TOOL TUESDAY: Part 2, Cordless Combo Kits

Hello again, now for the discussion you all have been waiting for - cordless combo kits.  Cordless combo kit tools are the most handy, continuously used tools I own. I can't imagine completing even the smallest job now without the use of one of the tools in my cordless kits. A cordless combo kit is a set of tools like a drill, circular saw or grinder that run on batteries instead of cords for easier use and mobility.  The tools don't provide as much power as some of the corded units, but in my opinion, for the usability factor they are a must almost all the time. 

There are a lot of cordless combo kits, different battery sizes and accessories for them.  To keep this post from becoming a novel I will have to keep this limited to the more popular 18 volt kits.To get you started I am going to focus on brand name and who to go with when starting your own tool collection to get the most bang for your buck. Now you might ask me, "Jake, why don't I just buy these tools separately". The answer is that they come much cheaper when packaged together, AND it is very valuable to have all of your tools the same brand name this way you can switch out batteries. At a later date I will review each of the tools that make up these kits so you will know which kit would be most appropriate for you.

Dewalt- My first choice when it comes to cordless tools, and can be purchased at most hardware stores.  The Dewalt XRP tools have proven to me to last the test of time and the test of HOME REVIVAL (being dropped from heights, and used how they probably shouldn't be). These tools are more expensive then most any of the other corded kits. However, the power and reliability of the tools allow you to get the job done fast and the durability of them allow you to get a good value for your money.

Ridgid-These tools are sold at Home Depot and are a great value especially since they offer a lifetime warranty -even on the batteries. Another bonus is the quick charge which charges the batteries in 30 minutes compared to Dewalt at 1 hour.  My complaints are -some of the Home Depots make warranty work difficult and the tools do not have as much power as the Dewalt XRP.

Milwaukee - These can be purchased at Farm & Fleet and are also great tools that come with a longer warranty then Dewalt. However, compared to Dewalt or Ridgid they have limited tool selection, come with a bigger price and don't offer any more power. 

Craftsman- Craftsman makes several different lines of tools. The standard Craftsman cordless tools are less expensive then Ridgid or Dewalt but with due reason. They do not last or provide the power.  The professional line is better, but still doesn't last or provide the same power overall as the previous. I would recommend these for a DIY Homeowner but not as much for a Professional Remodeler.

Ryobi - This set can be purchased at Home Depot and is very similar to Craftsman.  It is very inexpensive but again for a homeowner a great buy to save time on those projects. 

Porter Cable - This set can be purchased at Lowes and is very similar to Craftsman/ Ryobi.  It is very inexpensive but again for a homeowner a great buy to save time on those projects. Another issue I see is these appear to have less tools to select from if you want to grow your tool collection.

So to Recap if your looking for direction I offer the following:

If you are a professional looking for a long lasting, multi tool set, then I would purchase Dewalt for the added power or Ridgid for the lifetime warranty.

For the Homeowner I would recommend either Craftsman or Ryobi as the Porter Cable doesn't offer as many tools.