Klein Tools has been an expansion spree in recent years, breaking into new tool categories and markets beyond the electrical hand tools they’ve been known for.
In addition to general construction tools, with sawhorses perhaps being the best example, Klein has also recently launched an entire line of plumbing tools.
A reader – thank you, Phil! – found a teaser on Klein Tools’ website that says their new Automotive category tools are coming soon. No additional details have been announced at this time.
Advertisement
Klein already has mechanics tools in their tool catalog, such as these (imported) combination wrenches.
They also launched many impact socket and installation tool sets that are packaged inside ModBox-compatible cases.
It’s not a big stretch for Klein to rejigger some of their existing SKUs to target mechanics and the automotive tools industry.
The big question is whether this is going to be a slight retargeting with existing tools, or if Klein will launching an entire line of mechanics tools, similar to what they just did with new pipe wrenches, tubing cutters, and other plumbing-specific gear.
Next, we’ve got to ask where these tools will be sold. It seems probably that Klein mechanics tools would launch at Lowe’s, given the strong partnership between the companies following Klein’s departure from a long-time exclusivity arrangement with Home Depot.
Klein’s expansion into new tool industry spaces seems inspired by the steps Milwaukee Tool has taken over a much longer period of time, and Lowe’s adoption of Klein Tools also seems modeled after Milwaukee’s increased visibility at Home Depot stores over time.
Advertisement
Because of this, it’s natural to think about the Klein-Lowe’s connection for any new tool announcement or teaser.
In the mechanics and automotive tools space, Lowe’s has Kobalt and Craftsman, and that’s about it. I recently spotted a Dewalt floor jack at Lowe’s, in the tool deals section, but that seems like a one-off for the holidays rather than any indication more automotive Dewalt tools are on the way.
Great Star, who has a footprint at Lowe’s stores with their Pony and Jorgensen brands, has not been successful in bringing their SK Tools brands to Lowe’s stores. Craftsman’s V-series tools were a huge holiday season hit, albeit at seemingly unsustainable discounted prices.
Craftsman’s Overdrive line launched last year, and is positioned at a higher level than their other tools at Lowe’s. I have not noticed any emphasis at Lowe’s, or any expansions since the line first came out.
In other words, Lowe’s has resisted bringing in higher-tier mechanics tools. Perhaps Klein’s new automotive category expansion or focus might be changing that. There’s also the question about whether Klein’s automotive tools are going to be higher-tier.
I think it will be interesting to see what Klein comes out with – assuming this isn’t just a reorganization of existing products. However, based on everything they’ve launched in the past 2 years at Lowe’s, I’m not expecting any game-changers or innovations.
Matt
Yup, the leftover V-series is now on clearance below the sales price at my local Lowe’s.
If this is a higher tier offering it would be very welcome.
jon
They also seem to have cleared the very limited selection of v series and overdrive from the regular location at the lowes stores nearby my location. There were a handful of the holiday sale v series items in the craftsman section, but none of the full priced v series or signs remained.
I recall some speculation as to whether the sale was a clearance event or an attempt to bring awareness to the v series line when Stuart first highlighted the sale. Looks to me like it was a clearance event.
Stuart
The strangest part is that none of the Lowe’s stores near me have ever carried any V-Series tools. The many thousands of tools that appeared in the holiday season displays must have been new productions.
David A.
I’ve noticed the increasing presence of Klein tools at Lowes for the past couple years, Klein has definitely evolved from a boutique electrician/lineman tool company into more of a general tools company. It seems to me the quality of some of their pliers and other tools has eroded, with made-in-the-USA versions being less available in stores (specifically Lowes). I don’t know hat this means for Klein long term since its independently owned (I think?) but I would hate to see yet another classic American brand get destroyed in the interest of chasing profit margins (a la Crescent, Allen, Stanley, Porter-Cable, Irwin, etc.).
Jronman
It isn’t all bad because other companies have gotten into producing better options than the original company. For example (in my opinion) Wera makes a better hex wrench than Allen, Festool makes a better router than Porter Cable, Knipex makes a better adjustable wrench than Crescent. Those were a few examples, and I could probably go on more.
