Lowes has come out with a new Kobalt cordless drill and driver holder that can fit up to 3 tools. They call it a power tool holder, but I can’t envision any other types of tools being docked in it.
It’s designed to hold three Kobalt power tools, according to the description, but I don’t see why it couldn’t be used for other brands of tools.
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One of the usage examples shows it being attached to the side of a tool cabinet, with many models having raised lips that can support an accessory like this.
The power tool holder has 2 rubber-coated magnets and 2 rubber-coated bumpers, for stabilization and protection against scuffs. The protective features should work both ways, to also protect whatever tool cabinet you are attaching the holder to.
It can also be placed inside of a tool cabinet drawer. Unfortunately, the products specifications don’t mention the dimensions of the power tool holder.
Some tool cabinets have featured removable tool organizers, but they’re not very versatile outside of their in-drawer intended placements. This one looks to have a tool cabinet-quality “painted finish” (powder coat?).
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Price: $18
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First Thoughts
While not for me, this looks like a good accessory. It’s a little pricey for a piece of cut, bent, and painted sheet metal, but not outrageously so.
P.S. Their Kobalt charging station wall tool chest now shows a price of $129. It’s a nice open wall cabinet, and I hope that its price comes back down during the holiday season.
The yeti
Some day I will venture into a Lowe’s. They bough Rona in Canada. I have a Rona here. However I do not go in there as it seems there is never any staff .
I would like to check Lowe’s out for cobalt tool storage as well as they supposedly carry Bosch 12v witch I currently have to order online .
What do you folks who have been to a Lowe’s think . Is it worth checking out
Jim Felt
Lowe’s has always positioned itself towards DIYers and being kind of “housewife” friendly. In fact they’ve positioned themselves even further in this direction with their more compact Orchard Supply chain. And they both have far more Bosch then HD.
Slotting fees must be at work here.
While the “other” Southern based BigBox category competitor Home Depot tries to position itself as more “pro” centric. Pro Desk, Pro Rentals, etc. And HD is larger overall.
As always the situation can vary slightly with local store and regional management and the employees on the ground.
(One was a client of mine for years. And while we’ve all moved on the profiles haven’t changed much).
Michaelhammer
As a professional I can tell you this; Lowes blows. Home Depot sucks. Neither have staff that know their asses from their elbows. I would definitely position Lowes below Home Depot. However, my clients love them both. They know to get their plumbing products from a plumbing supply house and tile from a tile store, etc., but they still praise both stores. I think it’s fun for them while it’s utter frustration for me.
Joe J
Having worked for them they are both in years past they equally terrible companies with under trained and underpaid employees.
Joe J
oops
Should read:
Having worked for them in years past they are both equally terrible companies with under trained and underpaid employees.
ktash
In many ways, yes. But I was able to find cove moulding made in poplar at Lowe’s, but not at my two local lumberyards or HD. In fact cove moulding at HD was slim pickings. And Home Depot’s purebond ply is better and cheaper than the hardwood plywood they carry. Except HD stopped carrying cherry ply at their stores, so you have to tack on a delivery fee now. They have to compete with Amazon who also treats their employees poorly, at least the warehouse folks.
I hate that they don’t do better with their employees, and it shows in their stores with the employees not knowing much, though at my local HD they try to be helpful. Menard’s is even worse in my experience.
I prefer my two hardware chains with knowledgable folks who are friendly. Plus they are much quicker.
Hang Fire
I understand your frustration. My local Lowe’s has a retired pro plumber that is simply fabulous… when he’s there. The other guys are hit and miss, if you ask a question in an area they really know, they’re fine. If not….
I think the popularity with homeowner types has to do with both store’s gracious return policy. Basically, you can make an egregious buying mistake (due to your own + their lack of knowledge), and just hit the Undo button and try again. That’s the next best thing to knowing up front what you really need. Of course the real price paid there is time. While homeowners have limited evening and weekend time, and pressure to get stuff done too, that’s nothing compared to what Pros are up against.
