Hitachi may not be quite as well known to home improvement DIYers as some of the heavy-weights in the power tool industry such as DeWalt, Bosch, and Milwaukee, but construction professionals know the company’s tools are first class in terms of quality and durability. Hitachi offers a full line of electric and battery powered hand tools and even has professional grade floor standing tools that can enhance any workshop. The company’s power tools can be found on construction sites around the globe and would be an outstanding addition to any homeowners’ shed or shop.

The Hitachi KC18DX9L 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 9-Tool Combo Kit can be a great method for getting a good deal on all the cordless power tools you may ever need and with 18-volts of Lithium-Ion power, they should be able to handle any project on your agenda. Hitachi states their Lithium-Ion batteries feature three times the charge cycles and extended run times at half the weight of the NiCd and NiMH batteries competitors offer.

The KC18DX9L combo kit contains nine tools that you may find yourself reaching for on a regular basis such as:

• DV18DL Hammer Drill – this versatile hammer drill has 570 in.lbs. of torque yet only weighs 4.9 pounds. It features a two step switch which allows the operator to select from four different speed ranges depending on the job.
• WH18DL Impact Driver – if you have any tough screws, bolts, or nuts to install or remove, this handy tool can make the job much easier. If features a unique flow of cool air to the motor to help prevent overheating, can produce 1,330 in.lbs. of torque, but only weighs 3.5 pounds.
• CR18DL Reciprocating Saw – the CR18DL has a triple-sealed housing to protect the motor from dust and debris, a fan to cool the motor, and can operate at 0 – 2,100 strokes per minute.
• C18DL Circular Saw – this circular saw features a 6 ½ inch blade that can cut materials up to 2 ¼ inches thick at 90 degrees. An electric blade brake enhances the safety of the tool and the built-in light helps you see where you’re cutting.
• G18DL Grinder – this cordless grinder can be used for cutting, grinding, sanding, and many other tasks around the jobsite. It has a no-load speed of 9,100 RPM, but only weighs 4.2 pounds.
• CJ18DL Jigsaw – tool-less blade change means this versatile saw can be used for many types of materials and the built-in LED light helps you follow your cutting line.
• DH18DL Rotary Hammer – if you have any concrete or masonry drilling chores, this rotary hammer features two operating modes, SDS Plus bit technology, and is up to 25 percent lighter than similar models from Hitachi’s competition.
• RB18DL Blower – jobsite cleanup is easy with this cordless blower or use in on your patio, driveway, and lead walk to put a finishing touch on your yard work.
• UB18DL Fluorescent/LED Lantern – this handy work light can run up to 150 hours on a single charge in LED mode or for 5 hours when set to fluorescent lighting.

The KC18DX9L Combo kit also comes with two 18-volt HXP 3.0Ah Lithium-Ion batteries, a universal charger, two canvas carrying bags, and assorted other accessories. Hitachi offers a two year warranty on their HXP Lithium-Ion batteries and an industry leading lifetime warranty on their Lithium-Ion tools that covers defects in materials and workmanship.

If you’ve been putting off your cordless tool purchase until you could find a model that almost packed the punch of your electric tools, your wait might finally be over. The DeWalt DCK590L2 20-Volt Cordless Lithium Ion 5-Piece Combo features a walloping 20-volts of Lithium Ion power that can not only handle any home improvement project you may have – you could use the tools at any professional jobsite and not feel out of place.

DeWalt is a well-respected name in the power tool industry and they’ve managed to pack 20-volts of power into compact cordless tools with easy to use ergonomic shapes. The tools are light enough to use all day, but powerful enough to handle just about any job.

