I have been visiting nearby Lowe’s stores, hoping to see what their eventual Klein Tools setup looked like, and was not disappointed!
As you might have heard, Lowe’s and Klein announced a new partnership earlier this year, with Lowe’s promising to offer the largest selection of Klein Tools.
More specifically, Lowe’s promised that they would “offer the widest selection of Klein Tools products anywhere in the home improvement retail channel.”
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Not long after that announcement, Klein Tools announced their new ModBox tool storage system. With Home Depot’s shelves already quite full with storage products from Dewalt, Milwaukee, Husky, Ridgid, and Ryobi, it started to make sense why Klein Tools would partner with Lowe’s.
Up until I finally saw the Klein Tools display at a Lowe’s store, I had been habitually checking their typical electrical tool aisle. Confused, I kept seeing pegs full of Ideal electrical hand tools with clearance stickers. Some Kobalt electrical tools also look to be clearance-priced.
It seemed strange to me that Lowe’s hadn’t completed their reset yet. I also hadn’t seen any Klein Tools boxes in the overhead racks.
I walked the tool aisles as usual, looking for anything that might be new and worth exploring, before finding myself at the Pro Center, with a huge Klein Tools display practically hiding in plain sight.
Wow.
I don’t think I have ever seen Lowe’s give this type of star treatment to any tool brand – not Craftsman, not Dewalt, and certainly not even their own Kobalt brand.
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This is nothing short of impressive.
Did you hear? Lowe’s has the LARGEST SELECTION of Klein Tools. There’s fine print, but I was too dazzled by everything else I was seeing to notice.
Right in the center of the Pro Center, they had nonmetallic cable (Romex) and popular sizes of electrical junction boxes. Smart.
They had well… everything – pliers, wire strippers, wire cutters, fish tapes, an IR thermometer, electrical testers, magnetic torpedo level, and measuring tapes.
I’m sure I missed something, but it doesn’t look like Klein or Lowe’s did!
The next bay had screwdrivers, hex keys, precision screwdrivers, backpacks, safety glasses, work gloves, knee pads, and hard hats.
Hey Lowe’s – please cover all of the tool bags and soft goods in plastic bags, as the Pro Center products are always coated in a layer of what looks and feels to be fine concrete dust.
Then there’s the Klein Tools ModBox tool storage setup.
THIS is how Lowe’s should sell their modular tool storage systems.
Not to mince words, I feel that they’ve been terrible partners for Craftsman and Flex. Have you ever seen compelling Craftsman VersaStack, Craftsman TradeStack, Flex Stack Pack, or Kobalt Case Stack tool storage systems at any Lowe’s stores before?
What they’re doing here for the Klein ModBox system is spot-on. This is how you showcase a modular tool storage system.
But wait…
There’s MORE! They had more ModBox tool boxes, accessories, more testers, more workwear, and a display of screwdriver bundles.
Here you can see what I mean about everything being covered in fine dust.
This is the case at every Lowe’s Pro Center, every time I scout out the tools there.
They also had promo floor displays, featuring a lineman’s pliers and diagonal cutters bundle, an electrical test and measurement bundle with a manual ranging multimeter (really?) and outlet tester, and another test kit with voltage detector and outlet tester.
Next to it, there were more electrical tool promos – an 8-in-1 insulated electronics screwdriver set, a digital angle gauge and level, and a non-contact voltage tester.
If there’s something to nitpick about, aside from most of the products already being covered in dust, it’s the signage.
Here’s what the sign says on every floor display:
Klein Tools. Klein Tools Est. 1857. For Professionals… Since 1857. For Professionals… Since 1857.
That’s just one display, and there were 7 of them. I feel that there’s going to be tested on this.
There are a couple of things I have been wondering about.
First, how much did all of this cost?! That’s a lot of SKUs, and Lowe’s has more than 1700 stores in the USA. This looks to be a huge deal for both brands.
Second, where’s all of this going to go the next time Lowe’s resets the Pro Center bays?
Overall, I am extremely impressed. Someone at Lowe’s deserves a pat on the back for this. This type of rollout takes considerable effort.
Maybe this will also set a precedent. If I were in charge of retail sales at a major tool brand, I’d point to what Lowe’s is doing here with Klein and say “let’s do that too!”
More than 14 years ago, Home Depot and Klein formed an exclusive partnership that stripped – pun partially intended – Klein Tools from Lowe’s stores.
That exclusivity is now over, and Lowe’s seems intent to not only tell but show everyone that they have the largest selection of Klein Tools.
What do you think about all this? Have you seen a huge Klein rollout at your Lowe’s stores?
You can now buy Klein Tools at Lowe’s online store as well.
Mitch Bonnett
Might the innovative solution for the concrete dust issue in the PRO area for Lowes, or for any big box store, be to use (demonstrate) an air cleaner type product that keeps the concrete dust from settling? Perhaps include before and after pics or video running next to the product? If its noisy, so what? PROs do noisy… Just a thought.
BTW, might heavy duty dust (including concrete dust) removal products merit a review in Toolguyd? Perhaps explain why concrete dust is a challenge (and a danger)?
