cheap power tools uk brands
Loginor join Which? to see the best cordless power tool brands rankings.BrandCustomer score %Battery life and chargingEase of useGeneral performanceBuild quality and robustness83%★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆
Table notes: In February 2021 we surveyed 548 Which? Trusted Traders. The results in the table above are based on traders who either own or use cordless power tools from each brand.
We received ratings for five popular brands from the expert traders we surveyed. We require a minimum sample size of 30 to provide an accurate and robust score to a brand, and we found that Which? Trusted Traders who completed our survey tend to use and own tools from a relatively small pool of brands.
Black+Decker range:Black+Decker is a stalwart brand in the world of power tools and has almost any power tool you can think of in its 18V cordless power tool range. Whether you"re after a drill, strimmer, chainsaw or palm sander, Black+Decker has you covered.
Log inor join Which? to find out whether Black+Decker featured in our top cordless power tool brands. Or you can view the entire Black+Decker range on the Black+Decker website.
Bosch range:Bosch has two distinct ranges of power tools, blue and green. Green is for home DIYers, and blue is for professional tradesmen. The blue tools claim to have more torque, more power, longer lasting batteries and longer warranties.As the sample for our survey was professional tradesmen, we would imagine that the majority own the professional blue tools. In either range you can buy almost any type of power tool that you can imagine, with everything from jigsaws, sanders, cordless leaf blowers, drills and angle grinders covered.
Log inor join Which? to find out whether Bosch featured in our top cordless power tool brands. Or you can view the extensive range of Bosch power tools on the Bosch website.
DeWalt range:DeWalt is an American manufacturer of power tools and hand tools, and is a registered trade mark of Black+Decker. DeWalt mainly makes tools for the construction and woodworking industries, but will cater for almost any type of cordless power tool you might want for domestic use too. DeWalt has 12V and 18V cordless ranges.
Log inor join Which? to find out whether DeWalt featured in our top cordless power tool brands. Or you can browse the DeWalt cordless power tool range at the DeWalt website.
Erbauer range:The Erbauer is exclusive to Screwfix and B&Q and offers a full range of cordless power tools suitable for any home DIY project, big or small. Erbauer tools tend to be a bit cheaper than more premium priced brands, but do they deliver when it comes to your home DIY projects?
Log inor join Which? to find out whether Erbauer featured in our top cordless power tool brands or see the full range of Erbauer power tools at the Screwfix or B&Q websites.
Festool range: German brand Festool makes some seriously expensive cordless tools. You can view its full range of cordless products on the Festool website. The company focuses on tools for construction and carpentry and it promises perfection in its tools.
Log inor join Which? to find out whether Festool featured in our top cordless power tool brands. Or you can view the full range of Festool cordless power tools at the Festool website.
Log inor join Which? to find out whether Makita featured in our top cordless power tool brands. Or you can view its range of cordless tools, with a variety of battery options, at the Makita website.
Milwaukee range: Milwaukee is a subsidiary of Techtronic Industries, which also owns AEG, Hoover, Ryobi and Vax. It produces corded and cordless power tools. Milwaukee"s cordless range is extensive, including all kinds of drills, wrenches, ratchets, saws, grinders, planers and much more.
Log inor join Which? to find out whether Milwaukee featured in our top cordless power tool brands. Or you can view its cordless range on the Milwaukee website.
Log inor join Which? to find out whether Ryobi featured in our top cordless power tool brands. Or you can view Ryobi"s full range at the Ryobi website.
Stanley range: Stanley is a another brand owned by Black+Decker and has been making tools for more than 170 years. Its tools are marketed squarely at professionals, but they"re available for any DIYer to buy too.
Log inor join Which? to find out whether Stanley featured in our top cordless power tool brands. Or you can view Stanley"s considerable range of drills, saws, sanders and more at the Stanley website.
Power Tools UK servicing professional tradesmen with the latest power tools and accessories, marquee brands include Bosch Power Tools, Milwaukee Power Tools, DeWALT Power Tools and Makita Power Tools all CE Kite marked with full industrial warranty. Power Tools UK continues to be a family business with over 30 years trade experience, 21 of them on the internet, our website is one of the most comprehensive and still one of the best in what has become a very crowded market.
