Last Updated on 2021-10-21 by Harry Masterton
In A Hurry? Go straight to the Best Cordless Power Tools For Home & DIY By Brand.
- BEST BUDGET – Black & Decker Cordless Power Tools
- BEST OVERALL WINNER – Craftsman Cordless Power Tools For Home And Shop
- BEST RUNNER UP Skil PWRCore Cordless Power Tools For Home Workshops And DIY
- Ryobi Cordless Power Tools For Home Workshops And DIY
- Porter Cable Cordless Power Tools For Do-It-Yourself Users
- Chinese Brand Cordless Power Tools For Casual Woodworking And DIY Projects
Many DIYers and hobbyists start their power tool collection with corded power tools because they are often cheaper. It will not take most novice woodworkers long to discover cordless power tools, though. That can lead you to ask what the best cordless power tools for home and DIY are?
Why cut the cord?
Buy the best cordless power tools for home and DIY
Are the best cordless power tools for DIY a good option when compared to corded power tools? For many casual woodworkers, the answer is yes. The best cordless power tools for home and DIY offer design advantages, including:
- Portability
- Easy to store
- Latest technology
The best cordless power tools for DIY stand out because they do not require an extension cord or outlet to run. That lets you work anywhere.
Most of the best cordless power tools for home and DIY are compact, making them easy to store. Manufacturers compete to offer customers the smallest and lightest designs.
Speaking of manufacturer competition, power tool companies focus on the cordless power tool market. Compare corded vs cordless tools, and you will see how the best cordless power tools for DIY use the latest electronic controls and safety features.
Looking at your budget
One issue that many DIYers and hobbyists consider is the cost of buying cordless products. Your research will show that the power tool brand you buy makes a huge difference in price.
Budget-minded woodworkers often go with a power tool brand like Black & Decker or Ryobi. We feel that future-proofing your tool collection with products from the likes of Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee is worth consideration because they tend to:
- Last longer
- Are less-likely to outgrow
- Offer best accuracy and features
- Invariably incorporate a brushless motor for longer life
Best Cordless Tool Brand For DIY?
Black & Decker Cordless Power Tools For Homeowners And Weekend Hobbyists
The company built a reputation by catering to the home improvement market, including some of the best cordless power tools for home and DIY.
Today, Black & Decker cordless power tool products are known for providing reasonable quality and features at a cheaper price point. That makes them a favorite for casual woodworkers and homeowners doing repairs and smaller projects.
Black & Decker were one of the first companies to make power tools like the corded drill, hammer drill and keyless chuck available to the DIY market for woodworkers like you and I.
The manufacturer continues building the 18 volts and 20-volt MAX platform lines but offers new tool designs in higher voltage ranges. That includes several cordless outdoor lawn tools that run on 40-volt or 60-volt battery systems.
Craftsman Cordless Power Tools For Home And Shop
One knock against Sears was that they did not aggressively pursue the DIY market with its Craftsman cordless power tools. At one time, home-improvement personalities endorsed the brand and were known for several durable tool lines.
An example of improving selection would be the cordless leaf blower, the very well received and highly rated cordless miter saw and the expansion of its V20 or V60 battery platforms. The manufacturer still maintains its automotive and hand tool lines as well.
Skil PWRCore Cordless Power Tools For Home Workshops And DIY
Skil used to focus on professional designs used in the trades for decades. In recent decades, the company has switched its focus to the do-it-yourself market. That has led to a wide selection of power tools, which many consider necessary for the best cordless power tools for home and DIY projects.
One battery platform you might consider for light-duty workloads is the PWR Core 12. The 12-volt battery packs offer plenty of power for smaller jobs and are on Skil's drill and driver power tools. Skil also offers a large variety of workshop and yard tools with 20 and 40-volt ratings.
Ryobi Cordless Power Tools For Home Workshops And DIY
Ryobi has a huge range of woodworking power tools for the DIY and home workshop enthusiast with there Ryobi ONE+ platform and offer every conceivable cordless power tool and power tool combo kits from the ubiquitous cordless power drill, orbital cordless jigsaw to the Ryobi ONE+ Cordless Biscuit Jointer and a full range of Ryobi combo tool kits.
Starting as a die-cast manufacturer during the Second World War (1943), by 1968, this Japanese company was producing power tools. Its power and outdoor power tools are brands of Techtronic Industries, with markets in Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
The company caters to the do-it-yourself market, so its 18-volt battery platform consists of over 225 power tools. One thing to note here is that Ryobi is slower than other manufacturers to introduce new technology designs. That includes limited features or performance on some of the bargain-priced products that they offer.
