Power Tools

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Power Tools

A close-up of a cordless drill and impact driver side by side

Drills, saws, grinders, and combo kits — plus the battery platforms that quietly decide what your whole workshop looks like in five years. The big decision here isn’t which drill. It’s which system you buy into.

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What to look for

Buy into a platform, not just a tool

One brand’s batteries running a dozen tools is where cordless gets affordable. Pick the ecosystem first — the individual tools second. Read the battery platform guide →

Brushless where it earns its keep

Brushless motors generally run cooler and longer than brushed ones. For tools you’ll reach for daily, it’s usually worth the step up; for occasional use, brushed can be the smarter spend.

Bare tool vs. kit, do the math

“Bare tool” means no battery or charger in the box — a deal if you’re already on that platform, a trap if you’re not. Combo kits bundle the batteries; price the kit against bare-plus-batteries before deciding.

A circular saw cutting through a length of lumber

Drills & drivers first

Why it matters: the drill/driver and impact driver are the two tools that start every workshop. Get these on your platform of choice and everything else follows.

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A lineup of cordless batteries and a charger from one platform

The battery platform decision

Why it matters: batteries are the real lock-in. Count the tools each platform offers that you’ll actually want before you commit to a color.

Saws: match the saw to the work

Why it matters: a circular saw covers most cutting for a new shop; miter and table saws earn their place when the work gets repetitive. Buy the saw your projects need, not the one the aisle suggests.

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Good to know

Should a beginner buy the biggest combo kit?

Not necessarily. Big kits look like a bargain per tool, but they can lock you into tools you’ll never reach for. Start with the drill and driver you’ll use weekly, then add bare tools as the work demands them.

Can I mix battery brands?

Batteries are brand-specific by design. Third-party adapters exist, but they can affect performance, tool protection features, and warranty coverage — check the manufacturer’s terms before going that route.

Why don’t you list prices?

Prices change constantly, and we’d rather not show you a number we can’t stand behind. Check the retailer for today’s price and availability.