Kobalt Tools has revamped its cordless tool lineup and will be launching a 24V MAX brushless tool platform in June 2016. This new platform is a step up from the current battery voltage of 20V and introduces brushless technology into every Kobalt tool.

This new platform has been two years in the making, as Kobalt engineers have had to rebuild not only the battery, but each tool from the ground up. They've clearly got the big professional tool manufacturers in their sights, as the performance and specs on this line matchup favorably to current models from Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita. Design manager Kip Pohlman and product developer Abdul Koya say that by moving to brushless technology with more power and longer run time, as well as upping the voltage, Kobalt feels it's got a competitive product that will be reasonably priced.

20V to 24V Batteries

Koya says that adding another internal battery cell to the pack bumps the power to 24 volts. The problem is this increased the weight and size of the battery, which was not an option. To combat this, Kobalt moved some battery circuitry into the tool and reconfigured the alignment of the cells. Now, as far as weight and size are concerned, there is hardly any difference between a competitor's 18V and Kobalt's 24V 4.0-Ah battery packs.

The Tools

Phase one of the Kobalt rollout will consist of only seven tools—1/2-inch drill, 3/8-inch impact wrench, 1/2-inch impact wrench, impact driver, reciprocating saw, 6-1/2-inch circular saw, and LED work light. These represent the core tools a power user will demand. Kobalt will follow up with a phase two rollout in December 2016 that will include a hammer drill, angle grinder, and multi-tool. More tools will follow in 2017.

The impact driver and wrenches have a "Finish" feature unique to the industry. When activated, it will stop the tool as soon as there is enough resistance for the impact mechanism to start. This feature will prevent the overdriving of bolts into soft metals and screws into drywall. It's operated by a timed button instead of a switch, so you need to keep an eye on it as it automatically shuts off after about 10 minutes.

The 6 1/2-inch circular saw has a deeper blade depth than most saws of its size, which allows it to cut through three 3/4-inch pieces of plywood at the same time. That type of performance was only available in a full-size 7 1/4-inch circular saw until now.

NASCAR Proven

With Lowe's being the primary sponsor of NASCAR Team Hendrick racer Jimmie Johnson and the parent company of Kobalt, they've got a field testing setup that is hard to beat.

We poked through the tool box of car chief Ron Malec, and he swears by the power and speed of the Kobalt 24V impact wrench. The crew uses pneumatic impact wrenches during the race, but for working in the garage they prefers cordless tools, as there is nothing to trip over and sockets are easily changed.

The impact wrench has 650 ft-lb. of torque which is enough to rip off the most stubborn lug nuts, as well as the speed to crank them on in seconds. This type of performance was unheard of in cordless tools just a few years back, but the advent of more powerful lithium-ion batteries and brushless motors has made cutting the cord a real possibility.

What's Next

Current power tool leaders are fighting for market share and have a strong following among brand loyalists. How does Kobalt break through? One way might be on price.

Kobalt representatives are mum on future pricing but they indicate that it will be very competitive. Will it be enough to make buyers ditch their current investment of cordless tools and start with something new, or consider going with Kobalt for their first set of cordless tools? A lower price point and instant distribution in more than 1,800 Lowe's retailers across the country should give the Kobalt 24V MAX a good start.

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