Porter Cable Cordless Power Tools For Do-It-Yourself Users
The company is no stranger to portable tools for the trades, making it an ideal manufacturer of the best cordless power tools for home and DIY uses. It was the low-end competitor to Black & Decker for many years, so its purchase was to eliminate competition more than innovate with the brand name.
For us as consumers, that means that Porter-Cable cordless tools are standard in design, with few features to distinguish them from other subsidiaries of the parent company although Porter-Cable do have a loyal following. Again Amazon is the go to place for deals especially for their drill kit and 4 tool power tool combo with an extra lithium ion battery
WEN Cordless Power Tools For Hobbyists And Homeowners
Its R & D department proved essential in developing several commonly-used tools, including the electric engraver, jigsaw, soldering gun, and chainsaw.
WEN's cordless screwdriver rate at only 4-volts. Most of the manufacturer's cordless tools use either the 20-volt battery platform or the 40-volt system for outdoor cordless power tools. A glance at WEN's products also highlights several battery pack designs shaped to the tool's housing.
Does WEN produce the best cordless power tools for home and DIY uses? Brand loyalists point to solid tool construction and durability as a strong point. It is worth noting that WEN has a wide selection of cordless tools to supplement its extensive power tool list.
They have concentrated their expertise in developing a range of Lithium Ion yard tools the WEN 40441 40V Max Lithium Ion 21-Inch Cordless 3-in-1 Lawn Mower being typical of the range
Chinese Brand Cordless Power Tools For Casual Woodworking And DIY Projects
The HAMMERHEAD range is particularly worth checking out as they get good reviews generally and are priced well
You might wonder if these brands can make tools that label them the best cordless tool brand for DIY? For many novice woodworkers and homeowners, these brands provide cordless power tools at a very reasonable price and make a tempting buy.
Cordless tools used only occasionally do not require all the features and add-ons found on more expensive designs. One of the biggest draws for Chinese brand tools is the extras included with the product that allows someone to work straight out of the box. These cordless power tools help you to build a functional cordless power tool collection without draining your bank account in the process.
Chinese brand tools represent remarkable value for money, just check the reviews and make sure you're buying the right tool for the job and not buying to price.
The Best Cordless Tools For DIY
The best power tools for homeowners need to provide you with convenience. Today's market offers several options for popular tools (the best cordless drill for beginners) but might be more limited with specialized items. Convenience from the best cordless tools for DIY includes:
- Fast charging – The best cordless drill for DIYer is useless if you wait all day for a charge
- Enough battery for the job – The best power tools for homeowners offer enough voltage AND enough amp hours to finish the job
- Electronic motor controls and protection – The best cordless drill for beginners should include circuitry that prevents damage from overheating, for example
- Accessories and variability – The best cordless drill for DIYer projects will provide speed adjustments, torque control, and even a work light
The best cordless power tools for home and DIY offer a user experience that makes them a go-to tool compared to one that collects dust on the workshop shelf because it's not up to the job you bought it for.
1) Cordless Power Drill – Power Drill Driver – Cordless
See Our Full Cordless Drill Review Here – What Is The Best Cordless Drill
Contractor? Then Go Here – The Best Cordless Tools For Contractors
The best cordless power tools for home and DIY must include the cordless power drill and drill driver. You can buy these as separate tools or combi drill for home use that performs both tasks.
A power tool combo kit will often include a great selection of cordless DIY and woodworking tools for your home workshop.
The best cordless drill for DIY projects lets you drill holes or drive fasteners into the wood. Drilling and cutting are the two tasks that shape your workpiece into a final result.
The best cordless drill for home use should range between 12 and 20-volts to bore larger than 1/2-inch in diameter. Amp-hours will only come into play if you are driving fasteners or clearing holes for dowels.
The best cordless drill for DIY projects has variable speed adjustments to help prevent damaging the wood, and torque adjustment help to prevent splits when screws twist into the grain.
2) Cordless Circular Saw
See Our Full Review Here – The Best Cordless Circular Saw
Your list of the best cordless power tools for home and DIY is not complete without this tool. Several sizes are available, with the best cordless circular saw for home use ranging in blade size from 5.50 to 7.25-inches most common.
The best cordless circular saw for DIY projects should provide control and comfort in its handle design. It should include a well-designed trigger and handle angle and an ergonomic grip that dampens vibrations while preventing slipping.
Modern trigger safety designs should be present on the best cordless circular saw for home use. You should activate it with your thumb without stretching or moving your hand position, and pushing down on it will be easier than pushing into the handle.
