I heard rumors that Lowes was coming out with new Kobalt screwdrivers that were made in the USA, and just had to check out the story.
It turns out… the rumors are true!
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Kobalt has come out with a new line of mechanics screwdrivers that are made in the USA by Great Neck Tools. They’re made in the USA with domestic and foreign components. Despite the added fine print, made in the USA is a nice change to see from Lowes and Kobalt.
The new screwdrivers don’t seem to be exceptionally good, but I didn’t see any glaring issues with them either. If there’s enough demand I might give them a try, but they didn’t really scream out “TRY ME!” when I was at the store.
These drivers have cellulose acetate hard plastic handles, hexagonal bolsters for extra leverage, and metal striking caps. The tips have a black phosphate finish for extra grip.
The new screwdrivers have much different handles than the older ones with rubberized handle grips. It doesn’t look like Lowes is replacing the older drivers with the new ones.
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What it seems to me is that the new screwdrivers are meant to be higher-tier heavy duty screwdrivers, and that the rubber-gripped ones are more intended for general usage and everyday applications.
The older (regular duty?) screwdrivers are made in China, also by Great Neck Tools.
There is of course a price difference. Looking at the Phillips #2 screwdrivers, for example, the newer version is $9.49, and the older version is $6.98.
Lowes is offering these new drivers in a couple of individual sizes, and there’s also a new 5-piece set that comes with two Phillips, two slotted, and one mini offset screwdrivers.
Note: Some readers have said that while the individual screwdrivers are labeled made in USA, the set is labeled made in China. The model numbers for the individual drivers look to be the same, so I’m not quite sure what this means.
Buy Now(Phillips #2 via Lowes)
Buy Now(5-piece Set via Lowes)
First Thoughts
Although I don’t think these drivers look exceptional, they didn’t look bad either. I wasn’t compelled enough to buy one to test out, but that stance might change later on. I am unlikely to pay close to $10 each for these drivers, but $20 for the 5-piece set is much more reasonable.
Last winter, Lowes and Kobalt came out with their Magnum Grip locking pliers and Triple Cut Multi-Cutters, two tools that fell short of my expectations and really soured my feelings towards the brand. Deceptive pricing and a lack of instructions (read more about that here) added to the sentiment.
Despite my complete disinterest in buying them, these screwdrivers brighten my feelings towards Kobalt. These new drivers appear to be well designed and well made. There are no gimmicks, just practical heavy-duty features, reasonable pricing, and Made in USA labeling.
Last month I wrote about the new Kobalt hex and Torx keys that had come out. A few more new tools like those hex keys and these new screwdrivers, and maybe my faith in Kobalt quality will eventually be restored.
john
5-piece Set say make in China but single screwdrivers say make in USA, found that very odd.
Stuart
That is really odd, I’m not sure what it means.
john
i go down lowe’s tomorrow take a pic 5-piece Set see what i talk about, i no offset screwdriver in 5-piece set make in china that means rest screwdrivers are made in china to ?.
Stuart
I believe what you said, there’s no need to get proof.
I think you’re onto something – that maybe the offset driver is made overseas and the main screwdrivers are made here.
Dan
Made in USA today often means “final assembly”. In other words, Made in USA, but with no true skilled labor in use.
The set that says made in China says that because they are paying even lower skilled labor to box up and package the set. Comical difference but until fuel prices sky rocket again, you’ll continue to see more of it.
Matt
Yeah kind of a weird or misleading set up on,thes.
The set is made in china, singles made here.. So I guess break all the set ones fast and get replacements.
Javier
I like kobalt hand tools because of the lifetime warranty. I’ve used their hassle free warranty a few times and it’s great because you don’t need a receipt.
Stan
“USA with domestic and foreign components.”
Now I will be the first to say any company that at least makes an attempt to support create American jobs, but I find this interesting that some, not all, Husky screwdrivers are 100% American made, except for the packaging which is made in China, yet Kobalt uses a supplier that only partially manufactures some of the components in USA.
Well given that seemingly a majority of items sold at these big box stores aren’t even partially USA made, anything is better than nothing though.
As for the offset screwdrivers, I was just in my local Lowes and what they currently sold was made in the PRC though.
David
I’ll pass. There are just too many 100% USA made screwdrivers out there to buy this partially American made Kobalt screwdriver. (Klein, Craftsman [some, not all], Proto, SK, the upcoming new Channellock screwdrivers, Moody, Wilde, Grace USA, etc.). Also, I hate Lowes and avoid it if at all possible.
Conductor562
I haven’t relied on Lowe’s for hand tools in years. The 1st generation Williams made stuff was the best value there was. Excellent quality and affordable prices, way ahead of the Craftsman and Husky offerings of the time. The 2nd gen Danaher stuff was a big step down, but still decent. When they went Asian, they lost what little consideration they had left with me. After the phased out Klein, Knipex, and most Channellocks in favor of this Chinese made Southwire crap, I have no reason to go there at all.
David
Ditto. Nothing of value there. Move along.
Dan Richards
I’d still much rather buy Husky Pro screwdrivers if I were to need a new set today and couldn’t wait for my preferred brands to show up on a truck.
Kevin
shanks are probably made in china and they just slap the handle on stateside. Kobalt screwdrivers just feel softer,cheaper than Craftsman , Husky stuff.
Rick Carpenter
My Williams drivers were made in USA but the bag they came in was made in China and labeled as such. Maybe the same going on here?
Chris
I puchased a large flat head and #2 as back ups for work. Wasn’t expecting much but couldn’t bring myself to buy the even cheaper versions mentioned above. Ever since I was impressed with there durability and simple design. They have become my go to when I don’t want to damage my nice drivers. The large flat head gets a lot of use that its not intended for and still works job after job. (mini pry bar)
John Shelton
I try my best to buy American products , especially tools , other wise the quality just isn’t there , and personal believe everyone should support their own country