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Best Power Tools
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Brand
Considering the company that manufactures each of these power tools was one of the very first things that we looked at.
For the best power tools, the brand isn’t that big of an issue. However, when you are shopping around for a new television, you are probably going to consider the set that comes from Sony rather than a set made by some unknown company. The same principles apply to these products. From what we gathered, many of the big hitters like Black + Decker, DEWALT, and BOSCH have been in the business of making these power tools for over 100 years, so you know that you are getting something of superior quality. What’s more, the big name companies also take more time crafting excellent design and safety features so that their products are considered to be safe and easy to use. They might come at a little bit of a higher price tag, but we feel that a higher price is worth it when it comes to your safety. The bigger names also have a reputation of crafting products that are made to hold up for a longer period of time, even when they are used on a daily basis, which is something that is also very important to us.
Ease of Use
We want everyone to be included and to be able to use these power tools, not just mountain men who built their own house.
Finding products that were accessible to everyone was something that we felt was very important. To achieve this, we looked at how each product was made and how it operated. One of the very first things that we searched for was safety features. While the easy startup is nice, having multiple switches that need to be pressed in order to turn it on reduces the risk of accidentally bumping it and turning it on. We also made sure to include battery options as well as wired options. There is no definite answer to which unit is best because each option has its distinct advantages and disadvantages. Wired options are great because it means that you are never going to run out of juice in the middle of a job, but it also means that you are going to have something tethering you to an electrical outlet. Battery options are better for those that are engaging in casual jobs because you are untethered to an outlet, but it means that you run the risk of running out of juice.
Features
Everyone likes a lot of features when it comes to these types of devices because it means it's going to make your job that much easier!
We wanted to select power tools that had a lot of additional features that would make working just a little bit easier. For instance, the Bosch drill has a light that is built right into the base of the unit that makes working in low lighting easier. When it came to power tools like drills, selecting products that came will all of the drill bits that you would need to get started, as well as a handy carrying case was something that we felt was pretty important. Basically, for any type of multi-purpose device, we wanted to ensure that all of the little components that you would need to get started were included with purchase. For products such as saws, features that would help the users create a straight line were beneficial. Design features such as lasers that would draw on the cutting surface, or measuring instruments mounted directly on the unit were things that would send a product right over the top to help you achieve perfect cuts for the task at hand.
Size
The size was an important feature to ensure that everyone would be able to use these products.
We wanted to make sure that the devices we selected were small enough so that any size hand and human would be able to operate it. We did keep in mind, however, that sometimes smaller size also meant less strength. While we considered the size and weight of each item, we also wanted to make sure that it didn’t skimp on the strength. One way we confirmed this was by considering the amp or wattage of each device. However, the proof is always in the pudding. Before we landed on one of the smaller options, we checked to see what past users had to say about the product. If there was an overwhelming number of users that felt that the unit was too weak or wasn’t able to cut through even the thinnest of surfaces, we moved on to the next option.
Value
We always want to make sure that we select brands that offer users the best value.
That doesn’t doesn’t necessarily mean that we select the lowest priced products. For the instance for these devices, we took into consideration the brand that made it, as well as all of the additional features that were included with purchase. Many of these products come with a pretty hefty price tag, but you also most consider the jobs that they will be able to accomplish. We felt that even higher priced products that came with a lot of accessories and that were able to complete a myriad of tasks were a far better value than products that were able to achieve significantly less. In our option, when it comes to these types of products, spending a little bit more money on a higher end brand will save you more money in the long run than opting for something less expensive that will not last you half as long.
Top 10 Picks
1. BLACK+DECKER Lithium Drill/Driver Power Tool
If you are planning on taking on any home improvement project, you are going to need a trusty drill at your side. These power tools can come in handy from hanging photos, putting together furniture, or any small or large task that needs some proper support that can’t just be tightened by hand.
Read moreBrand
BLACK+DECKER is going to be one of the big brands that you are going to want to keep your eye on. They were founded back in 1910 in Maryland, and have a positive reputation for making high-quality home improvement power tools and appliances that are durable and affordable.
Ease of use
What we like most about this option is that this power tool is incredibly easy to use. The lithium battery snaps off at the base for easy charging and the device works with the simple pulling of a trigger. What’s great about the head of this unit is that it is clearly labeled which type of drill bit will fit with each turn of the head.
