Power tool sets come in a wide range of sizes, from compact kits with just two essentials to comprehensive collections with 10 or more tools. Most sets include core tools like drills, hammers, and reciprocating saws—but the exact mix can vary significantly.
To help you navigate the options and find the best fit for your project needs, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the top-rated power tool sets on Amazon. For even more expert advice, check out our complete guide to buying tools.
Top 6 Power Tool Sets
- BLACK+DECKER 20V 4-Tool Set: Best Entry-Level Set
- DEWALT 2-Tool Combo Kit: Best Drill-Only Tool Set
- Makita 7-Piece Cordless Set: Best Battery Life
- PORTER-CABLE Power Tool Combo Kit: Best Four-Tool Set
- DEWALT 10-Tool Combo Kit: Most Comprehensive
- BLACK+DECKER Drill and Home Tool Kit: Best Hybrid Set
Compare Top Power Tool Sets
| Product | Number of Tools | Power Source | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
BLACK+DECKER 20V 4-Tool SetCheck Price | 4 | Battery-operated | 2-year limited |
DEWALT 2-Tool Combo KitCheck Price | 2 | Battery-operated | 3-year limited |
Makita 7-Piece Cordless SetCheck Price | 7 | Battery-operated | 3-year limited |
PORTER-CABLE Power Tool Combo KitCheck Price | 4 | Battery-operated | 3-year limited |
DEWALT 10-Tool Combo KitCheck Price | 10 | Battery-operated | 3-year limited |
BLACK+DECKER Drill and Home Tool KitCheck Price | 60 | Battery-operated and manual | 2-year limited |
Best Entry-Level Set
BLACK+DECKER 20V 4-Tool Set
We were impressed by his BLACK+DECKER power tool set, as it provides homeowners with an affordable way to tackle small DIY projects around the home by offering essentials like a cordless drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and flashlight. It also comes with lithium-ion batteries and a charger.
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER 20V 4-Tool Set
- Included flashlight provides 70 lumens of light and up to 11 hours of runtime
- Contains a reciprocating saw with a tool-free blade exchange
- Drill/driver features an 11-position clutch with an LED work light
- Does not include a bag or carrying case
- Several customers said the circular saw had a weak power output
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER 20V 4-Tool Set
Most positive reviews we found focused on the affordability of the product. Many customers also explained that despite the tools’ lightweight construction, they held up against small projects around the home. Critical reviewers took the opposite stance, stating that the tools were too delicate and weak to perform heavy-duty tasks.
Best Drill-Only Tool Set
DEWALT 2-Tool Combo Kit
We like that this two-piece set provides homeowners with a pair of quality drills. The included standard drill can harness 300 watts of power, allowing it to stand up to the toughest jobs, while the impact drill offers one-handed loading for quick bit exchanges.
Pros and Cons of DEWALT 2-Tool Combo Kit
- Impact driver features a bright LED light for added visibility
- Contains a compact driver and powerful 300-watt motor
- Compatible with any DEWALT 20V MAX battery
- Only includes two tools
- Hammer drill isn’t as fast as some other models
What People Are Saying About The DEWALT 2-Tool Combo Kit
Many positive reviews we found praised the set’s power and convenient carrying case. Negative reviews focused on the lifespan of the included 20-volt battery, with many customers complaining that the battery died quickly.
Best Battery Life
Makita 7-Piece Cordless Set
We like that this cordless tool set includes power tools that are backed by an efficient battery. It features a rapid charger that communicates with the battery to control the current and optimize charging speed. Additionally, this set also contains two variable speed drills to customize torque.
Pros and Cons of Makita 7-Piece Cordless Set
- Comes with an integrated charge level indicator that monitors battery level in real-time
- Includes a battery charger with a built-in fan that keeps batteries cool
- Variable speed driver drill adjusts to a variety of applications
- Has a higher price point than similar sets
- Some tools have a low power level for serious DIYers
What People Are Saying About The Makita 7-Piece Cordless Set
Many positive reviewers we found praised the set’s battery life, while other reviewers applauded the value of the tool set and the variety of included tools. Negative reviewers complained about the poor light emission from the included flashlight.
Best Four-Tool Set
PORTER-CABLE Power Tool Combo Kit
This powerful 20V cordless tool set includes a power drill, a circular saw, a reciprocating saw, and a work light. The long-lasting lithium-ion batteries universally power each tool in this set. In addition to the two battery packs and charger, we like that the set includes a handy carrying bag.
Pros and Cons of PORTER-CABLE Power Tool Combo Kit
- The power drill weighs less than 4 pounds to minimize fatigue
- The compact reciprocating saw offers a tool-free blade change and pivoting shoe
- The entire set is backed by the manufacturer’s 3-year warranty
- The light weight of the tools felt flimsy to some users
- Several customers were dissatisfied with the manufacturer’s customer service
What People Are Saying About The PORTER-CABLE Power Tool Combo Kit
The majority of customers who reviewed this power tool combo set were satisfied with the selection of tools, as well as the tools’ overall performance. Happy customers added that each tool was ergonomically designed and felt comfortable in their hands during use. Conversely, we noted that some customers who gave this tool combo set critical reviews said that the drill chuck had issues holding bits, and that the manufacturer didn’t honor its advertised 3-year warranty.
