I was searching for something else when I came across Lowe’s Kobalt XTR impact-rated screwdriver bits, available in a 35pc screwdriver bit set and a 40pc drilling and driving bit set.
Interestingly these bare the same XTR branding as the brand’s more premium and higher performance Kobalt XTR 40V Max cordless power tools.
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Lowe’s describe these accessory sets as being specially designed to fit Kobalt XTR impact tools, although it looks like they will work just as well in other brands’ 1/4″ hex shank impact drivers.
The screwdriver bits feature a “torsion I-beam” for absorbing torque and impact shock, and the set comes with a “patented impact magnetic bit holder,” although it’s not clear what makes it special.
The 35pc set comes with “the most popular screwdriver and nut driver sizes.” There looks to be assortment of Phillips, slotted, square, and Torx sizes, as well as a socket adapter and 1/4″, 5/16″, and 7/16″ nut drivers.
Most of the accessories in the 35pc set are longer power-style bits, as opposed to the smaller insert-style bits.
Price: $20
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The 40pc set looks to feature more insert-style bits and fewer power-style bits than the 35pc set, and you also get a selection of hex-shank drill bits.
Price: $20
Have You Used These Bits Before?
I found the Kobalt XTR branding to be curious, as I had nothing but good things to say about their XTR cordless power tools.
I haven’t seen these in person yet, but Lowe’s website reports that my local store has 50 of each set in stock.
Lowe’s user reviews seem to be mixed. If you’ve used these screwdriver bits before, what have your experiences with them been like?
If you spotted these sets in-store, not knowing anything else about them, would you pick one up?
fred
Any idea who the OEM is?
If the UPC (GTIN) starts with 051667 – it might be TTI as that UPC sequence seems to appear on some Ryobi and Ridgid brand accessories sold at Home Depot. But it may be some other OEM that HD contracted with using the brand names under license.
Some other sources suggest that the UPC is or was associated with Jore Corporation – the Ronan Montana- based toolmaker that has had a bit of a rough and tumble history (bankruptcy and sale) – and now seems to market tools under the ReciproTool brand and Montana Tool brand. Looking at their site – I don’t see anything that looks equivalent.
https://www.montanabrandtools.com/
Mopar4wd
I have never tried ridgid bits but the ryobi ones are awful. I like my ryobi tools but their bits and blades etc are awful.
My guess is there is a good chance these have a common OEM.
The Motts
I saw these in the store today. On the back of the package it says distributed by the New Jore Corporation.
Matt the Hoople
If I’m using these to make my living, I’m gonna stick with known brands with which I’ve had good experience even if they are a little more expensive. As Harry Homeowner and for a general purpose set to have handy around the house, it’ll probably come down to price. At the regular $25 it doesn’t peak my interest. On holiday sale at $15 I might grab one. For the current sale price of $20, I’m on the fence and not really interested. There’s too many deals on sets like this all the time.
Matt the Hoople
This is a product where it seems difficult to set yourself apart from everyone else. This looks like Lowe’s needed some similarly branded accessories to fill out their power tool line and make it look like they have a more complete offering like all the competitors that have been in this arena for a while now except in yellow, red, green, other shades of blue…
Chris I
At the regular $25 it doesn’t peak your interest……on holiday sale at $15 you might grab one……but for the current $20 sale price you’re on the fence and not really interested????
That’s a huge swing of emotion and buyer’s analysis for $10.
Matt the Hoople
What?!?! I said “might”. I didn’t commit.
Lol
Joe
I’ve had good luck with some of the Kobalt drill bits I’ve purchased in recent years. For $20, they may be worth a try.
John E
When I look at sets like these, I’m more interested in the quality of the case than the bits themselves and whether any thought has gone into it’s design and function.
If it will fit the bits I use most and they are easy to get in and out and the case has a decent latch and hinge and looks like it will last then I may buy it, abuse the bits quickly (they are not going to be that good anyway) and keep bits I prefer in the case; usually a mixture of different brands.
MT
Yeah, the Dewalt bit set I recently bought I was basically buying a case that works really well for me and getting the bits as a nice extra. It’s a nice bonus the bit holder turned out to be the best I’ve used.
Clay
Good deal on Milwaukee set at Home Depot right now. I would recommend this instead:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SHOCKWAVE-Impact-Duty-Alloy-Steel-Screw-Driver-Bit-Set-99-Piece-48-32-4088/315649185?MERCH=REC-_-atc-_-312825224-_-315649185-_-N&=&irgwc=1&cm_mmc=afl-ir-10451-483420-&clickid=RNc0RjQLvxyLR5wwUx0Mo37DUkBTHmT5WUM8UM0
Charles_A
Just got mine delivered (free!) yesterday from HD.
Excellent deal.
Julian Tracy
Let’s all cut to the chase and assume they are just basic cheap crappy bits. Even in the pictures they look like they’ll strip out within a few uses.
Might as well start having articles about “Home Depot HDX 8pc screwdriver set for $6 – how’s the quality? ”
Cheap tool accessories are just that; they serve a purpose for cheap people or folks without the proper knowledge or as one time usage items.
MFC
Question #1:
Nope.
Question #2:
Nope.
Toolfreak
I’d probably get the XTR bit sets if I had the XTR tools, but the regular Kobalt impact-rated bits are decent quality and haven’t had any issues yet.
Maybe these will show up in an impact bit shootout video to see how they compare to the other new torsion beam style bits.
Itisnotme
Stopped doing business with Lowe’s because of its horrid customer service.
Charles_A
I have a set – pretty unremarkable, the pieces from the top-left row keep falling out and getting tucked in around the other intact rows.
Pulling the bits from the holder (top-right of the case) is a challenge – had to use a pair of needle nose pliers to rescue a stuck bit.
Shane
I can’t speak to the XTR bits but the Kobalt set I bought some time ago was too awful for words. The drill bits are brittle and snapped on the first use on every occasion. I threw the rest in my vertical file and will never buy another. In my opinion Lowe’s charges premium prices for similar offerings as HD minus the quality. I couldn’t even recommend these to a hobbyist and they are definitely not for professionals.
CoBlue
Not particularly interested in these mystery bits when it’s easy to stock up on better brands for cheaper. Now I would like to know more about this new line of 40v XTR tools… :V
Daniel
Wonder if they are US made?
Max Musial
The 40 piece set looks like the non XTR branded one I have just repackaged. The case really sucks. I dropped it and everything exploded inside of it. The bits are okay but not amazing by any stretch of the imagination.
Berry
The bit quality is only average, just above the cheapest available bits as far as durability goes, the bit manufacturing “looks” good though. As far as the case goes they are truly terrible, although once again they look nice… the latches are very stiff, often to open the cases you must forcefully pull the entire latch completely off. The folding bit holder retaining clips are too loose on some, too tight on others. If riding in a vehicle, dropped, or shaken the retaining clips will allow the bit holders to open filling the case with loose bits… since the case is split 50/50 instead of 30/70 that usually means bits fall out upon opening, since you can only open the case by forcefully snapping the entire latch off the case lol. I will keep using them, but not in my “go to single bit box” also the nut drivers and extension are shallow and fairly low quality… Occasional homeowner workbench grade at best… especially since the upgraded good looks will present well on a shelf, where hopefully they will stay, and rarely be used.