A small set of well-chosen power tools covers most of what a house asks of you: hanging shelves, assembling furniture, fixing a sticky cabinet door, trimming a baseboard, refinishing a table, and cleaning up after all of it. Paying someone for each of those jobs adds up fast. Owning the tools also means a loose hinge gets fixed on Saturday morning without waiting a week for a handyman. At Ulverion, we help homeowners get everyday repairs and projects done with practical, dependable tools, and that starts with buying the right ones in the right order.
For most homeowners, the DEWALT 20V MAX DCD771C2 compact drill/driver kit is the first power tool to buy, because it drills pilot holes and drives screws in wood, drywall, plastic, and light metal, and its two included batteries power every other 20V MAX tool in this guide. That shared battery is the quiet advantage. Once you own the drill kit, you can add the impact driver, circular saw, and oscillating tool as bare tools (no battery or charger), which keeps the cost of each addition lower. The corded sander and shop vacuum round out the set for finishing and cleanup.
Before you buy a large combo kit, list the jobs you expect to do this year. If that list is mostly furniture assembly and wall hangings, a drill is enough. If it includes decks, trim, or flooring, you will want the saws and the impact driver too.
Best for most household drilling and driving: DEWALT 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver Kit (DCD771C2)
Best for long screws and lag bolts: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver (DCF845B)
Best for cutting lumber and plywood: DEWALT 20V MAX 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (DCS391B)
Best for trim, flooring, and remodel cuts: DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool (DCS356B)
Best for furniture refinishing and smooth surfaces: DEWALT 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander (DWE6423)
Best for garage, basement, and job cleanup: DEWALT 12 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum (DXV12P)
1. DEWALT 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver Kit (DCD771C2)
Best cordless drill. This compact kit handles the bulk of household fastening and drilling, and it ships with everything you need to start: two batteries, a charger, and a soft bag.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 2 (0–450 and 0–1,500 rpm) |
| Power | 300 unit watts out |
| Chuck | 1/2-inch ratcheting, single sleeve |
| Batteries | Two 20V MAX 1.3Ah |
| Warranty | 3-year limited |
The low speed gives you control when driving screws into cabinets or furniture; the high speed is for drilling holes. The 1/2-inch chuck accepts larger bits than the 3/8-inch chucks on many entry drills. Our guide to types of drill bits and their uses helps you pick bits for each material.
Typical jobs include hanging shelves and curtain rods, installing light fixtures, and drilling anchor holes in drywall. DEWALT lists concrete and masonry as unsuitable, so brick or block walls call for a hammer drill.
Pros
- Light and compact for tight spots
- Two batteries let one charge while you work
- Batteries run the other 20V tools here
Cons
- 1.3Ah batteries drain quickly on long jobs
- Not rated for masonry
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V Max XR Drill Driver, Battery and Charger (DCD771C2) |
$119.00 | View on Amazon |
Who should buy it: first-time homeowners who want one reliable drill. Who may want another option: anyone drilling brick often. If you are still comparing models, see how to choose a cordless drill.
2. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver (DCF845B)
Best impact driver. Once your projects involve long deck screws or lag bolts, this brushless driver does the work that makes a drill stall or twist your wrist.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max torque | 1,825 in-lbs |
| Top speed | 3,400 rpm |
| Speeds | 3, plus variable trigger |
| Chuck | 1/4-inch hex |
| Included | Tool and belt hook only |
An impact driver adds rapid rotational hammering blows when resistance builds, which keeps big screws turning. The three speed settings help: low for small screws that strip easily, high for structural fasteners. A three-LED ring lights the work in cabinets and under sinks. It accepts 1/4-inch hex-shank bits only.
Good jobs: building a deck or fence, assembling a workbench, fastening ledger boards, and driving screws into studs. Read when to use an impact driver before you reach for it on delicate hardware.
Pros
- High torque for large screws
- Compact and light (about 2.2 pounds bare)
- Brushless motor
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Too aggressive for small brass screws
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR Impact Driver, 1/4 Inch High Torque Brushless 3 Speed Premium Cordless with LED… |
$169.00
$118.11 | View on Amazon |
Who should buy it: DIYers planning outdoor builds or framing. Who may want another option: those who mostly assemble furniture; the drill covers that.
