Lowes Closeouts

[nperkins]

the 12mm in my gearwrench set was stripped out of the box, so I took it back to my local lowes, and they didn't have any others. They were nice enough to swap it out for the $69.99 Kobalt set though... And then let me keep the 16mm from the GearWrench, so I got the 8 piece set... And the kobalt had an 8mm, which the Gearwrench set didnt...

 

[ChrisF250]

my gearwrench was missing the 9/16th so i got it marked down to 20...then picked up a 1/4 drive swivel ratchet for 12.

 

[Allboy]

stopped by 3 Lowes in my area today. All were very picked over. Lots of single sockets. I scored a 3/8 breaker bar for 5 bucks and some change. I wanted to pick up on of the gearwrench sets but they all had one missing.

 

[JimDon]

they all look like one is missing. there is one wrench to the side that you can actually ratchet and try out. count the number of wrenches in the package and the number that are actually there. they will be the same.
cheers,
jim
now go back and buy yourself a set.

 

[bigpasta]

For some reason, the insulated Knipex lineman's went from 39 to 29, the 2 cobra wrench deal went back to full price (wtf?) and a few others were knocked down, mostly the insulated stuff.

I don't get it, but I did get a 3/4 gearwrench for 4$. Awesome to have when I'm running a mill.

They reduced prices on some of their Knipex on the website also:

Lowes - Knipex


-Bp

 

[ChrisF250]

they all look like one is missing. there is one wrench to the side that you can actually ratchet and try out. count the number of wrenches in the package and the number that are actually there. they will be the same.
cheers,
jim
now go back and buy yourself a set.

Yes and a lot of packages (more like most) are missing that side wrench, for whatever reason. If you take a package thats missing one you should be able to get a discount, just ask the manager. Also you could probably grab one of the single ones to replace the one missing (9/16ths, dont know metric?) and ask them to sell it at the posted price. One warning however the ones sold as a package and the ones sold individually are different. Package ones have an offset.

 

[Allboy]

I went back and grabbed a hex socket set in MM, and SAE ($11.98 each). ALso picked up a impact SAE 8 ct. for $19.99. I noticed the hex set was about $4.00 cheaper then the yellow price tags. You might want to have the clerk price check an item you want. It might be a better price then you think.

 

[bczygan]

OK,
You guys got me. I was in my Lowes a few days ago and pickins were getting slim. I picked up the Kobalt 3/8" pass thru set even though a neighbor had his ratchet fail on him and took his back for a refund. It came in very handy today to substitute for a spark plug wrench on a weed whip. There were a couple Gearwrench sets left so I slipped them in the bottom drawer of a nearby roller. Went back today and got them plus the Quadbox sets and individual flex heads. The 2 sets are SAE. Never had XBeam with the bigger sizes. The reversible set has Capstop but Gearwrench says you can exchange them at Sears for ones that aren't. They said it was a mistake in design that didn't work out. The Quadbox are my favorite wrenches when room allows since you can just grab a couple wrenches and have what you need. I have the Quadbox sets from NAPA that were $20 at Christmas without the bits and bit adapter. These sets were $15 WITH the bits and adapter. I'll put them in the main roller and put the other ones in the service cart or the van. I've never bought flex head combination wrenches so this is my first try. Probably too many wrenches for a home occasional repair guy. Now I'm gonna look for the missing flex heads. Total with tax....$158 something.

 

[dede2897234]

Does anyone know if the individual Kobalt (identical to the Craftsman's) locking flex, ratcheting combination wrenches were on clearance during the last 2 months or in prior years?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[OGJordan]

Noticed last night they had marked down the 3 Adjustable Wrench set to $9.98 just like the 3 slip joint set.

 

[Duker]

I have been circling my area Lowe's like a vulture over the last few days. A lot of USA Kobalt sockets left but I think I have snagged about all the Gearwrench there is within about 20 mile radius of where I live. Yesterday I was able to pick up all but a 14MM for a complete metric Flex Head set. Today I found the 14MM and the enough to make an SAE Flex Head set from 5/16 to 13/16. I also found the metric and SAE ball end hex bits. Todays haul in the pic.

Between gas and milage on my truck not sure if I came out ahead but the hunting was fun!

 

[diggerrick]

Noticed last night they had marked down the 3 Adjustable Wrench set to $9.98 just like the 3 slip joint set.

