ok fellas, power tools?

[donut757]

im looking to get a new drill for sure, but possibly one of the multi tool kits. I have an older Ryobi kit that has served me well, circular saw and drill mostly. I also have an older Dewalt 14.4v drills that just doesnt have much life left in it.

I dont do much work with the tools, but would like to get something that will last a while and hold up over time with occasional use.


I know you get what you pay for, but i dont need a set of Hilti tools. Ideally i would love to get a full set with drill, impact, circular saw, and recip. saw. That way one set of batteries would run everything. But i dont want to spend money on a name if it isnt needed.

Have been looking at the usually brands in Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, and Bosch. But have also been looking around at the Rigid and Porter Cable.


One thing that may play a part is the Dewalt service center that is near by. I spoke with them and they will take trade ins and you must upgrade on the same type of tool, drill for a drill and upgrade from lower to higher voltage. Lady says it normally ends up being around 15% off new items, which isnt too bad i guess long as they dont mark up prices. They take Dewalt stuff as well as other brands so i maybe be able to trade in and get a pretty full set of what im looking for, minus the impact driver....... which im not sure i really need it anyway based on not doing too much work with driving a bunch of screws at one time, so may not be a deal breaker based prices and tool combo.


If yall could give any insight with yalls experience with a particular set of tools that would be great, or what i may need compared to not need such as 18v vs 20v, lithium vs whatever.

 

[Don Lovel]

I just helped my son in law get equipped with tools for his new job installing real nice solar power systems. We got him the latest Milwaukee lithium battery rig, sawzall, rotary saw, hammer drill and impact and light, extra batteries and chargers. It was expensive but for the job he has, they will always do the job and last him awhile.
A package deal at Home Depot, bite the bullet and get good tools.

 

[Dave P.]

In our machine shop we use Dewalt and Bosch stuff in the cordless. I've not seen a lot of difference in the major
brands at equal price points. I like cordless drills and recip saws, prefer corded circular saws and have little
use for cordless impacts ( have air tools for the heavy stuff ).
Would suggest 20 volt lithium powered in what ever you get. The newer 20volt drills have plenty of
torque to drive almost any sized screws.....just don't see a lot of use for the impacts, at least in my
world.
I usually get new drills when the batteries fail, almost the same price to replace the whole thing vs. new
batteries.
Dave

 

[Busterswoodshop]

There are lot's of good tools out there.
The bad part is when your battery dies and you find out what a new one cost.
I have gone through pretty much all the name brand tools.
With some of them I actually purchased a whole new drill kit cheaper than one battery.
Right now I am using Dewalt but when it dies I will be looking at the Ryobi.
I don't know if they are still doing it but they were giving a lifetime warranty on their batteries.
That alone would sell me.

 

[GunnyGene]

Usually the tool will outlast the batteries, no matter what brand you get. This is due to the inherent capability of Li-Ion batteries. You might want to read this from Battery University about Li-Ion batteries:

Excerpt:

Similar to a mechanical device that wears out faster with heavy use, so also does the depth of discharge (DoD) determine the cycle count. The shorter the discharge (low DoD), the longer the battery will last. If at all possible, avoid full discharges and charge the battery more often between uses. Partial discharge on Li-ion is fine; there is no memory and the battery does not need periodic full discharge cycles to prolong life, other than to calibrate the fuel gauge on a smart battery once in a while.

More: http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries

 

[Xsales]

Personally I have used Ryobi 18 volt for several years with no issues
I have several tools all taking the same battery

To me are the best quality/value for the money

100% do the Lithium NOT Ni-cad

 

[Busterswoodshop]

I have several tools all taking the same battery

That is another big plus for me.
One battery fits all their tools.

 

[Bear Paw Jack]

I've been a supplier for almost 30 years of construction materials and tools, etc. I've got DeWalt tools and like them. Gunny is right on, before I did anything I'd go buy a battery and see how the tools you have now work. One of the best deals you can do if you have time is, most manufacturers have DeWalt Days, Milwaukee Days, whatever and they end up with some great sales where they throw in a battery or whatever. Wait for the sale. They use the tools almost like loss leaders to get the traffic. Sometimes they even take yours and give you a new one of theirs.