The DCK590L2 combo kit consists of five popular tools that you may soon be using on a daily basis. Included in the kit:

• Hammer drill – the ½ inch hammer drill in this five piece kit is designed for light and medium drilling projects and features a powerful 535 watt motor. The chuck is designed to provide minimum slippage when drilling tough materials such as concrete and masonry, the transmission is all metal and features three speeds that provide flexibility. DeWalt states the hammer drill is 30 percent faster than its competition
• Impact driver – this small impact driver is only 5.55 inches long and weighs 3.4 pounds, but the motor provides enough torque with its 2,800 RPM to install or remove the toughest bolts, screws, and nuts. DeWalt states the impact driver is up to 43 percent faster than other cordless impact drivers on the market. The tool features a ¼ inch hex chuck that can accept one inch bit tips for working in tight spots and its light weight makes it easy to use with just one hand
• Circular saw – if you ever wanted a small compact circular saw that was light and easy to use, you may be in luck – DeWalt’s 6 ½ inch saw features a lightweight magnesium shoe and is 10 percent more powerful than the company’s previous cordless saws in a similar size. The saw has a bevel capacity of 0 to 50 degrees and can cut through two inch lumber while set at a 45 degree angle using only one pass
• Reciprocating saw – DeWalt’s cordless reciprocating saw has a four position blade clamp that can be operated without any special tools. The shaft is sealed to prevent dust and dirt from harming the motor and the variable speed blade can operate from 0 to 3,000 SPM. A pivoting shoe allows the operator to control their cutting depth

The Dewalt DCK590L2 also comes with an LED work light that has a pivoting head for hands free use. When used with a fully charged 3.0 Ah 20-volt max lithium-ion battery, you can expect up to 11 hours of bright LED light for your work area. Two 3.0 Ah 20-volt max lithium-ion batteries and a lithium-ion battery charger are also included in the combo kit along with several tool accessories and a storage bag.

DeWalt’s 20-volt lithium battery line of cordless tools include a total of 11 different models, two types of batteries and two charger varieties so there’s plenty of room for you to expand your collection. DeWalt provides a 90 day money back guarantee on their power tools as well as a free one year service contract and a three year limited warranty.

If you ever wondered if there was a combo kit that could provide all the cordless tools that you might ever need and the power to handle most home improvement and construction site projects – DeWalt’s DCK955X 18-Volt Cordless 9- Tool combo kit may be just what you’ve been searching for.

DeWalt is well known for their high quality electric and battery powered tools that can be found on construction jobsites around the world. The company not only builds good tools – they back them with some of the best warranties in the business.

18 volts is enough power that you may never use your electric power tools again – or at least for a long time and cordless means being able to tackle jobs without having to worry about electrical outlets or extension cords. The DCK955X combo kit includes:

• DCD950 Hammer drill/drill/driver – a versatile tool that can be used to drill just about any material including masonry or concrete if the correct bit is installed. The ½ inch drill features 450 watts of power, a self tightening chuck, and three speeds
• DC390 Circular saw – this handy 6 ½ inch saw has a blade that can spin at 3,700 RPM and is much lighter than most electric models
• DC385 Reciprocating saw – variable speeds of 0 to 3,000 strokes per minute make this saw suitable for cutting all types of material when the proper blade is installed which can be done without the use of any special tools
• DC411 Cut-off tool – the perfect tool for cutting and grinding metal including most piping. The motor supplies all the power needed for most tasks at 6,500 RPM
• DC330 Jigsaw – this small versatile saw can get into places a circular saw can’t and can also be used to cut on a curve. This model features variable speeds and 0 to 3,000 cut strokes per minute
• DW059 Impact wrench – this tool can be used in your garage or workshop to remove or install the toughest bolts, nuts, and screws
• DC550 Cut-out tool – a cut-out tool is used primarily for sheetrock, but can also be used for various other materials. At a cutting speed of 26,000 RPM, sheetrock doesn’t stand a chance
• DC825 Impact driver – tackle any bolt or nut with the 1,330 in.lbs. of torque this tool provides. The variable speed motor operates at 0 to 2,400 RPM

The Dewalt DCK955X combo kit also comes with a flexible floodlight, two 18-volt XRP batteries, and a one hour battery charger. Two soft storage/carrying bags and assorted tool accessories are also included in the package. Unlike many large combo kits – the DCK955X contains cordless tools you’ll be using on a regular basis for a multitude of tasks around the house or jobsite. A complete line of DeWalt accessories is also available for the company’s cordless tool model lines and you can also purchase additional batteries and chargers so you’ll always have enough power for what are sure to become the most popular tools in your workshop.

DeWalt offers a three year limited warranty on their power tools, a free one-year service contract, and a 90 day money back guarantee. The DCK955X combo kit is available at most authorized DeWalt dealers and at many online tool retailers.

