12 Highly-Reviewed DeWalt Tools That Are Great To Have When Remodeling A Kitchen
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Remodeling a kitchen isn't for the faint of heart; it takes skill, patience, and a full repertoire of tools and supplies. Home improvement experts know how to save money during a kitchen renovation, and though it's great to cut costs wherever possible, don't skimp on your tool quality. Go with a reputable brand like DeWalt for your kitchen renovation, which has a full lineup of tools for nearly every kitchen remodeling task, as well as reliable testimonials that uphold most of their products.
Below are 12 highly reviewed DeWalt products that are great to have on hand when remodeling a kitchen. They fulfill a variety of tasks, including removing old kitchen installations and putting in new ones. They're necessary for DIYing cabinets, laying countertops, setting up appliances, and replacing floors, walls, and backsplashes. Every one of these items has been reviewed by multiple people and sports a sublime star rating reflecting their reliability. They also serve a specific purpose for kitchen remodeling, and as long as you watch a short tutorial or read up on the instruction manual, they don't require any specialized skills or training before use. Read on to learn more about how we chose these products, and to find out more about each DeWalt tool you should have on hand for a kitchen remodel.
Make reliable kitchen measurements with the DeWalt Tape Measure with Finger Brake
Knowing exactly where cabinets and appliances can be installed is key to designing a safe and functional kitchen. Use a tape measure to find the length, width, height, and depth of cabinets, countertops, and appliances. Then, write these numbers down on a homemade blueprint to define how much space there is to work with. You'll need to know the distance between the ceiling and cabinets, the locations of gas, electric, and plumbing lines, and how much space there is for ventilation.
Skipping this important step during the planning phase may result in improper placements, which can cause appliances, cabinets, and countertops to fit improperly. Indeed, forgoing measurements is one of the most common mistakes when designing a new kitchen, warns interior designer Mikel Welch. Instead of making this dreaded mistake, use DeWalt's 25 Foot Tape Measure with Finger Brake, which has over 1,200 reviews from customers. Over 78% of reviewers gave it a perfect five-star rating, resulting in a 4.6 rating overall.
One reviewer expressed how this tape measure worked in their kitchen remodel, "I put this thing through its paces working on a kitchen remodel ... I like the feel it has that it will not slip out of my hands. My one complaint is that I couldn't get it to not bend at over 9 feet." Given this reviewer's advice, you may want to choose a sturdier tape measure if recording lengths above nine feet. Consider the DeWalt Tough Tape 35 Foot Tape Measure, which, according to reviews, extends up to 13 feet without bending.
DIY well-made cabinets and countertops with a DeWalt Framing Square
When building your own kitchen cabinets, one way to significantly cut costs is by doing it right the first time around. Use a framing square to mark exact measurements on wood corners, so finished cabinets are the same size and height. Place a framing square against the hardwood or plywood before you start making cuts, and make marks for reference. Drawing out a plan of action beforehand ensures cuts are straight with 90-degree angles, so corner pieces match up and cabinets have an even surface to support a flat countertop.
DeWalt's Quick Square is a simple framing square and a small investment for precise woodworking. More than 100 people have reviewed this product, and over 85% gave it a five-star rating, which resulted in 4.8 stars overall. Given how basic this product is, it isn't too different from other framing squares on the market, but many choose DeWalt as a trusted brand. In the words of one reviewer: "It's DeWalt. You know it's a quality tool at a fair price. Anytime I need a tool, I check and see if DeWalt makes it. Then I buy it. It's that simple."
Do precise handwork with a DeWalt 24-inch I-Beam Level
When laying countertops or installing cabinets, the pieces must be level, so instead of eyeballing it, use a beam level to ensure there's no subtle tilt in your placement. This keeps pieces from being slightly off, which leads to frustrating end results. Uneven builds cause the overlapping countertops to have gaps and sloped surfaces, and since the sides aren't level, kitchen doors and drawers won't fit correctly. This impedes the layout, causing opening mechanisms such as hinges and tracks to drag on surrounding wood and wear out faster over time.
A standard beam level is most appropriate for a variety of kitchen remodeling tasks, such as the DeWalt 24 Inch I-Beam Level. This level is long enough for most tasks, but not too long that it's bulky or difficult to maneuver. Out of 30 customer reviews, it has a 4.9-star average, with 83% awarding five stars, and most reviews applaud how useful it is for various tasks, "The DeWalt 24in. I-beam level is well built and accurate. Great size for many household projects."
Carefully remove a tiled backsplash or tile floor with the DeWalt Cut Off Tool
Properly removing a tiled backsplash or floor from your kitchen requires precise tools, and cut-off power tools are especially handy for this tricky renovation task. These have a selection of swappable wheels for cutting through all kinds of materials, such as metal, stone, plastic, and tiles. The smaller size makes it easier to use in compact spaces, such as removing a backsplash sandwiched between upper and lower cabinets. It's also useful for cutting out portions of drywall that need to be replaced or removed.
