Power Tools Reviews

This is an outstanding kit. I had a Dewalt 18v drill and needed a rip saw and circular saw, but at $200 -$250 each it just made sense to get this kit for $599 w/ free shipping. Plus the rebate for a free tool, which I ordered the jigsaw. I did debate getting the Craftsman or Rigid kit for about half the price. So what sold me on DeWalt? I noticed during a NASCAR race, after a mutli-car wreck, that several teams were using the DeWalt 18v Reciprocating Saw cutting away fenders! I didn't see anyone using Craftsman, Rigid, or Bosch?

I started using the kit immediately. The first project was a double tier floating deck at about 600 sq ft:

Rip saw with a 9" blade went thru 6x6 treated posts with little effort.

Hammer drill drove about 500-600 deck screws quick and controlled. It also went thru the concrete without hesitation.

Circular saw is great as well, trimmed deck boards, cut angles on the posts, and portability is so nice when you don't have to worry with cords.

Cut off tool is wonderful; I usually had to use the torch but it was always a hassle getting the tank moved around to the job, but I walked my fence row a trimmed 15 tension bars in about 8-9 mins.

Only down side was the XRP batteries held up for 2 posts on the rip saw and then it was dead. The drill and circular saw did what I expected as far as lifetime. The only thing that I did not like was the Hot/Cold feature on the charger. I had an older battery that this feature never affected, but the new XRP batteries seemed to always set this off. The manual says it helps extend the overall battery life, but this needs to be remembered if you only have a couple of batteries. When this "Feature" is on the batteries DO NOT charge! So the quick 1 hour charge they advertise now takes 2-3 hours (1-2 hours for the "Cool Down" and an hour to charge it).

Tools did an amazing job. Overall I am VERY satisfied and will continue to buy DeWalt.

Been using the 18V DeWalt tools on the job where we put them through hell. Yes, we smoked some drills and fried some batteries but the tools went down fighting. Been watching the sales at Lowe's & HD hoping to finally get myself a good set of cordless tools for the house. I have to tell you, this kit at this price on Amazon....well, I couldn't match it anywhere else. I don't know how they do it but Amazon always seems to have what I'm looking for at very attractive pricing. Anyway, I finally have a kit that has everything I wanted and more. You'll wonder how you lived without a right angle drill. Only complaint is that the portable light is pretty much a waste - would have preferred a jigsaw. I know folks have complained about the 18V batteries not lasting but I've never had that problem. Just wish they weren't so expensive to replace when they do finally die.

Traveling out to client location and installing cabinets and fixtures, this is a must have kit...It is amazing what power these items have.

Great saw, great service, great price. Couldn't have found a better deal anywhere, and couldn't have found a better saw. The tremendous service and delivery from the Amazon.com people is unbelievable.

I have the entire 24V kit, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I like the AC/DC converter feature, so that when the uncommon dead battery situation happens, you're not left without power. DeWalt: How about a 24V jig saw, plate jointer, miter saw and handheld planer? I'll buy them whenever they come out.

I cut a 3.5" solid hardened steel blower shaft in half with this saw with one blade, faster than if I hauled a oxy/act rig up to the roof, or ran around trying to tap off power somewhere for a corded saw. This saw never stalled once and still had plenty of power left in it. This is one heck of a time and energy saver for me. Believe it from me, I'm a Commercial Air Conditioning Repairman.

If you have enough room to work, i.e. not under a house or in the rafters this is the one to use. I have a smaller saw I use and bought this one because of the extra power. Just use a good blade in the saw. I used a cheap one the saw chewed it up and spit it out. I then used one of the dewalt blades and it was smooth for cutting cast pipe.

If you are doing demolition, this is a great saw to have. If I had it to do over again I would buy the DW309, but that's just because I like lots of power. This saw has cut through everything that I have asked it to. I just finished tearing out a kitchen, and pulling out a ceiling soffit. Nothing slowed it down. The depth adjustment is a nice feature. Occasionally you don't want to send your blade through the next wall. You can at least knock off about 1 1/2" in blade length with the depth adjustment. A previous review wrote about the plastic lever to release the blade. Now a days most plastic is harder than metal. It feels like a composite of nylon and plastic. In 2 years of use mine has never given me trouble. Blade changes take about 5 seconds. It always works. The blades are always secure. The saw also comes with a relatively long cord. That's nice because on small projects I don't always want to pull out the extension cord. In fact, I nearly did my entire kitchen with nearby wall sockets. Enjoy your destruction.

