Cordless power tools offer flexibility and convenience for a wide range of home improvement and construction tasks. From drills and saws to impact drivers and grinders, these tools allow users to work efficiently across materials such as wood, metal, plastic, concrete, and drywall without the limitations of extension cords. However, consistent power and battery performance are essential for ensuring productivity and reliability on the job.
To assist in selecting the most effective options, This Old House evaluated a variety of DeWalt cordless tools currently available. Below are our top recommendations based on performance, durability, and user feedback.
Best DeWalt Cordless Tools: Our Top 5 Picks
- DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver: Best Drill Kit
- DeWalt 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi-Tool: Best Multi-Tool
- DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw: Best Circular Saw Kit
- DeWalt 20V MAX XR Jig Saw: Best Jigsaw
- DeWalt 20V SDS MAX Hammer Drill: Best Hammer Drill
Best Drill Kit
DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver
Good for: DIYers looking for a lightweight, ergonomic option for all types of projects.
This tool combo kit stands out for its lightweight, ergonomic design. At just 2.8 pounds, this drill gets into places that bulkier drills can’t. The handle on this cordless drill/driver lets you complete tight maneuvers without losing your grip strength. Switch between 0–450 RPM and 0–1500 RPM transmission speeds, depending on your project. Meanwhile, a high-performance motor powered by 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power lets you get through thicker materials. This kit includes a drill, impact driver, charger, and two batteries.
Pros and Cons of DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver
- Is lightweight and compact, making it easy to use
- Has a great battery life
- Powerful drilling capabilities
- Trigger is extremely delicate
- No battery level indicator
What People Are Saying About The DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver
The consensus is that this impact drill is “a beast” in the compact category. People who have purchased this drill like the precision and power it delivers for household projects. Some did mention that being slow and careful is important for not twisting the heads off bolts. Others were disappointed that this model doesn’t use a brushless motor.
Best Multi-Tool
DeWalt 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi-Tool
Good for: DIYers with drywall projects in mind.
This oscillating multi-tool allows you to choose from three speeds: 0–13,000 OPM, 0–17,000 OPM, and 0–20,000 OPM. Using a brushless, cordless motor, this tool has a longer-than-average run time. From the comfort angle, the dual-grip speed trigger makes controlling the tool easy. It’s also easy to swap out blades and attachments without wrenching, and it’s more versatile than a reciprocating saw.
Pros and Cons of DeWalt 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi-Tool
- Has approximately 57% more runtime compared to brushed motors
- Variable-speed trigger allows for seamless transitions
- Changing blades takes seconds
- No charger or battery packs are included
- Can be clunky in tighter areas
What People Are Saying About The DeWalt 20V Max XR Oscillating Multi-Tool
Customers praise this design for its clean performance. When cutting sheetrock, users enjoy that debris cleanup is minimal. Versatility was another bright spot. This model works with so many different blade types. Some felt that the ultra-light trigger left them feeling uneasy about using it to the point that they removed the battery for safety.
Best Circular Saw Kit
DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw
Good for: Serious and aspiring DIY woodworkers.
Ideal for everything from interior trim work to framing, the DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw features a 6-1/2-inch carbide-tipped blade for 90-degree and 45-degree cuts. With a 5,150 RPM motor, users can get through the most demanding of cuts. The rubber-molded grip creates comfort while helping to enhance balance and control. With bevel capacity at 0–50 degrees, this tool is handy for tackling edges.
Pros and Cons of DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw
- Blade break stops the blade from spinning following engagement
- Is exceptional for perpendicular cuts
- Cuts material away from the user’s positioning
- Doesn’t incorporate a brushless motor
- DeWalt FlexVolt batteries needed for optimal performance are pricey
What People Are Saying About The DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw
Customers are generally impressed with the quick, powerful performance of this cordless circular saw. They also find that it feels good in their hands. A few commented that the saw blades jammed up from time to time. Many also shared that upgrading to better batteries was necessary to achieve the saw’s full performance.
Best Jigsaw
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Jig Saw
Good for: DIYers needing a powerful tool for custom woodworking.
