Kobalt "Longevity" vs Established Brands?

[mad german]

Hi guys,

I have some Lowe's gift cards and was considering the Kobalt 1/4" impact driver (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-XTR...s-Impact-Driver-1-Battery-Included/1002273920). However, I have some concerns about how long Lowe's will support Kobalt tools. It seems they are flooding their stores with Craftsman stuff. I'm not a pro mechanic, just a DIYer that likes to have nice tools. I was also considering getting one of the M18 kits from Home Depot that has the 1/4" impact driver and a 1/2" impact wrench. (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-FUEL-Impact-Driver-2767-22-2853-20/312175662) I'll probably use the 1/2" a few times a year, but I think it'd be nice to have. I already have an M18 drill/driver that I use the heck out of.

Any thoughts on the 1/4" Kobalt impact driver? It would be "free" with my gift cards. Or should I just buck up and go for the Milwaukee?

Thanks for all your input guys.

 

[65ranchero]

apply the card toward the Milwaukee stuff!
In my opinion Go with the Milwaukee you're half way there
I'm pretty sure that's what I would do, 4 years ago I bought a Milwaukee M18 kit which had 1/2 " VS drill, adjustable torque and bit impact driver with charger and bag for $150 all though it was a special deal from a local hardware store. and I will build off of that as needed.
My point is they may have deals at Lowes just remember Christmas is coming = deals

 

[Ign]

I personally wouldn't expect any longevity from Kobalt, but I don't have a crystal ball and guess I could be wrong.

Even if you can still buy batteries in ~5 years, they're unlikely to invest much innovation into the line, eg increased amp hours, rapid chargers, multi-bay chargers and new, innovative tools.

If you need a tool just to get a Bob Vila job done, go for it. If you want a longer term investment, I'd say it's not a good bet.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Go with Milwaukee the Kobalt isn’t bad actually know a lot of professional guys that run those and the Craftsman power tools too and have been doing so for awhile. I run Milwaukee because it is my system I do have a few other things too but Milwaukee is my main use everyday stuff.

 

[VolvoRyan]

"Brands" like Kobalt have been moving targets for years. Something you bought 2-3 years ago that was good might be something completely different now. In other words, it's hard to know what you're getting.

-Ryan

 

[Kscardsfan]

You already own Milwaukee stuff? Just add to the family dude. No need to complicate things. You know Milwaukee will be around in 5 years.

 

[mad german]

You already own Milwaukee stuff? Just add to the family dude. No need to complicate things. You know Milwaukee will be around in 5 years.

Yep. That’s the route I’m taking. Thx for all the replies, everyone.

 

[tyyost]

I know I’m late to the party but the only brand I see at Lowes with any longevity and selection is DeWalt. Flex, Kobalt, Craftsman, are all destined to join Porter Cable in the no longer available category at some unknown future point. Even other big brands like Hitachi/Metabo and Bosch get a very limited product line offering at Lowes.
I’m with the group, buy your Milwaukee down the road and use the gift cards for something else.

 

[justintendo]

Lowes has already abandoned 1 power tool line..cant even buy batteries

 

[JradM]

I'm not chiming in on which brand you should choose, but Kobalt has not been stagnant. They've come out with a surprising number of new tools lately - all very competitive and powerful.

They do have a bit of an uphill battle in front of them because they're not the most popular and are only sold in a store where there is heavy direct competition.

My point isn't that "it's obvious Kobalt is around for the long haul" - it's that they've shown NO signs of winding down. Kobalt is not Porter Cable.

 

[Badgerstate]

Hi guys,

I have some Lowe's gift cards and was considering the Kobalt 1/4" impact driver (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-XTR...s-Impact-Driver-1-Battery-Included/1002273920). However, I have some concerns about how long Lowe's will support Kobalt tools. It seems they are flooding their stores with Craftsman stuff. I'm not a pro mechanic, just a DIYer that likes to have nice tools. I was also considering getting one of the M18 kits from Home Depot that has the 1/4" impact driver and a 1/2" impact wrench. (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-FUEL-Impact-Driver-2767-22-2853-20/312175662) I'll probably use the 1/2" a few times a year, but I think it'd be nice to have. I already have an M18 drill/driver that I use the heck out of.

Any thoughts on the 1/4" Kobalt impact driver? It would be "free" with my gift cards. Or should I just buck up and go for the Milwaukee?

Thanks for all your input guys.

The Milwaukee is probably better but Kobalt is made by Chervon, which is no slouch in terms of power tools themselves. The problem, like you said, is how long will you be able to buy Kobalt batteries.

 

[M635_Guy]

I wouldn't count on any longevity on any house brand (Kobalt, Craftsman, etc.). Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, Ryobi, etc. are much more likely to have long-term stability if you value that.

The quality of the tools themselves seems to be fine. Generally-speaking, I don't think there are very many mistakes to be made out there if longevity isn't a deal-breaker for you.

 

[d.mcfarland]

My guess is Stanley Black and Decker is going to end up with 2 brands at Lowes. Dewalt being high end contractor grade and Craftsman being the homeowner grade.

I'd guess Lowes has made the decision to keep the Kobalt line going as well. The rest I'd never bet on.

 

[Brownsfan]

I use my Kobalt power tools daily in a professional environment. My 24v 3/8 impact took off lugnuts my co workers DeWalt 20v 1/2 could not. Fluke? Maybe. But paying $30 for a 2ah and $60 for a 4ah is awesome to me. Been using them since 2017 or 18 I can't remember. But never an issue with any of the tools. The tools and batteries all have a 5 year warranty. I believe the tools are the best value for the money. Longevity speaking. I thought of that too. But the battery prices being so low. I've stocked up big time. Just in case. Put it this way, I never dont have a charged battery somewhere.

 

[Brokenuckle]

Do you have any batter tools already? If so stick with that line as the batteries with be usable in everything. If not, go with Dewalt or Milwaukee. They will serve you for years to come even if you are only a weekender around the house user.