I picked up 3 sets of those to replace the HF Pittsburgh adjustables in my basement, garage, and shop. The Kobalts, also made in China, are much higher quality, and I replaced 4pc sets with 3pc sets that open as wide or wider.

The HF sets are going in our next garage sale.

 

[robertwhite]

Can someone explain why people are going crazy looking for China made Gearwrench stuff?

I can understand (and have bought a bunch) the USA sockets and allen sets, etc., but I won't touch the China stuff at any price.

 

[OGJordan]

Because it doesn't really matter if some guy in America got paid $20/hour to make it or some kid in China got paid $1/day, it's the same thing.

 

[robertwhite]

Because it doesn't really matter if some guy in America got paid $20/hour to make it or some kid in China got paid $1/day, it's the same thing.

Not true. I have "attempted" to use various Chinese made tools. All were worth a ****. Tolerances were a joke and you just know they would break if put any kind of real pressure on them.

 

[gnx547]

I want those x beam gear wrenches, I went to 4 Lowes and they are all out.

 

[csmitty]

Gearwrench's still have a lifetime warranty and can exchange them anywhere that sells them. I don't mind overseas for that. Pretty decent quality too. The Craftsman ratcheting wrenches feel like its being hit with a hammer every time it ratchets.

 

[kms]

I want those x beam gear wrenches, I went to 4 Lowes and they are all out.

For a bit more if you want the flex version, this is the best price I've seen for the 9pc SAE set (not my auction, don't know seller). I would have bought this if I hadn't hit Lowes first:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Gear...Z260742791426QQptZMotorsQ5fAutomotiveQ5fTools

 

[OGJordan]

Not true. I have "attempted" to use various Chinese made tools. All were worth a ****. Tolerances were a joke and you just know they would break if put any kind of real pressure on them.

While 15 years ago I would agree, if you look around there is decent quality tools made in China now. I just picked up a set of ratchets from Harbor Freight, and they are far and away better quality than the Craftsman I've been using for the last 10 years. And they were $9 compared to $30. I'm not saying they're SnapOn quality, but I'm not a professional mechanic, nor do I "collect" tools; so I see 0 point in paying hundreds of dollars for something that does the exact same thing. I build custom cars at home, I don't polish my tools or baby them. I don't care if they get scarred up. I don't care if the chrome isn't as deep on my wrenches. They're tools, not flowers.

 

[TA^Guy]

Not true. I have "attempted" to use various Chinese made tools. All were worth a ****. Tolerances were a joke and you just know they would break if put any kind of real pressure on them.

Here we go... another wonderful "USA Made is better" debate.

 

[wave180]

While 15 years ago I would agree, if you look around there is decent quality tools made in China now. I just picked up a set of ratchets from Harbor Freight, and they are far and away better quality than the Craftsman I've been using for the last 10 years. And they were $9 compared to $30. I'm not saying they're SnapOn quality, but I'm not a professional mechanic, nor do I "collect" tools; so I see 0 point in paying hundreds of dollars for something that does the exact same thing. I build custom cars at home, I don't polish my tools or baby them. I don't care if they get scarred up. I don't care if the chrome isn't as deep on my wrenches. They're tools, not flowers.

Nice one!

 

[drsifu]

if anyone wants anything, I can pick it up and ship it to you.

all costs such as Paypal fees and shipping you would be responsible for.

a couple of gearwrench xbeam in sae and metric sets
a few kobalt flex head sets
a handful of pass-through sets

i have 3 Lowes within 15 minute driving distance.

 

[Plombob]

I dropped by the San Dimas store today. They have a good selection of tools left. Still have a few 3/8" sets in case you are interested.

 

[matthew]

I just wish one of the stores I've been in the last few months had the 1/4" palm ratchet sets left... sigh...

 

[domain]

I just wish one of the stores I've been in the last few months had the 1/4" palm ratchet sets left... sigh...

Ive been to 4 lowes in my area and havent seen any of those sets since they went on clearance....

 

[dwiggins]

Here we go... another wonderful "USA Made is better" debate.

For what it's worth, I have 2 sets of made in india full polish metric combination wrenches. I've replaced them in my "stays at home" box with US made full polish CMan. The indian wrenches are now in my "goes to the race track" box.

I've had the indian wrenches for 5 or 6 years and they've been rock solid. I'm not a professional turner of wrenches or anything, but I've used them to build 2 LeMons race cars and do several other maintenance jobs on my street cars. I've even whacked them with a hammer to break bolts loose on various suspension assemblies. They were $14/set (9-19mm) and I'd buy them again.

