When Masterforce Tools made the change to 20V Max cordless, we saw a significant improvement in performance and design. Now, the best MasterForce cordless tools are gaining even more performance from Boost Technology.
Are Masterforce Tools Any Good?
Masterforce cordless tools have always been a good value for folks that like to shop at Menards. Two product generations ago, we’d have no problem recommending them for DIYers.
However, the move to the 20V max and 20V Boost lines is significant. The performance levels are absolutely on par with what professionals need to get the job done. Sure, there are premium brands out there that push the envelope further, but these tools give you a tremendous bang for your buck for value-minded Pros.
Masterforce also covers their cordless tools with a 3-year warranty. Since Masterforce is the house brand for Menards, all warranties are handled over the counter—right in the store. So long as you have a receipt and are within the warranty period, you can exchange a broken tool for the same tool. As we understand it, if the exact tool isn’t available, it can often be exchanged for a reasonable equivalent. In our opinion, that really lends additional value and credibility to the brand.
What is Masterforce Boost Technology?
Masterforce Boost is a combination of an advanced battery and electronics within MasterForce cordless brushless tools that detect when you have a Boost pack installed. It works on both ends independently, but to an even greater degree together.
For example, the advanced design of a Boost battery natively has better power delivery than a standard pack, so your MasterForce 20V max tools will see a bump in performance.
Likewise, Masterforce Boost cordless tools offer a step up in performance all on their own—even when using a standard 20V max battery.
However, when you combine the two—a Boost tool with a Boost battery—you get performance levels that are even higher!
Best Masterforce Cordless Tools
Masterforce Boost 20V Cordless Drill and Hammer Drill
Upgrading the most popular Masterforce cordless tool, the 20V drill/driver and hammer drill are a no-brainer as replacements for their other cordless counterparts. This 2-speed drill now boasts 2,000 RPM on the top end with 800 in-lbs of torque in low. That’s up from the 1,850 RPM and 700 in-lbs of torque we saw in the previous brushless model and competes much better with premium brands.
- Chuck: 1/2-inch
- Motor: Boost 20V brushless
- No-Load Speed: 0 –550/0 – 2,000 RPM
- Max Torque: 800 in-lbs
- Blow Rate (Hammer Drill Only): 0 – 8,800/0 – 32,000 BPM
- Weight: 3.5 lbs (drill), 3.6 lbs (hammer drill)
- Price: $139.99 (drill), $149.99 (hammer drill), including 2.5Ah Boost battery and charger
Masterforce Boost 20V Cordless Impact Driver
Masterforce’s original change to a brushless impact driver was a nice step up, but it’s even better with the latest model including the Boost upgrade. This model jumps up 300 in-lbs to hit 2000 in-lbs of torque and lifts its speed another 300 RPM to top out at 3100 RPM.
A couple of things stay the same, though. You still get 3 electronic speeds to choose from with a selectable Auto Stop mode. The LED halo we fell in love with is still part of the design as well. While it’s still on the bulky side compared to premium brands, the performance level can keep up with some of the top names.
- Drive: 1/4-inch hex
- Motor: Boost 20V brushless
- Max Speed: 3100 RPM
- Impact Rate: 3500 IPM
- Max Torque: 2000 in-lbs
- Bare Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Price: $99.99 bare, $149 with 2.5Ah Boost battery and charger
Masterforce Boost 20V Cordless Oscillating Multi-Tool
Masterforce only has one cordless oscillating multi-tool currently available, but there shouldn’t be much complaining considering it’s part of the Boost line. While its 3.6º oscillation angle and 18,000 OPM rate keep you cutting and sanding quickly, it’s the vibration control that’s really impressive.
MasterForce’s RVS—Reduced Vibration System—is some 75% lower than its competition. That’s low enough to make it the best in its class according to MasterForce. The magic is in a separated system. The head is installed to a vibration-reducing, flexible connector that absorbs a ton of vibration before it can reach the handle.
- Accessory Interface: Universal with magnetic grip (tool-free)
- Motor: Boost 20V brushless
- No-Load Speed: 11,000 – 18,000 OPM
- Oscillation Angle: 3.6º (1.8º left and right)
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- Price: $109.99 bare, $149.00 kit with 2.5Ah battery and charger
Masterforce Boost 20V Cordless Circular Saw
Masterforce sticks with the same solid design as their previous 7 1/4-inch brushless circular saw. It still uses stout metal for the blade guard, blade cover, and shoe, giving it a feel as durable as the premium models we use. The electric brake is still there as well.
While the top speed is still the same 4800 RPM, what we noticed is that we were able to push the saw harder in tough cuts without bogging it down. Considering there’s no price jump to get the extra muscle, we’ll take it.
- Motor: Boost 20V brushless
- Blade Diameter: 7 1/4-inch
- Blade Orientation: Right
- No-Load Speed: 4800 RPM
- Bevel Capacity: 56º
- Max Depth at 90º: 2 7/16-inch
- Max Depth at 45º: 1 13/16-inch
- Price: $149.00 bare, no kit option
Masterforce Boost 20V Cordless Angle Grinder
Masterforce gives their first brushless angle grinder the Boost upgrade and wraps it into a well-rounded design. Its variable speed dial gives you a range of 3500 – 9000 RPM to work with and the brushless motor takes care of adjusting to keep those RPMs where you want them as you cut, grind, and polish.
