Cordless Accessories Reviews

I shopped (data and spec-wise)around for this style of tool and finally decided on the DeWalt 14.4v. As a professional cabinet installer for 4 national manufacturers, I rely on my tools for my income and my high quality reputation million dollar plus homeowners demand. I think I have every DeWalt 14.4v tool made. Even a DeWalt 14.4 bisquet joiner. I like the professional grade 14.4v because it is light enough to use all day long and because most pro grade 14.4v drivers and drills won't "over torque" the screws. I know most contractors like the 18 volt, and I agree for circular trim and recip saws. But, the 18's can take me all the through a cabinet and the outside wall of the house before I can let go of the trigger (not a good thing). I have a couple Bosch 18 volt for heavy drilling in concrete, but all the DeWalt 14.4's have more that enough power to take a 2-1/2" hole saw thru a 2x4 or neatly drill a 1-1/4" forcner bit into hickory and still break off the heads of screws if you want! Back to the DeWalt 14.4 volt IMPACT DRIVER. A really sweet tool and drives the screw straight and slightly countersunk without splitting face frames or braking the heads off the screws. Well balanced, nice weight for all day use on a single charge (XRP) but, a bit loud (actually they all are). BUT...Unfortunately, I only had the tool for about 10 days before it and all the rest of my DeWalt 14.4 tools (all neatly placed in thier cases with xtra batteries and chargers)and a couple brand new XRP batteries, were stolen. %#@!*&^$%$!!! I had to replace this new tool immediately and local resources had none (DeWalt 14.4 any way). So, I ended up with a Makita 14.4v (it was my orginal 2nd choice) and I can tell you, I liked the DeWalt better. The quick release is much smoother for single finger releases (the Makita actually takes two hands to change a bit), slightly quieter and felt better in hand than the Makita. The flat bottom of 14.4 battery held it upright and stable on inclined surfaces. Suffice it to say, the impact driver is THE tool for driving screws, and the DeWalt 14.4v is the front runner in my opinion.

I was a bit skeptical about this tool after I purchased it, and I took a lot of ribbing at the jobsite because of its size and the noise it made, but after it drove 4 inch wood screws into a door frame they shut up. It takes a little getting used to if you want to us it to fasten drywall, but it isn't hard. You also go through a lot of bits because it is so powerfull it shatters them. You also have to buy a chuck if you want to drill with it.

For the money, I don't think I have ever bought a better drill/screw gun. We burn out a lot of drills on the jobsite and when I finally wear this on out I will definately buy another to replace it.

I had recently used a friend's DeWalt 12v impact driver (and loved it), so when I had the opportunity to pick this 14.4v driver up cheap I jumped at the chance. I expected great things from this tool and I have not been disappointed.

Whenever I can't get good leverage on my regular 14.4v DeWalt drill/driver it tends to strip the screw heads towards the end of the drive. Not so with this baby. If you are starting with a new or undamaged screw, this driver will sink it into anything short of concrete without stripping the head. Other benefits include the small size of the driver itself and a really nifty chuck device.

As for downsides: You hear this a lot, but when this thing goes into "impact mode" it is loud. If you happen to be in a small room such as a bathroom you will really notice how loud it is. Also, you have to use hex headed bits and drivers with this thing, and that could lead to a bit of expense if you don't have any already.

Before buying this impact driver I was in a pretty common situation. I already owned a 14.4v drill/driver and had to wonder if I needed this one too. I am sure a lot of people who will read this review are in the same boat. My answer to this is yes and no. You can get by forever with just a drill/driver, so you don't NEED this tool. But speaking from a convenience point of view, once you buy this and cease to strip screw heads no matter what material you are screwing into, and once you get used to applying about 1/4 of the pressure that a drill/driver takes, you will love this tool forever.

I made sure that my drill/driver and my impact driver were of the same voltage so they could share batteries and now use the drill for drilling (duh) and the impact driver for driving and spend a lot less time swapping back and forth between drill bits and driver bits.

I highly recommend this as a well made and high performing tool.

A great tool for driving fasteners. Our batteries last much longer than a drill driver!

I work installing overhead door and gates and tool exeeds my spectation one thing I love the most is that the battery last a long time

no problems, this is the best screw gun. I'm sold

I received this as part of a set of reconditioned Porter Cable 19.2 volt cordless tools (drill/driver, reciprocating saw and circular saw).

