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  • Reviews of Top 10 Power and Hand Tools - Do-It-YourSelf!
Reviews of Top 10 Power and Hand Tools - Do-It-YourSelf!
Reviews of Top 10 Power and Hand Tools - Do-It-YourSelf!
Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Compact and lightweight, with plenty of power and torque
  • Lifetime service warranty on the tools and the batteries
  • Each tool has nice feel and balance
  • Nice work light and good battery indicators
  • Radio is nice and works well
  • Batteries charge fast and battery charger prevents overcharging
  • Great tool at competitive price

    Cons

  • None
Where to Buy

$219.99

eBay
Review Summary

The RIDGID R9601 is a 18-Volt Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit that comes with 3 tools and a free Radio. These tools offer best- in-class torque and power for the most demanding applications. Compact drill features a 4-pole open frame motor that delivers 535 in. lbs. of torque. Impact driver delivers an industry leading 1,750 in. lbs. of torque to handle the toughest applications and features a one-handed quick-load bit holder.

Both the compact drill and impact driver feature exclusive Grip Light technology which engages the LED light by simply holding the tool and innovative Hex Grip micro-texture for maximum comfort to make every job easier.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Well-built good quality cordless tools
  • Lightweight and powerful with 2 speed motor and good torque
  • One battery fits all the tools
  • Battery charges quickly and holds the charge nicely
  • Great bag just right for the tools plus enough extras
  • Comes with two Lithium batteries
  • Excellent value for the price

    Cons

  • No battery level indicators
Where to Buy
Review Summary

Ryobi ONE+ P882 is a 18-Volt Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit which is powered by new and improved lithium-ion batteries. These batteries hold a charge 4X longer, offer up to 20% more runtime and are 45% lighter weight than Ni-Cd batteries. The drill includes a 1/2 inch heavy-duty single sleeve, well balanced, keyless chuck with 24 position clutch to match any drilling and driving needs. The impact driver has a variable speed trigger and 1,500 in.-lbs. of torque to provide control and power when driving long and large screwed or bolts. They both feature the exclusive MagTray and on-board bit storage, which allow convenient placement of bits and screws. These tools are lightweight yet powerful and good quality with overmold grip area for increased user comfort.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Great basic tool kit
  • Nice well made tools
  • Solid carrying storage case
  • Bright yellow color tools are easy to locate
  • Case is nicely organized and items stay in place, mostly
  • Makes a good gift
  • Inexpensive

    Cons

  • Storage box is not the best quality
  • Need a screw driver to open the box
Review Summary

The Stanley 94-248 65-Piece General Homeowner's Tool Set is a great basic tool kit for handling projects around the house. Stanley® drive tools are forged from high-quality steel and finished in high-polish nickel chrome or black chrome. All the tools have ergonomically designed ratchet handles with an easy-to-use, thumb-operated reverse-switch mechanism. Also the sockets and extensions remain locked onto the drive until disengaged with an easy-to-reach, low-profile quick-release button. All these well made tools come organized in a nice carrying case. This case, full of bright yellow colored tools makes a great gift for anybody.

Many reviewers complain that the storage box is not the best quality. Also you will need a screw driver to open the box since it has a Phillips screw on the handle.

Overall, the Stanley 94-248 65-Piece General Homeowner's Tool Set is a good and inexpensive took kit which is perfect for small tasks around the house. This is also a great kit for office and car.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Easy to handle and easy to use
  • Works great for cutting wood, branches, metal and PVC
  • Fast and quick to install or remove the blade
  • Comes with 2 blades - for metal and for wood
  • Much easier than using a hand saw
  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Reasonable price

    Cons

  • Some users faced difficulty with installing blade
Review Summary

The Black & Decker PHS550B is a 3.4 Amp Powered Handsaw with Storage Bag. This high performance saw has a powerful motor that delivers 4600 SPM for controlled cuts in wood, plastic, and metal. There are 2 blades- Large capacity blade good for cutting wood and Metal cutting blade. This powered handsaw features a compact, lightweight design making it easy to control and handle. It is ideal for straight cutting and works well in indoor and outdoor operation. A storage bag is included to store saw, blades and cord.

Even though the saw offers a quick and easy tool-free blade change but many users reported problem with changing the blade. It takes a little practice and alignment to fit the blades.

Overall, the Black and Decker PHS550B Powered Handsaw is a versatile tool and great for small jobs around the house. It is perfect for cutting wood, branches, metal and PVC. 

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Great circular saw with plenty of power
  • Left-mounted blade design makes it easy to see what you are cutting
  • Very handy saw with simple features
  • Cordless tool, saves a lot of time not having to run a power cord
  • Perfect compromise between weight and power
  • Portable and great for outside projects
  • Great price for a bare tool

    Cons

  • No blade lock when changing blade
  • Drains batteries fast
Review Summary

The DEWALT Bare-Tool DC390B is a professional-duty circular saw that delivers cordless convenience without sacrificing power or performance. An 18-volt battery (not included) drives the saw’s 6-1/2-inch, thin-kerf blade at 3,700 RPM, an optimum speed for crosscutting and ripping construction lumber, softwood, hardwood, plywood, particleboard, oriented-strand board and virtually any other sheet good. With depth-of-cut capacities of 2-1/4 -inch at 90-degree, and 1 5/8 -inch at 45-degree (bevel), the DC390B can slice through all 2-by dimensional lumber. The compact saw comes with a carbide-tipped saw blade and blade wrench. This saw is portable and great for outside projects where there are no power plugs. This is a bare tool therefore battery and charger are sold separately. This tool works with these batteries (DC9096, DC9180) and chargers (DCB103, DW9117, DC9310, DC9319, DC9320, DC012).

