Power tools transform the speed and quality of your work, whether you are building furniture, remodeling a room, or repairing equipment. This encyclopedia covers the core handheld power tools every DIYer and tradesperson reaches for: drills and drivers, angle grinders, heat guns, and oscillating multi-tools. Learn what each tool does best, key features to look for, and which models deliver the best performance for your money.
Table of Contents
- Drills & Impact Drivers
- Angle Grinders
- Heat Guns
- Oscillating Multi-Tools
- Cordless Tool Platforms & Batteries
- Specialty Power Tools
- Frequently Asked Questions
Drills & Impact Drivers
Drill/Drivers
The cordless drill/driver is the most-owned power tool for good reason. It drills holes and drives screws in wood, metal, plastic, and masonry (with a hammer function). Key specs: voltage (12V, 18V, 20V Max), chuck size (3/8″ or 1/2″), and torque (measured in inch-pounds). For most homeowners, an 18V/20V brushless drill with a 1/2″ chuck handles everything from assembling furniture to drilling 1-inch holes in framing lumber. Brushless motors deliver more runtime, more power, and longer tool life than brushed motors.
Impact Drivers
Impact drivers look similar to drills but serve a different purpose. They deliver concussive rotational blows that drive fasteners with far more torque and less wrist strain than a drill. If you drive a lot of screws — deck building, framing, or cabinet installation — an impact driver is essential. The 1/4-inch hex chuck accepts driver bits only, not drill bits (though hex-shank drill bits exist for light drilling).
Hammer Drills & Rotary Hammers
For drilling into concrete, brick, or stone, a hammer drill adds a percussive hammering motion behind the drill bit. Standard hammer drills work for occasional small-diameter holes in masonry (up to about 1/4-inch in concrete). For larger holes or frequent concrete drilling, a rotary hammer (SDS) is far more effective — it uses a pneumatic piston to hammer the bit with much more force.
- Best Impact Drills with Battery
- Best Cordless SDS Hammer Drills
- Best Cordless Impact Drills
- Best Impact Driver Accessories
- Best Impact Drill Bit Sets
- Best Drill Driver Sets
- Best Masonry Drill Bit Sets
- Best Step Drill Bit Sets
Angle Grinders
The angle grinder is one of the most versatile — and dangerous — tools in the shop. With the right wheel, it can cut, grind, sand, polish, and strip rust from metal, masonry, and tile. The two standard sizes are 4-1/2 inch (most common, one-handed operation in most cases) and 7/9 inch (heavy material removal, requires two hands).
Safety demands respect. The wheel spins at 10,000+ RPM and can shatter if damaged or misused. Always run the guard, wear a full face shield over safety glasses, and never use a cutting wheel for grinding (they are thinner and will shatter under side load). Variable speed control is useful for wire brushing and polishing; a paddle switch is safer than a slide switch because releasing it stops the tool.
- Best Variable Speed Angle Grinders
- Best Small Right Angle Grinders
- Best Cordless Angle Grinders
- Best Battery Powered Angle Grinders
- Best Angle Grinder Stump Grinders
- Best Angle Grinder Safety Glasses
Heat Guns
A heat gun is essentially a high-powered hair dryer — it outputs 200°F to 1,200°F of focused hot air for paint stripping, adhesive softening, heat-shrink tubing, thawing frozen pipes, bending plastic, and removing stickers and decals. Key features: variable temperature control (essential — different tasks need different heat levels), multiple nozzle attachments (concentrator for detail work, deflector for stripping paint from large surfaces), and a cool-down setting to protect the element when shutting off. For electronics work, a smaller precision heat gun provides better control than a full-size unit.
Oscillating Multi-Tools
The oscillating multi-tool is the ultimate problem-solver. It vibrates a blade or accessory at high frequency (10,000-20,000 oscillations per minute) through a tiny arc, making it uniquely capable of flush-cutting, plunge-cutting, and sanding in tight corners no other tool can reach. Common uses: cutting door casing to install flooring, trimming baseboards without removing them, cutting nails behind trim, scraping old caulk and adhesive, and detail sanding in corners.
Blade selection is critical. Bi-metal blades for wood with nails, carbide blades for grout and mortar, diamond blades for tile, and high-carbon steel for clean wood only. Tool-less blade change systems are worth paying for — you will change blades frequently. A variable speed dial lets you match the oscillation rate to the material.
