Cordless Combination Kits

A cordless combination kit is a smart buy for many professionals and do-it-yourselfers, especially if your projects demand a variety of tools and a high degree of portability. Combo kits usually include portable power tools that share the same voltage battery, so you don't have to drag along different batteries and chargers for each tool. Plus, the kit price is typically lower than the cost of purchasing the tools separately. Before you learn about the tools and features available in cordless combination kits, use the following questions to start thinking about what you need:

• What types of tasks do you plan to undertake?
• What portable power tools are needed for those tasks?
• Will your tools receive heavy-duty or all-day use?
• Will you rely more heavily on some tools than others?

Power, Options and Applications

The Home Depot has a variety of combination kits, each with a different assortment of tools packed in a convenient carrying case. The kit you choose should be based on your project needs and how the tools perform against others in their class. If some of the tools in your kit will receive particularly heavy use, look closely at the specs for those tools to be sure they will fit your requirements. All of the tools should be comfortable to grip and feel balanced in your hand to reduce fatigue and enhance control. Look for durable parts and smooth, easy adjustments.

Power: Home and professional users alike have embraced cordless tools for their convenience and portability. Big improvements in their design and performance in recent years have also added to their appeal. Still, cordless tools rely on batteries for their operation, which lose power as they are used. If you're going to be using your tools for heavy-duty applications, a higher voltage model will provide you with more stamina. If you can't afford downtime, make sure you have extra batteries and/or a rapid charger - both may be included or purchased separately. If your needs are light or fatigue is a primary concern, consider a lower voltage kit.

• Available with batteries up to 36V for prolonged use
• Higher voltage models tend to be heavier, bulkier and more expensive
• Lower voltage tools tend to be lighter and more compact
• Lithium-ion batteries provide powerful performance and long life with less weight

What's Included: Cordless combination kits usually include between two and ten cordless tools and are available in a wide range of configurations. Some are geared toward specific applications, such as finish carpentry, while others offer a diverse assortment of tools. Kits may also include work lights, hand vacs, radios and laser tools, as well as blades, bits and other accessories. Be sure to consider all of the included tools and accessories when comparing prices.

• Many kits include an extra battery and fast charger to minimize downtime
• A case provides a safe, compact way to transport and store tools and accessories
• Cases range from simple storage bags to hard-sided cases

Use the following chart to gain a basic understanding of some of the tools you may find in cordless combination kits:

Tool	Key Details
Circular Saw	Handheld saw Allows crosscuts, ripping, bevel cuts, miter cuts, plunge cuts and more Extremely versatile Used for everything from framing to finish carpentry
Drill	Used to make holes in wood, drywall, metal and more Can insert and remove fasteners
Hammer Drill	Drill bit delivers a hammering in-and-out motion in addition to rotating Used to bore holes in masonry and cement Hammer action can usually be switched off for use as a standard drill
Impact Driver	Designed specifically for easy fastening even during all-day fastening jobs Can be used for drilling but not as ideal as drills or hammer drills Accepts 1/4" hex-shaped bits Ideal for fastening on metal, pressure-treated lumber, cabinets and more
Impact Wrench	Designed specifically for easy fastening even during all-day fastening jobs Can be used for drilling, but not as effectively as drills or hammer drills Accepts 3/8" or 1/2" square anvil bits Ideal for use with nuts, lug nuts, large lag bolts and more
Jigsaw	Handheld saw Allows scroll cuts and plunge cuts in addition to crosscuts, ripping and bevel cuts A wide array of blades allow you to cut many different materials, including metal and tile Great for crafts and detail work
Miter Saw	Bench-top saw Enables fast, accurate miter cuts and crosscuts Models that tilt allow bevel and compound cuts (miter + bevel) Models with a sliding head let you pull the blade through your workpiece to cut wider stock Ideal for finish carpentry, picture frames and more
Planer	Removes a thin layer of wood with each pass Used to smooth, level, taper, shape and more
Reciprocating Saw	Handheld saw Ideal for rough cuts in tight spaces or awkward positions, such as overhead Commonly used in construction, demolition, fire and rescue, plumbing and HVAC Not suited for precise cuts
Rotary Tool	Used for applications from sawing to grinding to engraving, depending on accessories Some models offer hundreds of accessories for extreme versatility Makes plunge cuts, so there's no need to drill before sawing Ideal for crafts, scroll cuts and detail work

Features

Orbital Action: Some jigsaws and reciprocating saws offer orbital action settings for faster, more aggressive cuts.

Variable Speed: Adjustable speed is an advantage on any tool since it allows you to choose the most appropriate and comfortable speed for each application, enhancing versatility and performance.

Positive Stops: Miter and bevel stops make it fast and easy to adjust saws for cutting common angles, but make sure you can make minute adjustments near the positive stops.

Adjustable Handle: Some tools offer multiple handle positions, so you can adjust your grip for maximum comfort and control and work in more positions and spaces.

Electric Brake: An electric brake enhances saw safety and helps you get ready for the next cut fast by stopping the blade seconds after you release the trigger.

Easy-Change Blade/Bit System: Some tools offer easy blade or bit changes, with or without tools. If you switch blades or bits frequently, minimize your downtime by choosing a system that's simple to operate.

Dust Port: Many saws include a dust port to connect a dust bag or wet/dry vac to your saw, enabling you to collect sawdust as you cut.

Laser Guide: Laser guides are included on some saws to help you match the blade position to your cut line for enhanced accuracy.