Best power tools for home DIY

Start with a drill/driver combo kit — it does most of what a home needs.

• Ryobi ONE+ drill + impact driver kit — my top pick. Two tools that cover hanging shelves, assembling furniture and driving screws, on a battery platform with a huge, affordable range of add-on tools.
• Ryobi 18V ONE+ combo kit — the better buy if you're starting from nothing: drill, impact driver, circular saw and recip saw on one battery system.
• DeWalt 20V MAX drill + impact driver — for someone who wants a tougher-feeling kit and a big pro-grade battery line.
• SKIL 20V brushless kit — a lighter, simpler step up for occasional jobs.
• DeWalt 20V MAX oscillating multi-tool — the one extra tool worth adding: trim, sand and cut flush where a saw won't fit.
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL — for heavy, repeated use and the longest life.