Power Tools Buyer's Guide

Quite possibly everyone’s first power tool, presenting your battery-powered compact drill/screwdriver. This one is of the DeWalt variety, but as you likely already know, there are several like it from several different manufacturers.

One of over 180 DeWalt products utilizing their interchangeable 20V battery system, the drill/driver has an ergonomic design, comfort grip handle, and can spin up to 1,600 rpm (without load). There are 15 clutch settings, with a 1/2-inch chuck size.

Even if you have ratcheting hand tools, the simplicity of pressing a button and having the tool do all the ratcheting can’t be overstated. This 3/8-inch cordless ratchet from Milwaukee has a 3/4-inch head for really tight spaces and delivers up to 35 lb-ft of torque. The metal trigger is variable, giving the user greater control of how fast or slow to fasten or unfasten the bolt. The housing is steel for greater durability, and extra convenience comes from the “fuel” gauge battery level indicator to let you know how much juice you have left.

The other items above might be more useful on a daily basis, but the angle grinder is quite possibly the most satisfying tool to use. If for nothing else than the massive sparks you can let fly for your next social media post. But if you actually do need to do something like clean up some welds, an angle grinder/cut off wheel, like this one from Makita, is a valuable tool.

Two 18v lithium-ion batteries are included in this kit, hence the price. Makita’s exclusive Automatic Speed Change Technology automatically adjusts speed and torque during operation for optimal performance. There’s a rubber handle for comfort, and the soft-start brings the disc up to speed gradually for less kickback to the user and to help prolong the bevel gears.

Maybe the unsung hero of the tool chest, rotary tools like the Dremel are useful when you need to make detailed cuts or grinds, or need to sand a small, specific area.

With the Dremel tool specifically, it features the EZ twist nose cap to change accessories at the tip quickly and, well, easily, without tools. You can also adjust the speed from 8,000 rpm to 25,000 rpm to have just the right amount of spin for the job. The 4V lithium-ion battery is easily charged with the included USB charger.