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Better hand tools: Craftsman or Kobalt?

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Dryden

Dryden

Sober as Sarkisian
Staff member
Tech Admin
In the market for some long handled torx drivers up to T50 size and a ball-head ratchet/driver and thinking about switching from Sears to Lowes. Craftsman hasn't been made in the USA for over a decade and the quality of the metal and finish has really declined. I know Kobalt used to be a label under Snap On until Lowes bought the name for the their house brand and moved production overseas, but I've still heard good things about the Kobalt tools manufactured recently. They certainly look nicer and more ergonomic.

What say you BP mechanics?

I'm between these two brands for the lifetime warranty/local brick-and-mortar exchange, so I'm going to ignore suggestions to order something off of Harbor Freight.
 
I've used a lot of both. I still go Craftsman for screwdrivers, I still think they're better, but I have Kobalt clamps, etc. and I like them. They seem to have better ergonomics for tools with moving parts. Just my IMO
 
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There has been a huge change in the number of big box stores over the last few years and that will continue
so keep in mind where you would have to go IF you had to exchange something under warrantee
My closest Sears now for these tools is over an hour away
BUT also read where Sears may be selling off Craftsman to a much bigger big box
 
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Thump said:
Whichever store is closer.

Difference is negligible.
Click to expand...

Yeah, that was one of the things I was thinking too. Lowes is closer to me plus I get 5% cash back there on my Discover card. Lowes opens earlier and closes later, especially on Sundays, which is the day I'm usually using my tools.

All of our ACE franchises are gone, and so is the KMart. Honestly not sure if the Sears will last another three years either. Figured I'd make the switch now and pass my Craftsman and odd assortment of no name stuff down to the 16 year old.

Just out browsing tonight and the Kobalt ratcheting wrench set at Lowes was significantly better than the Craftsman Pro set at Sears.
 
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Dryden said:
Yeah, that was one of the things I was thinking too. Lowes is closer to me plus I get 5% cash back there on my Discover card. Lowes opens earlier and closes later, especially on Sundays, which is the day I'm usually using my tools.

All of our ACE franchises are gone, and so is the KMart. Honestly not sure if the Sears will last another three years either. Figured I'd make the switch now and pass my Craftsman and odd assortment of no name stuff down to the 16 year old.

Just out browsing tonight and the Kobalt ratcheting wrench set at Lowes was significantly better than the Craftsman Pro set at Sears.
Click to expand...
There is really nice ACE Hardware in Groveport.
 
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To be quite frank, if you're not a mechanic or rely on hand tools for your income go with whatever feels best in your hands. It sounds like Kobalt would be the way for you to go since Lowes is closer and will probably be around for a while. Power tools are a different story though.
 
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