Thanks for the great work you do.
Stuart
I don’t think they can have an air cleaner low enough to the ground without being a nuisance, and the particulates could be too heavy to have any hope of filtering near the ceiling.
I’m assuming it’s concrete dust. If not, then what, and from where?
Eric H
I always thought the dust was from the drywall sheets that get dinged, bumped, and broken.
Pat R
I’m sure that’s some of it, but at least in my area the pro center is always right next to where the bags of sacrete and the like get wheeled out. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bag of that sold that wasn’t nicked and leaking in some fashion.
S
My local home depot has the same issue. But I can’t complain. It made them discount my last tool box another $100!
Robert
It is impressive treatment for introducing Klein. But if it’s a success I would think depends on sales to justify the square footage devoted. Is there enough demand from the electrical trades? Do they wear out or lose their gear (which seems expensive already) enough to generate repeat purchases? I don’t know, but I wonder if the electrical trades are slower in their purchasing than say framers.
On that concrete dust. That seems enough to be an unsat hazard to their employees and customers if sustained. Yeah, there’s some weasel words posted about it being enter at your own risk, but that only shields them so far.
Jared
While Klein is a tool brand primarily aimed and marketed at professional electricians, I wonder what percentage of their sales are actually from professional electricians?
E.g. some products, like their power tools or their new skydock systems, probably approach 100%. On the other hand, the stuff in their promotional floor displays… I’m not sure pros are even in the majority.
I think that in part because I’m not an electrician, yet I’ve got many Klein tools – electrical testers, multimeters, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.
Bonnie
Same. I’m just a home DIY’er, but I’ve got a bag of mostly Klein tools for when I need to do some wiring. Not a lot of repeats from me sure, but the same can be said for my purchases of hammers and axes. HD and Lowes have always had to straddle that line of being for both professionals and homeowners.
mac
The bulk of the truly trade specific tools were never sold in store at home depot and don’t appear in these photos. They also aren’t purchases most tradesmen need to make. If the shop doesnt buy the major purchases, its time to find a new shop.
Hand tools in general dont last long in the field though. I seem to have to replace something or other every other month. Damage and loss are why the shop foots the bill on the rest. Using them daily vs a few days a year/month is way different, not to mention most jobsites are way worse than simply dusty.
Fish sticks/tapes, testing tools, pliers, and storage solutions are convenient to replace instore while grabbing other supplies, but I expect more sales to homeowners and hobbyists than tradesmen (no matter the selection, prices and options are better elsewhere or with online discounts.) The stores let you actually see and feel stuff, which is very useful when first looking at stuff but far less necessary for upgrades or replacements.
Wayne R.
But the packaging doesn’t even allow testing the pliers pivot – the main thing I want to “feel”.
Gady
I agree with the ability to test the pivot. I recently returned a Klein pair of pliers that I bought at HD when they started the clearance pricing because there was slop in the pivot.
Champs
I go to a Lowe’s that is rough, with a capital “Security Will Shoot to Kill.”
That happened, but I am not familiar with this patina in the pro center. Maybe it is just the store you went to?
Anyway I have a project coming up and now I guess I have to stop at Lowe’s to check this out.
Ken
The fine dust you mention is a major annoyance to me. At my store it goes beyond just the pro section. If I get something from the overhead stock (and I often do – hidden clearance items) I can always count on it being disgustingly dirty. This is especially annoying for “soft” items, as you mentioned. Maybe I’m picky or just not manly enough, but when I’m purchasing a new item, I’d prefer that it doesn’t look like an Indiana Jones movie prop.
Mark M.
I am more impressed by the romex sitting on a pallet and not in a locked cage. 🙂
This is a huge win for Lowes and Klein both. It will certainly get my attention (and money). And great timing going into the holidays.
Peter
Haha, I was about to say that too.
Pro tip for HD if you are tired of waiting for someone to unlock the romex just grab it from the back from the next isle.
Because at least at my local HD they just put gates only at the front.
Maybe they found out that the ones who go for romex can not be bothered to do that. 😉
Bonnie
The gates at my local aren’t even large enough to keep you from pulling out a roll, they just slow you down, same as the coils holding the breakers.
mac
I’ve done this regularly. I’ve pointed out it’s dumb and employees agree. Only like 1 set of keys exist anyway. Bring coffee if you actually need cages opened. If I don’t need it today, I no longer shop in store
Frank D
Kobalt and Flex have enjoyed the same treatment here ( except for Flex storage- nowhere to be seen currently ).
Craftsman took up 1/4 of the entire tool department.
Some Dewalt and Bosch 12v is on clearance … not much left, not sure for how long, it has been a couple months that I stopped in … but our Lowes is currently resetting to accommodate Klein.
Troi
I hate to say this, but it seems every manufacturer is coming out with their own tool storage system. I can appreciate a company (especially one of the few independents in the tool industry) trying to grow their business, provide solutions for their customers, and additional competition. However, Klein has a specialty niche. I would rather they struck a deal and made their storage units (which look interesting) compatible with another line of storage units. Similar to how their power tools use Dewalt batteries.
