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Kreg power tools are now a full 20V lineup built for woodworkers, headlined by the Kreg 20v Edge Loose Tenon Joiner (KPTBEDGE100B). I tested the new hammer drills, HEPA shop vac, grinder, and blower, and I put the Kreg Edge up against my Festool Domino. Here is what is in the lineup, what each tool does well, and which ones I would buy.
The Short Answer
- Kreg power tools are built specifically for woodworkers. Kreg is not chasing Milwaukee or DeWalt on specs.
- The Kreg Edge costs $499, corded or cordless. A Festool Domino runs about $1,300 to $1,400.
- The Kreg Edge cuts the same oblong mortise as a Domino, and Festool tenons fit it.
- Every cordless Kreg tool runs on one 20V battery platform. No split between small and large batteries.
- My drill pick is the Kreg 20v High Speed Hammer Drill for its 2,500 RPM boost and anti-rotation.
Kreg Power Tools: What Is in the New Lineup
Kreg sent me its newest power tools to check out, and I lined them all up on my bench. This release adds two new hammer drills, a grinder, a HEPA shop vac, a shop blower, and three impact wrenches. It also adds the Kreg Edge loose tenon joiner in both corded and cordless versions.
On top of that, there is a corded Kreg Rebel, a new 2-1/4 HP router, and a bigger router based on the old Porter-Cable design. There is also a 1-1/4 HP trim router with a plunge base and a universal base for the track saw. That joins Kreg's first launch: the Kreg Rebel, a router, a circular saw, a cordless track saw, and a barrel grip jigsaw.
Here is what I missed about Kreg nine months ago. DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, and Milwaukee make incredible tools, and I own a lot of them. But look at their websites and product photos. They are built for contractors, plumbers, and mechanics, not woodworkers.
Kreg built every tool in this lineup with the woodworker in mind. It is not fighting the spec war. It is building a system for the shop, and that is why the big brands should be nervous.
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Watch the Full Kreg Power Tools Breakdown
The video shows the anti-rotation feature stopping the drill in real time. It also shows the Kreg Edge side by side with my Festool Domino.
Kreg Edge vs Festool Domino: Is It a Domino Killer?
I have had a Festool Domino in my shop for several years, and it is a fantastic loose tenon joiner. The Kreg Edge does the same job. It cuts an oblong mortise for a loose tenon, at a fraction of the price. I call it a Domino killer for three reasons.
Kreg Edge Price
The cordless Kreg 20v Edge Loose Tenon Joiner (KPTBEDGE100B) costs $499 as a kit with a battery. The corded Kreg Edge (KLTM500) is also $499. A Festool Domino runs about $1,300 to $1,400, so the Kreg Edge is roughly a third of the price.
Most people are not going to run out and spend Domino money on a joiner. A $500 tool is something you can budget for or save up for.
Kreg Edge Features the Domino Does Not Have
The Kreg Edge has a dial that micro adjusts the fence height up and down. You can dial in the exact setting, or use the step stops for quick setups. The Domino does not have that dial.
The fence plate is also wider than the one on the Domino. That gives you a bigger footprint and better balance on the workpiece. Kreg added more reference markers for offsets, too.
The fence adjusts from 0 to 90 degrees with positive detents, and you can lock it anywhere in that range. Mortise depth is set in millimeters, because the tenons you buy are sized in millimeters. Kreg did a good job refining this tool. It is very close to the Domino, with a few real improvements.
Do Festool Tenons Fit the Kreg Edge?
Yes. Festool tenons fit the same mortise the Kreg Edge cuts. Here is a power tip. Festool tenons are actually cheaper than Kreg tenons, so buy those and save some money.
Corded vs Cordless Kreg Edge
The corded and cordless Kreg Edge are essentially the same machine. The difference is how you power it. That means you do not have to pick a battery platform to own one. The corded version is sold only at Lowe's.
| Feature | Kreg Edge | Festool Domino |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $499, corded or cordless kit | About $1,300 to $1,400 |
| Mortise type | Oblong loose tenon mortise | Oblong loose tenon mortise |
| Fence height micro adjust dial | Yes | No |
| Fence plate | Wider, bigger footprint | Narrower |
| Accepts Festool tenons | Yes | Yes |
| Track record | Brand new | About 20 years |
Who Should Buy a Festool Domino Instead
If you cut mortises all day and need a workhorse, I would still steer you to the Festool. It has a proven track record of about 20 years, so it is a buy once, cry once tool. If you cut mortises occasionally, even once a week, I would pick up the Kreg Edge and save the money.
DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Makita do not have anything like this. I got a closer look at how Kreg builds tools like this when I toured inside the company behind the Domino killer.
See the Kreg 20v Edge Loose Tenon Joiner at Kreg | See the Kreg 20v Edge Loose Tenon Joiner at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the corded Kreg Edge Loose Tenon Joiner at Lowe's Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kreg High Speed Hammer Drill Review (KPTBHD050B)
The Kreg 20v High Speed Hammer Drill is the drill I would buy from this lineup. Its boost button takes it up to 2,500 RPM. The standard Kreg 20v Hammer Drill tops out at 2,000 RPM.
That speed matters for pocket holes. The faster you spin a pocket hole bit, the cleaner the hole.
It also adds anti-rotation. If a big Forstner bit or hole saw binds and the drill starts to twist, it cuts the motor. That keeps the drill from wrenching your arm. Milwaukee and DeWalt have this feature, and I love that Kreg added it.
I tested it with a 2-1/8 inch Forstner bit in pine. I angled the drill more than I normally would to force a bind, and it stopped the motor every time. A light at the base flashes to show the feature kicked in. Release the trigger and you are back in business.
As for power, it spun that 2-1/8 inch bit through the pine with no trouble. You will not run short on power for woodworking tasks.
Kreg Hammer Drill vs High Speed Hammer Drill
Both new drills have 20 torque settings, a two speed switch, and drill, screwdriver, and hammer modes. Hammer mode is there for masonry work. The high speed model comes with a side handle and is slightly longer and heavier.
In the hand, both feel as premium as any drill I have tested. That includes much more expensive drills from Milwaukee and DeWalt.
The original Kreg 20v Compact Drill (KPTBDR050A) is still in the lineup too. It is a standard drill with no hammer mode, and it is a fantastic little drill for the shop.
| Feature | Compact Drill (KPTBDR050A) | Hammer Drill (KPTBCHD050B) | High Speed Hammer Drill (KPTBHD050B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer mode | No | Yes | Yes |
| Top speed | Not stated | 2,000 RPM | 2,500 RPM with boost |
| Anti-rotation | Not stated | No | Yes |
| Side handle | No | No | Yes |
| Torque settings | Not stated | 20 | 20 |
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Kreg 20V HEPA Shop Vac Review (KPTWDV026B)
This is not a big shop vac. It is a compact vacuum made to live right on your workbench, and that is what makes it special. An expandable hose stretches anywhere around the bench to reach your smaller tools.
It uses what I believe is a 1-1/4 inch connection. That fits the dust ports on the Kreg track saw, the router, and the Kreg Rebel pocket hole machine.
The big deal is the HEPA filter. It catches the harmful dust particles you cannot even see. It is light, has two suction levels, and is portable enough that I have used it to vacuum ash out of my pellet grill.
The only thing I wish it had is a bag. Given how small it is, I suspect a bag would cut suction too much.
Kreg HEPA Shop Vac vs DeWalt
DeWalt sells a small shop vac like this, but it is not HEPA filtered. DeWalt does make a cordless HEPA dust extractor on the FlexVolt platform, but it costs well over $500. For a small shop on a budget, I think the Kreg wins.
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Are Kreg Power Tools Worth Buying Into a New Battery Platform?
The biggest pushback I hear on any new battery platform is that people do not want to buy into another one. I get it, because I was there. I started with Ridgid and did not want anything else.
Then I bought the Milwaukee M12 drill and driver and realized I was missing out. Now I own Makita, Ryobi, Bosch, and more, because more platforms give me more options. You have to decide if the tools are worth it for your shop.
Kreg also keeps it simple. Milwaukee has M12 and M18. DeWalt has 12-volt, 20-volt, and 60-volt. Makita has 18-volt and 40-volt. Kreg is all in on 20-volt.
When I visited Kreg's headquarters, everyone I talked to was focused on building tools for woodworkers. It is on their marketing and all over the building. I want to support a company like that, because it supports us.
If you would rather skip batteries altogether, the Kreg Edge, Kreg Rebel, routers, and track saw all come in corded versions.
Kreg 20V Batteries and Super Charger
Kreg now offers a wider range of batteries, so you can match the pack to the tool. The bigger batteries belong on the track saw, the circular saw, and the vacuum, since those pull more power. The smaller packs make sense on the drills, where you do not want a heavy battery hanging off the bottom.
