build your own power tool set price

Here at Toolbarn, we offer a variety of cordless tool combo kits to help you tackle any task that comes your way. Choose from our high quality power tool combo sets, featuring power drills, impact drivers, nailers, saws, and hand tool selections. Many of our cordless combo kits come with multiple tools for a complete workshop solution, while others consist of one tool with a range of jobsite accessories, such as carrying cases, spare batteries, battery chargers and a selection of compatible bits. As always, you’ll find the industry’s most trusted tool brands like DEWALT, Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, and more, delivered to you with our 100 percent satisfaction guarantee.

build your own power tool set price

One of the best ways to jump into a new battery platform is by buying a cordless tool combo kit. The best power tool combo kit gives you the tools you need. It should also include a couple of higher-capacity batteries and more than just entry-level products.

Some manufacturers offer really comprehensive kits that can run $2,000 or more. However, the most popular kits include those 4 core tools every general contractor needs. Which ones? Core tools include a cordless drill, impact driver, circular saw, and reciprocating saw. Most brands tend to throw in a small work light as well. Others swap out the reciprocating saw for an oscillating multi-tool.

Some brands go further than just those 4 basic cordless tools. You’ll see some kits that include other tools. But what we’re looking for here is the smallest kit each brand offers that includes (where possible) those 4 core products. We’ll make our recommendations and then go through our best picks from some of the main tool brands as well.

Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee really go head to head for the best overall in this group. When it came down to it, we just liked the grouping and value in the Makita kit a tiny bit more. All the top kits take advantage of brushless motors and are awfully close in performance specs. They also give you outstanding tools all the way around and are a step above the rest with their circular and reciprocating saws.

Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee also have very deep product lines to keep you on the platform for all your cordless tools. At around $749, you get a lot of bang for your buck when jumping into the Makita 18V LXT platform. This is also our pick for the best Makita power tool combo kit. They have larger kits, but this hits the sweet spot.

Value combines what you get for what you spend. When we came to our value recommendation, we had the trades in mind. We wanted to suggest a kit that lets them build up their tools over time. In the end, we decided this Milwaukee Tool combo kit delivered the goods.

We can’t help but steer people towards Milwaukee and the 2998-25 combo kit for its baseline tools. Milwaukee, like Makita and DeWalt, has a very deep product line. With so many tools customized for the plumbing and mechanical industry, we just felt the Milwaukee 5-tool combo kit made for a solid recommendation—particularly for anyone in the trades. In our opinion, it’s the best Milwaukee cordless M18 tool kit you can buy if you want to quickly build up a system.

With that said, how on earth is this kit a value since it runs $699??? Simple. Buying these tools separately, you’d spend around $905. On top of that, Milwaukee and Acme Tools frequently run sales during holidays—watch out for those to save even more. Of course, if you want something less expensive, see our Best DIY tool combo kit recommendation and also our combo kit picks by brand below.

Once again DeWalt takes the top spot when it comes to overall ergonomics. Their combination of tools that fit well in hand, compactness, and light weight is unmatched at this stage. We love this kit for its blend of powerful tools that have a nice comfortable grip. Unlike most kits in this list, you also get a cordless grinder tossed in for good measure!

The new Ryobi One+ HP line of tools has really impressed us to no end. Ryobi remains a perennial best value when it comes to entry-level tools for the trades. While they don’t quite match the build quality you’ll enjoy with brands like Milwaukee, DeWalt, or Makita, Ryobi backs their tools with a 3-year limited warranty. After you buy this kit, add a larger circular saw and consider a full-size recip saw. Still, for just $399, how do you beat the value of these tools?

We also like the value presented by options from the Kobalt 24V line of tools as well as what you can find from Ridgid. Both supply high-performance brushless combo kits for less than $500. For both Ridgid and Kobalt, the limitation comes in the number of tools available on their battery platform. However, as they continue to expand, they’ll both be legitimate options as a primary Pro platform.

While you’d think we might limit our recommendations to “full-sized” tools only, the 6-1/2″ circular included in this 3-piece kit from Hart Tools does pretty well. For a basic set of tools, this Hart combo does more with less.

For $148, this gets you into a very usable set of tools on a fast-growing platform. Hart Tools has everything from drills, impact drivers, and saws to battery-powered fans and tire inflators. Get more info at the Hart Tools website.

It’s actually tough to get a comprehensive 12V combo kit. However, if your heart is set on 12V, Skil has you covered. They do a uniquely solid job of providing a wide array of tools in this category. The PWRCore 12 line seems perfect for those wanting smaller ergonomic tools for light-duty work. In particular, we like the inclusion of a 5.5-inch circular saw and right-angle impact. The kit also includes a pair of PWRCore 12V batteries. Almost as a cherry on top, they added the Skil 12V inflator which we found to be an excellent product.

Once again this 5-piece combo kit from DeWalt takes our top recommendation due to what it includes. You get tools that blend—almost perfectly—power and great ergonomics. We love the key tools DeWalt includes in this rather obscure kit. It puts together some really powerful tools that let you do almost anything.

As mentioned above in our top-spot pick, this brushless kit from Makita is hard to beat—though some come close! The kit gives you a well-rounded start with some top tools that you can really build up from. It even includes the XDT16 which was held the top spot as our best impact driver. At just $749, this Makita combo kit gives you a whole lot of value when getting into the 18V LXT platform. Makita does have some larger kits—much larger, in fact—if you want to really splurge. This one just seems to hit all our key metrics.

Value combines what you get for what you spend. When we came to our value recommendation, we had the trades in mind. We wanted to suggest a kit that lets them build up their tools over time. In the end, we decided this Milwaukee Tool combo kit delivered the goods.

We can’t help but steer people towards Milwaukee and the 2998-25 combo kit for its baseline tools. Milwaukee, like Makita and DeWalt, has a very deep product line. With so many tools customized for the plumbing and mechanical industry, we just felt the Milwaukee 5-tool combo kit made for a solid recommendation—particularly for anyone in the trades. In our opinion, it’s the best Milwaukee cordless M18 tool kit you can buy if you want to quickly build up a system.