Users complain that the batteries drain very fast on this tool. It is recommended to carry extra batteries when on job sites.

Overall, the DEWALT DC390B is a great tool for handy man and people who love woodwork. Regardless of whether you’re building wood decks, bookcases or kitchen cabinets, the DeWalt DC390B Cordless Circular Saw won’t let you down.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Very versatile tool with powerful 1.5 A motor
  • Works as detail sander, close-quarter saw, drywall cut-out tool, power scraper, grout removal tool, and more
  • Easy to use and control even with 21,000 oscillations per minute
  • Gives precise cuts and good for tight spaces
  • Many different attachments are available
  • Adapters are available for using with tools of other brands
  • Well worth the price

    Cons

  • Not the best for curved cuts
  • Velcro wears off the pad in fairly short order
  • Metal backer on sanding pad is the same size as the pad
Review Summary

The Genesis GMT15A Multi-Purpose Oscillating Tool is the most useful and versatile power tool for home repair, remodeling and restoration. The unique oscillating action of the head allows for use as a detail sander, close-quarter saw, drywall cut-out tool, power scraper, grout removal tool, and more. A full line of Genesis accessories is available or you can use the included adaptor to attach other brands of accessories to the Genesis Multi-Purpose Oscillating Tool.

It has a powerful 1.5-Amp motor which gives 21,000 oscillations per minute for fast sanding, grinding, cutting and scraping. A die cast aluminum gear housing gives durability and 4-Pin flange design holds accessories firmly in place. The grip is comfortable and non-slip. It handles many applications that used to require hard work by hand or expensive specialty tools.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Light and compact drill
  • Powerful with lot of torque
  • 20 V Lithium battery lasts very long between charging
  • Inbuilt LED light for lighting the project area
  • Versatile, sturdy with good balance and feel
  • Easy to change chuck and bit
  • Worth the price

    Cons

  • None
Review Summary

The BLACK & DECKER LDX120C is a 20-Volt Max 3/8-in Cordless Lithium-Ion Drill which is ideal for a variety of applications. With many innovative features and design, this drill is perfect  for every task. Lithium power, compact size and ergonomic features combine to create the most powerful, lightweight drill driver in the LDX120C.  Users love the Lithium ion battery as it is always ready and holds a charge up to 18 months. The 11 position clutch prevents stripping and over-driving screws. A LED work light illuminates the surface for easier drilling in dark places.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Small and compact toolset
  • Very versatile kit
  • Good product for a beginning handyman
  • Easy to manage 135 pieces in one box
  • Good for light work
  • Makes a nice gift for women
  • Reasonable price

    Cons

  • Screwdriver does not have much power
  • No manual screwdriver in the kit
Review Summary

The Apollo Precision Tools DT0773N1 135-Piece Pink Tool Kit has all the tools you need for small household projects like hanging pictures in your new home or assembling a television stand in a dorm room. Organized in its durable carrying case for quick and easy access, the tools are readily available so you get the job done without scouring through a toolbox. Equipped with a box cutter, a rechargeable cordless 4.8-volt screwdriver, a measuring tape, a level, a putty knife, and more, this all-in-one kit features 135 tools that get you up to speed for moving in, fixing up, moving out, and everything in between. The kit is durable, easy to use, and portable.

Many users find the cordless screwdriver useless since it does not have much torque and power and also stops charging after sometime. A manual screwdriver in the kit would have been very useful.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Has high and low heat settings for different jobs
  • Lightweight and compact
  • Easy to use and handle
  • Heats up quickly and handles stays cool
  • Good for striping paint, shrink wrap, thermal plastics etc.
  • Durable and good quality product
  • Great product for the price

    Cons

  • Does not include the nozzles or glass protector
Review Summary

The Wagner HT1000 1200-Watt Heat Gun is an ideal, general purpose heat gun that is suitable for many heating applications ranging from removing paint, old flooring, bending plastics, loosen rusted bolts, thawing frozen pipes, shrink wrapping items and even drying wet tennis shoes. It applies focused heat and produces 1200 Watts and 4100 BTUs. The HT1000 has two temperatures: 750° F or 1000° F and two fan speeds settings to adjust to specific heating needs. There is an easy to use temperature switch built into the handle. A corrosion resistant nozzle and integrated hanging hook are very convenient This heat is gun is easy to use, rugged yet lightweight.

Some reviewers say that HT1000 does not include few accessories which are needed for certain jobs.

Overall, the Wagner H1000 Heat Gun is ideal for DIYers, homeowners, handymen, part-time contractors or even artists who work with thermal plastics.

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Pros & Cons

    Pros

  • Light weight, good control and enough power to handle tough jobs
  • Batteries charge quickly and last a long time
  • Comes with case and extra battery
  • Comfortable handle
  • Good customer support
  • Excellent price

    Cons

  • Chuck doesn't hold the accessories in it very well
  • Trigger is not smooth
Where to Buy

$99.00

Amazon

$104.95

eBay

$119.00

Lowes
Review Summary

The DeWalt DC970K-2 18-Volt Cordless 1/2-inch Compact Drill Driver Kit is perfect for anyone looking for a compact tool capable of drilling and driving in tight spaces that other tools cannot reach. The drill is light weight, has good control and enough power to handle tough job. It is extremely comfortable to use. It comes with 2 batteries and a carrying case. The batteries charge quickly and last a long time. Users highly recommend this tool for its dependable quality and good price.

Some users complain that chuck doesn't hold the accessories in it very well and that trigger is not smooth.

Overall, DeWalt DC970K-2 18-Volt Cordless 1/2-inch Compact Drill Driver Kit is a tool of choice of many professionals and DIY folks and is highly recommended by them.

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