When you need a new power tool and wander into any big-box hardware store, you'll see all sorts of options on the shelves. Power tools come in various styles, brands, and price points. Do you own any of the blue Kobalt tools from Lowe's? Here's where Kobalt tools are made and whether they're worth buying.
Going back a bit further, J.H. Williams Tool Group originated in New York in the late 1800s, but the tool partnership with Lowe's is only part of the story.
Who Makes Kobalt Cordless Power Tools?
Kobalt tools at Lowe's come in all different types. The retailer offers hand tools, garden equipment, corded or cordless power tools, tool chests, air compressors, saws, and much more. Lowe's uses countless manufacturers to complete its Kobalt line, but in terms of power tools, those mostly come from one or two groups located outside the United States.
A common question online is who makes these tools. The initial partnership with J.H. Williams was stateside, but only for hand tools. Many of those tools were eventually manufactured by the Danaher Corporation. Then, in 2011, things changed again when the company started making battery-powered tools to compete with Ryobi, Craftsman, Makita, and others.
It's hard to determine which tools are made where and by whom. These days, it looks like most cordless Kobalt power tools are made by Chevron Group—no, not the gas company, but a popular Chinese-based brand.
Where are Kobalt Tools Made?
While Kobalt is owned by Lowe's and is the store's main "in-house brand," the cordless power tools are made by Chevron Group, based in China. The company was founded in 1993 and has grown to prominence in the tool segment after acquiring SKIL tools from Bosch in 2017.
Today, the Chevron Group is one of the top 10 manufacturers of power tools. As mentioned earlier, it builds equipment for several brands. Over 30,000 stores, including Sears, Menards, Walmart, and Amazon, stock items made by Chevron Group.
Lowe's uses a fairly common approach and mirrors something we've seen from Ryobi and many others. Chevron Group makes a ton of tools, similar to how TTI (Techtronic Industries) makes tools for Ryobi, Milwaukee, HART, and more.
To make things even more confusing, Chevron Group makes Kobalt's main 24V power tool line, while several sources suggest its newer, bigger 40V line is manufactured in part by Chevron, but also by other companies.
Tool Selection and the Kobalt 24V Difference
Like most power tool brands today, Kobalt offers an expansive selection of tools running on the same battery. And that's a big deal. You can use the same 24V battery from an old Kobalt drill on over 150+ other tools, which is why the first tool you buy is a big deal and locks you into a battery ecosystem.
When you wander into Lowe's, you'll find all sorts of Kobalt tools. The line includes drills, drivers, impact wrenches, leaf blowers, electric screwdrivers, sawzalls, multi-tools, sanders, grinders, jigsaws, and much more.
One aspect that makes Kobalt stand out vs the competition is the 24V battery system. All those 18V Ryobi tools and 20V DeWALT tools are actually the same voltage; it's all just marketing. However, Kobalt 24V tools are actually made differently.
Kobalt 24V power tools at Lowe's have six lithium-ion battery cells inside instead of the five packs on 18/20V devices. This means 20% more capacity over a similar battery from other brands. So, a 6Ah battery from Kobalt should last longer than the competition's 6Ah 18V battery. They're also more powerful than Kobalt's old 20V tools. This stacked "pouch style" helps deliver more power, torque, longer battery life, and faster charging. All the battery cells are wired in parallel. And this is without mentioning the stacked lithium battery system you'll find on some tools.
Are Kobalt Power Tools Worth Buying?
So, are Kobalt tools any good? Are they worth buying? Well, that depends on your wants, needs, and budget. For example, Ryobi is one of the more affordable options at Home Depot, and it's excellent for DIY people or for use around the house. If you're not using a power tool every day on a jobsite, almost any brand will suffice. I've tried a few Kobalt tools over the years and never had any complaints.
For example, if you're an electrician or a mechanic, you might want to go with something like Milwaukee, as they have many more specific tools for those trades. However, that doesn't mean Kobalt isn't an excellent option. The tools are more affordable and should still help you get any job done.
Kobalt tools are built by one of the biggest power tool brands. They're readily accessible at any nearby Lowe's store and come with a 3-year battery warranty and a 5-year tool warranty. These tools are durable, affordable, and easy to find.
If you're looking to start a new tool collection or just want to complete some DIY jobs around the house, consider Kobalt. You'll get a capable tool with plenty of power, long battery life, excellent thermal management, and you'll always be able to buy more at your neighborhood Lowe's. Get started with this combo pack for only $299.