With that said, how on earth is this kit a value since it runs $699??? Simple. Buying these tools separately, you’d spend around $905. On top of that, Milwaukee and Acme Tools frequently run sales during holidays—watch out for those to save even more. Of course, if you want something less expensive, see our Best DIY tool combo kit recommendation and also our combo kit picks by brand below.

We love the ergonomics of these Bosch power tools. They feel solid in the hand and comfortable. Picking up a Bosch, we often wonder why we don’t reach for these tools more often. Quality also never seems to fail on these tools.

Ridgid continues to represent one of the best values among brands clearly at the Pro level. Performance isn’t as high all-around as we see with Milwaukee and Makita, but there are some bright spots to go along with solid mid-level performance. Ergonomics fall away from the design that contours well to your hand that some other brands have. If we can find a downside to this kit, it’s that you get no brushless tools here—but once on the platform, you can upgrade at will. We do hope they add new kits with tools from the Ridgid brushless power tools line.

This best Ryobi combo kit also showed up as our best value pick. It has 6 serious tools, and all of them utilize HP brushless motors. That’s not the case with most Ryobi combo kits. provides an amazing value at $399. It also gives you a 3-year warranty supplemented with a lifetime service agreement. You get a full-size 7-1/4-inch circular saw, impact driver, orbital-action reciprocating saw, and a solid hammer drill.

We have remained impressed with the Kobalt XTR power tools line. Their Kobalt 24V XTR 5-tool combo kit provides an almost ridiculous bargain at $449. The tools carry a 5-year limited warranty and you get a really nice starter set of cordless power tools. Included is a full-size 7-1/4-inch brushless circular saw, an XTR impact driver, reciprocating saw with orbital action, XTR hammer drill, and LED light. Kobalt tosses in both a compact 2Ah battery and a 4Ah extended runtime pack.

At $299, this V20 cordless combo kit from Craftsman gives a solid base from which to build your system. The tools and batteries include a 3-year limited warranty, so you get some peace of mind. This kit also includes both a 6.5-inch circular saw and a reciprocating saw. You also get the expected drill and impact driver along with a handy oscillating multi-tool and LED light. Finally, Craftsman includes a pair of compact 2Ah batteries.

The 4-tool combo kit consisting of a drill, impact driver, circular saw, and reciprocating saw has become the foundation of the “general contractor’s kit” for most brands. It gives you the basics of what you need for cutting, drilling, fastening, and demo work before moving into more powerful drivers and benchtop saws. Want to start out with a larger system? Check out our best 6-tool combo kits article.

At the least, each kit needs to contain a drill (or hammer drill), impact driver, and some kind of saw (preferably a circular saw). Our Pro-level kits go a little further. While our DIY tool combo kit recommendations might substitute a smaller circ saw or one-handed recip saw, Pro kits go full-size…Typically. Of late, Bosch has some skimpy kits and if we wanted to stay up-to-date, we had to drop down to the one-handed recip saw. With those recommendations, you really need to add some tools to get to our desired baseline.

We also recommended a 2-tool cordless combo kit for our 12V recommendation. Given the dearth of 12V tool platforms on the market, we wanted a solid base from which to build. Milwaukee’s M12 platform offers that, but their larger M12 kits include older compact tools we no longer recommend. Also, while Ridgid offers a 12V platform it seems very limited. Makita seems to have moved from emphasizing its 12V CXT platform to its sub-compact line of tools. That leaves DeWalt and Milwaukee Tool. Of these, we like Milwaukee better as it has more solutions for the trades.

These aren’t the most comprehensive kits that each brand offers, but it is the best that gets the closest to having just the 4 key tools we’re looking for. A great example is DeWalt – they have a brushless 6-tool kit that compares more favorably with Milwaukee and Makita, but they have a smaller kit that’s closer to what we want. The other two don’t. Perhaps we’ll have to come back around to the best kit each brand offers in another article.

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

build your own power tool set price

Whether you’re just starting on your DIY journey or looking to upgrade your current equipment — power tool combo sets offer the complete solution. Typically, they include the most utilized and useful of the DIY staples — drill, driver, circular saw — together with other essentials, such as reciprocating saws, work lights, and sanders.

What’s more, these electric tool kits not only save you making numerous separate purchases — they also make power management effortless. As all the machines belong to one brand, you usually only have to charge one battery — often compatible across the whole range.

When selecting the best power tool combo set, always ensure that the tools you need for your particular projects are included — contents often differ across brands.

When it comes to power tools, DeWalt is undoubtedly one of America’s most famous brands. Founded in 1924, it is now a trade name of Black & Decker and has its headquarters in Towson, Maryland. The original company was started by Raymond E. DeWalt, who is well-known as the inventor of the radial arm saw.

The power tools manufactured by this company are well-known for their black and yellow design, which is often associated with safety equipment and is something that helped propel the company’s popularity. They are also renowned for ergonomics – no other company makes tools that fit so well in hand. However, one of the most essential facts in the company’s history is that it successfully revolutionized the cordless, handheld power tool market back in the 90’s, with ergonomic and highly efficient lines of drills, drivers, saws, screwdrivers, and wrenches.

On the other hand, we can’t avoid mentioning that most American power tool manufacturers, including DeWalt, have “sold out” and outsourced most of their production to maximize profits, abandoning their traditional American roots in the process.

It is also worth mentioning that DeWalt’s parent company, Black & Decker, goes even farther back than DeWalt itself (1910) and is also a well-known household name. As you can already guess, the combination of these two names can produce only good things – and that is precisely what DeWalt’s power tools and power tool combo kits are.

One particularly noteworthy thing about this company is that they have a continually expanding 20V Max lineup, as well as many 120V Max FlexVolt and 60V Max tools and technologies that are innovative and truly game-changing. Their

On the other hand, a mediocre 12V Max lineup is probably the biggest downside of DeWalt. It is simply inevitable to wish for black and yellow variants of tools made by other brands, but, in most cases, they simply aren’t there.

When it comes to combo kits, the company offers a full range of them, allowing both the periodical and professional users to finish their projects with ease. Their kits come with high-performance tool combos that do their job without a hassle and are often accompanied by things such as chargers, battery packs, and bags/boxes for easy carry and storage. These power tools usually come with DeWalt’s industry-standard 3-year limited warranty – it’s always nice to know that some sort of a guarantee backs your tools, and DeWalt definitely delivers in that field.

