fm2176
Well-known member
A while back someone here speculated that Lowes might already be getting rid of Southwire (SW), due to the various SW tools that were on clearance. Today I noticed a new brand on the hangars in the electrical tool section. They are packaged as Woods and appear fairly simple in appearance and packaging. I didn't pay much attention to the price, but their 9" side cutters are a third the cost of Southwire's version. For a comparison, search for item numbers 637714 (Woods) and 637705 (SW). COO is the same as SW and Kobalt pliers.
Anyway, I wonder if this is Lowes' answer to poor sales in that department. Some pros or DIY'ers may grab SW in a pinch, but the prices are ridiculous and most tool-saavy people are probably wary of an untested brand. Home Depot still sells Klein, which cost a fair amount, but Joe Homeowner has other choices at that store if he doesn't want to spend 3 hours salary on some pliers he'll use once. The SW stuff shows no sign of going anywhere, so is it safe to assume that Woods is just a way to offer a cheap alternative in the electrical section? Why not just stick with Kobalt, Task Force or Blue Hawk?
I've noticed how redundant some of Lowe's tool inventory is. Now they have another brand that (so far) only offers a handful of basic pliers and cutters. Besides Channellock, all are Chinese made, and there is little price difference with existing non-SW brands.
I walked out of the store empty-handed, having not found any quality crimpers from a brand I can trust. It's funny, though, I counted at least fifteen different brands and styles of razor knives a few weeks ago. If you want to skyjack a plane or simply slice some cardboard, Lowes is THE place to go. If you want some quality electrical tools, head to Home Depot.
Anyway, I wonder if this is Lowes' answer to poor sales in that department. Some pros or DIY'ers may grab SW in a pinch, but the prices are ridiculous and most tool-saavy people are probably wary of an untested brand. Home Depot still sells Klein, which cost a fair amount, but Joe Homeowner has other choices at that store if he doesn't want to spend 3 hours salary on some pliers he'll use once. The SW stuff shows no sign of going anywhere, so is it safe to assume that Woods is just a way to offer a cheap alternative in the electrical section? Why not just stick with Kobalt, Task Force or Blue Hawk?
I've noticed how redundant some of Lowe's tool inventory is. Now they have another brand that (so far) only offers a handful of basic pliers and cutters. Besides Channellock, all are Chinese made, and there is little price difference with existing non-SW brands.
I walked out of the store empty-handed, having not found any quality crimpers from a brand I can trust. It's funny, though, I counted at least fifteen different brands and styles of razor knives a few weeks ago. If you want to skyjack a plane or simply slice some cardboard, Lowes is THE place to go. If you want some quality electrical tools, head to Home Depot.