3. DEWALT 20V MAX 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (DCS391B)
Best circular saw. For straight cuts through 2x4s, plywood, and deck boards, this cordless saw brings enough capacity for common lumber without a cord trailing across the yard.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Blade | 6-1/2-inch, 18-tooth carbide-tipped |
| Motor speed | 5,150 rpm |
| Bevel | 0–50 degrees |
| Cut depth | 2-1/8 in. at 90°, 1-5/8 in. at 45° |
| Shoe | Magnesium |
A 2-1/8-inch depth cuts through standard 2x dimensional lumber (1-1/2 inches thick) in one pass. The magnesium shoe resists bending, which keeps cuts accurate over time, and the keyless blade change with spindle lock makes swapping blades quick.
Homeowners use it for cutting shelving from plywood, trimming deck boards, and building raised garden beds. Clamp sheet goods and support both sides of the cut so the blade does not pinch. Brush up on power tool safety for beginners first; a circular saw is the least forgiving tool here.
Pros
- Cuts 2x lumber in one pass
- Durable shoe
- Tool-free blade changes
Cons
- Bare tool; needs a battery
- Smaller blade than corded 7-1/4-inch saws
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX Circular Saw Cordless, Battery Not Included (DCS391B) |
$159.00
$99.00 | View on Amazon |
Who should buy it: anyone building decks, beds, or shelving. Who may want another option: those who only make occasional curved cuts; see jigsaw vs reciprocating saw.
4. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool (DCS356B)
Best oscillating tool. This is the remodeling tool that makes awkward cuts possible, from undercutting door jambs for new flooring to cutting an outlet hole in installed drywall.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speeds | 0–13,000 / 0–17,000 / 0–20,000 OPM |
| Motor | Brushless |
| Accessory system | Quick-Change, universal adapter |
| Weight | 2.4 pounds |
| Included | Tool, adapter, two wood blades |
An oscillating tool moves the blade back and forth in a tiny arc very fast, so it plunges into material flat against a surface. DEWALT rates the brushless motor for up to 57% more runtime than a comparable brushed tool. The universal adapter accepts most brands of blades, which matters because you will burn through them.
Common jobs: trimming baseboard in place, removing old grout, sanding corners, and cutting nails in tight spots. The LED helps inside cabinets.
Pros
- Cuts where no saw fits
- Tool-free blade changes
- Works with most accessory brands
Cons
- Slow on long straight cuts
- Blades wear fast; budget for extras
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 20V MAX XR Oscillating Multi-Tool Cordless, Variable Speed Brushless Motor Multitool with… | $99.88 | View on Amazon |
Who should buy it: anyone planning flooring, trim, or bathroom updates. Who may want another option: new owners with no remodel planned yet.
5. DEWALT 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander (DWE6423)
Best random orbital sander. This corded sander is the practical choice for refinishing furniture, smoothing patched drywall compound, or prepping a door for paint.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Power | Corded, 3-amp |
| Speed | 8,000–12,000 OPM, variable |
| Pad | 5-inch hook-and-loop |
| Weight | 3.4 pounds |
| Dust | Locking bag or vacuum port |
A random orbit pattern spins and wobbles the pad, which hides swirl marks. The separate counterweight cuts vibration, and buyers frequently mention sanding for hours without much hand fatigue. Hook-and-loop paper swaps in seconds.
The dust port fits DEWALT’s DWV010 and DWV012 extractors, and a DWV9000 adapter connects standard 1-1/4-inch hoses. Our small shop dust collection guide covers setups. Being corded, it never quits mid-panel; see corded vs cordless sanders for the trade-off.
Pros
- Low vibration
- Unlimited runtime
- Good dust capture options
Cons
- Cord limits reach
- Some users find it harder to control on vertical surfaces
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT Random Orbit Sander, Variable Speed, 5-Inch (DWE6423), Power Source Corded Electric |
$79.00 | View on Amazon |
Who should buy it: furniture refinishers and woodworkers. Who may want another option: those wanting a fully battery-powered kit.
