Sears has its Craftsman tools, Home Depot has Ridgid—and now Lowe’s has its Kobalt brand of cordless tools sold only at Lowe’s. But these new tools are more than just a new name: They can all share the same batteries, whether they’re lithium-ion or NiCads. We’ll see how this new name in cordless tools handles our tough tests—and whether the Kobalt impact driver is any quieter than others.

The new 18-volt line includes a drill, reciprocating saw, and circular saw you can buy separately or together for as little as $169—with or without batteries and charger.

Drill-drivers are the most popular cordless tools, something that we are continually testing in Consumer Reports’ labs. This one also boasts short recharge times, according to Lowe’s—just 30 minutes with Nicad batteries and a mere 20 minutes with lithium-ion cells. Features include two batteries so one can keep working while the other charges, along with a one-half-inch all-metal chuck, two widely variable speed ranges up to 1,650 RPM, and an LED work light.

By Father’s Day, there will also be a new $79 impact driver for driving and loosening tough bolts and even automotive lug nuts. And like other Kobalt tools, it includes a three-year warranty on the battery and charger, five years on the tool itself.

—Bob Markovich