When it comes to power tools, DeWalt is undoubtedly one of America’s most famous brands. Founded in 1924, it is now a trade name of Black & Decker and has its headquarters in Towson, Maryland. The original company was started by Raymond E. DeWalt, who is well-known as the inventor of the radial arm saw.

The power tools manufactured by this company are well-known for their black and yellow design, which is often associated with safety equipment and is something that helped propel the company’s popularity. They are also renowned for ergonomics – no other company makes tools that fit so well in hand. However, one of the most essential facts in the company’s history is that it successfully revolutionized the cordless, handheld power tool market back in the 90’s, with ergonomic and highly efficient lines of drills, drivers, saws, screwdrivers, and wrenches.

On the other hand, we can’t avoid mentioning that most American power tool manufacturers, including DeWalt, have “sold out” and outsourced most of their production to maximize profits, abandoning their traditional American roots in the process. However, DeWalt has recently taken some pretty admirable steps towards expanding the output of their devices in the United States. In 2013 alone, the company has opened seven new manufacturing facilities in the US – in Tennessee, S. Carolina, N. Carolina, Kentucky, Maryland, Indiana, and Connecticut.

It is also worth mentioning that DeWalt’s parent company, Black & Decker, goes even farther back than DeWalt itself (1910) and is also a well-known household name. As you can already guess, the combination of these two names can produce only good things – and that is precisely what DeWalt’s power tools and power tool combo kits are.

One particularly noteworthy thing about this company is that they have a continually expanding 20V Max lineup, as well as many 120V Max FlexVolt and 60V Max tools and technologies that are innovative and truly game-changing. Their

On the other hand, a mediocre 12V Max lineup is probably the biggest downside of DeWalt. It is simply inevitable to wish for black and yellow variants of tools made by other brands, but, in most cases, they simply aren’t there.

When it comes to combo kits, the company offers a full range of them, allowing both the periodical and professional users to finish their projects with ease. Their kits come with high-performance tool combos that do their job without a hassle and are often accompanied by things such as chargers, battery packs, and bags/boxes for easy carry and storage. These power tools usually come with DeWalt’s industry-standard 3-year limited warranty – it’s always nice to know that some sort of a guarantee backs your tools, and DeWalt definitely delivers in that field.

Of all Japanese manufacturers of power tools, Makita is probably the most famous. The signature green color of their products is synonymous with excellent performance, durability, and reasonable prices – it’s no wonder that the company’s annual sales measure in billions of dollars.

Founded all the way back in 1915, Makita now operates factories all over the world – in Mexico, Germany, Brazil, China, Canada, United Kingdom, Romania, and, of course, Japan. The headquarters are located in Anjō, Japan, where Makita started as a simple repair company more than 100 years ago. Nowadays, Makita is a highly innovative company – they have, for example, manufactured the first brushless motor fastening tools for aerospace and defense industries back in 2004.

However, the most crucial point in the history of this company is in the late 70’s, when Makita was the world’s very first company to introduce cordless tools. We think that it’s pretty safe to say that this gives them the right to call themselves the biggest innovators in the history of power tools. So, even though DeWalt is the one that revolutionized the cordless tools market some 30 years ago, it was Makita that engineered these things in the first place.

The cordless tools manufactured by this company are engineered for industrial applications, which is precisely why Makita equips most of them with their signature STAR protection computer controls. It’s a communication technology whose job is to monitor conditions during use, preventing things like overheating, over discharging and overloading. Another innovative feature of Makita power tools is the XPT (Extreme Protection Technology), a series of integrated seals that increase durability by channeling away water and dust.

Besides these innovative features, the company is also well-known for having a very broad (and still expanding) product selection – there’s a powerful Makita tool for everyone’s needs. Makita’s lines of cordless products are very competitive, and there is a steady stream of entirely new machines and devices that keep users well-equipped and happy. One particularly noteworthy thing is how fast Makita’s battery chargers are.

On the downside, we have to mention that the company can sometimes be somewhat slow when it comes to adapting to new trends (such as battery fuel gauges). Moreover, a vast selection of their products can sometimes be genuinely overwhelming – having too many tools to choose from, with their differences being challenging to identify, isn’t always a good thing.

Having a good Makita power tool is nice, but there is nothing more versatile and convenient than having a kit that contains all of your most common tools. That is precisely where the combo tool kits of this company come into their own. Each Makita bundle is always designed to tackle a specific task or a set of tasks – from hand vacuums, strimmers, multi-tools, cordless drill sets, and more. Both the boxes/bags and the components inside them are always well-made and quite durable, allowing Makita to be yet another Japanese manufacturer that contributes to the common belief that the tools coming from this country are among the world’s best.

Of all Japanese manufacturers of power tools, Makita is probably the most famous. The signature green color of their products is synonymous with excellent performance, durability, and reasonable prices – it’s no wonder that the company’s annual sales measure in billions of dollars.

Founded all the way back in 1915, Makita now operates factories all over the world – in Mexico, Germany, Brazil, China, Canada, United Kingdom, Romania, and, of course, Japan. The headquarters are located in Anjō, Japan, where Makita started as a simple repair company more than 100 years ago. Nowadays, Makita is a highly innovative company – they have, for example, manufactured the first brushless motor fastening tools for aerospace and defense industries back in 2004.

However, the most crucial point in the history of this company is in the late 70’s, when Makita was the world’s very first company to introduce cordless tools. We think that it’s pretty safe to say that this gives them the right to call themselves the biggest innovators in the history of power tools. So, even though DeWalt is the one that revolutionized the cordless tools market some 30 years ago, it was Makita that engineered these things in the first place.

The cordless tools manufactured by this company are engineered for industrial applications, which is precisely why Makita equips most of them with their signature STAR protection computer controls. It’s a communication technology whose job is to monitor conditions during use, preventing things like overheating, over discharging and overloading. Another innovative feature of Makita power tools is the XPT (Extreme Protection Technology), a series of integrated seals that increase durability by channeling away water and dust.

Besides these innovative features, the company is also well-known for having a very broad (and still expanding) product selection – there’s a powerful Makita tool for everyone’s needs. Makita’s lines of cordless products are very competitive, and there is a steady stream of entirely new machines and devices that keep users well-equipped and happy. One particularly noteworthy thing is how fast Makita’s battery chargers are.

