Lowe’s Kobalt Tool brand has been showing off a redesigned tool set with a new case they describe as being tougher than ever.
At the time of this posting, you can only get this tool box included with a Kobalt mechanics tool set. There’s little chance of a standalone version, but if it proves to be popular we might see similar cases bundled with other Kobalt mechanics tool sets.
Lowe’s new 243pc Kobalt tool set that features their “popular 227pc” assortment plus a 16pc bonus tool set.
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The Kobalt 243pc mechanics tool set features 3 ratchets, 115 6pt and 12pt sockets, 2 sparkplug sockets, 4 extensions, 30 wrenches, 45 hex keys, and 44 other tools (mainly insert bits).
As with other mechanic tool sets of this nature and price point, the Kobalt set features plastic construction, a top lid compartment, and 3 drawers.
The tool box features a large carry handle, which could be a welcome departure from the tiny top handles built into most products of this type.
But, there’s also a downside – no side handles.
The top lid locks into place when the handle is raised, and unlocks when the handle is lowered.
Combination wrenches, socket extensions, and hex keys are stored in the top lid.
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The 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ ratchets are stored in the removable top compartment tray, along with 2 driver handles, mini wrenches, nutdriver insert bits, and bit ratchet.
Kobalt says the kit comes with PRO90 (90-tooth) ratchets.
The set features a mix of 6pt and 12pt sockets in 1/4″, 3/8″, and 1/2″ drive sizes.
Here’s a breakdown of what you get, from the components list:
- Drive Tools
- (5) 1/4″ drive ratchets and drive tools
- (3) 3/8″ drive ratchets and drive tools
- (2) 1/2″ drive ratchets and drive tools
- 1/4″ SAE Sockets
- (11) 1/4″ drive 6pt SAE sockets
- (8) 1/4″ drive 12pt SAE sockets
- (9) 1/4″ drive 6pt SAE deep sockets
- 1/4″ Metric Sockets
- (12) 1/4″ drive 6pc metric sockets
- (10) 1/4″ drive 6pt metric deep sockets
- 3/8″ SAE Sockets
- (8) 3/8″ drive 6pt SAE sockets
- (10) 3/8″ drive 12pt SAE sockets
- (6) 3/8″ drive 12pt SAE deep sockets
- (2) 3/8″ drive SAE sparkplug sockets
- 3/8″ Metric Sockets
- (7) 3/8″ drive 6pt metric sockets
- (11) 3/8″ drive 12pt metric sockets
- (8) 3/8″ drive 12pt metric deep sockets
- 1/2″ Sockets
- (8) 1/2″ drive 12pt SAE sockets
- (7) 1/2″ drive 12pt metric sockets
- Wrenches
- (5) 12pt SAE combination wrenches
- (5) 12pt metric combination wrenches
- (10) 6 and 12pt SAE mini combo wrenches
- (10) 6 and 12pt metric mini combo wrenches
- Hex Keys
- (20) SAE hex key set
- (20) metric hex key set
- Screwdriver and Insert Bits
- (12) nutdriver bit set
- (5) mini L-wrench Torx with holder
- (29) 1/4″ hex screwdriver insert bits
The bottom drawer is empty for users to fill as they please.
Mechanics tool sets like this one can be a good starting point for beginners, or as a portable kit for better-equipped tool users.
Tool sets in the $100-$200 price range often come with 2-3 drawer plastic tool cases, nearly all of which are compromised in some manner.
Will this tool case eliminate all manners of user frustrations? Probably not, but that large top handle and handle-based lid lock definitely seem like well-thought-out upgrades, although you do lose side handles.
As mentioned, it doesn’t look like the case is or will be available separately, which is unfortunately the norm.
Price: $149
Model 81761
Item No. 3730058
Lowe’s aimed to show the new tool case’s superiority in a Kobalt Tools social media post:
schill
Every so often, I look at tool sets like this and think one would be handy to have in the garage (a lot of my tools are in the basement). I figure that they would be convenient when I need something quickly and don’t want to go find it elsewhere.
But I always end up thinking that I’d really rather use the other tools and spend the tool set money on more of those. So ratchets and sockets in the garage are “Lowes” Craftsman – good enough (the older US made Craftsman are in the basement). Combination wrenches are Husky. Pliers are a mix (working on that). And screwdrivers are a mix of Tekton hard handle, Milwaukee on sale at HD, Felo bitholders, etc.
(Basement/tool bag/box tools are Wera, Knipex, NWS, Milwaukee Sockets, and similar.)
However, and this is really my only useful contribution here, I really like the fact that they include an empty drawer in the case. I suspect the next time I’m thinking about getting a set like this that the drawer will move this to near the top of the list. Rigging a wall mount or shelf for it in the garage, with this extra storage, could be useful.
Jammer
The drawers themselves were the issue for me. I have the previous version and tossed the case. Drawers couldn’t pull out easily or go back in easily. Sometimes they would fall onto the drawer below. The tools themselves are sufficient as a backup or for occasional mobile use purposes.
RonB
That was the exact same issue I experienced.