Both professional handymen and home DIY enthusiasts would not be complete without their collection of tools. Objects such as saws, drills, screwdrivers and lathes are like extensions of the body able to create new features and improve already existing ones. Those missing an item or two can find it here at Toucan Tools. We supply an extensive range of tools perfect for commercial construction firms or hobbyists looking for another way to renovate their homes. We aim to provide the highest quality products from some of the world"s most respected tool manufacturers. Through us, you can buy power tool brands such as Hitachi and Dewalt and have them delivered straight to your home or workplace. Our site is there to help you add to your collection of hand tools so that you can quickly get to work renovating, demolishing or constructing whatever projects that you have planned. After all, waiting around will not get things built any faster. You need the assistance of the highest quality equipment available to get the job done in the best manner possible. Fortunately, Toucan Tools is your one-stop shop for anything related to construction and renovations. Have a look through our catalogue and see what grabs your attention.
Drills are one of the most basic tools and every handyman should own at least one of them. This should also include a matching set of drill bits, of course! Toucan Tools sells 110V and 240V standard and angle drills, giving you the ability to work in any location. Our models are both corded and cordless, and offer the very best in quality and effectiveness with anything construction related. We also stock percussion drills for those tougher masonry jobs and diamond core drills for those difficult, deeper holes. No matter what you need, we can supply it. Visit our site and purchase a Hitachi, Bosch or Makita power tool set, kit or any other spare parts. The beginner handyman can find drill bit sets, diamond cores and proper drills right here, while the professional construction expert can find all the replacement parts and accessories that he needs to keep on going. Toucan Tools can supply you with all of your drilling requirements at prices which are difficult to beat. Forget about heading down to your local hardware store and simply do all of your tool shopping with us instead. Our selection and rates will make it completely worthwhile.
Now that you have purchased an excellent quality drill, why not have a look at expanding your collection of saws? These useful tools come in a wide number of varieties, all of which can be found with the online catalogue here at Toucan Tools. Our mitre saws from brands such as Bosch and Dewalt will assist you in making accurate mitre cuts and crosscuts. We also have a variety of hand-held circular saws, some coming with guard rails for those times when you need a high degree of accuracy. For something a bit more advanced, our range of table and flipover saws are some of the best indoor and outdoor power tool DIY systems for woodworking available in the UK. This is not the limit to our comprehensive selection of saws and saw accessories however. We also list a range of jigsaws and metal cut-off saws for any precision jobs or tougher construction tasks which are required. Additional blades can be found at Toucan as well so that the professional handyman or the DIY enthusiast will always have the perfect array of tools at their disposal. It is our job to keep you working for longer while doing what you are best at.
Of course, renovations and construction are not always about building things up. Often, to create a masterpiece, we are required to tear existing structures down and start from scratch. Of course, the right equipment is required for the job so that you can safely and effectively make those necessary demolitions. Toucan is there for you with our range of multi use corded and cordless power tool options. The demolition hammers and breakers found within our catalogue have been manufactured by trusted brands such as Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, Dewalt and Hitachi. This means that you can trust in their workmanship to protect and assist you in performing flawless demolitions. Tearing structures down can be a dangerous process and these products will look after you and make sure that you can get the job done without any incident. Of course, if your purchased goods are faulty and do not perform well for you, you can simply return them. Each Bosch, Dewalt and Makita power tool, kit, set and various parts are sold under the expectation that they will do an exceptional job for handymen all over the UK. Here at Toucan Tools, we pride ourselves in selling only the most reliable tools on the market.
Of course, the assistance that Toucan Tools can provide does not stop there! As mentioned before, we can provide the professional handyman anything that they require to get the job done right. In addition to drills, saws, and demolition equipment, we also can supply you with sanders, screwdrivers, planers and even vacuum cleaners to leave the worksite as spotless as when you arrived. With all of these tools under your belt - or perhaps within your toolbox - you will be able to tackle any project with confidence. Whether you are simply adding a few shelves to the kitchen or building an entire outdoor patio from scratch, you will have all of the necessary equipment to allow you to cut, drill, shape and extract as required. Whether you purchase a Panasonic power tool such as an electric drill or an item from Makita like a power planer, you can rest assured that these products will stand by you for a long time and will enable you to do the very best DIY job possible. Have a look through our catalogue today. You may find an item which you are missing or a tool which you simply have to have!