On the downside, we have to mention that the company can sometimes be somewhat slow when it comes to adapting to new trends (such as battery fuel gauges). Moreover, a vast selection of their products can sometimes be genuinely overwhelming – having too many tools to choose from, with their differences being challenging to identify, isn’t always a good thing.

Having a good Makita power tool is nice, but there is nothing more versatile and convenient than having a kit that contains all of your most common tools. That is precisely where the combo toolkits of this company come into their own. Each Makita bundle is always designed to tackle a specific task or a set of tasks – from hand vacuums, strimmers, multi-tools, cordless drill sets, and more. Both the boxes/bags and the components inside them are always well-made and quite durable, allowing Makita to be yet another Japanese manufacturer that contributes to the common belief that the tools coming from this country are among the world’s best.

Historically, this company has always had a pretty strong hold on the market of power tools. Founded as a Baltimore machine shop in 1910 by S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker (hence the name), Black & Decker was the company that invented the first pistol grip drill seven years later. Over time, their products grew to be so well-respected that they were used by NASA on their Apollo and Mercury missions.

DeWalt, which we already mentioned, was acquired by Black & Decker in 1960. The company markets DeWalt tools as their top-of-the-line products; while their own Black & Decker devices serve as middle-of-the-road series. Some products are manufactured for one line only, and some overlap, such as hand drills. Does that mean that B&D tools are worse than those sold under DeWalt name?

Actually, it doesn’t. Even though there aren’t as many die-hard B&D fans, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the power tools manufactured under this name are not good. The company’s older NiCad battery-operated drills were of excellent quality and phenomenally durable. Unlike some of DeWalt power tools, most Black & Decker devices are never an overkill for an average homeowner – they are versatile, simple to use, and can be utilized for a myriad of applications.

Due to the fact that they’ve been making tools for more than 100 years, it is no wonder that their corded and cordless drills are regularly updated and improved in all areas where possible. When we combine this with the affordable price (not offered by some other brands) we can easily see why Black & Decker tools are so popular with the users. It all started in Baltimore, and now it’s a worldwide known brand.

However, it should still be mentioned that B&D was a struggling brand for a while. Due to too many product variations and the lack of a strong brand position, the owners of Black & Decker hired a design company to help them redefine the brand. This is why the company now has a more straightforward and friendlier new logo, as well as the simplified and streamlined design of their latest power tools. Nowadays, their devices are more consistent and iconic, and the “Tough Guy” look has been completely abandoned. Even though this decision has brought a danger of alienating long-time fans, the risk has already paid off.

In some cases, power tools manufactured by B&D come with accessories, and these are known as combination kits. Just like most other power tool manufacturers, the Black & Decker also sells their drills and drivers in combo kits, most of which are of excellent quality and highly cost-effective. Their BDCDMT1206KITC combo kit is an excellent example of this – it’s a beautifully packed all-in-one kit that allows one to tackle all kinds of jobs around the household. The company sells many combo kits such as this one, and each of them contains quality tools that work just as advertised, as well as some useful accessories that make life easier.

Historically, this company has always had a pretty strong hold on the market of power tools. Founded as a Baltimore machine shop in 1910 by S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker (hence the name), Black & Decker was the company that invented the first pistol grip drill seven years later. Over time, their products grew to be so well-respected that they were used by NASA on their Apollo and Mercury missions.

DeWalt, which we already mentioned, was acquired by Black & Decker in 1960. The company markets DeWalt tools as their top-of-the-line products; while their own Black & Decker devices serve as middle-of-the-road series. Some products are manufactured for one line only, and some overlap, such as hand drills. Does that mean that B&D tools are worse than those sold under DeWalt name?

Actually, it doesn’t. Even though there aren’t as many die-hard B&D fans, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the power tools manufactured under this name are not good. The company’s older NiCad battery-operated drills were of excellent quality and phenomenally durable. Unlike some of DeWalt power tools, most Black & Decker devices are never an overkill for an average homeowner – they are versatile, simple to use, and can be utilized for a myriad of applications.

Due to the fact that they’ve been making tools formore than 100 years, it is no wonder that their corded and cordless drills are regularly updated and improved in all areas where possible. When we combine this with the affordable price (not offered by some other brands) we can easily see why Black & Decker tools are so popular with the users. It all started in Baltimore, and now it’s a worldwide known brand.

However, it should still be mentioned that B&D was a struggling brand for a while. Due to too many product variations and the lack of a strong brand position, the owners of Black & Decker hired a design company to help them redefine the brand. This is why the company now has a more straightforward and friendlier new logo, as well as the simplified and streamlined design of their latest power tools. Nowadays, their devices are more consistent and iconic, and the “Tough Guy” look has been completely abandoned. Even though this decision has brought a danger of alienating long-time fans, the risk has already paid off.

In some cases, power tools manufactured by B&D come with accessories, and these are known as combination kits. Just like most other power tool manufacturers, the Black & Decker also sells their drills and drivers in combo kits, most of which are of excellent quality and highly cost-effective. Their BDCDMT1206KITC combo kit is an excellent example of this – it’s a beautifully packed all-in-one kit that allows one to tackle all kinds of jobs around the household. The company sells many combo kits such as this one, and each of them contains quality tools that work just as advertised, as well as some useful accessories that make life easier.

This company was founded in 1906 by F.E. Cable, G. G. Porter, and R.E. Porter, who invested $2,000 into a tool shop that they ran out of a garage. More than one hundred years later, Porter-Cable is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of power tools – the black/red/grey color combination of their devices is immediately recognizable.

When Mr. Emmons retired, the company was sold to the Rockwell Company, who wiped out the name and decided to drastically cut back on the quality and production costs. They did this to compete with budget home power tools manufactured by Black & Decker, and it was not a good idea. Fortunately, the revival took place in mid-80s when Rockwell’s power tool division was bought by Pentair, who brought the Porter-Cable brand back and immediately increased the quality of its products.

