Shopping for the right tools for you, whether it’s your first set or an upgrade to your existing equipment, is important.
Kobalt is one of the newest brands to emerge. Their products are high-end and affordable. How does Kobalt compare to DeWalt products?
Continue reading to learn more about these brands and their most popular tools.
Company History
The history of DeWalt and Kobalt is an important factor to consider when choosing the right tools for you.
Kobalt Company History
Kobalt is relatively new. Lowes owns the Kobalt brand. Kobalt tools were first introduced exclusively at Lowes in 1998. Lowes hoped to compete with Craftsman and Husky private label brands, which were promoted by Sears Home Depot and The Home Depot respectively.
Kobalt was initially focused on making mechanics tools. They manufacture a complete line of mechanics tools and storage solutions.
Dewalt Company History
DeWalt’s story is quite different. Raymond DeWalt, the inventor of many electric power saws that we use today, founded DeWalt in 1924. Later, the DeWalt company was sold to Black & Decker. They also started marketing DeWalt products to be a better option to lower-priced alternatives.
DeWalt is still one of the most trusted manufacturers of power tools in the world today, thanks to more than ninety years of industry experience.
Kobalt & DeWalt Parent Companies
Lowes Companies, Inc.
Kobalt’s parent company is Lowes Companies, Inc. They also own several brands:
- Kobalt
- allen+roth
- Project Source
- Utilitech
- Reliabilt
- Harbor Breeze
Stanley Black & Decker (SBD)
DeWalt is owned by Stanley Black & Decker (also known as SBD). They are the owners of many brands:
- DeWalt
- Black + Decker
- Craftsman
- Stanley
- Lenox
- Irwin
Product Line Depths
DeWalt and Kobalt sell many products. Below you’ll find information about each brand’s product lines.
Kobalt Product Lines
Kobalt offers power tools, outdoor power equipment and air tools. They also sell storage, batteries, hand tools, and accessories.
These are the types of products that Kobalt can sell:
- Combo Kits
- Brushless Drills
- Table saws
- Tile saws
- Miter Saws
- Jigsaws
- Circular Saws
- Reciprocating saws
- Band saws
- Impact Wrenches
- Rotary Tools
- Multi-Tools
- Lawn mowers
- Leaf Blowers
- Chainsaws
- String trimmers
- Batteries
- Read More
DeWalt Product Lines
DeWalt offers power tools, outdoor power equipment and lighting. They also sell storage, batteries, tools, and accessories.
These are the types of products that DeWalt can sell:
- Drill drivers
- Hammer Drills
- Jump Starters
- Cable cutters
- Compressors
- Blowers
- Dust Extractors
- Angle Grinders
- Polishers
- Impact drivers
- Oscillating Multi-Tools
- Finish Nailers
- Staplers
- Air Hammers
- Air Sanders
- Combo Kits
- Rotary Hammers
- Jointers
- Planers
- Routers
- Orbital Sanders
- Track Saws
- Table saws
- Miter Saws
- Circular Saws
- Screwguns
Reputation Of The Brand And Cost Of Tools
We will now discuss the cost and reputation of each brand’s tools.
Reputation And Affordability Of Kobalt Tools
People often rate Kobalt tools as between average and high quality when it comes down to their quality. Some may find this surprising, as Kobalt isn’t a large brand. Although most people consider Kobalt tools to be quite good, they are likely to agree that they are not exceptional.
Kobalt tools are marketed to homeowners, DIYers, and basic repairmen. You won’t see large contractors using Kobalt tools because they arent strong enough to handle heavy-duty jobs.
Kobalt is the cheaper option of both brands. They come in a variety of price points, but one thing that makes them so attractive is the fact that they provide quality tools at a lower price. Kobalt offers both professional tools and affordable hand tools for homeowners, but they are slightly more expensive than the other brands.
Reputation And Affordability Of DeWalt Tools
DeWalt products are widely recognized for being among the most reliable. DeWalt tools are generally considered to be high-end. We agree with most of the people who say that DeWalt tools and other products are excellent for heavy-duty and professional use.
These tools are what a tradesman would use every day for large jobs without worrying about them breaking. DeWalt tools are known for their durability and long-lasting nature. They often use top-of the-line components and materials in the construction of power tools and other products.
This does not mean that they are incompatible with the work of non-professionals such as DIYers and hobbyists. They can be used for light and occasional use.
DeWalt tools can be expensive, so hobbyists or people who only use them occasionally may not want them. DeWalt tools are not cheap, but you get more quality for your money. DeWalt tools have been recognized for their reliability, durability, comfort, functionality and ability to handle large jobs.
Who Are The Best Kobalt Tools?
Kobalt Tools are a great choice for DIY enthusiasts, first-time homeowners, and anyone looking for premium features in a budget-priced tool. They are one of the most popular tool brands in the country thanks to their combination of performance and value.
Who Are DeWalt Tools Best For?