 

[Sagebrush Burns]

My experience is that for occasional and light duty use Ryobi tools are just fine and very reasonably priced. DeWalt is a much better (stouter built) tool, but more expensive. If you use them often or hard or professionally, the DeWalt is well worth the extra $$$. All of the companies now make a big variety of different tools using the same batteries and that's the only way to go.

 

[Cholo]

I own 3 18v Dewalt hammer drills that get used and abused on a daily basis. The local service center rebuilds them to like new for about $75. I've heard that Dewalt isn't what they used to be, don't know. Your 14v is probably worth rebuilding. An authorized service center with give you the repair price before doing any work.

Dewalt has some great packages, and the pricey batteries can sometimes be found 2 for 1, or close to it, at Lowes.

 

[737tdi]

im looking to get a new drill for sure, but possibly one of the multi tool kits. I have an older Ryobi kit that has served me well, circular saw and drill mostly. I also have an older Dewalt 14.4v drills that just doesnt have much life left in it.

I dont do much work with the tools, but would like to get something that will last a while and hold up over time with occasional use.


I know you get what you pay for, but i dont need a set of Hilti tools. Ideally i would love to get a full set with drill, impact, circular saw, and recip. saw. That way one set of batteries would run everything. But i dont want to spend money on a name if it isnt needed.

Have been looking at the usually brands in Milwaukee, Makita, Dewalt, and Bosch. But have also been looking around at the Rigid and Porter Cable.


One thing that may play a part is the Dewalt service center that is near by. I spoke with them and they will take trade ins and you must upgrade on the same type of tool, drill for a drill and upgrade from lower to higher voltage. Lady says it normally ends up being around 15% off new items, which isnt too bad i guess long as they dont mark up prices. They take Dewalt stuff as well as other brands so i maybe be able to trade in and get a pretty full set of what im looking for, minus the impact driver....... which im not sure i really need it anyway based on not doing too much work with driving a bunch of screws at one time, so may not be a deal breaker based prices and tool combo.


If yall could give any insight with yalls experience with a particular set of tools that would be great, or what i may need compared to not need such as 18v vs 20v, lithium vs whatever.

I will only tell you what I use now. I have had Makita, Ryobi and Black and Decker. Milwaukee is the way to go. I have owned these little guys for 4 years now and the batteries are still going strong and so are the 1/4 inch Driver, Impact, electric ratchet, and 90 deg. drill.. As you know I am a mechanic, I use these every day. I have zero complaints. Almost all of the mechs. I work with have done the same. Strong ratchet, strong impact, strong screwgun, and a very good 90 degree drill.

I can tell you I use these tools daily and they rock. These are all battery, if you are wanting plug in I can't answer. I can say though you will not be disappointed with the Milwaukee battery tools. The little 1/4 inch ratchet is worth $1000 to me, it has made my old fingers and hands work like a 20 year old. Haven't had a battery die on me like the old Black and Decker crap.

Karl


Just to remind you in case you forgot. I work on 737s everyday and use these tools every day.




I just reread your post and I am not sure. Are you wanting really heavy duty? Like hammer drill, metal penetration. What I recommended will work, battery powered at least. If you need a hammer drill let me know. I have a one and it would save you money. I have most of the bits also. They are $25 bucks on their own.

 

[lipofsky]

I use Milwaukee battery powered drills and corded Milwaukee, Porter cable and Dewalt in my school shop classes, the kids are pretty rough on them at the minimum and down right destructive overall. The newest Milwaukee,s are 3 years old and the others are past 10. My students range in skill from they can rebuild a Farm-All to which end of the hammer do you use first. The metal Fab class scraps enough steel to build a 63 Buick and the wood shop classes help heat two homes in Maine with oops projects.
Just my two cents worth, but as was originally said When Buy quality, you only have to buy it once.

 

[Mike J]

I have used every one of the brands you mentioned at work & still have an old ryobi battery drill around here somewhere. If the price is about the same Milwaulkee is about the best I have used. If there is a significant difference in price DeWalt would probably do anything you need to do & be fine. We use DeWalt stuff at work now-impacts, uni-shears, saws-alls, drills, hammer drills, porta band saws, etc. The old 18 volt stuff still works fine but the newer lithium ion 20 volt tools run faster, The batteries seem to hold up longer & they are lighter. The lithium ion tools are very nice.