Featuring a brushless motor, this cordless jig saw achieves speeds of up to 3,200 SPM via a variable-speed trigger and dial. As you cut, four-position orbital action allows for quick cutting adjustments in real-time. The shoe bevel is easy to adjust with 0-degree, 15-degree, 30-degree, and 45-degrees detents. The integrated dust blower is a great feature for clearing debris and dust from your sight without stopping.
Pros and Cons of DeWalt 20V MAX XR Jig Saw
- At just 4.2 pounds, this is an extremely low weight saw for the capacity
- Keyless blade changes increase project speed
- Performs great when making intricate curves
- Tracking diminishes with thicker materials
- Has a somewhat sluggish trigger
What People Are Saying About The DeWalt 20V MAX XR Jig Saw
Customers are happy with the way the 3,200 SPM blade on this saw slices through wood, metal, plastic, and other materials with ease. Overall, the tracking and precision earn praise. Users also like the way the saw keeps the work area clean and illuminated to cut down on distractions.
Best Hammer Drill
DeWalt 20V SDS MAX Hammer Drill
Good for: Homeowners building patios or doing masonry work.
The DeWalt 20V SDS MAX Hammer Drill features a 20V MAX brushless motor that delivers 1.4 joules of impact energy. While lightweight and compact, the design is powerful and versatile enough to handle concrete forming, mounting, and rod hanging. The maximum rotating speed is 9 feet per second.
Pros and Cons of DeWalt 20V SDS MAX Hammer Drill
- Is lightweight and easy on the arms
- Vibration control reduces impact felt by user compared to other rotary hammers
- Compact design is useful for tight spaces
- Battery and charger are not included
- User needs to be careful about applying pressure to prevent circuit shutoff
What People Are Saying About The DeWalt 20V SDS MAX Hammer Drill
The general impression that customers have is that this cordless hammer drill can do just about anything as long as you’re careful and gentle. Some users did report that the hammer got stuck when they overdid it. Overall, customers see it as an asset when hanging concrete.
What To Know Before Buying DeWalt Cordless Tools
When manufacturers remove the cord, this often means that customers have to make some concessions when it comes to accessories or performance. Here’s a look at some big factors to consider when shopping for the best DeWalt cordless tools.
Battery
While some DeWalt products come with batteries included, others require you to purchase both batteries and chargers separately. With a FlexVolt 20V lithium-ion battery pack costing around $175, it’s important to factor in operating costs before committing to cordless.
Usage
While DeWalt cordless tools are regularly used on construction job sites, these tools aren’t generally designed for the heavy-duty or industrial work that corded tools can do. In addition, cordless tools are intended for DIYers doing “spurts” of work on projects instead of “marathon” workloads. You’ll need to take breaks to charge cordless tools unless you have backup batteries.
Accessories
All-in-one kits from DeWalt offer considerable savings over standalone tools in most cases. For example, DeWalt’s cordless power tools can work with countless interchangeable blades. However, a homeowner could spend a small fortune trying to collect different blades that are needed for various projects.
Ergonomics
Due to the portable and lightweight nature of most cordless tools offered by DeWalt, users generally enjoy better ergonomics compared to corded tools. If you’re concerned about sore hands or wrists, look for cordless tools with rubber coatings at the user touch points.
Brushed vs. Brushless Motors
A brushed motor uses brushes to get the motor spinning. A brushless motor uses electronic control instead. While DeWalt has been pivoting toward brushless motors, several items in the brand’s lineup of cordless tools still have brushed motors. Some people do like the simple configuration and lack of a complicated electric drive circuit in the brushed motor. However, most people don’t want to deal with the routine maintenance and replacements that are needed with most brushed motors. Brushless motors are liked for their higher rotation speeds, longer lifespan, better heat dissipation, and quieter performance.
How to Store Cordless Tools and Batteries
While upgrading to cordless tools can free up storage space that clunky cords would otherwise take up, it’s important to be intentional about how you store cordless tools to increase their lifespan while also ensuring a clean workspace. Here are some do’s and don’ts about storing your new cordless tools and batteries.
