Best Power Tools for Homeowners According to Reddit
What Reddit Suggests
Recommendation | Tool Type |
---|---|
Drills and Drivers | Saws |
Reddit prefers cordless drills like Dewalt DCD779C2 and circular saws from DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and Bosch. | Circular saws and miter saws are essential for woodworking projects. |
Sanders | Specialty Tools |
Orbital and belt sanders like Dewalt DCW210D1 and Ryobi P411 are popular. | Oscillating multi-tools, nail guns, and routers are versatile and powerful. |
Corded vs. Cordless | Top Brands |
Top-rated brands include DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ryobi. | DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ryobi are the most loved. |
Budget Considerations | Reliability |
Reputable brands like DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee are recommended. | Redditors emphasize warranties and reliable brands like Ryobi, Black+Decker, and Craftsman. |
Setting the Stage
Before you purchase a power tool, it’s a smart idea to listen to advice from the community.
Reddit is a great example of an online community where you can ask questions and get ideas.
Many users are long term experts who have experience using tools, so their opinion can be invaluable.
With Reddit, you don’t have to take the word of one person: the wisdom of the whole community can help you make the right decision.
Why Reddit
Reddit is full of people who are passionate about their hobby and willing to share their experiences.
That means you’re getting real reviews and advice from people who have actually used the tools.
Plus, you can search for recommendations to specific problems, so you can find ideas on the best solutions.
With so much information from real people, you know you’re getting honest opinions you can take with you when shopping, whether online or off.
Reddit Comparisons
This article reviews the best power tools suggested by Reddit users for homeowners.
We compare tool types, applications, and features to help you choose the right power tool for your DIY project.
Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or just starting out, these recommendations will help you get the job done.
The Power of Reddit Communities
r/Tools
r/Tools is a vibrant Reddit community for DIY home improvement enthusiasts.
Members are passionate about conversation and sharing their expertise on which power tools are best for a range of home improvement projects.
Whether it’s for cutting the perfect trim molding or drilling holes into concrete, r/Tools members have advice and tips on what power tools are worth purchasing for a particular job.
Additionally, members can quickly get their questions answered and ask for advice on home repair related tasks.
With over 60,000 active subscribers, r/Tools is a great source of knowledge from experienced power tool users.
r/HomeImprovement
Reddit’s r/HomeImprovement community is packed full of helpful advice and ideas from experienced DIYers.
Every day, members come together to discuss the latest tools, techniques, and problems.
With thousands of members and a wide range of experiences, it’s the go-to source for all things home improvement related.
From tips on Sundy project rookie mistakes to detailed advice on how to save money, r/HomeImprovement has it all.
Plus, regular competitions and events can help even the most novice DIYer get better at home improvement.
r/DIY
Reddit’s r/DIY is the perfect community for homeowners looking to get into some do-it-yourself projects.
Deemed the “ultimate DIY resource,” members are always willing to help each other out, offering advice, tips, support, and more.
On the subreddit, you will find people discussing their current projects, sharing what purchases they have recently made, and providing feedback to others who are just starting out.
This community is the perfect place to learn about all the products and tools needed to make DIY projects a success.
r/Woodworking
r/Woodworking is an online community of home project enthusiasts.
Members share tips and tricks for working with wood, share their experiences, and get advice from each other.
They talk about the latest tools and techniques, share photos of their projects, and discuss woodworking challenges.
This is a great place to learn from the experiences of experienced woodworkers and get advice from them.
Drills and Drivers
Cordless Drills
Cordless drills are a popular choice on Reddit, with users often noting the portability and battery life of the device.
The Dewalt DCD779C2 is a firm favourite, praised for having an impressive range of torque settings.
The Ryobi One+ P18402 is another favourite, offering up to 50% more power than its competitors.
The Milwaukee M18 has also made a few appearances, with users citing its incredible performance and battery life as the main draws.
Whether you’re looking for precision or a powerful general-use drill, Reddit believes these cordless drills are sure to hit the mark.
Impact Drivers
Impact drivers are a type of power tool that home improvement experts on Reddit love.
These drivers have great torque and power, so they make quick work of tight screws and stubborn bolts that are hard to loosen.
An impact driver is much more power efficient than a regular drill.
