Top 10 Best Cordless Power Tools In 2020Part 7 of 14 - Solar Powered Prepping Series - What You Can Maintain With Foldable Solar Panels & Solar Generators
TopSurvivalPreps.com is reader-supported. When you buy via the links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. Best Cordless Power Tools Maintainable By Solar Power This article is part 7 of 14 in our series that cumulatively includes details on the vast amount of battery powered capabilities a prepper can easily maintain.
In this article, written from a prepper's viewpoint, learn why you will likely need cordless power tools after commercial AC power is no longer available plus which features you should consider before purchasing anything. Keep reading to learn which power tools could be maintained with just portable solar power, and the order of importance of each tool.
 Why you might need Cordless Power ToolsIf society were to collapse due to any reason, i.e., an EMP, economic or financial collapse, virus pandemic, food shortages, super volcano, or some other cause, the world and your neighborhood are going to turn chaotic and very dangerous within a very short time as the unprepared quickly run out of food and water. When and if that happens, and commercial AC power is no longer available, you may soon realize that you wished you still had access to use certain power tools.
You can continue to have cordless power tools and their capabilities if you simply obtain them prior to any catastrophic event along with foldable solar panels and portable solar generators (power stations), which we recommend in our 10 part series linked near the bottom of this page.
Without solar panels and solar power stations, your cordless power tools will cease to work after their batteries are drained and AC commercial power is still non-existent.
Energizer 150W Solar Generator Power Station Powering Two DC Power Tool Chargers Simultaneously
 If society ever collapses, a prepper is going to need power tools more than ever to build useful things, barricade parts of their house or bunker, create defensive positions, board up some windows & doors, build a green house, animal pens (chickens, ducks, rabbits, etc.), and basically other things that require cutting, grinding, sanding, drilling, installing, removing, inflating & prying open things.
Small portable solar generators can easily provide the power to keep all of your cordless power tool batteries charged. Foldable solar panels can keep recharging the solar generators hundreds or even thousands of times. Solar Panels coupled with Portable Solar Generators would be immensely helpful during any time when AC power is not available.
 NOTE: Please be sure to invest in hand tool versions of these power tools as well. Speed of building things will likely be a critical factor and power tools accomplish work much faster than hand tools. However, you definitely should have the equivalent hand tools in your stockpile.
Stockpile Hand Tools For Doomsday (A Lot More Than Shown Below)!
 1. Choose cordless power tools that use Lithium batteries. Lithium battery powered tools are much better than NiMH battery sets as Lithium powered tools deliver more power and longer run times in a lighter package, the batteries last longer, and lithium battery chargers require less power, which is super important to conserve power provided by solar panels & solar generators.
2. Brushed vs. Brushless cordless power tools. Not long ago, brushless motors were only available in contractor grade brands such as DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee. Now brushless motors are available in more modestly priced consumer power tools such as Kobalt, Porter-Cable, and Ridgid.
Brushed motors drain batteries faster than brushless motors. Brushless motors adjust to the level of resistance they encounter, require less energy, operate with less friction, are more efficient and they have fewer moving parts. Because brushless motors have no brushes, you never need to think about replacing them so brushless tools are going to last longer (perhaps twice as many years as brushed tools).
Brushless tools are advertised to run up to 50% longer run times on the same Amp-Hour batteries. However, brushless tools are typically more expensive than brushed versions. Still, brushed tools from reputable brands will typically last last several years and take a lot of abuse. If you do not think you will need to use power tools very much, then brushed tools may be perfectly suitable for you. We recommend brushless tools if you can afford them, but definitely take price into consideration. Below is a YouTube video for a comparison test of brushed vs. brushless tools.
3. 12V versus 18V versus 20V versus 60V. You can choose 12V DC if you want power tools lighter in weight. Many of the 12V DC Cordless Power Tools are very good options. Most people today prefer 18V, or even better 20V DC Cordless Power Tools because they have better power and can handle bigger jobs better and faster. Greater than 20V adds even more power for all day every day heavy contractor use.
4. Amp-Hour (Ah) Battery Sizes - The higher a battery's Amp-Hours (Ah), the longer the run time for the same power tool. 1.5 Ah & 2.0 Ah Batteries will get the job done on smaller less power intensive jobs and in a large number of "typical" jobs they are more than adequate. 4.0 Ah, 5.0 Ah, and 6.0 Ah batteries are better for larger jobs and high power consuming jobs like using a circular saw all day.
