If you ever plan to tackle anything tougher than screwing or unscrewing light switch covers and battery compartments, you really want a good, basic drill/driver around the house.... read more

If you ever plan to tackle anything tougher than screwing or unscrewing light switch covers and battery compartments, you really want a good, basic drill/driver around the house. The DriveMaster is just that--a solid drill/driver suitable for hanging pictures and shelves, drilling holes for drywall anchors, anchoring furniture, or putting together "assemble yourself" furnishings--at a price that is truly remarkable.

DriveMaster has clearly chosen to make voltage their strong point. At time of writing, you won't find another 14.4-volt drill/driver at anywhere near this price. A couple of 9.6-volt models only come close. A higher voltage means that you will generally be able to operate the drill longer between battery charges. You can work with the DriveMaster for a good, solid hour without having to recharge the tool, which is important for things like putting together "assemble-yourself" furniture. The last thing you want to do is leave a table standing on two legs while you wait for a battery to recharge.

At 4.5 pounds, this is one of the lighter drill/drivers available, which is nice for the less burly, or anyone who wants to avoid wrist fatigue. There is a clutch with 8 torque settings, which is what makes it a drill/driver instead of just a drill. Just set the drill to the tension you want. When the drill meets a certain resistance level (for example, when your screw has been set), it will just spin without applying force to the screw. This helps prevent stripping screw heads and damaging whatever it is you are screwing into. The forward reverse switch is conveniently located above the trigger for quick and smooth directional changes. There is built-in storage for 2 bits on the base. The keyless 3/8-inch Jacob's chuck provides quick bit changes and a strong grip.--Tod Harrick

What's In The Box
Includes 3/8-inch drill, 2 double-ended screwdriving bits, 1 battery, and a 3-5 hour charger. (hide)

You need power, but you don't want to hoist a ton. Here's the answer. DeWalt's revamped 18-volt compact drill/driver delivers on both counts, with a 1/2-inch chuck that... read more

You need power, but you don't want to hoist a ton. Here's the answer. DeWalt's revamped 18-volt compact drill/driver delivers on both counts, with a 1/2-inch chuck that grips beefy bits, an 18-position adjustable clutch, and a high-performance motor for the torque you need, packaged in a truly lightweight, comfortable drill. The variable speed has a high and low range for any application, and the reverse switch is right above the curved trigger for easy access. The included charger juices up a spent battery in an hour. We especially like the light weight, even more so because it doesn't cost in the power department. Lots of pluses: on-board bit storage, two batteries, hard case. We think contractors will be pleased with this drill, especially after a long day.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)

A powerful, versatile saw that reflects our continuous develop efforts. The slim body, optimum power/weight ratio and the lowest vibration levels on the market are all hallmarks of... read more

A powerful, versatile saw that reflects our continuous develop efforts. The slim body, optimum power/weight ratio and the lowest vibration levels on the market are all hallmarks of Husqvarna saws. Smart Start makes it exceptionally easy to start and the chain tension is adjusted on the side making it easy to handle. 2.7 cu.inch / 45.0 cm³ 3.0 hp / 2.2 kW 13-18" / 33-45 cm 10.4 lbs / 4.7 kg (powerhead only). 2 year consumer factory warranty. Free UPS ground shipping to the 48 continental states. (hide)

We can't think of anything we'd want to add to this little hummer. It's incredible what B&D has engineered into this system (we don't think it's fair to... read more

We can't think of anything we'd want to add to this little hummer. It's incredible what B&D has engineered into this system (we don't think it's fair to call it a "screwdriver"). Dual speed range lets you drill holes at high speed and drive screws at the slower speed. A 23-position clutch, just like what's on the big boys, will keep you from stripping your screws. But get this: Unlike conventional cordless screwdrivers and regular power drills, this tool's handle easily locks in three positions for tight areas and awkward spots. Genius! And just like the "real" drills, this one's got an accessible forward/reverse rocker switch for backing screws out, too. Here's something, though, that the big-boy drill makers should pick up: It's got on integrated light so you can always see your work surface clearly. For the money, we haven't seen anything like it. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)

This drill is an ideal addition to your power tool collection. Features: Keyless chuck, Variable speed/reversible, Double insulated, Molded belt clip, Level, Lock-on button. Factory Reconditioned with a... read more