Makita is an industry leader in power tools of all types and cordless power tools in particular. Their 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion battery system has set the standard for cordless power tools in the construction field. Makita states their Lithium-Ion batteries have 40 percent less weight, five times lower self discharge, and longer running times than traditional 18V Ni-Cd batteries.

The Makita LXT702 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion 7-Piece combo kit is an ideal kit for most DIYers and professionals who need the most popular battery powered tools in their workshop. The kit is sold with five tools and several accessories, but can be expanded in the future as needed. Makita now offers over 35 power tools that can be used with the 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion system and batteries and chargers are interchangeable.

18 volts can provide enough power for just about any construction site or home improvement task, yet the batteries and tools are light enough not to be fatiguing when being used for long periods of time. The 7 piece combo kit is sold with:

• BHP452 ½ inch hammer driver drill – the BHP452Z features 450 in.lbs. of maximum torque yet only weighs 3.9 pounds. Hammer drills are great for drilling through concrete and masonry, but they can also be used for other materials
•  BTD141 impact driver – the BTD141Z only weighs 3.3 pounds, but has the power to handle all but the largest jobs. Impact drivers are ideal for installing and removing bolts, screws, and nuts in just about any type of material.
• BSS611 circular saw – this 6 ½ circular saw means not having to drag out extension cords when cutting material up to 2 inches thick. It can also be adjusted to cut on a 45 degree angle. The saw only weighs 6.9 pounds which makes it great for small projects where digging out an electric circular saw might be overkill
• BJR182 reciprocating saw – this lightweight saw can cut up to 2,900 SPM and can be used for numerous types of materials with a quick blade change. Speaking of which, blades can be changed without using any special tools
• BGA452 angle grinder – this 4 ½ inch angle grinder features 10,000 RPM and has many available attachments. Angle grinders can be used for sanding, polishing, cutting, and grinding and their unique design allows you to access hard to reach spaces

The Makita LXT702 Combo Kit also comes with two 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion batteries and a Rapid Optimum Charger so your Makita cordless tools are never without juice. Also included is a rechargeable Xenon bulb flashlight and an FM/AM jobsite radio that’s compatible with iPod and mp3 systems. You can carry all of your cordless tools in the included contractor bag with wheels and a telescoping handle.

Makita tools have a three year warranty on any defects in workmanship or materials and the batteries and charger have a one year limited warranty. Makita tools can be found on construction sites around the world and are used every day by professional craftspeople working in just about every construction trade. The LXT702 7-Piece Combo Kit is a good mid-range kit with five professional grade cordless tools that should be able to handle most home improvement projects and can be expanded upon in the future as needed.

If you plan to do any metalworking in your home workshop or anticipate any work on vehicles or farm equipment, you may want to consider purchasing some welding equipment for your home. The type of welding equipment you choose can depend on what sorts of metals you’ll be using it on, but regardless of which type you select, you should always take some training classes prior to attempting any welding.

The three most common types of welding are:

• Stick Welding – this is also sometimes referred to as arc welding. It’s the simplest type of welding and the equipment is portable and fairly inexpensive to purchase. Unfortunately stick welding can only be used on steel and iron and the amount of heat required can sometimes crack or cause the metal to become brittle.
• Mig Welding – Mig welding is also called Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). This welding is user friendly and requires a minimum of cleanup after the project is complete. It is also easier to use for long welds, but the equipment can be more expensive than that for stick welding.
• TIG Welding – if you plan on welding metals other than steel such as aluminum, this is the type of welding equipment you need. It can also be referred to as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. TIG welding normally results in very high quality welds, has easy cleanup, but requires gas tanks that must be refilled.

If you plan on only welding steel, stick welding equipment might be your best choice, but if you think you’ll be tackling some aluminum welding projects, TIG welding equipment should be your selection.