We recommend the 5.0 Ah batteries (or higher). In the long run, you'll probably be happier with 5.0 Ah as there's a big difference in power when doing a task like cutting a metal pipe with a reciprocating saw where the 2.0 Ah or smaller batteries will feel like they are bogging down. Not knocking the smaller Ah batteries. It's good to have some of those hand for lighter weight and smaller jobs.
5. Cost - If you cannot afford to purchase a contractor grade lithium brushless Cordless Power Tool Combo Set, you could opt to to purchase just one or two tools and then add to them later as you can afford them, or you could purchase a less expensive brushed combo kit or start with one or two of those tools. Also, besides having interchangeable batteries, it is usually less expensive to buy Cordless Power Tool Combo Sets versus individual tools, and then add on individual tools with or without batteries & chargers.
6. Stick to the same brand & series. If you are buying your first cordless power tools, or if you need to upgrade your older models to brushless & lithium tools, be sure to stick to the same brand and series for your new tools so that your batteries are interchangeable, unless your old tools have NiMH batteries which means it is time to start transitioning to lithium. If you really like and trust a particular brand such as Bosch, Makita or Milwaukee then by all means stick with them as those are 3 very good brands.
Cordless Chainsaws Can Be Used Inside (No Fumes) And Are Relatively Quiet
& Fast To Reclaim Wood For Reuse From One Location To Another.
 We are recommending DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Power Tools due to contractor quality, lithium batteries, brushless motors, plus the availability of a Cigarette Lighter DC powered charger. The MAX XR is the latest Brushless version of their 20V cordless power tools. "XR" stands for "Extreme Runtime".
Dewalt is one of the best power tool brands in the world and due to its high-quality products has dominated the international tools market for decades. The prime characteristics that separate Dewalt products from other brands are their durable build, efficient operation, and reliable, long term service.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following top 10 priority list is by Tool Type (Cordless Drill #1, Cordless Circular Saw #2, etc.). You can substitute different brands and/or quality for each choice. We are not trying to rank the exact best brand for each tool type because then you end up with a set of multiple different brands in the list and you need to stick with the same brand & series if possible.
DeWalt makes high quality & reliable contractor grade cordless power tools. If you prefer a different brand or lower quality/less expensive set or even a higher quality set of DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Max Cordless Tools, then go with what works for your needs & budget.
All of the Cordless Power Tools listed below are DeWalt 20V Max XR tools that could be add-ons to a 20V Max XR combo set. As another example, if you did go with DeWalt 20V Max XR for a combo set, if you purchased an "add-on" DeWalt FlexVolt 60V Max Circular Saw, plus you purchased a set of 6.0 Ah, 9.0 Ah, and/or 12.0 Ah Flex Volt 20V/60V batteries, then those FlexVolt batteries would work in all your 20V Max XR and FlexVolt 60V Dewalt cordless power tools.
DeWalt FlexVolt 20V / 60V 9.0 Ah Batteries
 1. Cordless Drills
Prepper's Viewpoint: Prepper's will need to build things fast during Doomsday to transition their property to be more secure / defendable. It is relatively easier to replace most kinds of power saws with hand tool versions (axe, hand saw, hack saw, etc.), but drilling would be an order of magnitude harder with a hand drill and you could basically forget about drilling in harder materials without a power drill. This makes a cordless drill #1 in our list.
