AtKobalt Tools, we believe that tools empower people. Our mission is to provide professional-grade tools and equipment for serious DIYers, makers, and tradespeople who take pride in their work.
Our History
Kobaltwas founded in 1998 in Joplin, Missouri by a team of tool experts and engineers. They recognized that there was a need in the market for affordable, high-quality tools for home and commercial use.
In the beginning, Kobalt focused on hand tools like wrenches, sockets, and screwdrivers. We partnered with factories around the world to produce tools to our stringent specifications. This allowed us to offerprofessional-grade tools at consumer prices.
Over the years, Kobalt has grown from a startup to an industry leader. We’ve expanded our catalog from 100 hand tools to over3,000 productsspanning power tools, tool storage, work gear, and more.
In 2013,Kobalt was acquired by Lowe’s Companies, the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. This provided us an opportunity to make our tools accessible to an even wider audience. Today, you can find Kobalt products on the shelves of Lowe’s stores across North America.
Even as we’ve grown, our commitment to quality and innovation remains unchanged. We continue to push the boundaries of tool engineering to find new ways to improve efficiency, durability, and user experience.
Our Values
At Kobalt Tools, we live by a set of core values that guide every decision we make:
- Quality:We’re committed to delivering professional-grade tools worthy of our name. Before any product reaches our customers, it undergoes rigorous testing to ensure flawless performance.
- Innovation:We’re tool geeks at heart, obsessed with finding solutions to make work faster, easier, and more precise. We proudly design tools from the ground up.
- Affordability:Providing professional quality at a consumer price is part of our DNA. We strive to offer unmatched value to our customers.
- Reliability:Kobalt tools are made to last. We stand behind our products with comprehensive warranties and service programs.
- Safety:User safety drives our tool designs. We engineer-in features to prevent injuries and protect long-term health.
By staying true to these values over decades, we’ve earned the trust of millions of DIYers, professional contractors, and tradespeople.
Our Headquarters
Kobalt is headquartered in Joplin, Missouri, the same city where we were founded. Joplin has been an ideal location for Kobalt because of its centralized access to distribution networks and proximity to manufacturing hubs.
Our 180,000 square foot headquarters houses our executive offices, product design labs, engineering team, and support staff. State-of-the-art testing facilities onsite allow our engineers to thoroughly evaluate tool ergonomics, durability, power delivery, and other key performance metrics.
We’re proud to call Joplin home and contribute to the local economy as one of the region’s largest employers. The passionate, dedicated Kobalt team in Joplin is the driving force behind our tool innovations.
Our Manufacturing
To produce tools worthy of the Kobalt name, we partner with best-in-class manufacturing facilities around the world.
The majority of Kobalt products are produced inChina, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the United States. We work closely with each factory to ensure working conditions are safe, workers are treated fairly, and quality standards are upheld.
Kobalt’s dedicated team oversees production every step of the way – from initial design prototypes to assembly line quality control checks. We inspect finished products and perform field tests before approving tools for shipment.
By leveraging global manufacturing, we’re able to access specialized expertise and equipment. This helps us deliverconsistent qualityacross our wide-ranging product line. Our international reach also provides theproduction capacityrequired to bring Kobalt tools to millions.
Our Products
The Kobalt toolbox contains over 3,000 tools and accessories to outfit any workspace. Here are some of our key product categories:
Hand Tools
Kobalt offers a comprehensive range ofprofessional-grade hand toolslike wrenches, ratchets, pliers, and screwdrivers. Our tools feature ergonomic designs for comfort and easy grip. Durable construction with premium materials allows our hand tools to withstand years of heavy use.
Power Tools
From saws and drills to sanders and routers, Kobalt’scordless & corded power toolsprovide best-in-class performance. We choose high-torque motors and long-lasting lithium batteries to give users extended runtime and power. Our tools also incorporate design touches like LED lights and soft grips.
Tool Storage
Keep your tools organized with Kobalt’stoolboxes, chests & cabinets. Our storage solutions provide maximum security, versatility, and mobility. Features like soft-close drawers, power outlets, and built-in LED lighting create efficient workspace.
Work Gear
Kobalt offers a range ofwork gloves, gear bags, tool belts, and jobsite apparel. Made of durable materials, our high-quality work gear stands up to the toughest job sites. Purpose-built features provide ultimate comfort and productivity.
Outdoor Power Equipment
Maintain your yard with Kobalt’s electriclawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, and outdoor power tools. Weather-resistant construction and powerful performance allow you to take on the toughest lawn care jobs with ease.
We’re continually expanding our catalog to provide tools that meet the needs of today’s makers and DIYers. Check our website often to see our newest innovations!
