End of the KOBALT Brand

buckeyefarmer · May 16, 2018

Wagtail said:
Um... Well, I guess I live under a rock then.

It's a nice rock. Not quite a Hobbit Hole, though.

[Note: "Lowes" is a clothing shop in Australia.]

You live under the 3rd rock...

Deere Dude · May 16, 2018

So where is a guy supposed to take a broken Kobolt wrench now?
I have a few broken Craftsman tools laying around so at least I have a place to return them. Haven't been in a Sears store in 10+ years,

Oldoak · May 16, 2018

A tool used properly should not break.

:thumbsup:

I couldn't count the number of times I have seen shade tree mechanics putting long pipe extensions on breaker bars or using regular sockets with impact wrenches. Or using taps and dies without applying the proper cutting oil. Then complain when they break.

Ford850 · May 16, 2018

Here's a link to all of the current Craftsman tool warranties:
WARRANTY INFORMATION | CRAFTSMAN(R)
For the basic hand tools, the coverage is still very good. There are some items that are a little odd, for example the Tap and Die sets:
"CRAFTSMAN Hand Tool Full Warranty
If any tap wrench or die stock of this CRAFTSMAN tap and die set ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, it will be replaced free of charge. This warranty does not cover taps, dies, screw extractors, or other set pieces, which are expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period." :confused3:

Michael Aos · May 16, 2018

All of the Craftsman tools (mostly socket sets) I looked at Lowe's today were made in Taiwan.
All of the Kobalt tools I looked at Lowe's today were made in China.

I had pretty much given up on Craftsman, but now I'm thinking I'll give them another chance.
--

Oldoak · May 16, 2018

This warranty does not cover taps, dies, screw extractors, or other set pieces, which are expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period."

Understandable. Those items wear from normal use alone and get dull. I wouldn't expect them to be replaced under that circumstance. :confused3:

Of course, if I were in charge, I would have never replaced any broken tool that had signs of obvious abuse either.

Personally, with all the big conglomerates and multi-national corporations today, I don't care where the tools I purchase are manufactured, as long as they do the job I expect of them. However, I also keep in mind "you get what you pay for".............................well sometimes.

Tractor Seabee · May 16, 2018

Wagtail said:
Do you mean "Craftsman" or is this some oriental manufacturer trying to sound German?

I never did win any spelling bees. So much for spell check; which does not work for me on TBN. Works fine in other programs. It is "Craftsman". By the way all the boxes are labeled prominently "Made in China".

Ron

ch47dpilot · May 17, 2018

Ford850 said:
Here's a link to all of the current Craftsman tool warranties:
WARRANTY INFORMATION | CRAFTSMAN(R)
For the basic hand tools, the coverage is still very good. There are some items that are a little odd, for example the Tap and Die sets:
"CRAFTSMAN Hand Tool Full Warranty
If any tap wrench or die stock of this CRAFTSMAN tap and die set ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, it will be replaced free of charge. This warranty does not cover taps, dies, screw extractors, or other set pieces, which are expendable parts that can wear out from normal use within the warranty period." :confused3:

The holder for the taps broke on mine. I was under the impression that tap & die sets weren't covered. I guess I'll have to stop in my local store next time I'm near by (35miles away)

Ford850 · May 17, 2018

ch47dpilot said:
The holder for the taps broke on mine. I was under the impression that tap & die sets weren't covered. I guess I'll have to stop in my local store next time I'm near by (35miles away)

Yep, the holders/handles are the only things that are covered in the sets. I agree that makes sense, but it sounds funny to say a set has a warranty while only 1 or 2 of the pieces are actually covered.