10 Hottest Tools at Lowe's Right Now (Including the New Bosch Glide Miter Saw You Have to See)
If you've been walking past some of the best tool deals at Lowe's without even realizing it, you're not alone. From the brand new Bosch Expert Butter Smooth Glide 12-inch miter saw to a handful of hidden gems most folks stroll right past, there's a lot happening in the tool aisles right now that's worth your attention.
In this post, I'm breaking down 10 tools I've personally used, tested, and recommend, why they matter for your shop, and where each one shines (and where it doesn't). Whether you're a brand new woodworker trying to build out your shop on a budget or a seasoned pro looking for that next upgrade, there's something here for you.
Watch the full video here: 10 Hottest Tools at Lowe's Right Now
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep the tool deals coming, so thanks for your support! Prices are valid at the time of posting but are subject to change at any time.
Quick Links to Every Tool in This Post
If you scanned the QR code from the video or you just want to jump straight to the tools, here's everything in one spot:
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1. Kobalt 6-Gallon Air Compressor and Nailer Combo Kit
A whole lot of folks walk right past this one, and honestly, it might be the best value in the store for a beginner setting up shop. The Kobalt 6-gallon air compressor combo comes with the compressor, hose, and three nailers: a 16 gauge, an 18 gauge, and a 23 gauge pin nailer.
Here's the quick rundown on when to use each:
16 gauge nailer: Bigger nails, more holding power. Great for baseboards, trim, and anything structural that needs to hold.
18 gauge nailer: Probably the most used nailer in a woodworking shop. Perfect for planters, small builds, cabinet assembly, especially when you're also using wood glue.
23 gauge pin nailer: Leaves a tiny pinhole, like a thumbtack. No holding power really, but perfect for tacking detailed trim while glue dries. If you hate filling nail holes, you'll love a pin nailer.
If you don't own any nailers yet, this kit gets you the three most common sizes plus the compressor and hose. You'll be off to the races.
2. Bosch Expert Glide 12-Inch Dual Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw
This might be one of the most anticipated tool releases of the year, and I'll be honest, the Bosch Expert Glide miter saw did not disappoint. First off, it might be the best looking saw I've ever seen. Black, silver, blue, with just a touch of red. But looks aside, this thing has features I've never seen on a miter saw before.
What Makes the Bosch Glide Different
Butter smooth glide action. No dual rails hanging off the back, so you can push it flush against a wall. Huge win if you're building a miter station or working on a tight jobsite.
Dual bevel, 47 degrees each way, with a turret-style depth stop on each side for common angles preset and ready to go.
Positive stops on the miter that can be turned off with a switch, so you can dial in any angle you want and lock it down with the front lock handle.
Extra bright shadow line instead of a laser. As someone who's red green colorblind, I really appreciate this. You can see it even in direct sunlight.
Two dust boots included, one for thicker stock and one for thinner. Swap takes about 30 seconds.
Sliding fence extensions with flip up stop blocks built right in for repeatable cuts. I have never seen this on a miter saw before, and it's a genius feature for short repeat cuts.
15 inches of cut capacity fully extended.
Trim settings on the back for crown molding lock positions.
What Could Be Better
No soft start motor. Not the end of the world, but would have been nice.
The speed control knob is a little tucked away.
Not the lightest 12-inch saw out there, but it has good grab handles for transport.
Dust collection was better than most miter saws I've tested when doing straight chop cuts, thanks to the longer dust boot angling sawdust into the port. When you slide the saw, though, expect more overspray. That's just the nature of miter saws in general.
3. CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK Socket Sets (Under $30 Each)
Every shop needs hand tools, and these CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK kits are just handy as a shirt pocket. All three come in the VERSASTACK cases that lock together, and each one is right around or under $30.
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK 24pc SAE Tool Set — covers your standard sizes.
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK 24pc Metric Tool Set — for everything metric.
CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK 20pc Tool Set — slightly larger set with a longer extension and more sockets.
For the price, it was a no-brainer to grab all three. Throw them in the truck or keep them in the shop, either way you're covered.
4. Kobalt Cordless Electric Screwdriver
The Kobalt Electric Screwdriver is one of Lowe's hottest selling items right now, with thousands moving every week. And I get it, because for the price it's a crazy value.
Comes with a bunch of bits, a magnetic extension that holds bits right in the shaft, forward and reverse, and an LED light. It'll accept any quarter inch driver bit you throw at it.
Here's why this matters in the shop: when you're installing router bases, mounting hardware, or anything involving aluminum, an impact driver is way too much power. You'll strip screws and blow out threads. An electric screwdriver gives you controlled torque so you don't over-tighten and ruin your work.
5. Kobalt Router and Router Table Combo
The Kobalt Router Table with Router combo is a solid entry-level setup, especially for the price. You get a fixed base router that works as a standalone tool AND a router table with fence, bit guard, and legs.
What's Good
Solid aluminum top with an aluminum fence and sacrificial plastic inserts.