Nowadays, the company doesn’t have a market position that is as strong as that of DeWalt or Bosch but still manages to successfully compete with rivals such as Ryobi or Ridgid. Porter-Cable mostly focuses on homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, as well as on value-minded professionals who want their tools to be reasonably priced but still powerful and efficient. Their 20V Max lineup started off with great impact drivers and drills, but then grew with budget-oriented tools that have been developed with lower pricing as the focus. However, the company’s portfolio is still quite impressive – they offer excellent drills, impact drivers, and nailers.

This value-approach is also present in the company’s new marketing message – speed, ease of use, ergonomics, and value. We can safely confirm that all other segments of this motto are accurate – the power tools manufactured by Porter-Cable always come with an ergonomic grip, they are very simple to use, and efficient enough to help you deal with most DIY tasks. When we combine this with the already mentioned affordable prices, we can easily see why are the P+C power tools considered as some of the best by so many DIY enthusiasts.

Having been in business for more than 100 years, Porter-Cable undoubtedly understands precisely what users look for in tools. This can be seen in their combo kits, which always contain tools and accessories that feature extended battery life, excellent ergonomics, low weight, exceptional durability, and other key elements. Is this brand for you? The only way to find an answer to that question is to do some research on your own – do this by checking out our reviews of the best Porter-Cable combo kits. We certainly wouldn’t hesitate to advise giving one of their power tools a shot, but that’s entirely up to you.

This company was founded in 1906 by F.E. Cable, G. G. Porter, and R.E. Porter, who invested $2,000 into a tool shop that they ran out of a garage. More than one hundred years later, Porter-Cable is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of power tools – the black/red/grey color combination of their devices is immediately recognizable.

When Mr. Emmons retired, the company was sold to the Rockwell Company, who wiped out the name and decided to drastically cut back on the quality and production costs. They did this to compete with budget home power tools manufactured by Black & Decker, and it was not a good idea. Fortunately, the revival took place in mid-80s when Rockwell’s power tool division was bought by Pentair, who brought the Porter-Cable brand back and immediately increased the quality of its products.

Nowadays, the company doesn’t have a market position that is as strong as that of DeWalt or Bosch but still manages to successfully compete with rivals such as Ryobi or Ridgid. Porter-Cable mostly focuses on homeowners and DIY enthusiasts, as well as on value-minded professionals who want their tools to be reasonably priced but still powerful and efficient. Their 20V Max lineup started off with great impact drivers and drills, but then grew with budget-oriented tools that have been developed with lower pricing as the focus. However, the company’s portfolio is still quite impressive – they offer excellent drills, impact drivers, and nailers.

This value-approach is also present in the company’s new marketing message – speed, ease of use, ergonomics, and value. We can safely confirm that all other segments of this motto are accurate – the power tools manufactured by Porter-Cable always come with an ergonomic grip, they are very simple to use, and efficient enough to help you deal with most DIY tasks. When we combine this with the already mentioned affordable prices, we can easily see why are the P+C power tools considered as some of the best by so many DIY enthusiasts.

Having been in business for more than 100 years, Porter-Cable undoubtedly understands precisely what users look for in tools. This can be seen in their combo kits, which always contain tools and accessories that feature extended battery life, excellent ergonomics, low weight, exceptional durability, and other key elements. Is this brand for you? The only way to find an answer to that question is to do some research on your own – do this by checking out our reviews of the best Porter-Cable combo kits. We certainly wouldn’t hesitate to advise giving one of their power tools a shot, but that’s entirely up to you.

Just like many other Japanese companies of this type, Ryobi also manufactures more than just power tools – they make components for telecommunication and automobile industries, printing equipment, builders’ hardware, and many other things. However, they’re mostly known for their Ryobi Tools brand, which covers the power tools that are sold through Home Depot in the US, Bunnings Warehouse in Australia and New Zealand, and regular hardware stores in the UK.

The company was founded under the name of Ryobi Seisakusho Co., Ltd. in 1943. The production of power tools started more than 20 years later (in 1968). In 2018, Ryobi operates more than ten manufacturing facilities spread across six countries and is a well-known brand name in the world of DIY enthusiasts.

Nowadays, the company positions itself as a reasonably-priced “pro-featured” brand of power tools and often targets enthusiast users, homeowners, and DIY-ers. While lots of professionals use tools manufactured by this company, others can’t imagine doing so, calling it a DIY tool brand. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – if you’re starting out as a hobbyist or a woodworker, or you just need a couple of tools for your daily jobs, Ryobi is an absolutely fine choice.

Even though some of their tools don’t look like they’re up to heavy-duty job site conditions, Ryobi offers a very high “bang for the buck,” as they have a very strong variety of specialty tools, core tools, problem-solvers, and innovations. For example, their airstrike nailers are especially well-regarded by hobbyists and professionals alike.

In our opinion, Ryobi’s 18V One+ lineup is particularly noteworthy. In the same class, there is Porter-Cable’s 20V Max lineup, some Black & Decker tools, and Craftsman’s C3 lineup – choosing over 100 unique products in this lineup, giving the user the ultimate control and versatility to get the task done – whether we’re talking about cutting, drilling, driving, fastening, trimming, clearing, edging, cooling, plumbing, lighting, mowing, or any other operation. A good number of these devices are cordless and powered by lithium-ion technology, so it’s quite easy to use them everywhere and anywhere.

An important question to ask here is why Makita is seen as the best of the Japanese power tool manufacturers if Ryobi is so good? The answer is probably in the fact that Makita is its “own company” and isn’t owned by any larger corporate ownership, unlike Ryobi (owned by Techtronic Industries).

When it comes to power tools, we can safely say that the multi-tool combo kits generally represent the best value, and that’s precisely where the brands like Ryobi can save you a lot of money. The company combines some of their best-rated tools in such kits, and supplies them with useful accessories and carrying bags. Most of their combo kits come with a 3-year limited guarantee, which is a pretty good sign that Ryobi is quite confident in the quality of their products.

Just like many other Japanese companies of this type, Ryobi also manufactures more than just power tools – they make components for telecommunication and automobile industries, printing equipment, builders’ hardware, and many other things. However, they’re mostly known for their Ryobi Tools brand, which covers the power tools that are sold through Home Depot in the US, Bunnings Warehouse in Australia and New Zealand, and regular hardware stores in the UK.

