End of the KOBALT Brand

[Ritothebull]

The old craftsman tools held up pretty good even when bubba put a cheater bar on them and you can find a lot of them on ebay and at flea markets, many of them look like they've never been used. It's amazing how many people have nice tool collections that never really do any work, like my two brother in laws.:confused3:

 

[bunyip]

Do you mean "Craftsman" or is this some oriental manufacturer trying to sound German?

Probably the same factory that makes Rolax watches.

 

[Ortimber]

I know many folks like lowes but it hardly ever fails that I end up going to HD after not being able to get everything I usually need at lowes...
The only kobalt tool I have is a pair of slip joint pliers I bought in a pinch NPI (they did not have Channellock brand)...worst piece of crap in my tool box...never bought another kobalt tool again...

Same here. We have both stores nearly right next door to each other. HD gets 98% of my business.

 

[4570Man]

My biggest complaint with the kobalt line that might not be their fault is virtually all the sockets at Lowe’s are 12 point. Might as will name them nut strippers. When I have to return something I usually just go buy a new one and take the old one back in its packing and receipt. It’s a lot less hassle that way.

 

[dgl24087]

Kobalt was manufactured by Danaher, which also owned Mac Tools. Mac was acquired by Black and Decker/ Stanley, who also acquired Craftsman.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I'm missing something.

Kobalt is (was?) the house brand of Lowes, while I understand Craftsmen tools are sold at a variety of outlets. At first blush, it seems to me that the Kobalt brand allows (allowed?) Lowes to differentiate itself from its competitors on the tool front.

BTW, I've been satisfied with the Kobalt tools I have purchased, but I would be overstating my skill set if I claimed I was a "shade tree mechanic."

Steve

I concur completely.

Kobalt was manufactured by Danaher, which also owned Mac Tools. Mac was acquired by Black and Decker/ Stanley, who also acquired Craftsman.

Here's the meat behind the potatoes. Mac makes good tools too.

 

[kenmac]

When my craftsman click style torque wrench broke. I called the local ACE hardware as they now sell craftsman tools. I asked if they honored the warranty on the craftsman brand. He said '' I guess so'' When I told him my click style torque wrench had broken, he said those tools only come with a one year warranty. They had another one for $80.00 ?

I looked on the net and bought a different brand click style torque wrench for about $50.00

 

[tjkubota93]

Yeah I was rather pissed when they pulled that crap on me with a torque wrench. I was working as an instructor and bought a snap on for the student discount.

 

[coffeeman]

:thumbsup:

I couldn't count the number of times I have seen shade tree mechanics putting long pipe extensions on breaker bars or using regular sockets with impact wrenches. Or using taps and dies without applying the proper cutting oil. Then complain when they break.

HEY! "shade tree mechanics" ? Only place to get cheap jobs. many times better than "the Professionals" I took my 94 Fleetwood Brougham to Caddy garage. I wanted some parts. I drifted past shop mgr. They are now called something like "Concierge" or similar. A question about my 94. He laughed and said, I don't have a person in shop that could work on your car let alone fix it or give tips on a repair. I wasn't going to get service there. Needed lights & simple stuff. My new car only go there for warranty

I went back to shade tree guy. He put lights in and did a tune up. Runs good

I've been using Harbor Freight. Cheap tools. They replace everything. Bought compressor and exchanged 5 months later Bought a blood pressure machine there and took back after few months and exchanged it. look for coupons and get free gifts with any purchase. Buy pencil and get free tape measure or electronic volt meter. My store gives service with a smile....
By the way, if folks running store gives service with a smile, they are aces with me.

Cheers.....Coffeeman

 

[goeduck]

:thumbsup:

I couldn't count the number of times I have seen shade tree mechanics putting long pipe extensions on breaker bars or using regular sockets with impact wrenches. Or using taps and dies without applying the proper cutting oil. Then complain when they break.

You got that right. I cannot recall the last time that I broke a tool. I NEVER use a rachet for something that is seized. I ALWAYS size up to the next size drive and socket f someth8ngnis tight. Stuff that is still too tight gets soaked in penetrating oil, gets the blue flame or whatever it needs. Generally the bolt breaks before a tool of mine breaks. I am not a professional and use made in the USA Craftsman tools. I use impact sockets on impact wrenches like I am supposed to and stop and think things through. My Craftsman is good stuff.