Why Buy a Power Tool Set?
Power tool combo kits or sets combine two or more cordless tools in a package that includes the tools, a battery, a charger and often a tool bag. These kits give you the convenience of tools that operate on the same battery platform, making it easy to swap batteries. A power tool set is a good option if you:
- Are just starting to take on do-it-yourself (DIY) projects
- Have light-duty tools but want to upgrade to tools for tough projects
- Want to expand your tool kit to tackle more types of projects
- Want to switch to cordless tools that use the same battery
To find the best value in power tool kits, look for those that include batteries that work not only with a range of power tools but also with outdoor equipment such as cordless leaf blowers and cordless lawn mowers. Note that battery platforms only work within a particular brand.
What’s in a Combo Tool Kit or Power Tool Set?
Power tool kits range from two-tool sets to collections of three, five and up to eight or more items. Whether you need a tool set for a job site or a collection of cordless power tools for a homeowner, you can find the best cordless power tool set for just about any work.
If you need tips on how to choose power tools, browse our power tool buying guides.
Two-Piece Power Tool Sets
Combo tool kits with two tools are usually drilling/driving kits. These include a drill/driver for drilling, boring and standard fastener driving, as well as an impact driver for fastening jobs with large fasteners or hard materials that need more driving power. These kits can be useful for small tasks, such as installing wall anchors for wire shelving projects, and large projects, like installing deck framing and stairs
Take a look at our Power Drill Buying Guide to learn about features that help you get the most out of a drill.
Three-Piece Power Tool Sets
Three-tool combo kits often add a flashlight to the drilling and driving tools, but some include a circular saw or oscillating tool, letting you take on projects such as trimming decking or undercutting door moulding for installing a laminate floor.
If you’re wondering why you might want (or need) a tool combo kit with an oscillating tool, take a look at Choose the Best Rotary Tool or Oscillating Tool for the Job and see how versatile these tools can be.
Four-Piece Power Tool Sets and Larger
Some of the best power tool sets come with four, five, six or more pieces with a variety of tool combinations. These combo kits are practically all-in-one cordless tool kits that let you take on many different types of projects or quickly build out a tool set. Those designed for light to medium DIY work may include:
- A drill/driver
- An impact driver
- A circular saw
- A reciprocating saw
- An oscillating tool
- A flashlight
Check the specs of the tools. In some sets, tools such as circular saws are compact models that are easy to handle and suit many projects. However, for cutting large pieces of lumber or demolition work, consider a kit with a full-size saw.
Heavy-Duty Combo Kits
Multi-tool kits for heavy-duty or pro work offer more powerful models of the same items as light- or medium-duty kits. They may include:
- A full-size circular saw
- A full-size reciprocating saw
- An angle grinder
- A hammer drill
Our tips for choosing power saws give an overview of different saws and their uses, as well as safety tips. Our guide on how to choose a circular saw offers details on this common power saw.
Features to Look for in Power Tool Sets
The number of tools is a consideration when you shop for a power tool combo kit, but it’s not the only factor.
Brushless Motors
Sets that include brushless motors offer tools that are more efficient and durable than those with brushed motors. Brushless motors:
- Use batteries efficiently by adjusting power to the needs of the tool
- Are quieter
- Create lighter tools
- Have lower levels of heat and wear
See our brushless vs. brushed motors article to learn how each works, as well as benefits and considerations of each.
Battery Life and Power
High performance battery tools offer power and run time, creating the best rechargeable tool sets for pros and heavy DIYers, but smaller batteries are powerful enough to run cordless power tools for homeowners and typically cost less:
- Lower-Voltage: Lighter and suitable for common DIY work
- Higher-Voltage: Powerful enough for heavy work
- Lower-Amp-Hours: Suitable for common DIY jobs around the home
- Higher-Amp-Hours: Run longer for bigger projects and less frequent charging
Charging Speed
The specs of the battery and charger included in a power tool combo kit are the key factors in battery charging speed:
- Lower-Amp-Hour Batteries: Faster charging speeds
- Higher-Amp-Hour Batteries: Slower charging speeds
- Higher-Amperage and Higher-Voltage Chargers: Faster charging speeds
- Lower-Amperage and Lower-Voltage Chargers: Slower charging speeds
Only charge batteries with a charger specified by the battery manufacturer. Follow all the manufacturer’s steps for charging and safety.