 

[powder smoke]

I have been using cordless tools for 20 years. As mentioned batteries are the weak link.
Makita, DeWalt Bosh, and Milkakee are the ones I'd go with. If had to pick one it would
have to be DeWalt especially if your main one is an Impact Driver. 20 volt is the way to go

Get a kit with a flash lite so you can drain the battery FLAT before ReCharge. That will extend
Battery Life. ps

 

[SWR]

Get a factory reconditioned item from either Big Sky Tool or Tyler Tool. Same warranty as new.

For honest good tool reviews go to Tools of the Trade magazine at http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/

Search for the tool test you are looking for ex: cordless drills

Steve

 

[H.H. Hipshot]

I have been using a Milwaukee 18V lithium set (3 drills, circular saw, sawzall, flashlight) for several years with good results. I cannot compare to other brands.

The circular saw drains the battery quicker than the other tools, but it operates under the most load, which is expected.

HHH

 

[hogan]

I used to issue my techs Dewalt drills, but have switched to Milwaukees with the 18 volt lithium batteries. Have never looked back. The Dewalts we could only get about 6-8 months out of them.
The Dewalt chucks were junk. The jaws would fall out in no time.

 

[graygun]

I have a Ridgid (Home Depot but not sure who makes them) 20v Li set (regular and impact) with 2 batteries and a good bag. It was on sale for $200 about two yrs ago. They have plenty of torque but I don't use them much. A friend bought a Porter Cable similar set for about the same price. He has used them a lot,including an addition to an apartment about a year ago...likes them...no problems. You'll like either of them more than your old Ryobi (I had the same set). For what you're looking for,they should be fine.

Milwaukee is made in the orient and DeWalt is owned by Black and Decker but the quality seems to still be quite high.

There are many comparison tests online.

 

[RugerHound]

I have not had good luck with the battery powered equipment. The tools themselves are fine, but I have a hell of a time keeping batteries alive. They lay around dead these days and I charge them when I'm fixin' to do something. I got fed up with buying new batteries! It's just as easy for me these days to get out the AC tools, the extension cords and just do it the old fashioned way!

 

[luvmyRugers]

I have Dewalts and Rigids. Got tired of paying $99 for Dewalt batteries and switched to Rigid. For occasional light duty work, it is hard to beat the Rigid deal. Lifetime warranty and FREE lifetime batteries! You MUST follow their instructions to register the tools and batteries in order to activate the warranty. When you get a replacement you must update the warranty with the new serial #. Well worth my time to save possibly hundreds of $$$$s.
Not sure I will ever buy another Dewalt battery.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[6gun]

I have been using cordless tools to make a living since they came out with them clean back to when Skill came out with the first cordless drill that you had to plug the whole drill in, I have tried lots of brands, I have even had the Dewalt rep. bring me out tools we wanted me to test for a month and see if I like it, (I never do.)

Ryobi and Rigid are home owner grade and will not last long on the job, Milwaukie makes real good corded tools like the electric hole shooter drill but their cordless tools don't hold up long on the job with heavy use, Bosch tools are always under powered and their battery's never last long.

Number one best cordless tools that hold up the best with constant heavy all day every day use and longest lasting batteries is Makita, Dewalt is second, and both are affordable enough for a home owner to purchase, I don't like Dewalt but lots of guys do and they do hold up well, I use only Makita.

 

[737tdi]

Quote 6gun "Milwaukie makes real good corded tools like the electric hole shooter drill but their cordless tools don't hold up long on the job with heavy use,"

I had Makita prior and they would not hold up to fluid contamination i.e. jet fuel/hydraulic fluid/engine oil etc.. I literally had a Makita fall apart in my hand removing aircraft panels. We buy our own tools and believe me I don't like having to replace high dollar tools. I would guess that 90% of the mechanics maintaining almost 600 aircraft now use Milwaukee battery powered drills, impacts, screwguns and 1/4 drive ratchets. Makita was everyone's go to battery powered tools until the batteries ended up being junk and the housings started turning to Jello. I guess it depends on what you will use them for.

Karl

 

[Jeepnik]

A few years ago I had different cordless tools from different makers. I finally decided to simplify things and went to all Milwaukee. It's nice to have them all use the same battery.

