I work at Lowe's part time, and I have to say that the Kobalt stuff isn't bad at all. I have many Craftsman tools that are 20 to 30 years old, and there quality is much better than anything Craftsman is putting out now. The Kobalt is also better quality than the standard Craftsman stuff, and it also has a lifetime warranty. Finish and tolarences on the Kobalt stuff is better also.
If I could go back 20 or so years I'd buy Craftsman or SK Wayne. Stuff from that era was really good.
Just check your local store, they've always got stuff on sale.
Grumpy