Jack
That may be, but Wera, Festool and Knipex are all European companies, not American!
Stuart
And? Good luck finding USA-made Crescent tool these days.
Their parent company is owned by a private investment firm, and it was reported that they were looking to sell the tool business to a Chinese company before talks failed due to valuation disagreements.
The same company shut down the Allen tool brand, years after they shifted all or nearly all production to China. They shut down Armstrong tools at the same time.
Porter Cable has become irrelevant and is on the verge of disappearing.
Jronman
So far I’m not impressed. I am annoyed with seemingly everyone wanting to do everything. Being competitive is no longer good enough in my opinion. They need to be more than just competitive they need to be innovative. Throwing a Klein logo and potentially an appealing price tag is not innovative in my opinion.
Peter
Milwaukee seems to be pushing for the we got it all and more pretty successful with DeWalt being on their tails.
So that Klein wants a piece of that pie is understandable.
Not sure if that is such a good thing for them but maybe Milwaukee and DeWalt are also pushing into Klein’s core market too so they have to broaden their customer base.
Jim Premo
Bingo!
Bonnie
Not just do they want a piece of the pie… With brands becoming akin to religions they kind of have to or else watch their market share dwindle away.
PW
I don’t get it. How is Klein going to have anything more than a me-too offering in Lowe’s? Mechanics tools are an extremely competitive category, in both price and quality. There’s absolutely no way Klein is going to be _manufacturing_ their own mechanics tools. I assume this would have to be an extension of their current offerings, with more stuff out of the catalog of whatever ODM they’re using for say their chromed ratchets.
That probably means Taiwan-made mechanics tools at some mid-price point with commensurate quality for whatever Klein decides to pay for. That’s not bad, but it’s hardly unique.
What’s the value proposition? I don’t see how they’d beat Milwaukee, Tekton, Harbor Freight, or heck even Craftsman in the next bay over in Lowe’s. They certainly won’t beat out lower tier brands like Husky on price.
Milwaukee has made out in this space because they have a rabid fanbase and a lot of (deserved) reputation from other tool categories that carries over to their hand tool efforts. I don’t see that for Klein.
I think in order to win here it would take more investment than would be worth it for Klein.
OTOH, given recent history, I guess there’s going to be some banger closeout sales at my local Lowe’s in the near future. I do like those!
Nate
Another advantage Milwaukee had in carrying over to mechanics hand tools, is that they were already pretty well regarded for their M18 and M12 impact wrenches, slowly putting their foot in the door as they added other battery powered options before going into the hand tool space.
Klein more or less going from electrical to automotive with no in between. It’ll be interesting to see if it works, but like you said it’s a competitive category for sure.
LD
I love Klein products. Are they chasing Milwaukee? Possibly, if Milwaukee is going after Kleins customers then I guess its game on. I personally have not chased Milwaukee hand tools at All and I will not go there. I have Milwaukee corded and cordless POWER tools and that’s it. Klein hand tools are some of the best I own. It almost seems like big red is whoreing out there name like Browning, Caterpillar and Winchester all have. When these co’s do that? I’m done with them.
Josh R
Klein’s expansion into Lowe’s has curbed my enthusiasm for their tools. They were a safe bet for good electrical tools, but seeing their name all over import tools is making me stop and check the specific tool instead of buying it on brand faith. And it turns out there are a lot of competitors also making pretty good tools; I don’t really see myself buying too much more Klein from here on out.
Chris
They’d have to offer a good selection of USA made mechanics tools for me to even be interested. Otherwise it’s no different than buying one of the many other high quality import tool brands.
PW
There’s just no way it’s going to be USA made mechanic’s tools. Klein already sells some “mechanics” tools, and they are all imported.
Also, setting up an entire US production line to make competitively priced chromed tools is extremely capital-intensive. It would need massive volume to make it work. OR, they’d have to be priced high – think Wright or Proto pricing. Neither is going to fly for a me-too product sold at Lowe’s.
