Kobalt 24V Cordless Hammer Drill and Drill Driver Adds Power, Reduces Size
Kobalt's next generation 24V cordless tools are launching at Lowe's. We wanted to see what was different, where these tools fit, and who they were designed for. First up is the Kobalt 24V Cordless Hammer Drill and its drill-driven version.
Kobalt 24V Cordless Hammer Drill Performance
Kobalt has two lines on the shelves at Lowe's: the high-value Standard line and the high-performance XTR line. The latest tools are taking over the standard production line.
old and new
Here is a quick overview of the capabilities of the updated hammers compared to previous models:
| KHD 524B-03 | KHD 124B-03 (next generation) | |
| no-load speed | 0-550/0-2,000 rpm | 0-550/0-2,000 rpm |
| Maximum Hammer Rate | 26,000 times/min | 32,000 times/min |
| clutch setting | twenty four | twenty four |
| Maximum torque | 650 in-lbs | 850 in-lbs |
| Chuck size | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch |
Now let's look at the specifications of the drill driver:
| KDD 524B-03 | KDD 124B-03 (next generation) | |
| no-load speed | 0-550/0-2,000 rpm | 0-550/0-2,000 rpm |
| clutch setting | twenty four | twenty four |
| Maximum torque | 650 in-lbs | 850 in-lbs |
| Chuck size | 1/2 inch | 1/2 inch |
Comparing the two generations, only two changes stand out, but they are significant. The Kobalt 24V Cordless Hammer Drill and Drill Driver gets an additional 200 inch-pounds of torque, an increase of over 30%. You don't have to look back too many years ago when 850 in-lbs was the highest torque any brushless pro grade drill could achieve.
Another change is only on the hammer drill. Its blow rate has been changed from 24,000 BPM to 32,000 BPM, a 23% increase, which should result in significantly faster concrete drilling.
In our short time with these tools, we will run a series of comparative tests on them. We'll update this review as soon as we get those results.
Kobalt 24V Cordless Hammer Drill Design Notes
size and weight
In addition to higher performance, Kobalt has engineered more compact dimensions for its drill bits and rotary hammer bits. Here's how those numbers compare to a hammer drill:
| KHD 524B-03 | KHD 124B-03 (next generation) | |
| length | 8.1 inches | 7.1 inches |
| bare weight | 3.3 lbs | 3.1 lbs |
| Weight w/4.0Ah | 5.0 lbs | 4.8 lbs |
Here's the drill driver comparison:
| KDD 524B-03 | KDD 124B-03 (next generation) | |
| length | 7.5 inches | 6.7 inches |
| bare weight | 3.1 lbs | 2.9 lbs |
| Weight w/4.0Ah | 4.8 lbs | 4.6 lbs |
other highlights
- 2 speed gearbox
- 24 clutch positions
- Split Mode Selector Collar
- Full Metal Jacobs Keyless Ratchet Chuck
- double sided belt clip
- Foot-operated LED lights
One of the benefits of these drills is that you get the extra performance without having to hike the price drastically to match it. A drill kit with a 2.0Ah battery costs $139. The bare hammer drill sells for $129.
These tools just launched today (as we're writing this), so we'll have to wait and see if any other bare tool or suite options come up.
Regardless, Kobalt gives you a 5-year tool warranty and a 3-year battery warranty.
the bottom line
The next generation of Kobalt 24V cordless hammer drills and drill drivers benefits from improved torque and a more compact design. These changes came without a huge price increase, keeping them in the high-value category. While the Kobalt is aimed at serious DIYers and prosumers, the price and performance are sure to catch the eye of value-conscious professionals, too.
Specification
Kobalt 24V Cordless Drill Driver
- Model: Kobalt KDD 124B-03
- Maximum speed: 2000 RPM
- Number of clutch settings: 24
- Maximum Chuck Size: 1/2″
- Chuck Type: Keyless
- Maximum Torque: 850 in-lbs
- Warranty: 5 years (tool); 3 years (battery)
Kobalt 24V Cordless Hammer Drill
- Model: Kobalt KHD 124B-03
- Maximum speed: 2000 RPM
- Maximum beats per minute: 32,000 BPM
- Number of clutch settings: 24
- Maximum Chuck Size: 1/2″
- Chuck Type: Keyless
- Maximum Torque: 850 in-lbs
- Warranty: 5 years (tool); 3 years (battery)