Mechanics Tool Relaunch - Better tools for Kobalt

A while back Kobalt Tools invited a select group of industry folks, Super Chevy included, to preview the redesigned line of Kobalt Tools. We were brought out to Hendrick Motorsports compound in Concord, N.C., one mile from Charlotte Motor Speedway. During the meeting we found out that Kobalt has returned to its roots to redesign the tools that put Kobalt on the map in 1998. The new and improved Kobalt Mechanics Tools line is in all Lowe's stores nationwide and offers 344 products in the mechanics tools line, which are sold in sets or single units.

Kobalt's long-time race partner, the No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports team of five-time and defending NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, was integral throughout the redevelopment process so that the new line reflects the quality and breadth needed by both professionals and amateur car enthusiasts.

"I think it shows how committed Lowe's is to making Kobalt Tools a brand that everyone associates with quality and reliability. We work on cars that go nearly 200 miles per hour, and sometimes we need to make repairs in a matter of seconds. We need to know that the tool we pick up is going to get the job done. The upgrades to the Kobalt Tools line should make anyone feel comfortable, whether they are working on a highly specialized race car or doing a job around the house." said Ron Malec, car chief of the No. 48 Lowe's Chevrolet in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series.

The mechanics tools line comes with a Lifetime Hassle-Free Guarantee if any socket, ratchet or wrench is damaged or broken it will be replaced. Kobalt is taking hassle free to a new meaning with the re-launch of the mechanics tools line. Kobalt's Sockets for Life program, enables customers to get a replacement socket to keep the set whole if a piece should break or come up missing. You must register the socket set at www.socketsforlife.com or 1-888-3Kobalt after purchase in order to get a replacement socket. Kobalt covers the part, and the customer pays shipping and handling.

Visit any Lowe's store nationwide www.lowes.com or www.KobaltTools.com for more information.

The tools are sold in kits from 227 pieces down to simple 19 piece ratchet and socket sets.
The tools are sold in kits from 227 pieces down to simple 19 piece ratchet and socket sets
These are in upgraded cases that feature improved tool retention and increased durability. Plus the cases are just the right thickness to fit into most toolbox drawers.
These are in upgraded cases that feature improved tool retention and increased durability.
Each socket has the size laser etched on the socket and each one is also color coded with a red (SAE)...
Each socket has the size laser etched on the socket and each one is also color coded with

...or blue (Metric) band to delineate between Standard (SAE) and Metric (MM) sockets.
The tools are spec'd at 150 percent of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) specifications and feature a full polish chrome finish. The wrenches also feature the blue or red color-coding for quick spotting between Metric and Standard.
The tools are spec'd at 150 percent of American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Am
Ratchets feature a quick-release function for quick swap-out of sockets and accessories. No more fear of the socket flying off and chipping your paint. The guts of the ratchets have been upgraded to 72 teeth count with 5 degrees of arc, recommended by Team 48 for ease of use in tight spaces.
Ratchets feature a quick-release function for quick swap-out of sockets and accessories. N

After we were shown all the new tools they split us into groups to assemble a real RO3 small block using all Kobalt tools of course. The engine started as a bare block.
After we were shown all the new tools they split us into groups to assemble a real RO3 sma
We all scramble as fast as we could getting this motor together, roll it outside and fire it up.
We all scramble as fast as we could getting this motor together, roll it outside and fire
I would like to say the team I was on won the competition but that wasn't the case. We came in second by under a minute. I blame jet lag.
I would like to say the team I was on won the competition but that wasn't the case. We cam

After the engine build competition we sat down to eat and then were given a tour of the Hendricks shop and Museum. No cameras were allowed in the shop area, but let me tell you that place is a gear heads heaven on earth.
After the engine build competition we sat down to eat and then were given a tour of the He
Once we got to the museum we could get our cameras back out. I just had to snap a pic of the car used in Days Of Thunder. Tom Cruise AKA, Cole Trickle AKA drove this, the last remaining Lumina at a whopping 80mph during filming, not even close to full speed.
Once we got to the museum we could get our cameras back out. I just had to snap a pic of t
Another car on display is this one driven by Ken Schrader at Talladega on July 23, 1995. With only 50 laps to go the car flipped multiple times. Schrader escaped with only a few bruises and sore muscles a true testament to effectiveness of the roll cage and safety gear.
Another car on display is this one driven by Ken Schrader at Talladega on July 23, 1995. W