The Ford Barn

jhowes · 08-28-2018, 12:11 PM

Anyone out there have knowledge of a tool company called"kobalt". They sell through our lowes stores and the prices are good. Are they foreign made and how do they stack up to the craftsman? Jack

Badpuppy · 08-28-2018, 12:30 PM

Kobalt is Lowe's store brand. Made in China, like everything else - Craftsman included. Go to yard sales for the good stuff.

SeaSlugs · 08-28-2018, 12:42 PM

Yup - that said they are decent tools and nicely finished. I think they offer a lifetime warranty as well.

Tom Wesenberg · 08-28-2018, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeaSlugs

Yup - that said they are decent tools and nicely finished. I think they offer a lifetime warranty as well.

Yes, I bought a couple of their tools and think they are good.
Once I found a Kobalt 25 foot tape measure that had some bad road rash. Lowe's swapped it out for a new one, no questions asked.

1928Mik · 08-28-2018, 04:18 PM

Yeah, I have bought a few Kobalt tools to fill in for missing or broken ones.. They seem to hold up well and take some abuse. If I need some cheap tools that fit the bill and I'm not gonna use much, Harbor Freight is the way to go.

Synchro909 · 08-28-2018, 06:20 PM

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I don't know brands like craftsman (not sold here) or any of those retailers (also not here) but if a lifetime warranty is offered, they must be OK, IMHO.

FordTudor1931 · 08-29-2018, 02:39 PM

Interesting news about Craftsman tools. Stanley Black and Decker has purchased the brand from Sears and reworked the entire line. The plan is to move manufacturing back to the U.S. and expand the product offering. No word yet about a lifetime warranty, but we can always hope. Craftsman will be available in a number of stores in addition to ACE an Lowes.

Badpuppy · 08-29-2018, 03:01 PM

I remember when Stanley and B&D were two different companies, and neither was very highly regarded. Craftsman was a decent alternative to Snap-On, which only really serious mechanics can afford.

Ted Duke · 08-29-2018, 05:39 PM

Modern Craftsman tools don't measure up to the name. It isn't just because they are made overthere, it's what "Craftsman" asked for. Cheap. B&D also disappointing. All of the Kobalt tools I have are excellent quality.

montanafordman · 08-29-2018, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ted Duke

Modern Craftsman tools don't measure up to the name. It isn't just because they are made overthere, it's what "Craftsman" asked for. Cheap. B&D also disappointing. All of the Kobalt tools I have are excellent quality.

I tend to agree with this. For consumer grade tools even the chinese craftsman made today is adequate for most home and DIY wrenchers. Most home DIY wrenchers aren't hobbyists like we are though and the average person just needs a 10mm socket to change a tail light or alternator and some basic tools to do the occasional brake job, oil change, or repair as cheaply as possible and still work. The consumer tools will realistically do everything we need them too and the only reason you would pay more is because you want to and it might add to the fun and subract some hassle from wrenching at home by using a more refined and better quality tool.

I would put most consumer grade tools at about the same level but I feel like Kobalt (Lowes), Husky (Home Depot) and Pittsburg Pro (harbor freight's brand) are all evenly on par with each other and a pretty good value for the price - I feel like those three are finished and designed better and a slight notch above craftsman and stanley these days. I'd rather go to harbor freight and buy something made in Taiwan that is better quality than go to sears and pay more for an inferior tool made in china. Yes sadly it has come to that.

With that said I prefer american made SK tools - not Snap-on prices but well made and made here. I also like to find Proto tools at swap meets and online - Snapon quality and usually more reasonable 2nd hand and will last forever. I consider GearWrench a cut above most consumer grade tools also. GearWrench is imported but great quality and a good value.

Some people will go on about warranties and how easy it is to warranty one brand vs. another - but MOST tools out there are made well enough that when used properly will never break unless you're really buying cheap, and the cost to replace the one or two tools actually broken over many years of use is negligible. If you are a professional buying professional tools like Snap-on, Mac, Proto, Cornwell, Matco etc. the tool truck service and tool quality is worth it. If you're a home guy rebuilding a model A and doing the occasional brake job and oil change on your daily driver the consumer tools will work fine.