Bevel adjustments are standard on today's circular saws. The best cordless circular saw for DIY should have adjustments that are easy to position, including positive stops at popular angles.
You might notice a difference in shoe quality between brands. Machined surfaces are standard, but you want to avoid materials with grooves or rough finishes. Cheap aluminum drops overall tool weight, but it can also introduce uneven surfaces.
3) Cordless Jigsaw
See Our Full Review Here – Jigsaw Reviews Corded vs Cordless
Some of you might be surprised to find another saw on this list, but the best cordless power tools for home and DIY has to include a cordless jigsaw. Circular saws are the go-to tool for cutting straight rip or crosscuts, but the best cordless jigsaw allows woodworkers to cut curves.
The key here is the reciprocating movement of the jigsaw's blade. That allows the best cordless jigsaw for DIY applications to twist as you cut. You can also make irregular cuts and interior cuts that a circular saw blade would struggle to reach.
We feel that balance should be a consideration on the best cordless jigsaw designs. The battery pack will increase weight and shift it. You want a product that does not strain your wrist, especially if you have a long cutting session.
A single-speed design is cheap, but the best cordless jigsaw for DIY uses will have variable speed settings. That can mean several preset speeds or an adjustable dial. The more control you have on the reciprocating saw blade, the better chance you have of making clean cuts without split ends or burn marks.
4) Cordless Detail Sander
See Our Full Review Here – Best Detail Sander Reviews
A finished project not only looks good, it feels good to the touch. Our list of the best cordless power tools for home and DIY includes the detail sander, which others overlook when compiling these types of lists.
Start with product support and warranty. Why? The best cordless detail sander for DIY uses tends to be as durable as its product warranty dictates.
Orbiting speed is critical for a good sander. Even detail sanders should have as high of rotation speed as you can buy. Faster speeds mean less time sanding.
Total size is important to consider when shopping for a detail sander. The best cordless detail sander for DIY should fit anywhere you need it. That includes inside of boxes or shelving and between spokes on the back of a wooden chair.
Motor size should not be an issue with a small sander, but it is worth mentioning here. Manufacturers compete to offer the smallest cordless tool possible. The higher the electric motor rating you can find, the less likely it is to bog down when you push down on the sanding pad.
Your Basic Cordless Power Tool List
The basic woodworking power tool list we have created here provides you with the best cordless power tools for home and DIY to start your collection. If you have the four power tools for DIY woodworking that we examined above, you have the minimum tools needed for most projects.
Using power tools for DIY homeowners can be enhanced with your basic essential woodworking tools for beginners. That list of hand tools includes items like chisels, measuring instruments, hand saws, and hammers. Combing these tools with your power tools will increase your efficiency, speed, and enjoyment of the hobby.
Other power tools for DIY woodworking follow, and by no means is our list exhaustive. There are several power tools for DIY homeowners that will become favorites of your shop that are not listed here. That includes power tools designed for specific tasks instead of general uses.
5) Cordless Orbital Sander/Random Orbital Sander
See Our Full Review Here – Best Random Orbital Sander For Woodworking
The list of best cordless power tools for home and DIY continues with the most popular sanding tools on the market. An orbital sander moves in a circular motion as it stands, while the random orbital sander adds a back-and-forth motion to the movement. Both designs remove rough wood grain, but the random orbital does not leave swirl marks as a standard orbital sander can.
The best random orbital sander for woodworking must include adequate dust collection. Sanding produces lots of fine dust that will cover your shop without proper extraction.
Any product labeled as the best random orbital sander for woodworking needs to have good ergonomics. These power tools vibrate a lot, so padding and other manufacturer designs reducing transfer into your hands are a bonus. Balance and comfort are also worth considering here, as they help reduce fatigue as you prepare your project for a topcoat.
8) Cordless Reciprocating saw – for shop and yard
See Our Full Review Here – Best Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Most tools on the best cordless power tools for home and DIY list you will use for building. The reciprocating saw lists and shines as a cordless power tool used to break things down. A Black and Decker cordless reciprocating saw is an example of these tools used for house expansions, remodeling, and general demolition.
Shopping for the best cordless reciprocating saw should include products that use brushless electric motors. It is an aggressive cutting tool that you will use on a variety of materials. Brushless motors have fewer parts to break down with use, and they also tend to run cooler over extended periods of use.
Battery platforms can be critical when selecting the best cordless reciprocating saw. You will want to go with 20-volt MAX products where possible and find a battery pack with plenty of amp-hours. The Black and Decker cordless reciprocating saw comes with a 20V MAX design, for instance.