On/off switch on the table with a removable safety key. Nice if kids come out to the shop.
Router has soft start, which we love.
Depth adjustment from the top using the included tool. No fighting the router from underneath like most budget tables.
Three insert plates for different bit sizes.
Micro adjust depth knob and edge guide if you use the router freehand.
Where It Shines
This table really shines for small parts and narrow pieces where trying to run a handheld router feels sketchy. Getting an edge profile on a small piece with a handheld router is one of the fastest ways to hurt yourself. Using a router table with a GRR-Ripper style push block or featherboards is much safer.
Two Small Complaints
Speed adjustment on the router requires reaching underneath.
Top is a little sticky out of the box. Some Bora board butter or paste wax will smooth it right out.
Because this table is aluminum and plastic, you'll want to clamp it to your bench or bolt it down through the screw holes.
If you're wanting a precision setup with a real router lift, this ain't it. That'll cost you a whole lot more. But for edge profiles and small work on a budget, this is a solid option.
6. CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver Set
If a cordless screwdriver isn't your thing, this CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver Set is worth a look. Righty tighty, lefty loosey selector switch, or put it in the middle for a standard screwdriver feel. Just about every bit you'd need is in the case: Torx, flathead, Phillips, square, all of it. And of course, it comes in a VERSASTACK case that clicks together with the socket sets.
7. Wiha GoBox Bit Set with Ratchet
The Wiha GoBox is a tiny little kit that fits in your pocket, and it's got a feature I've never seen before. When you slip a bit into the impact ready adapter, it locks in. You literally cannot pull the bit out until you pull back on the ring. No more bits falling out on the jobsite or getting knocked loose in the toolbox.
It also comes with a mini ratchet with a thumb wheel for those tight spots where you can't swing a full handle. All in a slim metal case.
8. CRAFTSMAN V20 Starter Kit
If you're just getting into cordless tools, the CRAFTSMAN V20 Starter Kit is a solid on-ramp into the CRAFTSMAN platform. Honestly, I think CRAFTSMAN is one of the most underrated cordless brands out there today, and once you're in the battery ecosystem, the individual tools are usually a great value.
9. CRAFTSMAN Router and Inflator
Speaking of CRAFTSMAN, the CRAFTSMAN Router I picked up about a year ago has been fantastic. Great power, smooth operation, and the price is right.
And the CRAFTSMAN Inflator is one of those tools you don't realize you need until you have one. Different nozzle attachments on top let you inflate sports balls, gym equipment like slam balls, pool floats, and of course tires. Walk out to a low tire in the morning and you can just top it off yourself. Chef's kiss.
10. Bora Clamp Edge (The Budget Track Saw Alternative)
If you don't have a track saw and don't want to drop the money on one, the Bora Edge Clamp might be the next best thing.
Basically, you clamp this straight edge across a sheet of plywood, and it gives you a dead straight guide to run your regular circular saw against. You get accurate, repeatable cuts on plywood without dropping hundreds on a track saw system.
A few things I like about it:
Adjustable clamp position. Slide it in for narrow stock, all the way out for a full 4x8 sheet.
Solid aluminum construction that doesn't flex or bow in the middle.
Fast to set up. Line it up, clamp it, cut it, done.
You can buy a sled that attaches to your circular saw for even better accuracy, but honestly, just using it as a straight edge against the shoe of your saw works great for most cuts. Safety tip: always push the saw firmly against the edge as you cut, and never let go of the trigger until the blade fully stops.
Safety Reminders Before You Buy Anything
I've been in the trades about 30 years, and if there's one thing I preach, it's that no tool deal is worth an ER visit. A few reminders:
Push blocks and featherboards should be on every table saw and router table. Period.
Never freehand small parts on a router table. Use a sled or push block.
Unplug tools before changing bits or blades. Every time.
Wear eye and ear protection. Even for a "quick cut."
Read the manual. Yes, actually read it. Especially on new tools like the Bosch Glide.
If you're brand new to woodworking, one of the best things you can do is invest in the safety accessories before the shiny power tools. Push blocks, featherboards, blade guards, and dust collection will save you fingers and lungs.
Never Miss a Deal Like These
New deals hit Lowe's, Home Depot, Acme Tools, and Amazon almost every day, and I round them up so you don't have to hunt. Sign up for The Morning Cut and get the best daily tool deals straight to your inbox.
And if you're serious about turning your shop into a business or growing the one you already have, come join us in Sawdust Startups. It's my coaching community for woodworkers who want to make real money, and I'd love to have you.
Final Thoughts
Lowe's is running some genuinely great tool deals right now, and the new Bosch Expert Glide miter saw is the headliner for good reason. But don't sleep on those hidden gems like the Kobalt nailer combo, the Bora Clamp Edge, or the CRAFTSMAN VERSASTACK sets. Those are the tools that quietly make you a better, faster, safer woodworker.
Keep making sawdust, and I'll see you in the next one.
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