DeWalt's 20V MAX XR Cut Off Tool has three diamond wheels, and one of them is specifically made for slicing through tile. Out of 2,600 reviews, 82% left five stars, and it has an overall 4.6-star rating, but the biggest perk of this tool may be that after a kitchen renovation is complete, it's useful for other home projects. One person claimed they originally bought it to cut tile, but they extended its use to "... more things like metal locks, window casings, large cast sewer pipes, random grinding, siding, and even down to trimming parts off my old foxbody."
Pry up old tiles and woodwork with a DeWalt Spring Steel Flat Bar
If you have to tear out old parts of your kitchen before getting started on a new setup, you'll need a flat bar. This simple yet effective tool is useful for prying out old flooring, like laminate planks, vinyl tiles, and subfloor, and if it has a pronged end, it can also be used to tear out nails. A flat bar can also remove backsplashes, as well as glued-in and screwed-in cabinetry.
The DeWalt 12 Inch Spring Steel Flat Bar has both a flat and a nail-pulling end that makes it ideal for removing kitchen cabinets and flooring. Out of 116 reviewers, 84% gave it five stars, and it has 4.8 stars overall. One customer expressed how useful the DeWalt bar was for demolition and clearing out old builds: "I thought a prybar was just that, however this Dewalt is a lot better. I didn't think the wider bar mattered much, but it really makes it easier to use and easier to pull nails."
Cut and trim with the DeWalt Toughseries Retractable Utility Knife
A utility knife isn't just a kitchen remodel essential, it's one of those tools that every DIYer should own. One aspect of a full kitchen project is inevitably going to need smaller cuts than what large saws are capable of. This is where utility knives come into play, as they're necessary for finishing cabinets and trimming the edges off of vinyl flooring. Like the DeWalt flat bar, a utility knife is also useful for removing old kitchen installations and paving the way for newer and better products. Ideally, the knife will have a padded and ergonomic-shaped handle, so it's easy to use for long periods and extensive projects, such as cutting up flooring or cabinets.
With over 150 reviews, the DeWalt Toughseries Retractable Utility Knife with Blade Storage is guaranteed to be useful during a kitchen remodel. It has a 4.5-star average, with over 76% of customers giving it five stars. This utility knife has a pocket with extra blades, enabling users to swap out blades throughout a large-scale kitchen remodel. One customer summed up why they prefer the DeWalt utility knife over other brands: "Dewalt is quality. I have many razor knives for general work, but needed a top quality heavy-duty one for the more in-depth jobs and the extra slide storage without needing a screwdriver to change is perfect."
Use the DeWalt Cordless Circular Saw to construct your own cabinets
One of the biggest projects in a kitchen remodel is installing the cabinets, and if you're building your own kitchen cabinets for cost efficiency, a circular saw is a must-have. You'll need it to slice through cabinet material, especially if you plan on building them from scratch. When used in conjunction with a framing square, a circular saw is great for making precise, straight cuts in lumber, plywood, or MDF with minimal hassle.
Check out the DeWalt Cordless Sidewinder Style Circular Saw, which is an affordable option compared to other circular saws on the market. It comes with a sharp carbide-tipped blade, which should be sufficient to cut through plywood, but you can always invest in a different blade that better fits the project at hand. This DeWalt saw has over 10,000 reviews, and over 76% of those reviewers gave it five stars. It has a 4.6-star average, and testimonials attest to how well it works on cabinet materials: "The saw is light and easy to handle and there is no cord to get hung up during a cut. I was surprised how easily it cut through 3/4" plywood."
Remove and install laminate, wood, or vinyl flooring with a DeWalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi Tool
An oscillating multitool is a powered tool that efficiently cuts through flooring and walls, and it's especially useful for digging out stubborn planks and tiles. This is a must-have if you want to remove a large amount of flooring or don't have the physical strength to pull up tiles by hand, and can reduce days of work into only a few hours. Furthermore, interchangeable heads add even more functionality, such as removing nails, cutting old pipework, and sanding rough edges.
DeWalt's 20V Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi Tool has over 13,000 reviews on record. Nearly 82% of those reviewers left a solid five-star rating, resulting in an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Several customers expressed how they used this tool for a kitchen remodel, such as the testimonial that reported it, "Made cutting in that tight space a breeze! Thought back about all the projects this would have helped on, instead of using a jigsaw or plunging a circular saw." Another person expressed similar praise, "Very powerful and effective at those little cuts in awkward spaces."
Fill in the gaps around your cabinet, countertop, and sink with a DeWalt Adhesive Gun
Caulking is a vital part of any kitchen renovation project, and for two primary purposes: sealing up holes after removing the outdated setup and making finishing touches at the end of a project. No matter how carefully you measure and cut new cabinets and countertops, there are likely to be imperfections in your work.