This drill is an ideal addition to your power tool collection. Features: Keyless chuck, Variable speed/reversible, Double insulated, Molded belt clip, Level, Lock-on button. Factory Reconditioned with a 1 Year Factory Warranty (hide)

Tired of transporting a bulky miter saw stand from one job site to the next? The DeWalt DW723 may be the answer. Lightweight and rugged, the all-aluminum stand... read more

Tired of transporting a bulky miter saw stand from one job site to the next? The DeWalt DW723 may be the answer. Lightweight and rugged, the all-aluminum stand measures a mere 5-1/2 feet out of the box and weighs in at just 38 pounds. However, when fully assembled, it can support boards up to 16 feet long and a full 400 pounds of weight. The key to its strength lies in the stand's retractable legs, which lock securely in place then tuck away when not in use, as well as its sliding cam-lock extensions, which provide a full 16 feet of length when assembled. A carrying handle makes the stand easy to transport when fully retracted. Just throw it in the back of your pickup and it's good to go. Assembly is quick and easy, too. We had ours up and running in a matter of seconds. Mounting brackets adjust to fit most miter saws, making this the ideal workspace for the professional or do-it-yourselfer on the go. --Carl Thress (hide)

10", Table Saw, 15A, Motor Quickly Rips Through Hardwoods With Ease, Rack & Pinion Fence Design Delivers Consistent Fence To Blade Parallelism, Telescoping Fence Rails Retract To Create... read more

10", Table Saw, 15A, Motor Quickly Rips Through Hardwoods With Ease, Rack & Pinion Fence Design Delivers Consistent Fence To Blade Parallelism, Telescoping Fence Rails Retract To Create A Small, Portable Package, 16" Of Rip Easily Cuts A Variety Of Larger Shelving & Trim Materials, Metal Roll Cage Base Offers Greater Durability Than Plastic Bases, Blade Can Be Adjusted 0 - 45 Degrees For Bevel Applications, Includes: Miter Gauge, Push Stick, 10", 24T Carbide Blade, Blade Guard, 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, 1 Year Free Service Contract, 3 Year Limited Warranty. (hide)

No need to buy those Dremel accessories piecemeal, this kit contains 150 rotary tool attachments for cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, drilling, sharpening, cleaning, and more! With five aluminum... read more

No need to buy those Dremel accessories piecemeal, this kit contains 150 rotary tool attachments for cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, drilling, sharpening, cleaning, and more! With five aluminum and silicone grinding stones, two polishing wheels, sanding discs, drums, bands, and mandrels, plus cut-off wheels large and small, you'll be fully armed for any maintenance project, craft challenge, or repair that comes your way. The tool box keeps accessories organized for easy access. --Brian D. Olson

What's in the Box

High-Speed Cutter

1 - 405 Brush Cup

1 - 428 1/2-inch Felt Polishing Wheel

9 - 414 1/2-inch Felt Polishing Wheel

1 - 802 Plastic Polishing Compound

1 - 429 Felt Wheel

1 - 407 60 grit Sanding Drum & Mandrel

4 - 408 60 grit Sanding Bands

24 - 411A Coarse Sanding Discs

24 - 412 Sanding Discs

24 - 413 Sanding Discs

20 - 409 Cut-off Wheels

4 - 432 1/2-inch 120 grit Sanding Bands

1 - 150 1/2-inch Drill Bit

2 - 401 Mandrel

1 - 402 Mandrel

1 - 90962 Wrench

20 - 420 Heavy-duty Cut-Off Wheels

5 - 426 1-1/4-inch Cut-off Wheels

1 - 8193 5/8-inch Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone

1 - 84922 3/16-inch Silicone Carbide Grinding Stone

1 - 85422 25/32-inch Silicone Carbide Grinding Stone

1 - 932 3/8-inch Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone

1 - 952 3/8-inch Aluminum Oxide Grinding Stone (hide)

Experience the power and reduced weight of the new lithium-ion technology, without the high cost. Lithium-ion cordless tools provide more power with less weight. This cordless drill-driver is... read more

Experience the power and reduced weight of the new lithium-ion technology, without the high cost. Lithium-ion cordless tools provide more power with less weight. This cordless drill-driver is a more compact, lighter-weight version of the LXT 18 volt tool. It has a 1.5 amp hr battery, which is half the size of the LXT 3.0 Amp hr batteries. This is not a light-duty tool by any means; it kicks butt in the 18-volt category. It boasts 450 in./lbs. of torque! You can even use the longer run time 18-volt LXT 3.0 Amp-hr batteries in this tool (the higher the amp hr rating, the longer the battery will last before it needs to be recharged).