The new Kreg Super Charger is a welcome addition. It gets those bigger batteries charged up faster.
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See the Kreg 8Ah Battery at Kreg | See the Kreg 8Ah Battery at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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New Kreg Routers: 2-1/4 HP, Trim Router, and Plunge Base
Kreg has a new 2-1/4 HP router, shaped very much like the DeWalt, now on the Kreg platform. It comes in both 20V and corded versions.
The bigger Kreg 3 1/4 HP Router is based on the famous Porter-Cable router that is no longer made. It has modern motor technology that adjusts as the cut demands, so it gives you more power when you need it. I used it at Kreg headquarters, and it is butter smooth.
Kreg is also releasing a 1-1/4 HP trim router with a plunge base. It works with Kreg's router tables, especially if you have the Kreg router base plate. I broke down every new Kreg router and router table in a separate post.
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See the Kreg Small Router Table at Kreg | See the Kreg Small Router Table at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kreg Track Saw Universal Track Base and Track Square (ACS4590)
Kreg is moving to the standard track profile that Festool, Milwaukee, Makita, and the rest use. New Kreg track saws get the standard base. A universal base swaps onto older Kreg track saws, including the corded one.
That matters because it opens up a ton of accessories, like track squares and parallel guides. If you are still shopping for a track saw, I tested 15 track saws to find the best one.
Kreg is making its own track squares too. The Kreg Track Square (ACS4590) handles 90 and 45 degree cuts. A second one works like a miter gauge, so you can set any angle you need. Both work on any track saw that uses that standard guide rail.
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See the Kreg Track Saw Universal Track Base at Kreg Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the Kreg 20v Track Saw Kit at Kreg | See the Kreg 20v Track Saw Kit at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the Kreg Track Saw (corded) at Kreg | See the Kreg Track Saw (corded) at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kreg Rebel Corded Pocket Hole Machine (KPHM1010)
The Kreg Rebel was one of the hottest tools of last year, and it is still my favorite in the lineup. Now there is a Kreg Rebel with a cord. If you wanted a pocket hole machine without buying into the battery platform, that option is finally here. The corded Rebel is sold only at Lowe's.
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See the Kreg Rebel 20v Pocket Hole Machine at Kreg | See the Kreg Rebel 20v Pocket Hole Machine at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kreg 20V Grinder for Woodworking (KPTBAG450B)
A grinder in a wood shop sounds odd, but it earns its spot. It is great for power carving, and it can strip old finish off a board. It also covers the occasional metal job, and with a masonry blade it will cut masonry too.
It has variable speed from 1 to 6 and a safety trigger you flip down before you can pull it. The blade change tool hides right in the handle, which is a smart touch. The guard pivots all the way around, so you can position it and still keep the disc away from your hands.
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Kreg 20V Shop Blower (KPTCB100B)
Why buy a shop blower if you own a leaf blower? This one comes with a standard tip plus three precision tips. You can blow dust out of a mortise, clear off the bench, or clean up the shop floor. It has three speeds and pushes air up to 200 mph.
See the Kreg 20v Shop Blower at Kreg | See the Kreg 20v Shop Blower at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kreg 20V Impact Wrenches
Kreg also launched three impact wrenches. These are not impact drivers for screws. They are for driving big lag bolts and jobs like changing tires around the shop or the house.
See the Kreg 20v 3/8" Impact Wrench at Kreg | See the Kreg 20v 3/8" Impact Wrench at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the Kreg 20v 1/2" Impact Wrench at Kreg | See the Kreg 20v 1/2" Impact Wrench at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
See the Kreg 20v 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench at Kreg | See the Kreg 20v 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Kreg Barrel Grip Jigsaw and Circular Saw
The Kreg 20v Barrel Grip Jigsaw from the first launch is one I still love. I think the barrel grip is one of the better jigsaw designs out there. The Kreg 20v Circular Saw is the compact option for breaking down stock, and it pairs well with the bigger batteries.