Rog
I strongly dislike cases like these. The bright colored pieces and thick, chunky plastic make me feel like I’m carrying around ‘My First Toolset’
MoogleMan3
I was thinking the same lol
ball_bearing
As a visually impaired individual, I find the bright colors useful. Yes they can be garish or ugly sometimes, but, man, are they helpful. Especially in poor light conditions.
Have you tried finding a black oxide coated wrench inside a dark tool bag? Even chromed tools can put on a top class disappearing act (better than David Copperfield).
The high contrast provided by the bright colors will also allow you to easily spot a missing tool (I’m talking about you 10mm socket).
DT
I noticed Home Depot also revised the case on one of their sets (H235MTSCHEST) and it seems to be a good improvement.
Franck B.
Hmm, it forces you to carry it two-handed. That seems inconvenient for those that could otherwise carry it one-handed, or are otherwise prevented from using both hands/arms to carry 35-lb loads.
On the other hand, at least the Husky isn’t filled with Kobalt’s (or even Craftsman’s) current line of mechanics tools!
Steve
You guys missed the slight-of-hand Home Depot did here. Typically Home Depot runs a $99 promo mechanics tool set like this for holiday promos. They usually re-run whatever they did for Christmas at Father’s Day. I noticed the new two handle case and a little red flag went up. I looked, and sure enough, the set at Christmas was 270 pieces, this one is 235. With another 35 fewer pieces there’s no need for the top compartment anymore. A quick redesign of the plastic case and no one notices. There’s the effect of inflation right there.
PW
Home Depot is also selling the 270 piece set on sale for $129, so if you want the other set you can have it. Probably they’re clearing out last season’s stock so better hurry!
That said I’m leery of these “pump up the piece count” price leader sets. They always have a trillion bits and nut driver inserts to pump up the count while the useful parts of the set get quietly minimized. I prefer to wait for the sets with a more useful socket collection to go on sale. They’re less frequent, and they don’t have the same “50% off” fake discount but they have a better value.
Steve
The 35 piece cut came in the form of 21 fewer bits and allens, so there’s 14 fewer substantial pieces, 4 of those 14 being combinations wrenches, which would be the biggest concern for me.
Raycr
What is the 14 piece bonus set comprised of? Spark plug sockets?
Stuart
It doesn’t explicitly say. Maybe it’s the bit ratchet?
Franck B.
10 extra bits, 5 extra Allen keys, and the bit ratchet!
Jim
Ignition Wrenches included?!
I have seen that since the good ole Craftsman days when they wanted to increase the tool count.
Don’t misunderstand they can be useful.
I had to look to see what the wrenches are called now because I’m dating myself calling them “ignition wrenches”
Franck B.
Ignition wrenches or Allen keys were the last things still made in the USA that were included with the Craftsman mechanics tool sets… until they weren’t. 🙁
Jim Felt
Or the oldest remaining long unsold to Sears WF inventory. RIP.
MM
Tools seem alright. Like most blow-molded cases it looks very user friendly and very space-inefficient.
The lid locking is nice, but it doesn’t appear there is any kind of lock for the drawers. I also have my doubts about its long-term durability. The black frame or “main body” of the case appears to be made from multiple pieces of plastic which are held together by a single screw in each corner. Those seem like weak spots to me.
The empty drawer is nice, a common frustration I have with tool kits like these, especially with blow-molded cases, is that there’s rarely any room to add things to the set. No problem like that here, you get a completely empty drawer.
Looks like it’s worth considering for newbies, it’s a reasonable starter set and there’s room in the case to expand.
Franck B.
Also, if you fold the handle down during transport, the lid isn’t locked anymore…
The old three-drawer cases (and older clamshell blow mold cases) mainly used by Apex-supplied kits (Sears Craftsman, until recent Husky, and even some recent Craftsman at Lowe’s) used to usually have storage space. Probably because Craftsman usually supplied the Allen keys in pouches so left a nice large area to throw things in. I used those spaces a lot. But I agree that a full drawer is even better.
Those older three drawer cases were also just popped together without even a screw or rivet!
Jeremiah Ducate
I was hoping it locked the drawers closed when the lid was up. That would have actually been innovative.
Ive got one of these types of sets by stanley and stuff in it doesnt get used much. Being altogether in the big molded box kinda makes it less convenient.
Davethetool
Mini Wrench sets or as used to be called ignition wrench sets. It’s obvious these manufacturers are marketing these sets in item count not for usable tools. Takes some patience and diligence to compare them with each other because of all the crap they throw in that’s not needed. Also I don’t know why they still insist of 12pt sockets? Wonder what the tooth count is on the ratchets for swing arc?. I never use 12pt sockets and haven’t for years! They sit in my toolbox on socket racks gathering dust. In summary one really has to compare similar offerings to o make sure they have what one wants not just piece count.
Franck B.
That’s weird, I never use 6-point sockets! They’ve sat in my tool sets for years! 🙂 The ratchets are 90-point, for a minimum swing arc of 4º or a maximum of just under 8º.