This cordless drill weighs only 3.5 pounds, the lightest yet of any professional 18 volt. It has a comfortable grip and excellent ergonomics, which is ideal for continual use. Located just above the trigger, are two "headlights." Headlights refer to small LED lights that provide light where you need it most. I was skeptical about this feature, thinking it was just another gimmick, but after using it for some time, I've come to depend on it. From lighting my way to the house in the dark, when bringing the batteries/tools on cold nights to providing light in a dark cabinet, closet, or under a desk, this a must-have feature. Rubber grips adorn the exterior of this tool and protect it during impact if it falls. For all that you get with this tool package, the price is unbelievably low. This 18 volt is perfect for the professional who needs a powerful cordless to use all day long.

This Makita drill also has the most advanced charging system available and it charges in only 15 minutes! Generically, it's called a "smart charging system." A computer chip inside the battery lets the charger know exactly how to optimally charge the battery, to completely charge each cell within the battery and for maximum battery life. Each battery is made up of smaller 1.2 volt cells. Often a battery will drain unevenly during normal use, at different rates within these internal cells. A normal charger will stop charging the battery when one cell reaches maximum capacity, not all of them. Once this happens once, it will continue to do so as long as you use the battery. What this means is your 18-volt battery is now a 16- or 17-volt battery and it can drop even lower. A "smart charger" will charge every cell independently until each cell is fully charged, so your 18-volt battery will remain 18 volts for its entire life. This charger has a fan in it and blows air through the battery to cool it down before charging so the battery can be charged right away, unlike other brands, where the charger waits until the battery cools, or even worse attempts to charge a hot battery pack and damages it or decreases the life of the battery. These Makita lithium-ion batteries will last longer than standard batteries and can be charged over 1200 times, as opposed to the standard of 600 to 800 times, which alone can justify the slightly higher price tag. -- Gabriel Shantara Ford

What's in the Box
Driver drill; compact lithium-ion batteries (2); 15-minute Rapid Charger; carrying case (hide)

About Bosch Power Handsaws In the Bosch family of power handsaws, you'll find an assortment of ergonomically designed, low-vibration tools that are crafted with professional-grade Bosch engineering. These... read more

About Bosch Power Handsaws
In the Bosch family of power handsaws, you'll find an assortment of ergonomically designed, low-vibration tools that are crafted with professional-grade Bosch engineering. These hardy saws are ideal for cutting wood, wood composites, and plastics. In addition to model 1640VS, you can also order this a Finecut saw with a full kit of accessories (1640VSK), with a separate miter table attachment (0603999018), or you can purchase a blow-molded case (2605438139).

About the Bosch 1640VS Finecut Power Handsaw
The 1640VS is a versatile, powerful handsaw that's perfect for flush-cutting and precision sawing applications. Loaded with features, this Finecut model has a variable speed setting that lets you match the power to the project, a left or right-side blade mount, and an ergonomic design that offers comfortable handling -- even in tight working spaces. With its tool-free blade change system you'll find swapping blades is a real snap, and the large on/off switch has an integrated gripping surface for easy access.

This Finecut saw has a 3.5 amp motor that produces 2,000 to 2,800 rpm. It has a 5/8-inch stroke length, and a 2-1/2-inch cutting capacity in wood -- plus a 3/4-inch cutting capacity in plastics. It operates at 120 volts, and weighs only 3.5 pounds. Double-insulated and UL-listed, this model complies with OSHA regulations. It comes with two blades: one fine-tooth blade (FS180ATU) and one fine-tooth/flush-cut blade (FS200ABU).

Applications
The 1640VS is ideal for flush cutting door jambs, window jambs, PVC drainpipe, flooring, and more. It works beautifully for precision sawing in wood, wood composites, and plastics.

Key Technical Specs

• 3.5 amp motor
• 5/8-inch stroke
• 2,000 to 2,800 rpm

Warranty
The 1640VS Finecut power handsaw is covered by a 1-year unconditional Bosch warranty.

