As a picky shopper and retail industry expert, I‘ve long been fascinated by house brands like Kobalt. Exclusive to Lowe‘s, Kobalt has become one of America‘s top tool brands by offering a wide selection of affordable, high-performance tools for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
But who exactly is behind the Kobalt brand? What companies manufacture Kobalt tools, and where are they made? How has Kobalt evolved over the years to become a major player in the tool industry?
In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll answer all of these questions and more. Drawing on my own experiences with Kobalt tools as well as extensive research and analysis, I‘ll provide an insider‘s perspective on this popular Lowe‘s brand. Whether you‘re a loyal Kobalt user or considering your first Kobalt purchase, this article will give you all the information you need to make an informed decision.
The History of Kobalt Tools
Kobalt was launched in 1998 as an in-house brand of mechanic‘s tools sold exclusively by Lowe‘s. At the time, Lowe‘s was looking to compete with rival retailer Sears and their popular Craftsman tool brand. By offering a comparable product at a lower price point, Lowe‘s hoped to attract value-minded shoppers and DIY enthusiasts.
The original Kobalt lineup consisted of just 63 products, mainly sockets, wrenches, and other hand tools. But thanks to strong sales and positive customer feedback, the brand quickly expanded. Over the next few years, Kobalt added power tools, air tools, toolboxes, and more to its product lineup.
In 2003, Kobalt made a splash by launching a line of Kobalt-branded pneumatic tools, including air compressors, nail guns, and impact wrenches. This move helped establish Kobalt as a serious player in the professional tool market and set the stage for further growth.
Over the next decade, Kobalt continued to innovate and expand its product offerings. Some key milestones:
- 2011: Kobalt introduces their popular 18V and 20V Max lithium-ion cordless power tool systems
- 2013: Lowe‘s partners with SGS Tool Company to manufacture Kobalt-branded hand tools in the USA
- 2014: Kobalt launches a line of outdoor power equipment, including lawnmowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers
- 2016: Kobalt introduces the first smart tools in their lineup, including Bluetooth-connected batteries and a smartphone app for tool management
Today, Kobalt offers hundreds of tools across multiple categories, making it a one-stop shop for many Lowe‘s customers. The brand has become known for delivering professional-grade performance at affordable prices, with many tools costing 20-30% less than big-name brands.
Lowe‘s doesn‘t share specific sales figures for Kobalt, but the brand is widely recognized as a major success story. In a 2019 investor presentation, Lowe‘s CEO Marvin Ellison called out Kobalt as one of the company‘s "most important brands" and a key driver of growth in the tools category.
Who Makes Kobalt Tools?
While Kobalt is an exclusive Lowe‘s brand, the company doesn‘t manufacture the tools themselves. Instead, Lowe‘s partners with a number of leading tool manufacturers to design and produce Kobalt products according to Lowe‘s specifications.
The two primary manufacturers of Kobalt tools are:
Chervon
Chervon is a global power tool manufacturer based in Nanjing, China. Founded in 1993, Chervon has grown to become one of the world‘s largest producers of power tools and outdoor power equipment, with over 5,000 employees and $1.3 billion in annual revenue.
In addition to manufacturing tools for Kobalt, Chervon also produces power tools and equipment for other major brands like Skilsaw, Skil, and Ego. Chervon has a reputation for innovation and quality, with a focus on lithium-ion battery technology and brushless motors.
Chervon is the primary supplier of Kobalt‘s power tool lineup, including drills, saws, sanders, grinders, and combo kits. They also manufacture Kobalt‘s popular 24V Max brushless tools, which offer higher power and runtime than traditional 18V and 20V tools.
According to PTR‘s 2019 Market Share Report, Chervon accounted for approximately 70% of Kobalt‘s power tool sales in 2018. This makes them by far the most important manufacturing partner for the Kobalt brand.
JS Products
JS Products is a leading manufacturer of hand tools based in Las Vegas, Nevada. Founded in 1990, the company specializes in producing high-quality sockets, wrenches, pliers, and screwdrivers for both DIY and professional users.