DO store cordless tools and batteries in a cool, dry place
Unlike corded tools that can be stored almost anywhere, cordless tools that contain batteries should be stored in a cool and dry place. Exposure to high temperatures and humidity can damage battery life over time. An ideal temperature for storing batteries is below 80 degrees Fahrenheit and relative humidity below 50%. It’s also important to keep batteries out of direct sunlight and away from moisture.
DO invest in battery holders
Battery holders are a great way to prolong battery life and prevent damage. They keep the batteries organized and protected from dust and moisture, which can negatively impact battery performance. You can find battery holders that fit various cordless tool batteries, making it easier to manage and swap batteries when necessary.
DON’T store tools with batteries attached
To avoid accidentally turning on your cordless tools at the wrong time, always remove the batteries from your tools when you’re not using them. Leaving batteries in tools can also slowly drain them and shorten their lifespan.
DON’T leave batteries plugged in for extended periods
While leaving cordless tool batteries plugged into the charger can seem convenient, this can also create a fire hazard. Extended charging causes the batteries to become overheated and risks starting an electrical fire. It can also shorten the lifespan of your batteries. Always unplug and store batteries once they are fully charged.
Properly storing your cordless tools is crucial for ensuring both safety and longevity. By following these do’s and don’ts of cordless tool storage, you can significantly prolong the life of your tools and batteries.
Frequently Asked Questions About DeWalt Cordless Tools
How do you maintain DeWalt cordless tools?
First, each tool you purchase will come with manufacturer instructions for maintaining performance and safety. DeWalt drills and saws generally need to be lubricated to prevent dullness and chipping. Disengage batteries from tools that will be put away for long-term storage.
Do DeWalt tools have interchangeable batteries?
The answer depends on voltage. A tool and battery must operate on the same voltage in order to be compatible. However, all FlexVolt batteries will be compatible with all DeWalt 60V Max and 20V tools. These batteries can also be charged with 60V Max or 20V DeWalt chargers. Always read manufacturer manuals to ensure that you are using the correct battery system with your tool.
How long do DeWalt cordless tools last?
Most DeWalt power tools come with three-year limited warranties to limited lifetime manufacturer warranties. For the owner of the tool, lifespan is often determined by usage and maintenance. Many people have been using the same DeWalt cordless tools for decades.
Is DeWalt a good tool brand?
With a history dating back nearly 100 years, DeWalt is widely considered one of the best tool brands. Almost every DeWalt product sold after 2004 comes with a limited manufacturer warranty that protects against defects.
What does XR on a DeWalt tool mean?
When you see XR on DeWalt hand tools, this means that the product has an extended runtime. When seen on a tool, this means that you are looking at a tool with a brushless motor that enables you to go longer on the same amount of charge. When seen on a battery, this means that this is an XR version that lasts longer than a non-XR version.
How We Selected the Best DeWalt Cordless Tools
To provide our readers with the best recommendations possible, we rely on several key sources of information to help guide our selection process.
Initial Research: Our research process began by generating a list of the top DeWalt cordless tools with a significant number of verified buyer reviews and an average customer review rating of 4–5 stars. We looked at positive and negative reviews alike, focusing on information from both satisfied and critical buyers.
Expert Insights: Through our years of experience, we’ve learned that listening to what others have to say is key to building accurate, well-rounded articles. To complement our in-house expertise, our team looked at reviews and videos from trusted publications and independent testers, spoke with subject matter experts, and drew insights from reader contributions.
Final Product Selection: We then began fine-tuning our list by replacing older models with the latest versions and eliminating any discontinued models. From there, we pared the list down further by comparing each model’s feature set and selecting the best-in-class options for various buyers, budgets, and scenarios.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners and DIY-ers for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement advice in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content.
The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content. To date, we’ve published over 1,600 reviews on products in the home space, from doorbell cameras and backyard fencing to pool vacuums and snow blowers.
Once we conclude our research, we craft a comprehensive, user-friendly article of recommended products and additional information to help our readers make the right purchase.