Kobalt Drill Review 2023: Our Top 3 Picks and Latest Facts

Kobalt drills are one of the best equipment a homeowner or a drilling professional can have in a workshop. These drills are unique in their features and offer high-quality drills that will ensure you save time.

They are also durable and have special advantages over other drill brands. In this review, we are going to look at the top Kobalt drill picks in the market. 

Brand Overview

The Kobalt brand was founded in 1998 by Lowe’s Companies Incorporation in the United States of America. It specializes in the manufacture of high-quality power tools, hand and mechanic tools, and tool storage.

At the moment, Kobalt tools are being manufactured by several manufacturers. The JS Products, Inc. manufactures its mechanic hand tools. The screwdrivers are made by Great Neck Saw, Inc. while power tools are made by Chevron Tools.

It’s important to note that its target market is homeowners. Apart from drills, they also produce tools such as screwdrivers, claw hammers, pliers, toolboxes, knives, wrenches, chainsaws, and lawnmowers.

Generally, Kobalt tools come with a guarantee of quality with their long warranty offers. Therefore, you will never go wrong while using Kobalt drills in your workshop.

Kobalt Drill List: Comparison & Review

We have prepared a quick comparison list that brings together our top picks in brief. The list shall help you make a quick choice of your most suitable product to purchase.

Best Review
Kobalt 9-Amp 1/2-in Keyed Corded Drill
Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium Ion (Li-ion) 1/2-in...
Kobalt 1/2-in 24-Volt Max-Volt Lithium Ion...
Kobalt 9-Amp 1/2-in Keyed Corded Drill
Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium-Ion 1/2-in Cordless Brushless Drill
Kobalt 1/2-in 24-Volt Max-Volt Lithium-Ion Variable Speed Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill
Power Source:
Corded Electric
Battery Powered
Battery Powered
Voltage:
-
24 volts
24 volts
Speed:
850 RPM
2000 RPM
2000 RPM
Battery Required:
Prime Status
-
Best Review
Kobalt 9-Amp 1/2-in Keyed Corded Drill
Kobalt 9-Amp 1/2-in Keyed Corded Drill
Power Source:
Corded Electric
Voltage:
-
Speed:
850 RPM
Battery Required:
Prime Status
-
Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium Ion (Li-ion) 1/2-in...
Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium-Ion 1/2-in Cordless Brushless Drill
Power Source:
Battery Powered
Voltage:
24 volts
Speed:
2000 RPM
Battery Required:
Prime Status
Kobalt 1/2-in 24-Volt Max-Volt Lithium Ion...
Kobalt 1/2-in 24-Volt Max-Volt Lithium-Ion Variable Speed Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill
Power Source:
Battery Powered
Voltage:
24 volts
Speed:
2000 RPM
Battery Required:
Prime Status

1. Kobalt 9-Amp 1/2-in Keyed Corded Drill

Specification List:

Power Source: Corded Electric
Speed: 850 RPM
Amperage: 9 Amp

Finding a high-quality Kobalt drill can be difficult. However, this 9-amp reversible drill is very good equipment in heavy-duty operations. This is made possible by the high torque power. The product has been tested and certified to function as a new drill.

Therefore, quality has not been compromised at all. You will get all the relevant accessories put in a generic box. Besides that, you will get a ½ in all-metal keyed chucks that are compatible with a variety of bits. This promotes greater durability and bit retention.

The flexible key straps that are present in the drill enable you to tighten the chuck without removing the key.

Other Features and Benefits

This drill contains a live wire indicator that increases safety during operation. It turns on when you plug the drill into a power source.

Also, the drill has a 2-finger variable speed trigger that delivers a maximum of 850 RPM hence bringing control and versatility during application. You will be able to drill at both slow and fast speeds with much ease.

More to that, the drill has an auxiliary handle. It ensures a comfortable drilling process for the user by reducing vibration and ultimately fatigue. The handles are fitted with a cam lever to enable you to achieve a quick and secure repositioning.

More Details

You will find it easy to use since it is only 7.2 pounds in weight. Therefore, you can work for long hours without worrying about getting worn out.

Besides, the drill comes with a 30-days money-back guarantee and a 24 months’ warranty. You will also find a user manual that will help in the assembly and use of the product. 

Buyer's Feedback Section

Overall Rating 4.9 of 5 Stars 

Positive Reviews by Users
  • Excellent customer service
  • Money-back guarantee
  • High torque power
  • Affordable drill
Negative Reviews by Users
  • Some buyers received a defective drill

Buyers are happy with their purchase of this straightforward, reliable drill.  The drill is powerful and able to get the job done on a variety of materials.  In short – “This drill was simply amazing.”

2. Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) 1/2-in Cordless Brushless Drill

Specification List:

Power Source: Battery Powered
Voltage: 24 Volts
Speed: 2000 RPM
Maximum Power: ‎800 Watts
Torque: ‎650 in-lb

kobalt lithium ion cordless brushless drill review This cordless drill is powered by a 24 volt 2.0ah battery that ensures you get high-speed drilling power and torque power of up to 650-inch pounds. It is considered to be one of the best for drilling mortar and cemented surfaces.

It’s Lithium-ion batteries ensure the drill has a maximum ability to store power and achieve maximum productivity. You need to know that the product comes with the batteries and therefore saving money.

More to that, it has a long-lasting life and run-time and therefore you won’t have to worry about regular charging. The drill has a bit holder, belt clip, and a double-ended driver bit. It is also equipped with a charger in case you need to work at a location with no electricity.