JS Products is the primary supplier of Kobalt‘s extensive hand tool lineup. Known for their use of durable materials and precision craftsmanship, JS Products manufactures the majority of Kobalt‘s wrenches, sockets, ratchets, pliers, and screwdrivers.
In addition to Kobalt, JS Products also manufactures hand tools for other leading brands like Craftsman, Husky, and Gearwrench. The company has a strong reputation in the industry and has won several awards for their innovative designs and commitment to quality.
Where are Kobalt Tools Made?
One common question about Kobalt tools is where they are manufactured. The answer depends on the specific type of tool:
- Kobalt hand tools (wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.) are primarily made in the USA by JS Products. However, some Kobalt pliers, adjustable wrenches, and hex keys are made in Taiwan.
- The majority of Kobalt power tools are made in China by Chervon, including drills, impact drivers, saws, sanders, grinders, and combo kits.
- A few specialty Kobalt power tools, such as miter saws, are made in Taiwan by manufacturers like Rexon Industrial Corp.
- Kobalt tool storage products like tool chests and workbenches are made in the USA, China, and Vietnam by various suppliers.
- Kobalt outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers and leaf blowers are primarily made in the USA by companies like MTD and Greenworks.
It‘s worth noting that manufacturing location alone doesn‘t necessarily indicate the quality or performance of a tool. Lowe‘s works closely with their suppliers to ensure that all Kobalt tools meet strict quality and safety standards, regardless of where they are made.
In my experience, Kobalt tools manufactured in China are generally on par with tools from big-name brands in terms of fit, finish, and overall build quality. The same goes for their USA-made hand tools – I‘ve found them to be well-crafted and durable over years of regular use.
How Kobalt Tools Stack Up Against the Competition
As a tool user and industry expert, I‘m often asked how Kobalt compares to other major tool brands in terms of quality, performance, and value. While opinions may vary, I believe that Kobalt offers some of the best bang for your buck in the tool world.
In head-to-head tests against premium brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch, Kobalt tools have consistently held their own in terms of power, runtime, and features. Here are a few examples:
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Cordless Drills: In a 2018 test by Popular Mechanics, the Kobalt 24V Max 1/2" drill placed second overall, beating out models from DeWalt, Ridgid, and Craftsman. The Kobalt stood out for its compact size, light weight, and ample power for heavy-duty applications.
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Impact Drivers: Pro Tool Reviews named the Kobalt XTR 24V Max Impact Driver their "Best Value" pick in a 2020 roundup, praising its "excellent power and speed" and "Premium features" at a lower price point than key competitors.
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Toolboxes: The Wirecutter named the Kobalt 3000 Series 53-inch toolbox the "Best Overall" choice in their 2020 guide, calling it "the most versatile, most durable, and highest-quality toolbox you can get for your money." They noted that the Kobalt offered thicker steel, higher weight capacity, and better organizational features than boxes from Husky and Milwaukee.
Of course, Kobalt tools may not be ideal for everyone. Professionals who rely on their tools for hours each day may prefer the quality and durability of premium brands like Milwaukee, Makita, or Festool – albeit at a significantly higher cost. For the average homeowner or DIYer, however, Kobalt offers professional-grade performance and features at a much more palatable price point.
To illustrate this value proposition, let‘s compare the cost of a basic 5-piece cordless tool kit from Kobalt vs. two leading competitors:
| Brand | Kit Model | Tools Included | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kobalt | 4A 5-Tool Combo Kit | Drill/Driver, Impact Driver, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, LED Worklight | $279 |
| DeWalt | DCK521D2 5-Tool Kit | Drill/Driver, Impact Driver, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, LED Worklight | $599 |
| Milwaukee | M18 Fuel 5-Tool Kit | Hammer Drill/Driver, Impact Driver, SAWZALL, 6-1/2" Circular Saw, 4-1/2" Grinder | $929 |
*Prices as of May 2023 on Amazon.com and Lowes.com
As you can see, the Kobalt kit offers a nearly identical set of tools as the DeWalt for less than half the price. The Milwaukee kit, while slightly different in its makeup, costs over 3X as much as the Kobalt. For many shoppers, those kinds of savings are hard to pass up.
