Let me sum this all up quite simply . Count how many times you say Shit , I should have just got the Milwaukee . If you say it minimally , then you ' ve made a fine choice with Kobalt . If you find that you ' re regularly regretting the purchase , then the Milwaukee way is for you . Kobalt is in the same category as DeWalt or Ridgid . They ' re fine tools for the average person . But the cheapness plays into replace ability . It ' s easy to buy a new one , so don ' t expect them to last if you abuse them . That ' s why Milwaukee is priced so high , because you CAN abuse them and they just keep going . I ' ve personally destroyed 2 hammer drills , 1 impact driver , 1 sawzall , and countless dewalt tape measures . Now I only buy Milwaukee , and despite my best efforts , I can ' t hurt their tools . So when you ask about Kobalt , I ' m sure it will serve you well based on your needs . So don ' t worry too much about spending the big money . If you do in the future end up needing something better , Milwaukee is the way to go .