More Chinese wrenches, higher prices at Lowes

[lars]

So I was taking my usual stroll to Lowes (I seriously walk there from my house) to kill some time and look around. I've been watching the Kobalt Taiwan-made 7 and 11 piece wrench lately since more and more of the blister packs are showing up with Chinese wrenches. Well I go to pick up the $40 11 piece metric set and my assumptions come true-made in China.

To add insult to injury the 10 piece small and medium wrench sets that were $15 and $20, (they were even on sale-both for $15) respectively, are now $25 and $35.

Well I can see it as I either quadrupled my investment in cheap wrenches or that Lowes is charging a little too much.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

I've noticed this too. Bad trend. The Taiwan Kobalts were good, and I didn't mind buying them if on sale or a good deal. Not so with the China ones. I just can't bring myself to buy them, and as you said the prices are crazy.

 

[bobbycos]

what is not made in China

 

[Wamsutta]

What do people do with all the extra money they save from buying Chinese tools?

 

[1950mercury]

Yep better off buying harbor freight tools pro line....

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

lowes just raises their prices so that they can have it back "on sale" next week.

 

[southalabama]

COO doesn't bother me as much as quality. The Chinese build it to the standards of the purchaser, in this case lowes. Lowes trying to make more profit. Selling cheaper tools at equal prices to better quality. I stocked up on lowes closeouts of USA wrenches. Got a few Taiwan sockets. The new china stuff won't be in my boxes.

The south wire tools are an example. Got rid of good tools for a better profit margin tool. Glad I was there for the Knipex closeout. But once the American and Taiwan tools gone there won't be much reason to buy hand tools there.

 

[BK13]

What do people do with all the extra money they save from buying Chinese tools?

Save it for when they have to be replaced....