Save Your Joints with These Flexible Knee Pads for DIYers
Updated: Sep. 14, 2022
We tried these comfy gel knee pads that every DIYer needs to know about.
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Comfort is of the utmost importance, especially when you’re engaged in a flooring, baseboard or plumbing project. For these tasks and others, including roofing and landscaping, a quality set of knee pads is essential to do the job well, comfortably and safe.
With some baseboard to install and a roofing project pending, I picked up a set of the Kobalt Comfort Flex Stabilizer Knee Pads to try out, hoping to avoid hobbling around for days after each project.
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What Are Kobalt Comfort Flex Stabilizer Knee Pads?
The Kobalt Comfort Flex Stabilizer Knee Pads feature a durable, clear plastic waterproof outer shell with a grippy and flat stabilizing front footprint. The knee sits cozily inside the black high-memory gel interior pad and stays in place with two easily adjustable rubber straps.
I immediately found a lot to like. The pads felt soft, flexible and appropriately sized. Plus, they’re waterproof.
How We Tested It
With my roofing project delayed a few weeks, I found plenty of use for these Kobalt knee pads. A windstorm tore off the top of one of our trees, which had to be broken down. I also rolled around on the garage floor changing the oil and rotating the tires on my pickup.
Performance
After both projects and the baseboard trim install, I can attest to the stability, gel comfort and waterproofness of these Kobalt Comfort Flex Stabilizer Knee Pads.
The straps held them securely in place while I changed my oil and cut my baseboard to the proper length. I don’t recommend wearing them with shorts. The non-slip rubber straps tend to pinch and pull leg hairs.
I appreciated the waterproofing while piecing up the treetop in our backyard after the rainstorm. This will also be true for any future plumbing projects. The 20-sq.-in. flat stabilizing footprint did just that, keeping me stable on one knee while running the chainsaw or shooting trim nails in the baseboard.
The biggest issue I had involved the placement of the strap’s bottom rivet on the knee pad. The lower attachment points are riveted through the durable exterior shell and the interior gel pad. When moving around for long stretches, the rigid plastic back of the rivet rubbed the skin under the knee. It became so uncomfortable I removed the pads for short periods.
If you have skinnier legs than me or wore lined pants, this wouldn’t be a problem. However, with my chubby frame and a standard pair of Levi’s, it was definitely something to note.
In my experience with the Kobalt Comfort Flex Stabilizer Knee Pads, the rubber straps — my initial area of concern — are showing some wear but still holding up well. I feel confident they will be sufficient for at least a handful of future projects, if not more.
Pros
- Incredibly stable;
- Securely held in place;
- Comfy soft gel interior pad;
- Waterproof.
Cons
- Poorly designed lower strap attachment points;
- Uncomfortable with shorts.
FAQ
Q: Can I get different sizes of the Kobalt Comfort Flex Stabilizer Knee Pads?
A: No. There is only one size available.
Q: Does Kobalt sell replacement leg straps?
A: Kobalt does not. There are, however, aftermarket straps available on Amazon that might work.
Final Verdict
If you’re a DIYer looking for a set of stable, comfortable and waterproof knee pads to have on hand, the Kobalt Comfort Flex Stabilizer Knee Pads are a great choice. They’re perfect for any small task around the home or yard and will keep you from feeling sore when the day is done. Your knees will thank you.
Where to Buy
The Kobalt Comfort Flex Stabilizer Knee Pads are available at Lowe’s.
