Lowes now sells KD Tools

[fr0mastaj]

Has anyone else noticed that Lowes is now carrying KD Tools mechanics tools? I was perusing around the 'Tool world' today and noticed that hey had a little section dedicated to KD Tools (next to the gearwrench stuff naturally). They were all basic mechanics tools...but thought that was pretty cool. Nice to have an alternative to Sears for this kind of stuff!
________
Honda cb250f history

 

[thesilverone]

I was at the Lowes in North Attleboro last week and didn't see any KD tools

 

[filtered]

Do they carry non ratcheting wrenches and sockets or just the ratcheting wrenches?

 

[fr0mastaj]

Hm.. i'll snap a pic next time i'm there! Figured it was a all around thing. (This was at the Weymouth Lowes btw)

I didnt look too closely at the wrench section...so cant answer that question at the moment...
________
Vaporizer China

 

[bchee]

Not too surprising, I guess. Aren't they also Danaher?

 

[Tlag]

I'm not sure what this all means, but I understand Danaher is spinning off K-D and a bunch of other lines to a joint venture with Cooper.

http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/23652/Danaher-Cooper-combine-tool-businesses

"The combined company will bring together two major manufacturers with complementary product offerings, distribution channels and geographic reach. Together, the combined company will provide a broader array of hand and power tools to a more diverse range of end users in the do-it-yourself, manufacturing and assembly, automotive, construction, and electrical trades."

I was trying to get a K-D product shipped in to my local NAPA, and they guy said there could be a delay because distribution kinks are still shaking out due to the changes.

 

[arkangel06]

If Danaher joins cooper the worlds going to end.

 

[bchee]

In the near future I envision Stanley owning everything, including Snap on.

 

[Fedwrench]

This thread confuses me as the Mechanics Tools part (not the automotive specialty tools) of KD tools was killed off last December to provide for the expansion of the Gearwrench line. In fact KD tools is now listed as a part of Armstrong tools on the Danaher website. As for the Cooper and Danaher venture, they formed Apex tool group. If you visit the gearwrench site, they are listed as part of the Apex tool group and not Danaher anymore.
Perhaps one of those knowledgable Danaher types that lurk here will post an explanation as to what in the hell is going on.

 

[fr0mastaj]

This thread confuses me as the Mechanics Tools part (not the automotive specialty tools) of KD tools was killed off last December to provide for the expansion of the Gearwrench line. In fact KD tools is now listed as a part of Armstrong tools on the Danaher website. As for the Cooper and Danaher venture, they formed Apex tool group. If you visit the gearwrench site, they are listed as part of the Apex tool group and not Danaher anymore.
Perhaps one of those knowledgable Danaher types that lurk here will post an explanation as to what in the hell is going on.

Perhaps I worded it incorrectly. I guess it should have said KD auto specialty tools? Things off the top of my head were tie rod separators, spark plug pullers, brake caliper tools, interior trim pry bars, etc.

Would that make some more sense? I might have used the term mechanics tools too loosely!

EDIT: Also, when I received my Gearwrench catalog about a month ago, the return address was indeed APEX tool group...
________
Free ***

 

[philw]

That sounds like a dumb idea to me. Lowe's carries BASIC mechanics tools. Why would they decide to carry specialty automotive???

If I need a specialty tool I check Sears, Snap on, or an auto parts store, not Lowe's.

Maybe they are using your Lowes as a test store. If so, then I can't see how the test would do well.

Our Lowe's doesn't even have all sizes of individual Gearwrench in stock.

Unless Lowe's knows something we don't as in Sears possibly shaking things up and dumping their specialty section.

 

[bchee]

yeah, I wouldn't expect specialty automotive tools at a home improvement store

 

[00S4Boy]

I can check the dedham and plainville lowes if you guys want.

 

[fr0mastaj]

Thought I would bump this thread with a picture update! Went back to the same Lowes today and the KD stuff is still there! I'm hoping that it doesn't sell to well and i can get some good clearance deals afterwards! Some of the prices seem a bit steep off the bat...
________
Java

 

[Fedwrench]

Thought I would bump this thread with a picture update! Went back to the same Lowes today and the KD stuff is still there! I'm hoping that it doesn't sell to well and i can get some good clearance deals afterwards! Some of the prices seem a bit steep off the bat...

Yeah, $45 for a two piece push pin trim plier set is tool truck price crazy. As is the double ended brake spring tool on the left side at $15.99. You can get it at Sears for $6.99 and I must need new glasses looking at those oil filter end wrenches in the top left corner. I predict these tools will gather much dust before hitting the clearance aisle. However, at those prices, even on clearance there would be few bargains. The whole KD thing at Lowes might be a regional experiment though, I haven't seen one K-D tool at any of my local Lowes.