9) Cordless Nail Gun
Another item left off of some lists of the best cordless power tools for home and DIY is a nail gun. We are unsure why, as the best cordless nail gun for DIY projects can save you a lot of time instead of using a traditional hammer to drive nails. Consider that most professional carpenters, roofers, and siders use nail guns on today's job site.
Lightweight designs should be favored here. Most projects requiring a nail gun will require one-handed use, so weight is a factor to consider.
The best cordless nail gun for DIY projects should include some type of nail depth control. That will allow you to use your nail gun on several projects, from furniture to securing wall panels or roof shingles.
10) Best Cordless Combo Kit For DIY
See Our Full Review On The DeWALT Atomic Combo Kits Here – DeWALT Atomic Compact Series Review
Manufacturers also package their best cordless power tools for home and DIY in combination kits. There are some advantages and disadvantages to buying the best cordless combo kit packages, including:
Best cordless tool set advantages
- Cheaper overall price – Tools in a kit are cheaper than those sold separately
- It is easy to build with a brand – Owning tools from the same manufacturer is ideal with today's battery platforms
- Greater versatility – You can get more steps done with more tools
- Best cordless tool set disadvantages
You may not use all tools – Some power tools may get little use in your shop
- Combo kits usually come with limited batteries
- Manufacturers include battery packs with lower amp-hour or voltage ratings
You can save money buying the best cordless combo kit for DIY users. These kits will come with two, three, and sometimes five tools in a set. You will also get at least one battery pack and charger items usually sold separately from bare tool purchases.
The best cordless combo kit packages are available from almost all manufacturers. Brand loyalists will find this beneficial to building their collection. It allows you to own multiple tools running on the same battery platform, which is how the cordless market works today.
Manufacturers will package the best cordless combo kit for DIY projects based on needs. For example, several drills and drill/driver kits are available. These kits can also offer a minimum amount of cordless tools needed for most woodworking projects, allowing you to get more done with your purchase.
It is fair to point out that some DIYers and homeowners may find combo kits containing tools that they will not need for a project. Some cordless power tools might get little or no use at all, depending upon what a person needs to build or fix.
The best cordless power tools for home and DIY projects need adequate power. Some combo kits offer lots of cordless tools and accessories but supply only one battery with lower ratings. You can get a battery and charger in almost all combo kits, but they tend to have only 2.0 amp-hour ratings, and they may not be the latest Lithium-Ion technology the brand offers.
It is also worth noting that several Chinese manufacturers offer combo kits also, and they are usually overflowing with accessories including drill bit sets at a low price.
Going Cordless For The Home, Small Woodworking Shop and DIY
Cordless power tools once had a reputation for limited power and features. Today's products, however, are different. The best cordless power tools for home and DIY provide power and accuracy over most of the battery pack's charge.
Lithium-Ion battery platforms dominate the market. They hold a charge and do not suffer from “memory” issues like previous generations of battery packs. Battery technology continues to improve, with the latest developments providing products that build a full charge in an hour.
Traditional hand tools require time to become proficient, little alone master. The best cordless power tools for home and DIY users provide easy controls that a first-time user can master. That greatly increases the enjoyment of woodworking and makes it an endeavor that anyone can practice.
Corded power tools may provide more power in high-end models, but most construction sites showcase cordless power tools. Portability and storage are necessary for the trades, and those features work well in a home shop with limited or shared space.
The cordless market focuses primarily on DIY and casual power tool users. That benefits you as products get upgraded with performance enhancements regularly. You also get the latest in safety and comfort features, making current models far better for beginners to use than older tools with or without a cord.
When it comes to woodworking, DIY and hobby projects require you to shape lumber into usable items.
The cordless power tools we discussed give you the ability to cut, drill, and finish the wood.
As we said earlier we are at the woodworkinghobbyshop.com great believers in future proofing which means ‘buying up' or stretching your budget so that as your skills develop your woodworking power tools will grow with you.
Always consider spending a little more at the outset. A DeWalt drill like the DeWalt dcd771c2, a selection of DeWalt tools to standardize on their excellent battery platform or a Milwaukee tool with their m12 fuel range will last a life time if looked after.
The new DeWalt Xtreme 12V MAX range with the Xtreme lightweight drill offer exceptional power in a small form factor ideal for DIY and home workshop use.
No matter where you need to be, cordless tools will get you there. That leaves your skill and imagination to create the things that you will use and enjoy for years to come!
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