Mike V. Florida · 08-31-2018, 12:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordTudor1931

Interesting news about Craftsman tools. Stanley Black and Decker has purchased the brand from Sears and reworked the entire line. The plan is to move manufacturing back to the U.S. and expand the product offering. No word yet about a lifetime warranty, but we can always hope. Craftsman will be available in a number of stores in addition to ACE an Lowes.

https://toolguyd.com/stanley-black-d...n-back-to-usa/

"Yes. Craftsman branded products will continue to be covered under their existing warranties. In the immediate term, there are no changes to how you will get service regarding your warranty. For more information about this process, please call us at 888-331-4569."

SeaSlugs · 08-31-2018, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by montanafordman

I would put most consumer grade tools at about the same level but I feel like Kobalt (Lowes), Husky (Home Depot) and Pittsburg Pro (harbor freight's brand) are all evenly on par with each other and a pretty good value for the price - I feel like those three are finished and designed better and a slight notch above craftsman and stanley these days. I'd rather go to harbor freight and buy something made in Taiwan that is better quality than go to sears and pay more for an inferior tool made in china. Yes sadly it has come to that.

my feelings exactly. Ive gotten better fit and finish harbor freight, husky, and kobalt tools than some very recent craftsman ive seen and felt.

katy · 08-31-2018, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhowes

Anyone out there have knowledge of a tool company called"kobalt". They sell through our lowes stores and the prices are good. Are they foreign made and how do they stack up to the craftsman? Jack

Check out: http://alloy-artifacts.org/

31 Woody · 09-03-2018, 01:36 PM

The only problems I have had with Craftsman tools is ratchets that either stop ratcheting or holding sockets on and Phillips screwdrivers wearing at the tip. I kind of remember having a socket that cracked many years ago. Mine get used a lot, so I can’t complain. My biggest issue is occasionally losing a socket.

1931 flamingo · 09-03-2018, 05:21 PM

Years ago(still have them) my Dad started me out with S-K and when I started at PWA i hooked on to Williams. Both excellent, along with some of the "old" Craftsman. Have many Stanley tapes, punches, chisels, bits, etc (F in/law was a foreman there, M in/law put tape measures together doing piece work).
Paul in CT

KGBnut · 09-04-2018, 08:38 PM

Home/Hobby tools seem to have gotten better in recent years. Even the stuff at Harbor Freight seems pretty good now. Still, I prefer the older professional grade stuff. I've recently been finishing off my set of old Plomb combination wrenches. Nothing like working on a really old car with really old tools.

Ken

Chris Haynes · 09-04-2018, 10:14 PM

I use and love the feel on my Craftsman tools.

DBrer · 02-17-2020, 06:46 PM

I use a conglomeration of manufactures I have obtained over the years, and what ever works is fine by me. I have no preference.

eagle · 02-18-2020, 06:41 PM

Look on Craigslist and you can find some real deals on complete sets of Snap On brand tools. Tools breaking are not usually the issue, it the USABILITY of the tool that makes Snap On worth it to me. When buying used tools, if it says Snap On on it you don't need to decide if its wore out or not, the company will replace them with a smile. I have a lot of other brands including Craftsman, but I replace lost tools with Snap On whenever possible.

Conaway2 · 02-18-2020, 10:20 PM

I have a number of Craftsman socket wrenches and box/open end wrenches that are probably 50 years old. I’ve used them since I was a teenager and always thought they were pretty good tools - probably not up to Snap-On quality, though. I’ve never had an issue with them. How would these stack up against present day Kobalt tools ??

eagle · 02-19-2020, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Conaway2

I have a number of Craftsman socket wrenches and box/open end wrenches that are probably 50 years old. I’ve used them since I was a teenager and always thought they were pretty good tools - probably not up to Snap-On quality, though. I’ve never had an issue with them. How would these stack up against present day Kobalt tools ??

The old Craftsman are good tools. I'd never change out my old Craftsman ratchets for the new clunky ones. I found rebuild parts on Ebay a couple years ago to fix one of my old Craftsman 3/8 ratchets.