Once you have made your decision as to the item or items which you wish to buy, you can then proceed to our easy-to-use and secure payment portal. Here, you can pay by credit or debit card, enter in your delivery details and then simply sit back and wait until your hand tools arrive at your door. We know that you would much rather be out renovating so we have made our site as user-friendly as possible. As of the moment, we can only deliver to the UK mainland, however. If you have any questions about the products, or anything else related to our website, you can contact us via telephone, fax, email, or in person at our London branch. Our employees are very knowledgeable about all of our products and will be happy to assist you. So, whether you are looking for something like a Festool power tool on sale at a cheap price, or an unusual piece of equipment from Bosch, simply have a look through our website or contact our helpful staff. Here at Toucan, we make it simple to find out anything that you need to help you start renovating, constructing or demolishing faster.
But don’t worry, we’ve compared some of the best tool brands in the UK to help make your next purchase that little bit easier. Taking into account their value for money, quality, weight and comfort, here are some of our most recommended hand and power tools for DIY and home improvements.
Bosch, perhaps better known for producing home appliances, has a stronghold in the DIY market, producing high-quality power tools at a reasonable price. They offer an extensive range of products across Europe, with cordless and corded options available. They also have a robust range of high-quality hand tools for the DIY-savvy.
Although Bosch’s DIY tools are generally well-reviewed, tradespeople might find some tools (particularly their power tools) uncomfortable when using them for an extended period of time.
De Walt is another big name in the power tool industry, often associated with professionals and hobbyists alike. What started out with a single electric woodworking machine has since grown to become one of the biggest names in the power tool market. They’re also one of the most popular hammer brands around.
You’ll find an extensive range of corded and cordless De Walt products, from nailers and staplers to cordless drills, along with plenty of hand tools to choose from. Their higher-end products are tailored towards professionals in the trade, while De Walt’s low/mid-tier ranges are ideal for beginner or intermediate DIY projects.
If you’re a tradesman or a keen DIY enthusiast, you’ll likely know Makita as one of the most reliable and comfortable power tool brands around. Although they can be much more expensive than other brands in the market, Makita’s tools tend to have a longer battery life making them ideal for big home improvement projects and tradespeople.
Japanese brand Hitachi has a solid range of entry tools for beginners. Their small power tool range is of great quality and comes at a reasonable price, but experienced DIY-ers might find their complete product line is too small to be a contender.
As producers of the first lightweight, portable, one-handed 1/4 capacity drill, Milwaukee offers one of the most extensive and impressive ranges of hand and power tools around.
One of the biggest selling points of Milwaukee is their red lithium battery technology, meaning most of their products boast a long battery life. They’re also well known for their trade-specific tools and hand blades, but beginners will likely find these on the higher-end when it comes to price.
Ryobi is ideal for DIY-ers planning small improvement jobs around the house and the garden, but that doesn’t mean tradespeople won’t find great value power tools by Ryobi. In fact, their core power tool range is perhaps one of the strongest around. If you’re a tradesman looking to replace a beloved yet worn-down tool, it’s always worth checking Ryobi’s offerings. They’re great value for money, too.
One of the oldest hammer brands around, Stanley has since merged with Black & Decker to further extend their position in the hand tool market. From hammers and screwdrivers to cutting tools and wrecking bars, if you’re looking for a particular hand tool to get started on a job, Stanley’s tools are a great place to start.
When you’re investing in new DIY tools, there’s no doubt you’ll want to prolong their lifespan for as long as possible. At the Case Farm, we’ve recently launched a brand new custom tool foam service in collaboration with Easy Peel, designed to help you safely store your tools when you’re not using them.
Our custom foam inserts are made to fit snugly around your hand and power tools, slotting seamlessly into your toolbox or storage compartments. Let us know what size inserts you’d like via our calculator page and we’ll give you a quote right away. Keeping your DIY tools safe and secure has never been easier.
