Power tool consumer reports

It's better to have fewer, quality tools in your combo kit. You can still find bargains and make big savings. Several brands offer a choices for DIY users and you don't have to spend a fortune. If you have more money to invest, it's our opinion that you'll never regret buying a top quality cordless tool set.

It's not an expense, it's an investment. Models from the leading brands offer tremendous power and versatility. Fortunately, with so many different power tool sets available, it's almost like you can find one tailor-made for your needs. Nevertheless, there is a kind of progression taken by many lines of tool sets. Small, cordless kits focus on two or three indispensable items. Things you might use less often are added as power tool sets get larger. It's surprising how many jobs just these two tools accomplish.

The saw supplied can vary. Some sets include a circular saw, best for cutting straight lines through planks and large boards. Others include a jigsaw, which can cut all kinds of shapes and provide great versatility.

A reciprocating saw is another good all-rounder, though these are seldom included at the budget end of the market. The next step up frequently includes an impact driver. They're invaluable for the serious DIYer. An additional saw or even two is another common option. Some include an oscillating multi-tool.

These generally feature a scraper, plus a blade for cutting holes in wall boards and plywood panels. A sander might be included, though they are rare. A work light is always a useful addition. More than just a flashlight, these are usually self-supporting because of the battery on the bottom. They can be positioned at different angles, to provide lighting while leaving your hands free.

If you're looking for an economical DIY set, it's an approach worth considering. Combo tool kits come in a convenient box - though getting everything back in neatly again can be a challenge!

We can't go into detail about individual tool specification here; there are just too many. However, you do need to check carefully. The majority of power tool sets are representative of the manufacturer's normal range. Most tools are exactly the same model you would buy individually, but as a kit they offer better value.

However, that's not always the case. It wouldn't be fair to say that inferior tools are included, but specification and sizes may not be what you expect.

Don't rely on what you think you can see in a picture. Check the actual figures. Images of the product can be misleading. Normally when we review a range of products we can give a good idea of the price you'll pay. However, because of the enormous variety available, that's almost impossible with power tool sets.

The main reason to buy a power tool set has to be to save money. Otherwise it would make more sense to buy each item individually. The price you pay will depend on the number of items in the kit, and the brand.

Brands like Hitachi and Porter-Cable are trusted for their mid-range equipment. DeWalt tools are the professional option. If you can find like-for-like to make a comparison, you'll probably see a spread of a couple of hundred dollars between budget cordless tool sets and premium alternatives.

A case or tool bag is always a good idea, and even more so with a kit of tools that you want to keep together. There are the tools you need, and those you don't! It's tempting to buy a big set — and they provide great value — but if you end up with a couple tools you'll never use, you might have spent more money than you needed to.

Given the choice, always buy fewer tools, of better quality. A big advantage with some power tool sets is the inclusion of two batteries — one can be charging while you carry on working. It's not true of all combos though, so you might want to consider the price of an additional battery when making your decision.

Is there much difference between 18V and 20V batteries? Those manufacturers who quote 20 volts are typically stating peak power. When running normally — which is almost all the time — these batteries supply closer to 18 volts. When comparing battery power, you want as many amp hours Ah as possible — this maintains power for longer durations.

Check the anticipated run time and recharging time to get an overall picture. Do interchangeable heads deliver the same performance as stand-alone tools? There's no reason why they shouldn't, but there's a proviso. We would expect an interchangeable tool set to be as good as individual tools from the same manufacturer. That's not the same as saying a budget model — whether stand-alone or one with swappable heads — is as good as a professional-grade tool.

What's the difference between a reciprocating saw, a tiger saw and a sawzall? None really. They're all names used by different manufacturers for the same type of saw. It's a very handy tool. You can cut a variety of materials just by changing the blade. As with any cordless tools, true capabilities are closely related to the power available. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

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