77Birdman · 02-19-2020, 08:42 AM

I bought a large tool set prob around 1981-1982. It was craftsman box wrenches, sockets, through in a couple of screw drivers. 200+ pc. set. Being a carpenter by trade, wrenches are low priority so they saw minimal use and I still have all of them to this day in the same craftsman tool box. They have been well used over the years and are great. I have bought very few wrenches since that time, with the exception being the oversize oddball or a metric set here and there. Lowes is the closest to me so I do have some Kobalt in the mix. They are well made, good tools. I am a tool snob and will only buy the best I can afford but for my home use I see no need in snap on. If I were a pro, may be a different story.

hop up · 02-19-2020, 09:30 AM

With spring approaching go to a few estate and garage sales. It’s amazing the tools you’ll find and for pennies. I found a 3 drawer snap-on tool box filled with tools 60 lbs at least. This was in the basement of a estate sale and when I brought it to the lady for a price she said 20 bucks. I told he it had tools in it and was still happy with 20 bucks. I didn’t need them as I have had my tool set from 1975. This was given to me by my Pops and was the largest Craftsman set available. In all those years I haven’t broken many for a exchange but have lots a few......The vintage Craftsman tool are good and used them every day for over 45 years and recommend the older ones... I know Sears outlets stores had odd and ends from time to time but net even sure they are still around..

gary678* · 02-19-2020, 05:39 PM

I have my dad's two sets of S-K ratchets that are 50+ years old ... excellent quality! Over the last 10 years or so I have purchased several Kobalt tools and power tools and they have held up well... no problems and good value. I am very leery about Harbor Freight tools; lower priced with mixed quality.

CHuDWah · 02-19-2020, 07:41 PM

This may be of interest:

https://pressurewashr.com/tool-industry-behemoths/

Nosetime · 02-19-2020, 10:33 PM

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I have started buying the Plomb stuff at swaps, sometimes it flys under the radar for good deals.

walkerlakeprinter · 02-20-2020, 02:22 PM

In 1966 my dad and I were driving from Haines, Alaska, to Portland, Oregon, for college in my brand-new King Midget (!). We got to Whitehorse, Yukon, and needed a vice-grip type plier. We bought a cheap one from a store there (don't remember the store or the brand). The first time we needed to use it, we clamped it on the adjusting rod and the teeth SMEARED! Lesson learned. Ha!

30 Closed Cab PU · 02-23-2020, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CHuDWah

This may be of interest:

https://pressurewashr.com/tool-industry-behemoths/

Wow - I live in WI and did not know Milwaukee Tool had been sold, and they are now made in China They had an excellent reputation for quality - wonder if quality has now suffered.

40 Deluxe · 02-23-2020, 01:55 PM

"Made in China" is nothing new! Just read an article a few minutes ago on the history of Wuhan (where the new coronavirus started). It seems that around 1900 the vast majority of the world's horseshoes were made there. Also sewing needles, powdered eggs, hog hair bristles (used in toothbrushes) and more. The international buyers of these Chinee products were just as crooked then as now, having the goods stamped with such false statements as "Made in Hamburg", "Made in USA", "England", etc.

30 Closed Cab PU · 02-23-2020, 02:04 PM

Agreed - Company I worked for had either - Engineered in USA, or in the U.K marked all over the product. On a very small sticker on the bottom said Made in PRC (Peoples Republic of China). They also used crappy glue, sticker would fall off after a time. This met legal since the marking only has to be present at time of shipping into the U.S, and at time of sale.

08-28-2018, 12:11 PM	#1
jhowes Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: upstate NY near Mass border Posts: 789	Tools Anyone out there have knowledge of a tool company called"kobalt". They sell through our lowes stores and the prices are good. Are they foreign made and how do they stack up to the craftsman? Jack

08-28-2018, 12:30 PM	#2
Badpuppy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Guthrie, OK Posts: 1,144	Re: Tools Kobalt is Lowe's store brand. Made in China, like everything else - Craftsman included. Go to yard sales for the good stuff.

08-28-2018, 12:42 PM	#3
SeaSlugs Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Central, IL Posts: 3,968	Re: Tools Yup - that said they are decent tools and nicely finished. I think they offer a lifetime warranty as well. __________________ 1929 Model AA - Need long splash aprons!