At Mad4Tools, we have a great range of power tools from industry-leading brands such as Bosch, Milwaukee, CELPower, Dewalt, Hitachi, Makita and Panasonic. From drills, saws and grinders to wood working, garden machinery, air tools and more, we have it all at incredible prices well below RRP. Our full range of power tools includes cordless combi drills, cordless drill drivers, electric drills, impact drivers, impact wrenches, angle grinders, multi-tools, circular saws, mitre saws, routers, sanders, planers and many more. Shop today for free delivery on orders over £100.
When you are buying power tools, it makes sense to choose a brand and stick with them. You do not have to worry about different types of batteries, different ways of doing things, and all the other hassles that come into play when you mix and match tools.
Before we jump into listing the best brands, I want to point out that the brand order is not ranked. The reality is that there is no one size that fits all. No one brand contains all of the best power tools, so what you find amazing in one brand, your neighbor is going to find in another.
The power tool industry is big and complex. One brand might make the best drill while the other might make the best jigsaw. Also, the power tool lineup within each brand can get very granular, because most brands want to cover the widest market possible.
I did some major renovations in and around the house recently, so I had plenty of opportunities to talk with various contractors about the tools of their trade.
The homeowners I talked to are my DIY friends and neighbors. I’ve heard them say that they’ve either inherited their tools, bought them on sale, or they did thorough research before buying them.
But, generally speaking, each brand on this list has at least 2 years of wear and tear coverage on their tools. If you want to get deeper, I have included a link to each brand’s website, where you can also find their warranty pages.
As for websites, there isn’t much research available, but there is one that stands out. It has recent research conducted by Lifestory Research on the most trusted power tool brands in America.
You may find tools aimed at homeowners being used on worksites, and vice-versa. Some companies create high-quality tools in both markets, while some fall short and others create amazing one-offs.
The tool market is competitive, with new companies entering the market all the time, but our recommended brands have risen to the top with years of experience, high-quality tools, and expert customer service.
Now, they offer construction tools, outdoor equipment, and more. They have amassed a large line of cordless tools, leading the way with a cordless revolution.
They also have corded, gas-powered, and multiple battery-powered tools. Their One-Key platform allows them to manage compatibility and maintenance across all of their battery-powered tools.
They make some of the best tools for electricians, HVAC technicians, and automotive workers. They are popular with professional contractors, and suitable for the most rugged and tough jobs.
A well-known brand that was established in 1915, but was not recognizable as the power-tool company that we know today until 1958. First came the planer, then drills, followed by everything else.
You will find Makita tools on construction sites and in workshops around the world. Their power tools are solid, and they also offer yard equipment and a range of pneumatic tools.
They even make a cordless coffee maker that you can use on job sites. And if you want your tools to be powerful and stylish, you can reach for the LXT sub-compact brushless series.
Once based in Japan, the tools are now manufactured all around the world without any drop in quality. A favorite on job sites, their power tools are complemented by extra convenience equipment such as fans and radios.
Raymond E. DeWalt invented the radial arm saw in 1923. The result of that is the multinational company that is around today. They are one of the original power tool manufacturers.
The success led to the acquisition of the company by Black & Decker in 1960, though there was a bleak period for a few decades as people saw Black & Decker as an amateur power tool company.
DeWalt manufactures hundreds of different power tools, with corded and cordless options. When they took over ELU, they began manufacturing German woodworking tools too.
The combination of hand tools and power tools became popular with contractors, and their reputation has grown. They have a wide variety of tools, accessories, stands, tool boxes, yard equipment, job site aids, and more. Some say that they have the best carpentry and concrete tools on the market.
When it comes to batteries, they have a range. The company manufactures the standard 12V and 18V batteries for compact tools, along with 20V and 40V batteries for outdoor equipment.
However, where they stand apart from the competition is with their FLEXVOLT technology. Depending on what tool the FLEXVOLT battery is attached to, it will switch between 20V and 60V, powering almost anything. Very cool!
