What's the consensus on Kobalt tools?

[Arps]

lol, I dont think you understand how fathers day works.

 

[cheechi]

Even craftsman does not have or need a pass/fail thread.

Funny, I have thought about this several times but really, what is new in Sears that you would give a pass? There's no need for a pass/fail thread since we have a few individual threads people have found gems still available at sears, but typically if it's newer than 1995 from Sears it's a fail, with a few categoric exceptions like air tools (some) compressors (some) screwdrivers, etc.

You won't get a consensus about any brand here at GJ. I think I'm somewhat qualified to talk on Kobalt since I have owned several of each generation of their tools. I have used them semi-pro as well as plenty of DIY use. For me, Lowe's is more convenient than Sears or Advance, and back when GW first came out Kobalt was cheaper so I chose those.

I wouldn't buy a Kobalt hammer, tape measure, I would be really picky about pliers (some have been ok but I have plenty that weren't), anything sharp, screwdrivers aren't consistent enough to call them good; I have got some really good and really terrible ones. The exception is their 8-in-1 precision screwdriver is really good, I especially like they have a torx version most others with that style don't.

The double drive is a great screwdriver. Now that there's plenty of brands that have it you don't have to go Kobalt if you don't want. The metal housing one is better than the newer plastic version.

Sockets of any generation you are going to get basically the same thing; 'tallish' shallows in 6 pt, deeps in 12 pt, decent quality on both. Sure the Williams are better than the others but other than the last gen Danaher USA, which were all 12 pt except the 1/4" standard depth sets, they are decent sockets.

The standard/shallow sockets are almost as tall as my GW mid depth, and taller than many other sockets I have seen. The deep sockets are fully broached. depending on your use, might be good or bad for all these factors. Sometimes if you are trying to put a ratchet where a wrench should go, these aren't going to get there. Before I had ratcheting wrenches it was very frustrating.

I will also add this though, having a lot of Kobalt 12pt sockets is what's fueling my desire to own all 6 pt sockets in all drives and I have been upgrading my socket drawer quite a bit recently. Generally I would say GW sockets are an upgrade from Kobalt.

Ratchets range in quality and comfort. What might be bad for me might be exactly what you want but in general, the tooth count isn't very high on most of them. 36 is the norm some are 72. The 3/8 gimball style ratchet was my go to ratchet for a long time, but side by side it is not as good as the HF that's basically the same. The HF also has a quick disconnect, something a lot of Kobalt ratchets lack.

I know I'm going to catch some **** for this. The wrenches, being 12pt for all generations of the taiwan built ones, are decent. Both ends have held up in my uses. I didn't like the feel of the wide flat Williams designed ones, but they were good on the business end also. I do wish Kobalt made 6pt wrenches but again that's up to your preferences. I'd say they're at least as good if not better than the last gen Cman USA 12 pt combos. I have 6 pt CM RP USA NOS now but I have used those Kobalts plenty and still keep them.

I haven't used the ratcheting wrenches from kobalt, any generation. They are way overpriced (or I don't see the value in their price point). Same with the 'x grip' or whatever they're called that bend in the middle. Many newer Kobalt tools have been gimmicky but then I bet you already knew that.

 

[dankicksass]

Ya but seeing as I am 16 I think he should buy them for me


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you can afford an iPhone, you can afford to get a job and buy your dad a decent gift. Stanley impact sockets are under $20 and last forever.

 

[bahcoswed]

Why is so much people in to this with lifetime warranty? Now i`m talking about DIY guys! I dont gives a rats *** about that warranty..Use the tool like its suppose to do. I have alot of premium brands and frankly, I dont know and dont care if they have a warranty because you doesnt need it.

 

[fm2176]

Like many others, I own a few but have rarely paid full price. In fact, Lowe's is my destination of choice when I'm looking to kill some time or in a new area. They recently changed the look/design/stock number of some Kobalt tools, so I made my rounds of six or seven different stores collecting the deals. One had a pipe wrench for $4 while it's replacement was on the shelf next to it at $23; another store had fencing pliers and needle nose for a couple dollars a pair; and so on. The pliers aren't the best, but for 75% or more off I can't complain.

Look for the yellow stickers or the clearance section. Also, look around holidays; I first got addicted to Lowe's during their 2011 Father's Day sale, when they were literally giving away tools (bought a $6 Bostitch chalk line, got a $20 torpedo level free).

If you go there often enough you'll notice trends. I got the 34-piece (China) Kobalt wrench set for $22; found a couple last week for the list price of $99, went back yesterday and they were sold after being "discounted" to $50. Also, some stores are better than others. My local store is outside of a large military installation, and Ace Hardware is the closest competitor--the closest Home Depot is thirty miles away. I've found few good discounts there. Even display tools are only marked down 10% regardless of missing batteries or accessories.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

junk in general anymore

No different than craftsman.

