The Best Cordless Tools from The Home Depot

Buying cordless tools is a little like adopting a pet: you’re not just bringing home a drill, you’re committing to a
whole ecosystem of batteries, chargers, and “Wait… why do I own three work lights?” moments.

The good news: The Home Depot makes it pretty easy to build a cordless lineup that fits your lifewhether you’re a
weekend DIYer, a “my father-in-law is coming over so I must become a carpenter today” homeowner, or a working pro who
treats tools like coworkers (reliable, tough, and occasionally borrowed without permission).

This guide breaks down the best cordless tool categories to buy at The Home Depot, explains how to choose the right
battery platform, and gives practical, real-world picks and use caseswithout turning your shopping list into a
second mortgage.

First, Choose Your Battery Platform (Because Batteries Are the Real “Tool”)

The fastest way to waste money is buying one great tool from five different brands. The fastest way to feel like a
genius is picking a platform and sticking to it. Most people do best with one primary platform (for
indoor tools) and one outdoor platform (for yard gear), because lawn tools often need bigger packs.

Five cordless “lanes” you’ll see a lot at The Home Depot

• Milwaukee M18 Pro-grade depth and heavy-duty performance; the M18 system is marketed as having
  200+ solutions and M18 FUEL is positioned as compatible with 250+ tools.
• DEWALT 20V MAX A workhorse platform with broad availability and lots of compact “Atomic” and
  higher-performance XR options.
• Makita 18V LXT (and 18V X2/36V) Known for smooth ergonomics, strong saws, and a huge catalog; the
  LXT system is promoted as 350+ cordless products.
• RYOBI 18V ONE+ A value powerhouse for homeowners and DIYers; the ONE+ system is promoted as
  over 300 products (including some surprisingly capable brushless tools under the ONE+ HP umbrella).
• RIDGID 18V A sweet spot for many homeowners: strong performance plus a well-known registration-based
  Lifetime Service Agreement on eligible tools/batteries (read the terms and register on time).

If you only remember one thing, make it this: buy the platform that matches your “future self.” If
you see yourself adding a nailer, an inflator, a vacuum, and a couple lights in the next year, pick the ecosystem
with the best coverage for those toolsnot just the cheapest drill kit on the shelf today.

The Must-Have Core: Drill + Impact Driver (The PB&J of Power Tools)

If you’re starting from scratch, the best first purchase is usually a combo kit with a drill/driver,
an impact driver, two batteries, and a charger. You’ll use the drill for holes and the impact driver for driving
screws without stripping them like you’re auditioning for a comedy show.

Best overall “do-it-all” drill/driver approach

Many tool-testing outlets consistently put pro-grade hammer drills at the top of the pileespecially in Milwaukee,
DeWalt, and Makita lineups. For example, one Popular Mechanics round-up listed the Milwaukee 2904-20 hammer drill
as “Best Overall,” while other testing sites also frequently rank Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel drills highly for power and runtime.

Best compact impact driver style (tight spaces, big jobs)

Impact drivers are where “compact” matters. A shorter head length helps you actually fit between studs, under sinks,
and inside cabinetsaka the places screws go to hide.

• DeWalt ATOMIC DCF850 Marketed as an under-4-inch compact driver design with pro-focused torque and speed,
  making it a strong pick when access is the whole problem.
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2953-20 A widely stocked Home Depot option positioned as a high-performance impact driver,
  built around Milwaukee’s brushless POWERSTATE/REDLINK ecosystem messaging and broad M18 compatibility.
• RYOBI ONE+ HP brushless impact drivers Great for DIYers who want “nice” features (brushless, mode control)
  without paying pro-kit prices.

Pro tip: Batteries matter as much as the tool body. If you’re driving big structural screws or drilling
a bunch of holes, step up to higher-capacity packs (think 4Ah–6Ah) for longer runtime and better sustained power.

Best Cordless Cutting Tools (Where Projects Get Real)

After the drill/impact combo, cutting tools are where you feel the difference between “I own tools” and “I can build
things.” These are the cordless tools that make The Home Depot feel like a candy store.

1) Circular saw: the “build stuff” button

A circular saw is the workhorse for plywood, 2x lumber, shelving, and trim boards. If you do anything beyond hanging
pictures, you’ll want one.

• Makita 36V (18V X2) circular saw kits BobVila’s testing has highlighted Makita cordless saws as top choices,
  including a 36V brushless 7-1/4″ style saw kit as a favorite in their circular saw guide.
• DeWalt 20V MAX XR circular saw A popular choice for homeowners who want strong cross-cutting power and a huge
  battery platform.
• RYOBI ONE+ circular saw A practical DIY pick if you’re already in ONE+ and want a capable saw for weekend work.

2) Reciprocating saw: demolition, pruning, and “why is this nailed here?”