Festool market themselves on quality. Their tools may cost you a little more than the competition, but you are paying for excellence. The engineering of the tools is incredible, they provide superior customer service, and they pride themselves on ease of use and portability.
The dust collection system alone is worth buying the tools that generate a lot of dust, such as sanders and routers. This makes the brand especially popular with contractors and carpenters. The dust-collection system is integrated into the needed tools, and it gives professionals the confidence to go into people’s homes and not leave a mess.
The German company builds tools that are worth the money. If you need to do a professional job, or you have a lot of jobs to attend to, then the tools should be one of your top choices.
You would expect a tool company to stand out based on the quality of their tools but, while Bosch does make excellent tools, that is overshadowed by the fact that they are 90% owned by a charitable organization, Robert Bosch Stiftung. They are a company that cares.
That technology does come at a price. Bosch tools are usually more expensive than their rivals, but you are paying for the extra quality. They are a favorite among serious amateurs, semi-pros, and professionals. If you need to do the job well, Bosch will help you.
They have a range of tools that not many other companies can compete with, and their tools are used for heavy-duty jobs, such as skyscraper construction and bridge repair.
They also pride themselves on aftercare. They support their customers with excellent customer service, solutions, and accessories. Their large sales force is also available to visit job sites to aid in problem-solving and to deliver tools and accessories as quickly as possible.
If you check with any handyman or contractor, you will likely find that they use Ridgid tools on their job sites. Their line of power tools may be limited, but they are still worth mentioning. They mainly produce drills, impact drivers, and saws.
Their limited range of power tools does mean that they do not have as advanced battery technology as other companies, but they compensate for that by offering one of the best warranties on the market.
As we mentioned before, a lengthy warranty often means complete trust in the tools, and tools that are built to last. This is the case with Ridgid. They may not have the biggest line of tools, but they do guarantee quality.
The following brands are largely focused on hobbyists, homeowners, and semi-pros, but sometimes you’ll see these power tools used by professionals as well.
The Ryobi company is owned by Techtronic Industries, just like Milwaukee. You could see the two power tool manufacturers as two arms of the same company, Milwaukee servicing professionals and contractors and Ryobi focusing more on homeowners and semi-professionals.
They have a variety of tools, but you may be most familiar with one of them, even if you do not know that it is a Craftsman tool. Everyone knows the Weedwhacker brand, and these string trimmers are used by a lot of people. Craftsman owns the Weedwhacker brand, along with manufacturing many other gas-powered, battery-powered, and corded outdoor and yard equipment.
They also pride themselves on their Versa System, a system for organizing tools, equipment, and accessories within a workshop. With this system, they are firmly marketing themselves towards hobbyists and homeowners.
Almost everyone knows Black+Decker. Founded in 1910, the company produces power tools for professionals and amateurs. It made its name in 1917 by inventing the portable electric drill and has gone from strength to strength, weathering some storms in its time.
They focus on the most commonly used tools, drills, sanders, and screwdrivers, and put a lot of energy into nailing (excuse the pun) those few select tools.
They do manufacture other tools, and you will find specialized tools in their range. From accessories to hand tools, they manufacture pretty much anything, though their core focus is on the most popular tools.
They are often compared to Ryobi, and have a similar quality, though Ryobi has been in the power tool market for longer and has more tools in its lineup.
Their new XTR lineup of cordless power tools is the most powerful yet. It offers 50% better performance than before and its meant for serious DIY’ers and semi-professionals. It also offers exceptional value for money.
A new company on the scene, they are sold through Walmart, and the power and money that Walmart has to back the tools are phenomenal, allowing them to hit the ground running.
Along with the affordability, you have convenience. As they are sold through Walmart, you can go into any store to find the tools, buy new accessories, or find replacements. And, with Walmarts renowned return policy, there is less risk.
Founded in 1926 in New Orleans, the tool company is now based in Stuttgart after being acquired by the German company Boschin 1996. More recently they have been acquired by Chevron, a Chinese power tool manufacturer.
Skil is the Skil in Skilsaw. The Skilsaw Model 77 was introduced in 1937, and a power-tool company was built around it. Many American houses and buildings were built using the Skilsaw.