 

[pauls_workshop]

Funny, I have thought about this several times but really, what is new in Sears that you would give a pass? There's no need for a pass/fail thread since we have a few individual threads people have found gems still available at sears, but typically if it's newer than 1995 from Sears it's a fail, with a few categoric exceptions like air tools (some) compressors (some) screwdrivers, etc.

QUOTE]
Much too late! We started a SEARS pass/fail thread here recently. There also is an older Craftsman only one some years back. I think there is plenty of need for such a thing, as designs and suppliers have changed quite a bit in recent months and years.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=238223

Come give your opinions and pass/fails here if you like for Sears! - Paul

 

[cheechi]

ok bud. We've all seen it, time to give it a rest.

 

[BUDSVTX]

I have had my Craftsmans 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive set for 40 years and can't beat them. Their screw drivers were junk 40 years ago and are still junk today. I also have HF impact sockets in 3/8" and 1/2" drive that I bought about 30 years ago, no problem. Older tool sets in good condition are better than the newer stuff you buy today. If you are looking for a set, don't rule out the older used sets. Agreed on Kobalt pliers, don't buy them.

Still looking for a good screwdriver, any suggestions.

BUD

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I have had my Craftsmans 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive set for 40 years and can't beat them. Their screw drivers were junk 40 years ago and are still junk today. I also have HF impact sockets in 3/8" and 1/2" drive that I bought about 30 years ago, no problem. Older tool sets in good condition are better than the newer stuff you buy today. If you are looking for a set, don't rule out the older used sets. Agreed on Kobalt pliers, don't buy them.

Still looking for a good screwdriver, any suggestions.

BUD

Welcome to GJ..
I have ProTo and SnapOn screwdrivers in my main box that are 30 to 44 years old.. The new ones are the same quality... I bought good stuff and paid the price.. ONCE......,,,,with no regrets......

 

[pauls_workshop]

Hey Cheechi, BTW, excellent summary up above on the Kobalt and thanks for that. I only have a few Kobalt tools, but I did decide to get some Williams USA made Kobalt sockets recently off Cripes. I hope those are a good choice. I have various older sets and partial sets of sockets which will make an interesting comparison for me. Some old USA Craftsman, old SK little set, some old USA Husky (very good actually and about the same as the Craftsman). My favorite has been the SK set for its fit and function, edging out the other two slightly. These are all 20-40 years old sockets. I'll give these Kobalt ones a try.

For those interested in screwdrivers, there is a recent shoot out comparison link over on hot deals in recent screwdrivers thread there. Some disagree with the results though already! - Paul

 

[rice rocket]

The NOS US made stuff is good, go scrounge up some on ebay.

My socket set was Snap-On made in the USA set.

 

[pauls_workshop]

The NOS US made stuff is good, go scrounge up some on ebay.

My socket set was Snap-On made in the USA set.

Yes but how will they do compared to the old SK ones I have? Let the battle of the sockets begin...

Also a question, Cripes has some other oddball collections of "USA" Kobalt sockets but not made by Williams. Would those be any good or not? The Danaher US comments above by Cheechi make me pause on those options. Thoughts on that? - Paul

 

[carder1987]

Most of my tool collection is Kobalt. Im a DIYer and have never broken a Kobalt tool. I like their socket wrenches the best, sockets are ok, pliers could be better but work fine. As a professional I would go with a better quality tool, but for the home owner or DIYer, they work just fine.

 

[cburnscrx]

Well boys and girls, the change from Taiwan to China for Kobalt wrenches is on...I was in my local Lowes today and thought about getting the stubby set that's on clearance but I want to be able to fill in the set with missing sizes. When I was there last week they didn't have the fill in sizes, but now they do. Interestingly enough I picked up an 8mm stubby and on the back...Made in China. I looked at the stock they had in other sizes...Made in Taiwan. The change is officially on (at least according to me).

 

[bcradio]

Well boys and girls, the change from Taiwan to China for Kobalt wrenches is on...I was in my local Lowes today and thought about getting the stubby set that's on clearance but I want to be able to fill in the set with missing sizes. When I was there last week they didn't have the fill in sizes, but now they do. Interestingly enough I picked up an 8mm stubby and on the back...Made in China. I looked at the stock they had in other sizes...Made in Taiwan. The change is officially on (at least according to me).

Well that *****

 

[jefferyb_2]

I have a Kobalt 3/8" socket set that I like a lot. The ratchet and the flex head ratchet are much better than any of the Craftsman ratchets that I have.

