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Kobalt tools

thatK30guy

thatK30guy

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Are they worth a crap or not?

I was at Lowes a few times in the past few weeks and noticed the majority of the tools are Kobalt brand.

I've never had one tool by Kobalt. I saw an air compressor I'd like to get for the shop so I can run sandblasting and painting capabilities.

So whats everyones take on Kobalt?
 
Bout the same as Home Depot's Husky line. Not great.
 
rdn2blazer said:
Bout the same as Home Depot's Husky line. Not great.
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I haven't bought either of the brands (Kobalt, Husky) but I have heard mixed reviews about both. What I'm hearing is that some tools are better than others. Like the sockets may be good, but the ratchets suck.

I'm currious as to what others have to say.
 
They're about like any other cheap hand tool. They usually work just fine for most of us, and I think if you break 'em you just get a new one from Lowe's.

I've got a mix of Husky/Kobalt in my DD truck toolbox (sockets/ratchets, combination wrenches, screwdrivers, etc). They work great for that, and didn't break the bank.
 
We have had a kobalt 80gallon compressor in our shop for over a year and its seen its fair share of usage with me painting the blazer and taking stuff apart, not to mention header install on a couple of cars. It works great and hasn't given us any problems
 
80 gallons is the one I'm looking at. Its priced at $799.

I've already got a 60 gallon compressor in the wash room/back porch here at home. I need something to keep up with sandblasting and painting and this 60 gal. won't do it.
 
I found an I/R compressor for the same price. Its the same size, too, at 80 gals.

Ingersol Rand better than Kobalt? Lowes sells I/R brand tools also.
 
we were between the IR and the Kobalt and I believe we got the Kobalt because it flowed more CFM and had a better warranty (I think?)
 
Between I/R and Kobalt? Not even a discussion, I/R all the way.
 
What reason do y'all have for saying I/R over Kobalt? not argueing but just want some specific reasons why you say its better?
 
The floor jack of mine keeps working . The regular chrome plated sockets don't mind me using them with my impact on u-bolts etc .

And I have yet to throw one while screaming obscenities :D
 
pauly383 said:
The floor jack of mine keeps working . The regular chrome plated sockets don't mind me using them with my impact on u-bolts etc .

And I have yet to throw one while screaming obscenities :D
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you must have alot of patience, I throw my **** all the time
 
87K506 said:
What reason do y'all have for saying I/R over Kobalt? not argueing but just want some specific reasons why you say its better?
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IR has been around for a long time. They have a good record for building quallity shop duty (constant day to day use) compressors and air tools. Kobalt is realitvly new to the scene.
 
Try and find replacement parts for a Kobalt compressor. Go to some equipment shop or call a Kobalt repair center... Oh wait, there aren't any.

The thing about cheap brands is, they jump on whatever the next money saving idea is, so they can change designs on something like a compressor 5 times in as many years. What happens in 6 years when that compressor that worked great takes a ****? Well all you need is rings and gaskets for it... Where do you go? You really think the little old lady behind the Lowes customer service desk will be able to help you?

With IR if something breaks, they will send someone out to fix it(under warranty or you can pay for the service as well). Who fixes Kobalt compressors? A warranty is only as good as the people standing behind it. IR is IR, they are one of THE biggest names in the compressed air market. I sell IR compressors and wouldn't want to sell anything else.
 
87K506 said:
What reason do y'all have for saying I/R over Kobalt? not argueing but just want some specific reasons why you say its better?
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I/R has been making industrial grade tools for a loooong time.

Very high quality, very rugged stuff.

Kobalt, ehh, new kid on the block.
 
Just to really throw a wrench (pun intended) into the mix, I got a Porter Cable compressor from Amazon at a really good price a couple of years ago. Shipping was reasonable and when I had a problem, they replaced the whole thing - no hassle.
 
sled_dog said:
Try and find replacement parts for a Kobalt compressor. Go to some equipment shop or call a Kobalt repair center... Oh wait, there aren't any.

The thing about cheap brands is, they jump on whatever the next money saving idea is, so they can change designs on something like a compressor 5 times in as many years. What happens in 6 years when that compressor that worked great takes a ****? Well all you need is rings and gaskets for it... Where do you go? You really think the little old lady behind the Lowes customer service desk will be able to help you?

With IR if something breaks, they will send someone out to fix it(under warranty or you can pay for the service as well). Who fixes Kobalt compressors? A warranty is only as good as the people standing behind it. IR is IR, they are one of THE biggest names in the compressed air market. I sell IR compressors and wouldn't want to sell anything else.
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http://www.mastertoolrepair.com/kobalt-c-245.html

http://www.aircompressorpartsonline.com/kobalt-parts-kobalt-direct-drive-portable-c-271_245_246.html

:deal:


I/R does make great stuff though. Their air tools are CRAZY.
 
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Those are the same people at the same place in Chesapeake VA...:deal:

However it looks like many of the compressors were made by Coleman-Powermate that has gone under. I think this is really a case of caveat emptor because the only warrenty you may have will be from Lowes itself.
 
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