Kobalt Impact Drivers
Kobalt is Lowe's house brand, and its 24V Max impact drivers are some of the best value on a store shelf. Here is how the standard and XTR models compare and what the 24V label really means.
We research tools from manufacturer specs and long-term owner feedback. If you buy through our Amazon links we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. How we make money.
The best Kobalt impact driver for most buyers is the standard 24V Max brushless model (KID 124B), listed at 2,000 in-lbs with three speeds. Heavy users should look at the XTR (KXID 124B), which has been listed at up to 2,400 in-lbs and 3,400 RPM. Kobalt 24V Max is not more powerful than 18V or 20V Max because of its name. Its strengths are price and frequent Lowe's deals; its weaknesses are a smaller tool range and one main retailer.
On this page
Kobalt 24V impact driver lineup
Kobalt sells its cordless impact drivers on the 24V Max platform, mostly through Lowe's. There are two tiers: the standard brushless line and the higher-output XTR line. Kobalt does not publish a full spec sheet on a dedicated brand site the way the big brands do, so the figures below come from Lowe's and retailer listings. Treat them as guides and check the current listing before buying, because Kobalt updates kits often.
| Model | Tier | Listed torque | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KXID 124B (XTR) | XTR brushless | up to 2,400 in-lbs | up to 3,400 RPM | Top Kobalt driver; kit code KXID 1424A |
| KID 124B | Standard brushless | 2,000 in-lbs | 0-1,500/2,400/3,100 RPM | 3 speeds; listed at up to 3,800 IPM |
| KID 1324A (older) | Standard brushless | 1,800 in-lbs | 3 speeds | Previous generation, still found in some kits |
| Value kit (2026) | Entry | up to 1,800 in-lbs | Check the listing | Ships with a slower 45W charger |
Kobalt, like every brand, measures torque its own way. A 2,400 in-lb XTR is not proven stronger in use than a Milwaukee 2953 rated at 2,000 in-lbs. Compare within a brand with confidence and across brands with caution.
What 24V Max actually means
The 24V Max name confuses many buyers. Kobalt's 24V Max packs use the same lithium-ion cell count as other brands' 18V and 20V Max packs. The "Max" number is the peak voltage of a freshly charged pack with no load. Under load, the pack runs at roughly the same nominal voltage as an 18V pack. Kobalt rounds its peak figure up to 24V, while DeWalt and others call the same thing 20V Max. Nothing about the label makes a Kobalt tool more powerful. Motor design, electronics and gearing decide performance.
Our explainer on 18V vs 20V Max covers voltage naming in more detail. The short version: compare real specs and owner feedback, not the number on the battery.
Best Kobalt impact drivers
Kobalt 24V Max Brushless 1/4 in. Impact Driver (KID 124B)
Best for: homeowners and DIYers doing decks, fences, sheds and repairs.
- Torque
- 2,000 in-lbs (listed)
- Speed
- 0-1,500/2,400/3,100 RPM
- Impacts
- up to 3,800 IPM
The standard brushless driver has three speeds, a brushless motor and enough torque for 3-inch structural screws and 1/4-inch lags. It is the model most often discounted in Lowe's kits, which is where Kobalt's value really shows.
Strengths
- Strong listed torque at a low price
- Three speeds for control
- Frequent kit deals with batteries
Weaknesses
- No self-tapping or assist modes
- Bulkier than compact pro drivers
- Specs not published on a full official spec sheet
Kobalt 24V Max XTR Brushless Impact Driver (KXID 124B)
Best for: heavy DIY, deck builders and users already on Kobalt 24V.
- Torque
- up to 2,400 in-lbs (listed)
- Speed
- up to 3,400 RPM
- Tier
- XTR
XTR is Kobalt's performance line. Listings show a big jump in rated torque and top speed over the standard model. Independent reviews suggest fastening torque in use is closer to the standard driver than the spec gap implies, so buy it for speed and headroom, not a dramatic difference.
Strengths
- Highest-rated Kobalt driver
- Faster top speed for long screws
- Same battery as every Kobalt 24V tool
Weaknesses
- Costs more than the standard model
- Real-world gain is smaller than the spec sheet suggests
- Kobalt has not confirmed long-term XTR plans; some observers expect line changes
Watch the kit details
In 2026 Lowe's added a new value-priced impact driver kit with a lower listed torque (up to 1,800 in-lbs) and a 45W charger, at a similar price to the existing 2,000 in-lb kit with an 85W charger. The tools look alike, so read the listing before you buy. Check four things:
- Listed torque: 2,000 in-lbs or higher for the standard brushless model.