A recip saw (Sawzall-style tool) is for cutting nails, old pipes, framing members, and thick branches. It’s the tool
you grab when the project stops being polite.

Platform-wise, Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V MAX, Makita LXT, RIDGID 18V, and RYOBI ONE+ all offer excellent options at
The Home Depot. What matters most is vibration control, blade change ease, and
battery sizebecause demo work eats batteries like a teenager eats snacks.

3) Oscillating multi-tool: the “impossible cut” specialist

If you’ve ever tried to cut door jambs, trim a piece flush, scrape adhesive, or make a plunge cut in drywall without
destroying everything around it… you want an oscillating multi-tool.

• DeWalt DCS356 Frequently recommended in tool roundups as a user-friendly cordless oscillating multi-tool.
• Makita LXT oscillating multi-tools Widely stocked at Home Depot and often bundled in combo promotions.
• RYOBI ONE+ multi-tools A fantastic “first multi-tool” choice, especially when paired with ONE+ HP batteries.

Accessory tip: Multi-tools are only as good as the blades. Budget for a mixed blade pack (wood, metal,
carbide grit) so you don’t try to cut nails with a wood blade and wonder why your tool smells like regret.

Best Cordless Fastening Tools (Nailers, Impacts, and the Joy of No Hose)

Cordless fastening tools are what make you feel like you’ve entered the “no cords, no compressors” era of home
improvement. Once you get used to cordless, cords start to feel like a personal insult.

1) Cordless brad nailer: trim without the air compressor lifestyle

For baseboards, shoe molding, thin trim, and small woodworking projects, a cordless brad nailer is a game-changer.
Family Handyman’s brad nailer coverage notes DeWalt’s 18-gauge cordless brad nailer as a contractor favorite and
highlights compatibility with DeWalt 20V batteriesexactly what you want if you’re already in that platform.

Home Depot also carries strong options in Milwaukee M18 and RYOBI ONE+ ecosystems. If you’re DIY-focused, RYOBI often
delivers the best “I can’t believe this is cordless” feeling per dollar.

2) Cordless framing nailer: big projects, big payoff

Planning a shed, framing a wall, or building a deck structure? A cordless framing nailer saves time and reduces
setup. BobVila’s nail gun testing has featured a DeWalt 20V MAX cordless framing nailer kit as a top
framing pick, calling out its suitability for framing work and tighter spaces.

3) Impact wrench: automotive, lag bolts, and serious fastening

An impact wrench is not a bigger impact driverit’s a different animal. If you work on vehicles, install big lag
bolts, or do heavy fastening, a compact impact wrench becomes a “how did I live without this” tool.

Milwaukee M18 and DeWalt 20V MAX are the most common “grab it today at Home Depot” choices here, with lots of socket
compatibility and tool options.

Best Cordless Tools for Cleanup, Light, and Jobsite Convenience

These aren’t always glamorous tools, but they’re the ones you reach for constantly. (And yes, you can justify a
cordless vacuum as “health and safety.”)

1) Cordless shop vac / vacuum

A cordless vacuum shines for quick messes: drywall dust, sawdust, pet hair, car cleanouts, and that one corner of the
garage where screws go to retire. Most major platforms at Home Depot offer compact vacs; choose based on your battery
ecosystem and whether you need a bigger tank or a quick grab-and-go.

2) Cordless work light: the unsung hero

You’ll buy one light and think, “That’s enough.” Later you’ll own three, and you’ll be correct. Look for adjustable
heads, hanging hooks, and flood-style beams for room lighting.

3) Compact inflator: the tool you’ll use more than you expect

Tires, sports balls, bike tubes, wheelbarrowsan inflator is pure convenience. Many platforms offer them and they’re
often inexpensive as bare tools once you already own batteries.

Best Cordless Outdoor Tools at The Home Depot (Where Voltage Gets Serious)

Outdoor cordless tools have matured a lot. If you’re sick of gas engines that won’t start unless you whisper kind
words to them, battery tools can be a genuinely better experience for many yards.

1) Leaf blower: look at CFM, not just MPH

For blowers, airflow (CFM) and speed (MPH) both matter, but CFM often tells you more about moving piles effectively.
One Home Depot listing highlights the RYOBI 40V HP Brushless Whisper Series blower as rated around
650 CFM and 160 MPH, which is the kind of spec that can handle real yard cleanup.

If you’re already in a pro platform, there are also strong Milwaukee and DeWalt cordless blower options. Some lifestyle
outlets reviewing blowers have highlighted models like Milwaukee’s M18 Fuel blower for a balance of power and user
friendliness.

2) String trimmer: battery power that actually feels practical

A cordless trimmer is one of the easiest gas-to-battery upgrades. You’ll want good balance, easy line loading, and a
battery that doesn’t quit mid-edge. For most homeowners, a 40V outdoor ecosystem (like RYOBI 40V) is a comfortable
level of power. If your yard is small, some 18V tools can still do the jobyou’ll just need bigger batteries and
patience.