And one of the biggest advantages of using an impact driver is that you can just set the speed and let it do its thing, without needing to worry about changing settings or slowing down.
Plus, they are lightweight, making them an ideal choice for DIYers.
Saws
Circular Saws
Circular saws are a popular and powerful tool on Reddit for home improvement projects.
They’re a versatile tool that can cut through wood and other materials quickly and easily.
Many users on Reddit recommend the DeWalt line for its power and reliability.
DeWalt circular saws have easy to use controls. They also come in several sizes, so you can choose the one that best fits the job you’re working on.
Additional top picks from Reddit include Makita, Milwaukee, and Bosch circular saws.
Miter Saws
Miter saws are incredibly popular among homeowners according to Reddit.
They are compact and easy to store but offer powerful cutting, making them ideal for a variety of projects.
With the right blade, they can cut through wood, metal, and even plastic.
Whether you need to cut angles for a picture frame, miter trim, or roofing material, the miter saw is a top choice.
Many users recommend the Bosch Glide Miter Saw, citing its smooth cutting and great accuracy.
The Makita LS1040 saw is another popular choice, offering a 10-inch blade and the ability to make bevel cuts.
Table Saws
Table saws are at the top of Reddit’s list of power tools for homeowners.
They can cut through stock, hardwood, and other materials quickly and accurately.
They are also perfect for cutting long boards for projects like furniture and other woodworking projects.
Table saws are fairly easy to control and set up, and certain models come with features like a retractable fence that makes them easier to use.
Redditors recommend good quality table saws for accuracy and reliability.
Sanders
Orbital Sanders
Orbital sanders are a popular choice among Redditors.
One Redditor says that the Dewalt DCW210D1 is their favorite for precision sanding, even on delicate areas.
Another Redditor says they use the PORTER-CABLE 12V Max Sander because it fits in tight spots, allowing them to reach those hard-to-sand spots.
Ryobi P411 is another highly recommended sander, with the power of some of the more expensive models and great battery life.
The BLACK+DECKER BDEMS600, Bosch ROS10, and Porter-Cable 382 are all favored as well, with smooth sanding action and a dependable design.
Belt Sanders
Reddit’s top belt sander pick is the Ryobi P450.
It’s an 8-amp belt sander with adjustable speed control that creates a smooth professional finish.
It’s perfect for sanding a variety of surfaces from wood to metal.
The Bosch 1294VSRK is another fan favorite.
It’s a reliable, variable speed sander that fits comfortably in your hand, with an extra long hose for easier cleaning.
Other Reddit-approved belt sanders include the Makita 9403, Hitachi SB8V2, and Fein VVSS.
Specialty Tools
Oscillating Multi-Tools
Oscillating multi-tools are one of Reddit’s top recommendations for home power tool users.
They have a wide range of attachments for different jobs, from sanding to cutting.
They’re designed to be easy to use, with an ergonomic, comfortable grip and controls that are simple to understand.
With an oscillating multi-tool, you can tackle just about any job you can think of and get professional results.
Nail Guns
Nail guns are an increasingly popular tool among Reddit’s DIY set.
Cordless models are fast and portable, making it easy to get jobs done quickly.
Many reviewers like the Porter-Cable nail gun for its compact size and reliable mechanics.
The Dewalt model is another popular choice, with a larger frame and increased power.
The Bostitch Super-Tac is considered the best overall, thanks to its wide variety of settings and added depth control.
Router Tools
Reddit users rank routers as one of the best overall power tools for homeowners.
Especially if working on furniture, trim, or other detailed projects, a router is essential to get the job done.
The DEWALT DWP611 Compact Router is a popular option on Reddit for its easy-to-use settings and strong, reliable construction.
Another favorite by Redditors is the Makita RP2301FC 3-1/4 Horsepower Variable Speed Plunge Router, which provides a powerful plunge action for professional-level precision.
For value and durability, Reddit often recommends the Bosch 1617EVSPK 2.25 Horsepower Fixed-Base Router Kit.
Corded vs. Cordless: Reddit’s Take
Pros and Cons
When it comes to power tools, there are plenty of opinions on Reddit.
Most redditors agreed that corded tools offer the most power and are reliable, but also come with drawbacks.
Cordless tools have convenience and portability, but generally have lower power and shorter battery life.
Safety concerns and costs also came into play, with some warning that inexperienced users should go with corded for added peace of mind.