- Charger wattage: a faster charger matters if you only own one or two packs.
- Battery size: 2.0 Ah or larger for real projects; 1.5 Ah packs run down fast.
- USB-C battery or not: some newer packs add USB-C charging, which is handy but not essential.
Kobalt deals cluster around Black Friday, Father's Day and spring. Our guide to impact driver deals explains how to tell a real discount from a repackaged kit.
Which Kobalt battery to run on an impact driver
Every Kobalt 24V Max tool takes every Kobalt 24V Max pack, so the choice is about weight and runtime. An impact driver draws short bursts of current, and it is held at arm's length, often overhead. A small pack keeps it balanced.
| Pack size | Best use on a driver | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Ah | Light tasks, furniture, quick repairs | Runs down quickly on decks or fences |
| 2.0 Ah | Everyday driving and overhead work | Swap once or twice on big projects |
| 4.0 Ah | Decking, fencing, lag bolts | Heavier at the base of the grip |
| 5.0 Ah and up | Better saved for saws and yard tools | Adds weight with little benefit on a driver |
Two mid-size packs and a fast charger beat one large pack for most driver work. You can keep driving while the other charges. Our impact driver battery guide explains amp-hours and runtime in more depth. Store packs indoors and partly charged during long breaks, since heat and full charge age lithium cells fastest.
Kobalt platform pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong specs for the money | Mostly sold at Lowe's |
| Listed 5-year tool and 3-year battery warranty with in-store returns | Smaller tool range than Ryobi, DeWalt or Milwaukee |
| Frequent bundle deals | Line changes can be sudden; long-term direction is less clear |
| Good yard tool range on the same battery | Few specialty trade tools |
The platform matters more than any single tool. If you shop at Lowe's and want a capable home system, Kobalt 24V is a fair choice. If you want the widest catalog or a pro path, choose differently. See choosing a cordless tool platform for the full checklist.
Who should buy a Kobalt impact driver?
- Lowe's shoppers starting out: a standard brushless drill and impact kit is strong value.
- Existing Kobalt 24V owners: add the standard driver bare, or the XTR for heavy work.
- Budget buyers comparing brands: check our budget impact driver picks and DIY picks.
- Daily pros: a larger platform will serve you better.
Use impact-rated bits, wear eye protection and use hearing protection for long sessions. Finish any fastener with a torque spec using a torque wrench.
Verdict
The Kobalt 24V Max brushless impact driver is one of the best values at a big-box store, and the XTR adds speed for heavy users. Ignore the 24V label; it is the same class as 18V and 20V Max. The trade-offs are a smaller range, one main retailer and less certainty about where the line is headed, so buy Kobalt for value at home, not as a lifelong pro platform.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kobalt a good brand for impact drivers?
For homeowners and serious DIYers, yes. Kobalt's brushless 24V drivers post competitive specs at a lower price than the pro brands. Owner feedback is generally positive. Pros who need a huge tool range, dealer service or jobsite availability usually choose a larger platform.
Who makes Kobalt power tools?
Kobalt is a Lowe's brand. The 24V Max cordless tools have been manufactured for Lowe's by an outside tool maker, and that supplier is not printed on the tool. Lowe's handles warranty and returns through its stores.
Do Kobalt 24V batteries work in older Kobalt tools?
Kobalt 24V Max packs fit all Kobalt 24V Max tools, including the XTR line. They do not fit the older Kobalt 20V or 40V lines or any other brand. Check the battery label for 24V Max before buying used packs.
What is the warranty on Kobalt 24V tools?
Lowe's listings show a 5-year limited warranty on Kobalt 24V Max tools and 3 years on batteries and chargers. Terms can change, so read the warranty on the product listing and keep your receipt for in-store claims.
Is the Kobalt XTR worth the extra cost?
If you drive lags, structural screws or hundreds of deck screws, the XTR's higher rated torque and speed save time. For general home use, the standard brushless model is enough and usually costs noticeably less, especially during Lowe's promotions.