Which kit is better for a homeowner starting out?

The 3-tool kit covers drilling, driving and detail cutting for $399.00 at Home Depot as of November 3. Add a saw later only if projects call for one.

Is the 5-tool kit worth $200 more?

Yes if you need a circular saw and a recip saw. Those two tools plus two extra batteries cost more than $200 bought separately.

Which has the better impact driver?

The 3-tool kit's DCF860 is rated at 1,500 in.-lbs. of torque. The 5-tool kit's DCF845 is a 3-speed driver but DeWalt does not list a higher torque figure for it here.

Do the batteries interchange between the two kits?

Yes. Both use the DeWalt 20V MAX battery platform, and the FLEXVOLT battery in the 3-tool kit also runs in 20V MAX tools.

Which kit is better for framing and demolition?

The 5-tool kit, because it includes the 6-1/2 in. circular saw and the reciprocating saw. The 3-tool kit has neither.

Which kit has more battery capacity?

The 3-tool kit's FLEXVOLT pack holds more charge than any single battery in the 5-tool kit. The 5-tool kit wins on total battery count with five packs.

DeWalt DCKSS550D3P2 20V MAX Brushless 5-Tool Combo Kit with 5 Batteries, Charger and Rolling Storage Bag (11 Piece) vs DeWalt DCK316ST2M1 20V MAX Brushless Cordless Combo Kit with Batteries and Charger (3 Tool)

Buy the 5-tool kit if you want a full cordless setup: it adds a circular saw and a reciprocating saw and ships with five batteries for $599.00 at Prime Source as of November 3. Buy the 3-tool kit if drilling, driving and cutting are all you need; it costs $399.00 at Home Depot as of November 3 and includes a FLEXVOLT battery. The $200 gap buys two extra tools and two extra batteries, and the 5-tool kit has sold as low as $539.10 since October 28.

Today the DeWalt DCK316ST2M1 20V MAX Brushless Cordless Combo Kit with Batteries and Charger (3 Tool) costs $130.99 less at its best price.

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