Kobalt tools
Post Fiend
Joined: Oct 2003
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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.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
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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.
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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
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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.
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Joined: Apr 2004
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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).
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