Makita LXT702 18 Volt Li-Ion 7-piece Combo Kit Review

Makita LXT702 Combo 7-piece Kit Review

Makita is breaking into the lithium-ion realm with gusto and is offering 8 new 18V li-ion combo kits, from 2-piece kits to full 15-piece master kits that will leaving you wanting for nothing. We took a first look at their latest 7-piece combo kit which includes, among other things, a 1/2-inch hammer drill, a 6.5-inch circular saw, impact driver, reciprocating saw, 4.5-inch angle grinder, flashlight and jobsite radio. This is a robust kit that only leaves off smaller-sized versions of what’s provided here.

DeWalt Heavy-Duty XRP hammerdrill

DeWalt Heavy-Duty XRP 1/2″ 18V Hammerdrill Kit Review DW988KA

The do-it-all portable drill that helped to define a market segment! For those big holes saws and auger bits… no problem! For drilling 3/4″ holes in concrete block… no problem! For driving in 1/4″ lag bolts… no problem! For taking the lug nuts off your 18-wheeler… OK, well it can’t do everything. The DeWalt DW988KA Heavy-Duty XRP 1/2″ 18V Hammerdrill / Drill / Driver is the tool for nearly any job. This drill comes with a high-torque motor, three-speed manual transmission, hammer drill setting, and a nifty removable side handle that can be added to the front and rotated 360 degrees to ensure you always have a comfortable grip and maintain control.

Makita 6347DWDE Cordless Drill case

Makita 6347DWDE Cordless Drill Review

We took the Makita 6347DWDE Cordless Drill to task and discovered that Makita has some serious power in this 18V tool. The 6347DWDE provides ample torque and its easy to use and ergonomic torque control means that contractors and handymen will both appreciate the ease of use this tool offers. User-accessible brush replacement and Ni-MH batteries also indicate a tool that will last for years and years – even under extreme stress.

Dremel Minimite 750 kit

Dremel Minimite 750-02 4.8V Cordless Rotary Tool

If you ever used a Dremel tool then you’re probably a “believer”. If you ever used a Dremel tool but never used a cordless model, you’re definitely in for a treat that will bring a smile to your face. Dremel began as a simple rotary tool that was mainly for hobbyists and people working on little wood projects and creative toys or decorative items. With Dremel exploding their line-up to include router attachments, oscillating tools and sanders, the brand has taken on a lot more usefulness to a wider market. Now with rechargeable solutions, Dremel has truly made headway into the mass market.

Craftsman 4.8 Volt Cordless Screwdriver chuck

Craftsman 4.8 Volt Cordless Screwdriver Review

The Craftsman 4.8 Volt Pistol Screwdriver is a handyman’s (or handywoman’s) “go-to” tool. This rechargeable pistol grip screwdriver is perfect for those around the house jobs for which the big boy tools are simply too darn cumbersome. We tested out this pistol grip screwdriver in a variety of jobs and found it to be long lasting and perfect for most basic projects, provided you didn’t expect much torque or require the finesse of a variable speed drill.

Ridgid MS1290LZA miter saw

Ridgid MS1290LZA Miter Saw Review

While other miter saws are playing at being tough, the Ridgid MS1290LZA 12-inch sliding compound miter saw takes a different approach. In fact, it takes the competition to task – with just the right blend of features and finesse. Case in point: show me another miter saw whose miter adjustments can be made with your pinky finger? Can’t find any? Welcome to Ridgid.

Ryobi RJ162VK Reciprocating Saw

Ryobi RJ162VK Reciprocating Saw Review

The Ryobi RJ162VK is a sensible 6.5 amp reciprocating saw that is perfect for the handyman or do-it-yourselfer who doesn’t require oodles of power and who isn’t planning on doing tons of demo work. Its very reasonable street price makes it one of the more handy “gotta-have-it” tools we recommend for anyone who plans on doing any type of projects around the home.