Lowe’s launched a new collection of Klein Tools with a “RWB” – red, white, and blue – color scheme.
At this time it’s uncertain whether these are an extension of Klein’s limited edition tools line, or a new permanent collection.
Bold “EXCLUSIVE” labeling on Lowe’s website suggests you won’t be able to buy these specially decorated tools anywhere else.
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Here are links to the Lowe’s product pages, with prices accurate as of the time of this posting:
8″ long nose pliers – $30
Wire strippers – $20
Lineman pliers – $30
Flush cutting pliers – $13
3pc screwdriver set – $20
All of my local stores are reporting having 11 of the long nose pliers in stock, and 23 each of the pliers, wire stripper, and screwdriver set, suggesting these are a limited time seasonal promo offerings.
We’re seeing some mixed signals from Klein Tools. They’re celebrating USA manufacturing with these special edition Lowe’s exclusive tools while at the same time outsourcing production for both new tools and certain SKUs concurrently or perhaps formerly made in the USA.
Also See: Offshored Klein Tools Found at Lowe’s Stores
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Bonnie
Looks like the RWB wire strippers are $1 cheaper than the regular pair? But the flush cutters are the same price… Weird messaging all around. At least these uglier versions (subjective) are cheaper I guess.
Jim Felt
I’m confused by their presumed marketing positioning of these multicolored tools. What actual functional advantage can they possibly address?
Perhaps “Buy America” but only random SKU’s? That’s both illogical and dopey brand dilution by any definition.
Joe H
It’s just for looks for people who like this type of stuff but it offers no functional advantage. Nobody ever said this offers any advantage and they aren’t marketing any functional advantages. Many companies offer aesthetically different versions of their products in limited runs.
Stuart
“Sprint runs” seem to have been lucrative in the premium titanium hammer market and luxury woodworking tools market. Klein and Lowe’s seem to have done well with their holiday season limited edition linemans pliers offerings, and more recently their blacked out screwdrivers.
I guess this is a thing now with electrical hand tools.
eddiesky
People part with cash for those Gianormous Stanley cups, so some “tool” will want “RWB” for their dust-covered tool box.
skfarmer
you guys are funny. not saying they are for me but think about it.
red white and blue. marked usa in several spots and a free full page on toolguyd.
clicks all sorts of boxes for a shopper who likes tools.
they are going to sell these to people who (a) don’t have these tools and want to use them. (b) those that like patriotic themed items and (c) the klein fans who love and use them and want something different to use, display or collect.
they will sell and toolguyd just gave free advertising for klein and lowes.. maybe not smart for the consumer but smart buy the mfg and lowes as i guarantee they didn’t price em at a loss.
Stuart
We also don’t know how long these will be on the sales floor for. Maybe Lowe’s intends these tools to appeal to Father’s Day gift shoppers.
skfarmer
reinforces some of my comments. would any of you fathers rather have a klein usa made tool with a card attached to it or some universal socket or other shitty excuse for a tool?
ding ding……… cook me up a grilled steak and a snazzy klein tool on fathers day for the win in my book. hint, hint kids and wives out there……….
Jared
Could this be part of strengthening the Klein-USA connection right in the midst of transitioning manufacturing overseas?
I think part of Klein’s identity is that it’s historically mostly US-made – but they want to use that brand recognition to help sell a broader range of imported tools. It seems like promoting the USA production might help bolster their brand value, especially when they may be reaching new customers who have less familiarity with Klein.
S
These special tools have never appealed to me, but Klein must be doing well with them considering how they’ve doubled down on offering special editions like this for a lot more of their brands offerings. Used to be only a special edition linemans every year.
Jason T.
As someone who has been using Klein tools for nearly 30 years, these special editions just don’t appeal to me. I would rather have the plain versions that I have had for many years. I have a couple Klein tools that were made overseas, but my core Klein tools (pliers and screwdrivers) are made in the USA. Klein can make stuff overseas if they like, but they should keep the tools that made them Klein (the reputation) still made in the USA. Just like when I pick up a pair of Knipex pliers, I expect it to say made in Germany on it. It’s about the quality and the reputation.
Jim Felt
Yep. My take as well.
And, so far, it’s a free country to make our own choices. Right. Wrong. Or totally under-informed.
ElectroAtletico
I already have the flush cutter, but it’s gathering dust because I prefer the Milwaukee one.
ColeTrain
Merica!!! Oh and…China!!!
Walt Bordett
I buy tools to fill a need and to use. I have no interest in collectable special editions unless they are a quality tool not made in China and cheaper than usual. Lowes needs to concentrate on value rather than gimmicks. They cannot catch up with HD and Amazon with gimmicks over value.
skfarmer
people are just assumiing that it is junk because it looks different. these appear to be the same quality tools or maybe even a better finish than the normal finish. i don’t understand the anger and disgust. henry ford once said he would make his cars any color as long as it was black. we know how that turned out. klein is making these because they think people who like something different will buy them. i would bet they are correct.