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See the Kreg 20v Circular Saw at Kreg | See the Kreg 20v Circular Saw at Acme Tools Affiliate link. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
All Tools From This Video
Kreg (Buy Direct)
- Shop All Kreg Tool Deals
- Kreg 20v Edge Loose Tenon Joiner
- Kreg Rebel 20v Pocket Hole Machine
- Kreg Ionic Driver Starter Kit
- Kreg Super Charger
- Kreg 8Ah Battery
- Kreg 6Ah Battery
- Kreg 4Ah Battery
- Kreg 20v Drill and Impact Kit
- Kreg 20v High Speed Hammer Drill
- Kreg 20v Hammer Drill
- Kreg 20v Compact Drill (no hammer)
- Kreg 20v Grinder
- Kreg 20v HEPA Shop Vac
- Kreg 20v Shop Blower
- Kreg 20v 3/8" Impact Wrench
- Kreg 20v 1/2" Impact Wrench
- Kreg 20v 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench
- Kreg Track Square
- Kreg 20v 1-1/4 HP Cordless Router
- Kreg 1-1/4 HP Trim Router (corded)
- Kreg Trim Router Plunge Base
- Kreg Small Router Table
- Kreg 20v Barrel Grip Jigsaw
- Kreg 20v 2 1/4 HP Router
- Kreg 2 1/4 HP Router (corded)
- Kreg 3 1/4 HP Router
- Kreg 20v Circular Saw
- Kreg 20v Track Saw Kit
- Kreg Track Saw (corded)
- Kreg Track Saw Universal Track Base
- Kreg 20v Recip Saw
Acme Tools
- Shop All Kreg Tool Deals
- Kreg 20v Edge Loose Tenon Joiner
- Kreg Rebel 20v Pocket Hole Machine
- Kreg Ionic Driver Starter Kit
- Kreg Super Charger
- Kreg 8Ah Battery
- Kreg 6Ah Battery
- Kreg 4Ah Battery
- Kreg 20v High Speed Hammer Drill
- Kreg 20v Hammer Drill
- Kreg 20v Compact Drill (no hammer)
- Kreg 20v Grinder
- Kreg 20v HEPA Shop Vac
- Kreg 20v Shop Blower
- Kreg 20v 3/8" Impact Wrench
- Kreg 20v 1/2" Impact Wrench
- Kreg 20v 1/2" High Torque Impact Wrench
- Kreg Track Square
- Kreg 20v 1-1/4 HP Cordless Router
- Kreg 1-1/4 HP Trim Router (corded)
- Kreg Trim Router Plunge Base
- Kreg Small Router Table
- Kreg 20v Barrel Grip Jigsaw
- Kreg 20v 2 1/4 HP Router
- Kreg 2 1/4 HP Router (corded)
- Kreg 3 1/4 HP Router
- Kreg 20v Circular Saw
- Kreg 20v Track Saw Kit
- Kreg Track Saw (corded)
- Kreg 20v Recip Saw
Lowe's
- Kreg Edge Loose Tenon Joiner (corded only at Lowe's)
- Kreg Rebel Corded Pocket Hole Machine (only at Lowe's)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kreg Edge as good as a Festool Domino?
For most woodworkers, yes. The Kreg Edge cuts the same oblong loose tenon mortise for about a third of the price. It also adds a fence height micro adjust dial and a wider fence plate. If you cut mortises all day, I would still buy the Festool for its 20 year track record.
Do Festool tenons fit the Kreg Edge?
Yes. Festool tenons fit the same mortise the Kreg Edge cuts. They are actually cheaper than Kreg tenons, so I would buy Festool tenons to save money. Depth on the Kreg Edge is set in millimeters to match.
How much does the Kreg Edge cost?
The cordless Kreg Edge is $499 as a kit with a battery. The corded Kreg Edge is also $499. A Festool Domino runs about $1,300 to $1,400.
Is there a corded Kreg Edge?
Yes. The corded Kreg Edge (KLTM500) is sold only at Lowe's. It is essentially the same machine as the cordless version. The only difference is how you power it.
What battery do Kreg power tools use?
Kreg cordless tools all run on one 20V battery platform. There is no split like Milwaukee M12 and M18 or Makita 18-volt and 40-volt. Bigger packs suit the track saw, circular saw, and vacuum, while smaller packs keep the drills light.
Are Kreg power tools good?
The ones I have tested are. The new hammer drills feel as premium as much more expensive Milwaukee and DeWalt drills. What sets Kreg apart is that every tool is designed for woodworkers, not contractors or mechanics.
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Kreg’s new 20V lineup is built for woodworkers, not contractors. I tested the hammer drills, HEPA shop vac, and the $499 Kreg Edge against my Festool Domino.