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The right power tools can make DIY jobs around the house so much easier for mom, whether she’s tackling renovations, hobby projects, or just keeping up with home maintenance. If her toolbox is lacking, why not buy her a nice power upgrade? The list ahead includes some of the best power tools we’ve tested. They’re efficient, ergonomic, and effective, and are sure to satisfy all the handy moms out there.
1. DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver Kit
Whether it’s used to put together IKEA furniture or make major renovations, a cordless drill is a must-have power tool in any home. If mom doesn’t have one yet, or if you want to upgrade her old one, the DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver Kit is a stellar choice. We tested and chose this drill kit as our favorite among the best cordless drills, finding it versatile, lightweight, and portable. It powered through our tests and felt well-balanced in hand.
Get the DeWalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Compact Drill/Driver Kit at Amazon for $122.45
2. Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
An oscillating tool (also called a multi-tool) is a welcome addition to many hobbyists’ toolboxes. These handheld power tools can perform multiple functions, including cutting, sanding, filing, and more. We tested the Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit and awarded it top honors for the best oscillating tool. It excels at cutting on both low and high speeds, and the toolless blade-change system makes swapping out attachments simple, eliminating the need for a hex key or wrench.
Read our full review: Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit
Get the Bosch StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit at Amazon for $99
3. Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit
Mom can tackle big demo jobs with the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit, which is our top pick among the best reciprocating saws. It’s a serious tool with a fast cutting speed. It was easy and comfortable to use in our testing, with lower vibration than other reciprocating saws, making it worth its costlier price tag (and worth gifting to handy moms).
What our tester says: “This saw dominated our testing. Not only did it produce fantastic power, but it felt smoother than most without the vibration we experienced with other reciprocating saws. It took just 7 seconds to cut clean through a 2×4 and about a second more than that with deck screws embedded into it.”—Tony Carrick, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Sawzall Reciprocating Saw Kit at Ace Hardware for $329
4. Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼” Circular Saw Kit
When it comes to building projects, mom will probably appreciate a circular saw. After testing, we crowned the Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼” Circular Saw Kit as the best circular saw. We were impressed with its cutting capacity, convenient quick-change angle adjustment, and durable build. It’s cordless, so it’s easily maneuverable, but it boasts enough power to rival some corded models.
Read our full review: Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼” Circular Saw Kit
Get the Makita XSH06PT 36V Brushless 7¼” Circular Saw Kit at The Home Depot for $399
5. Flex 6½-Inch In-Line Circular Saw Kit
If you think mom would prefer a smaller saw tool, consider the Flex 6½-Inch In-Line Circular Saw Kit, one of the best compact circular saws. Though small, it has a 6½-inch blade that can handle much of the general improvement cuts needed around the home. It also offers great visibility, with a clear view on both sides when cutting.
What our tester says: “This innovative tool offers near full-size power and cut capacity packed into a creative, functional design.”—Mark Clement, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Flex 6½-Inch In-Line Circular Saw Kit at Acme Tools for $179
6. Bosch GCM12SD 12-in. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw
Some jobs call for a miter saw, and if you’re shopping for one for mom, why settle for less than the best? After testing over 100 of the best miter saws, we especially liked the Bosch GCM12SD 12-in. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw. It was accurate, made it easy to see cutlines while working, and boasts an excellent dust collection system.
Get the Bosch GCM12SD 12-in. Dual-Bevel Glide Miter Saw at Amazon for $649
7. Makita Cordless 5″ Random Orbit Sander
If mom refurbishes furniture or works with wood often, a random orbital sander is a must. The best model we tested was the Makita Cordless 5″ Random Orbit Sander. It’s cordless, which makes sanding jobs so much easier. It also has a small form factor for great maneuverability, and in our testing, it felt the smoothest to use out of all the sanders we tried.
Get the Makita Cordless 5″ Random Orbit Sander at The Home Depot for $139
8. DeWalt 20V MAX 16 GA Angled Finish Nailer Kit
Installing trim, baseboards, and more is easier with the DeWalt 20V MAX 16 GA Angled Finish Nailer Kit. This model stood out among all the others in our guide on the best nail guns. Mom will be able to tackle plenty of jobs thanks to the accurate nail-depth adjustment, smooth operation, and ergonomic handle.
What our tester says: “[I] found the DeWalt angled finish nailer easy to use and comfortable to hold with its rubberized grip and ergonomic shape. This powerful finish nailer is suitable for installing casing, baseboards, stair risers, or for any other project where finish nails are called for.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the DeWalt 20V MAX 16 GA Angled Finish Nailer Kit at Amazon for $379
9. DeWalt DCF885C1 20V MAX ¼-Inch Impact Driver Kit
If an ordinary drill isn’t cutting it anymore for mom’s DIY projects, grab her one of the best impact drivers instead. We recommend the DeWalt DCF885C1 20V MAX ¼-Inch Impact Driver Kit. It’s a powerful yet lightweight tool, so it shouldn’t be too much of a hassle to carry. The sensitivity of the trigger was also a standout feature. In our testing, it worked well while inserting fasteners into softwoods and hardwoods, in addition to loosening a frozen fastener.
Get the DeWalt DCF885C1 20V MAX ¼-Inch Impact Driver Kit at The Home Depot for $179
10. Ridgid 12-Gallon 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum
If mom’s still using a broom and dustpan for cleaning up after DIY tasks, make her job easier with one of the best shop vacs. The Ridgid 12-Gallon 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum is our model of choice, and it quickly cleaned up big messes in our testing. It has some fabulous features for all kinds of jobs, including very powerful suction, a wet nozzle with a squeegee for thoroughly tackling wet messes, and an impressive 12-gallon capacity.
Get the Ridgid 12-Gallon 5.0 Peak HP NXT Wet/Dry Shop Vacuum at The Home Depot for $99.98
11. Makita 18V LXT Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder
Mom can cut, grind, and polish to her heart’s content with the Makita 18V LXT Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder, our pick for the best angle grinder. This beginner-friendly model automatically adjusts speed and torque to the job in question. In our testing, it also had very little noticeable vibration, so even if mom’s just getting into power tools, it will be easy for her to use.
What our tester says: “DIYers who worry about a grinder being too much of a tool to handle are ideal candidates for the Makita angle grinder. Sure, it’s a powerful machine, but the slow-start and the vibration control features make wielding it a breeze. Compared to other models, the Makita’s ergonomics and handling are spot-on.”—Tom Scalisi, Product Reviews tester and writer
Read our full review: Makita 18V LXT Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder
Get the Makita 18V LXT Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder at The Home Depot for $169
12. DeWalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw and Rolling Stand
When she needs to make extra accurate, larger, and repeat cuts, mom could benefit from a top table saw like the DeWalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw and Rolling Stand. This model was a strong performer in our testing, slicing through various materials accurately and smoothly. A standout feature was its cutting capacity, which was surprising given how portable the saw is.
What our tester says: “I tested several high-quality portable table saws on the jobsite and in my workshop—ripping sheets of plywood and making crosscuts, beveled cuts, and angled cuts. The DeWalt 10-inch saw emerged as a standout. It’s pretty darn close to perfect.”—Glenda Taylor, Product Reviews tester and writer
Read our full review: DeWalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw and Rolling Stand
Get the DeWalt 10-Inch Jobsite Table Saw and Rolling Stand at Lowe’s for $549