DeWalt 20V Max XR - Compact Drill / Driver - Model # DCD791B  Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max XR - Compact Drill / Driver - Model # DCD791B
NOTE: Also consider the DeWalt 20V Max XR - Drill / Driver - Model # DCD991B The DCD991 is less compact and is quite a bit more powerful than the DCD791. The DCD991 has a fancier chuck and three speeds instead of two speeds for the DCD791. The DCD791 seems to be a pound or so lighter and is more compact. The DCD991 features a powerful brushless motor that supplies a maximum 820 Units Watts Out (UWO) for a faster application speed. The DCD791 supplies 460 UWO max in comparison. The direct links to compare prices of the more powerful 3 speed Cordless Drill #DCD991B are: Amazon, Home Depot & International Tool. NOTE: The smaller 2-speed Compact Cordless Drill DCD791 & 2-speed Compact Cordless Hammer Drill DCD796 are shown in the YouTube above. The two YouTube videos below have the larger more powerful 3-speed versions of the Cordless Drill DCD991 and Hammer Drill DCD996 (see #9 in our list below). Also, there is a brand new model DCD998 Hammer Drill that is detailed below (in #9 in our list) and includes a YouTube video of the DCD996 & new DCD998 Hammer Drills. 2. Cordless Circular Saws
Prepper's Viewpoint: Even though different versions of hand saws could theoretically replace a circular saw, the speed of cutting boards and plywood would be like 100 times faster with a power saw. With many other chores to do, the circular saw is #2 on our list for getting wood cut fast to build things. DeWalt 20V Max XR - Circular Saw - Model # DCS570B  Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max XR - Circular Saw - Model # DCS570B
Also consider the DEWALT Atomic 20V Max Brushless 4-1/2 in. Cordless Circular Saw - Model # DCS571B. It can fit in places the 20V Max XR Circular Saw cannot, and they use the exact same batteries. The direct links to compare prices are: Amazon & Home Depot.  3. Cordless Chainsaws
Cordless chainsaws can cut up firewood and branches, they can make rapid cuts in lumbar where precision is not an issue, they can quickly harvest lumber and boards to be repurposed, and they can be used indoors! They are also much quieter than gas chain saws. During Doomsday, solar power and cordless power tools will outlast gas power tools. Prepper's Viewpoint: For quick demolition of most wood to re-purpose, nothing will be faster than a cordless chain saw. Add to that the ability to quietly and quickly cut up small trees and branches for firewood, the cordless chainsaw is #3. The ability to use indoors is also a big plus. DeWalt 20V Max XR - Compact Cordless Chainsaw - Model # DCCS620B 
Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max XR - Compact Cordless Chainsaw - Model # DCCS620B
Also consider the DEWALT FLEXVOLT 60V MAX Brushless Chainsaw - Model # DCCS670B. It is a larger more powerful version with a 16" Oregon Bar. The direct links to compare prices are: Amazon, Home Depot & International Tool. You'll need to purchase a 60V FlexVolt battery if you get one of these.  4. Cordless Reciprocating Saws
Prepper's Viewpoint: There is not a more versatile tool for demolition of just about any material including metal pipes and bars to re-purpose than a cordless reciprocating saw. The cordless chainsaw might be faster on wood and handling larger cuts, but it does not have the versatility of cutting metal and to get into tight spaces like the reciprocating saw. The reciprocating saw is #4 on our list. DeWalt 20V Max XR - Compact Reciprocating Saw - Model # DCS367B   Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max XR - Reciprocating Saw - Model # DCS367B
5. Impact Drivers
Prepper's Viewpoint: In line with needing to build things quickly, the impact driver is much better than a drill for efficiently and quickly driving larger screws and a high quantity of screws and without stripping screw heads, making it #5 on our list. DeWalt 20V Max XR - 3-Speed Impact Driver - Model # DCF887B  Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max XR - 3-Speed Impact Driver - Model # DCF887B
6. Cordless Angle Grinders
Prepper's Viewpoint: Another tool in line with needing to build things quickly, depending on the attachment, the angle grinder can cut, grind and shape materials such as metal, stone, and concrete. They can also remove paint and rust, plus polish metal by using wire wheels and cups. The angle grinder makes #6 on our list. The YouTube video below explains the difference between the DeWalt 20V Max XR - Angle Grinder slide switch and paddle switch versions. DeWalt 20V Max XR - Angle Grinder - Model # DCG405B 
Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max XR - Angle Grinder - Model # DCG405B (Slide Switch) & DCG413B (Paddle Switch)
7. Cordless Sanders
Cordless sanders quickly handle a variety of sanding jobs to smooth out rough wood, remove paint and other finishes, and remove rust on flat metal. If you have a door that is sticking and hard to shut, you can sand down the part that is sticking. This model has a one-handed locking dust bag that attaches securely to the sander to aid in dust collection. This tool has a paper clamp design to hold paper securely and for quick easy installation. Prepper's Viewpoint: Cordless sanders can smooth out rough and splintered wood. The last thing you need in Doomsday is to cut wood and build things only to have them introduce splinters as unnecessary medical issues. This makes a cordless sander #7 in our list.
Note: This Cordless sander's Included dust tube & dust bag (shown below) only allows room to use batteries 5.0 Ah and under. Available for purchase as an accessory is the DeWalt N684701 dust port for batteries 6.0 Ah and over (Ref: Instruction Manual, p. 12). However, a 5.0 Ah battery is already overkill on a sander.