This was an amazingly valuable tool and I have no qualms about recommending it to someone who needs a saw to cut into studs or a major demolition repair project. I had an infestation of termites that ate into a first floor exterior wall, and I had only 1 1/2 weekend days to fix it, never having done this before and having a business trip at the weeks start. Since the rental stores were closed - I bought this to help cut the studs. I got the 6" wood blade (it comes with a 4" bimetal. Okay, I was ignorant (I didn't know it cut nails), but I was flabbergasted when I just sliced through nails - so I didn't have to pound or peel off siding and seperated nailed together studs. It cut the studs in a snap (I did have a jackstand holding up the beam). Sill plate went in a flash too. I was able to replace all of the spoiled wood and a safety margin well ahead of any hand tools, plus there's some things, like cutting nails from one side, I couldn't have done. Really did the job. My only note is that they should include a 6" wood blade with this (in addition to the bimetal). It's also a limited use tool - It's impossible to do any kind of a nice wood working cut - you can do a sort of striaght cut for a reinforced support 2/4 to go under (with bracing on both sides of the join). This is for removing things only, also good on branches.

First let me say that 97% of my portable electric tools and air staplers/nailers are from Porter Cable. They and Delta remain my standards for comparison. I broke my old PC 348 jigsaw and nearly cried when I was told that most critical parts are no longer availabe. But then, I purchased it back in the late 70's so it has been a true workhorse. So what to replace it with? After much research and hands on at various tool stores I settled on the DeWalt DW331 and let me tell you that this is one fine machine in every way and that the yellow D can be very proud of this product. I rate it a full 10. Wonder if I can get 20+ years out of this one - I think perhaps. Best feature - the ability to flush cut to the wall. WOW!! The vibration is minimal, the adjustments are rock solid, the grip is as good as gets for a top handle, and jeesh there is gobs of power. Buy this one if you want to own the current standard for corded jigsaws. Oh, the yellow means it can't hide in the pile - it's like its saying "I'm over here, silly".

Over the years, I have used jig's from others companies, and by far this is a sweet saw, the blade changer is great. and it just flows thur wood. I would buy another, and wonder why it took me so long to buy this one.

I work in a car audio install bay. We use and abuse a jig saw on a daily basis. I bought this Dewalt to replace a Bosch that our shop has used for years. The Dewalt outperforms any other jig saw that we've used in our shop. A+

My cutter has cut everything from balsa to hardwoods, and even some wire and plastic. After two years it really isn't worn out, but I am now ordering a replacement-- just in case I need it in the next year or two. In answer to the last reviewer who wonders what bits are available to fit Dremel tools. If he would use the universal chuck he could use any bit he could shove into it down to sub-miniature bits like I use to drill holes through toothpicks used to make small parts on ship models.

I use all the dremel products to carve my projects..My company would like to purchase at a wholesale prices, to order special bits that i use on a regular work load. I would like to request a list of all the bits that fit your dremel tools. I plan to place a hugh order,and don't know how to contact the dremel company in order to take care of this matter..can you please send me information for business purchases.
I need this information asap..as I have projects waiting to be finished.

Thank You for your time.
Viki Pierce
The Artworks Gallery of Carvings
559-905-0385
@1334 robinson ave.
Clovis,California.93612

I needed something that could cut through wood like butter and I found it! This great carbide slotting saw cuts through pine like nothing! If you take enough passes, you can cut right through! This bit hogs out alot of material. So if you like to use it for hobby work or if you need something that will hog out slots in wood quickly this is the one to get. In fact, I have almost used mine up to the point where I think it's time to get a replacement! I peronally reccomend that you use it in pine. it really lets the wood chips fly!

I bought this unit to get into a small space in the rear of my engine compartment and it fit the bill. I was drilling out some broken bolts in an exhaust manifold. Using the diamond point tool and the tungsten carbide bit I was able to dimple the bolt enough to use a right angle Ryobi cordless to do the real drilling. Be careful using real drills as the speed is excessive to drill in steel. Cutting using drills in steel requires much slower speeds, and while the Dremel can go slower, it does not develop enough torque at those settings. Be sure to use the collar lock in the attachment and not the spindle lock in the Dremel tool itself or it will break the internal shaft.

I also used it for cutting off the stub of the bolt, and found the right angle attachment allowed me into spaces that the tool would not go otherwise.

All-in-all a good Dremel attachment but with the same limitations of the basic tool. Use for smaller jobs.

The attachment is great. I use my Dremel with it on more than off. It makes the job easier.
You can get it for $19.99 at The Home Depot. Call Amazon before you order and they will lower their price.