Well, I'd buy them again if I weren't making a conscious effort to only buy things (not just tools - anything) made in the USA.

 

[dieselmike]

Well, I'd buy them again if I weren't making a conscious effort to only buy things (not just tools - anything) made in the USA.[/QUOTE]

Enjoyed your post. like the way you think

 

[GoBlue]

Stopped by two local lowes tonight to look around. All of the Gearwrench sets were sold out but i did score the last of the Knipex they had. Got a good look at their new lines and holy **** are they garabage...makes HF look like quality. Its a shame. I will admit that i own zero kobalt tools, but from online pictures many of their older quality stuff looked nice. The new stuff is in line with what you would find at auto zone or perhaps CVS pharmacy or ACO...total garage. Oh well...hopefully Sears keeps their RPs American.

 

[The Motts]

I just wish one of the stores I've been in the last few months had the 1/4" palm ratchet sets left... sigh...

I got one of those last week for $1.24.

 

[SMKS]

I just stopped at my local Lowes. They had 2 of the 3/8" drive roto ratchets for $15 each. These are made by Gearwrench. But, I already have a HF roto ratchet that works great.

I decided to pass.

 

[SMKS]

Got a good look at their new lines and holy **** are they garabage...makes HF look like quality.

I don't agree at all.

I looked at the Kobalt wrenches and socket sets. They are full polished, made in Taiwan tools. The 11 piece metric wrench sets were on sale for $20, with the regular price set at $40.

The wrenches have smooth, bright chrome. Way better than the wavy, dull China wrenches that HF sells.

The sockets appeared to be about the same quality as the new Taiwan-made HF Pittsburgh Pro sockets, which isn't a bad thing. The new HF Pittsburgh Pro sockets are a huge step up over the old China-made sockets they sold.

Is it a bummer to see the USA-made Kobalt disappear? Sure. But in my opinion, Kobalt tools have always been overpriced for what they are - USA made tools on part with Craftsman.

 

[ishiboo]

I don't agree at all.

I looked at the Kobalt wrenches and socket sets. They are full polished, made in Taiwan tools. The 11 piece metric wrench sets were on sale for $20, with the regular price set at $40.

The wrenches have smooth, bright chrome. Way better than the wavy, dull China wrenches that HF sells.

The sockets appeared to be about the same quality as the new Taiwan-made HF Pittsburgh Pro sockets, which isn't a bad thing. The new HF Pittsburgh Pro sockets are a huge step up over the old China-made sockets they sold.

Is it a bummer to see the USA-made Kobalt disappear? Sure. But in my opinion, Kobalt tools have always been overpriced for what they are - USA made tools on part with Craftsman.

Agreed. I actually thought the fit and finish on the Taiwan replacements is much better than the USA-made, though I just checked them out yesterday and they had only a couple socket sets left.

I like the red/blue lines for metric/SAE (or backwards), on the sockets they look like it'll hold up well but on the wrenches it seems to be painted only, and not in a recessed engraving.

 

[matthew]

I got one of those last week for $1.24.

Darn, you're lucky...

I had wanted one when they went on sale at Christmas, but I'm nowhere near a Lowes. I was travelling, and went to Lowes just after Christmas, but that store had sold out. Not that I really need it, but nonetheless...

 

[Greatbear]

One of the local Lowes near my is pretty much picked over as far as the Kobalt and GW, but I did pick up a set each of 1/4 deep metric and SAE sockets for 10 bux a set. Knipex is still mostly, well, expensive, the 7 and 10" Cobras are still $29.

The new line is making its way into the store, and, well, I think it looks okay. On par with the HF Pittsburgh Pro, as many have said. The color coding is a nice touch, IMO, and the finish and polish are good. SK still has the best chrome finish, IMO.

 

[GoBlue]

Wow...the new tools looked like the garbage they sell at a auto parts store or pharmacy...i honestly am not saying their older stuff was good...never used it or paid attention to it...i wont be using the new stuff either!

 

[gnx547]

I went to Lowes today and got some more stuff.

 

[Trucky]

They took all the good stuff and hid it on a table in the back, luckily I found it. 2$ each for a bottle opener (the "ratchet handle" one), a 3/4" impact socket, and a 7/8 spark plug socket... awesome. There was a ton of other stuff (A few "pass-through" ratchets marked down to like 2-3$ each) but I didn't bite on those.