6. DEWALT 12 Gal. Wet/Dry Vacuum (DXV12P)
Best shop vacuum. Every project here produces sawdust or mess, and this 12-gallon wet/dry vac handles both debris and water.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 12 gallons |
| Motor | 5.5 peak HP, single stage |
| Cord / hose | 20 ft / 7 ft |
| Weight | 23.2 pounds |
| Extras | Blower port, drain port, 4 wheels |
Peak horsepower is a lab figure, so judge it by use: owners report strong suction on sawdust, leaves, pet hair, and standing water from basement floods or drained hot tubs. The 20-foot cord reaches across most garages without an extension.
Household jobs include post-project cleanup, garage sweeping, clearing water after a leak, and car interiors. Expect noise around 80 dB; pair it with hearing protection for long sessions. For fine sanding dust, read shop vacuum vs dust extractor.
Pros
- Large tank
- Handles wet and dry messes
- Long cord
Cons
- Bulky to store
- Loud
| Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT 12 Gal. 5.5 HP Poly Wet/Dry Vacuum with Hose and Accessories DXV12P |
$139.00 | View on Amazon |
Who should buy it: homeowners with garages or basements. Who may want another option: apartment dwellers short on space.
Buying Guide
Start with the drill, then buy tools as projects demand them. Most homeowners use a drill weekly and a circular saw a few times a year, so spend accordingly.
Match tools to jobs
| Household job | Tool to reach for |
|---|---|
| Hanging shelves, furniture, fixtures | Drill/driver |
| Decks, fences, lag bolts | Impact driver |
| Cutting lumber and plywood | Circular saw |
| Trim, flooring, drywall cutouts | Oscillating tool |
| Refinishing, paint prep | Random orbit sander |
| Cleanup, water, sawdust | Shop vacuum |
Pick one battery platform. Batteries and chargers are a large share of a tool’s cost. Committing to one system (here, DEWALT 20V MAX) lets you buy later tools bare. Keep in mind that the 1.3Ah packs in the drill kit are small; a higher-capacity battery is a sensible second purchase if you add the saw. Our notes on how to store tool batteries help them last.
Corded still has a place. Sanders and vacuums run long, and a cord removes battery anxiety. Weigh portability against runtime using our corded vs cordless power tools comparison.
Check what is in the box. Three of these picks are bare tools. Confirm whether a listing includes a battery and charger before you compare value.
Plan for accessories and space. Budget for drill bits, saw blades, oscillating blades, and sandpaper. A wall rack or bin keeps tools findable; see power tool storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What power tools should every homeowner have?
A cordless drill/driver is the one tool nearly every homeowner uses. After that, add an impact driver for large fasteners, a circular saw for lumber, and a shop vacuum for cleanup, then buy an oscillating tool or sander when a remodel or refinishing job comes up.
Which cordless power tool kit is best for basic home repairs?
For basic repairs, the DEWALT DCD771C2 drill/driver kit covers most jobs and includes two batteries and a charger. It leaves room to grow, since those batteries run the impact driver, saw, and multi-tool featured here.
Is the DEWALT 10-tool combo kit worth it for a homeowner?
It makes sense only if you expect to use most of the ten tools; otherwise you pay for tools that sit in the box. Many homeowners get better value by starting with the drill kit featured here and adding bare tools as projects call for them.
How does the BLACK+DECKER 4-tool combo kit compare with its 100-piece drill kit?
The main difference is breadth: a multi-tool kit adds more powered tools, while a drill kit with accessories focuses on one tool plus bits and sockets. Check each listing’s contents and choose the one that matches your job list, since we reviewed DEWALT tools for this guide.
Is a 12V drill enough for everyday DIY projects?
A 12V drill handles furniture assembly, picture hanging, and light fixture installs. For deck building, larger holes, or long sessions, a 20V-class drill like the DCD771C2 offers more power and a wider tool system.
What hand tools and electrical testers should homeowners keep alongside power tools?
Keep a basic set of screwdrivers, a hammer, pliers, hex keys, and a socket set for jobs where a power tool is overkill. Before any electrical work, use an outlet tester and a breaker finder to confirm the circuit is off, and review our power tool safety tips before starting.
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