Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium Ion (Li-ion) 1/2-in Cordless Brushless Drill with Battery and Soft Case

Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium Ion (Li-ion) 1/2-in Cordless Brushless Drill with Battery and Soft Case

Reviewed by: Michael Anderson
Canada
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4.6/5)

Introduction & First Impressions
The Kobalt 24-Volt Max Brushless Cordless Drill is designed to meet the demands of both homeowners tackling weekend DIY projects and professionals who rely on consistent, heavy-duty performance. Kobalt has positioned this drill as a balance between affordability, power, and advanced technology. After several weeks of testing it across various tasks—ranging from assembling furniture to drilling into concrete—I can confidently say this tool delivers impressive results at a fair price.

Design & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the drill feels solid and well-constructed. The brushless motor design not only improves efficiency but also reduces wear, meaning this drill is built for long-term reliability. The ergonomic grip with a soft rubberized texture makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, and its balanced weight distribution prevents wrist fatigue. The 1/2-inch keyless metal chuck locks bits in securely, which is especially useful when working on tougher applications where slippage could be a problem.

The kit includes a 24V lithium-ion battery, a charger, and a soft carrying case. The case, while not as rigid as a contractor bag, is lightweight and makes it easy to transport the drill and accessories.

Performance & Power
Performance is where this drill really shines. Powered by a 24-volt system, it delivers noticeably more torque compared to standard 18V or 20V drills in the same class. With 650 in-lbs of torque and variable speed settings (0–550 RPM and 0–2,000 RPM), it’s versatile enough for light-duty tasks like drilling pilot holes in wood, yet powerful enough to handle more demanding jobs such as drilling into masonry or driving large screws into treated lumber.

The brushless motor makes a big difference in terms of consistency and energy efficiency. Unlike brushed motors, it generates less heat and maintains stronger performance under load. I tested it by drilling multiple holes into hardwood planks and later switching to fastening long deck screws. The drill did not stall, overheat, or lose torque during extended use.

Battery Life & Charging
The included 24V Max Lithium-ion battery offers excellent runtime. On a full charge, I was able to complete multiple projects without needing a recharge. For moderate use, the battery easily lasts through a full workday. Recharging is also fast, taking roughly 40–50 minutes to reach full capacity with the included charger. Kobalt’s battery system is interchangeable with other 24V Max tools, which adds convenience for anyone already invested in the ecosystem.

Additional Features
The built-in LED work light is bright and perfectly positioned to illuminate the bit and work area. This comes in handy when working in low-light spaces such as basements or tight corners. The variable speed trigger provides precise control, allowing you to start slowly and ramp up power as needed.

Pros:

• Strong 24V brushless motor with excellent torque
• Long-lasting lithium-ion battery with quick charging
• Comfortable ergonomic grip and balanced weight
• Metal keyless chuck holds bits securely
• LED light improves visibility in dark areas

Cons:

• Soft case is decent but lacks the ruggedness of a hard contractor case
• Slightly bulkier than some 18V competitors, which may be inconvenient in very tight spaces
• Only one battery included in the kit (a second battery would be ideal)

Final Verdict
The Kobalt 24-Volt Max Brushless Drill strikes an excellent balance between power, performance, and price. It feels durable, runs smoothly, and has enough torque to handle heavy-duty tasks, yet it’s still easy enough for DIYers to operate. While a few small improvements could make it even better—such as including a second battery or a sturdier case—this drill is a highly reliable option for anyone looking for a mid-to-high level cordless drill without spending premium-brand prices.