Features
Included with this kit is an impressive 30 bits and accessories that are able to tackle surfaces such as wood, plastic, and even metal. It offers 20 volts and can operate at 0-750 RPM. Accessories include screwdriver and drill bits as well as nut drivers.
Size
This unit measures to be 8.9 long, 4 inches wide, and 7.8 inches tall. It also only weighs just over 4 pounds, so it isn’t going to be all that heavy and awkward even in smaller hands.
Value
What we love about BLACK+DECKER products is that they come with the knowledge that you are getting a superior quality product, but that also come in at a very reasonable price point that isn’t going to break the bank.
Overall
We feel that every homeowner needs one of these products in their belt when tackling projects, and this option from BLACK+DECKER is going to give you exactly what you need without weighing you down.
2. SKIL Circular Saw
For bigger jobs, you are going to need some great and portable cutting strength. We liked this option because it has all of the force you will need to cut through wood and even drywall, but it comes in at a very reasonable price point that will still leave you enough in your budget for lumber for that deck you want to build this spring.
Read moreBrand
SKIL might not have the same brand gravitas as some of the more well-known names out there on the market, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth a look. In fact, they have been in the business of making great power tools for homeowners since they were founded in 1924 in Illinois. Their products are a little more affordable than some of the heavier hitters, but they often don’t have all of the same bells and whistles.
Ease of use
What we liked most about this option is that it is incredibly easy to use. Simply plug it into an electric outlet, line up your blade on the surface you are cutting into, and press the power button. Comfortable hand grips along the top and sides will allow users to maintain control over the blades easily while it is in use.
Features
Users love the laser guide that is located on the front of the unit. This laser will ensure that each cut is crisp and even so there will be no wasted lumber. A guarded trigger located on the top of the unit will help reduce the risk of starting the device by accident, and a built-in blower will keep every surface you are working on clear of dust to further ensure that you get that perfect cut the first time.
Size
Size is a big factor when it comes to this device. It is built to be small, lightweight, and easy to carry- and it even comes with its own carrying case. It measures in at just over 14 inches long and weighs just over 14 pounds.
Value
One of the best features about this option is that it comes in at a really affordable price point. The cost of this unit cost just a little bit less than some of the heavier hitters out there on the market, and it still has all of the features that users need for the perfect cut.
Overall
You simply cannot beat the value or the features of this option. If you are looking to tackle a pretty extensive household project like building a deck or cutting some drywall, this option is going to be one of your best options without breaking the bank.
3. Dremel Kit Power Tool
Every household should be equipped with one of these rotary products because it does just about everything. It is able to cut through metals to shorten longer screws, but it can also tackle smaller projects like engraving or shaving down edges. While most products tackle big issues, this Dremel is made for all of the little details.
Read moreBrand
Rotary devices and Dremel are almost synonymous among homeowners. If you were in the market for one of these products, this is the brand that you are going to want to choose. They have been in the market for making specific rotary devices since their founding in 1931 in Wisconsin.
Ease of use
Few products out there on the market are easier to use than the humble Dremel. Simply load up the bit that you intend to use for your job, and press the on button found at the base of the unit.
Features
This product comes with a heavy duty carrying case that will hold the main device as well as the myriad of attachments that are specifically designed for cutting, cleaning, sanding, and grinding.
Size
This unit is about 15 inches long, and it only weighs just shy of 5 pounds, making it incredibly lightweight and easy to use.
Value
The cost of this unit is slightly more expensive than some of the other devices we have seen out there on the market, but considering the myriad of jobs it is able to tackle, we find that it is offered at an excellent value.
Overall
If you are looking to start your collection of the bare necessities in your garage or shed, we feel that this rotary device from Dremel is an excellent place to start, and is well worth the slightly higher price point.
4. BLACK+DECKER Jig Saw Power Tool
In addition to a circular saw, jigsaws are designed to complete various tasks. While circular saws are great for straight lines, jigsaws use a straight blade that works in an up and down motion that is perfect for circles lines and angles.
Read moreBrand
As always, BLACK+DECKER is going to be a really safe bet. They have been in the business of making great products for home use for over 100 years, and the quality of this jigsaw is no exception.
Ease of use
What users really like about this design is that it has a comfortable hand grip that makes maintaining ultimate control of the unit while it is in use simple and easy. To get to work, simply plug it into an electrical outlet, adjust upper blade by pulling the guided trigger, and pull back on the trigger to get to work.
Features
What makes this particular unit stand out from all of the rest is the inclusion of the Curve Control knob found on the side of the unit. Before you make your first cut, users can turn the dial to adjust the orbit of the blade to one of 4 different settings.