DeWalt 20V Max XR - Cordless Variable Speed Sander - Model # DCW200B 
Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max XR - Cordless Variable Speed Sander - Model # DCW200B
8. Cordless Jig Saws
Cordless jig saws can cut straight lines, curved lines, and even perfect circles, if properly set up. Whatever custom shape you want cut, if it’s not too tiny, the jig saw can probably do it. Jig saws are easy and versatile to use but are not super accurate for precise cuts. They can be used for demolition, rough out framing, cutting through pipes, and even act as a mini reciprocating saw. DeWalt 20V Max XR - Cordless Jig Saw - Model # DCS334B 
Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max XR - Cordless Jig Saw - Model # DCS334B
9. Cordless Hammer Drills
Cordless hammer drills are "specialty" drills designed to drill holes into rock, brick, concrete, and other masonry. If you are drilling holes in those materials, then a hammer drill is really your only choice. The hammer drill is larger and more powerful than a "normal" cordless drill and works when by "hammering" the drill bit which is rotating. Technically speaking, they pulverize hard concrete material under the bit as the bit churns into the surface.
Prepper's Viewpoint: If you need to drill into brick or concrete, there is no other choice than a hammer drill. They also drill wood and metal in a larger, more powerful, more expensive version of a normal cordless drill, makes a cordless hammer drill #9 in our list. If you are only going to have one drill, we would consider bumping the Hammer Drill up to #1 in our list. It is so large and powerful (and not compact) but it is more versatile than a normal drill in that it can drill into concrete with the hammer function (which can also be turned off so this is just a powerful drill).
DeWalt 20V Max XR - Cordless Hammer Drill - Model # DCD996B 
Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max XR - Cordless Hammer Drill - Model # DCD996B
NOTE: Also consider the DeWalt 20V Max XR - Cordless Hammer Drill - Model # DCD998B. The DCD998B is the newer version replacing the DCD996B and they are compared in the YouTube video above. We could only find the newer DCD998B on Amazon and in a combo package with a carrying case, charger, and 8.0 Ah Battery. NOTE: Also consider the DeWalt 20V Max XR - Compact Hammer Drill - Model # DCD796B. The DCD796 is more compact and is quite a bit less powerful than the DCD996. The DCD996 has a fancier chuck and three speeds instead of two speeds for the DCD796. The DCD796 seems to be a pound or so lighter and is more compact. The DCD996 features a powerful brushless motor that supplies a maximum 820 Units Watts Out (UWO) for a faster application speed. The DCD796 supplies 460 UWO max in comparison. The direct links to compare prices of the less powerful 2 speed Cordless Hammer Drill #DCD796 are: Home Depot (tool only), Amazon (includes case, charger and two 2.0 Ah batteries), & International Tool (includes case, charger, and two 2.0 Ah batteries). We could not locate the DCD796 with just the Tool Only. 10. Miter Saws (also called Chop Saws)
Miter Saws (also called Chop Saws) are better at cutting angles and making very quick cuts for long boards (such as 2" x 4" boards, trim and crown molding). They are really fantastic saws and we hate to put them in 10th place, but the portable circular saw is more portable and versatile. The Chop Saw is much faster and precise compared to the circular saw.
DeWalt 20V Max - 7-1/4" Sliding Compound Miter Saw - Model # DCS361M1 Note: A Max XR version is not available. This is still a brushless MAX version, just not the "XR"
Check Current Prices & Availability - DeWalt 20V Max - 7-1/4" Sliding Compound Miter Saw - Model # DCS361M1
11. Rotary Tools (i.e., Dremel Tools)
They can also sharpen blades such as for knives or chainsaw blades. Cordless would be better than corded in a Doomsday scenario, but some smaller corded versions can be powered directly from a Solar Generator Power Station. If you already have one of these in a corded version, just check the maximum or continuous 110V AC Watts. Otherwise, purchase a cordless version. You can find less expensive rotary tools, but they do not have the build quality or durability of Dremel in our opinion. Prepper's Viewpoint: Whenever you wish you had a smaller drill, saw, grinder, polisher and/or intricate level work, the Dremel Tool should be your go to tool. The Dremel Tool makes #11 on our list. Dremel 8220-1/28 Rotary Tool with Flex Shaft Attachment   
Check Current Prices & Availability - Dremel 8220-1/28 Rotary Tool with Flex Shaft Attachment
12. Automotive Set Of DC Powered Tools
Automotive Set Of DC Powered Tools - Includes Electric Car Lift Jacks, Impact Wrenches, and Tire Inflator Pumps that typically come in sets or separately with a primary use of changing tires on a car, truck, or SUV.
