Last week I had the pleasure of traveling to New York City for the launch of Lowe’s expanded Kobalt Tools line. While Kobalt has been available at Lowe’s for years (the brand began in 1998 focused on mechanics’ tools), the new rollout emphasizes a wider selection of professional-grade cordless tools designed to improve efficiency and performance for both pros and serious DIYers.
One highlight of the event—besides seeing the new products and catching up with industry friends—was a hands-on building competition. Teams of five were tasked with constructing what most people call “cornhole” boards, although I prefer the term “bean bag toss.” Each team built two sets, and my team finished in second place, which was a fun way to test the tools under real-world conditions.
You can’t go wrong choosing from the Kobalt range, but the combo kits stood out as especially good value. If you want several tools at once, the kits are a smart buy—and with the holidays approaching, they make compelling gift options.
For example, the Kobalt 18-Volt NiCd Cordless Combo Kit provides a lot for the price. For $169, the kit includes a drill/driver, a reciprocating saw, a circular saw, a pivoting worklight, two NiCd batteries, a NiCd charger, a 6-inch bi-metal reciprocating blade, a 6.5-inch circular saw blade, a double-ended driver bit, a belt hook, a bit holder and a contractor tool bag. That’s a strong starter set for someone outfitting a workshop or looking for a versatile gift. There’s also a Lithium Ion option, and the batteries are interchangeable across compatible tools, which is handy if you mix NiCd and Li-ion tools over time.
The reciprocating saw demonstrated at the event was particularly impressive. The 12-Amp Orbital Reciprocating Saw showed strong cutting power despite being cordless: it easily handled materials such as 3/8-inch metal pipe and other demanding materials. The saw’s 360-degree rotating head increases its usefulness in tight or awkward spaces, giving contractors and DIYers more flexibility on the job.
Another safety-minded feature across the Kobalt cordless lineup is a live wire indicator. The Lowe’s team noted this was a highly requested addition from contractor focus groups who tested the tools, and it’s a practical enhancement for users who frequently work around electrical systems.
The development team also shared that more cordless Kobalt products are coming, including an impact driver, and that the accessories assortment will expand to meet a broader range of buyer needs. These additions will help customers build more complete tool systems tailored to their projects.
Overall, Kobalt’s expanded cordless line presents solid options for both professionals and avid DIYers. The combo kits offer excellent initial value, the heavier tools provide the power needed for demanding tasks, and thoughtful safety features make the tools more user-friendly. Would a reciprocating saw be a good choice for residential DIY work? For demolition, trimming plumbing pipe, or cutting through tough materials during renovations, a quality recip saw is a very practical and versatile addition to a home toolbox.