It’s going to be an imported product from an existing ODM, probably someone Klein already has a relationship with. It’s conceivable Klein could bring over a more obscure set of designs or catalog options offered by that ODM. But otherwise I doubt it’s going to be “different than buying one of the many other imports”.
I could see Klein offering some kind of integration with their toolbox as a differentiator. But that’s not of interest to most of us who don’t have their boxes…
Richard
If sockets are any indication, Klein is already manufacturing automotive tools. I bought a set of their 3/8 drive chrome sockets(not the flip sockets) about two years ago, sockets only. They came in a red metal box. Now I see they have a similar SAE set at Home Depot that now includes a ratchet and two extensions for $65. I paid $25-30 for the sockets alone.
Vern
If Klein’s automotive tools were advertised all made in USA and promoted as such mechanics wood probably buy them instead of all the cheap China tools that everybody else has…
Nathan
If it’s not made in USA like the other klien tools it’s a terrible move. I mean they have capabilities now minor expansion and not trying to make tons of new mechanic tools is easily feasible.
Take their current screwdrivers maybe change a few materials for oil resistant rubber etc. add torx and hex sizes and get into special items like some jos or pozi drive or others. Great expansion
Make a set of wrenches and ratchets sockets. USA made maybe partner with Cromwell or mac/Stanley. They already have an agreement with sbd anyway.
Id be ok with that but if they bring over chinesium with their name on them just diluting the brand. Did klien get bought by a vc firm?
Richard
That passthru ratchet looks interesting. Specifically it seems they have an adapter that allows you to chuck a socket in a regular hex driver or drill.
Carrying passthru instead of regular and long sockets saves so much weight. I’m happy my gearwrench version (1/4”) in my do-all bag but they don’t make an adapter and sometimes I wish I had one. I wonder if the Klein version might use the same pattern and I could use it (assuming they release a 1/4” too).
Jason Leary
The only thing Klein should be worried about is getting more tools made in America. They have lost so much quality in the past few years
KC
Spellcheck strikes again? “they new Automotive category tools are coming soon”
Stuart
Thanks! *fixed*
Adam
While in Advance Auto picking up some clearance products, it was brought to my attention Die Hard has released power tools. Seemed silly, when the over-sized 1/2″ impact wrench topped the specs at 300 ft/lbs. Do they not realize the other offerings from companies? Set to fail from the release.
s
even sillier once you consider that walmart ‘hypertough’ impacts are besting many of the rankings on the youtube channel, torque test channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBNplsklWvY
JR Ramos
Interesting results for sure and a great example of trickle-down benefits, but “besting” in this case is just a new out-of-the-box brief test run and there is a lot more to consider in a tool. We’ve seen several cheap tools lose some oomph with regular use and issues with durability (not to mention lack of parts availability and repair options). You just can’t make the same quality at such low price points even taking into account premium brand-image pricing markups and such…but these “cheap” brands are saving a ton by not marketing and not really doing much in the way of R&D and other testing. If I were interested in one of them I’d keep in mind that they’re meant for occasional DIY type use and I’d also look for any meaningful longer term use reviews or low-rating reviews that may point out issues that out-of-the-box testing cannot. The “buy cheap and throw away before re-buying the same tool” crowd will always jump on these and so they will no doubt sell well, especially after initial performance testing like this, but seeing what we’ve seen over the years I’d have a hard time proclaiming that they are “besting” higher priced/quality tools. It’s impressive, though…it’s great to have the options of really inexpensive tools these days that can still perform for the average joe.
