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Best Power tools, according to real owners

We ranked 12 power tools by 542 real owner verdicts from Reddit, enthusiast forums, and YouTube. #1 is the Makita XFD13 Drill — 91% of 46 owners recommend it.

We aggregated, scored, and sourced Power tools reviews from every corner of the internet, with every claim linked back to the exact comment. From Reddit, niche forums, YouTube and independent reviewers, we surface the owner consensus you need to find the best power tool for you.

#
Product
Score
1
Makita XFD13 Drill
Owner sentiment on this Makita drill (including the XFD13) is overwhelmingly positive, centered on how long the tools last, many owners are still running units a decade or two old, and how much torque they deliver for heavy tasks like mixing mud, mortar, and concrete. Several owners explicitly say they trust Makita more than DeWalt, Ryobi, or Milwaukee after side-by-side jobsite use, and warranty/repair experiences (cheap brushes, no-hassle replacements) reinforce that loyalty. A small minority push back: a couple of owners called the D-handle model an inflexible on/off-only tool with no speed control, and one or two long-time users felt build quality had slipped compared to decades past. But these gripes are isolated and don't rise to a consistent pattern, the dominant owner experience is a rugged, long-lasting drill that keeps working long after cheaper alternatives fail.
91%
2
DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill
Owners overwhelmingly praise the DCD800 as a compact, lightweight drill with more power than its size suggests, though a few note cheap-feeling triggers and the lack of kickback protection.
89%
3
DeWalt DCS356B
Owners call it the best oscillating multi-tool they've used thanks to its fast blade changes and precise trigger control, though it vibrates hard enough to numb your hand.
86%
4
Makita XT269M
Owners are consistently happy with this combo kit, praising the powerful impact driver and everyday reliability for construction and home projects, with only a couple mentioning minor drill issues.
86%
5
Milwaukee 2997-22
Owners overwhelmingly praise this Milwaukee M18 kit for durability, with many reporting 8-15+ years of hard DIY and even professional/industrial use without failure, and consider it excellent value for the price as a starter or homeowner set. Several tradespeople note the non-Fuel line still holds up to light commercial work, and the drill/impact are frequently called surprisingly powerful. A smaller but consistent minority flags the included flashlight as nearly useless, complains that batteries (especially on the angle grinder) drain fast or fade with age, and notes the reciprocating and circular saws can feel underpowered on tougher cuts. A few owners also report isolated tool failures, a burned-out impact or a drill that smoked on first use, after years of heavy use.
84%
6
DeWalt DCS570B
Owners are largely happy with the DCS570, praising its corded-like power, full 7-1/4" depth of cut, and handy electric brake, with several calling it the best saw they've owned. A few wish they'd gone with the 60V FlexVolt for the heaviest work, and the right-side blade and handle position can make straight cuts tricky for some. The occasional squareness or baseplate complaint appears to stem from a damaged unit rather than a widespread flaw.
80%
7
Milwaukee 2746-20
Owners love the cordless convenience and reliable, jam-free nailing, though a few hit misfires that required warranty repair and note it's heavier than air nailers.
74%
8
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver
Owners overwhelmingly love the Surge for how quiet and smooth it is compared to a standard impact, with the hydraulic drive giving excellent control and low vibration for driving screws on trim, cabinet, and everyday work. The trade-off is less peak torque, so it can struggle with heavy structural fasteners and large lags where a standard FUEL impact is the better choice. A handful of owners also ran into reliability problems like gearbox failures or oil leaks.
72%
9
DeWalt DCF887 Impact Driver
Owners overwhelmingly call the DCF887 a powerful, reliable everyday driver that shrugs off drops and abuse while giving fine speed control for both delicate and heavy work. The main complaint is the trigger and speed-control electronics failing over time, sometimes just past warranty, and a repair often costs enough that people replace the whole tool. A smaller group reports chuck wobble and bits not staying seated.
69%
10
DeWalt DCK240C2
Owners see the DCK240C2 as a great-value starter kit with long-lasting batteries that holds up for years, though its older brushed motors and a chuck that can loosen leave some wishing they'd bought a brushless set.
65%
11
Makita XDT13Z
Owners find it a powerful, reliable workhorse that is a great value, though it lacks the speed settings and anti-strip modes of newer models and its precise trigger takes a careful hand.
57%
12
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Drill 2904
Owners overwhelmingly buy the M18 Fuel drill for its raw power, reaching for it specifically for concrete, tapcons, thick steel, and heavy framing jobs where it's repeatedly called a 'beast,' and many single out the auto-stop kickback feature as a genuine wrist-saver. A notable minority pushback exists on everyday practicality, though: owners who also own the M12 frequently say the M18 is overkill for daily use and end up leaving it in the truck in favor of the lighter, more ergonomic M12. A smaller but real complaint thread centers on build reliability, loose chucks and trigger/hammer-mode issues on some units, alongside scattered gripes about battery quality and pricing versus DeWalt. Net sentiment still leans strongly positive for anyone doing heavy-duty work.
54%

