Tool Review: Cordless Combo Kits

18-Volt Lithium Ion Combo Kits

A battery-powered tool kit is a great gift idea to get a budding DIYer started. It can be used for all your hole-drilling and screw-driving needs. It’s also a great deal: You get a substantial discount when you purchase tools in combination. Combination kits that are the best, such as those in this gallery, use lightweight 18-volt lithiumion batteries. They charge quickly and provide long, fade-free service.

Bosch CLPK40-180

Favorite feature When drilling into concrete or brickmasonry, switch to the hammer function.

Kit includes: Litheon-brand Litheon-brand Hammer Drill/Driver with 1/2-inch Chuck, 6 1/2-inch Circular Saw, Reciproating Saw, Flashlight, Two Batteries, and a Charger.

Milwaukee 2690-24

Favorite feature

Kit includes: Hammer drill/driver, with 1/2-inch chuck, 24 clutch settings, 6 1/2-inch circular saw and reciprocating saw, flashlight and two batteries.

DeWalt DCK470L

Favorite feature of the hammer drill/driver: Its three-speed, all metal transmission ensures that it will last a long time.

Kit includes: Hammer drill/driver, 1/2-inch chuck, 6 1/2-inch circular saw and reciprocating saw, flashlight, 2 batteries, and a charger.

Hitachi KC18DBL

Favorite feature: Hitachi covers all tools in the kit for a lifetime; the batteries are covered up to two years.

Kit includes: Hammer drill/driver, with 1/2-inch chuck, 22 clutch settings, 6 1/2-inch circular saw and reciprocating saw, flashlight, two batteries, and a charger.

Ryobi P845

Favorite feature: Use one of the smallest reciprocating saws to get into tight places or work overhead more easily.

Kit includes: A drill/driver with 1/2-inch chuck, reciprocating and 5 1/2-inch circular saws, flashlight, two batteries, charger, and two batteries.

Ridgid R968

Favorite feature You get a lot of torque.

Kit features: Fuego brand impact driver, hammer drill/driver, 1/2-inch chuck reciprocating saw, flashlight, two rechargeable batteries and charger.

Makita LXT406

Favorite feature: This charger was awarded an Energy Star label because of its energy-efficient technology.

Kit includes: Hammer drill/driver, 1/2-inch chuck, 6 1/2-inch circular saw and reciprocating saw, flashlight, 2 batteries, and a charger.

Porter-Cable PCL418C-2

Favorite feature: The drill/driver has a 1,200 rpm speed and 325 lb. The drill/driver is capable of handling any hole-drilling and screw-driving tasks around the house.

Kit includes: A drill/driver with 1/2-inch chuck, 6 1/2-inch circular saw and reciprocating saw, as well as two batteries and a charger.

Skil 2895LI-20

Favorite feature: This trim saw, which is lighter than the rest, is ideal for cutting plywood and solid stock to 3/4-inch thickness. All tools in the kit can be used with older nickel-cadmium battery models.

Kit includes: A drill/driver with 1/2-inch chuck, 5-3/8-inch circular saw and reciprocating saw, two batteries, and a charger.