DeWalt has more experience and offers a wider product range that is geared toward everyone, from first-time buyers to professionals. DeWalt makes tools at almost every price point so they have something for everyone.
What Kobalt Does Well
Kobalt is a new company that brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas and a complete line of high-quality tools. Although most people are familiar with their mechanics tools and other products, Kobalt also has a line of lithium-ion powered outdoor and hand tools that have been wildly popular.
Their hand tools come with a lifetime warranty and their lithium-ion powered tools are quickly becoming industry leaders.
What DeWalt Does Well
DeWalt’s wealth of experience means that their tools are frequently the first choice for professionals and homeowners who demand the best. They have been a leading manufacturer of power tools for over 90 years. They continue to produce some of the most powerful corded and battery-powered tools available today.
Battle Of The Combo Kits: DeWalt Vs Kobalt
Let’s take a look at the most popular combos from each brand to get a better understanding of which brand is right for you in our Kobalt Vs DeWalt battle.
Kobalt 4-Tool 24-volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Set
The most popular Kobalt combo kit is a great choice for average craftpersons because of its impressive features and value.
The kit comes with a hammer drill and impact driver, a circular saw, reciprocating see, an LED lamp, a USB charging station, and a circular saw. You will need to purchase additional batteries if you choose this combo kit.
The impact driver and hammer drill offer impressive torque and variable speeds. The circular saw is powerful with a 5,400 RPM motor. It can also make angled cuts with stops at 50 degrees. The reciprocating saw has variable speeds and is perfect for rough cutting in almost any material.
An LED light and a USB charging station are also included. These can be used to charge any electronic device at the job site.
What could be better?
- Only one battery included
DeWalt 5-Tool 20V Combination Kit
The most popular DeWalt combo kit combines impressive features, high-end construction and exceptional value.
The kit contains a hammer drill and impact driver, a circular saw, reciprocating saw, circularsaw, and an LED light. The kit also includes two batteries and a charger.
This kit is only 20V, compared to the 24V Kobalt model. However, DeWalt manages the battery to get every ounce of power. These tools also offer comparable performance to the Kobalt model.
Similar features are also offered by the tools, which include a variable speed circularsaw, hammer drill and impact driver. The motor of the circular saw is slightly smaller at 3,700 RPM. It cuts at an angle at 45 degrees at a bevel.
The build quality of this combo kit is what sets it apart from Kobalt. DeWalttools feel heavier, have more metal parts, and are built to last.
DeWalt’s warranty doesn’t offer the same level of confidence. These tools are covered for three years, whereas Kobalt is only five.
What could be better?
- Warranty is mediocre
Kobalt Warranty
All of the tools made by Kobalt are covered by a lifetime warranty. You can easily return any item if it goes wrong. It is important to remember that although you can return it to Lowes, they will still require you to follow their return policy. Usually, a receipt or identification is required. You will be charged the lowest price for the product if you don’t have a receipt.
The majority of Kobalts’ lithium-ion powertools come with a five year warranty. Some items, like hedge trimmers, have a limited warranty of three to five years. They also offer a lifetime warranty on their storage units.
DeWalt Warranty
DeWalt is very good at providing warranties on their tools and other products. All of their tools come with a 30-day money back guarantee. It offers limited warranties of three, seven, or life time depending on which tool you buy.
The Final Word
Both DeWalt and Kobalt make quality tools with a lot of features and value. We do not prefer either brand, but we believe there is a clear winner in this Kobalt vs DeWalt battle.
DeWalt is our top choice because they offer the best experience and have the quality we would expect from a well-respected brand. While the Kobalt tools look great, DeWalt is a much more established brand. Which brand do you think is the winner? Comment below.
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kobalt and DeWalt one company?
Kobalt is not the same company as DeWalt. Lowes Companies, Inc is the parent company of Kobalt. They also own several brands. Stanley Black & Decker owns DeWalt. They have a number of brands.
Kobalt is good quality?
Kobalt is often regarded as one of today’s best tool brands. You can choose between brushed and brushless options. The quality is excellent for DIYers as well as home users.
Is it worth purchasing Kobalt tools?
A number of Kobalt tool testing has shown that the tools perform poorly compared to top-quality brands. But, Kobalt tools offer incredible value.
Kobalt tools are as good as DeWalt?
While Kobalt tools are generally comparable to DeWalt’s, there are some DeWalt products that are better than the Kobalt tools.
Is Dewalt better than Kobalt when it comes to cordless hand tools?
This question is not easy to answer. The Dewalt tools perform well and are of high quality. Kobalt tools can be more expensive, but they are still able to do the job. One is more efficient performance-wise, but one is cheaper. If you are just doing small tasks around your home, Kobalt might be better. DeWalt is a great tool for heavy-duty jobs and projects, but you don’t need it if that is all you need.
Are DeWalt batteries compatible with Kobalt?
DeWalt and Kobalt share the same market, but each company has its own accessories, including batteries. This is how customers are loyal.
