Best power tools for home use

Top pick: Ryobi 18V ONE+ drill and impact driver kit — the best first power-tool buy for a home. Two tools cover nearly every job (driving screws, drilling into wood, drywall and light masonry), the batteries share one system so later tools cost less, and owners rate it very highly.

Who the others suit:

• Ryobi 18V ONE+ 6-tool combo kit — if you'd rather buy once: saw, recip saw and more in the same battery family.
• DEWALT 20V 2-tool kit — a step up in power and durability for regular weekend projects.
• DEWALT POWERSTACK 2-tool kit — compact, lighter batteries for tight spaces and overhead work.
• MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL hammer drill + impact driver — the pick for concrete, masonry and heavy use.
• BLACK+DECKER 20V 4-tool set — light, occasional jobs on a tight budget.
• Metabo HPT DB3DL2 — a small, simple drill for furniture and shelf work.

Skip the very cheap no-name sets: batteries and chucks are where they fail.