You never know when a surprise might pop up on a job site. If you’re not prepared to handle surprises, you could lose money.

For instance, the best power tools will help you overcome some of the challenges of supplying worksite power. Still, which ones should you choose?

There are many types of power tools available. Accordingly, we’ve developed a power tools list for professional contractors.

Keep reading to learn more about the 10 best cordless tools for contractors.

1. Angle Grinder

If you don’t own an angle grinder, you might think it’s only for working with metals. However, they’re quite versatile.

You can use an angle grinder whenever you need to remove excess material. In fact, an angle grinder is one of the best options for this task.

Like many tools, it takes some time to learn how to consistently produce desired results with an angle grinder. Eventually, however, you can rest assured that you can finish off any project with this tool on hand.

2. Biscuit Joiner

As a contractor, you’ll most likely work with wood at some point, if not often. A biscuit joiner can help you create first-rate joints.

Suppose you need to work on a subfloor that needs reinforcement. In that case, a biscuit joiner can help you join a range of materials, including:

• Fiberboard
• Particleboard
• Plywood

No matter the material, a biscuit joiner will enable you to get the job done efficiently.

You want to look for a biscuit joiner with an adjustable fence. This feature will enable you to set your angles correctly.

It will take some practice to get the adjustment right, but the learning curve is well worth it.

3. Chain Saw

As a contractor, you might wonder, “Why the heck would I need a chainsaw?” Sometimes, you’ll come across a monster of a project like a foreclosure restoration.

During these kinds of jobs, you’ll wish you had something to clear materials away quickly. A chainsaw doesn’t let anything slow it down.

Alternatively, you may need to work on a home that’s built around trees. You could also have to deal with branches that have grown into a roof.

With these kinds of unusual situations, you have no alternative but to clear materials away. A chainsaw will ensure that you can overcome unexpected delays and keep a project moving forward.

4. Circular Saw

A table saw isn’t practical for every application. In these cases, a circular saw can come to the rescue. With a circular saw with proper spacing and bracing, you can make nearly the same cuts as you can with a table saw.

Circular saws are versatile. You can use them for many kinds of cuts, including:

• Combo edges
• Crosscuts
• Miter angles
• Rips

Also, you can always keep a compact circular saw nearby. The portability of a circular saw can help to save on labor. You won’t have to move around as much between cuts.

5. Cordless Drill

You’ll find that a cordless drill is the most versatile tool in your arsenal. It can serve as many tools, including a:

• Cabinet installer
• Impact driver
• Pilot hole maker
• Screwdriver

No matter what type of jobs you do, you can’t do your job effectively without a good cordless drill.

There are many options for cordless tools. Still, quality matters. If you purchase an entry-level cordless drill, you risk results that look unprofessional.

With this in mind, you’ll want to consider investing in a quality cordless drill. As a matter of fact, it’s a good idea to purchase the best drill within your cordless tool budget.

6. Hammer Drill

A hammer drill is another tool that you want to make sure to have in your toolkit. It delivers fast drilling action with less sweat equity.

For instance, you may need to make a hole in brick or concrete. You won’t find a better tool for the job than a hammer drill.

You should also invest in good diamond-tipped bits for your hammer drill. There are plenty of carbide bits available. However, you’ll enjoy more consistency with a diamond-tipped drill bit.

7. Impact Driver

A cordless impact driver is ideal for when you need a lot of torque. An impact driver can deliver torque without a whimper.

You don’t always need an impact driver. However, you’ll certainly appreciate it when you do need one.

Impact drivers store energy in a rotating mass. They produce remarkable results with each twist.

You can find impact drivers in several torque options and sizes. If possible, it’s helpful to invest in small, medium, and large impact drivers. By doing so, you’ll ensure that you can tackle whatever obstacle might arise.

8. Moisture Meter

A moisture meter is somewhat out of place for this list, but it’s a great tool for contractors to keep on hand. For instance, you may have a customer who wants an estimate for work in a kitchen or bathroom. You can check the seals around sinks, toilets, and tubs to ensure they’re healthy.

With a quality moisture meter, you can also check drainage systems and gutters. This kind of information will enable you to provide a more reliable estimate.

You could rely on signs such as cracking wood and peeling paint to pinpoint moisture problems. However, a moisture meter makes it easier for you to show clients that there’s a problem with moisture in their homes.

9. Orbital Sander

Once you purchase an orbital sander, it will become one of your favorite tools. You could argue that a 6-inch sanding surface takes more time compared to a belt sander. However, an orbital sander gives you more control over your work.

An orbital sander will save you from hand sanding surfaces such as finished stairs, trim, and other delicate carpentry. With an orbital sander, you can really attack surfaces. Another kind of sander will most likely prove too powerful.

10. Reciprocating Saw

A reciprocating saw is one of those must-have power tools for many contractors. It’s highly versatile. It’s important to remember, however, that a reciprocating saw is for rough cuts.