Milwaukee power tools are the most searched for brand with 13,500 searches per month. DeWalt (9,900) and Ridgid (7,700) follow closely in second and third place. Ryobi is the go-to brand for many homeowners, which is also apparent from the search volume (5,700). Probably the biggest surprise on the list is Hart (4,000) which is gaining rapidly in popularity.
As expected, Ryobi has a lead over the competition; however, it’s surprising to see how much HART Tools has gained in popularity. They seem to have overtaken long-time and established brands like Kobalt and Skil and are now close behind Craftsman.
There are many power tool companies out there, both for professionals and homeowners. There is a reason why the recognizable names are the ones who have mostly been around for a long time. With years of experience and feedback, they have been able to mold and shape their companies, driving them forward in a competitive industry.
As we said at the beginning, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to power tool brands, but there is a brand out there that is right for you. All you have to do is choose the one that fits your needs.
Thanks for taking your time to read our detailed reviews on the best power tools, that are currently available on the UK marketplace. To make things easier for you to navigate, we have divided these into categories, as we think that makes it easier to see quickly what you are looking for.
As you will see, there are a wide variety of options when it comes to buying power tools. The important thing is of course to fully understand exactly what tools you need. That will depend on the job, task, or project that you plan on doing
This includes the remaining power tools that are available but which are not so common. This includes power tools such as boring machines, brazing equipment, chasers, glue guns, hot air guns, lathes, milling machines, plate joiners, sand blasters, tile cutters and welding equipment. You may consider buying a plug in timer to run the power through
Below we have included a guide which we think will be very useful to anyone considering buying a power tool for home use. There are thousands of these available on the UK market, and as you can imagine this is a Global industry. Trying to pick your way through that can be quite challenging.
For many jobs around the home, all you really need are a few basic hand tools such as a hammer, screwdrivers, a saw etc. Power tools are for the bigger jobs, and they also help you get those jobs done quicker. Those jobs can include drilling, heavy sawing, woodworking and taking on projects like laying floors, building a deck and putting up fences or stud walls.
The drill is by far the most popular power tool. Drills are available in different types, but for most homeowners a good basic cordless drill is the best option. If you need to drill through concrete or masonry of any type, then that drill will also need to have a hammer function.
There are a lot of power saws available such as a circular saw, a jigsaw, a reciprocating saw, a mitre saw, etc. You really only need a power saw around the home for jobs like laying a floor or for building a deck. For most other smaller jobs a basic hand saw will do the job. However, when it comes to heavier cutting, or a lot of cutting, then we would recommend a good circular saw to help you.
We fully understand the urge to buy cheap or bargain tools. We have all done that at some stage in our lives. In fact, for some people, buying cheaper tools is actually a very good option. The people who write on our website are professionals, and we also have a few very keen DIY writers as well.
Buying cheap tools is not something they would do, simply because they use their tools often, and they are usually working on bigger construction products.
Many buyers prefer to buy tools by buying a particular brand that they trust. As an example the Dewalt brand is extremely popular with the construction industry and in addition to that, many trades people will only use the Dewalt brand. We agree they do make excellent high quality tools and have a good parts availability and customer service. Makita are a similar high quality brand.
The drawback for most home owners is that both Dewalt and Makita tools are expensive. They are built to last the rough and tumble of building sites etc so they have to be made to last. That usually means metal bodies and gears and that just makes them more expensive.
Most home owners don"t need this quality of power tool. If you are a keen DIY person or someone who will take on bigger projects like building a deck, garage conversion, or putting up a fence, then Dewalt and Makita tools will make these tasks easier and frustration free.
Other buyers buy certain types of tools by brand. as they specialise in that type of tool. For example Bosch are best known for their garden tools and also for their professional drills. Bahco are known for making really good spanners and wrenches.
Most of these brands are actually all owned by the same larger corporate company. They still trade under their brand name though as the larger corporates know that many people like certain brands and will only buy tools from these brands.
If you had to stick to one brand for most of your tools which would it be? Taking into consideration tool reliability, power, ergonomics, batteries and number of cordless tools.
This question is also as difficult to answer today as it was a few years ago. There have been a lot of cordless power tool innovations, and tool brands continue to fiercely compete for a spot in your tool box.