Size
This unit measures to be almost 12 inches long and 10 inches high and weighs just over 5 pounds- making it very light and compact for jobs at home or on the go.
Value
As with any BLACK+DECKER product, you are getting very high quality, and this instance you are also getting exceptional value. This is one of the more affordable selections making our list.
Overall
If you want something that is going to be able to cut through just about anything, and that comes from a trusted brand at a very affordable price point, this is going to be one of your better options.
5. BOSTITCH Portable Air Compressor
This beast is designed to take on some really challenging household projects. An air compressor is something that can really come in handy when you need to utilize a lot of force, and the addition of the smart point brad nailer kit makes this a must have for anyone looking to tackle some very extensive home improvement projects.
Read moreBrand
BOSTITCH might not be a name that everyone is familiar with, and it may be due in part that they only manufacture very specific fastening devices, such as this nailer. They were founded in 1896 in Rhode Island, and are one of the leading manufacturers of these devices. If you wanted something nailed down, BOSTITCH is the way to go.
Ease of use
This is going to be a little more complicated than many of the other options on our list, but it is well worth the time it will take to learn how to use it. Simply plug in the compressor and wait a few minutes until it is full of air. Once it has reached max, it is going to be able to work for a few days of work without the need of plugging it into a wall. Simply attach your accessory to the base, and you are ready to go.
Features
Air compressors are notorious for being noise hogs. When one is working, forget about having any casual conversations! However, that isn’t the case with this device. It runs at about 80 decibels, which is about the same as the dial tone of a telephone.
Size
This is one of the larger units to make our list as well. It weighs in at 43.7 pounds, and measures to be about 21 inches long and 18 inches high.
Value
The cost of this unit is one of the more expensive options to make our list but is it due to all of the extra accessories that come along with the air compressor. If you are simply looking for an air compressor, the base unit comes at a price tag that is more affordable.
Overall
It may be on the expensive side of things, but users feel that this is one product that makes long and arduous jobs a lot more easy, especially if you are doing something like building a fence and have a lot of nails to hammer.
6. PORTER-CABLE Oscillating Multi-Tool
This is another option that all homeowners should have in the garage in the face of any project that they want to take on. This is the type of device that is great when it comes to all of the little details that make a job look sharp and professional.
Read moreBrand
PORTER-CABLE is another one of those brands that seem to fly under the radar, but they have been in the business of making great power tools since they were founded in 1906 in Syracuse, New York. They are primarily known for their belt sanders, which is why we chose them for this particular device.
Ease of use
What users like most about this option are that loads and unloading each individual attachment is simple and easy, and most importantly- it’s quick. Simple load up your attachment, press the on button and you are ready to get to work.
Features
One of the features that users like the most about this design are that once your attachment is loaded, you have the option of moving it from left to right to find the exact right angle for the job.
Size
This unit measures to be 15 inches long and 11 inches high, and it weighs in at just over 6 pounds. This makes it incredibly lightweight and compact which is perfect for all of those smaller and tedious jobs around the house.
Value
The cost of this unit is slightly higher than many of the average price options found on this list, but we still think it is a really great deal when you consider the myriad of jobs this one little device can accomplish.
Overall
We think that a device that can cut, grind, and sand is something that every homeowner is going to be able to get a lot of use from, and this option from PORTER-CABLE is going to be one of your better options.
7. Bosch Drill/Driver Kit Power Tool
What we liked most about this option from Bosch is that it is incredibly strong, but it is one of the lightest and easy to use options out there on the market, which means that you are going to be able to work longer without your hands getting tired. Plus, its design makes it ideal for smaller hands.
Read moreBrand
Bosch is one of those heavy-hitter brands that users recognized almost immediately. They have been in the market of bringing high-quality household power tools to consumers since they were founded in Germany in 1886.
Ease of use
This is where this option really shines. It has a small and compact frame that makes working for longer periods of time easier on your hands and arms. To use, simply attach the 18-volt battery to the base, attach the drill bit that you want to use for the job, and pull the trigger on the handle.
Features
One thing that we liked about this design that you don’t typically see on a lot of similar designs is that it has a light function near the base so even if you are working in places where lighting is less than ideal, you will have a light source built right into the product to ensure that you always drill in the right spot. The downside to this option, however, is that it doesn’t appear to come with the bits that you will need to use it right out of the box.
