The Kobalt 3.6V Li-Ion Cordless Screwdriver
By Chuck Cage
Having recently reviewed both the Skil iXO and the Black & Decker SmartDriver, we couldn’t help but noticed the Kobalt version on the shelves at Lowes today.
It appears similar to the others externally in terms of form factor, and it features a top-mounted switch like the Black & Decker. Interestingly, Kobalt does print a torque specification on the packaging: 43 in-lbs.
Where the Kobalt really differs from the others is in terms of packaged accessories. While both the iXO and the SmartDriver come with a charging stand, the Kobalt uses a simpler wall-wart with a cord that plugs into the tool. It also ships with just two bits — a standard and Phillips.
This is reflected in the price, which at $29.97 is about $10-$15 less than the Skil and Black & Decker tools. We haven’t yet held or used one, but we’ll let you know more when we get the chance. Of course, Lowe’s sells all three, so if you’re in the market you can do your own on-site comparison.
The Kobalt 3.6V Li-Ion Battery Cell Screwdriver [Lowe’s]
April 30th, 2007 at 10:55 pm
JUST LETTTING YOU KNOW THAT I HAVE PURCHASED 4 OF THESE KOBALT SCREWDRIVERS IN WHICH I USE FOR MY SMALL BUSINESS I OWN WERE MY TECHS ARE USING SCREWDRIVERS ALL DAY LONG.. I CAN DEFINATELY SAY THAT THESE ARE ONE OF THE BEST INVESTMENTS IVE MADE. MY GUYS ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM AND THE POWER IS VERY GOOD FOR SUCH A LITTLE DRILL. THE CHARGE ON THEM IS ALSO UNBELIEVABLE GREAT. I WOULD DEF. RECOMMEND THIS TOOL TO ANYONE IN THE MARKET FOR UR BASIC CORDLESS SCREWDRIVER!!
October 14th, 2007 at 11:53 am
I own both the B&D and Lobalt versions of this tool. I bought the latter to leave at our farm and not lug all my tools back and forth, and its price was right for that purpose. I wondered how they compared performance wise and performed. a little test. First I drove a 6×2″ coarse drywall screw into the side of a 2×4. Both drivers drove it completely, but the B&D seemed to do it a bit more effortlessly. I then did the same with a 10×1 1/2″ square drive wood screw. The Kobalt started stalling out with around 1/4″ to go, while the B&D finished it off with no trouble. I previously had (and returned) a sililar generic version of this tool from Meijer ($29)-by contrast, it was junk and not worth having. I consider both the Kobalt B&D good tools, with the B&D getting a modest but definite edge on performance.