There are a ton of power tools out there and a ton of options to consider when looking to make a purchase. First, anyone that knows me knows that I am a big gear guy. I like trying new tools, new technology, and have never met a tool I didn’t like. I am a fan of DeWalt as you will see, but it is not just because I want all my tools to be black and yellow. I have used DeWalt for over 12 years and I have never been disappointed. I would like to share some of my recommendations of power tools that I currently or have used and used extensively. I choose a tool based on performance, comfort, durability and for cordless – the battery life! Cost is always a factor but I tend to keep my tools for a long time so I weigh that lower on the scale than durability and performance. Below I will provide my input on the tool I use, why I chose it and link to a site if you would like to learn more or make a purchase. You may notice some model numbers differ slightly, but I will try to link to the latest and greatest version.
BEST DRILL
The DeWalt DCD790 drill has been hands down the best drill I have owned and used since my DC7 series with the 18v batteries which weighed a ton after hours of work. The DeWalt DCD790 powered through the oak handrails to house the 100 balusters, the battery life was incredible, and the grip still felt comfortable after several days of long hours. The LED light is a huge upgrade to my prior drill and the two-speed setting provides more power when needed.
BEST IMPACT DRIVER
I REALLY like the full line of 20 volt brushless Dewalt tools, but none more than my impact driver – DeWalt DCF886. From DeWalt, I have the impact and the drill in the 20v/Brushless products. I also have many of the 18-volt DeWalt tools. I will never forget the day I discovered how important an impact driver was vs a normal drill. I was installing a sub-floor of tongue and groove plywood and the impact driver effortlessly drove in the screws, which would have been much more difficult and frustrating with a conventional drill. The DeWalt Impact Driver does a wonderful job driving in lag bolts in hardwood or screws in a subfloor. If you have not used an impact driver, trust me, once you do you will never go back! The DeWalt DCF886 impact driver is a tool that I use almost every day. The DeWalt DC series impact driver has a brushless motor, comfortable grip, and very lightweight design which makes this impact driver a must have.
BEST CIRCULAR SAW
The DeWalt DWE575 7 1/4″ circular saw comes with me on every project that I do. It has a 15 amp motor, an electric brake, and weighs just over 8 pounds. I purchased this model when I was tired of my battery powered circular saw dying while I was working. I have never looked back after purchasing this model. I have done several decks, cust newel posts made of oak, plywood rip cuts and more. This circular saw never failed to perform. I believe DeWalt truly makes great products and this saw is one that stands out.
BEST MITER SAW
I know what you are thinking; finally, something not DeWalt! Trust me that was a tough choice. I had an old Ryobi 10″ compound miter saw that lasted me almost ten years! I recently needed an upgrade and had my eyes on this Hitachi C12RSH2 and finally pulled the trigger six months ago. I am so glad I did. The space-saving design is what I liked the most. I have this on a miter saw table that I built and I do not have a lot of room behind if for the sliding arm to go and this saw allows for me to keep the table closer to the wall. The laser was accurate, the fence extends and is tall enough to cut large crown moldings and the saw allows for compound miter cuts. I did have my eyes on the DeWalt but I had to give it to Hitachi for the compact sliding system.
BEST PLANER
The DeWalt DW735 planer is my choice for those that need to ensure the boards being used are at the right thickness. I purchased this to make some furniture and it did not disappoint. Few quick facts: This planer has a 15 AMP / 20,000 RPM motor, three cutting heads, a fan chip eject feature and can cut boards as wide as 13 inches and up to 6 inches high. Now what really sold me on this planer vs others is the two-speed gearbox that will change how fast it is feeding the material and how many cuts per inch from 96 to 179. I have used this feature and trust me it will save you a lot of sanding time! I ran two boards through this planer that I was going to glue-up for a tabletop, one on speed one at 96 CPI and the other on speed two at 179 CPI. There was no comparison. Oh and if that isn’t enough it comes with a separate set of blades and out-feed tables. I truly have nothing bad to say about this planer.
BEST ORBITAL SANDER
I have purchased several sanders. Belt sander, orbital sander, and a palm mouse sander. They all have their pros and cons. I find that I use the DeWalt DW26453 5″ random orbital sander the most for everyday sanding and it really makes helps the sanding go by fast because let’s face it no one likes to sand! I did like the dust collection on this sander and I attached it to a shop vac to really help reduce the dust. The grip and vibration made it easy to use for those long days of sanding and the motor really helps to ensure a smooth finish with the fine sandpaper.
BEST VERSATILE SAW
Before purchasing a circular saw I sought out a saw that was smaller, versatile, lightweight and able to plunge cut easier than a circular saw, but more powerful than an oscillating multi-tool. I landed on the Rockwell Versacut RK3440K to help cut a variety of materials, that has a laster and easy to handle. This is a saw that I keep in my tool chest and take on various jobs that may require any sort of uknown cut. With the Rockwell Versacut I always feel prepared.