Tool question
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: VA
Tool question
Hope I am not opening a can of worms.
I need a set of tools, and I don't have a Snap on tools budget.
Would the forum chime in on Craftsman VS Lowe's (Kobalt) tools?
I want to buy a basic set and work my way up, I just don't want to invest my $300 and then learn it could have been better spent.
Thank you.
Dan
I need a set of tools, and I don't have a Snap on tools budget.
Would the forum chime in on Craftsman VS Lowe's (Kobalt) tools?
I want to buy a basic set and work my way up, I just don't want to invest my $300 and then learn it could have been better spent.
Thank you.
Dan
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 104
From: Staten Island, NY
I've purchased hand tools from both over the years (although I no longer do so regularly). I've had good tools from Craftsman and terrible tools from Craftsman. Their sockets are OK; I have some that are over 35 years old and well abused. Not so much for their ratchet handles. I've stripped a couple. I don't like their open end wrenches at all. Kobalt tools are OK as well, although I've found them to be a bit on the expensive side for what you get.
Since they both have a "you break it we replace it" policy it comes down more to which store is most convenient for you.
Now that I can afford the good stuff, that's what I usually, though not always, buy but I don't think you can go wrong with either Sears or Lowes although Sears seems to have tool sales a little more often.
I'm sure there are others that will disagree with me and state that all tools from ***** are crap. If that was so, they wouldn't be wasting floor space on those big fancy tool departments.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Since they both have a "you break it we replace it" policy it comes down more to which store is most convenient for you.
Now that I can afford the good stuff, that's what I usually, though not always, buy but I don't think you can go wrong with either Sears or Lowes although Sears seems to have tool sales a little more often.
I'm sure there are others that will disagree with me and state that all tools from ***** are crap. If that was so, they wouldn't be wasting floor space on those big fancy tool departments.
Just my 2 cents worth.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
I have been using both for years (craftsman - 26 years; Kobalt - 17 years) and am happy with both. I prefer the shape of the handles on the Kobalt rachets over Craftsman, but this is just personal preference. I have stripped a couple of Craftsman 3/8 rachets over the years and cracked one or two Craftsman sockets. All were replaced with out a problem. I still have all my original Kobalt tools I bought 17 years ago. Although, I will probably need to replace my well used and abused Kobalt 1/2 drive rachet sometime soon.
I guess overall I would lean towards Kobalt. They are maybe slightly better (cost more though) and for some reason I don't seem to loose them.
I guess overall I would lean towards Kobalt. They are maybe slightly better (cost more though) and for some reason I don't seem to loose them.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,936
Likes: 9
From: Acworth, GA
I have used many different tools, but I prefer to use Craftsman, Kobalt, or Husky. They all have a lifetime warranty. They are all about the same quality. And I have had to replace some of each under warranty. I used to have some Snap-On tools, and I found that if you don't buy from the supplier, they don't have to swap tools under warranty.
I also like to hit yard-sales and look for brand name tools that are selling cheap, sometimes you can get lucky.
I also like to hit yard-sales and look for brand name tools that are selling cheap, sometimes you can get lucky.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 9,111
Likes: 3
From: Lexington Mo
I really have no problem with the Craftsman, Husky, Kobalt for working around the house/garrage. When I was doing the heavy truck work (off now for back injury) I would never use anything but my Snap On Tools. Worst I could possibly say is I absolutely don't trust anything but my Snap On's as for as an open end wrench goes. Seems for me that the les expensive brands are just a gauranteed, knuckle breaker.
Just my two cents.
Just my two cents.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 28,609
Likes: 18
From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
If you are just starting out, look for sets on sale. Kobalt and Craftsman are both pretty good. You get an occasional failure with any brand so it comes down to what you like the feel of, as long as they have free replacement.
After thirty years as a pro, I ended up with quite an assortment of brands. I like the Proto Professional, the Snap-on, Cornell and Mac. Also a couple of European brands that you won't find here because of the high cost.
After thirty years as a pro, I ended up with quite an assortment of brands. I like the Proto Professional, the Snap-on, Cornell and Mac. Also a couple of European brands that you won't find here because of the high cost.
Thread Starter
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: VA
Thanks for the information guys, I am going with Craftsman and will buy a starter set and then add on as needed.
Dan
Dan
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
Likes: 0
From: Clarksburg WV
One tip I would like to give anyone that is buying Craftsman stuff- if you are getting a ratchet, spend a little extra and get the next step up from the standard ratchets (i.e. the fancy polished ones).
I worked at sears for 6 years, and even brand new out of the package I always thought that the standard ratchets, no matter what size drive, ALWAYS felt clunky. When I was buying my 1/2" drive stuff I spent the extra $17 for the thin profile ratchet and I have not regretted it since. The ratcheting action is better, the release button is better, the handle is better. After this I picked up a similar kind for my 3/8" drive (not the low profile, just the full polish) and it was equally as nice.
Just my 2 cents!
I worked at sears for 6 years, and even brand new out of the package I always thought that the standard ratchets, no matter what size drive, ALWAYS felt clunky. When I was buying my 1/2" drive stuff I spent the extra $17 for the thin profile ratchet and I have not regretted it since. The ratcheting action is better, the release button is better, the handle is better. After this I picked up a similar kind for my 3/8" drive (not the low profile, just the full polish) and it was equally as nice.
Just my 2 cents!
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