Best heavy-duty power tools to upgrade your kit

Key overview: Great heavy-duty power tools to upgrade your kit

Our pick of the best professional tools to last the distance, get the job done and give you precision when you need it:

• Einhell 18V 136mm Cordless Sub Compact Circular Saw (Skin Only), I/N: 1170788
• DeWALT 18V 165mm Li-Ion Cordless Circular Saw DCS391N-XE (Skin Only)
• Makita 18V 165mm Brushless Circular Saw DHS680Z (Skin Only)
• Einhell 18V 125mm Angle Grinder (Skin Only), I/N: 1170765
• Paslode Cordless Lithium-Ion Impulse FrameMaster PowerVent Nail Gun
• DeWALT 18V XR 2 Piece 5.0Ah Compact Combo Kit DCZ2050P2T-XE
• Makita 18V 2 Piece Combo Kit DLX2131SX5
• Einhell 18V 2 Piece Combo Kit with 2x5.0AH Battery & Case, I/N: 1170744
• Karcher 1380W 30L H Class NT 30/1 AP Wet & Dry Vacuum

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

What are the best heavy-duty circular saws?

Einhell 18V 136mm Cordless Sub Compact Circular Saw (Skin Only)

Key features

• Brushless motor
• Tool-free cutting depth adjustment

Why it’s good: With its soft-start motor and electric motor brake for increased user protection, you can’t go past the Einhell circular saw. Lightweight, compact at just 2.3kg yet still powerful at 4000rpm, it features an ergonomic handle with softgrip for fatigue-free working and a swivelling vacuum cleaner adapter to ensure a spotless workspace.

DeWALT 18V 165mm Li-Ion Cordless Circular Saw DCS391N-XE (Skin Only)

Key features:

• 55mm cutting depth at 90 degrees
• Cast magnesium base

Why it’s good: This circular saw delivers smooth, accurate cuts with the convenience of portability thanks to its 165mm carbide-tipped blade and thin-kerf design. The keyless depth and bevel adjustments make set-up quick and easy, while the lock-off switch and electronic motor brake ensure additional control and safety.

Makita 18V 165mm Brushless Circular Saw DHS680Z (Skin Only)

Key features:

• Automatic Torque Drive
• 57mm cutting capacity with up to 50 degree bevel capacity

Why it’s good: Performance meets power with this powerful tool, featuring up to 5000rpm no load speed. Strong and durable with a magnesium base, the electric brake rapidly slows the blade for increased safety, while the blower function keeps dust away from the cut line for greater visibility.

Which angle grinder is worth buying?

Einhell 18V 125mm Angle Grinder (Skin Only)

Key features:

• Soft-start function
• Tool-free guard adjustment

Why it’s good: With 1300W of power, this grinder delivers the power of a plug-in version with the freedom of being cordless. It also features an anti-vibration handle and quick adjustment disc guard for greater control and flexibility, while its flat-head design is perfect for grinding at acute angles up to 43 degrees.

Which nail framer gun is good for professional use?

Paslode Cordless Lithium-Ion Impulse FrameMaster PowerVent Nail Gun

Key features:

• Lightweight at just 3.3kg
• Delivers 9000 shots per charge

Why it’s good: PowerVent Technology delivers 15 per cent more power, helping drive 50mm to 90mm nails into harder timber with less risk of standing nails. With Paslode’s Impulse Gas Technology, say goodbye to heavy air compressors and air hoses for good.

What are the best two-piece power tool combo kits?

DeWALT 18V XR 2 Piece 5.0Ah Compact Combo Kit DCZ2050P2T-XE

Key features:

• High-torque performance
• Compact tool designs

Why it’s good: Designed for manoeuvrability in confined spaces, both the two-speed hammer drill driver and three-speed impact driver still deliver plenty of punch. Great for working in low visibility, the hammer drill features a three-mode pivoting LED light, while the impact driver features a “Halo” light ring.

Makita 18V 2 Piece Combo Kit DLX2131SX5

Key features:

• 62Nm hard torque (Hammer Drill)/165Nm fastening torque (Impact Driver)
• XPT – eXtreme Protection Technology to protect against dust and water

Why it’s good: Featuring LED joblights and ergonomically designed handles, this combo kit is compact and durable. It has all-metal gearing and single sleeve keyless chuck for easy bit installation on the hammer drill, for easy one-handed removal.

Einhell 18V 2 Piece Combo Kit with 2x5.0AH Battery & Case

Key features:

• Maximum torque 130Nm (Hammer Drill)/250Nm (Impact Driver)
• Compact cordless design

Why it’s good: The hammer drill in this kit features a two-speed gear box for powerful screwing and fast drilling, and anti-kickback and percussion drilling function for stone and masonry. The impact driver has three torque/speed settings, a robust internal hexagonal socket and impact mechanism to protect the wrists.

What is a good vacuum cleaner for a worksite?

Karcher 1380W 30L H Class NT 30/1 AP Wet & Dry Vacuum

Key features:

• H-Class filtration
• 1380W high-performance suction

Why it’s good: With its HEPA-H 13 flat pleated filter made of fibreglass, this vacuum can be used to extract highly hazardous and carcinogenic dust such as asbestos, lead and mould. It has a guaranteed filtration efficiency of 99.995 per cent, with automatic start and antistatic system, plus it’s hard-wearing, perfect for renovation sites.

Looking for more power tool recommendations?

Check out our story on the petrol and battery-powered tools being used by our expert in the garden.