Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Hand Tools). This thread is read-only.
Since the most recent manufacturing change Lowe’s has been somewhat tight lipped about who’s holding the Kobalt contract these days. In the pic below you will notice the similarities between the Titan model and the latest Kobalt model. After some research I’ve ascertained that Titan is manufactured by Rotar machinery industrial co. ltd. Based in Taiwan Rotar is also the OEM for several other brands including Toptul and (it appears) Kobalt or at least some of them. The quality of the Taiwanese Kobalt ratchets doesn’t seem to be too bad, though I’m still upset that every time I open my box I’ve got that one ratchet that peeps through the pile of Proto’s saying TAIWAN. There’s also speculation that the screwdrivers are being produced by Great Neck. As you see the similarities are striking.
All my hand tools are kobalt. If one breaks I’m at lowes in 5 minutes for a replacement.
Kobalt tools are nice and they dont break the bank plus the warrantys rock so it is for sure worth it to get kobalt
yeah and or being taiwan they are still pretty nice.
I would rather have it from taiwan than china or mexico at this point!
yeah thats for sure
I try to buy USA whenever possible, but the quality of Taiwan made tools has really improved over the years. I was reading the other day that as India continues to industrialize and their manufacturing capability expands, they are actually poised to undercut China for slave wage labor. As the standard of living improves in China, the cost of labor goes up, and India becomes the cheaper option. They’re kinda out China-ing China. I can only assume that over time as the standard of living in India rises, Africa will be the last frontier for slave wage production. There are already some India items turning up at HF and places like that.
Yeah whenever I see something from USA and a good price I try to buy it.
Its sad how little is now made is the U.S. I wish I could open a store that sells only American made products
Yeah it really is.
crazyandy wrote:
Its sad how little is now made is the U.S. I wish I could open a store that sells only American made products
As far as American made tools, http://store.harryepstein.com/ comes as close as anyone to being all USA tools and at a reasonable price.
Another great but little known brand that’s 100% USA made is Wilde Tools. They’re based in Kansas and they’ve been around for years. They make a lot of pry bars, pliers, and other stuff that are rebranded and sold under other names like SK, Proto, Craftsman, and many others. You may own Wilde stuff and not even know it. They are priced right too.
I am for sure am going to look into that! Thanks for showing those links
Thanks!
There is nothing better than knowing your stuff is made right in your back door
Yeah, but i cant pass up kobalts warranty.
ChaseRogers wrote:
Yeah, but i cant pass up kobalts warranty.
Lots of manufacturers offer lifetime warranties. Proto, Blackhawk, Mac, SK, Armstrong, Wright, Williams, Snap-On, Blue Point, Cornwell, Matco, Gearwrench, Kobalt, Craftsman, Husky, Wilde, Tekton, and on and on.
The big difference is the convenience. Unless you work in a shop that get regular visits from the tool trucks, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, and Cornwell are going to be harder to warranty. Kobalt, Craftsman, and Husky while typically lower quality than most of the others I named, offer the most convenient warranty because of the number of Lowe’s, Sears, and HD’s around. Most of the others you can warranty by mail.
yeah Lowes is vary convenient. If a tool breaks im there in 5 minutes, but my kobalts are pretty tough, haven’t had to use the warranty yet.
I’ve warrantied some ratchets and a couple of sockets. No questions asked.
Ok good because i was wondering how true there “no questions asked policy” really is.
My 3 or 4 experiences have been painless.
I have also had great luck with their warranties!
I’m glad to here that. I was worried at first befor I bought a bunch of tools.
Yeah you have nothing to worry about