This is a topic for another discussion but anymore there really isn’t any competition. Once you buy into a tool line, battery system, or now tool storage system, you are pretty much stuck unless you spend a lot of money to switch. if you have brand “A” tool you have to buy their battery. If you then have batteries for brand “A” tool line and you are looking for a new tool, you are kind of locked into the brand that you have an investment in batteries for. A similar situation is happening with tool storage. If Klien offers storage items that are innovative or unique for the tradesmen and customers they are targeting, but the customer has Packout or Tough System, they can’t just latch their “Mod box” storage item or bag onto their existing system.
mac
The desire to sell $200+ plastic boxes has to be pretty hard to ignore…
3rd parties with 3d printers have all sorts of attachments and adapters though. Ladies and gentlemen, We can rebuild them – We have the technology
Tim D.
Lowe’s better be careful with that dust, they might get run out of California for silicosis risk.
Tim D.
Clicked “post comment” too early.
I am glad to see Klein at Lowes. I don’t particularly like Lowes, or the way they run/manage their stores (everyone seems clueless, can’t get help in the aisles, etc.). But my largest complaint is their selection of tool brands. I’m glad to see Klein becoming an option, and I’m glad to see that Home Depot looks like they’ll continue to sell Klein (even if at a reduced capacity).
TDino
Who set up the displays?
Klein sales reps, or Lowe’s employees? I’m leaning towards the Klein reps.
They followed the plan-o-gram to a “T”. The mod box looks really good.
Although in picture #2, they left the “FLEX” signage above the electrical tools.
Stuart
The Flex signage is double-sided and applies the tools on the opposite side of the partition.
Klein Tools has sales reps around the country?
Lowe’s still had to clear the Pro Center, which usually features a mish-mosh of brands and merchandise.
mac
Does klien not have reps around the country? They may have had an ‘exclusive’ “home improvement store” agreement with the orange store, but they’ve been the most represented or shared equally with Greenlee, Southwire, and/or Ideal in every single electrical supply house I’ve been to, in multiple parts of at least 6 different states. They’ve shown up to a few supply house vendor events I’ve been to in Midwestern and western states. I figured they had a good size team, just way less noticeable trucks than Milwaukee
Birdog357
Lowe’s sets their stuff up.
Ciccio
I don’t want repetitive but i notice that also at Lowe’s there are no screwdrivers except for multi bit
Nate
My Lowes have been building out the Klein tools since August, and they look just as good as these displays. Most of them also have a pretty nice area for the Metabo HPT nailers as well. Both those areas are close to the Pro Desk. Bosch seems to get an end cap or small shelf, but it’s close to the Pro Desk as well. The Flex displays are usually pretty decent.
A huge problem is the massive proliferation of “stuff” in these big box stores. The aisles are jam packed with stuff on pallets, making it hard to really showcase the tool brands in this meaningful way. I live in a major urban area (DC area) and the stores can get packed with people tripping over each and all of this merchandise that is stacked in the place where the people are trying to walk. It’s just miserable.
My local Rockler and Ace Hardware have some of the best displays anywhere. Rockler has all of the specialty woodworking tools (and gorgeous Festool displays. Ace carries DeWalt, Milwaukee, Stihl, Craftsman, and Black and Decker. It’s worth going just to see how these things should be displays.
JML
That concrete dust in Lowes (and HD) is more than an annoyance. The silica is a real health hazard for employees who are in there all the time during their shifts. And I imagine the insulation aisle, with fiberglass dust, isn’t something to be ignored. Both aisles are usually at the end of the store, by the contractor/pro registers and tools. I have to research why OSHA does nothing about this.
But what do you expect from a company with one of the biggest pay gaps between the CEO’s compensation and the average employee? “Of the companies that had stock buybacks, Lowe’s spent the most, dedicating $34.9bn to its own shares over the last three years. Lowe’s CEO, Marvin Ellison, had a compensation of $17.5m in 2022, while the median worker pay was $29,584 for the year. CEOs of the “low-wage 100” who had been at their company from at least 2019 until 2022 saw their personal stock holdings increase 33% during those three years, growing an average of $184.7m. In comparison, median pay at the companies rose 10%.”
BigTimeTommy
I guess I have to be the jerk that says “It’s that way because corporations don’t care about their employees in any capacity.”
Moose Kahrs
My bLowes here in northern Jersey is also covered in some sorta concrete like fine dust… not just the pro shop everything in the store has a layer. It’s almost like there’s no air filtration. Few months ago I bought the very last of the craftsman gunmetal wrenches & sockets on clearance… all had been in the store so long they had at least 2 if not 3 distinct layers of dust. Even more strange & kinda disturbing… the store opened in 2018 and within 2-3 years all tools on display… table saws, drill press & grinders… routers you name it all completely and very heavily rusted. Like salt water kinda rust. Makes me not want to shop there.
SAMO
Wow. I had no Idea Klein had that many tools.
Ed
looks great here. They biffed it at my local Lowes. Things are spread out across the store, somethings were still boxed up on top of the shelves and I had to spend 15 mins with a helpful Lowes employee to scan the sides of the boxes for a tool I knew to be there.