Power Tool Combo Kits: What to Look For Before Buying

A power tool combo kit bundles several cordless tools on one battery platform, together with batteries, a charger and usually a bag, and it normally costs less than buying the same tools one by one. Choose the battery platform first, because it decides every tool you can add later. Then pick a kit whose tools you’ll really use: for most homes that means a drill/driver and an impact driver, with a circular saw, reciprocating saw or oscillating multi-tool only if your projects need them. Check what batteries come in the box, because kits often include small ones.

Kit sizes compared

Kit	Typical tools	Good for
2-tool	Drill/driver and impact driver	Most homeowners; furniture, shelves, decks
3 to 5 tools	Adds a circular saw, reciprocating saw and a light, or a multi-tool	DIYers doing renovation and building projects
6 tools or more	Adds a grinder, jigsaw, blower or other specialist tools	People who know they’ll use each one; trades

What to look for

1. The battery platform. All future tools and batteries must match it. Ryobi vs Milwaukee vs DeWalt: which battery platform compares the main ones.
2. The tools themselves. Count only the ones you’ll use in the next year or two. A big kit full of tools you don’t need costs more than a small kit plus one bare tool.
3. Batteries: how many and how big. Two batteries let one charge while you use the other. Capacity is in amp-hours (Ah): compact 1.5 to 2.0 Ah packs are light but run out fast in saws, while 4.0 Ah and bigger packs suit saws and long jobs.
4. Brushless or brushed motors. Brushless tools run cooler and get more work per charge, which matters most in saws, impact drivers and hammer drills.
5. The charger. A fast charger saves waiting; a basic one can take a couple of hours for a large pack.
6. Which model of each tool. Kits sometimes include a lower-tier version of a tool than the one sold alone. Compare the model numbers and specs, such as the drill’s chuck size and the saw’s blade size.
7. Warranty and where you can buy more tools. Some brands sell through only one shop chain.

Kit or bare tools?

If you already own batteries for a platform, buy bare tools: you pay for the tool only. If you’re starting from nothing, a kit is usually the cheapest way to get the first two tools plus batteries and a charger. Either way, stay on one platform; are cordless drill batteries and chargers interchangeable explains why batteries don’t cross brands.

Which voltage?

Most combo kits are on 18V or 20V Max platforms, which are the same class of battery. 12V kits are smaller and lighter, and suit light work and tight spaces. Cordless drill voltage: 12V vs 18V vs 20V explains the difference.

Related guides

• Ryobi vs Milwaukee vs DeWalt: Which Battery Platform?
• Cordless Drill Voltage: 12V vs 18V vs 20V Explained