what do you guys think of kobalt tools?

[camshaftgsxr]

ive seen an add saying they have a lifetime warranty and if you register them online they will replace them if they are lost or stolen. i like the designs and im not ready to pay snap on mac and matco prices just yet.

[Shane]

The old Kobalt tools were good stuff ... the new Kobalt is imported crap from China. Look on the back of the packages ...

[camshaftgsxr]

Originally Posted by Shane

The old Kobalt tools were good stuff ... the new Kobalt is imported crap from China. Look on the back of the packages ...

dangit

[eurospec1]

Originally Posted by Shane

The old Kobalt tools were good stuff ... the new Kobalt is imported crap from China. Look on the back of the packages ...

just about every tool these days is made in china, the quality of Kobalt tools in my experience has not changed, they are a good mid-range price tool with a very good warranty.

[Shane]

Originally Posted by eurospec1

just about every tool these days is made in china, the quality of Kobalt tools in my experience has not changed, they are a good mid-range price tool with a very good warranty.

[Altec]

The OLD, OLD Kobalt line was the bees-knees. The last USA line that was just replaced was decent for the price. The current line is Taiwan made, and isn't bad.

The current Taiwan line isn't bad... They are decent tools, and will hold up fine for the average joe. The problem with the current line is the prices. The current line is priced like USA tools, but isn't... A lot of on par tools out there, for less. If you did buy them though, you won't really be disappointed by anything, but what you paid...

If you have something specific you were looking at, post up. I own a bunch of new, and old Kobalt stuff. I can give you a basic idea if it is any good, or point you to a better option...

Edit,

Almost forgot. A lot of Lowe's stores are still clearancing the USA Kobalt stuff. you're kinda at the end of the rope, but it is still worth looking. I've raided probably five Lowe's stores...

[camshaftgsxr]

knowing my dad gets a 10% family discount since he is working there right now. what would be some good alternatives to kobalt? im working in a shop right now but im not making enough money to buy the high dollar stuff and my boss lets me grab whatever i need out of his box (as a former mac dealer it is... loaded)

[oldblue1968chevy]

i have a cobalt socket wrench that is really comfy they have good and some crap

[KroAutomotiveInc]

the only tool i have from them is the hack saw/ wood saw and it works amazing as for socket set / wrenches its probly you get what you pay for but i have had good luck with hand tools plyers/niddle nose ect from cheaper companys like duralast its probly just hit and miss of whats good out of there tools

[1968robinsegg]

the thing with tools is- if you take care of them, and treat them well- they will last a long time without much trouble. brand doesnt really matter after a certain point--buy a quality tool you can afford now, you can always trade them in on snap-on or whatever later. i am a ASE certified master tech and have at least 75k invested in tools-but i use mine all day-every day, and working in the transmission field i use them very hard. they work well for me. i also work with guys who own craftsman, cornwell, stanley and other brands who can do all the same work as me. no need to be brainwashed by the big three tool companies to think there's is better. as long as you dont buy the 29.99, 300 piece socket set, you will be just fine. just my opinion.