For example, you may need to start a project off with demo work. In that case, you’ll find that a reciprocating saw is highly useful. On the other hand, however, you won’t find it practical for doing feature work and installations.

Power Tool Brands

There are several annoyances that come into play when you mix-and-match equipment brands. It’s helpful to stick with a particular brand of cordless power tools.

Foremost, you won’t have to worry about different kinds of batteries. You also won’t have to worry about remembering different ways of operating your equipment.

Most contractors choose a particular brand, which we’ll discuss in a moment. However, not all power tool brands are for everyone. What one contractor finds great about one brand, another contractor might find great about another brand.

With that said, let’s take a look at one of the most popular power tool brands among contractors.

DeWalt: The Top Choice of Professionals

If you ask around about the best tool brand, you’ll most certainly hear the name DeWalt. DeWalt tools have been around since 1923.

In addition to providing plenty of cordless tool features, the company is one of the original manufacturers of power tools. Today, it’s a global power tool company.

DeWalt has become the leading cordless tool provider for professional contractors. The company now manufactures hundreds of corded and cordless power tools.

Among DeWalt tools, you can choose from a range of 12V and 18V power cordless tools. The company also makes 20V and 40V batteries for its outdoor equipment. In addition, DeWalt makes a line of FLEXVOLT power tools that allow you to switch between 20V to 60V.

Most importantly, however, DeWalt tools have developed a reputation for reliability over the years.

Choosing the Best Cordless Tools for Contractors

Sometimes, it’s difficult to tell the difference between professional-grade and consumer power tools. You may see professional tools on a worksite or a homeowner with contractor tools.

Some companies create high-quality tools that work well in both markets. Other brands, however, fall short. Yet other companies make amazing one-off tools.

With this in mind, there are a few things you want to look for when choosing new power tools for your company.

Warranty

Contractors need reliable tools. Before making a final decision, you should always check a manufacturer’s warranty page. The warranty page will give you a feel for the type of guarantee a company offers.

Nearly every power tool manufacturer has some kind of warranty policy. You’ll want to look for a manufacturer with at least a two-year warranty for wear and tear.

A lengthy warranty means that a manufacturer trusts its tools. In other words, the company built its tools to last.

It’s not always about a big name when it comes to cordless tools. You want to choose a tool brand that guarantees quality.

A good tool manufacturer makes durable, versatile, and powerful tools. By choosing the right tools, you can finish any project.

Ratings

You also want to check cordless tool ratings on sites like Trust Pilot. This kind of site can give you an idea of the most popular options available. For instance, a review site can give you an idea of each brand’s most popular drill.

User Experience

Contractors need tools that are more durable than consumer tools. With this in mind, you can also check forums and websites for information about tool brands.

There are many online forums about power tools. On these sites, users frequently talk about brands and tools.

You can browse these kinds of forums to find trending information about current tools. The forums will also reveal which brands offer the best user experiences.

A good place to start is the Life Story Research article about the most trusted tool brands in America.

Search Popularity

If you’re tech-savvy, you can also do keyword research with tools like Google trends and KW Finder to learn about the most popular cordless tool brands. Using these tools, you can check the search trends of each brand. They’ll show you the monthly searches for various products.

The data that you review will reveal current trends and interests in various brands of power tools. They’ll give you a rough idea about the popularity of different brands.

Saving on Tools

You can offset the costs of upgrading to professional contractor tools by looking for good deals. For example, a good retailer might offer online promotions or specials on certain tools. If you find a tool retailer’s discount page, you might want to check it frequently as deals can change regularly.

Another way to save on upgrading to professional contracting tools is to invest in a cordless combo tool kit. With a combo kit, you can save money by purchasing several cordless tools at once.

Final Thoughts for Contractors

As you speak with retailers and contractors, you’ll pretty much hear the same names that have built a good reputation over the years. The top brands in contractor tools have made lots of customers happy.

As a result, these companies have built trust for their brand. This kind of satisfaction is a good indication of what you can expect from their tools.

The power tool market is highly competitive. There are new companies entering the field all the time.

In many cases, however, you might find it better to stick with recommended brands that have years of experience. Every time you purchase a tool from a trusted brand, you can count on high-quality and expert service.

Quality, Advice, and Service All in One

We hope that our review of the 10 best cordless tools for contractors makes your choice easier. If you need professional-grade tools for your contracting business, we can help.

Contractor Tool Supply has served the needs of construction professionals for nearly 20 years. Our company is built on the experience of state-licensed general contractors who’ve completed hundreds of residential and commercial projects. This experience has laid the foundation for Contractor Tool Supply.

You can always count on Contractor Tool Supply for expert advice, low prices, and exceptional service. Please feel free to browse our fine selection of cordless contractor tools.