Overall: Bosch makes some spectacular tools. Looking at the greater picture, their 12V and 18V platforms aren’t as compelling as competing platforms. While I was impressed with some of their past releases, there are fewer reasons to buy into either of Bosch’s cordless power tool systems today.
Overall: Craftsman has been slow to expand their V20/20V Max cordless power tool lineup, but there are some interesting entries, such as a cordless air compressor.
Benefits: Excellent tools, expansive selection, comfortable ergonomics, great reliability. Dewalt has been continually expanding their 20V Max cordless power tool lineup, as well as their FlexVolt lineup, and they have also been actively developing their 12V Max Xtreme Subcompact line.
Downsides: Dewalt has been slow to push into certain product categories, such as automotive tools. Their 12V Max lineup is still middling, but it seems they’re working on it.
Sorting through some of their core options can be a little confusing. For instance, you can now choose between 20V Max brushless, 20V Max Power Detect, FlexVolt 60V Max, and 20V Max FlexVolt advantage saws.
Quite simply put, you cannot go wrong with Dewalt cordless power tools. Dewalt’s cordless platforms continue to have a lot of strengths, and few weaknesses.
Notable Products: It’s interesting that Power Detect and FlexVolt Advantage lines are bridging the gap between 20V Max and FlexVolt 60V Max platforms. Even so, FlexVolt still provides a power benefit that most other 18V/20V Max systems struggle to match.
Overall: If you want a Festool power tool, and you want it to be cordless, you have some options. Festool made a push in 2020 to consolidate some of their cordless power tools into combo kits aimed at contractors and remodelers.
Overall: Hart is a Walmart-exclusive brand that offers entry-priced cordless power tools that are similar to Ryobi’s most basic offerings. If you’re shopping for the lowest cost cordless power tools on the market, I’d go with Hart (or any of these other brands) over the no-name stuff on Amazon and other online marketplaces.
Overall: Harbor Freight launched the Hercules cordless power tool platforms with name-brand competitors in sight. I purchased earlier samples, and while respectable, the tools lacked the fit and finish I would expect from true professional-grade cordless power tool brands.
Harbor Freight and their Hercules line have potential, but it seems they are still striving to make cheaper tools. With new brushless tools on the way, it’s possible they are trying to walk down a different path, at least as far as the Hercules lines are concerned.
Overall: Hilti tends to target commercial users, rather than individuals. They have a strong focus on masonry tools, but also some exceptionally capable tools for working with wood, metal, and other common construction and fabrication materials.
Overall: Some of Makita’s 18V LXT cordless tools are competitive, but the system has hit its limits. The new Makita XGT 40V Max platform is due to launch in the USA at some point, but the new system is not backwards compatible with their 18V cordless system.
Benefits: Great quality, performance, and reliability, plus a strong reputation. Metabo often pushes boundaries and takes cordless power tool tech to new levels.
Overall: Metabo has a lot of great cordless power tools, and has been expanding steadily. Its 18V cordless platform is more expansive in Europe, but an increasing number of tools have launched in the USA as well.
Overall: As a system, Metabo HPT offers a much smaller selection of cordless power tools than other brands. They have quite a few competitive and compelling tools, making the brand a potentially good choice if their strengths align with particular user needs and wants.
Benefits: Great quality, reliability, and performance. Fantastic M18 (18V/20V-class) cordless power tool system and unmatched M12 (12V-class) tool selection. Milwaukee Tool is a very active innovator.
Downsides: M12 tools have a stem-style battery that inserts into the hand grip, resulting in a chunkier grip than some other brands can accomplish with slide-style batteries.
Overall: Milwaukee seeks to be a “solutions provider,” and they charge into new markets with a disruptive ferocity. Their philosophy for the M12 cordless system has been to provide user-friendly alternatives to hand tools, and their expanding M18 system offers all the core tools pros and demanding users might need, plus many trade-specific options.
Milwaukee Tool cordless power tools can carry premium pricing, but they regularly offer very aggressive promotions in the form of free tool or battery bonus bundles.
