Lowes resetting electrical tools?

[decableguy2000]

Was at Lowes today and noticed a lot of the south wire stuff was replaced with Ideal. Even looked like they had the Pratt-read made cushion gripped screwdrivers. Finely I can replace some older worn Craftsmans, always liked them better than my Kleins.

 

[mikegt4]

I went to Lowes today and their tool section was being worked on by 4-5 associates taking tools off the pegs and shelves and stacking them on carts. It looks like some major supplier changes in the wind.

 

[darkzero]

There was some talk about it on ToolGuyd.

 

[loudog212]

I saw a lot of USA made Ideal tools.

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, Ideal tools are pretty OK, they are not Klien's but they are OK.

I realize that my comments are influenced by my personal history and experience, including whatever I learned from those around me.

Differences in opinions are why we have Horse Races.

 

[mikebaker1129]

When Lowe's 1st came to the Houston area, they carried A lot of Ideal tools in the electrical section.
Back then they were dead ringers for Channelocks with yellow handles.
It looks like we have come full circle.

 

[bwringer]

Well, the Southwire stuff was pretty damn dreadful. So this sounds like a good thing.

 

[cmandp]

Darn so now they may carry the Ideal combo head driver for those pesky device screws?

I had to go to a Menard's on a road trip vacation to get one before (not that I'm complaining, Menard's is awesome).

 

[KnurledNut]

Darn so now they may carry the Ideal combo head driver for those pesky device screws?

I had to go to a Menard's on a road trip vacation to get one before (not that I'm complaining, Menard's is awesome).

Yes they stock it now.
They have been set up for some time at my local store.
They are also stocking 10” cobras.

 

[jeffmoss26]

saw a bunch of Ideal stuff today!

 

[Brownsfan]

Grabbed a new set of diagonal cutters and wire strippers. I like them so far. Going to give the cushion grip crimp tool a try soon. I need a new set for my on site tool set. I left them in a customer vehicle.

 

[cheechi]

Few years back a friend showed me his Ideal ratcheting driver with the wire nut hole in the handle and I have wanted one since. There are now two different models now at Lowe's both USA made.

I am hoping to see a set of drivers because the ones they are selling individually would have to go on sale for me to be interested. Otherwise I got a lot of what I need when either Ideal went on clearance last time, or Knipex went on clearance the time before, or Kleins. Still prefer Klein/Wiha/NWS for most of my electrical tools but glad to see as much USA made Ideal as they have.

 

[KnurledNut]

Few years back a friend showed me his Ideal ratcheting driver with the wire nut hole in the handle and I have wanted one since.

A good idea, but I found it awkward in actual use.
I found the power bit shank version more practical.

 

[cheechi]

A good idea, but I found it awkward in actual use.
I found the power bit shank version more practical.

can you link the power shank version? I have one of each of these

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087TBPS2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0087TBQ5O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

they are bulky but they do a good job. Can't find a pocket they fit well in when i need to take them out of the big box.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Grabbed a new set of diagonal cutters and wire strippers. I like them so far. Going to give the cushion grip crimp tool a try soon. I need a new set for my on site tool set. I left them in a customer vehicle.

which store? I was at Bedford Hts.
the electrical supply houses do not carry much Ideal which is fine, I prefer Klein!

 

[Brownsfan]

Same. I work in Twinsburg. Stopped on my way home to Brooklyn Hts. Actually prefer Klein for most pliers and wire tools.but really like the Ideal strippers. These specifically.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/IDEAL-Reflex-Super-T-Stripper-Wire-Strippers/3369980
And that multimeter for $69.99 is pretty loaded for that price.

 

[notenuftoys]

It never made sense to me why Lowe's went all in on Craftsman when they already had Kobalt.

I have some Kobalt hand tools and thought they were pretty good. I don't trust the "new" Craftsman as much.

Their entire tool strategy has felt... confused. I guess maybe their finally clarifying it.

 

[redwrench60]

Went to Lowe’s to help a buddy pick up a load of lumber and while they picked his order I popped into the electrical tool isle and was pleasantly surprised to see tons of Ideal tools and Knipex pliers again. I snatched up an Ideal T-stripper for now but I’ll be taking a closer look soon.