Tip of the day: Cordless tool kits might be a good buy

In selecting cordless drills and other power tools to test, we commonly include products that are sold as part of a multitool kit as well as individual items. Kits from companies like Craftsman, DeWalt, Ryobi, and many others usually  include at least two batteries and a charger, a cordless drill, a circular and a reciprocating saw, and a flashlight. They typically cost as little as half the price you'd pay for all the gear à la carte and come in a spiffy case that neatly carries all the tools.

There's something cool about having a set of matching tools. For some of us, a kit transports us back to our youth when we toted around a carrying case for Matchbox cars. For others, a kit fulfills the desire to have a sharp-looking matching set on the shelves in the workshop or garage . . . and to make the neighbors envious. Plus, similar-looking tools might make it easier to ID and retrieve long-lost borrowed items.

Practical advantages exist, too. New lithium-ion batteries available for Ryobi's One+ tools fit earlier NiCd-powered versions from the company. (Note that some manufacturers sell individual tools without the battery and charger. If you already own other tools from the same company, you might be able to save a few dollars by buying just a drill or a saw, for instance.) Another benefit to a kit is that if you end up needing a specific tool for a job, you've got it with you.

But you know the drill . . . some makers seem to add tools to bundled sets that might not otherwise be a success on their own. And while cordless technology is getting better, not every power tool is meant for liberation from the cord. A cordless circular saw is best for light-duty trim work, while you'll want to use a corded saw for serious work.

Whether you're buying a cordless kit for yourself or as a holiday present, keep these tips in mind:

Focus on the tools you need. You'll use the drill most frequently, so make sure that your kits has one that performs well; see our Ratings of cordless drills (available to subscribers) to find a high-scoring model. The tool you'll likely pull out second most is the circular saw; note that with their limited battery power, circular saws are most useful for  cutting a few 2x4s or ripping a sheet of plywood but not for big jobs like building a deck. You might consider the flashlight to be just a way to fill out a kit, but a portable light can come in handy when you're working under a sink or in a dark area. Most have a flexible head that let you focus the light where you need it. Soft-fabric carry bags are growing in popularity because they eliminate your having to position the tool in its correct slot each time you put it away. They also have pockets for various bits, blades, and screws.

Handle each tool to judge how it feels. Lighter-duty tools might suffice if you use them occasionally or if you have low arm and wrist strength.

Compare prices. If the tools you need or want cost more when sold separately than in a kit that includes other gear, buy the kit. You never know when you'll need a recip saw.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Visit our Tools & Power Equipment page for more information on a range of tools and gear, including chain saws and wet/dry vacs.