Tool Quality
Power tool sets with professional cordless power tools do heavier work and last longer than DIY-grade kits. They’re more expensive, but if you plan to take on lots of projects, pro-grade kits can be worth the investment. Even if you buy online, it’s helpful to go to your local Lowe’s to handle and inspect the tools. A solid feel and good, tight assembly are two indications of quality tools.
Ergonomics
Top cordless tools sets have tools that are comfortable to use, especially if you use them for a long period of time. This is another good reason to hold the tools, even if you buy online. Tool and battery weight are factors, but pay attention to:
- How your hand fits the grips or handles
- The balance of the tools with the battery
- Features like non-slip or vibration-reducing grips
Versatility
There are several ways to think about tool set versatility, including:
- The number of tools
- The types of tools
- A battery and charger that work with tools you have and those you plan to purchase
- The number of batteries
Pay attention to the specs of the tools and determine if they’re suitable for your work. For example, a drill with a 1/2-inch chuck accepts larger bits that let you do more types of work. A circular saw with a standard 7-1/4 blade cuts thicker material than smaller saws and accepts a wide variety of blades for different materials.
How to Choose the Best Power Tool Set for Your Needs
Choose the best power tool set for your projects by balancing:
- Purchase cost
- The number and type of tools you need
- The power and runtime of the batteries
- The features that make the tools more useful and efficient
Compare Power Tool Combo Kits by Uses
Match projects to the tools in a power tool set to get the most out of your investment. Consider the work you need to do now and later:
- Kits With a Drill and Impact Driver: Drilling pilot holes, boring holes in different materials, installing shelves, installing decking, assembling deck frames
- Kits With a Hammer Drill: Drilling into concrete and masonry materials
- Kits With a Circular Saw: Cutting lumber for building projects from building book shelves to framing a room addition
- Kits With a Reciprocating Saw: Cutting quickly and taking on demolition work
- Kits With an Oscillating Tool: Cutting moulding, scraping paint, sanding and more
Don’t Forget These Necessities
Once you have your tool kit picked out, it’s time to consider the accessories you need to make the tools as useful as possible.
FAQ on Choosing the Right Power Tool Set
Use the answers to these questions to guide your power combo kit purchase.
What Is the Best Battery Tool Set for DIY Home Projects?
A power tool set with an 18-volt drill/driver is often the best DIY power tool set, if the battery works with multiple tools. A drill/driver can take on drilling, driving and even mixing paint and the battery is powerful enough for most home work. If you want a kit for a wider variety of work, consider one with a circular saw or reciprocating saw.
What Is the Best Cordless Power Tool Kit for Beginners?
The best rechargeable tool sets for beginners are small 18-volt kits that use batteries compatible with other power tools and outdoor equipment. As you get comfortable with DIY work and take on more projects, add the additional tools you need
What Types of Tools Are Included in Combo Power Tool Kits?
A drill/driver and an impact driver are the most common combo power tool kits. These two tools let you take projects from drilling pilot holes to boring holes for door hardware and from installing shelves to assembling a deck.
Key Points for Choosing a Power Tool Set
Power tool sets give you an easy way to jumpstart your tool collection and your DIY projects. To find the best rechargeable tool set for your work, determine:
- If the tools match the work you need to do now and in the future
- If the battery platform matches existing tools or those you want to get
- If the battery has the power and runtime for your work
- If the tool features make the work easier and safer
Shop power tool sets on Lowes.com by number of tools, tool type, brand, price range and more. Go to your local Lowe’s to hold and inspect the tools to see if they’re comfortable for you to use. A Lowe’s Red Vest associate can answer your questions and help you find the best power tool set to make your projects a success.