UPDATE: If you’re interesting in purchasing the Lowes Kobalt Multi-Drive Wrench as a holiday gift, you should also check out the innovative new Kobalt Double-Drive Screwdriver!
Kobalt’s new Multi-Drive Wrench is another new Dog Bone wrench design that features 8 universal sockets that cover both standard 6pt SAE and metric fasteners, as well as a variety of specialty shapes and sizes.
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Buy now(via Lowes)
It looks like the new Multi Drive is a fierce competitor to Black & Decker’s new ratcheting ReadyWrench, which has already become an extremely popular gift idea (check the sale price via Amazon).
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(Update: Links to our hands-on reviews of the Multi-Drive can be found at the bottom of this page.)
Kobalt advertises that the Multi-Drive Wrench works on 68 different fasteners – 56 sockets plus 12 screwdriver tips. Personally, I don’t like this type of “more is better” marketing and think that an emphasis on how many fasteners sizes the tool can theoretically cover will only confuse consumers.
Taking a closer look at it, the Multi-Drive Wrench actually looks to be pretty well designed. It appears to be about the same size or perhaps even slimmer than most of the other dog bone wrenches that we’ve seen, and it even offers an interchangeable socket adapter head. Included with the wrench is a socket head attachment which features 1/4″, 3/8″ and 1/2″ square drives for use with sockets, and a 1/4″ hex bit adapter to use with screwdriver insert bits.
Also included with the kit is a drop-in LED flashlight module, and a 12 piece bit set. The commercial states that for a limited time early shoppers will receive a bonus 50 piece bit with their order.
At $25-30, the Kobalt Multi-Drive Wrench may very well go head to head with Black & Decker’s ratcheting ReadyWrench (Amazon link). Of the two, it’s tough to say which is better since they both bring different features to the table. But one thing is for certain – both tools appear to be superior to Husky’s new 48-in-1 offering, despite their slightly higher prices.
How Well Does the Multi-Drive Fit Hex Fasteners? – Part 1 of our review!
ToolGuyd Full Hands-on Review of the Multi Drive – Part 2 of our review!
Buy Now(via Lowes)
concord carpenter says
Cool design!
Wes Beaty says
How does this wrench fair in very tight spots
Ramiro Cruz says
I want to know if this tool can be ship to Puerto Rico 00637 and how much a have to pay for shiping
Stuart says
Wes, I’m currently reviewing a Kobalt Multi-Drive Wrench that I purchased over the weekend. It is relatively compact, but in tighter spots other tools may be more suitable.
Ramiro, I hope this helps:
mary hamara says
where do i buy this tool at please help
thank you
mary
Stuart says
You can buy it at Lowe’s either in-store, or over the phone. Call 1-800-406-9772 for phone sales.
Marilyn Couch says
Went into Lowes in our area, big box store, inquired about this Kobalt Multi Drive and the salesman told me it’s like hot cakes, all sold out. He also told me that they are all out and usually have it in for the Holidays. Well what to do now? I want to get my hubby one of these beauties and Lowes are all out? Any jelp would appease me…thanks.
Stuart says
It’s still available for sale via Lowes.com, although you might have to pay shipping fees if in-store pickup is no longer a valid option.
Ron Kelley says
I ordered this wrench on 15 Nov 10 and gave my email address expecting to receive an email confirming my order. This has not occured and I’m concerned. After a call to 800-406-9772 and being told to call 800-890-5932 to followup, I did so, but to date they are unable to confirm my order. Since I ordered by credit card I’m growing in my concerns. Please respond by email to me to confirm my order and shipping date. Thank you.
Stuart says
I don’t know what to tell you, we’re not Lowe’s. Try calling their online customer service line at 1-800-445-6937.
Scott Gardner says
I actually went into the Lowe’s Huntersville nad the sales guy in the tool department looked at me like I had three eyes. … he had no idea. It was really sad.
Stuart says
The Multi Drive display is in the holiday tool gift section near the front of the store. Although, it’s a bit disturbing that the tool dept. employee didn’t even know what it was.
Tammy Weller says
Ron I am sure your order has shipped. I work for the company. The orders ship out daily.
As far as if they can ship it to Puerto Rico. The answer is yes.
Jonathan Mullen says
I’m an American living in Belize.
Can this tool be shipped here? Not critical because I can have them purchased in the US and brought down. Just curious.
