Lowes Dumping Kobalt?

[Dean]

Today, I visited my local Lowes store to have my "lifetime" guaranteed mill file replaced. Yes, I had the receipt and the package clearly stating "Lifetime" guaranteed, "no questions asked".

The person at the CS desk told me to get another "if we still carried them." So far, so good.

My Lowes still had Kobalt mill files but they are no longer "Lifetime" guaranteed. Shock!

I picked up one and returned to the CS desk and was given the no longer lifetime guaranteed file at no charge. So far, so good.

Upon leaving, the clerk told me that I could not take the original packaging of my "Lifetime" guaranteed file because she needed it to send the worn out one back. This, of course, is my evidence of a "lifetime" guarantee.

Knowing that I could have forced the issue but it would only make trouble for the clerk who was only doing her job. I let it slide.

I did, however, walk back to hardware and speak to an associate who I well knew had been there for years. He told me that Kobalt no longer offers a lifetime warranty and that Lowes is closing out many Kobalt tools to get out from under their warranty obligation. Shock!

Lowes now carries the Craftsman line of tools, most of which are also lifetime guaranteed.

I also have two Craftsman "lifetime" guaranteed mill files with receipts and packaging.

My Lowes store does not yet have Craftsman mill files but I cannot wait until they do.

FWIW: I've had the Craftsman files replaced under warranty several times by Sears without question. No one asked me to give up my evidence of a lifetime warranty.

I miss Sears.

Dean

 

[wisbaker]

That's been happening for years some of the Hardware chains change their lifetime tool brands to walk away from their warranty obligations. Some of it was also caused by a decline in quality of the tool, the last new S&K socket set I bought had some 3 point sockets where there was only 1/2 a hex on the socket and the other side was round as if it had been drilled, wasn't to long after that it became hard to find a S&K dealer. As far as Kobalt- Lowe's started Kolbalt to compete with Craftsman (Sears) and Husky (Home Depot) with tools made by JH Williams, but when Snap On purchased Williams Lowe's switched the source of Kolbalt to Danaher who has owned CP, Easco, Matco and was in the Apex tools partnership. With Craftsman being independent and available all over the place it will be interesting to see if they hold their reputation, not that I've felt it has been that good for the last 20 years or if the reputation and value of the brand falls with everyone selling them and the support and service falls off.

 

[Steve@Advance]

Keep in touch with the associate you know.

Sometimes when a store is closing out a line of tools, there are some really good bargains to be had!

A coworker gave me a bunch of tools, Lennox hole saws, drill bits, misc small hand tools. Said it came from a hardware store that was changing lines, they offered the leftovers to employees for the taking!

 

[Dean]

Clerk told me that local Lowes closed out many Kobalt tools about three weeks ago.

Dean

 

[scoutfisher]

Loews owns kobalt. They are just ending there own brand.

 

[kcm.MN]

I have a Kobalt 7 1/4" circular saw that I bought several years ago. Then parents health got bad and lots of bad things happened, so never opened the box until saw was nearly 3 years old. First use, I liked it as much as my 25-year-old Dewalt, and in some ways even more.

A few months ago, looked online to see how much the saw was selling for, as I had forgotten....but none could be found. No sign of Kobalt circular saws.

Still using both saws; the Dewalt for crap work and cutting metal, and the Kobalt for.....well, for 'easier' tasks. It's a nice saw!

 

[Dean]

Well aware of that.

Dean

 

[Bob]

How do you "dump" your own made-up name "store brand'?

Mite "discontinue" be a more accurate and less dramatic term?

 

[Deere Scotty]

I Buy a far more expensive brand with a lifetime guarantee that is not available at most retailers. SK Tools. Have not replaced anything yet; they dont bend like some other tools like "Craftsman". They claim they are tested to 5 times more strength over Crafstman. All SK are Made in US. I quit buying Craftsman when the hand tools began crossing the salt water!!! Never bought a Kobalt, all made in china.

 

[john in la]

Your story does not match what Lowes corporate office is saying.
Makes me wonder what the real story is.

 

[Dean]

Perhaps, but that's what happened, and that's what I was told.

Dean

 

[john in la]

Dean
I in no way dispute what you said.
It is the truth by what a store employee told you.

But on the other hand it would be nice to know if this employee was mistaken or knew what he was talking about before I buy another Kobalt tool.

 

[Gambles]

"FWIW: I've had the Craftsman files replaced under warranty several times by Sears without question. No one asked me to give up my evidence of a lifetime warranty.
I miss Sears."

The Craftsman name has been in the toilet for several years now, but it looks like they MIGHT be on the rebound.


https://toolguyd.com/craftsman-hand-tools-usa-factory-news-052019/

 

[Mike M]

Sounds like you have warrantied a lot of mill files ? I sure don't see how anyone warrantied any of them ? Those are a wear item like a drill bit.

