets had to have the love tap to unlock them when it happened, just kind of a hassle. But the old line up was a lot better. They used to push line the for Kobalt to mechanics and tried harder to sell them but gave up fairly quick and now the result is what you see at the stores= not much.

 

[ironfist]

Did the williams (kobalt) wrenches have the " V" cut on the open end , like a wrench like bonney ?

 

[I can fix anything]

Anyone have a pic of the williams?

 

[supertooljunkie]

Did the williams (kobalt) wrenches have the " V" cut on the open end , like a wrench like bonney ?

Yes they did.

I have a set of the "new" Danaher supplied, satin, combo wrenches in metric in my truck box. Used them today. My set goes from 8-25 mm. I have no problem with them. I have a few of the older Williams supplied Kobalt wrenches and truly like them. If I find them in a pawn shop, they normally come home with me. It is true though, the line isn't what it used to be when Williams gave it up, and Danaher took over.

 

[supertooljunkie]

Here a few loose combo wrenches.

 

[otis66]

Here a few loose combo wrenches.

I have a set of these. The were on cleance when I got them. Wish I had bought more because they changed to Danaher made soon after. I also got a 3/8 drive ratchet.

 

[HandyManny]

Yes they did.

I have a set of the "new" Danaher supplied, satin, combo wrenches in metric in my truck box. Used them today. My set goes from 8-25 mm. I have no problem with them. I have a few of the older Williams supplied Kobalt wrenches and truly like them. If I find them in a pawn shop, they normally come home with me. It is true though, the line isn't what it used to be when Williams gave it up, and Danaher took over.

I have to agree, the Williams made Kobalt stuff was really nice high quality stuff. It's doubtfull we'll ever see such professional grade USA made mechanic handtools available to the general public like those again, at least at the big-box stores.

Having said that - I have no qualms or criticism of the newer satin finished Danaher made Kobalt Combo Wrenches. I have lots to compare them to as well. I own and use many older satin finished standard length combo wrenches from both Proto, Wright, and New Britain. Truth be told, from my observation these newer satin finished Kobalt wrenches are every bit as good and very much on par with the older Proto satin finished standard length combo wrenches I own. They fit equally well on the fasteners as well. It may ruffle some feathers, but these new Kobalt wrenches will do everything a standard length Proto, Wright, MAC, or Snap-On will do. I will say that todays (recent production) Wright combos are heavier and have a bit thicker cross-section beam than other wrenches do, making them more comfortable on the hands.

 

[Old Donn]

DOE or DBE wrenches are kind of older ideas, and most people prefer combos, but the DOE and DBE have some advantages:

1) it takes half as many wrenches to have the same number of sizes
2) if you have one set of each DOE and DBE, you have two wrenches to use of the same size (you can put one one both ends of the fastener)
3) open ends are weaker, so making a shorter pattern wrench can be sensible for these to prevent overtorquing. Also makes the wrench less cumbersome. DOE are particularly good for plumbing, IMO.
4) if you need another set of a different length or style (long / short / different offset angle / flare / etc) you need to buy fewer wrenches, saving space.

I can hear my old dad, (RIP), saying the same things, pretty much word for word, Matt. He was old school and no fan of combo wrenches for all the reasons you list. Broke down and got the big Cman DOE and DBE sets several years back and damn if he wasn't on to something.
Re:Kobalt wrench variety and selection. Lowe's isn't gonna try taking on Craftsman like Home Depot did some years back with their Husky brand. Like them or not, Sears has the edge with the homeowner/amateur tool market. Most people go to Sears first. That, and Kobalt's made by Danaher, same as Craftsman. Is there any difference besides the badge? I've got both, can't say one's any better than the other.

 

[treasureseeker]

I mainly use the double box end wrenches with a short offset and seldom use an open end. It works out well if the sizes are what you need for a particular job such as 12mm---14mm which I use a lot on my Honda. I got a set of Stahlwille deep offset wrenches that the sizes on each end are different than my Snap On. They don’t work out well on my Honda but the price was good for eight wrenches. I don’t see the need for a double open end.

I did have a set of the Kobalt Williams Wrenches and lost one working on my sister in-laws plumbing in a small room in her basement. It just disappeared and with no Williams replacement I sold the set on eBay. Even with one wrench missing it sold for more than I paid new.

 

[Gregg33]

Lowe's selection of tools is limited, compared to Sears or (in Canada) Cdn Tire. Having said that, the tools are good bang for the buck, sometimes cheaper than of shore brands. Finish is excellent imo, fit is good for the price. Most of my sockets are either Snap On and Kobalt and my wrenches are mostly Gray and Kobalt. While they aren't up the standards of my vintage SO or Gray, the Danaher Kobalt get the job done plenty good and look nice in the process.

 

[kobalt]

These are my Kobalt Williams wrenches. I don't have the 7/8" 15/16" or 1" shown on the SAE set. The metric set i have all but the 11mm and yes a 11mm was made and rare, but i do have the RARE 18mm in 6 point. Anyone seen these speed wrenches by Kobalt Williams ? i have this set and these are VERY VERY RARE.

 

[kobalt]

 

[kobalt]

These are my VERY VERY RARE Kobalt Williams speed wrenches

 

[cheechi]

I had some of the williams/kobalt wrenches. The handles were too wide & flat. Dug into my fingers and palm too bad, either I had to grip it by the end instead of the handle, or the shape prevented me from really getting everything behind it. Wound up getting the first gen Taiwan made Kobalts, similar but better than what they currently sell.

gave away the williams ones before I knew they were anything special. I would definitely have kept them for someone here instead. The sockets from back then are still great and still in my garage.

 

[DTB]

I came across (1) 7/16 6 point Williams Kobalt wrench.I was thinking somewhere somebody was looking for one to complete a set.

 

[John in OH]

I had some of the williams/kobalt wrenches. The handles were too wide & flat. Dug into my fingers and palm too bad, either I had to grip it by the end instead of the handle, or the shape prevented me from really getting everything behind it. Wound up getting the first gen Taiwan made Kobalts, similar but better than what they currently sell.

Although, I know "looks" don't turn nuts & bolts, I never liked the appearance of the older, wide, flat-handled Kobalt wrenches. They just look too awkward and clunky.

 

[LZ-TOOLBOX]

Bring up an old thread and show what I bought before I knew how much interest was in Kobalt wrenchs. I was lucky to have both 6 point and 12 point metric Kobalt wrenchs.

 

[Conductor562]

I had the 11 piece set in SAE GAVE them to a buddy just starting out. Wish I hadnt have done it now. That was the first set of wrenches the old man ever bought me. Kinda miss em

 

[prine]

Is there an equivalent snap on part number, metric wrenches? (big wide Williams flat wrenches)

 

[bubinga]

Not to go off topic, but what is the point to double open end, or double box end wrenches?
It seems to me that having two sets of combination wrenches would do every you could wan't?

Double end box off-set wrenches are sometimes nice to have.

 

[KnurledNut]

Is there an equivalent snap on part number, metric wrenches? (big wide Williams flat wrenches)

If i’m understanding your question correctly, no.

 

[prine]

If i’m understanding your question correctly, no.

Williams made these wrenches (owned by snap on at the time) they also made snap on wrenches with the same style thickness font etc.. as far as I know. Just trying to figure out what the equivalent snap on part numbers are? (really only care about metric)

 

[KnurledNut]

Williams made these wrenches (owned by snap on at the time) they also made snap on wrenches with the same style thickness font etc.. as far as I know. Just trying to figure out what the equivalent snap on part numbers are? (really only care about metric)

The Williams Kobalt were their own design with unique part numbers. You wont find that style wrench labeled as anything else.