In the end, the decision between corded and cordless really comes down to personal preference and the job in question.
Which to Choose for What Jobs
If you’re a homeowner trying to decide if you should get corded or cordless tools, there are some things to consider.
For jobs that require a tool to be used for more extended periods of time, a corded model may be the better option.
That’s because the power remains consistent throughout the job, and corded tools don’t require a battery change.
To get the most power, cordless tools should be used for jobs with frequent starts and stops.
That’s because the battery won’t run down, and you don’t have to worry about getting cords out of the way.
So when deciding which tool to buy, think about the types of jobs you’ll be using it for and how long you’ll need power for at a time.
What Reddit Says About Brands
DeWalt
Many Redditors are fans of DeWalt power tools.
They praise the quality and power of DeWalt products, and often recommend them for DIY projects and home repairs.
Many Redditors have stated that they use DeWalt tools and never have any issues with quality or reliability.
In a widely-cited post, one Redditor proclaimed that DeWalt has “the best drill ever made”.
Milwaukee
Redditors love Milwaukee power tools for being reliable, affordable, and long lasting.
Many thread starters recommend them for all kinds of tasks, from woodworking to DIY projects.
Some seen using Milwaukee tools include pro carpenters, electricians, HVAC technicians, and even contractors who need professional grade tools.
Many redditors comment on how their tools are tough, easy to use, and get the job done quickly.
They also love the warranty included with all Milwaukee power tools, which often cover parts and labour.
Makita
Makita gets lots of love on Reddit.
According to one group of DIYers, Makita is reliable, lightweight, and affordable.
They appreciate the many different types of drills Makita has to offer.
Many Redditors comment on the impressive power and maneuverability of Makita tools.
Plus, one user points out that Makita is a professional-grade power tool brand.
People also appreciate the quality customer service support on their products.
Ryobi
Ryobi is a popular brand on Reddit.
According to many commenters, its hand tools consistently perform well for reasonable costs.
They also note how Ryobi is often more affordable than types from other brands.
Many Redditors had positive comments about Ryobi when they shared their experiences with the tools.
Redditors often cite Ryobi as a great budget-friendly brand for those looking for power tools that are reliable and dependable.
Budget Considerations
High-End vs Budget-Friendly Tools
When it comes to power tools, Redditors tend to have strong opinions about whether it’s best to invest in high-end or budget-friendly tools.
Some suggest that high-end is the way to go since the quality will last longer and won’t need frequent repairs.
Others point out that you can get a lot of bang for your buck with budget-friendly tools and they can still do the job just fine.
Some Redditor’s think that you should get a mix depending on needs and budget.
Quality comes with cost, but if you don’t have a need for a lot of power, you can often find a way to save money.
Best Value for Money
Getting the best value for money is important when shopping for power tools.
Reddit users suggest sticking to reputable brands like DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee.
These brands are generally superior to budget-brand tools and worth the extra cost.
Cheaper tools commonly have issues with power, durability, and replacement parts.
If budget is a major concern, Reddit recommends factory reconditioned tools.
Often, they offer the same quality as new tools at a fraction of the cost.
Reliability and Warranties
Many reddit buyers look for power tools with long warranties, as they are confident that if something goes wrong, they can get the repair they need or their money back.
Redditors also look for reliable brands that are less likely to break down, as this will save them money in the long run on costly repairs.
When shopping for power tools, Reddit users say you should always look for good value for money.
Many brands offer excellent customer service and warranties, so it is worth it to research different options before making your choice.
Ryobi, Black+Decker and Craftsman have all been popular picks for offering reliable, quality products at a reasonable price.
Conclusion
Summary
Overall, Redditors recommend the following power tools for homeowners.
- DeWalt DCD777C2
- Milwaukee M18 FUEL Hammer Drill
- Bosch 18 V Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver
- Makita 18-Volt LXT 4.0Ah Lithium-Ion Cordless Hammer Drill/Driver combo
- DeWalt DCD985M2 20v MAX
- Ryobi One+ 18V These tools have all performed well for Redditors for a variety of homeowner tasks, from drilling pilot holes to demolition.
From light to heavy-duty, these power tools can tackle any job with ease.
For more recommendations, you can check reddit’s subreddits, and do your own research.