This year, we saw many new power tools hit the shelves from some of our favorite tool brands. We highlighted quite a few of them in a variety of categories during the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, where our judges determined the most innovative tools of the year. With 2024 coming to a close, I’ve chosen five of the top power tool winners that stand out among other elite tools this year.
Best Cordless Power Tool Releases from 2024
Circular Saws – Milwaukee M18 Fuel 7 1/4-inch Circular Saw
The 2834-21HD circular saw from Milwaukee is a powerhouse of a tool. Using the M18 Forge 12.0Ah battery included with the kit, it can achieve up to 750 cuts per charge. Thanks to its brushless motor, it delivers up to 6,000 RPM and doesn’t bog down under load. This saw has a max cut depth of 2 5/8 inches with positive bevel and depth detents. Plus, an electric blade brake, LED work light, and rafter hook make this saw stand out against similar saws in the field.
Price: $449 kit with 12.0Ah battery and charger
Drills/Drivers – Hilti SF 10W-22 Cordless Drill Driver
HIlti’s SF 10W-22 drill/driver features a four-gear design, allowing it to tackle a variety of professional drilling applications. Like its previous iteration, this drill features a low-speed mode that was specifically designed for mixing duties that would put a strain on other drills. The upgrade that got this drill top marks in the Drills category was its inclusion in the Nuron battery system, which introduced a brushless motor and anti-kickback controls. Additionally, its metal chuck, brushless motor, and rubber bumpers make it durable enough to withstand tough jobsite conditions.
Price: $299
Oscillating Multi-Tools – Ridgid 18V Brushless Multi-Tool
Ridgid’s latest brushless oscillating multi-tool promised higher performance with a 4° oscillation arc and 20,000 OPM top speed. In fact, the R86242 OMT delivers up to 75% faster speeds than the pervious iterations. We put it to the test head-to-head against eight other models from top brands, including Fein, Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita. When the sawdust settled, Ridgid finished at or near the top in every test, earning our highest performance rating in the group. The icing on the cake? Ridgid also reduced its vibration by 70% over previous models.
Price: $149
Impact Drivers – DeWalt 20V Max XR 3-Speed 1/4-inch Impact Driver DCF860
The DeWalt DCF860 impact driver delivers a max torque level of 2500 in-lbs, making it possibly the highest torque impact driver in its class. It has three selectable speed modes with speeds reaching up to 3800 RPM, which should make quick work of tough fastening jobs. For lighting, many impact drivers on the market include three LED lights, however DeWalt tripled the light output, with a total of nine built-in LED work lights around the collet. This design gives you high visibility in low-light conditions while keeping shadows to a minimum.
Price: $199
Fans – Ryobi 40V HP Brushless Hybrid Whisper Series 20-inch Air Cannon
The Ryobi 20-inch Air Cannon utilizes a hybrid design that lets you power it via a 40V battery or an extension cord for all-day cooling. This is handy for jobsites that don’t necessarily have access to a constant power source. It has three speed settings, reaching a max air flow level of 6300 CFM. As part of the brand’s Whisper Series, it’s also extremely quiet, measuring just 58dBA on the highest setting. Plus, its metal construction helps this fan hold up to tough jobsites, and large wheels and a handle make transportation easy.
Price: $229
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