It seems that Lowe’s is in the middle of some kind of mechanics tool refresh or liquidation process, with reports of individual tools and sets being on clearance at stores.
As seen in the photo above – thank you, Adam! – select Kobalt mechanics tool sets are on clearance at an unknown number of Lowe’s stores.
Lowe’s website is also reporting clearance pricing on select Kobalt socket sets, with notices saying you can only buy them in stores.
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Another reader – thank you, Jeffrey – wrote in this week that their Lowe’s store has put Kobalt ratcheting wrenches and open stock sockets on clearance, with the wrenches at $4.99 each and the sockets at $0.99 each.
Looking online, I see the same – a lot of sockets priced at 99 cents each, and some individual ratcheting wrenches at $4.99 each.
It’s not clear why Lowe’s put a ton of Kobalt tools and sets on clearance.
Is another brand coming in? Are they just refreshing everything? Did they switch suppliers again?
Some of the clearance-priced tools are available for purchase online, but you might want to stop by your local Lowe’s store if it’s on your way.
If you’ve been to a Lowe’s store recently, did you see anything new with their Kobalt tools or other mechanics tools sections?
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D3t
Meanwhile, this set went from $29 to $45???
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-50-Piece-Standard-SAE-and-Metric-1-4-inch-Drive-Polished-Chrome-Mechanics-Tool-Set-with-Injected-Molded-Case/5015276017
AP
I own a lot of various hand and power tools from a ton of different companies but not a one is Kobalt. No clue what I’m missing.
MM
Kobalt is all over the place. Some of their hand tools used to be made by Williams, those were excellent. And then there is the infamous “triple cut”.
Stuart
The Triple Cut was definitely… memorable https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/kobalt-triple-cut-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Wayne R.
A YouTube guy had shown the Craftsman Handi-Cut to be pretty useful with rope & tubing, and when I found one recently, I replaced the blade & anvil and put it in the tool box.
He was right, it’s great on those things! Clean square cuts.
I would not want to replace it with a Triple Cut.
Mike S
I used the Triple Cut for rough cutting cedar strips when I made a small boat. I worked pretty well.
Frank D
Yeah … I bought that, way back. The only thing it works on is small diameter pex tubing … sigh
CJ
I went to my local Lowes on Sunday and filled out the missing pieces in sets. All chrome sockets were $. 99 and all impacts were $ 2.99 regarless of size. The wrenches were not marked down at that point but there some smaller socket sets tagged as well.
CJ
Meant to add, per the sales folks. They are changing suppliers and manufacture country due to potential upcoming tarrifs.
Scott F
Why does this manifest as clearance on existing stock – because they have to change SKU? Seems bizarre to cut your margins to clear out inventory that is changing in a somewhat trivial fashion.
I do understand that being a large corp there is some expectation of product consistency and so offering two products with differences, even if relatively menial differences, can tarnish that – but is it so important that it means cutting losses and selling existing stock at 30-50% off?
Mike
Thanks for the heads-up.
Went to the local Lowes and they had table with Kobalt chrome sockets, impact sockets, and assorted wrenches (some ratchets). Employee said they were clearing out all of the loose pieces.
Picked up assortment of 1/2″ drive chrome sockets from 22-32 mm, deep sockets from 20-27 mm and a 1 inch deep. Sockets made in Taiwan.
13 sockets @ .99 cents each plus 5% discount with my Lowes card.
Mike J
Picked up wrenches 1 1/4, 1 3/16 and 1 1/18 for 4.99 each. Bargain.
Cameron Kelley
Definitely seems to be duplication right now with their in store Craftsman offerings. And Craftsman seems like the stronger brand, in my opinion.