Every power tool in this ranking, by what owners actually say

Owners' top-rated power tool is the Makita XFD13 Drill — 91% of 46 owners recommend it. Updated July 2026.

Drills dominate the durability conversation, with the Makita XFD13 and DeWalt DCD800 both praised for surviving years of daily abuse, while the Makita in particular gets called out for handling heavy mixing tasks like mortar and drywall mud that smaller drills choke on. Circular saw buyers lean on the DeWalt DCS570B, which owners say bites into steel and rivals a corded saw for framing work, though a few would rather step up to the 60V FlexVolt for tougher jobs. For impact drivers, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge trades some peak torque for a noticeably quieter, smoother drive, while the DeWalt DCF887 keeps more raw power at the cost of occasional trigger and chuck issues. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Drill 2904 brings serious power for concrete and framing but is bulky enough that owners with both sizes often default to the lighter M12 instead. Skip the DeWalt DCK240C2 unless a tight budget matters more than motor longevity.

Makita XFD13 Drill

Makita XFD13 Drill

91% of 46 owners recommend it

“I just picked up a xfd13 drill and it’s much nicer than the black option and not that much bigger/heavier”— Reddit
What owners like
  • +Exceptional longevity, owners report drills and batteries still running strong after 10, 19, even 20 years of regular use, with some calling them 'hard to kill'
  • +Plenty of torque and low RPM for heavy-duty mixing tasks like drywall mud, mortar, concrete, and paint that lighter drills can't handle
  • +Strong brand loyalty, owners repeatedly describe themselves as satisfied 'Makita guys' who trust the build quality over other brands
Get it if
  • Tradespeople who mix mud, mortar, or paint and need heavy-duty torque
  • Anyone drilling large holes in tough material like truck frame steel
  • Owners who want a drill that survives decades of daily jobsite abuse
Skip it if
  • Buyers wanting variable-speed control on single-speed D-handle models
  • Anyone comparing raw battery runtime against newer competitor platforms
See the Makita XFD13 Drill on Amazon →Read all 46 owner verdicts →
DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill

DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill

89% of 56 owners recommend it

“For the money I would say that this is a great setup for Professionals and DIY/Weekend warriors.”— YouTube
What owners like
  • +Compact and lightweight
  • +Powerful for its small size
  • +Tough, solid, well-balanced build
Common complaints
  • –Triggers and switches can feel cheap
  • –No kickback/anti-rotation protection
Get it if
  • Homeowners and DIYers wanting a capable everyday drill
  • Tradespeople needing compact power in tight spaces
  • Owners upgrading from older or entry DeWalt drills
Skip it if
  • Buyers who need a hammer-drill function (get the 805)
  • Anyone wanting built-in kickback protection
See the DeWalt DCD800 20V MAX XR Drill on Amazon →Read all 56 owner verdicts →
DeWalt DCS356B