The flashlight was part of the package and I initially viewed its inclusion in the set as a marketing gimmick--you know, some marketing guy's way of making you feel like you bought four tools when you had only bought three. As it has turned out, however, I have gotten great use out of the light. It's bright, the beam is powerful, the base is stable (you don't have to hold it in your hands, you can set it down) and the beam direction is fairly adjustable.

We use it all the time. It has been invaluable inside cabinets, when I crawl underneath the house, and when our electricity has not been working.

I have dropped it a couple of times from about 6 feet onto concrete and while the flashlight body and the battery have survived in good working (but cosmetically bruised) condition, the bulbs have broken.

The bulbs are hard to find in stores so buy some extras.

I know the price is higher, but when you have power failures like we do, it is wonderful. The kids don't panic when the lights go out. When maintance men have to come to our home and they have those "whimpy" lights, I hand them my light. Their first response is "Who turned on the sun?" The battery seems to last a very long time. We have had ours for almost 2 years and have never had to sit in the dark. We also have the cordless drill,(love that to) so the batteries are always charged. A perfect gift for anyone, at any age.

First of all, I am not a big Porter Cable fan. I own many DeWalt tools. The only PC tool I own before the 19.2v hammer drill is the PC 690 router. The hammer drill experience was surprisely pleasant, very nice and powerful tool. Then I notice that the case for the drill has space for this flashlight, so I picked it up. It's nicely built too. Same color as the drill and use the spare battery comes with the drill and fits in the case with the battery on. The flashlight illuminates the work nicely and bright and stays where you put it, not like my MagLite that I always have to struggle with placing it somewhere to keep it from rolling away while working on something. The head angle adjustment clicks in positions nice and tight. It's definitely a good tool worth having.

I've had numerous cordless products over the years but none compare to this combo kit. I have only had it 2 weeks and wanted to use it more before reviewing but I tell you, this is one nice set of tools. Although I learned a long time ago to pay the money and get the best, I continually look for "deals". Well, this is a deal. The combo gave me a good value on 4 tools, 3 of which I really wanted, with the light a good bonus.

Impressed with the comfort and power. My neighbor is really jealous so this is a side benefit. I look forward to many projects and will update from time to time.

Wasn't formerly a big DeWalt fan but now I'm sold.

I don't know how I got along with out this kit. The power, battery life, quality, and durability of these Dewalt tools are top of the line. I'd say these rank at the top with the Makita and Milwaukee kits. The DC988 drill works great, even after 2-3 years of use it is still as strong. I had only a small gripe because of the stiff cluch (even the lightest setting was to strong). The DC390 circ saw is great for quick cuts (when you don't want to pull out the miter or cords and the regular circ saw). The new DC385 saw is strong and can take the punishment (only grip is the front guard is easy to cut into, especially now with the new design that allows the blade to be mounted sideways, but it causes no real functional issues).
The price you pay for the Dewalt is the only downside, it seems to be the most expensive kit. But if you already have 18V dewalt tools...

The only weak part of the kit is the batteries. They will be the part that breaks when you drop it (usually the case, but sometimes the solder joints) I can't say that the same thing won't happen to the other kits, so don't make more out of it than it is... just try not to drop them. (ha ha)
I would like to find out if a smart charger could be bought for the packs. One that can discharge the pack and then pulse/reflex charge them back up with a peak charge cut off (instead of a temp or timed cutoff) I don't think the DW charger does any of that.

Where do I start?

I used to be a professional door/window/storm door installer for Lowe's & Home Depot and ran through the gamut of tools in my travels. I began with some low volt Black & Decker's and moved to a 14.4 Firestorm. Well the removable chuck on the Firestorm died after about a month, though it was a nice feature, leaving me drill-less.

Step in DeWalt DC4KITA...

I purchased this kit and instantly fell in love. The power, the battery life, everything was extremely impressive. In fact, I loved it so much that I bought a second one for my father. From lag bolts to 4" wood screws to light duty drywall screws to paddle-bit drilling, the drill in this kit handles everything I continue to throw at it. The reciprocating and circular saws speak volumes about the DeWalt quality (thus I learned my lesson pertaining to Black & Decker <==> Consumer; DeWalt <==> Commercial). And the addition of the light is really just an added bonus. As for all-in-one packages, you will find no better choice than the DeWalt DC4KITA!

For me, the main reason to purchase this tool set was to build the Costco SUNRAY playground playset in my backyard.

