Dewalt Cordless Tool Set Review - Steak Or Sizzle?

This is a review of several Dewalt tools I have used regularly in the past eight years. They belonged to one 5 piece set and two 3 piece sets of cordless tool as well as two corded ones.

18V Circular Saw

18 v Dewalt XRP cordless hammerdrill: amazing tool. The first one went after 5 years due to trigger malfunctioning, second one going strong. The new Lithium batteries are significantly lighter and have a linear performance (full power till completely dead - versus getting weaker as they discharge) which is great except that you can't tell when the battery is about to die.

18V Circular Saw

18v Dewalt cordless sawzall: do not abuse. Went through two sets - and they don't come cheap. Second one lasted a little over one year of heavy duty and made me switch to a corded Milwaukee and I never looked back. Also the blade locking mechanism jams after a while.

18v Dewalt cordless lamp: handle with care. Flimsy contacts between flexible neck and battery base eventually break lose and unit becomes dysfunctional.

18v Dewalt cordless circular saw: use patiently or it will bog down easily.

18v Dewalt cordless impact drill: amazing. Compact, lightweight, built in light - in two words: little monster. In practical applications easily out torques the bigger XRP. One of those tools you are skeptic about until you try it and then you can't live without it.

Dewalt standard corded drill: torquey enough for mixing small quantities of mortar! A good backup tool in case the XRP dies.

Dewalt jigsaw: pretty good tool if used with proper blade for the material. Sturdy feel, worth the money.

Conclusion: This review reflects solely my experience and should not be generalized. Upon extended use of the above tools, I would highly recommend the Dewalt corded tools and the excellent cordless drills, but for heavy use and abuse I would think twice about purchasing the cordless combo sets - unless the sale price of the set is almost the price of the XRP gun - which I have seen happen.

As for the weekend warrior, any combo set will perform well and the XRP drill and impact gun alone will justify the set price as well as the bragging rights.

Dewalt Cordless Tool Set Review - Steak Or Sizzle?
18V Circular Saw

Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)
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Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Feature

  • Makita-built motor delivers 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping through wood
  • Compact, ergonomic design at only 6.9 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue
  • Designed with a large 2-1/4-inch cutting capacity at 90 degrees
  • Makita LXT Lithium-Ion battery and Energy Star rated 30-Minute Rapid Optimum Charger produces 430% total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles
  • 3-year warranty on tool


Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Overview

Makita built, D35 high torque motor delivers maximum power for cutting 2x material at 45-degrees with 50-degrees capacity; compact design at only 13-5/8-inchlength and weighs only 6.9-pounds ( with battery, not included )for less operator fatigue; ergonomic shape fits like a glove with even pressure and easy control; heavy-gauge, precision machined base for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability; two-piece armature and field along with externally accessible brushes for serviceability and longer motor life.

Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery) Specifications

The Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw delivers cordless cutting power to the jobsite. The BSS611Z has a Makita-built high-torque motor and a compact design for a range of cutting applications, and will cut 2X material at 45 degrees.



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BSS611Z Features
SPEED - 3,700 RPM for faster cutting and ripping
EFFICIENCY - Large cutting capacity (2-1/4" at 90°)
COMFORT - Less weight with ergonomic grip
PERFORMANCE - LXT Li-Ion batteries charge in 30 minutes, run longer and deliver 2.5X more cycles
Battery and charger not included

Tool Specifications
Blade diameter6-1/2"
Arbor5-8"
No load speed3,700 RPM
Max. cutting depth90° (2-1/4") ,45° (1-9/16"), 50° (1-7/16")
Battery18V LXT Lithium-Ion
Overall length13-5/8"
Net weight6.9 lbs. (w/battery)
Makita-Built Motor Engineered for Versatile Power
The BSS611Z features a Makita-built high-torque motor that produces 3,700 RPM for faster cutting. The saw has a 50 degree maximum bevel cutting capacity and is engineered with a heavy gauge, precision machined base for smooth, accurate cutting and added durability.

Ergonomic Design in a Compact Size
The BSS611Z weighs just 6.9 pounds (with battery, sold separately) with a more compact design at 13-5/8 inches long and an ergonomic shape that fits like a glove for reduced operator fatigue.

Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The BSS611Z is engineered for a range of cutting tasks, and is perfect for roofing, carpentry, remodeling, woodworking, and for any pro contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered cordless circular saw. The BSS611Z is just another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.

About Makita's 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Series. Three years after its debut, Makita's LXT Series has grown from seven to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18V Compact Lithium-Ion for cordless power in a more compact size.

About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial quality power tools, and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to produce tools that are stronger, lighter, more powerful and easier to use. Makita USA, Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. For more information, please call 800/4-MAKITA (800/462-5482) or visit the website at makitatools.com. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.

Warranty
Every Makita Lithium-Ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-Year Warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita Lithium-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty. Please see makitatools.com for complete details.

What's in the Box
Makita BSS611Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (tool only).


Other Makita Lithium-Ion Series
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See the entire 18V Lithium-Ion Lineup
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BHR240BCS550BPB180LXT1500 15-Tool KitLXT1200 12-Tool KitLXT902 9-Tool Kit



Available In Stock.

Bare-Tool Makita BSS611Z 18-Volt LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 6-1/2-Inch Circular Saw (Tool Only, No Battery)