How does this tool hold up against corrosion in a salt air environment? Does it have internal metal springs prone to rust?
Thanks
Nick says
I bought this wrench and it broke within 10 minutes of opening the package. I did not even get a chance to try it on any fasteners. There is a small ball bearing on a spring the prevents the head from freely rotating. It popped out and is lost forever. This could not have happened if the head was non-removable. It was probably a manufacturing defect with my wrench because I can’t imagine them selling a tool that breaks so easily.
The bit set it comes with is actually pretty nice. I could tell the flashlight would be crap before buying so no surprises there. Overall the tool seem fairly well constructed. The size markings are stamped into each wrench size. The stamps did not come out perfect but are still easily readable.
I thought about trying another one but I think I’ll just return the tool and pick up a Craftsman dog bone instead.
joshWUa says
Overall what rating could we give this wrench from the scale of 1 to 10. Father in law is ASE certified and don’t wanna disappoint him for Christmas.
Nick says
I thought I would add to my last post.
I picked up standard and metric size Craftsman Dog Bone wrenches on sale at Sears for 20.00 each. I like them better than the Kobalt tool.
The thing is that with the Kobalt, the metric and standard are combined. Metric and standard sizes are not close enough in most cases to be interchangeable without risking damage to the fastener. Another advantage of the Craftsman tool is that the axle doesn’t go all the way across the wrench so it will work on longer bolts. The Kobalt tool has an axle that will not allow you to tighten a nut unless there is less than 1 inch of extra threads sticking past the nut. The Craftsman tool also has fairly strong magnets in the handle which come in handy.
The main disadvantage of the Craftsman is that it accommodates fewer fasteners. It does not do spline or square heads. The Craftsman also has laser etched size markings which are larger and sharper than the Kobalt tool but they also stand out less. The Kobalt tool has stamped markings with paint to make them stand out. It might make a difference in low light conditions.
Bottom line is that for me the Craftsman wrenches are superior even though you need to spend more and buy 2 to get standard and metric. They fit fewer fasteners but fit better overall minimizing the risk of damaging the heads. The two Craftsman tools will stick together via the magnets whereas the Kobalt has a silly little flashlight, a bit set and an extra head to try and keep track of in your tool bag. Most importantly the Craftsman tools have the established and well known forever warranty. Walk into any Sears and get a free replacement no hassle.
Dave Schneider says
where do I get one of those tools at Abbotsford BC Canada
Brian says
Looking at buying the multi drive wrench, do you ship to UK
Mary Jacobs says
I wantd to get the Kobalt Multi Drive Wrench for my son. He saw the TV ad for it which said you would also get, as a bonus, a free flashlight head and 2 screwdriver bit sets ( a 12pc. and a 50 pc.) When I went to our Lowe’s. the manager said he had never heard or seen any info. on the bonus. Can you give me info as to where/how I can get this offer?
Stuart says
Jonathon, I’m not sure, you’ll have to check with Lowes. And I have no idea how the tool will hold up to a salt water environment, sorry. Yes, there are ball detents with internal springs.
Josh, the tool is usable, but not for tight work areas or delicate fasteners. Off the top of my head, I would rate it a 4 out of 10.
Nick, thanks for sharing your experience with the tool and for your dog bone wrench recommendations!
Dave, it’s only available at Lowes in the USA. I’m not sure if they’ll ship it to Canada.
Brian, first, we’re not the ones selling the tool. Second, I don’t think Lowes ships overseas.
Mary, you may be able to get the bonus 50pc set by ordering the tool online. The bonus is only available “temporarily while supplies last”, so they might have already run out.
Sandy says
Went into my local Lowe’s this past weekend and could not find this tool anywhere – wanted it for husband’s Christmas gift. I had printed out the item descrip from .com and gave it to an employee. She looked it and told me that they no longer carry it, but if I went to customer service they could do a special order on it. I even checked .com this morning and the tool is no longer listed. What gives? Have they replaced it with another variety – or item #? Really disappointed… 🙁
D Teichman says
People at our Lowe’s in Weatherford, TX said they could not get anmy more, and Kobalt has quit making them and will not make more. They found some at another Lowe’s and ordered them for people on a waiting list for them. These folks had to come in a prepay to buy one of these from another store. So, happy hunting—they told me to go on line at either Lowes or Kobalt.
Stuart says
I dropped by my local Lowes to check on this. The display had been moved to the front of the store even closer to the entrance, and was still at about 2/3 capacity.