The company was founded under the name of Ryobi Seisakusho Co., Ltd. in 1943. The production of power tools started more than 20 years later (in 1968). In 2018, Ryobi operates more than ten manufacturing facilities spread across six countries and is a well-known brand name in the world of DIY enthusiasts.

Nowadays, the company positions itself as a reasonably-priced “pro-featured” brand of power tools and often targets enthusiast users, homeowners, and DIY-ers. While lots of professionals use tools manufactured by this company, others can’t imagine doing so, calling it a DIY tool brand. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing – if you’re starting out as a hobbyist or a woodworker, or you just need a couple of tools for your daily jobs, Ryobi is an absolutely fine choice.

Even though some of their tools don’t look like they’re up to heavy-duty job site conditions, Ryobi offers a very high “bang for the buck,” as they have a very strong variety of specialty tools, core tools, problem-solvers, and innovations. For example, their airstrike nailers are especially well-regarded by hobbyists and professionals alike.

In our opinion, Ryobi’s 18V One+ lineup is particularly noteworthy. In the same class, there is Porter-Cable’s 20V Max lineup, some Black & Decker tools, and Craftsman’s C3 lineup – choosing over 100 unique products in this lineup, giving the user the ultimate control and versatility to get the task done – whether we’re talking about cutting, drilling, driving, fastening, trimming, clearing, edging, cooling, plumbing, lighting, mowing, or any other operation. A good number of these devices are cordless and powered by lithium-ion technology, so it’s quite easy to use them everywhere and anywhere.

An important question to ask here is why Makita is seen as the best of the Japanese power tool manufacturers if Ryobi is so good? The answer is probably in the fact that Makita is its “own company” and isn’t owned by any larger corporate ownership, unlike Ryobi (owned by Techtronic Industries).

When it comes to power tools, we can safely say that the multi-tool combo kits generally represent the best value, and that’s precisely where the brands like Ryobi can save you a lot of money. The company combines some of their best-rated tools in such kits, and supplies them with useful accessories and carrying bags. Most of their combo kits come with a 3-year limited guarantee, which is a pretty good sign that Ryobi is quite confident in the quality of their products.

Ridgid is the brand name of the Ohio-based Ridge Tool Company, best known for their distinctive red pipe wrenches. Founded in 1923, the company relocated to its current location in 1943 and became a subsidiary of Emerson Electric in 1966. Nowadays, they manufacture more than 300 different types of tools, most of which are targeted at HVAC technicians, plumbers, and construction workers.

The company’s power tool division, on the other hand, is handled by TTI for Home Depot, under an arrangement with Emerson, Ridgid’s parent company. A few other OEMs make some of the company’s floor-standing and benchtop tools. While they usually don’t have all of the latest and greatest specifications and features, the power tools manufactured by Ridgid are quite good – they’re well-designed and highly durable.

One of the best things about their power tool selection is the growing 18V lineup, which contains some pretty unique and innovative devices. There’s a good balance between the price and performance here, while the company’s Limited Lifetime Service Agreement covers batteries, parts, and service – for life. It’s one of the most significant benefits of purchasing a tool made by Ridgid – knowing that your device is under lifetime warranty undoubtedly inspires confidence in the durability of the manufacturer’s products.

In case your DIY/woodworking needs are simple, Ridgid power tools might be the only power tools you’ll ever need. Some of the company’s tools and innovations, like the latest cordless air compressor, are bound to convince the fans of other brands to consider mixing some orange into their toolbox. The budget-friendly price in no way affects the quality of these devices – they’re sturdy, well-engineered, and long-lasting.

While on the subject of ruggedness, the tools manufactured by Ridgid have indeed been built to withstand the usual job site conditions. This kind of durability and sturdiness is quite rare in this price category and is usually reserved for the professional toolkits. Their power tools effortlessly tolerate mud, dirt, and all kinds of weather conditions without a drop in their performance level.

In case you’re wondering why this brand isn’t as famous as, say, Bosch, it is because Ridgid isn’t the best player in the area of innovation. They don’t roll out new products as frequently as the other companies, and that’s precisely why they’re not so well-known, even despite the efficiency and reliability of their tools. It is, in our opinion, one of the most under-advertised brands out there.

Those who can’t afford best-in-class tools should definitely consider purchasing one of Ridgid’s combo kits. The company has dozens of such packages on offer, and they come in all possible tool and accessory combinations. Each kit comes with a battery pack and the charger, as well as with a sturdy black & orange carrying bag for easier transportation and storage.

In conclusion, Ridgid manufactures top-notch tools and sells them at mid-range prices. Sounds like a good deal? Check out our reviews of their combo kits and see for yourself – you just might find what you were looking for.

Ridgid is the brand name of the Ohio-based Ridge Tool Company, best known for their distinctive red pipe wrenches. Founded in 1923, the company relocated to its current location in 1943 and became a subsidiary of Emerson Electric in 1966. Nowadays, they manufacture more than 300 different types of tools, most of which are targeted at HVAC technicians, plumbers, and construction workers.

The company’s power tool division, on the other hand, is handled by TTI for Home Depot, under an arrangement with Emerson, Ridgid’s parent company. A few other OEMs make some of the company’s floor-standing and benchtop tools. While they usually don’t have all of the latest and greatest specifications and features, the power tools manufactured by Ridgid are quite good – they’re well-designed and highly durable.

One of the best things about their power tool selection is the growing 18V lineup, which contains some pretty unique and innovative devices. There’s a good balance between the price and performance here, while the company’s Limited Lifetime Service Agreement covers batteries, parts, and service – for life. It’s one of the most significant benefits of purchasing a tool made by Ridgid – knowing that your device is under lifetime warranty undoubtedly inspires confidence in the durability of the manufacturer’s products.

In case your DIY/woodworking needs are simple, Ridgid power tools might be the only power tools you’ll ever need. Some of the company’s tools and innovations, like the latest cordless air compressor, are bound to convince the fans of other brands to consider mixing some orange into their toolbox. The budget-friendly price in no way affects the quality of these devices – they’re sturdy, well-engineered, and long-lasting.

While on the subject of ruggedness, the tools manufactured by Ridgid have indeed been built to withstand the usual job site conditions. This kind of durability and sturdiness is quite rare in this price category and is usually reserved for the professional toolkits. Their power tools effortlessly tolerate mud, dirt, and all kinds of weather conditions without a drop in their performance level.