 

[Dean]

Couldn't say, John.

I do not know him. I only know that he has worked in the hardware department for years.

The clerk at the CS desk said something similar about Lowes "dumping" (sorry, couldn't resist) Kobalt. I waved my hand at all of the Kobalt banners behind her and she just shrugged.

Dean

 

[M-MAN]

The sad part is the Kobalts are better tools than the Craftsman now a days.

 

[Dean]

Bingo.

That's why I bought "lifetime guaranteed" files with "no questions asked."

If you don't mean it, don't print it.

Never any question from Sears.

Dean

 

[Dean]

I have a few SK tools, all of which have been perfect.

I'm not a professional mechanic so do not pay premium prices for Snap ON, etc. Rather, I buy readily available tools (read Craftsman) with lifetime guarantees so that replacement is easy.

I do not remember ever breaking a Craftsman wrench, socket, ratchet, etc. I still use the extended arm (12" or 14") 1/2" drive ratchet bought by my Father in 1965. I remember when he bought the set for, IIRC, $9.99 (lots of money in 1965). Still works like a charm and much easier to handle than my 3/4" drive stuff.

Dean

 

[T.R.K.]

I had the same experience with a Kobalt tool years ago. I think they change what Lowes carries just so that you can't get your broken tool warrantied.

I had a similar experience with Auto Zone once. "Do you have your receipt?" No. Shouldn't need it if the package says 'lifetime guarantee' And the same tool hanging on the wall in the store says it right on the package.

Lastly, did you know that Auto Zone receipts are printed with an ink that becomes unreadable in a certain amount of time? They do. Disappearing ink. So still no 'lifetime' guarantee.

 

[Sprint 6]

You don't need the receipt at Autozone that I know of, just the phone number given when the item was purchased. That's been my experience.

 

[Gambles]

Speaking of Autozone tools, about a dozen years ago I purchased a "Great Neck" 1/4" ratchet and socket set from Autozone. Now some of the people here will remember the Great Neck name when it comes to tools. Nothing really great about them, just another tool name that has slowly disappeared. Anyway, all of the sockets and ratchets had the Great Neck name inscribed on them. After a few years, the ratchet failed on the set, so off I go to Autozone for a replacement. I got an arrogant jerk behind the counter who questioned me several times about the set because he had worked there "forever" and he had never seen any of those tools being sold there. I pointed out the exact same set that they now sell, it's just that it has the Duralast name inscribed in all of the pieces instead of Great Neck. He still wouldn't budge and, like previously mentioned, the ink fades away from the original receipt and I hadn't made a copy. Another employee saved me when he heard my conversation with the the guy, remembered that they sold it, and told him to get me the replacement.
It's ironic how they push the lifetime warranty on everything they sell, but try not to honor it later.

 

[Bret4207]

It's funny to me that a few years back I came here complaining that Estwing would not honor it's lifetime warranty on it's leather handled hammers and was told I was a cheapskate and no good type of man. I guess times change!

 

[Dean]

It depends upon who you talk to.

Dean

 

[Billy Shafer]

That sounds like Generac. "WARRANTY" we don't have no stinkin warranty.

 

[shaun wallace]

Around 50 years ago NAPA sold the New Brition line. Have couple sockets, jokeling ask if would warrenty them. No one even knew that they sold that brand.Most of my Craftsman stuff is over 30 years old matter of fact most all my hand tools are.

 

[M-MAN]

Sorry Bret but I would put getting files
warranted up there with used sandpaper
and trying to get new. It's a consumable,
not a tool. The leather wrapped hammer is
actually a hand tool.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

People have been complaining about jumping through hoops to get companies to honor these so-called "Lifetime Warranties" for as long as I can remember. Even Sears started tightening up on aspects of their warranty decades ago.

To me it isn't worth the hassle anymore.

If I need good stuff, I buy vintage old-school tools off eBay for less than any of this "lifetime warranty" crap. For example, I bought a 1960s or early 70s vintage set of SK 1/2 inch drive sockets 3/8 to 1 1/4 and plug socket, 2 extensions, breaker bar, ratchet and case. $65 shipped. Whole set was what I'd consider hardly used.

Also bought Diamond Tool & Horshoe adjustable wrenches, 18, 12, 10, 8. $75 shipped. These have already lasted some guy his whole life and they'll outlive me as well.

If it's a "disposable tool" where it gets minimal use or I don't really care if it wears out or breaks, I buy Harbor Freight and don't worry about all this warranty crap.

Grouse

 

[T in NE]

Kobalt is the store brand. Warranty costs are Lowe's alone.

Crapsman warranty costs belong to Stanley/ black and decker.