- Best Multi-Tool Attachments
- Best Multi-Tool Screwdrivers
- Best Electric Multi-Tools
- Best Metal Cutting Oscillating Blades
- Best Cut-Off Tools
Cordless Tool Platforms & Batteries
Today’s cordless tools rival corded in power while offering total freedom of movement. The key decision is which battery platform to commit to — batteries are the expensive part, and once you own several tools from one brand, switching costs are high. The major platforms:
| Platform | Voltage | Tool Count | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt 20V MAX / FlexVolt 60V | 18V/20V nominal, 54V/60V | 300+ | Professional construction, woodworking |
| Milwaukee M18 / M12 | 18V, 12V | 250+ | Professional trades, automotive mechanics |
| Makita LXT / XGT | 18V, 40V | 275+ | Woodworking, general construction |
| Ryobi ONE+ 18V / 40V | 18V, 40V | 225+ | DIY and home use (best value) |
| Ridgid 18V | 18V | 100+ | DIY with Lifetime Service Agreement |
Battery capacity is measured in amp-hours (Ah). A 2.0Ah battery is compact and light for short tasks; a 5.0Ah or 8.0Ah battery provides extended runtime for high-draw tools like circular saws and grinders. Lithium-ion batteries degrade over charge cycles — expect 2-5 years of service before capacity drops noticeably.
Specialty Power Tools
Welding Machines
While not strictly power tools, welders are increasingly common in home shops. MIG (wire-feed) is easiest to learn and best for general fabrication in steel. TIG produces the cleanest welds for aluminum, stainless, and thin materials but requires more skill. Stick (arc) welding is the most forgiving of dirty and rusty metal and works outdoors in wind. A 120V MIG welder handles up to about 3/16-inch steel; 240V is needed for thicker material. Always budget for an auto-darkening helmet, gloves, and ventilation.
- Best AC/DC TIG Welders
- Best Inverter MIG Welders
- Best MIG/TIG/Stick Multi-Process Welders
- Best All-Around Welders
- Best Arc Welders for Beginners
- Best Automatic Welding Helmets
Rotary Tools & Die Grinders
- Best Cordless Dremel Tools
- Best Random Orbit Sanders
- Best Corded Orbital Sanders
- Best 5-Inch Random Orbital Sanders
Frequently Asked Questions
Brushed vs brushless — does it matter?
Yes. Brushless motors are more efficient (longer runtime per battery charge), more powerful for the same battery size, and last longer because there are no brushes to wear out. The price premium over brushed tools has narrowed significantly. For tools you use frequently (drill, impact driver, circular saw), brushless is worth it. For occasional-use tools, brushed is still fine.
What cordless battery platform should I choose?
For homeowners and DIYers, Ryobi ONE+ 18V offers the best value — 225+ tools, batteries are affordable, and the tools are perfectly adequate for home use. For professional use, DeWalt 20V MAX and Milwaukee M18 are the leading choices with the deepest professional tool lineups. Pick based on which brand offers the specific tools you want and whether you already own tools from that brand.
Can I use my angle grinder to cut wood?
No. Angle grinders spin at 10,000+ RPM. Wood-cutting circular saw blades are not rated for those speeds and can shatter catastrophically. There are specialized wood carving discs for angle grinders, but they are aggressive and require extreme caution. Use a circular saw or jigsaw for cutting wood — they run at the correct speed for the blade.
How do I maintain my cordless tool batteries?
Store lithium-ion batteries at 30-50% charge in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in a hot car or freezing garage. Do not fully discharge them before storing. Most modern chargers and batteries have protection circuits, but deep discharge and extreme heat are the two biggest killers of lithium-ion cells.
Final Checklist: Building Your Power Tool Kit
- Start with a quality drill/driver combo kit — the foundation of every power tool collection
- Add an impact driver if you drive screws regularly
- Pick a battery platform early and stick with it to share batteries across tools
- Add an angle grinder for metal work, cutting masonry, and sharpening
- Get an oscillating multi-tool for home remodeling and detailed trim work
- Add specialty tools (heat gun, rotary tool, welder) as projects demand
- See our Power Saws Guide and Hand Tools Guide for additional tool setup advice
Ready to equip your workshop? Every tool in this guide earns its place by solving problems nothing else can. Start with the essentials and expand as your skills and projects grow. Browse our in-depth buying guides above for the best-rated tools in every category.