 

[Mike Hipp]

Are they KD or Gear Wrench?
Danaher Tool Group and Cooper tools merged and they said they would kill the KD brand?

 

[mrholeshot]

Ain't dat some chit? Not at my Lowes yet

 

[fr0mastaj]

Yeah, $45 for a two piece push pin trim plier set is tool truck price crazy. As is the double ended brake spring tool on the left side at $15.99. You can get it at Sears for $6.99 and I must need new glasses looking at those oil filter end wrenches in the top left corner. I predict these tools will gather much dust before hitting the clearance aisle. However, at those prices, even on clearance there would be few bargains. The whole KD thing at Lowes might be a regional experiment though, I haven't seen one K-D tool at any of my local Lowes.

That is true. Their clearance prices will likely just be online prices!

Are they KD or Gear Wrench?
Danaher Tool Group and Cooper tools merged and they said they would kill the KD brand?

They are both - but probably 90% KD tools. Only that far right column is the gearwrench stuff.
________
Montana dispensaries

 

[Fedwrench]

Are they KD or Gear Wrench?
Danaher Tool Group and Cooper tools merged and they said they would kill the KD brand?

They only killed the mechanics hand tool portion of K-D tools to make way for the recent expansion of the Gearwrench hand tool line. No more K-D sockets, wrenches, ratchets, etc. the automotive special tools division lives on.
http://www.kd-tools.com/

 

[dankicksass]

KD sku's at Advance are on the GW rack. They're the only place that carries the old discontinued 9/16in 6in swivel magnetic spark plug socket for Fords. Haven't seen any KD at Lowes here, it's a crappy tool selection there anyway.

 

[kab00m]

and I must need new glasses looking at those oil filter end wrenches in the top left corner.

I use the cheapo part store oil filter wrenches. But damn, $30 for a cap wrench under KD?

 

[Fedwrench]

I use the cheapo part store oil filter wrenches. But damn, $30 for a cap wrench under KD?

Somebody is smoking crack at K-D or lowes. You can get a 10 piece oil filter end wrench set for what they're charging for one. At that price, it better be air operated.

 

[TMCCuda]

Not all Lowe's are the same. My store in the boonies has less in the tool section, than the one in town. Sounds to me like they may be experimenting a little bit, market testing.

Or if I were a store manager and I thought I had a niche for some tools in an area, i.e. no competition, I would try something new.

 

[otis66]

If Danaher joins cooper the worlds going to end.

DANAHER AND COOPER have mereged and are now called Apex Tool Groupe.

 

[otis66]

This thread confuses me as the Mechanics Tools part (not the automotive specialty tools) of KD tools was killed off last December to provide for the expansion of the Gearwrench line. In fact KD tools is now listed as a part of Armstrong tools on the Danaher website. As for the Cooper and Danaher venture, they formed Apex tool group. If you visit the gearwrench site, they are listed as part of the Apex tool group and not Danaher anymore.
Perhaps one of those knowledgable Danaher types that lurk here will post an explanation as to what in the hell is going on.

Look up Apex Tool Groupe and you will find your answer.

 

[otis66]

Thought I would bump this thread with a picture update! Went back to the same Lowes today and the KD stuff is still there! I'm hoping that it doesn't sell to well and i can get some good clearance deals afterwards! Some of the prices seem a bit steep off the bat...

This is what you would normally see at an auto parts store like NAPA or Car Quest.

 

[JASTECH]

I looked at a **** load of KD Tools in Napa out here in western NE, turned them over and MIC(Made In China) was on everyone of them!

I have many specialty tools from years ago that are made in U.S.A. so watch for quality.

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[wafrederick]

Danaher is the biggest tool company out there.Owns Matco tools,Allen,K-D,Gearwrench,ATD,Kobalt and GP.Danaher does make medical equipment too.Danaher makes some tools for Snap On too.

 

[Muffduster]

This thread confuses me as the Mechanics Tools part (not the automotive specialty tools) of KD tools was killed off last December to provide for the expansion of the Gearwrench line. In fact KD tools is now listed as a part of Armstrong tools on the Danaher website. As for the Cooper and Danaher venture, they formed Apex tool group. If you visit the gearwrench site, they are listed as part of the Apex tool group and not Danaher anymore.
Perhaps one of those knowledgable Danaher types that lurk here will post an explanation as to what in the hell is going on.

I drove by the Danaher tool plant here in Northwest Arkansas yesterday and noticed its name changed to "Apex". I'll have to drive down to Fayetteville some time to see if the KD Tool plant also changed their name. While I'm down there, I' better check on the Marshalltown Tool plant too!