Steadfast Users Praise the Convenience of a Single Cordless Tool System. However, What Brands Offer the Best Universal Fit?
In the world of DIY and home improvement, having the right tools can make all the difference. One of the latest trends in power tools is cordless technology, offering freedom and convenience for homeowners. But with so many brands and models available, how do you choose the right one?
Understanding a tool brand's target market is crucial. Some brands, like Milwaukee, cater mainly to professionals, offering high-performance tools with steep price tags. On the other hand, brands like Ryobi and Skil offer reasonably priced tools suitable for home workshops and DIY projects.
Here's a rundown of some popular cordless power tools and their prices from various retailers:
- The Ryobi 18-Volt Cordless Hedge Trimmer is available for $142 on Amazon.
- The Ryobi 18-Volt Cordless 3-1/4 in. Planer is available for $68 on Amazon, $72 at Walmart, and $110 at Home Depot.
- The Ryobi 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw is available for $58 on Amazon and $79 at Home Depot.
Ryobi offers a large collection of 18-volt cordless tools that cater to homeowners' needs, with tools powerful enough for most DIY projects.
For those seeking a broader selection, Milwaukee is a great option. They offer a wide range of cordless power tools, including the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1/4 HEX Impact Driver, an example of the quality and performance the brand offers. The Milwaukee Mid-torque Impact Wrench is available for $161 on Amazon, $166 at Walmart, and $279 at Home Depot. The Milwaukee 16-Inch Chainsaw (Tool Only) is available for $279 on Amazon, $270 at Walmart, and $279 at Home Depot.
Choosing a battery voltage to cover all demands is important, as you can only interchange batteries with power tools that take the same voltage. Cordless tool batteries are not interchangeable between brands, so it's important to choose one brand and stick with it.
Brands offering specialized tools for specific projects include Bosch Professional, Fein, Mafell, Makita, Festool, KSTOOLS®, HAZET, GEDORE, Wera®, and STAHLWILLE. These brands provide a wide range of power tools, precision tools, and specialized hand tools tailored for trades like woodworking, construction, and metalwork.
Cordless tool batteries are a significant investment, and choosing one brand to stick with can make it more affordable due to shared lithium-ion batteries. DeWalt offers a broad reaching collection of power tools, with the MAX line of 12-volt and 20-volt cordless power tools offering excellent performance at a price that's a little more DIY-friendly than other premium brands.
Skil is another affordable cordless tool brand that makes tools powerful enough for basic jobs and home projects. The Skil 20V Dual Head Flood Light is available for $58 on Amazon and $70 at Lowe's. The Skil Worm Drive Circular Saw Kit is available for $360 on Amazon and $399 at Lowe's. The Skil 5-Tool Compact Combo Kit is available for $160 on Amazon and $199 at Lowe's.
For larger properties, it may not make sense to go cordless with outdoor power equipment, as the most powerful and longest-lasting cordless outdoor equipment uses large 36 to 60-volt high-capacity batteries. However, choosing a battery tool system that offers both cordless workshop tools and outdoor equipment can be beneficial, as many brands make cordless outdoor equipment that uses the same 20-volt batteries as their cordless drills, circular saws, and other carpentry tools.
Investing in the same tools as professionals might not be necessary for homeowners, as high-performance power tools designed for professional worksites may not be needed for home projects. But having the right tools for your DIY projects can make all the difference. Choose a brand that suits your needs and budget, and start your next project with confidence.