DeWalt DCS356B

86% of 35 owners recommend it

“The Pivot on the bldae holder gets in the way, although its quick to change blades, you cant get the depth of cut or see the cutting edge clearly in tight spaces, like underneath the sink etc, The Fein is so much more compact at the head.”— YouTube
What owners like
  • +Fast, easy quick blade change
  • +Precise, controllable trigger and speed
  • +Versatile all-rounder, endless uses
Common complaints
  • –Strong vibration in the hand
  • –Speed switch jams with grit or dust
Get it if
  • Tradespeople and remodelers using one nearly daily
  • DIYers wanting a versatile all-rounder tool
  • Owners upgrading from other-brand multitools
Skip it if
  • Those sensitive to hand vibration
  • Anyone needing a compact head for very tight spaces
See the DeWalt DCS356B on Amazon →Read all 35 owner verdicts →
Makita XT269M

Makita XT269M

86% of 7 owners recommend it

“The kit below is what I got and i can't recommend it enough.”— Reddit
What owners like
  • +Reliable for daily construction work
  • +Great value kit with batteries and hammer drill
  • +Powerful, capable impact driver
Common complaints
  • –A few report minor drill quirks
Get it if
  • Construction workers needing a daily-use drill and driver
  • DIYers wanting a complete kit with batteries included
  • Anyone after a portable, easy-to-use combo
See the Makita XT269M on Amazon →Read all 7 owner verdicts →
Milwaukee 2997-22

Milwaukee 2997-22

84% of 105 owners recommend it

“Been using base model brushed drill at least once a week for the better part of a decade now. Keep saying I’ll get fuel when it stops working but it just won’t quit.”— Reddit
What owners like
  • +Exceptional durability, owners report these tools still running strong after 8, 10, even 15 years of regular use, including daily abuse
  • +Excellent value for DIY and homeowner use, described repeatedly as more than enough tool for the price of the kit
  • +Holds up to light trade and even full professional/industrial use despite being the non-Fuel line
Common complaints
  • –The bundled flashlight is considered the weakest/most useless item in the kit and goes largely unused
  • –Batteries drain quickly or lose punch over time, the angle grinder is called a 'battery hog' and older tools feel like they've lost their get-up-and-go
  • –A handful of individual tools eventually failed or smoked out, an impact driver or two, a circular saw, and one drill on first use
Get it if
  • Homeowners/DIYers wanting a one-and-done starter kit for house projects
  • Light-trade pros (HVAC, plumbing, handyman) needing durable tools without FUEL pricing
  • Buyers who abuse tools daily and still expect years of service on a budget
Skip it if
  • Commercial/industrial users running tools 8+ hours a day, every day
  • Buyers wanting the angle grinder or included flashlight for real work
  • Anyone needing max battery efficiency or top power output over FUEL line
See the Milwaukee 2997-22 on Amazon →Read all 105 owner verdicts →
DeWalt DCS570B

DeWalt DCS570B

80% of 15 owners recommend it

“I've had nothing but problems with mine”— YouTube
What owners like
  • +Has serious power for a cordless saw, with owners saying it rips through plywood and even bites into steel, and can stand in for a corded sidewinder
  • +Full 7-1/4" blade gives real depth of cut and corded-like performance for framing and deck work
  • +Integrated electric brake is a valued safety feature that sets it apart from some cheaper 6-1/2" options
Common complaints
  • –Some heavy users would rather step up to the 60V FlexVolt for more power on demanding work
  • –The right-side blade and high handle position make it hard for some to track a straight cut
  • –At least one owner ran into a baseplate/squareness issue that points to a possible damaged unit out of the box
Get it if
  • Carpenters and framers using a saw daily
  • DIYers wanting a capable first cordless circular saw
  • Users cutting plywood and framing lumber
Skip it if
  • Buyers wanting maximum power who can get a 60V FlexVolt
  • Users who dislike the right-side blade or high handle for straight cuts
See the DeWalt DCS570B on Amazon →Read all 15 owner verdicts →
Milwaukee 2746-20

