Lowe’s launched a new Klein Tools multi-bit screwdriver, with a blacked-out color scheme just ahead of Halloween.
It sure does look cool, but good luck to any electrician that drops one in a dimly lit attic or basement!
Both companies seem to have been making a ton of money on limited edition blacked-out tools, and so here’s another one.
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Price $15
This is a limited edition of Klein’s iconic 32500 11-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver.
Amazon has a promo on Klein tools right now, where you can save $15 off $75+ select products.
Klein also launched limited edition screwdrivers last year, and also wire strippers with American flag-inspired decor. It’s still available at Lowe’s, and it doesn’t look like they fixed the botched flag design yet.
What are your thoughts on the blacked-out tool trend?
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Paul
usually, I am not prone for special edition stuff. saying that and having owned, used, lost, donated a dozen or so of the iconic 11 in 1, I……. need this one @_@
fred
All black – sometimes means easy to lose. Halloween colors (orange and black) might be easier to spot
Clay
Agreed!
The scariest thing about this would be to drop it in the wrong place!
Jared
HA!
Stuart
In my mind, rather than “money grab,” this is the same screwdriver but in a Halloween costume.
Tmedina
I don’t get the blacked out fad, especially when you work in dim or poor lighting, but whatever floats your boat.
Speaking of Lowe’s, they have the full Craftsman Overdrive wrench set, metric or SAE, for ~$50 through December 31st. Down from $75.
Stuart
Thanks, will take a look.
In the meantime, I would STRONGLY REMIND everyone of the possibility you might encounter warranty difficulties down the road. People have been complaining that Craftsman is unable to replace individual V-Series tools, and that there’s no close alternative. The same could potentially happen with Overdrive.
Jared
While I recognize the concern, I don’t personally place so much weight on warranty replacements.
It’s annoying when something breaks and you can’t make a set anymore – but how often does that happen? If it does, it’s rarely the case that there’s no alternative whatsoever.
I’m not saying it isn’t a genuine concern, just that it merits some consideration.
I don’t think I’ve ever ruined a high-quality wrench (certainly some cheap ones back in my youth). Sockets can wear out – should you buy Snap-on so the replacement is easier – or Williams at a fraction of the cost even if you might have to find a local distributer yourself to get a replacement? I’ve heard people refusing to try Knipex pliers because they aren’t sure how the warranty is honored – those are great tools!
None of that is disagreement really, merely a suggestion that people consider just how much they want to value a warranty.
Stuart
Yes, but a lot of people buy Craftsman for the lifetime guarantee. Sometimes tools do have manufacturing defects that cause them to break or fail when they shouldn’t.
I’m not saying that Craftsman’s warranty issues are a reason to avoid their more premium-priced tools, but that it’s something customers should be aware of.
I bought Dewalt USA-made screwdrivers with a lifetime guarantee. Dewalt discontinued them a few years ago and don’t make anything comparable. Would I buy the set today if I had the chance, even knowing this? Yes. But I know some wouldn’t, because the warranty is baked into the price or at least a big part of the appeal.
PW
The cynical side of me says this “blacked out” trend is a way to sell cheaper finishes (e.g. black oxide instead of chrome/nickel) at a higher price.
It does work on my lizard brain though. I think Klein’s screwdrivers are normally kinda fugly but this one looks nice.
Stuart
It’s for the aesthetics. “I don’t need another multi-bit screwdriver, but that looks so cool!” sells tools, and lots of them. It’s no coincidence that it launched just ahead of the holiday shopping season.