Our Commitment to Quality
Delivering exceptional quality is the guiding light behind every tool we make. Each Kobalt product must pass up to 18 quality checkpoints before reaching the hands of customers.
We thoroughly evaluate tool design, materials, and safety features at our Missouri headquarters. Prototypes are rigorously tested to identify areas for improvement.
At partner factories, we inspect machining processes, measure tolerances, and examine finished products. All tools must pass final functional tests under real-world working conditions.
Select tools like ourImpact Gold ratchetsundergo additional certification through independent labs. This extreme stress testing validates that our tools exceed published specs for strength and durability.
Our exclusive Triple Guarantee provides extra assurance of quality. It covers repair, replacement, and refund over the life of Kobalt tools.
By sweat testing each detail, Kobalt achieves a level of excellence expected from premium brands – but at a fraction of the price.
Our Commitment to Innovation
The spark of innovation never stops at Kobalt. Our product team is constantly researching trends, evaluating feedback, and testing new technologies.
We develop tools in direct response to the evolving needs of our customers. For example, Kobalt was quick to adoptlithium battery packswhen cordless power tools emerged. We remain on the leading edge today with brushless motors and rapid charging technology.
Ergonomic design receives special focus in our labs. We analyze how users grip and operate tools to enhance comfort. Added features like soft grips, anti-slip surfaces, and vibration control make long work days less taxing.
Kobalt Labs allows customers to collaborate with us online to improve existing products. Our engineers also engage professional trade groups and vocational schools to gather real-world insights.
By melding in-house expertise with voices from the field, Kobalt delivers themeaningful innovationsthat power productivity.
Our Trade Partners
Millions of professionals rely on Kobalt tools to complete commercial projects efficiently and profitably. We value the partnerships we’ve built with the trade community over the years.
To support tradespeople, Kobalt operates a dedicatedPro Services Teamavailable 7 days a week. We assist with bulk orders, volume discounts, and product recommendations to outfit vans & shops.
Our repair center offers expedited service and flexible warranty support tailored to pros. Field technicians receive complimentary tool replacement to minimize downtime.
We also partner with vocational programs to educate the next generation. Kobalt provides tools and curriculum support to construction schools, skilled trade academies, and industrial arts classes across North America.
Listening to feedback from tradespeople helps Kobalt deliver innovation that solves real-world challenges. We’ll continue supporting pros and investing in the future workforce.
Our Brand Ambassadors
In addition to tradespeople, Kobalt partners with influential builders, woodworkers, and DIY creators. TheseBrand Ambassadorsprovide authentic stories about how Kobalt empowers their projects.
Ambassadors like April Wilkerson, Matt Cremona, and Jon Peters help showcase our tools to online audiences. Their real-world tool reviews, project videos, and feedback help guide our product development.
We also support up-and-coming creators through partnerships with schools like the Rockler Woodworking School. Equipping the next generation of makers with quality tools allows their talents to shine.
Our nationwide network of Brand Ambassadors connect us directly with tool users. Their passion for creating drives us to keep improving.
Our Commitment to Service
Behind every Kobalt tool purchase is our promise to provide exceptional service over the long haul. We stand ready to support users when issues arise.
Our US-based customer service team assists with troubleshooting, replacements, and warranty claims. Customers appreciate our quick response times and hands-on support.
For extra convenience, Kobalt tools can be serviced at any Lowe’s store nationwide. The local network allows for quick turnaround.
We also offer convenient service reminders by email and text after each purchase. Preventative maintenance goes a long way towards keeping tools running like new.
Kobalt continues to invest in better service infrastructure and training. Our goal is delivering support that’s as reliable as our tools.
Our Community
Kobalt is dedicated to supporting the communities we operate in. Over the past decade, we’ve donated over $2 million to local charities and service projects.
Youth education initiatives receive special focus. We sponsor school shops, donate tools to vocational programs, and run training workshops for students. These efforts help develop the next generation of makers.
Our employees also donate their time and DIY talents to community causes. Kobalt teams have undertaken projects like building AccessAbility ramps, revitalizing parks, and repairing homes for those in need.
Giving back through outreach and volunteerism gives deeper meaning to our mission of empowering people. As Kobalt grows, so will our efforts to leave a positive mark on communities.
Our Future
For over 20 years, Kobalt has provided tools that help DIYers, professional contractors, and tradespeople accomplish their toughest jobs with confidence.
As we move forward, we’ll continue driving innovation in cordless power tools, hand tools, outdoor equipment, and beyond.
We pledge to keep producing professional-grade tools that improve efficiency, safety, and endurance on the jobsite – all while maintaining our rigorous quality standards.
Most importantly, we’ll stay true to our mission of empowering creators, makers, and builders. With Kobalt as their partner, there’s no limit to what they can construct.
Here’s to the next 20 years of building the future together!