Nathan L
I like lowes and home depot for a huge selection and decent prices (especially on promotions). Don’t go there for expert advice, but go for a wide range of basic tools and supplies. Both are well-suited for DIYers willing to put in enough time to figure out what they need for projects that aren’t going to use anything esoteric. If you need specialty materials or tools, or need hand-holding, don’t go there.
Chris
Cool. I think I’m going to go with pvc holders for mine. I currently have everything just stuffed into an undersized cabinet. I would like to put my most used tools (drills, impacts, and maybe lights) up by my work bench. Rather than being on the other side of the shop.
Nathan
I could see that not fitting some brands or models – it’s relying alot on the OD of the drill motor/gear case and the length of the handle/battery.
So it might not fit all – but I would say might fit most. I might have to look at it.
also slightly surprised that will hold 3 devices and their batteries via magnet only.
Farid
There is a bend in the holder that hangs onto the toolbox lip. I figure the magnet just keeps the holder from sliding around when picking up the last tool.
Kevin
I don’t think it’s magnet only, I think there is a hooked lip at the top that hangs from the top edge of the tool chest. The magnet is to keep it in that position as you remove the drill.
Stuart
To me it looks like it relies on the chuck and maybe chuck diameter, but we’re in agreement.
Also, it’s not meant to be supported by magnets alone. It’s meant to hook over the raised lip of tool cabinets, or maybe some small bar stock fixed to the side of a workbench. The magnets are said to be there to help keep it stable.
RC WARD
Nice to see a product like this even when it’s pretty easy to make something just as good or better that would custom fit your needs .
Bolt
Seems like you’d have the take out whatever bit you’ve got in it to store your drill in one of those things.
Charles
Bought one a couple / few weeks back, not at all impressed with it.
Coach James
Could you elaborate on why? I’ve never seen one in the store.
Thanks
Coach
Toolfreak
Seems like a great way to scuff up the plastic/rubber chuck over time. I guess you could put some rubber trim or spray/brush some plasti-dip on the edge.
Not a bad idea as a way to save space on a cart or bottom chest where the top is used for the current project and setting down a few power tools uses up real estate, or risk damage to the tool if you set it on the battery then hit the cart and knock the tool to the ground.
Still, I’d rather have a side shelf, preferably with screwdriver/pry bar storage in the part closest to the box.
Maybe Lowe’s is going to have a full line of this sheet metal storage accessory stuff soon
loup68
Just slit some small diameter rubber automotive vacuum hose and place it around the inside of the round hole portion, to protect the tools.
Nathan
Sort of what I was thinking when I picked on up at lowes yesterday. still don’t know I’d buy one though. I can’t say much currently my drills and impact driver sit on peg board though.
Hang Fire
This reminds me of a comment I heard in the Lego store, where a generic Maker Set came with “ideas” – “This is the death of creativity”. I disagreed, but I get the point. What is the point of a generic set when it comes with specific instructions?
In this case, we have a drawer organizer that is very specific in purpose. They will saturate that need in the market, and then discontinue it. A few people will adapt it for their own needs. Many will toss it in several years, after it has served its purpose and the current generation of cordless tools time-out. Thirty years from now somebody will be desperately searching for one on eBay in order to complete their period Kobalt storage set.
So what is my point? This looks useful for those who have that exact need, and have more money than time. For the rest of us, we’ll continue to make our own custom drawer organizing solutions. Nothing wrong with either approach. Do what works for you. (I fall on the custom solution side of things)
PatrickD
Bought it and returned it. Didn’t fit any M18 tools I wanted to put in it. Great idea if you have Kobalt stuff, or stuff thats quite close.
Stuart
Thanks for the update!! That’s a shame. I thought it looked more universal than that.
PatrickD
It is, but the Kobalt drills seem to have been on the smaller side. I found it a few weeks ago and tried it. IIRC it didn’t fit any of the M18 drills or 1/4″ impacts I have, let alone the 1/2″, 3/8″, etc. At least well.
I have a lot of batteries/etc. so I am going to end up building my own storage system for them… it’ll look like the $129 Kobalt deal, but just a lot larger. 🙂