In case you’re wondering why this brand isn’t as famous as, say, Bosch, it is because Ridgid isn’t the best player in the area of innovation. They don’t roll out new products as frequently as the other companies, and that’s precisely why they’re not so well-known, even despite the efficiency and reliability of their tools. It is, in our opinion, one of the most under-advertised brands out there.

Those who can’t afford best-in-class tools should definitely consider purchasing one of Ridgid’s combo kits. The company has dozens of such packages on offer, and they come in all possible tool and accessory combinations. Each kit comes with a battery pack and the charger, as well as with a sturdy black & orange carrying bag for easier transportation and storage.

In conclusion, Ridgid manufactures top-notch tools and sells them at mid-range prices. Sounds like a good deal? Check out our reviews of their combo kits and see for yourself – you just might find what you were looking for.

Founded in 1924, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is one of America’s well-known manufacturers of power tools. It makes tools such as drilling and material elimination devices, thermal imaging items, leveling items, check and recognition pieces, lighting testers, compress meters, digital meters, chargers, as well as clipping and cutting instruments. However, the company is most famous for their cordless drills and drivers, which are competing with devices made by DeWalt, Bosch, and others.

In a way, this means that the company has “sold out” and abandoned its traditional American roots. However, that didn’t have a severe effect on the efficiency and durability of their tools – Milwaukee still successfully engineers and markets quality drills, grinders, sanders, and many other devices. This combination of old, unparalleled reliability and some fresh, innovative ideas has turned Milwaukee into a favorite brand of many handymen all over the world.

Throughout the company’s rich 90+ years of history, some of their tools have been genuinely game-changing and deserve the status of landmarks – such as the portable electric hacksaw, the Hole-Hawg high-torque drill, the Sawzall reciprocating saw, and many other devices. There are more than 500 different tools in the company’s portfolio today, as well as 3,500 accessories – it’s a number that exceeds those of all other power tool manufacturers. Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you say?

The company’s market philosophy is a clear and motivating one – Milwaukee sees itself as a “solution provider”. Their cordless lineups are remarkably appealing, both in performance and in design – the bright red signature color of their devices is immediately recognizable. Another admirable thing about Milwaukee is that most of their power tools come with a 5-year limited warranty, which is a significantly longer period than those provided by other manufacturers.

Milwaukee’s combo kits are among the best on the market – they provide an excellent value for the money and combine the company’s most efficient tools and accessories into packages that are great for both professional users and DIY beginners. Their M18 and M12 drills and drivers are often accompanied by fast battery chargers and handy carrying bags, and provide users fantastic durability, power, speed, and torque. It’s a company that keeps up with the trends, so it’s no wonder that their power tools are always on high demand.

Founded in 1924, Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation is one of America’s well-known manufacturers of power tools. It makes tools such as drilling and material elimination devices, thermal imaging items, leveling items, check and recognition pieces, lighting testers, compress meters, digital meters, chargers, as well as clipping and cutting instruments. However, the company is most famous for their cordless drills and drivers, which are competing with devices made by DeWalt, Bosch, and others.

In a way, this means that the company has “sold out” and abandoned its traditional American roots. However, that didn’t have a severe effect on the efficiency and durability of their tools – Milwaukee still successfully engineers and markets quality drills, grinders, sanders, and many other devices. This combination of old, unparalleled reliability and some fresh, innovative ideas has turned Milwaukee into a favorite brand of many handymen all over the world.

Throughout the company’s rich 90+ years of history, some of their tools have been genuinely game-changing and deserve the status of landmarks – such as the portable electric hacksaw, the Hole-Hawg high-torque drill, the Sawzall reciprocating saw, and many other devices. There are more than 500 different tools in the company’s portfolio today, as well as 3,500 accessories – it’s a number that exceeds those of all other power tool manufacturers. Pretty impressive, wouldn’t you say?

The company’s market philosophy is a clear and motivating one – Milwaukee sees itself as a “solution provider”. Their cordless lineups are remarkably appealing, both in performance and in design – the bright red signature color of their devices is immediately recognizable. Another admirable thing about Milwaukee is that most of their power tools come with a 5-year limited warranty, which is a significantly longer period than those provided by other manufacturers.

Milwaukee’s combo kits are among the best on the market – they provide an excellent value for the money and combine the company’s most efficient tools and accessories into packages that are great for both professional users and DIY beginners. Their M18 and M12 drills and drivers are often accompanied by fast battery chargers and handy carrying bags, and provide users fantastic durability, power, speed, and torque. It’s a company that keeps up with the trends, so it’s no wonder that their power tools are always on high demand.

When talking about power tools, it’s impossible not to mention Bosch. For millions of people around the world, the name of this brand is synonymous with reliability, durability, and high-efficiency. It is one of the world’s most known companies when it comes to electric appliances, and an excellent example of how renowned and well-respected Germany’s industries are.

As far as the tools go, the company got into this sector almost 50 years later, in 1932. This was when they invented the hammer drill, which was the world’s first device of this type that could rotate and strike at the same time. Throughout its history, Bosch had its hands in a myriad of different areas in business, from Telehealth to the automotive industry. Listing all of their innovations would take a lot of time, but a few examples include the first mobile hydraulic lift, the first electric fridge, anti-lock braking systems for cars, three-way catalytic converters, e-Bike drives, and hybrid car technology.

Nowadays, the Bosch group has four business sectors – energy & building technology, industrial technology, mobility solutions, as well as consumer goods (this is where the power tools are). The power tool division was started only 15 years ago, with most products being manufactured in China, Taiwan, Mexico, and Malaysia. However, some of their tools are still being made in Europe, specifically in the home country of Germany and in Switzerland.

You can rarely find Bosch power tool users complaining about power or performance, or any other kind of manufacturer’s negligence – it is, in simple terms, one of the best power tool brands out there. Bosch understands the need for absolute professionalism when it comes to complex projects, which is precisely why most of their devices are engineered to match the users’ expectations in strength, performance, speed, and reliability. The company is well-known for their certified Blue strength, compliance to all safety regulations, as well as for their constant innovations in the world of power tools.