Other Features and Benefits

Besides that, its 2-speed enables driving and drilling in two ranges between 0-550 and 0-2000-RPM. This feature ensures you apply power depending on the difficulty of the operation or desired outcome.

The drill offers a torque finish function that ensures maximum control to prevent screw overdrive. Also, it has a clutch with 23 torque settings that allow matching of speed with a task.

The handling of this drill is easy and comfortable during application. You are provided with auxiliary handles that ensure you have enough grip during application. The drill has a keyless tightening of the bits.

More Details

Besides, the drill is provided with a soft bag for storage that can also store other small tools. The manufacturer offers a 5-year warranty period. The long warranty is a big advantage since you are ensured of replacement in case of early defects.

Buyer's Feedback Section

Overall Rating 4.7 of 5 Stars 

Positive Reviews by Users
  • High-quality design
  • Includes storage case
  • Long battery life
  • Powerful drilling power
  • Efficient in power consumption
Negative Reviews by Users
  • Shaft is flimsy

Overall, reviewers are happy with this highly-rated drill.  It is powerful and gets the job done.  The battery is long-lasting, and it does not lack power.  “Very handy, powerful, but lightweight and manageable.”

3. Kobalt 1/2-in 24-Volt Max-Volt Lithium-Ion (Li-ion) Variable Speed Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill

Specification List:

Power Source: Battery Powered
Voltage: 24 Volts
Speed: 2000 RPM

This 3 pound, 24 volts hammer drill is one of the most dynamic drilling tool perfect for mortar, brick, and stone works. Its high-speed rotation at 2000 RPM makes it easy for you to do fast drills thereby accomplishing more work in less time.

Also, this drill is compatible with all Kobalt 24-volt batteries. Therefore, you will enjoy the convenience that comes with easy replacement due to the easy availability of the batteries and chargers. The brushless motors ensure a long life as you get maximum power and dependability.

You will enjoy a huge warranty of 5 years that will give you peace of mind. This warranty confirms the belief and trusts the manufacturer has in the product and therefore it’s a highly durable drill.

Other Features and Benefits

Also, its heavy 650-in-lbs torque delivers a medium to high drilling power that increases productivity during application. Since it’s a lightweight 3-pound drill, this shall help you have an easy time using it because it reduces fatigue.

More to that, its built-in LED work lights to allow you to work in areas with low light. 

Besides that, this drill includes a belt clip, bit holder, and a double-ended bit driver to enhance performance and safety while in use.

Further, its auxiliary handle ensures maximum control during use, therefore, reducing injuries and accidents. It’s important to note that the batteries for this drill are sold separately.

More Details

Its 1/2-in keyless chuck is important since it ensures ease of doing heavier operations in the workshop.

Moreover, it has a 24-position clutch that enables you to set your required torque levels depending on the type of operation being conducted.

Buyer's Feedback Section

Overall Rating 4.0 of 5 Stars 

Positive Reviews by Users
  • High power drilling
  • LED lighting for ease of use
  • Durable design
  • Includes safety features
Negative Reviews by Users
  • Batteries not included
  • Does not perform as a hammer drill

The ratings for this one continue to improve which is no surprise once you read the reviews.  Multiple reviewers do mention that this is not a true hammer drill, but there is a hammer drill mode function on the drill, just keep that in mind based on your needs.  ” Big bang for your buck.”

Buyers Guide for Kobalt Drills

It’s important to select the most suitable Kobalt drill in the market to accomplish your desired outcome. Therefore, we have prepared a buyers’ guide that will help you analyze the most important factors to consider while doing your purchase.

Cordless and Corded Drills

Some Kobalt drills come with corded drills while others have cordless drills. Normally, corded drills offer more power and are lighter than cordless drills.

Whereas you need to keep charging batteries in a cordless drill, the corded drill provides a steady run time since you don’t have to charge the battery.

Therefore, before buying, it’s important to consider these features.

Drill Comfort and Design

Productivity in drilling works heavily depends on the ability of the drill design and how comfortable it is to use. The design size affects how it feels to use a drill. Lighter drills with auxiliary handles are more comfortable to work with.

Power Drill Capabilities

Kobalt drills come in different sizes of the drill chuck. This means some have a larger drilling diameter than others. These sizes ensure you get the desired outcome after use while saving energy and increasing efficiency.

For instance, a ½ inch drill handles heavy applications while a ¼ inch chuck is good for lighter duties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

And now, it’s time to respond to some of the commonly raised questions about these drills. Hope you’ll find this section educative.

Does Kobalt make good drills?

Yes. Kobalt drills are high-quality machines that provide medium to high torque to ensure maximum application benefits. The 24-volt drills are known to be the fastest and handle heavy-duty drilling in the market.

Who makes Kobalt drills?

Kobalt drills are made by Lowe’s Companies incorporation in the United States of America.

How much is a Kobalt drill?

The prices of Kobalt drills vary from one product to another. The price range is between $100 to $200. 

Best Pick Overall

In our view, the Kobalt 9-Amp 1/2-in Keyed Corded Drill is the best performing in the market. It Provides the heaviest torque. Furthermore, it’s a lightweight equipment that you can work with for prolonged periods.

Final Thought

Kobalt drills have been in the market for over 20 years. They are high-quality drills that keep the promise for maximum productivity at works involving stone, brick, and mortar.

We highly recommend the use of these products due to their proven track record and long warranties that guarantee replacement in case of functionality problems.

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