While not the market-leader in every category, Milwaukee is an easy recommendation. Quite simply put, you can’t go wrong with Milwaukee cordless power tools.
If I absolutely had to choose a “Best Cordless Power Tool Brand Overall” winner, Milwaukee would face off against Dewalt in a battle too close to easily call.
Notable Products: Milwaukee’s M12 Fuel and M18 Fuel brushless power tools are often considered the gold standard. They also now have a system of MX Fuel equipment that redefines what can be done with a cordless battery.
You can still buy Porter Cable cordless power tools at some online retailers, but why should you? There might be some entry-priced options if all you’re looking for is a single tool or two, but most of Porter Cable’s core offerings are long in the tooth and the brand isn’t being actively developed or promoted anymore.
The brand doesn’t appear to be investing any time, effort, or resources into their cordless platform. If you’re looking to buy into a cordless power tool system, this isn’t it.
Benefits: Ridgid has a strong selection of core 18V cordless power tools, and some unique and innovative tools sprinkled in. The brand offers a good balance between performance and price.
Downsides: Smaller selection of 18V tools compared to other brands, 12V system has been abandoned (although you can still buy replacement batteries or chargers).
Overall: Ridgid is a good brand and they have continued to expand and enhance their 18V cordless power tool system over the years. Some of their tools offer innovations not found in other cordless systems, giving some users reason to choose Ridgid as their primary or secondary brand.
Downsides: Ryobi’s commitment to DIYer users (a great thing) also means they haven’t updated their battery system to a slide-style form factor yet. Lower-priced tools have compromised features or performance.
Overall: Ryobi is a very customer-centric brand that is well-liked and well-regarded among their many loyal DIYer users. Some pros will use certain Ryobi tools as well, especially for specialty tasks where a tool might not see frequent use.
Benefits: Skil’s new cordless power tool platforms offer very high bang for the buck – competitive performance and above-average features for what you pay.
Overall: Under new ownership, Skil has refreshed their branding and launched all-new cordless power tool lineups. They’re definitely worth a chance for DIYers looking to get modern features at affordable pricing.
Historically, impact wrenches were predominantly pneumatic, or air powered, which left them squarely in the domain of professional mechanics. To run a typical 1⁄2-inch pneumatic impact wrench, you usually need an air compressor putting out close to 100 psi—a significant investment.
The good news is that cordless, battery-powered impact wrenches have gotten better as battery technology improves, which has brought prices down and made them viable alternatives to their pneumatic cousins. In fact, cordless impact wrenches have a tremendous advantage: mobility. Not being tied to a compressor with an air hose, these tools can easily go wherever they’re needed.
Unlike cordless drill/drivers and impact drivers, which excel at drilling holes and driving screws, the impact wrench is specially designed for tightening and loosening various hex-head bolts, nuts, and lag screws. It employs both rotational force (torque) and short-burst concussive blows (impacts) to deliver an unparalleled amount of power. For example, most cordless drill/drivers produce about 50 foot-pounds of torque, and the average impact driver delivers about 125 foot-pounds. By comparison, cordless impact wrenches can easily produce torque outputs of over 250 foot-pounds, which is more than enough muscle to power-drive the fattest lags and bust loose rusty, corroded nuts.
All things being equal, higher voltage will give you more power—but there are cases for lower voltage. With smaller batteries, 12-volt impact wrenches are more compact. This makes them good for smaller jobs, working overhead, or getting into tight spaces. Tools with 18 and 20 volts have less difference between them. Generally, 18-volt tools with advanced features and capabilities make them more versatile and easier to use.
Every impact driver on this list has been thoroughly vetted and evaluated by our test editors. We research the market, survey user reviews, speak with product managers and engineers, and use our own experience operating these tools to determine the best options. We chose practical tasks that most people might need to accomplish with these impact wrenches. The first was removing and replacing lug nuts torqued to the recommended spec at 165 foot-pounds on a Ford F-250 Super Duty pickup truck. The second task was to remove, or break free, rusted nuts and bolts on an old piece of farm equipment. We evaluated them on performance, price, comfort, value, and versatility to determine the best impact drivers that will meet the needs of a wide range of people.