As a new homeowner myself, I did not have any tools. And this is the list of the Required tools from Costco for building the playset:

Tape measure, Carpenters level, Claw hammer, Wood clamp,
Standard cordless drill with medium Phillips bit,
1/4" and 3/8" ratchet,
1/4", 7/16", 1/8" drill bit,
7/16", 1/2", 9/16" deep well socket,
9/16" box wrench.

I expected to spend two hundred dollars in Homedepot to have the complete set. Luckily I checked Amazon first and found the Allied 39025 tool set.
Sixty dollars and three days later, I have almost every tools I need.

I am no expert on tools, but after three days of intensive use, I feel this tool set is very solid, especially taking consideration of the value.
The drill is very powerful too.

If there is anything more I'd hope for, it would be an extra battery. But with the current price, I have no complain.

...SO if you are paid to put wooden things together, fix plastic things or do any of that jazz on a daily basis, then you should know better. Much better.

For someone like me, however, who occasionally puts cupboards and wardrobes from Ikea together, this kit is simply the best value for money I could find online and offline.

I've had it for about 3 months and it still performs as new. The drill doesn't come with diamond crystalized drill bits to break into safes; it comes with bits to drill holes into dry wall and brick wall. And it does a great job.

The plastic casing supporting the tools/holding them in place, feels a bit cheap but that's about the only problem I can identify.

Here's why I was interested in this tool set and why it's pretty much perfect.

a) Hated having to search through a giant toolbox over & over on every project because everything is tossed on top of each other. EVERY tool, component, etc has its own slot and it's a nice tight fit so if you drop it, the 178 pieces do not fall into one giant heap of tools, sockets, etc ...

b) While quality is important, if tools are just tools to you and you don't need/want a $1,000 tool set - these might not last three generations but they are all solid and work great and at a price where I don't have to worry about if people might make off with some tiny wrench.

c) No real compromises on what you get. Unlike other sets, it not missing some main tool. This one has a screwdriver, wrench, plier, crescent wrench set, hammer, saw, etc, etc ... not to mention the cordless drill. Look at the ZOOM photo - and unlike other sets where 100 screws count as part of a "115-set" tool kit, 99.5% of what you get are actual tools or actual attachments to tools. (there are $1,000 tool sets without a hammer!)

d) the box is nice. It's not pretty but it's solid heavy plastic and the pieces require effort to get in each slot - again, that's actually a good thing as I've had sets that look pretty in the picture but if you drop the tool kit, all the pieces fall in a heap and no one really likes to pick through 50 socket heads to put everything back or the 'holder' is some flimsy plastic that yellows, cracks or just gives up the ghost. This is very solid.

There's even a little extra room in the middle when it's closed that you can keep gloves and a towel there.

About the only thing missing is that if the bolt is very long, the crescent wrench does not have an extender and you can't really reach the nut but that's pretty obscure - not to confuse anyone - there is an extender if the nut is merely a ways from your hand but not if the bolt is exessively long.

Other than that, finally a set that will serve 99.9% of your average home, car and even some computer repair use (it has torx and even a tool/magnet retriever if you drop a screw somewhere) - ALL solidly built in a solidly built case with a slot for EVERYTHING. And of course, a great price also! It's excellent!

If you need a bit not in this set, you're probably up to no good.
Case is great, with real metal latches. Buy this.

Firstly, not many of the manufacturers' plastic tool cases are worth a darn. Slots don't hold the parts, etc. But with this kit, a whole different story! Whether you open the kit inverted or correctly (label up), each tool remains in its appropriate slot. Secondly, everything you could ask for in reference to your cordless is contained within this impressive kit. Whether your gun is Porter Cable, DeWalt, Makita, Hitachi... you will not find a better kit for the price. This product is well worth owning.

Excellent set for the contractor! Be carefull removing the smaller cobalt hex shank bits. I snapped the 1/16" one right off. But it was replaced for me by DeWalt without incident! Good Quality bits though!

For more than ten years this tool has never failed to function perfectly. I like the forward and reverse rocker switch. When used by a "lefty" the switch is easily operated by the index finger. For right hand operation the thumb is used. Another great feature is the lock switch which prevents the tool from accidentially being turned on. For example, if you want to snug up a screw by hand you can lock the switch off. Locking the tool before placing it in your tool box prevents accidential turn on while in storage. The battery removes easily and seems to always run longer than I expect it would. Of course, in ten years I have replaced them from time to time. The adjustable torque is a great feature too. It's a great tool for electrical work, electronic equipment repair, and working on door locks, etc. I have not missed variable speed since a quick on/off works well. I often underestimate its power. The two speed model might be worth checking on if you want to drill with it. My two single speed units give me good control. These tools have seen a lot of service and I have never regretted the purchases!