Bonnie
DieHard was a Sears store brand for most of it’s history before becoming AA’s store/distributor brand. Their logo has been thrown on just about everything over the years. For awhile they had DieHard batteries for Craftsman power tools, and some Sears Auto Centers got renamed the hilarious “DieHard Auto Center Driven by Sears Auto” mouthful.
s
i’m definitely curious as to how this will work for klein, especially after what i consider the toughbuilt launch failure with lowes.
klein has always worked well as an innovative specialty tool provider in the spaces they’re already in. it’s not a brand that i’ve looked towards when it came to typical/standard/staple tools of any market, but one that always consistently provided a tool that either did something other brands didn’t, or at a quality level that the other brands didn’t.
my klein laser level, despite costing more, has been an excellent purchase, specifically because they include a much more rugged case than other brands, which meant that it bouncing around the truck between uses wasn’t as big of a deal.
in a lot of cases, i think there’s a lot of parallels between toughbuilt’s difficulties, and kleins difficulties. klein successfully released products that toughbuilt wasn’t able to, but also largely because they were already part of the installer/contractor markets their modbox line catered to. toughbuilt had issues related to being brought on at a new retailer specifically for only storage needs.
where i see klein as a natural fit for lowes for many of the products they sell. the successes of the two brands working together for much of the core market either is reaching for with their existing clientele/products offered is a great fit.
but i also consider lowes as being almost anti-automotive.
for starters, their toolbox selection is vastly underwhelming compared to every other store on the market. they’re one of the prime sales locations for craftsman tool boxes, and their horribly-narrow, very-tippy, 18″ depth tool boxes. most other brands– husky/menards/hf/snapon are at 20-30″ depth–husky offers a few basic toolboxes in a similar form factor, but primarily focuses on medium-grade boxes.
where most brands seem to be pushing mid or upper grade toolboxes, my local lowes appears to cater specifically for homeowner/basic grade tool boxes.
as an example, i was specifically interested in the new craftsman v-series box after seeing news of it’s release here. i had to visit 3 separate stores to finally see one of the boxes. and they only had one, in the smallest size. otherwise, their entire floor space was entirely occupied by the base ‘homeowner spec’ tool boxes in a variety of colors.
personally, if they can’t get the basics of mechanic tool storage, they’re never going to get the returning sales of mechanics either. all the other brands have quite large socket and wrench availability that lowes just doesn’t offer as a contractor/construction-focused supplier.
Nathan
So has ac Delco. Infact some people say the AC Delco ratchets are a great buy when on sale. Is it as good as a DeWalt Milwaukee or IR? No is it only 59 dollars. Yes
That die hard stuff was at advance auto at one time. It’s like hyper tough at Walmart.
ElectroAtletico
Zero “V-series” in my local Lowes after Black Friday. Zero.
Joe A
Someone with a brain at Klein needs to put their foot down and stop that silliness. What a horrible idea.
They’ll never get even close to the kind of market space that they have with the electrical trades.
s
i thought so at first as well. you really need to go look at their website and product lines.
they’re definitely working to change things. their site now has a categories for trade-specific tools.
granted, much of the categories are repurposed/recategorized electrician-specific tools they’re already making, but at the same time, many of the tools they’re making didn’t really need to be only electrician tools, it was just their initial focus in the offering.
i still maintain that i believe the physical retailer is going to hold them back far more than any of their actual product line, regardless of the quality or price point they come to market with.
Phil
Thanks for the shout-out and more specifically thank you for this website, Stuart. When I was younger, I had no idea I’d be a tool fanatic, but here I am.
I can say for certain that Klein is giving Lowes 100% initial retail exclusivity. Lowes is selling new Klein tools that aren’t even uploaded to their new tool section on Klein’s website yet (as of this writing) . They have a couple of sets of freshly dropped shears and scissors from Klein, with orange handles that a guy on YT called Last Best Tool did a review on one of them and they look like Wiss clones with slight modifications.
So yea, Klein is shipping new tools to Lowes before Klein’s website guys can even update their website with those new offerings. You’ll spot new Klein tools at Lowe’s before you see them on their website. I only say this with confidence because I’ve noticed it once before (ever since Klein moved to Lowe’s and i can’t remember exactly what tool it was) where I spotted a new Klein tool at Lowe’s, but couldn’t find it on Klein’s website.
I like Klein, but man are they so hit-or-miss. Oh and if you’re stripping anything smaller than 10 or 12 AWG, their strippers suck! Its like they’re making them on old worn out and out-of-spec equipment. I hate to say it but for now, Milwaukee strippers strip better.