These flaws don't just diminish a kitchen's appearance, they also create holes where food and other debris can get lost over time. Furthermore, kitchens are prone to liquid spills and high humidity, which can also seep into these cracks. Caulk fills these holes and masks any imperfections, preventing moisture and humidity damage, as well as mold and mildew growth. Caulk also plugs drywall holes where insects can enter, reducing the likelihood of ants, cockroaches, and other common pests.
To make this task easier, choose a caulking gun like the DeWalt Cordless Adhesive Gun, which has 114 reviews and a 4.1-star average. Half of the reviewers gave it five stars, while over 70% recommend the product overall. One reviewer described it as a "luxury" tool, saying, "I realize that a battery-operated caulk gun is a luxury, but this tool worked like a charm and made our large caulk project easier to complete."
Assemble kitchen cabinets with the DeWalt Atomic Cordless Brushless Compact Drill
One power tool that really comes in handy during kitchen remodels is a drill driver. This power tool is lightweight and compact, and relatively easy for people of all skill levels to handle. This power tool drills holes and drives screws, as the name implies, which makes it particularly useful for inserting hardware in DIY cabinetry. Use this tool to assemble wood pieces and make pilot holes, which prevents the risk of wood splitting or accidentally stripping your screws. The drill driver is also necessary for adding cabinet knobs, handles, or pulls to new cabinets. Even pre-assembled cabinets are often sold without pre-made holes, leaving it up to the purchaser to insert them. A drill driver makes a straight hole, which reduces the risk of making slanted, uneven holes that mar the front of new cabinetry.
The DeWalt Brushless Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill Driver has a five-star rating from 82% of its 800 total reviewers, with a 4.5-star overall rating. One customer described how it helped them with their kitchen remodel, "Finished my entire kitchen cabinet renovation project without breaking a sweat. Used it to drill the hinge holes, installing the handles, installing hinges and the switch plates for the backsplash. Never encountered a problem."
Align and secure cabinets with the DeWalt Trigger Clamp Set
When working on a remodeling project, there are often times when a third hand would be extremely helpful. Trigger clamps were designed for this purpose, providing the third hand so you don't have to ask for help. These tools hold pieces in place while you're drilling holes and screws, which is invaluable when building kitchen backsplashes, cabinets, and countertops. They're also useful for securing glue-in tiles and cabinets while the glue dries, so you don't have to take the ultimate test of patience and hold them yourself, or find a less reliable object to support them during the 10-minute to hours-long drying time.
Make sure you have the right size trigger clamps for every aspect of a kitchen remodel by using the Six-Piece DeWalt Trigger Clamp Set. This set includes a pair of 4.5-inch, 6-inch, and 12-inch clamps for backsplash, cabinet, and countertop installations. Out of all of the reviews, 74% of people gave it a solid five stars, resulting in a 4.6 rating overall. A glowing review stated, " The clamps are durable, easy to use, and offer a strong, secure grip. The smooth trigger mechanism makes applying consistent pressure effortless. With different sizes in the set, they're versatile for various tasks like assembly and gluing." Another reviewer also mentioned how its good for small projects later on, "Worked great for repairing a drawer in the kitchen."
Use the DeWalt Fiberglass Stepladder to reach high spots in a kitchen
Depending on the age of a home, ceiling heights can range from 7 to over 10 feet. Most people can't reach even the lowest of those heights, which makes it tricky to work on the upper cabinets and mounted appliances in a kitchen remodel. Instead of attempting to stand on countertops, use an adjustable step ladder to safely reach these points during a kitchen renovation. Step ladders often have slip-resistant feet and steps, and are guaranteed to hold up to a certain weight limit. In some cases, they even have a magnetic tray or slots for holding tools, which keeps them conveniently close while working high up.
The DeWalt 6 Foot Fiberglass Stepladder gives a rated reach of up to 10 feet, making it the perfect height for most kitchen ceilings. There are 71 reviews, and 92% of them bestowed a five-star rating for this product. It has a 4.9-star average overall, and an older woman with a self-proclaimed fear of heights gave a very positive testimonial: "This ladder is easy to move from room to room for use. I love the sturdy, secure feel and the tool/parts holder on the top. Best of all, it takes up no more space than other ladders. It has allowed me to tackle home updates and repairs I would have had someone else do before."
Methodology: How we chose the best DeWalt tools for remodeling a kitchen
DeWalt has hundreds of products on the market, and many of them are suitable for home renovation projects. We specifically sought out tools used for remodeling kitchens, ensuring that every product plays an important role in both kitchen demolition and installation. We also focused on tools that are useful for tearing out old setups and remodeling various features, including appliances, backsplashes, cabinets, countertops, flooring, and making minor alterations to plumbing and electrical systems. Since there are multiple models of each tool, we chose the model most practical for home use and working in restricted spaces. In most cases, these tools have ergonomic handles, are smaller in size, and have additional features that make them useful for home projects.
Once these tools were confirmed to fit these criteria, we vetted their reliability according to customers. Each tool has a rating of at least 4.1 out of 5 stars. They also have a minimum of 30 reviews to ensure the average ratings come from a wide range of people