Milwaukee 2746-20

74% of 19 owners recommend it

“The gun performed fantastically throughout the entire project with no jams of misfires.”— YouTube
What owners like
  • +Reliable, jam-free nailing
  • +Cordless, no compressor or fuel cells
  • +Worth the money
Common complaints
  • –Misfires needing warranty repair
  • –Heavier than air nailers
Get it if
  • Trim carpenters wanting cordless, compressor-free nailing
  • Daily jobsite use on trim and jamb work
  • DIYers upgrading from pneumatic or fuel-cell nailers
Skip it if
  • Those needing the lightest possible nailer
  • Budget shoppers deterred by the higher price
See the Milwaukee 2746-20 on Amazon →Read all 19 owner verdicts →
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver

72% of 125 owners recommend it

“I really don't like that it cuts out so quickly.”— YouTube
What owners like
  • +Dramatically quieter than a standard impact, thanks to the hydraulic drive
  • +Smooth with great trigger control and precision for driving screws
  • +Plenty of power for most small-to-medium fastening and everyday jobs
Common complaints
  • –Less peak torque than a standard FUEL impact, not ideal for heavy structural screws or big lags
  • –Some owners hit reliability issues like gearbox failures or oil leaks
Get it if
  • Tradespeople working in occupied buildings who need quiet operation
  • Electricians and cabinet installers driving screws all day
  • Users bothered by noise and hand vibration from standard impacts
Skip it if
  • Breaking loose seized or stuck fasteners
  • Driving large lags and structural fasteners regularly
  • Buyers whose top priority is raw torque
See the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge Impact Driver on Amazon →Read all 125 owner verdicts →
DeWalt DCF887 Impact Driver

DeWalt DCF887 Impact Driver

69% of 54 owners recommend it

“887 still goin strong, really a beast of an Impact for being roughly 8 years and change”— YouTube
What owners like
  • +Serious power and torque that drives tough screws, bolts, and even lugnuts
  • +Reliable workhorse that keeps running after years of drops and jobsite abuse
  • +Multiple speed settings handle everything from delicate to heavy driving
Common complaints
  • –Trigger and speed-control electronics can fail, leaving power fluttering or stuck
  • –Chuck wobble and bit-retention problems, with springs breaking on bit swaps
  • –Repairs cost enough that owners just buy a new tool instead
Get it if
  • DIYers driving screws and assembling flat-pack furniture
  • Tradespeople needing an all-day jobsite driver
  • Users wanting three-speed control for fine or delicate work
Skip it if
  • People wanting a small driver only for light delicate tasks
  • Buyers worried about the reported trigger reliability issues
See the DeWalt DCF887 Impact Driver on Amazon →Read all 54 owner verdicts →
DeWalt DCK240C2

DeWalt DCK240C2

65% of 17 owners recommend it

“This two pc combo is definitely a good buy !”— YouTube
What owners like
  • +Great value for the price
  • +Good starter kit for homeowners
  • +Reliable, lasts many years
Common complaints
  • –Older brushed motors, brushless kits better
  • –Chuck loosens and drops bits
  • –Some units failed or felt underpowered
Get it if
  • DIY beginners and new homeowners
  • Budget buyers wanting a starter drill/impact set
  • Light household repairs and general chores
Skip it if
  • Pros or heavy-duty users needing brushless power
  • Buyers who can stretch to a brushless combo kit
See the DeWalt DCK240C2 on Amazon →Read all 17 owner verdicts →
Makita XDT13Z

Makita XDT13Z

57% of 7 owners recommend it

“mine has fallen in and still worked in situations where my coworkers impacts have broken.”— YouTube
What owners like
  • +Reliable, long-lasting workhorse
  • +Powerful for its compact size
  • +Great value for the money
Common complaints
  • –No speed settings or anti-strip modes
  • –Touchy trigger needs a careful hand
  • –Struggles with the most stubborn fasteners
Get it if
  • DIYers and tradespeople wanting a dependable everyday impact
  • Buyers prioritizing value over the latest features
  • Anyone needing a compact driver for common fastening
Skip it if
  • Users who want speed modes and anti-strip protection
  • Those regularly tackling the most seized, stubborn fasteners
See the Makita XDT13Z on Amazon →Read all 7 owner verdicts →
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Drill 2904

