with an update on Kobalt tools:
I work for Husky Tools, and I wanted to bring to your attention that Kobalt
is not made by Snap-On. The truth is that Snap-On owns the plant where
Kobalt is made, but don't actually have anything to do with the forging or
any part of the production. This is similar to the way Stanley owns National
Hand Tools....the plant that makes Husky, MAC and Proto, however, NHT
actually does make these three major name brands, along with many other
smaller brands.
I felt I should point this out because I didn't want for anyone to think that
Kobalt is as good of a tool as Snap-On. I can't speak from a technical
standpoint, but I can say I have used Kobalt tools and have personally found
they are an inferior quality tool....in comparison to Snap-On, Craftsman and
yes, to Husky Tools as well. As Kobalt is a direct competitor to Husky, it
bothers me that Lowes is promoting Kobalt as a Snap-On tool, when they are as
different as night and day. However, I understand we all work under
marketing programs that only want to increase sales for our own brands.
Thank you.
On Feb. 6, 2003; I received the following email from Dave Johnson
with an update on Kobalt tools:
Just to update on the Lowe's Kobalt line, Kobalt is no longer going to be
made by J.H. Williams (a division of Snap On). The new tools are to be made
by Danaher. I have been told that the majority of the tools will be made to
the exact same specifications as the older tools made by Williams. The new
tools boxes are to be made by Waterloo. The tools boxes hit the stores next
month. The tools arive sometime around april. I learned this when I called
there customer service number, 1-888-3KOBALT.