3) Mower: best for “I’m done with gas” households

Cordless mowers are ideal if you want low maintenance and quick start-ups. They’re not always the cheapest up front,
but they can be extremely satisfying day-to-dayespecially if you already own matching batteries.

Buying Smart at The Home Depot (Save Money Without Becoming a Deal Detective)

Return policy: know the window

Home Depot’s published return policy states that most merchandise can be returned within 90 days with
proof of purchase, with some exceptions. That window is your friend for making sure a tool feels right in your hand.

Tool Rental: try before you buy (or avoid buying entirely)

For one-time projectslike a big demo weekend or a specialty jobHome Depot’s tool rental program can be the smartest
“purchase” you make. Rent the specialized tool, keep your garage from becoming a museum, and spend the savings on
materials (or snacks; both are valid).

Pro Xtra: if you buy a lot, it can pay off

If you’re a frequent buyer, Home Depot’s Pro Xtra loyalty program promotes perks like personalized offers and special
pricing on thousands of products. Even DIYers who buy steadily through the year may find it worthwhile.

Battery recycling: don’t toss packs in the trash

Rechargeable batteries should be recycled properly. Home Depot has worked with Call2Recycle for in-store rechargeable
battery collection for years, and the program has recycled large volumes of batteries over time. It’s an easy
“responsible adult” win.

Safety note: check recalls occasionally

Even good brands have recalls. It’s worth a quick check during big tool purchases or seasonal maintenance. If a recall
impacts a product line you own, follow the manufacturer instructions promptly.

Quick “Best Cordless Tools” Shopping List (If You Want the Short Version)

If you want a cordless tool set that covers 90% of home projects, start here:

• Drill/driver + impact driver combo kit (two batteries minimum)
• Oscillating multi-tool (with a blade variety pack)
• Circular saw (7-1/4″ if you cut lots of lumber; smaller trim saw if you do lighter work)
• Reciprocating saw (for demo and pruning)
• Work light (trust me)
• Vacuum (dust happens whether you believe in it or not)
• Outdoor pick: leaf blower + trimmer (often best on a higher-voltage platform like 40V)

of Real-World Experiences (What It’s Like Living With Cordless Tools)

Here’s what people usually discover after switching to a cordless setup from The Home Depot: it changes how you
approach projects. Not in a “you’ll become a master craftsperson overnight” waymore like a “you’ll actually do the
small fixes you’ve been avoiding” way.

For example, a loose cabinet hinge used to be a whole production: find the screwdriver, realize the screw holes are
stripped, dig out toothpicks and wood glue, then promise yourself you’ll “finish it later.” With a compact impact
driver and a drill, the fix becomes a five-minute pit stop. Drill out the hole, plug it, re-drive the screw, and move
on. That’s the hidden superpower of cordless tools: less friction, more follow-through.

Another common experience is the “battery revelation.” At first, people buy a small kit with two compact batteries
and feel pretty setuntil they do a real project like hanging a row of shelves or cutting plywood. That’s when the
difference between a small pack and a higher-capacity pack becomes obvious. The tool doesn’t necessarily feel stronger
in a dramatic superhero way, but it stays consistent longer, and you spend less time swapping batteries like you’re
running a tiny pit crew in your garage.

Then there’s the multi-tool moment. Most owners remember the first time an oscillating tool saves a project: trimming
a door that rubs the floor, flush-cutting baseboard for new flooring, or cutting out a neat drywall square instead of
creating a jagged “modern art” hole. It’s not glamorous, but it feels like you just unlocked a cheat codeespecially
when you realize it can scrape caulk, remove grout, and sand in corners that your regular sander will never meet.

Cordless outdoor tools bring a different kind of joy: instant starts. No fuel. No yanking a cord. No “It ran last
fall, I swear.” A solid cordless blower and trimmer setup turns yard cleanup into something you can do in short
bursts. Ten minutes before guests arrive? Blow the patio. Quick edge pass after mowing? Done. The yard doesn’t have to
become an all-day event.

And finally, there’s the funny part: you’ll start buying “support” tools because they’re convenient. A work light
becomes two. Then a compact vacuum joins the family. Then an inflator shows up and somehow becomes the most-used tool
you own. This isn’t tool hoarding (okay, sometimes it is). It’s that cordless tools remove barriers, so you end up
actually using themoften for the boring, everyday tasks that keep a home running smoothly.

Conclusion: Build Your Cordless Lineup Like a System (Because It Is One)

The best cordless tools from The Home Depot aren’t just “the most powerful” or “the cheapest.” The real winning move
is building a balanced system: a solid drill/impact combo, a few cutting tools that match your
projects, and convenience tools that keep you moving. Pick a battery platform you can grow into, buy the tools you’ll
reach for weekly, and let the specialty stuff come later (or rent it).