Welding Equipment

There are quite a few manufacturers that offer stick, Mig, and TIG welding equipment packages. In many cases you’ll receive everything needed to begin welding in the package with the exception of any gas that may be required. Before purchasing a welder, always verify that they don’t require any special electrical hookup to operate and your existing household service will suffice. While some welding equipment packages come with accessories, a few you should always have before doing any welding:

• Welding Helmet – a good welding helmet is a must before starting your equipment and it should have an easy to operate visor. Welding can generate a lot of sparks and occasionally flying hot metal – protect your face and eyes.
• Welding Gloves – the absolute last thing you want to do is accidently pick up heated metal with your bare hands – if you do, you may not be picking up your welder or anything else for quite some time. Welding gloves are specifically designed to withstand high temperatures and should always be used when welding.
• Fire Extinguisher – working with welding equipment around flammable materials can be very dangerous and should never be done without a fire extinguisher in close proximity. Make sure the charge on the extinguisher is up to date and you know how to use it.

Welding Equipment Safety

Welding can be very hazardous if you don’t know what you’re doing and even when you gain experience, should be done following proper safety precautions. Always thoroughly read the operator’s manual before using any unfamiliar welding equipment or attempting a different welding procedure and don’t rush the job. Taking welding classes is highly recommended if you haven’t had any prior experience using welding equipment.

Power tools can be a big help with just about any home improvement project and a lot of fun to use as long as proper safety precautions are followed. If you’re like many DIYers, you may never have an opportunity to use your tools for a big job such as a home addition or building a garage, but there are plenty of smaller projects around the home that should allow you to get plenty of experience using your entire tool collection.

One home upgrade job that should provide the opportunity to hone your power tool skills is adding interior trim to various rooms throughout your home and it may even increase the house’s value when the time comes to sell. Most homes already have base and window casing, but installing chair railing, crown mold, or changing the style of the existing trim can be a great way to dress up a room. If you’re planning on doing these types of projects, what would be the best types of power tools to have in your workshop? They would need to be small and portable as you don’t want to waste time traipsing back and forth to the shop – the ideal tools could be used in the room while the project was underway and then put away until the next job was on the horizon. Consider these tools for your home interior trim projects:

• Miter Saw – a miter saw is a must for interior trim projects unless you want to cut all of your trim splices and corner angles by hand. It can also be used for cutting trim to length.
• Finish Nailer – few tools can speed up an interior trim job like a pneumatic finish nailer and an air compressor. In many cases you can nail an entire piece of trim in the time it might take to hammer one nail and you don’t have to fumble with trying to get a nail started.
• Cordless Jigsaw – this tool is handy for any cuts you might have to make around electrical outlets or switch covers. It can also be used if any notching is required on window trim and stool.
• Cordless Circular Saw – these can be used for cutting shelving boards or other trim too large for your Miter or Jigsaws and can also rip trim where needed. Cordless models are lightweight, smaller than electric models, and usually easier to maneuver.
• Cordless Drill – this versatile all-around tool can be used for pre-drilling screw holes, driving screws, or for any other types of holes you may need.
• Orbital Sander – some DIYers might prefer a palm sander, but an orbital model can also handle larger sanding jobs. If you use a very fine sanding disc, your trim surface should be ready for just about any type of stain or paint.
• Cordless Impact Driver – if your interior trim project involves at lot of screws or bolts, you might want to consider an Impact Driver. While a drill with a screwdriver bit may be able to handle some of the tasks, and impact driver should be able to do them better.

These are just some of the types of power tools you may need for your interior trim projects – depending on what you have planned, you may also want to consider a router, planer, or joiner.

One of the most popular home improvement projects for many DIYers is installing ceramic tile. Tile is available in numerous styles, sizes, and colors and can be used to give a bathroom a fresh new look, as a durable floor covering in just about any room, or as an easy to clean kitchen backsplash. Regardless of what type of tile you choose or where it’s being used, installation methods are normally very similar and once you’ve spent a little time working with the material, you may be installing tile like a pro.

If you enjoy using power tools, then you should feel right at home installing tile as there are several tools that can make the job much easier. Keep in mind that working with ceramic tile can create a lot of dust – especially if cutting and grinding are involved – always clean your tools thoroughly after using them on tiles.