NOTE: These are not cordless power tools but since they are powered by a 12V DC Cigarette Lighter, they can run directly from a Solar Generator, but likely not from the 12V DC Cigarette Lighter Plug on the Solar Generator which is typically rated at 10A Max and the Car Lift (13A), Impact Wrench (13A) and Inflator (10A) are just at or above the max current. However, you could still use the 110V AC Outlet of the Solar Generator and convert the AC back to 12V DC 15A max with a converter such as the Schumacher 1216 12V 15 Amp Power Converter. Automotive Set Of DC Powered Tools (Electric 3 Ton Automatic Scissor Lift Jack with Impact Wrench & Tire Inflator Pump)
Check Current Prices & Availability - Automotive Set Of DC Powered Tools (Electric 3 Ton Automatic Scissor Lift Jack with Impact Wrench & Tire Inflator Pump)
1. Amazon
 2. Home Depot (Electric Lift Jack only)
 It Is Usually Less Expensive To Buy Combo Sets & Then Add Additional Tools
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Combo Sets
 Where To Find DeWalt 20V Max XR Combo Sets In Different Configurations
1. Amazon
2. Home Depot
2. International Tool
 The DC cigarette lighter charger would be the most efficient way to charge power tools with less wattage requirements using Portable Solar Generators / Power Stations since charging would be direct DC to DC charging. There would be no DC to AC inverter involved (which has approx. a 10% reduction in efficiency).
Even the smallest Solar Generator Stations that we recommend (the Energizer & Beaudens 150W Power Generator Stations) have a DC to Female Cigarette Lighter Adapter as well as an 110V AC Inverter if you went a direction other than DEWALT. If you like another brand better than DeWalt, don't let this change your mind as solar generators have AC Inverters so they can power any Cordless Power Tool Battery Charger. It will just take about 10% more Watt Hours to charge the batteries versus the DC Cigarette Lighter Charger.
- Turns your power drill into a power shear - Inserts into chuck of an A/C or cordless drill - 20 gauge capacity in galvanized steel - Navigates tight patterns and square cuts
 Check Current Prices & Availability - Malco TS1 Turbo Shear a. Amazon a. The Malco TSCM Corrugated Metal Turbo Shear  Check Current Prices & Availability - Malco TSCM Corrugated Metal Turbo Shear a. Amazon 
Check Current Prices & Availability - DEWALT Metal Shears Attachment, Impact Ready (DWASHRIR) a. Amazon 2. Less Expensive Off Brand 6.0 Ah Batteries that work in DeWalt 20V Max XR Combo Sets
Spare batteries are a must have for any Cordless Power Tools. Less expensive & powerful off brand 6.0 Ah Batteries are available for less than 1/2 the price of DeWalt 5.0 Ah batteries and the ones pictured below have great feedback on Amazon.  Check Current Prices & Availability - Off Brand 6.0 Ah Batteries that work in DeWalt 20V Max XR Combo Sets
If you just have an older NiMH cordless drill and do not want to upgrade it but want to add a less expensive lithium powered circular saw, we recommend the Popoman 20V Cordless Mini Circular Saw that is pictured below. We purchased one with a 4.0 Ah battery and charger and and it comes with a laser guide which is really nice. It has a brushed motor, is lightweight and it is a beast considering its size. We put a Diablo 4-1/2 in. x 24-Teeth Framing Saw Blade on it that we bought from Home Depot and it easily cut 2x4 boards and plywood easily for several hours.
There is a YouTube video below, of a slightly different version with a 2.0 Ah battery. The one that is linked above has a better trigger and 4.0 Ah battery versus the one in the YouTube video. Extra 20V 2.0 Ah batteries are available at this link. The "extra" 2.0 Ah battery is shown in the tool below, while the original 4.0 Ah battery is shown in the charger.
The Popoman 20V Cordless 4-1/2" Mini Circular Saw Is A Beast For Approx. $90 & Includes A Laser Guide
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