At $269 for the Lithium Ion and $169 for the NiCd kits, a weekend warrior gets a full set of tools for close to the price of a single higher-end tool from Bosch, Milwaukee or Makita. Although Lowes is marketing these Kobalt Cordless Tools as “professional grade”, we really see these as best suited for the DIYer that needs a diverse set of quality tools that won’t break the household budget. I tend to consider NiCd the tool equivalent of cassette tapes, but they still get the job done, and they do so at a discount to Lithium Ion. Kobalt is packing pro-ish features for impossibly low pricingThe new Kobalt Cordless Power Tools include both Lithium-Ion and NiCd Combo Kits (with drill/driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw and LED worklight). I just returned from that whirlwind NYC trip, which brings us to today’s post on Kobalt Tools, and Kobalt Power Tools in particular. A few weeks ago Lowes reached out to HomeFixated with an invitation for a Lowes sponsored trip and media event in New York City to kick off a further Kobalt expansion which includes a new line of power tools. Just for kicks you should try asking for them at Home Depot though (submit the video to us please). Kobalt Tools can be purchased exclusively from Lowes. In case you’re as clueless as I was with the Kobalt Tools line, Lowes launched the brand in 1998 in a limited range of tools and then relaunched an expanded line in 2004. It’s not that I have anything against Kobalt, but I’m the kind of guy that won’t buy “store brand” cereal either. I’ll admit it, despite being an avid tool guy, and having spent many, many, many hours in Lowes, I have never purchased Kobalt tools.

Kobalt warranty registration