We really like that there are 3 positions for the side handle, giving you the middle position that’s great when you’re making vertical cuts. The handle is a vibration-reducing design as well. To top it all off, you get anti-kickback protection that stops the wheel super-fast when the electronics sense the wheel binding.
- Motor: Boost 20V brushless
- Wheel Size: 4 1/2 or 5-inch
- No-Load Speed: 3500 – 9000 RPM
- Bare Weight: 3.3 pounds
- Included Guards: 4 1/2 and 5-inch
- Price: $129.00 bare, no kit option
Masterforce Boost 20V Compact Reciprocating Saw
Masterforce is challenging the cutting performance leaders with their Boost 20V compact reciprocating saw. Going with a one-hand design, it combines a 1-inch stroke length with a 3100 SPM stroke rate to cut much more aggressively than other models in this class. We still like it primarily for PVC and thin metal cutting, but it’s better in wood than most of the one-hand models out there.
- Motor: Boost 20V brushless
- Stroke Length: 1 inch
- Stroke Rate: 3100 SPM
- Shoe: Pivoting
- Weight: 3.9 lbs
- Price: $109.99 bare
Masterforce Boost 20V Cordless Reciprocating Saw
Masterforce’s Boost reciprocating saw is right in the sweet spot with other professional-level models at 3100 SPM and a 1 1/8-inch stroke rate. Odd as it may seem, not every full-size cordless reciprocating saw takes advantage of faster cutting in wood with a selectable orbital action. But MasterForce does, and you get it for less than a lot of the models that don’t.
If you remember the original brushless model, those are the same specs and general design. What’s different with the Boost upgrade is that the motor has more power. You’ll notice it when you’re cutting through tougher materials that bog some saws down.
- Motor: Boost 20V brushless
- Stroke Rate: 3100 SPM
- Stroke Length: 1 1/8-inch
- Weight: 5.9 lbs
- Price: $129.00 bare, no kit option
Masterforce 20V Cordless 1/2-inch Brushless Impact Wrench
There are a couple of impact wrenches to choose from in Masterforce’s lineup, and we’d recommend going with the 1/2-inch model. For starters, it has a brushless motor. It’s also the most powerful in the line. Turning up to 2200 RPM with 500 ft-lbs of torque, it’s an excellent mid-torque model to handle your automotive and heavy fastening needs.
- Drive: 1/2-inch square
- Motor: 20V brushless
- No-Load Speed: 0 – 2200 RPM
- Impact Rate: 3000 IPM
- Max Torque: 500 ft-lbs
- Weight: 7.7 lbs
- Price:$239.99 with 4.0Ah battery and charger
Masterforce 20V Cordless Hybrid Jobsite Fan
Keep your cool with Masterforce’s 2-speed 11-inch hybrid fan! You can use Masterforce 20V batteries (Boost or FlexPower) or plug it in with an extension cord for unlimited runtime. Either way, you get up to 850 CFM of airflow.
There are some cool features on the frame as well. We really like the clipping hangers. Wide enough to fit on 2x material, you can move them to different parts of the frame. Combined with the 360° fan pivoting, you can get air right where you need it most. You can also hang it from a screw or set it on the ground if you like, and tensioning knobs keep the fan from pivoting out of position every time someone bumps it.
- Max Airflow: 850 CFM
- Estimated Runtime: 18 hours on low using a FlexPower 7.5Ah battery
- Speeds: 2
- Head Rotation: 360°
Masterforce 20V Batteries and Accessories
- 2.5Ah Boost Battery
- 2.0Ah battery
- 4.0Ah battery
- 150-watt inverter
- USB power adapter
Get More From Your Masterforce Batteries With These Cordless Products
While we think the MasterForce Boost and brushless lines are the best Masterforce cordless tools you can get, there are others available as well. Check out this list to choose some of the products that make your tool set more complete without having to jump to another battery system.
- 3/8-inch right angle drill
- Band saw
- 5-inch random orbit sander
- Jig saw
- 4-gallon shop vacuum
- Inflator
- Bluetooth radio
- Flood and work lights
- Heated vest
Masterforce Lawn Care Tools
Even when you have your to-do list under control, the lawn still needs cutting. If you’re ready to make the switch to battery and stop dragging that extension cord around, Masterforce has you covered there as well.
- 12-inch string trimmer
- 22-inch hedge trimmer
- 400 CFM blower
- 400 PSI pressure washer
Save Even More
While we’ve listed the regular price for our best Masterforce cordless tool choices, the reality is you’ll likely pay less. Menards is constantly running sales on these tools and there are frequently mail-in rebates you can take advantage of as well.
Let’s see a showdown between their oil impulse driver and the other big brand’s. For the money ($80) I think it is very underrated.
Any word on when MasterForce will come out with a cordless router and cordless nailer?
So, are these basically cousins to the Kobalt 24v and Skil 20v PWRCore lines? To be honest, that’s what I’m seeing and it’s not at all a bad thing. I kinda wish I had a Menards nearby.