Fantastic tool for the truck or auto tech,this is definetly a case were less is better, reffering to the voltage of the unit.It is very compact yet has a nice balance between power and it's ability to get into very tight spaces.The driver is very well constructed, so is the charger ,all of which are produced in Japan,which means you are getting quality.The package also includes a jabobs chuck and chuck key, 2 batteries, a high impact carrying case and some assortyed bits.Add a good bit selection for some real versatility
.From the use I have had so far I can tell you the batteries are long lasting and the unit has been trouble free.I would recommend the offset as an assesory,it comes in very handy.Don't let the lower voltage fool you,this is a very effective tool.If your looking for a more powerful unit look to the Dewalt driver, but is is not as nearly as compact ,the price paid for more power.I personally have both of the drivers and each has it's place.This is a killer package from Milwaukee, and a must have addition to your tool chest,you will not be sorry with your choice.

This is the best screw driver I have ever used for working on computers. With the clutch set at 1 I can drive screws in any computer component with out fear of over tightening. I have been using this screw driver for 7 years now on all things computer related and have absolutely no complaints. I have even driven screws into plastic with out stripping them.

The two speed setting is great most of the time I leave it in high with the clutch on one and don't think about it. There are the times with the occasional sticky screw where you might need to turn the clutch up and set the speed to low but the screw driver has the ability to do that with in easy reach of your thumb.

The rocker switch between forward and reverse makes it easy to take the screw back out that you just mistakenly put in.

I can't think of a more essential tool for working on computers that this screw driver

I bought this kit for the reciprocating saw. To say I was skeptical about the circular saw would be an understatement. I can honestly say I'm impressed. The recriprocating saw didn't dissappoint, and the circular saw was used to build a deck. It took on 4x4's and 2x8's without binding. The batteries were quick to charge and held the charge for many cuts.

Though it wasn't designed to be a 115v plug in saw, it has plenty of power and is handy as a pocket on your shirt.

I have the Dewalt 24 Volt saw and sawsall,they worked good for the first six months, after that I could not depend on them to go on jobs with me without wired tools as back up. I have had the Hitachi combo for few months and they are much better tools than the dewalt 24 volts. The saw has the biggest blade on the market( 7 1/4 "), it weighs less than my Porter cable electric saw, and it is very comfortable to use. It has a luminated cutting area also, it comes in handy when you are working indoors.
The sawsall is very compact and powerful, you can control the speed thru the trigger. The price of these tools are cheaper than the Dewalts and they are superior tools.
P.S. The Hitachi Green is a nice break from the yellow, red, and grey colored tools out there.

I am a very novice wood worker. I have some beginner books about "2x4 furniture" I have a circular saw, but, as you know, unless you are very experienced, executing cross cuts on lumber is not just a matter of chopping -- you have to measure, and add for the blade offset -- every time!. It was tedious, and i was close to getting a table saw or a miter saw. Fortunately, I came across this clever too -- simply line up the guide on the line where you want to cut, push the saw, and you are done.

Thumb's up!

This item connected easily to my drill and seemed securely fastened. It is light in weight, so cuts on surfaces that are not horizontal work well. It is eaasy to follow a straight line cut with this tool. Arc cuts are possible, with gentle curves, but don't plan on doing any pattern cutting, which is probably true of any of these style cutters.

Definitely a great and well-executed tool, and it is nice that it can swap between a cordless drill for remote cuts, and back to a corded drill for bench cutting.

There is no flying dust from the cutting process, although there is a slight amounnt of waste (1/4" or so) from the cut. Be sure to practice cutting along a scribed mark on some scrap before using on finished work, and think before you cut to be sure to leave the waste on the correct side, away from your measured piece.

After using a circular saw, this product is superb. Easy to attach and remove, a great price/performance ratio. I love it.

This works very well, so well that I did not use my saw for anything except plunge cuts around windows. Absolutely no dust at all. Very satisfied. This is very much a quality product. Anyone putting up fiber cement siding should have one. I had no problems at all with this and I expect it to last for some time yet.