Size
This unit is small and compact. It measures in at 14 inches long and 11 inches high and weighs just over 6 pounds.
Value
This is one of the more expensive drills to make our list. However, for users that want something that is still going to be able to offer superior torque in a smaller unit, this is going to be well worth the slightly higher price point.
Overall
Users love that this little unit can drill through just about anything in a very small package, and it comes from a company that is trusted throughout the industry.
8. DEWALT Orbit Sander
Working on projects around the house means that you are likely going to need to sand down some rough edges. While simply using a piece of sandpaper by hand is an option, getting some torque behind that sandpaper means that you are not only going to get the job significantly faster, but you are also going to save yourself the grief of sore muscles and hands at the end of the day.
Read moreBrand
DEWALT is one of those household names when it comes to any type of construction job, so it was clearly one of our top picks for sanding tools. They were founded in 1924 in Pennsylvania, and have a long line of satisfied customers in their wake over the years. In fact, you might already have one of their classic black and yellow devices already in your garage.
Ease of use
The shape of this design is what makes it so easy to use. It has a short stature which means there is less room between the sandpaper and your hand, which means you are going to be in more control of what you are working on. Simply load up your sandpaper on the base, turn it on and you are ready to get to work.
Features
What users really like most about this design is the addition of the dust bag. To work quickly and more efficiently, as well as mitigate messes, there is a container found on the rear of the unit that is designed to pick up all of the dust that gets kicked up from the sandpaper.
Size
This unit is pretty small and compact, and measures to be just 10 inches high and about 6 inches long. Plus, it weighs just 4 pounds, making it easy to control and take with you on the go.
Value
The price tag on this unit is a little bit higher than most, but that is going to be the cost of using high quality and reliable power tool from DEWALT. You might pay more now, but you will know that this unit is going to last you a very long time.
Overall
We liked this design because it is easy to use for just about anyone, and it comes from a trusted company that has been in the business of making high-quality power tools for over 100 years.
9. WORKPRO Oscillating Multi-Tool
We feel that these handy little devices serve more than one spot on our list, so we are offering this more affordable options from a company that is a little lesser known. This lighter option is a little more approachable than some of the higher end options out there on the market.
Read moreBrand
WORKPRO doesn’t have quite the same clout as some of the higher end and household names, but this option is worth checking out. We found there is little known about this company, but based upon customer reviews this power tool is made from high-quality materials and it has a lower price point that makes them worth a shot.
Ease of use
Users will need to give the battery a full charge before they get to work. Once it is charged, snap it onto the base and attach the tip that you will need. There is a button on the side that allows users to adjust their speed level, and an on button when you are ready to go.
Features
What users really love about this unit is that it comes with a ton of attachments that are perfect for all sorts of tasks. Attachments include various sizes of cutting devices and quite a few sheets of perfect fitted sandpaper. Plus, it all comes in a really handy storage bag.
Size
This unit measures to be about 14 inches long and just over 5 inches high. It also weighs just over 4 pounds, making it one of the more lightweight and compact multi-options to make our list.
Value
What we liked most about this option is that it comes in at a more affordable price point considering all of the functions that it is able to pull off.
Overall
If you were looking for something that is going to be able to pull off a myriad of tasks in a compact device and is priced just slightly lower from a lesser known brand, this is an excellent option.
10. WORX Compact Circular Saw
The thing that makes this power tool stand out from others out there on the market is that it is able to be used with just one hand. While others require a hand to be placed on the side and top of the unit, this design is compact enough to work effectively with just one hand.
Read moreBrand
WORX might not exactly be a household name, but they are certainly worth a look. They got their start in 1994 by selling component parts to Black + Decker until they decided to set out on their own in 2004 with their own line of power tools.
Ease of use
What we liked most about this model is that it is incredibly easy to use, and you will be able to work much faster than you would with a two-handed model. Simply plug it in, set your blade level, and turn it on.
Features
Like me mentioned earlier, the design of this model is the thing that sets it apart from other circular saws. It offers a 4.5-inch carbide-tipped blade that is incredibly sharp for cutting through even very thick lumber.
Size
This unit measures to be 15 inches long, 5.8 inches high, and weighs in at just over 5 pounds.
Value
What users really like most about this design is that it comes in at an affordable price point. It might not come from a well-known company, but it has a long line of satisfied customers that find their power tools to be incredibly well made.
Overall
If you are looking for a circular saw that is a little bit more compact and affordable, we think that giving WORX a try is a great choice.