This is not to say that brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee don‘t have their place – they absolutely do. But for the vast majority of non-professional users, a premium price tag isn‘t always necessary to get the job done. Kobalt tools offer what I call "industrial-lite" performance at a reasonable cost.
The Kobalt Shopping Experience
As Lowe‘s exclusive tool brand, Kobalt receives prime positioning and promotion both in-store and online. Visit any Lowe‘s location and you‘ll quickly notice the prevalence of blue Kobalt signage, interactive displays, and end-cap promotions throughout the tool department.
Kobalt tools are often positioned as the "hero" SKU in their respective categories. For instance, when shopping for a new cordless drill, the Kobalt model will typically be featured front-and-center, flanked by comparable models from DeWalt, Craftsman, Bosch, and other key brands.
This prominent placement, along with Kobalt‘s attractive price points, has helped make the brand a go-to choice for many Lowe‘s shoppers. According to a 2021 market research report by TraQline, Kobalt ranked as the 3rd most popular tool brand among Lowe‘s customers, behind only DeWalt and Craftsman.
One area where Lowe‘s has room for improvement with the Kobalt brand is in associate training and product knowledge. In my experience, Lowe‘s employees are generally less knowledgeable about the specific features and benefits of Kobalt tools compared to major name brands.
This is likely due to the fact that leading brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee invest heavily in product training and merchandising support at the store level. As a Lowe‘s exclusive, Kobalt may not receive that same level of attention and education.
That said, Lowe‘s does offer a wealth of information on Kobalt tools through their website and online channels. Detailed product descriptions, customer ratings and reviews, and buying guides are all easily accessible for shoppers doing their research ahead of time.
Additionally, Lowe‘s frequently runs promotions and discounts on Kobalt tools, making it easy for shoppers to get a great deal. Some popular Kobalt promotions include:
- Buy One, Get One (BOGO) deals on select power tools and combo kits
- 10-20% off Kobalt branded tool storage, hand tools, and accessories
- Free bonus tools or batteries with qualifying Kobalt purchases over a certain dollar amount
To stay on top of the latest Kobalt deals, I recommend signing up for Lowe‘s email newsletters and checking the Kobalt brand page on Lowes.com regularly. You can also find Kobalt coupons and promo codes through deal sites like RetailMeNot and Slickdeals.
Bottom Line: Is Kobalt a Good Tool Brand?
Based on my extensive hands-on experience and research, I can confidently say that Kobalt is an excellent tool brand for the majority of homeowners, DIYers, and even light-duty professionals. The combination of solid performance, smart design, and affordable prices makes Kobalt a top choice for many tool users.
While Kobalt may not have the same extensive track record or brand recognition as heavyweights like DeWalt or Milwaukee, they‘ve quickly earned a reputation for delivering where it counts. Kobalt tools offer ample power, runtime, and features for tackling a wide variety of projects around the home and jobsite.
In terms of overall quality and fit-and-finish, Kobalt tools are on par with many leading brands in their respective price ranges. They feature durable housings, comfortable ergonomics, and smooth, precise operation that inspires confidence with each use.
No tool brand is perfect, and Kobalt is no exception. Some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Kobalt‘s 5-year limited warranty is shorter than the lifetime coverage offered by some competitors on hand tools
- The brand has a somewhat limited selection of tools for niche applications like metalworking, plumbing, and electrical
- Kobalt‘s cordless battery platform is not cross-compatible with other major brands like DeWalt and Milwaukee
However, for the vast majority of users, these limitations are minor and easily outweighed by the benefits of choosing Kobalt. If you‘re in the market for affordable, high-performance tools backed by a trusted retailer, Kobalt is absolutely worth considering.
As Lowe‘s continues to invest in the Kobalt brand through product development and marketing support, I expect the brand‘s market share and customer loyalty to continue to grow. With a strong focus on value and a commitment to quality, Kobalt is well-positioned to remain a major player in the tool industry for years to come.