The benefit of 12-point sockets, while reduced with higher count ratchets, isn’t that big of a benefit if you’re working on good quality fasteners with good quality tools, with a good quality operator. The downside of 6-point sockets is that you can’t use them on airplanes, and a lot of airplane mechanics start their education using large sets purchased from places like these (it used to be mainly Sears). Dewalt for instance mostly sells 6-point socket sets because they probably market their sets to those working in less precise conditions. That coupled with their incredible overly heavy ratchet handles is probably why I never see their tools used in the aviation industry.
Jared
Cheaper than I would have guessed. Looks like a good design and loadout for the target audience. I think Kobalt hand tools are generally pretty good. I don’t think there’s much to dislike here unless you simply don’t need a kit like this.
Joe E.
The one drawback for me with these sets are the lack of wrenches and abundance of filler (bits, hex keys, midget wrenches).
I never understood why they’ll throw in all of the sockets you could possibly ever need, but just 5 metric and 5 SAE wrenches. That’s a deal breaker for me.
Can any of these brands make a set with say, 7-19mm and 1/4” – 3/4” (no skips).
I have a 13 year old Craftsman USA set that mostly came that way and I’m thankful to have it because these newer blow mold case sets are kind of pitiful.
Jared
You could stick a 10′ pliers wrench in the empty drawer. 😃
Stuart
10’? Not without special relativity trickery.
(Pole-barn or ladder paradox is a fun one.)
Mikedt
Part of me loves kits like this – you immediately know if you forgot to put something back and the other part of me hates them because if you buy even one more tool there’s no place for it to go.
Well that and the fact that I almost never need SAE sizes anymore.
Joe H
I’m still hoping to find a smallish plastic tool box with drawers or cantilever set up for my bicycle tool kit. I’m using a Kennedy cantilever tool box right now and it’s just a bit heavy and cumbersome being made of metal for taking with on trips or going up stairs to work on a bike at an apartment. Size-wise its just about right but I could go about 15%-20% smaller as long as its got some drawers and one larger compartment and about 20 inches long internal space. I’m not liking the offerings from Keter or Milwaukee or DeWalt for my needs because the boxes are too short. Plastic drawers probably need a metal support piece to span the distance.
Jeremiah Ducate
Yeah bike tools are hard to organize in a convenient way for portability. You may consider a tool roll for the long skinny stuff(wrenches etc) and a smaller organizer toolbox for everything else. Maybe a large flat case with cut foam for some smaller stuff.
Flyer
Sears has a craftsman “truck box” in 17” and 22” ($9 and $11).
https://www.sears.com/craftsman-17inch-compact-truck-box/p-9990000037197311P
Jared
I’d suggest a soft-sided bag with lots of pockets. It’s way easier to carry and store a bag than a box.
I got many years of use out of a Toughbuilt 20-inch “massive mouth” tool bag as my race bag for dirt biking. It still works great actually, I just don’t use it since I haven’t raced in a couple years.
It is very well used, but the velcro still sticks, the zippers all zip and there are no holes or tears.
The 20-inch is a big bag though – the 16″ is probably more appropriate for most people. However, you don’t actually need to load it up – it’s just tempting when you have the space. You could easily throw an Ernst socket tray in the bottom and store large things on top.
I really like the look of Toughbuilt’s newer “modular” tool bags too. I’m debating whether to replace my current open-top bag with that or another open-top electrician’s-style bag.
Husky bags are also worth a look.
RonB
I have a version of one of these sets I bought during the holidays 4 or 5 years ago. The tools are very good but unfortunately it’s the case that was my problem. Heat and humidity work on the plastic distorting the shape so the drawers stick and won’t slide back in or out smoothly. I finally took out the tools with the shelves and placed them in drawers in a metal Craftsman tool tower. It works perfectly but the shell of the Kobalt plastic is worthless.
Frank D
I have the one without the new tote handle.
The allen wrench kit thingies fall out every single time I open the top, even without moving the unit … sigh.
Ecotek
I have the previous version of this tool kit. It is spot on that the case is the weak point. The tool set inside, represents a tremendous value (I got mine for $99 on sale). We leave the set in our enclosed trailer as it covers most normal ratcheting needs. The case however, leaves something to be desired. The sides are flimsy that the deform when you remove the drawers, which can make them very difficult to get back in. The sockets don’t have anything to hold them in place, so if one of them really bounces out of place it can be a problem to open the drawers. Plus, I think there is an order to the three drawers, but they’re not marked in any way. So you can end up playing the drawer shuffle trying to get it back together. An improved case would be great.
PW
I really, really, really like the empty tray. I don’t need one of these sets right now. But whenever I’ve considered them in the past, my issue is that there’s a half dozen tools I want to add, and no place to put them. Which makes the included “tool box” useless.
I don’t like the locking handle design, it forces you to try and store the box with the handle up if you don’t want the drawers to spill open. But that’s a smaller quibble.
Kudos to Kobalt for actually improving in this category.
Kudos
Scott
Will they finally make the case itself available separately?
Love my Kobalt tool set, but the case…well, sucks.
Stuart
Frankly, I doubt it. I don’t know of any brand that has, as the molding is typically customized for very specific tool assortments that tend to change depending on the specific SKU and part count.