18-Volt Lithium-ion Combo Kits
Giving the gift of a battery-powered tool kit—one that can handle all of a household’s hole-drilling, screw-driving, and wood-cutting needs—is a great way to start a budding DIYer off on the right foot. And it’s a good bargain: When you buy tools bundled this way, you get a significant discount off the per-tool price. The best combo kits, like the ones in this gallery, are powered by lightweight 18-volt lithium-ion batteries that charge quickly and offer extended, fade-free performance.
Bosch CLPK40-180
Favorite feature: Use the hammer drill/driver’s 25 clutch settings and up to 2,050 rpm to fine-tune any driving task, from tightening cabinet hardware to driving home 3-inch deck screws. Switch to the hammer function when drilling into concrete or masonry.
Kit includes: Litheon-brand hammer drill/driver with ½-inch chuck, 6½-inch circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, two batteries, and charger.
About $500; boschtools.com
Milwaukee 2690-24
Favorite feature: The Sawzall reciprocating saw in this kit is designed to increase comfort and extend the life of the gears inside the tool by reducing vibration.
Kit includes: Hammer drill/driver with ½-inch chuck and 24 clutch settings, 6½-inch circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, two batteries, and charger.
About $550; milwaukeetool.com
DeWalt DCK470L
Favorite feature: The three-speed, all-metal transmission in the hammer drill/driver ensures it will have a long life.
Kit includes: Hammer drill/driver with ½-inch chuck, 6½-inch circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, two batteries, and charger.
About $600; dewalt.com
Hitachi KC18DBL
Favorite feature: All the tools in this kit are covered by Hitachi’s lifetime warranty; the batteries are covered for two years.
Kit includes: Hammer drill/driver with ½-inch chuck and 22 clutch settings, 6½-inch circular saw, reciprocating saw, lantern, two batteries, and charger.
About $440; hitachipowertools.com
Ryobi P845
Favorite feature: Get into tight spaces or make it easier working overhead with one of the most compact reciprocating saws around.
Kit includes: Drill/driver with ½-inch chuck, reciprocating saw, 5½-inch circular saw, flashlight, two batteries, and charger.
About $250; ryobitools.com
Ridgid R968
Favorite feature: This kit goes one step past basic by adding an impact driver with 1,450 in.-lbs. of torque.
Kit features: Fuego-brand impact driver, hammer drill/driver with ½-inch chuck, reciprocating saw, 6½-inch circular saw, flashlight, two batteries, and charger.
About $500; ridgid.com
Makita LXT406
Favorite feature: The charger’s energy-efficient technology earned it an Energy Star label.
Kit includes: Hammer drill/driver with ½-inch chuck, 6½-inch circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, two batteries, and charger.
About $430; makita.com
Porter-Cable PCL418C-2
Favorite feature: With 1,200-rpm and 325 in.-lbs. of torque, the drill/driver handles any hole-drilling or screw-driving needs around the house.
Kit includes: Drill/driver with ½-inch chuck, 6½-inch circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, two batteries, and charger.
About $270; deltaportercable.com
Skil 2895LI-20
Favorite feature: The lighter-weight trim saw is the perfect tool for cutting ¾-inch plywood or solid stock. All the tools in this kit are compatible with older nickel-cadmium batteries.
Kit includes: Drill/driver with ½-inch chuck, 5⅜-inch circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, two batteries, and charger.
About $280; skiltools.com