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Drill 2904

54% of 56 owners recommend it

“The best use i had for the autostop was driving 5/16 lags. It would just touch when they snugged down and shut the drill down. No broken anything or wrists”— Reddit
What owners like
  • +Massive power for heavy-duty work, owners reach for the M18 specifically for concrete, tapcons, framing headers, and big fence/deck jobs, often describing it as a 'beast' with roughly 3x the power of the M12
  • +Do-it-all versatility, if you only buy one Milwaukee drill, owners say the M18 covers everything from home repairs to daily contractor use
  • +Auto-stop/kickback protection on the hammer drill shuts the tool off before it wrenches your wrist, which owners repeatedly call out as a standout safety feature
Common complaints
  • –Heavy and bulky compared to the M12, many owners who have both say the M18 sits unused in the truck 90% of the time and they default to the lighter, more ergonomic M12 for daily tasks
  • –Chuck and trigger reliability complaints, particularly on the hammer drill, reports of chucks coming loose and triggers/hammer mode intermittently failing to engage
Get it if
  • Contractors drilling concrete, thick steel, or large holes daily
  • Framers and deck builders driving thousands of screws or lags
  • Anyone who wants one heavy-duty system to cover both home and jobsite work
Skip it if
  • Buyers wanting a light, everyday-carry drill (M12 owners say it stays in the truck)
  • Occasional DIYers who rarely need extra power and prioritize weight over torque
  • Anyone burned by reported trigger, chuck-loosening, or battery reliability issues
See the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Drill 2904 on Amazon →Read all 56 owner verdicts →

Power tools: frequently asked questions

What is the best power tool according to owners?

The Makita XFD13 Drill tops the list at 91% owner recommend (n=46). Owners repeatedly describe them still running strong after 10, 19, even 20 years of regular use, calling them 'hard to kill', and praise the low-RPM torque for mixing mud, mortar, and concrete that lighter drills can't handle.

How does the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Drill 2904 compare to the smaller M12?

The M18 (54% rec, n=56) brings roughly 3x the power of the M12 and owners reach for it specifically on concrete, tapcons, framing headers, and big deck jobs. But its size works against it day to day: several owners who own both say the M18 sits in the truck 90% of the time while the lighter, more ergonomic M12 handles most tasks, and its lower rec% reflects chuck and trigger reliability complaints on the hammer-drill function.

Are cordless impact drivers reliable enough for heavy structural work?

It depends on the model. The DeWalt DCF887 (69% rec, n=54) delivers serious torque for tough screws, bolts, and lugnuts but owners report trigger and speed-control electronics failing over time along with chuck wobble and broken bit-retention springs. The Milwaukee M18 FUEL Surge (72% rec, n=125) trades some peak torque for quiet, precise driving, and isn't the pick for heavy lags, with some owners hitting gearbox failures or oil leaks.

What's the most common failure mode owners report across cordless power tools?

Trigger and switch reliability shows up again and again: the DeWalt DCD800's triggers can feel cheap, the DCF887's electronics can flutter or stick, and the Makita XDT13Z has a touchy trigger with no speed settings. Chuck problems are the other recurring complaint, seen on the DeWalt DCK240C2 and the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Drill 2904.

Is a cordless circular saw a real substitute for a corded one?

For framing and deck work, yes for many owners. The DeWalt DCS570B (80% rec, n=15) has a full 7-1/4 inch blade and owners say it rips through plywood, bites into steel, and can stand in for a corded sidewinder. Some heavy users still prefer stepping up to the 60V FlexVolt for extra power, and the high handle position makes tracking a dead-straight cut harder for a few owners.

Should a homeowner buy the same tools a contractor would?

Not necessarily. The Milwaukee 2997-22 kit (84% rec, n=105) is called more than enough tool for the price for DIY and homeowner use, with owners noting the bundled flashlight goes largely unused. Contractors chasing daily-abuse durability and torque tend toward the Makita XFD13 or DeWalt DCS356B, while a homeowner starter kit like the DeWalt DCK240C2 (65% rec, n=17) is fine on value but has an older brushed motor and a chuck that owners say loosens over time.