Who Makes Kobalt Tools? A Deep Dive into Their Manufacturing Origins 2025

🔍 The Mystery Behind Kobalt Tools: Who Makes Them?

If you’re considering a Kobalt wrench, drill, or power tool, you might be wondering—who actually makes Kobalt tools? While Kobalt is a well-known brand in the home improvement and power tool industry, its tools aren’t produced by a single manufacturer. Instead, Lowe’s, the exclusive retailer of Kobalt, partners with different manufacturers to produce its tool lineup.

In this guide, we’ll explore who makes Kobalt tools, where they are manufactured, and how they compare to other brands like Craftsman, Ryobi, and Milwaukee.

🏗️ Kobalt: A Lowe’s Private Label Brand

Kobalt was introduced in 1998 by Lowe’s as an in-house tool brand, positioned as a competitor to Craftsman (previously owned by Sears) and Husky (Home Depot’s private label). Although Lowe’s owns the Kobalt brand, it does not manufacture the tools itself. Instead, production is outsourced to multiple companies based in different countries.

This diverse manufacturing approach means that Kobalt tools come from various locations worldwide, depending on the type of tool and production contracts at the time.

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🌎 Where Are Kobalt Tools Made?

Since Kobalt works with multiple manufacturers, the production locations vary. Here’s a breakdown of where Kobalt tools are made:

🔹 China

✅ Chervon: One of Kobalt’s biggest manufacturing partners for power tools. They also produce tools for brands like Skil and EGO.
✅ Globe Tools Group: Manufacturer of Kobalt’s outdoor power equipment, including lawnmowers and chainsaws (as of 2020).

🔹 United States

✅ Great Neck: Some hand tools, like screwdrivers, may be produced in the USA.

🔹 Germany

✅ Flex: Previously supplied Kobalt power tools, though it is now owned by Chervon.

🔹 Taiwan

✅ Rexon Industrial Corp.: Known for producing Kobalt miter saws (as of 2020).

🔹 A Global Manufacturing Process

Because Kobalt sources tools from multiple manufacturers, the production locations can change over time depending on supplier contracts and global trade conditions.

Read also Kobalt Truck Tool Box: The Ultimate Storage Solution For Your Truck

📅 Kobalt’s Manufacturing Timeline

Kobalt’s manufacturing partnerships have evolved over the years. Here’s a brief timeline:

🔹 1998: Kobalt brand launched by Lowe’s.
🔹 2003: Danaher Corporation became a key manufacturer of Kobalt hand tools.
🔹 2011: Some mechanics’ hand tools were switched to JS Products, while Great Neck remained the supplier for screwdrivers.
🔹 2011: Kobalt expanded into power tools, with Chervon becoming a primary manufacturer.
🔹 2016: The German company Flex (previously a Kobalt power tool supplier) was acquired by Chervon.
🔹 2019: Lowe’s launched Kobalt XTR power tools, but the manufacturers were not publicly disclosed.
🔹 2020: Globe Tools Group was identified as the manufacturer for Kobalt outdoor power tools.

🔧 Who Makes Kobalt Tools? A Breakdown by Category

Because Kobalt tools are crafted by different partners, the specific manufacturer depends on the tool type. Here’s a category-wise breakdown:

🛠️ Hand Tools & Mechanics’ Tools

✅ Previously made by Danaher Corporation.
✅ Now manufactured by JS Products (Las Vegas, NV) and Great Neck (USA).

⚡ Power Tools

✅ Chervon (China) is the primary supplier of Kobalt power tools.
✅ Previously, Flex (Germany) manufactured some Kobalt power tools before being acquired by Chervon.
✅ Kobalt XTR power tools (2019) – Manufacturers undisclosed.

🌿 Outdoor Power Tools (Lawnmowers, Chainsaws, etc.)

✅ Made by Globe Tools Group (China) as of 2020.
✅ Globe Tools also manufactures tools for Greenworks and has a minority stake from Stihl (Germany).

🪚 Miter Saws

✅ Produced by Rexon Industrial Corp. (Taiwan) as of 2020.

❓ FAQs

1️⃣ Are Kobalt and Craftsman the same company?

❌ No. Craftsman is owned by Stanley Black & Decker, while Kobalt is a Lowe’s private label brand. However, some rumors suggest that certain manufacturing lines may overlap.

2️⃣ Where can I buy Kobalt tools?

✅ Kobalt tools are exclusively available at Lowe’s, both in-store and online. Some models can also be found on Amazon and eBay.

3️⃣ Does Kobalt make lawnmowers and outdoor power equipment?

✅ Yes! Globe Tools Group manufactures Kobalt’s outdoor power tools, including electric lawnmowers, chainsaws, and leaf blowers.

4️⃣ How good is the Kobalt tool warranty?

✅ Kobalt offers a limited lifetime warranty on hand tools and varied warranties on power tools. Always check the warranty details before purchasing.

5️⃣ Who makes Kobalt power tool batteries?

✅ Chervon (China) manufactures most Kobalt power tool batteries, though some components may come from different suppliers.

6️⃣ Are all Kobalt tools made in the USA?

❌ No. While some hand tools like screwdrivers may be made in the USA, most power tools, outdoor equipment, and miter saws are produced in China, Taiwan, and Germany.

7️⃣ How does Kobalt compare to Ryobi?

✅ Kobalt and Ryobi are similar in price and quality, but Ryobi is owned by Techtronic Industries (TTI) and is exclusive to Home Depot. Ryobi has a larger battery-powered tool selection, while Kobalt focuses more on contractor-grade durability.

📢 Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Kobalt Tools?

✅ If you’re looking for affordable, reliable tools with solid warranties, Kobalt is a great choice.
✅ Their hand tools are well-built, and power tools offer strong performance at a competitive price point.
✅ While manufacturing locations vary, Kobalt tools are highly rated by professionals and DIYers alike.

🔹 Ready to upgrade your toolbox? Explore the latest Kobalt tools at Lowe’s today! 🛠️🔥