Bosch continues to provide pretty solid “core tool” offerings and often comes out with updates and upgrades. Due to the high reputation of their products, Bosch’s main competitor is DeWalt – there are numerous discussions trying to determine which one of these brands is the best of the best. Both their 18 volts and 12 volts tools are exceptionally popular with the professional users, with their 12 volts devices having better performance and durability than most other tools of this type on the market.

When talking about power tools, it’s impossible not to mention Bosch. For millions of people around the world, the name of this brand is synonymous with reliability, durability, and high-efficiency. It is one of the world’s most known companies when it comes to electric appliances, and an excellent example of how renowned and well-respected Germany’s industries are.

As far as the tools go, the company got into this sector almost 50 years later, in 1932. This was when they invented the hammer drill, which was the world’s first device of this type that could rotate and strike at the same time. Throughout its history, Bosch had its hands in a myriad of different areas in business, from Telehealth to the automotive industry. Listing all of their innovations would take a lot of time, but a few examples include the first mobile hydraulic lift, the first electric fridge, anti-lock braking systems for cars, three-way catalytic converters, e-Bike drives, and hybrid car technology.

Nowadays, the Bosch group has four business sectors – energy & building technology, industrial technology, mobility solutions, as well as consumer goods (this is where the power tools are). The power tool division was started only 15 years ago, with most products being manufactured in China, Taiwan, Mexico, and Malaysia. However, some of their tools are still being made in Europe, specifically in the home country of Germany and in Switzerland.

You can rarely find Bosch power tool users complaining about power or performance, or any other kind of manufacturer’s negligence – it is, in simple terms, one of the best power tool brands out there. Bosch understands the need for absolute professionalism when it comes to complex projects, which is precisely why most of their devices are engineered to match the users’ expectations in strength, performance, speed, and reliability. The company is well-known for their certified Blue strength, compliance to all safety regulations, as well as for their constant innovations in the world of power tools.

Bosch continues to provide pretty solid “core tool” offerings and often comes out with updates and upgrades. Due to the high reputation of their products, Bosch’s main competitor is DeWalt – there are numerous discussions trying to determine which one of these brands is the best of the best. Both their 18 volts and 12 volts tools are exceptionally popular with the professional users, with their 12 volts devices having better performance and durability than most other tools of this type on the market.

Of all the power tool manufacturers on our list, Kobalt is the youngest – this company was founded in 1998 and is owned by the improvement chain Lowe’s. The brand was launched 20 years ago with the intention of competing with The Home Depot and Sears, and their respective brands of power tools. In 2011, the company had expanded its production and started manufacturing cordless power tools, putting itself on the map and catching the attention of all those interested in the DIY business.

Due to the fact that Lowe’s already has two budget-friendly lines of tools and supplies (Blue Hawk and Task Force), the Kobalt brand includes power, mechanics, and hand tools that are of better quality and reliability. Kobalt has been expanding their lineup of 24V Max cordless tools, which is relatively new but still consists of so-called “core tools” – saws, drivers, and drills.

So far, we haven’t seen a lot of complaints regarding their devices, although it does sting that the brand has almost abandoned their 20V and 18V Max lineups. On the other hand, their all-new 24V brushless power tools are quite impressive.

The design manager of Kobalt, Kip Pohlman, was the one who introduced this new 24V brushless lineup and explained the idea behind them. He spoke about the product development, research, and the design methodology of these tools, saying that they were created for the residential construction job sites. To design and engineer these 24V drills and impact drivers, the workers went out and interviewed as many professional users as they could, which resulted in new manufacturing ideas that led to new tools.

Moreover, another great thing about the new 24V tools is that they can be purchased in combo kits (6-tool, 4-tool, and 2-tool). We have decided to take a closer look at them and have analyzed a couple of such packages in our reviews.

Of all the power tool manufacturers on our list, Kobalt is the youngest – this company was founded in 1998 and is owned by the improvement chain Lowe’s. The brand was launched 20 years ago with the intention of competing with The Home Depot and Sears, and their respective brands of power tools. In 2011, the company had expanded its production and started manufacturing cordless power tools, putting itself on the map and catching the attention of all those interested in the DIY business.

Due to the fact that Lowe’s already has two budget-friendly lines of tools and supplies (Blue Hawk and Task Force), the Kobalt brand includes power, mechanics, and hand tools that are of better quality and reliability. Kobalt has been expanding their lineup of 24V Max cordless tools, which is relatively new but still consists of so-called “core tools” – saws, drivers, and drills. Even though the devices under this brand name aren’t as budget-oriented as those coming from Task Force and Blue Hawk, their newness still makes them look like homeowner-focused in the eyes of many professional users.

So far, we haven’t seen a lot of complaints regarding their devices, although it does sting that the brand has almost abandoned their 20V and 18V Max lineups. On the other hand, their all-new 24V brushless power tools are quite impressive.

The design manager of Kobalt, Kip Pohlman, was the one who introduced this new 24V brushless lineup and explained the idea behind them. He spoke about the product development, research, and the design methodology of these tools, saying that they were created for the residential construction job sites. To design and engineer these 24V drills and impact drivers, the workers went out and interviewed as many professional users as they could, which resulted in new manufacturing ideas that led to new tools.

Moreover, another great thing about the new 24V tools is that they can be purchased in combo kits (6-tool, 4-tool, and 2-tool). We have decided to take a closer look at them and have analyzed a couple of such packages in our reviews.

Thinking of buying your very first power tool combo kit? Whether you need reliable and efficient tools for your DIY project or just some light work around the house, have a look at the following sections and learn about the most important features your future combo set should have.

As the name suggests, the most significant benefit of cordless power tools is that they have a luxury of freedom from a power cord. In simple terms, this means no dragging extension leads around or tripping over cables – moving around the job site is mucheasier and faster.

Furthermore, having a cordless power tool allows you to reach awkward places, like those that require you to go up a ladder, for example, far from the power outlet. No need to worry that the cord will get stuck on something or slow down the whole project because of its short length.

Another advantage is the fact that most cordless tools are farbetter balancedthan their corded counterparts — using them one-handed is typically a lot easier. This is especially true for cordless drills and drivers, whose ergonomics allow you to drill holes and drive screws with just one hand.<