Before you call, please have the following ready:

The item and model number (identical brand and model number to the one we carry at Amazon.com)
Price (including shipping charges, taxes, gift certificates)
Store name, location, and phone number
Important: Price match must occur before purchase.
Now that you're ready, contact one of our customer service representatives at (800) 358-3096, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Time and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time.

This should prove to be a first class item. When working in cramped areas this is better then the Flex Shaft since you can get the whole tool in where you need it. Plus the quick installation is so useful.

I had no luck finding this product in stores. Everyone said the model Dremel I had was too old. So of course I did what I should have done first...I went to Amazon.com and there it was. It was a brand new battery pack and it works just fine. Thanks Amazon.com!

I've made it a habit to always purchase an extra battery pack, along with the battery recharger, when I purchase a MiniMite Dremel tool. When I use one battery, another is recharging for continuous use, and little waiting time.

I refuse to buy this product from you for the following reasons! You advertise that I save $10. by buying a battery pack from you, then charge 33 percent of its value, or $10., in "postage and handling". That makes the $20.00 item cost $30.00. My biggest question is this: How can you possibly charge $10. postage for a tiny, light weight item such as this?
Roger Carlson
Winona, MN

Worked great for the roofing jobs I needed it for. Still looks new and functions perfectly.

Like the reviewer below, I have found all previous orders of reconditioned tools from Amazon to result in the acquisition of a new/near new tool. That was the case with a PC FC350 framing nailer I ordered from them at the same time I ordered this roofing nailer. The framer was new in every respect, so I was eager to open the roofer. When I did, I found a tool that had lived life to the fullest, and gotten more than its share of bumps and scrapes along the way. While it functioned well, it was clearly a well used gun, so I decided to return it. Amazon was great and even paid for return shipping. I hope the replacement they send in return will meet the level of quality I have come to expect from PC reconditioned tools. But the gun itself is a great tool. This will be my third of fourth, and all have held up well under daily use, so my review will carry a 5 star rating.

You couldn't tell this item from a new one at half the cost. I bought the same item elsewhere and it was a used piece of junk. Amazon is the only place to buy.

I purchased this drill to help build my new home and it has been a real work horse. Forget about the half inch drill, when you want to go through wood, this is the real thing. Throw a self feeding bit on the front and hold on tight. This cuts holes as big as you want fast. Just pray that your dentist never gets ahold of one of these....

As a plumbing contractor for 25 years we started using this model when it first came out in the early 80's. Compact, quick and powerful. We tried the makita copy of the milwaukee when it came out in the late 80's but it had a clutch that activated too easily, so you couldn't finish a tough hole with it. Very frustrating with the Makita. the Milwaukee has no clutch so you have to be careful about the torque. We throw away both the t handle and pipe handle extensions as we have never used them. The trick to controlling the torque is to snuggle up to the drill and keep it close to your body. That way if it jams your body soaks up the torque not just your arms. Also, we drill large holes [toilet flanges etc.] on high speed using hole saws. The drill has less torgue to whack you with at high speed. We wear them out mostly drilling toilet flanges when they jam on deep cuts, resulting in gear rebuilds, but it takes several years of brutal use to get to that point. very compact for the power.

I have used these drills for over 15 years installing plumbing in new construction and have tried just about every other type and brand of drill. None of them comes close to the "Hole Hawg". Beware that this drill is very powerful and should be operated with extreme caution.

I have owned this Reconditioned finishing nailer for almost a year now and have yet to encounter a single problem. Nailer came in perfect condition even though it was factory reconditioned. I have used many brands of nailers and would recommend nothing but porter cable.

Purchased this product to speed up the process of building a deck. This item performed flawlessly. Easy to use, fairly light weight and drives nails without splitting the wood. Love it!

I have the 250Ar, but I'm sure it's similar/same. I have not tried a lot of finish nailers, but I can tell you I'm happy with this one:

-- going from 3/4 to 2.5 inches is a wide range
-- tool requires a quick look at the manual to use the first time, then easy easy easy.
-- price is right -- and probably the best you'll find anywhere.

If you do any amount of finish work, I think this tool is worth it (though, you need to have/buy a compressor to use it!). I found that you definitely need to regulate the pressure going into this tool -- my best luck has been with 90lbs (or a bit less, though that's out of spec). Drives nails VERY accurately.

Mine came with nails, so I'm pretty happy! I've bought plenty of refurbished tools... without any problems ever. I wouldn't hesitate!