If you still want one and can’t find it locally, I too would suggest ordering online.
MT says
Very frustrated. I went online twice this weekend to the website shown on the TV commercial, but it just dumps you into lowes.com, which states that it doesn’t sell these online. Have made 3 trips in 3 days to my local Lowes, only to be told today that they’re not getting any more. Tried to call in an order on the 1-800 number but got recording that says they aren’t taking any more phone orders. So, I’m 0 for 6 trying to buy one of these. Guess I’ll just find something else to wrap and put under the tree this year.
Ruby Johnson says
most of the employees at lowes don’t even know what they are talking about.
there was a sale today at the salem oregon stores. they said they didn’t even get any in for the sale. both stores told altogether 2 different stories.
if you have a sale you should have the merchandise for the sale.
James B says
Just went our local Lowes in Derby, CT this evening. We looked in the front holiday tool display and couldn’t find it, so we asked a the tool counter and the man told us they were sold out and that he had called every other store in the area for another customer earlier that day and they were ALL sold out. No luck online for me either. Obviously a good marketing job by Kobalt on TV. Most TV items turn out to be crap, so I’m not losing any sleep over this one. Probably better off with with Sears like someone else mentioned.
ted says
I went to Lowes yesterday to buy one advertised in Sundays paper and was told that they were sold out as of Thanksgiving. Gotta love people that advertise merchandise they haven’t stocked in a month…..That and customer service is why I usually go to Home Depot.
T.Gleason says
I went and a saleman said that they were one time only, but the next truck had 6 which 9 were already sold. Then I asked if I could order my 15 and get a rain check as they were listed in the weekly flyer. No he said and left. I think I might just speak to my lawyer about this one. Please respond asap!!!!
Stuart says
I don’t know what to tell you. The tool is no longer available online or over the phone, so you can only find it in-store.
A store sells out, there’s nothing you can do. Speak to your lawyer? What will that accomplish? Your two realistic options are to wait to see if stores are restocked or to choose an alternative tool such as the B&D ratcheting ReadyWrench.
John D. Donkersloot says
My wife bought one for me at Lowes for Christmas. This is the first Kobalt tool I have owned. When I opened it, the screwdriver bits would not fit into the adapter head. I couldn’t believe it. That’s pretty sad quality control. I’ll buy Craftsman.
Melissa says
Now I don’t feel so bad. I’m new to this and I thought it was me. I just ordered an adapter on e-bay for $3 including shipping. I hopes this solves the problem, otherwise, Craftsman for me in the future too.
Wayne Seymour says
Is there a carry bag designed for this wrench that can be purchased?
C.SIPES says
Hey Gleason, your lawyer isn’t the kobalt president is he?
rm says
how do i use the bits, led light, and socket adapter head
are they to be used with the tool or separately with other stuff
Stuart says
They’re used with the tool, but the bits can be used with other tools/bit drivers as well.
Bob says
I have nearly stopped going to Lowes for anything. This tool is another fine example of theM. I.C. ( made in communist china )trash that is all too common in our country today . I NOT buy ANYTHING made in china . Yes, it is difficult to find some things , but it is possible. We as consumers have to let these retailers know we’ve had enough .
bill bland says
I went to Lowes in Shallotte,NC to purchase the multi tool. I was told by one of there associates that they pulled all of them to the warehouse waiting for the Memorial day sale. If they have them in the store then they should sell me one.
Stuart says
Bill,
That’s odd because I would have expected the display to be out well before their Memorial Day sale. My feeling is that they might advertise them this week or next for Father’s Day, and so that’s why they pulled the stock back. Or they might be anticipating a large online sales rush.
Karla P says
I am looking for the phone number where I can order the tool with the bonus bit sets and flashlight advertised on tv. Can you give me the 800 associated with the ad? My husband is an ASE Certified technician and I think he would love the tool for Fathers Day.
Ryan says
N
Bill says
I bet my Grand son can destroy this tool in a matter of weeks. He will put a pipe on it and break it, looseall the drivers and last drop it on the ground and leave it until it rust away. NO tool is safe with him, fot even a anvil.
chris gutierrez says
I live in lake Jackson tx. I just bought the multi drive wrench for 20 dollars on sale and they got 4 left in stock if you need it I would recommend to order from the lake Jackson Lowes by the way awesome tool no problems so far