Kobalt tools
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,214
Likes: 13
From: New Jersey
I've had good luck with Kobalt as well... I started buying them after a Lowes opened up near me and I realized how full my "to exchange for free" shoebox of home depot ratchets, sockets, etc was.
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 54
Likes: 0
Trending Topics
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 788
Likes: 1
From: Hendersonville, TN
Originally Posted by f2fitty
Look on the back of the Kobalt package and it should say, A Division of Snap On.
(the same company that makes most Craftsman stuff, as well as Gearwrench and several other decent brands). I've had very good luck with the stuff I've bought from them. While Danaher has several overseas operations, Kobalt sockets are US made, which is a big plus to me. (I think the pliers say either China or Taiwan, not sure about the screwsticks. I can't remember & they are at work) The sockets are probably the cheapest American made tools you can buy. The finish, tolerances, etc. are all very good. Overall an excellent value.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,259
Likes: 0
From: Florida Hill Country
Danaher Tool Group has aqquired severl tool companies over the years, but those companies operations aren't necesarily connected. Son don't draw the conclusion the Kobalt wrenches and sockets are the same as Matco or Armstrong. Those companies include
- Matco
- Armstrong
- KD
- Allen
- GearWrench
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 788
Likes: 1
From: Hendersonville, TN
No, not all the same. Different brands use different steel, forgings, heat treats, etc. Overall, other than a few independents like Snap-On and Cornwell, most tool companies are owned either wholly or in part by either Danaher or Stanley Works. Over the past few years, generally speaking, it seems like the Danaher-owned companies are putting out higher quality products than the Stanley Works companies. That's my opinion/observation at least.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 799
Likes: 0
From: State of Misery (Missouri
Kobalt tools used to be made by J.H. Williams (a division of Snap~On). Lowe's aquired first exclusivity (they used to be sold online), then pretty much everything else.
They aren't the same product they once were, and while the line has expanded (screwdrivers/oversea's, pliers, etc), they also eliminated some great products (flare nut wrenchs).
As of about a year/year and a half ago, I believe KD and Armstrongs merged, and I am hearing some of Allen got drawn into the fold (combining plants, offices).
They aren't the same product they once were, and while the line has expanded (screwdrivers/oversea's, pliers, etc), they also eliminated some great products (flare nut wrenchs).
As of about a year/year and a half ago, I believe KD and Armstrongs merged, and I am hearing some of Allen got drawn into the fold (combining plants, offices).
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Whipsley Wallace
New Member Introductions
0
Mar 19, 2016 09:58 PM