What's in the box:
Power handsaw, two blades. (hide)

This driver would look more at home on a Fisher-Price workbench than anywhere else, but its looks are completely deceiving. It's tiny, it's light as a feather (less... read more

This driver would look more at home on a Fisher-Price workbench than anywhere else, but its looks are completely deceiving. It's tiny, it's light as a feather (less than 2 pounds including the battery!), but we promise, it packs power you won't believe.

Bosch fuels it with "litheon," which the company calls "the industry's most advanced lithium-ion battery technology." We can attest that there's absolutely no lag in power even when the battery's about to hit empty, and the run time is very impressive, driving literally hundreds of screws before needing a quick charge.

It's rare that we come across a tool that would suit everyone, right across the board, but this is definitely one. Carpenters, remodelers, cabinet makers, builders, hobbyists, homeowners, crafters, RVers, weekend warriors and, dare we say, your mom, will come to find this little driver indispensable.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What's in the Box
PS20 Litheon 10.8-volt Pocket Driver, two batteries, 30-minute charger, soft carrying case, two bits

(hide)

We can't think of anything we'd want to add to this little hummer. It's incredible what B&D has engineered into this system (we don't think it's fair to... read more

We can't think of anything we'd want to add to this little hummer. It's incredible what B&D has engineered into this system (we don't think it's fair to call it a "screwdriver"). Dual speed range lets you drill holes at high speed and drive screws at the slower speed. A 23-position clutch, just like what's on the big boys, will keep you from stripping your screws. But get this: Unlike conventional cordless screwdrivers and regular power drills, this tool's handle easily locks in three positions for tight areas and awkward spots. Genius! And just like the "real" drills, this one's got an accessible forward/reverse rocker switch for backing screws out, too. Here's something, though, that the big-boy drill makers should pick up: It's got on integrated light so you can always see your work surface clearly. For the money, we haven't seen anything like it. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)

All circular saws are not equal. This one would sit above the rest even if all that set it apart was its blade-change system. No more wrestling with... read more

All circular saws are not equal. This one would sit above the rest even if all that set it apart was its blade-change system. No more wrestling with wrenches—-say hello to Porter-Cable's Quik-Change keyless, tool-free blade change setup. It's ingenious in its ease and simplicity. But the good news doesn't stop there. It's aggressive and powerful, cutting cleanly through whatever you feed it. Some really nice features distinguish it, too, like the on-board cord clip that keeps the power cord clear of your cutting line. And the built-in dust port that rotates 205 degrees for efficient dust collection with a 1-inch outlet. Even the handle gets a nod from us, with its soft, comfortable grip. Miter capacity is a versatile 0-50 degrees, and of course, there's a super-accurate positive stop at 45 degrees. Whether you're a dedicated home do-it-yourselfer or a professional, you can't go wrong with this saw.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)

We like random orbital sanders for their power and versatility, and this DeWalt is a perfect example. Just smack a 60-grit hook-and-loop abrasive sheet on it, and you're... read more

We like random orbital sanders for their power and versatility, and this DeWalt is a perfect example. Just smack a 60-grit hook-and-loop abrasive sheet on it, and you're ready to strip thick finishes, erase the dings and scratches from an old wood floor, refinish stairs or plane down a sticky door. But it's just as capable with a sheet of 220-grit affixed to it, gently removing any minute scratches and leaving a gorgeous, swirl-free, smooth finish.

The dust collection on this little sander is impressive, really drawing the lion's share of the dust through the eight holes and containing it in the cloth compartment. DeWalt's employed the Controlled Finishing System® here, so this sander has a user-replaceable disc between the pad and the sander that augments dust collection and controls pad speed when the sander's not in contact with a work surface. You'll know it needs replacing when the pad speed doesn't decrease when the sander's lifted off the workpiece. We did notice that when emptying the receptacle, some dust will cling to the fabric; just push on the spring inside the bag and give it a little tap to get it clean again. When connected to a shop vacuum, dust collection is superb.

This sander's really all a home do-it-yourselfer would need, because it has the stock-removal power of a belt sander and the finesse of a finish sander. It's quiet, hardworking and reliable, and we even like how it feels in hand. This is definitely a good bet.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste (hide)