08-28-2018, 04:18 PM	#5
1928Mik Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Zanesville Ohio USA Posts: 268	Re: Tools Yeah, I have bought a few Kobalt tools to fill in for missing or broken ones.. They seem to hold up well and take some abuse. If I need some cheap tools that fit the bill and I'm not gonna use much, Harbor Freight is the way to go. __________________ 1928 Niagara Blue Phaeton 1972 Olds 442 Convertible 1979 MGB -Life's Too Short To Drive Boring Cars-

08-28-2018, 06:20 PM	#6
Synchro909 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 7,496	Re: Tools Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I don't know brands like craftsman (not sold here) or any of those retailers (also not here) but if a lifetime warranty is offered, they must be OK, IMHO. __________________ I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

08-29-2018, 02:39 PM	#7
FordTudor1931 Member Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Grand Haven, MI Posts: 95	Re: Tools Interesting news about Craftsman tools. Stanley Black and Decker has purchased the brand from Sears and reworked the entire line. The plan is to move manufacturing back to the U.S. and expand the product offering. No word yet about a lifetime warranty, but we can always hope. Craftsman will be available in a number of stores in addition to ACE an Lowes.

08-29-2018, 03:01 PM	#8
Badpuppy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Guthrie, OK Posts: 1,144	Re: Tools I remember when Stanley and B&D were two different companies, and neither was very highly regarded. Craftsman was a decent alternative to Snap-On, which only really serious mechanics can afford.

08-29-2018, 05:39 PM	#9
Ted Duke Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Fairfield, Virginia Posts: 615	Re: Tools Modern Craftsman tools don't measure up to the name. It isn't just because they are made overthere, it's what "Craftsman" asked for. Cheap. B&D also disappointing. All of the Kobalt tools I have are excellent quality.

09-03-2018, 01:36 PM	#14
31 Woody Senior Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Lake Forest, California Posts: 239	Re: Tools The only problems I have had with Craftsman tools is ratchets that either stop ratcheting or holding sockets on and Phillips screwdrivers wearing at the tip. I kind of remember having a socket that cracked many years ago. Mine get used a lot, so I can’t complain. My biggest issue is occasionally losing a socket. __________________ Experience is a cruel teacher. It gives the exam first, then the lesson.

09-03-2018, 05:21 PM	#15
1931 flamingo Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: new britain,ct 06052 Posts: 9,390	Re: Tools Years ago(still have them) my Dad started me out with S-K and when I started at PWA i hooked on to Williams. Both excellent, along with some of the "old" Craftsman. Have many Stanley tapes, punches, chisels, bits, etc (F in/law was a foreman there, M in/law put tape measures together doing piece work). Paul in CT

09-04-2018, 08:38 PM	#16
KGBnut Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southwestern Connecticut Posts: 931	Re: Tools Home/Hobby tools seem to have gotten better in recent years. Even the stuff at Harbor Freight seems pretty good now. Still, I prefer the older professional grade stuff. I've recently been finishing off my set of old Plomb combination wrenches. Nothing like working on a really old car with really old tools. Ken __________________ Style beats speed any day, and with a lot fewer tickets.

09-04-2018, 10:14 PM	#17
Chris Haynes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Camarillo, CA and Pine Grove, CA Posts: 2,832	Re: Tools I use and love the feel on my Craftsman tools. __________________ 1921 Runabout 1930 Tudor Early 1930 AA Speed costs money. How fast do you want to go?

02-17-2020, 06:46 PM	#18
DBrer Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Washington Posts: 175	Re: Tools I use a conglomeration of manufactures I have obtained over the years, and what ever works is fine by me. I have no preference.

02-18-2020, 06:41 PM	#19
eagle Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Eagle Bend, MN Posts: 2,025	Re: Tools Look on Craigslist and you can find some real deals on complete sets of Snap On brand tools. Tools breaking are not usually the issue, it the USABILITY of the tool that makes Snap On worth it to me. When buying used tools, if it says Snap On on it you don't need to decide if its wore out or not, the company will replace them with a smile. I have a lot of other brands including Craftsman, but I replace lost tools with Snap On whenever possible. __________________ "There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."

