Lowe’s just launched new Kobalt jobsite markers.
It has been 10 years since Milwaukee Inkzall markers arrived at Home Depot stores, and Harbor Freight also recently launched their own jobsite markers in late 2023.
Better late than never?
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There are only two SKUs (so far?) – a 4-pack of black markers, and a 4-pack with one each of green, red, blue, and black markers.
All of the new Kobalt markers have fine point tips.
Features include clog-resistant acrylic tips that are “designed for industrial materials,” and quick-drying “industrial strength” non-toxic ink.
Price: $6.99 for a 4-pack (black, assorted colors)
OR, Home Depot has 4-packs of Inkzall markers (black and assorted colors) for $3.48 with free shipping.
$7 for a 4-pack of Kobalt markers at Lowe’s vs. $3.48 for a 4-pack of Milwaukee Inkzall markers at Home Depot with free shipping. Which would you pick?
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Lowe’s is only offering delivery with a “from $15” fee, suggesting their markers are an in-store-only item at this time.
It will be interesting to see if Lowe’s expands their line of Kobalt markers.
I’m curious about how these might compare, but not enough to hightail it to the nearest Lowe’s store, or to spend double the money.
Albert
I’m surprised they didn’t put “Lowe’s” on the marker, like what Home Depot does with their pencils.
Scott F
For the suckers who need a marker ‘right now’ and shop at Lowe’s, I guess? I’d sooner order the Milwaukee from HD and wait for the FREE shipping to show up, than to buy these Kobalt from Lowe’s.
But urgency drives spend, I’m sure these will sell in store from time to time, barring alternatives. Or maybe they will be something really special worth 2x an Inkzall…
James
They’d have to be REALLY special to be 2x Inkzall. No fanboy but those markers are so good…I keep a fine point and an extra fine point just about everywhere. And then some Pica markers in my chest pocket….
Leo B.
Thanks for the write-up Stuart! Definitely Inkzall for me. I’ve used the same fine point marker for over a year and a half, for an event taking place every two weeks. Pretty impressive! There’s no real nib to speak of anymore, but it still writes!
One note- “…if Lowe’s expends their line of Kobalt markers.” Did you mean “expands?” Thanks!
Stuart
Sorry – expands.
I got distracted by my thoughts, wondering what the chances are these will still be on the market a year from now. Lowe’s seems to have been very noncommittal towards Kobalt over the past few years.
S
Exactly my thought. I definitely don’t trust kobalt, or husky for that matter for long term use ability purchases. Being house brands, they fulfill a low tier immediate need.
blocky
Fat chisel tips for me. These aren’t mechanical pencils. I want to make a STATEMENT.
Joellikestools
For the price I would rather go with Revmarks I think.
Jim Felt
I’m guessing these like so many other oddments about the Lowe’s tool crib area will simply sink from sight soon enough.
And they’re all the same body color except the tip area? Dumb and dumber?
James
To be fair the Milwaukee ones are the same, just the body is red instead of black.
Jim Felt
Yes. True. But when you remove the cap and store it on the top you’ve got a way more visible double ended indicator of ink color. Plus the black Kobalt is cool perhaps but much harder to actually see.
James
Yeah the red is definitely nice for finding them, because I never put them back where I promise myself I will.
But as far as differentiating the colors, I don’t see much problem. Although at twice the price of big red, I don’t imagine people going looking for these much anyway.
TomD
The hard hat clip version of the inkzall is nice, if you have a hard hat on.
But it can also clip to a few other things.
Now what they should sell is ones with magnetic caps. Or a set of magnetic caps you can reuse.
Vards Uzvards
If these Kobalt markers feel good in my hand – I’d be ready to pay more, for these non-Milwaukee-red ones.
Perry
I’ll stick with the ones they give me for free at the pro desk, they work well and I lose my markers too often to keep paying for them !
Justin
Are they flat like a carpenter pencil??
Mopar4wd
I started buying the sharpie pro markers about 4 years ago and really like them (I usually get them at lowes actually). I bought a Miluwakee set this summer and it’s good but the sharpies have stayed in my tool box and the inkzalls stay in the glovebox the just don’t feel as robust as the sharpie.
https://www.sharpie.com/markers/professional-markers/sharpie-pro-permanent-markers-fine-point/SAP_2018324.html
TomD
There’s a “click to use” sharpie that is amazing. Better design because you don’t have to mess with the cap. I’d love to see that form factor catch on.