Types of Tiling Power Tools

There are different types of tile applications and a power tool used for one installation might not be needed for another, but here are the most common tools used when working with ceramic tile:

• Circular Saw – you may not associate circular saws with tile installations, but most applications where tile is the finished surface require some sort of backing, underlayment, or base to go in first. A tile shower enclosure or bath surround requires installing a waterproof material such as Wonder Board or Durock prior to the tile going on and many floor installations require plywood underlayment to be put down before the tile is laid. A circular saw can be ideal for cutting these types of materials and you may want to consider using a battery powered model.
• Angle Grinder – a small angle grinder can be a good choice for polishing edges or removing the grout from existing tile that must come down before the new tile goes up. Larger grinders can be handy for smoothing out high spots when installing tile on a concrete slab.
• Rotary Hammer – if old flooring must come off before the tile goes down, a rotary hammer with a chisel or scraping attachment can be a great help when set on hammer action.
• Wet Saws – many types of ceramic tile require the use of a wet blade to avoid chipping or breakage when cutting tiles to size along a wall or corner – a wet saw does just that. If you plan on a lot of tile projects, you may want to choose a model with a stand that allows you to work without bending over, but for most types of projects a small wet saw that sits on the floor is sufficient.
• Shop Vacuum – as mentioned previously, most tile jobs produce at lot of dust and dirt, and once the grout dries, you’ll have plenty of that to clean up as well – a good shop vacuum can make the job much easier.

These are just a few of the power tools used when working with ceramic tiles. If your projects expand to include granite and marble, tools such as angle drills and buffers may also come in handy.

Tiling Power Tool Safety

Eye protection is very important when using power tools on ceramic tile – a small flying piece of tile created when cutting or grinding tile can cause a severe eye injury. Ear protection is also a good idea.

If you’re looking to jump into the world of cordless power tools with both feet, this might be the ideal combo kit to purchase. The kit features Makita’s world class 18–volt Lithium-Ion batteries that are advertised to have 40 percent less weight, longer run times, and about five times lower self discharge than the more traditional 18-volt Ni-Cd batteries. The charging system is also very energy efficient – enough so that it has earned the coveted Energy Star rating.

The Makita LXT1200 18-Volt Lithium-Ion combo kit is sold with 12 cordless tools and several accessories that should make any home improvement project a breeze and take care of any task you may encounter. Included in this vast combo kit:

• BHP452Z ½ inch hammer driver drill – the BHP452Z features 450 in.lbs. of maximum torque
•  BTD141Z impact driver – the BTD141Z only weighs 3.3 pounds, but has the power to handle all but the largest jobs
• BSS611Z circular saw – this 6 ½ circular saw means not having to drag out extension cords when cutting material up to 2 inches thick. It can also be adjusted to cut on a 45 degree angle
• BJR182Z reciprocating saw – this lightweight saw can cut up to 2,900 SPM and can be used for numerous types of materials with a quick blade change
• BGA452Z angle grinder – this 4 ½ inch angle grinder features 10,000 RPM and has many available attachments
• BTW251Z impact wrench – 170 ft.lbs. of torque make this impact wrench ideal for most garage projects yet only weighs 3.7 pounds
• BHR240Z rotary hammer – if you need to drill through masonry or concrete, this rotary hammer should be up to the task – it can be operated in hammer only, drill only, and combination modes
• BDA350Z angle drill – angle drills can get into spaces normal drills can’t and this one features 121 in.lbs. of max torque for the toughest materials. The drill also has an LED work light so you can see what you’re drilling
• BFS450Z drywall screwdriver – never hammer a sheetrock nail again when you have this drywall screwdriver featuring 4,000 RPM

Of course, all the battery powered tools in the world aren’t much good unless you have batteries and a charger. This kit has three 18V LXT Lithium-Ion batteries included and a Rapid Optimum Charger to keep them juiced up. As if all of this wasn’t enough, the combo kit also includes a rechargeable Xenon flashlight, a rechargeable fluorescent/incandescent flashlight and an FM/AM Jobsite radio that can be used with iPods and MP3 systems.

How are you going to get all of these tools where they’re needed? The combo kit comes with two tool carriers – a large and a small one depending on the size of your project and how many tools you need to carry.

Makita has an outstanding reputation as a manufacturer of high quality power tools that can be

found on construction sites and in home workshops around the world. They include a three year warranty on the tools in this kit that covers defects due to materials or workmanship. The batteries and charger are covered by a limited one year warranty. The combo kit is offered at most authorized Makita dealers and also from many online tool retailers.