Compact tools are all the rage and, to make sure they have their market share, Milwaukee Tools has beefed up their M12 line with some pretty cool goodies like the 2491-24 four tool combo kit. Two of the included cordless tools that drew us in were the 850 in-lb impact driver and a small sized reciprocating saw.
The Milwaukee M18 Sawzall (2620-22) is just plain fun to use. It’s cordless, which opens up a wide range of opportunities for use, and weighs just shy of 8 lbs with the battery. The weight puts it surprisingly close to its corded brethren. What it gives up in power (and lack of orbital action) it makes up in strokes per minute. In fact, it has more SPM than the corded 11-15 amp models Milwaukee offers. Since it lacked orbital action (which reduces its effectiveness at demolition work) overall cutting progress was considerably slower than a corded or even cordless orbital model.
The new Milwaukee M18 Cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit (2694-24) offers pro features and power typically associated with larger, bulkier corded tools. While Milwaukee sells multiple combo kits, this one includes two of their XC-series of batteries which are capable of powering the included 1/2″ hammer drill to 550 in-lbs of torque. Toss in a reciprocating Sawzall and a cordless 6.5″ M18 circular saw and you’ve got a set of tools that are made for professionals to use and abuse for years. They even include a handy work light that runs for hours and hours and will keep you going well into the night.
When you hear the name Porter Cable, thoughts of quality tools usually come to mind; so when we heard about the new PC418C-2 18V cordless 4-Tool Combo Kit we were pretty excited to check it out. This combo kit comes with most all the tools needed to dive into your own home remodel project including a 1/2″ Drill/Driver, 6-1/2″ Circular Saw, Reciprocating Saw and a Flashlight.
What do you get when you take 50 percent jig saw and 50 percent reciprocating saw along with all the functionality of a hand saw? What you get is the new Ridgid R3030 One-Handed Reciprocating Saw! Many times a reciprocating saw is too big, does not fit or lacks the finesse needed to do a tricky cutting job. This new saw will reach into those tight places and give you complete functionality and precision control.
The new SKIL 2895LI-2018V Lithium Ion Cordless 4-Tool Combo Set is a homeowner dream come true, with tools that have professional qualities at a price almost anyone can afford. Offering plenty of power, light weight, quality design and the latest 18V lithium ion battery technology, this set is ideal for anyone just starting out with their first home or the seasoned do it your self type.
The Rockwell 12A vibrafree Reciprocating Saw RK3637K features Rockwell’s patented active vibration canceling technology. This technology allows for up to a 70% reduction in vibration which translates into less user fatigue.
Makita is breaking into the lithium-ion realm with gusto and is offering 8 new 18V li-ion combo kits, from 2-piece kits to full 15-piece master kits that will leaving you wanting for nothing. We took a first look at their latest 7-piece combo kit which includes, among other things, a 1/2-inch hammer drill, a 6.5-inch circular saw, impact driver, reciprocating saw, 4.5-inch angle grinder, flashlight and jobsite radio. This is a robust kit that only leaves off smaller-sized versions of what’s provided here.
The Ryobi RJ162VK is a sensible 6.5 amp reciprocating saw that is perfect for the handyman or do-it-yourselfer who doesn’t require oodles of power and who isn’t planning on doing tons of demo work. Its very reasonable street price makes it one of the more handy “gotta-have-it” tools we recommend for anyone who plans on doing any type of projects around the home.
