Mechanics Tools (Kobalt)

[UTEP]

Hi,

I had to pick up a few mechanics tools today; my tool kit was stolen about a year ago and I am slowly rebuilding.

Not a professional but serious DIY I want the best quality and that used to mean Made in USA. So Craftsman to Snap-One et al fit the bill. Recent imcome precluded Snap-On et al.

Long story short most Craftsman new at Sears I saw were made in china. You had to really search for USA made options. I found one USA 1/2" ratchet in a small kit and grabbed it. I was after a 1/2" breaker bar and they only had china and poor finish IMO.

I recalled hearing somewhere that Kolbalt was somehow designed by Snap-On so I went to Lowes and most if not all the Kobalt was made in Taiwan. IMO Taiwan >>> china. The fit and finish reminded me of Snap-On and the price about Craftsman. Lifetime warranty and lots of Lowes around.

Now I know there are not too many Lowes or Sears on the trail so having best when you need it pays for itself in as little as one breakdown in the boondocks.

You guys having any luck with Kobalt? Any others to consider?

Thanks,

UTEP

 

[NateMob]

A few of my tools are Kobalt, the quality isn't bad at all. I have stripped the gears on 3-4 of their 3/8" drive ratcheting handles. The no questions asked lifetime warranty makes the exchange no problem.

 

[KidVermicious]

Their basic tools are servicable. Don't bother with the gimmicky stuff though.

 

[brocktice]

The Kobalt electric impact wrench (and sockets) is a beast. Just finished doing a bunch of work on my 4Runner as a newbie, that thing was a lifesaver.

So far I've had no quality issues with any of the Kobalt stuff I've bought.

In my personal opinion, there's nothing wrong with stuff made in China. Like stuff made anywhere else, some of it's cheap crap, some of it is high quality. Just depends on what was ordered.

 

[ebg18t]

I have been buying more and more kobalt tools. Definitely good for the price. I like the craftsman stuff but my local store has a bunch if idiots working there and a pain to warranty broken tools. That is what led me to lowes fir a set of a Kobalt tools.

 

[zgensler31]

There warranty is awesome. We have alot of their power tools at work and theyve all held up. Couple miter saws. Drills. Jig saw. Table saw.

We even managed to completely snap the handle off of our miter saw, dont ask how, and we walked in and had a brand new in box miter saw in five minutes.

 

[02SE]

You guys having any luck with Kobalt? Any others to consider?

Thanks,

UTEP

Their stuff is okay, in my experience. As with everything else, you generally get what you pay for.

For quality that you will pay for: Snap-on, Mac, Matco.

 

[UTEP]

Thanks,

Yea I figure these will work and scour Craigslist for used Snap-On etc.. I found a Matco 20-100lb torque wrench for $100 but am hesitating.

My old school Craftsman served me well for years although I'd break a ratchet or 12 ps socket on occasion. I miss that set….but now the lifetime warranty will probably be replaced with the china stuff.

Thanks,

UTEP

 

[brocktice]

Thanks,

Yea I figure these will work and scour Craigslist for used Snap-On etc.. I found a Matco 20-100lb torque wrench for $100 but am hesitating.

My old school Craftsman served me well for years although I'd break a ratchet or 12 ps socket on occasion. I miss that set….but now the lifetime warranty will probably be replaced with the china stuff.

Thanks,

UTEP

I was really happy with the Mountain torque wrench I got on Amazon, the 1/2" drive model, 25", less than $100. They have smaller ones too. Haven't had it that long but I did a LOT with it and it's built like a tank.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Kobalt makes good stuff for the DIYer, shadtree mechanic. Their old stuff (sockets, etc. in the early 2000s) was made by Williams, who also designs some Snap On tools. Then they used the same supplier as Matco for their ratchet heads. Not sure who is supplying them today. Some pieces are made in China, others in Taiwan.

I'd choose Kobalt any day over Craftsman ratchets and sockets. Just better value IMHO.

If you want the best, or plan to make wrenching your vocation, go chase down the Snap On truck.

 

[zopperman]

For things without moving parts, (sockets, box wrenches etc.) Harbor freight FTW. Half their stuff has a similar warranty

Most of my tools are craftsman though, price fits the bill and I don't need snap on quality. I have a lot of 19.2v craftsman cordless tools, including an impact which is OK. It's not a beast, but I have yet to find something it can't removed. Where it struggles is using a swivel or extensions and adapters. When I did my lift, I used a snap on air impact and it would literally rip off any bolt regardless of what attachments you had on it.

 

[eddiebx]

Another cheap but very decently made socket and box wrench brand is the Husky line at Home Depot. I am not sure if all areas are like this but my local ones started selling sockets and box wrenches a la carte. Perfect for when you just need a certain sized wrench for a job w/o breaking the bank. I think I paid under 5 bucks for a 22mm box wrench, and it's fully polished too!

 

[NateMob]

Another cheap but very decently made socket and box wrench brand is the Husky line at Home Depot. I am not sure if all areas are like this but my local ones started selling sockets and box wrenches a la carte. Perfect for when you just need a certain sized wrench for a job w/o breaking the bank. I think I paid under 5 bucks for a 22mm box wrench, and it's fully polished too!

Unfortunately, my local home Depot has an embarrassingly small hand tool selection. Almost non existent.

That's a great price for a 22mm socket, was that a 1/2" drive or 3/8"?