Most Comprehensive
DEWALT 10-Tool Combo Kit
This DEWALT Combo Kit is designed for new homeowners who are focused on tackling a variety of DIY projects. Our team liked that this starter kit comes in a heavy-duty contractor bag and comes with 10 items, including power drills, a circular saw, and a battery-powered Bluetooth speaker.
Pros and Cons of DEWALT 10-Tool Combo Kit
- Contains a large number of tools
- Has a high-powered grinder capable of 7,000 RPM
- Comes with two batteries, a charger, and two contractor bags
- Some included tools are not brushless
- Some customers felt the leaf blower lacked power
What People Are Saying About The DEWALT 10-Tool Combo Kit
The majority of positive reviews we found centered around the value of this set. Multiple customers expressed their satisfaction with the product’s price point and effectiveness in helping them complete a variety of home projects. Negative reviews touched on the included battery’s lack of runtime. Additionally, some experienced DIYers we found expressed their disappointment that the tools weren’t brushless and didn’t adjust their power output based on the required load.
Best Hybrid Set
BLACK+DECKER Drill and Home Tool Kit
Pros and Cons of BLACK+DECKER Drill and Home Tool Kit
- The lithium-ion power drill is 35% more compact than the set’s previous version
- Includes a level to evenly hang pictures and various wall decor
- The slip joint pliers securely grasp a wide variety of objects around the home
- Doesn’t include other power tools besides a drill
- Over half of the included drill bits are duplicates of themselves, resulting in only 12 unique bits
What People Are Saying About The BLACK+DECKER Drill and Home Tool Kit
Although satisfied customers didn’t think that this tool set was suitable for heavy-duty use, they mentioned that it was a reasonably priced set for general household use. Customers we found who wanted a basic cordless drill and entry-level hand tool set were also pleased with the overall value of this kit. Customers who left critical feedback thought that the quality of the tools was sub-par.
Buying Guide for Power Tool Sets
Before selecting a power tool set, it’s important to understand each set’s included tools, power source, and additional accessories to ensure that you purchase one that matches your needs. Here are our top things to remember before purchasing a power tool set.
Number of Included Tools
Some power tool sets offer only two tools, while others include 10 or more. While owning a set with numerous power tools is helpful, it’s important to match the included tools with your intent.
If you only need an electric screwdriver, circular saw, and reciprocating saw, look for a power tool set that offers these tools with the least amount of additional items to decrease cost.
Power Source
Power tool sets are either corded or cordless. Cordless sets offer more mobility and the convenience of cross-tool compatible batteries. However, cordless power tools offer less power than similar corded sets and require you to change batteries and charge the tools more frequently.
Build Quality and Longevity
Not all power tools and hand tools are created equal, and that includes those offered in a tool set. Generally, the more expensive the tool set, the higher quality the tools, and the longer they’ll last. However, this isn’t always the case. Look at customer reviews to determine if the tools in the set will hold up and meet your needs. It’s also worth noting that homeowners who want a basic beginner’s power tool set can upgrade in the future.
Additional Accessories
Before selecting a power tool set, consider the additional features each set offers. For example, some power tool sets include an additional battery, a tool bag, or a limited warranty on the tools. There are even a number of models that come with some basic, essential tools.
Safety Tips for Operating Power Tools
Power tools are handy devices for a wide range of household products, but they can also be dangerous when not used with care. To ensure you’re remaining safe when operating power tools, our team recommends adhering to the following safety guidelines:
- Avoid using power tools in wet conditions
- Wear proper safety gear such as safety glasses and ear protection
- Make sure the tool is properly and fully turned off after each use
- Wear long sleeves and closed-toed shoes, and pants, and avoid baggy clothing
- Remove any stray objects from the area before use and keep your work area clear
- Ensure you have a firm grasp of how the tool works and handle it with care during operation
- Regularly inspect your tools for defects, exposed wires, or other damage
- Make sure any children or pets reman clear of the area during use
- Keep the tools away from stray wires, sharp edges, or heat sources to avoid accidents
- Use proper lighting as you work so you can see how the project is going
Frequently Asked Questions About Power Tool Sets
What are brushless tools?
Brushless tools adjust their speed and power to each specific task. For example, a brushless drill increases its speed and power when driving large nails through thick wood and decreases its speed and power for lighter loads. This helps extend the life of the tool and increases battery life.
Which tools need to be included in a power tool set?
The number of tools included in your tool set should be based on preference and need. If you only need to do odd jobs around the house, a simple drill set with a flashlight may be a good choice. However, if you want a comprehensive set for more intense DIY projects, a 10-tool set with included saws, drills, flashlights, and oscillating tools might be a better option.
What is the advantage of a power tool set?
Power tool combo kits are built with the beginner in mind, offering users a variety of tools with various functionalities. Additionally, many sets come with easy-to-store carrying cases and interchangeable parts for conveniently completing DIY projects.
What are the best brands for power tool sets?
The best brands who sell power tool sets include manufacturers such as CRAFTSMAN, DEWALT, and Makita. Note that whoever makes the power tool set isn’t the most important consideration; make sure to read users’ reviews and understand what’s included in the set to confirm it’ll meet your needs. Other trusted power tool manufacturers include BOSCH, Milwaukee, PORTER-CABLE, BLACK+DECKER, and Ryobi.
Why Trust The This Old House Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.