 

[tankmech77]

I picked up one of the larger kobalt sets to keep in my tractor when driving over the road, ended up using it semi professionally for about 2 years in an industrial setting. I was facilities maintenance in a heat treating plant and also the dedicated forklift mechanic. I liked them quite a bit honestly. The set I had only came with 3 sae and 3 metric combo wrenches but they felt pretty good the few times I picked them up. The sockets held up quite well. To be honest I was stuck having to use the .5 19mm on an impact everday day for a few weeks. Snappy 750MG, same with a CM of the same size. They both came out ok but the CM had CLEAR signs of impact use while the Kobalt had none. Was kinda surprised about that. Not to mention impressed. I had used the 12mm on a IR 3/8 impact daily to zip out the billion or so bolts that hold all the sheet metal sides etc on the forklifts off, you cant see any faults with it at all. I eventually got a cheap 3/8 set of mm CM impacts and even they show more use as the non impact Kobalt. These are the Taiwan kobalts btw and the CM's are US. Not to bash US stuff, I've been and currently am upgrading what and when I can but the kobalts were in my budget and in WAY more locations I was delivering to at the time then sears. In fact I exclusively delivered to HD and Lowes so...Just kinda surprised me is all. If I got stuck having to start over and get a bunch of hand tools fast I wouldn't hesitate to buy them again. Well...unless I could get a good deal on wright stuff but Id take Wright over most stuff honestly. Now the "Blue Hawk" line, (which I still sometimes catch myself falling for both ways until I pick up said object) I wouldnt waste any money on, and like everyone else has said don't bother with the pliers. Just spend the money on Channelocks. Way better and bigger selection.

 

[RedneckWelder]

The Taiwan made stuff is pretty good, I've got 1/4 to 1/2 sets both in SAE and Metric, fairly complete, and combo wrenches up to 1" and 20mm.

Dunno about the other stuff, but I've been pleased with what I have on the garage use scale.

I wouldn't look twice at their power tools or other stuff, though. The basic hard line hand tools aren't bad at all IMHO though. YMMV of course

Also don't buy the big stainless boxes...

 

[rockinacummins]

Not much experience with any hand tools but we've used some of the 5/16 nut setters (impact bits for the sheet metal screws, for use with impact drivers) and they seem to hold up good. The magnets even stay in, which is unusual. And we have one of their caulking guns. It's the best one we have by far

 

[geojag]

Kobalt has a leg up on Craftsman. I went to Sears last week and they didn't have anything I went for. They didn't stock blades for their own lawnmowers, they didn't have the compressor that they advertised to draw people in, nor the impact sockets that were supposed to be on sale. Singles of impact sockets were not even an option. My wife drug me to Lowe's on Saturday to get some cabinets she wanted (complete ****) and I picked up the single impact socket (Kobalt brand) I had lost, therefore not needing the set I had gone to sears for, and a seemingly decent Kobalt air compressor.

 

[monomach]

The Taiwan wrenches, sockets, and ratchets (be sure to lube them) are all perfectly fine. Everyone around here likes them for what they are. They come out of the same factory as Pittsburgh Pro, I think. If I were fresh out of tech school, I'd happily buy my basic stuff in Kobalt and save a bundle. No one would fail to make a living because they had some Kobalt hard line stuff in their box.

The pliers are all made in China and all of them that guys have brought into our shop have been judged to be garbage...especially the locking pliers.

I see a lot of wrenches around my local store that have been moving to China. Haven't seen one in the shop to get a chance to judge it yet, but it could be the start of bad things.

Honestly, I can't see a quality difference between Taiwanese Kobalt, Pittsburgh Pro, Gearwrench, Blue Point, Duracraft, Carlyle, DeWalt, Williams, or Toptul. If you told me it all came out of the same Rotar-owned factory, I wouldn't be surprised. "Made in Taiwan" right now is about the same as a budget US-made tool in the 80s-00s. It's all good stuff.

 

[byoungblood]

I've been less and less impressed with Lowe's in general as of late. Quality of most everything they sell seems to be going downhill. About the only time I buy anything there anymore is if it is something fairly generic that can be had anywhere (like the toilet flapper I bought last week, and it was actually made in the US) and their location is convenient to me. Granted, HD isn't much better, but I have seen less of a deliberate effort on their part to kick what were/are good quality brands to the curb, only to be replaced with cheap import ****. Maybe at least one retailer is actually listening...

 

[4x4_G30_Sportvan]

I don't think I have any Kobalt tools. I look at them, especially on clearance, but I already have most of their sets in Craftsman US, so I don't need them.

I do have a few Ace hardware store sockets, don't really use them much.