ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area no more klein tools at Lowes

I didn't see a terrific deal at Blowes on the Kleins but I still got some stuff. The 9" linemans with the crimper socket was $28 down from $35 (HD was still higher than that).
I got some 12" pipe pliers for $15, just because I wanted them and a couple "10 in 1" for $8 each (that seemed like a deal).

I would just as soon see the store differentiate themselves from each other. Few things are more depressing than finding the exact same selection is multiple stores.

When my brother retired from the USAF, and we went tool shopping, I was stunned to see just how few of my tools were available from the 'public' vendors. Even among 'premium' brands carried by the box stores, the exact tool models were often absent.

The lesson here is that there is still a major role played by the supply houses and 'professional' tool suppliers. You know - the sort of tool store that opens at 6AM during the week, is closed on weekends, and is located in the dark heart of the industrial area (and lacking any fancy signage too!).

I have two Lowes near me and checked them both out this week. I got a 1/2 3/8 7/16 1/4 nut driver and a pair of blue handle strippers ( model # 1010) all for less than $ 20.00 including tax. Also on a side note I Picked up a skill ( yeah I know ) 7.2 lithon driver set that can with the drill and the ratchet. Reg retail is 79.99, I paid 15.45 on clearance

Home Depot will meet and beat up to 10%, if your looking for basic stuff. ie... wire, panels, breakers. There small stuff though will kill you, like connectors and such. Your better off buying all of your little stuff and supply houses and but certian things you can get for better prices at Home Depot.