02-18-2020, 10:20 PM	#20
Conaway2 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: Mt. Pleasant, SC Posts: 601	Re: Tools I have a number of Craftsman socket wrenches and box/open end wrenches that are probably 50 years old. I’ve used them since I was a teenager and always thought they were pretty good tools - probably not up to Snap-On quality, though. I’ve never had an issue with them. How would these stack up against present day Kobalt tools ??

02-19-2020, 08:42 AM	#22
77Birdman Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: North Eastern MD Posts: 486	Re: Tools I bought a large tool set prob around 1981-1982. It was craftsman box wrenches, sockets, through in a couple of screw drivers. 200+ pc. set. Being a carpenter by trade, wrenches are low priority so they saw minimal use and I still have all of them to this day in the same craftsman tool box. They have been well used over the years and are great. I have bought very few wrenches since that time, with the exception being the oversize oddball or a metric set here and there. Lowes is the closest to me so I do have some Kobalt in the mix. They are well made, good tools. I am a tool snob and will only buy the best I can afford but for my home use I see no need in snap on. If I were a pro, may be a different story.

02-19-2020, 09:30 AM	#23
hop up Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 411	Re: Tools With spring approaching go to a few estate and garage sales. It’s amazing the tools you’ll find and for pennies. I found a 3 drawer snap-on tool box filled with tools 60 lbs at least. This was in the basement of a estate sale and when I brought it to the lady for a price she said 20 bucks. I told he it had tools in it and was still happy with 20 bucks. I didn’t need them as I have had my tool set from 1975. This was given to me by my Pops and was the largest Craftsman set available. In all those years I haven’t broken many for a exchange but have lots a few......The vintage Craftsman tool are good and used them every day for over 45 years and recommend the older ones... I know Sears outlets stores had odd and ends from time to time but net even sure they are still around.. __________________ Wanted flathead speed equipment Thanks

02-19-2020, 05:39 PM	#24
gary678* Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Middletown, NY Posts: 165	Re: Tools I have my dad's two sets of S-K ratchets that are 50+ years old ... excellent quality! Over the last 10 years or so I have purchased several Kobalt tools and power tools and they have held up well... no problems and good value. I am very leery about Harbor Freight tools; lower priced with mixed quality.

02-19-2020, 07:41 PM	#25
CHuDWah Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Kritter Krick, Flaw-duh Posts: 1,158	Re: Tools This may be of interest: https://pressurewashr.com/tool-industry-behemoths/

02-19-2020, 10:33 PM	#26
Nosetime Senior Member Join Date: May 2017 Location: Huntington Beach, Calif Posts: 330	Re: Tools Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have started buying the Plomb stuff at swaps, sometimes it flys under the radar for good deals.

02-20-2020, 02:22 PM	#27
walkerlakeprinter Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Walker Lake, Nevada Posts: 304	Re: Tools In 1966 my dad and I were driving from Haines, Alaska, to Portland, Oregon, for college in my brand-new King Midget (!). We got to Whitehorse, Yukon, and needed a vice-grip type plier. We bought a cheap one from a store there (don't remember the store or the brand). The first time we needed to use it, we clamped it on the adjusting rod and the teeth SMEARED! Lesson learned. Ha!

02-23-2020, 01:55 PM	#29
40 Deluxe Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: now Kuna, Idaho Posts: 3,779	Re: Tools "Made in China" is nothing new! Just read an article a few minutes ago on the history of Wuhan (where the new coronavirus started). It seems that around 1900 the vast majority of the world's horseshoes were made there. Also sewing needles, powdered eggs, hog hair bristles (used in toothbrushes) and more. The international buyers of these Chinee products were just as crooked then as now, having the goods stamped with such false statements as "Made in Hamburg", "Made in USA", "England", etc.

02-23-2020, 02:04 PM	#30
30 Closed Cab PU Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2018 Posts: 2,332	Re: Tools Agreed - Company I worked for had either - Engineered in USA, or in the U.K marked all over the product. On a very small sticker on the bottom said Made in PRC (Peoples Republic of China). They also used crappy glue, sticker would fall off after a time. This met legal since the marking only has to be present at time of shipping into the U.S, and at time of sale.