Whatever you do, get the highest voltage you can, and with lithium ion batteries.

 

[WAYNO]

As a journeyman pipefitter, I've used everything available. I was able to purchase any brand imaginable, and I tried them all. DeWalt always worked well. The batteries lasted a long time. Hilti was also very good, both in power tool performance, and long battery life.

The rest, all lumped in together, including Milwaukie...Work okay when new and with a good battery, but the battery life was shorter than DeWalt.

I worked in one mill for 38 years, and it closed its doors forever in 2011. I remained on staff for another 3+ years, and and it was incredible how many dozens of rechargeable tools were scattered throughout the different maintenance departments, again of all brands. But at the end, the only tools and batteries that were still serviceable out of all of them, were the DeWalt and Hilti.

WAYNO.

 

[6gun]

As a journeyman pipefitter, I've used everything available. I was able to purchase any brand imaginable, and I tried them all. DeWalt always worked well. The batteries lasted a long time. Hilti was also very good, both in power tool performance, and long battery life.

The rest, all lumped in together, including Milwaukie...Work okay when new and with a good battery, but the battery life was shorter than DeWalt.

I worked in one mill for 38 years, and it closed its doors forever in 2011. I remained on staff for another 3+ years, and and it was incredible how many dozens of rechargeable tools were scattered throughout the different maintenance departments, again of all brands. But at the end, the only tools and batteries that were still serviceable out of all of them, were the DeWalt and Hilti.

WAYNO.

Hilti is great stuff can't beat their cordless rotor hammers, Makita, Dewalt, and Hilti cordless tools are all the construction supply stores sell around here and there is a reason for that, they are the only ones that can handle the job and last.

people that want any other brands can go to home depot and buy home owner crap.

 

[4kdave]

Am rebuilding my 18 volt DeWalt batteries with higher capacity kits from Ebay and am very with the ease of performing the change and the exxxxtra long run time.

 

[graygun]

I have a Ridgid (Home Depot but not sure who makes them) 20v Li set (regular and impact) with 2 batteries and a good bag. It was on sale for $200 about two yrs ago. They have plenty of torque but I don't use them much. A friend bought a Porter Cable similar set for about the same price. He has used them a lot,including an addition to an apartment about a year ago...likes them...no problems. You'll like either of them more than your old Ryobi (I had the same set). For what you're looking for,they should be fine.

Milwaukee is made in the orient and DeWalt is owned by Black and Decker but the quality seems to still be quite high.

There are many comparison tests online.

Ridgid isn't a house brand for Home Depot. They've been around for ages, serving professional mechanics, construction trades, etc.

LINK

Thanks,I forgot that Ridgid was its own company...foggy memory.

 

[graygun]

As a journeyman pipefitter, I've used everything available. I was able to purchase any brand imaginable, and I tried them all. DeWalt always worked well. The batteries lasted a long time. Hilti was also very good, both in power tool performance, and long battery life.

The rest, all lumped in together, including Milwaukie...Work okay when new and with a good battery, but the battery life was shorter than DeWalt.

I worked in one mill for 38 years, and it closed its doors forever in 2011. I remained on staff for another 3+ years, and and it was incredible how many dozens of rechargeable tools were scattered throughout the different maintenance departments, again of all brands. But at the end, the only tools and batteries that were still serviceable out of all of them, were the DeWalt and Hilti.

WAYNO.

Hilti is great stuff can't beat their cordless rotor hammers, Makita, Dewalt, and Hilti cordless tools are all the construction supply stores sell around here and there is a reason for that, they are the only ones that can handle the job and last.

people that want any other brands can go to home depot and buy home owner crap.

It's not crap if it's all you need...he's not looking for professional-grade tools.

 

[737tdi]

Quote 6gun "people that want any other brands can go to home depot and buy home owner crap". You are the one full of crap IMO. Are we really going to call other peoples tools crap. What are you "2 years old". I have been working aircraft maintenance for 35 years, seems longer then you have known what a ratchet is.

I am so sick of this. Mine is bigger then yours crap. I work my tools for a living. All of my hand tools are snap on, I do not by "crap". I have over 4 years on my original Milwaukee tools and I have never bought a new battery. So go ahead and stick your head in the sand and believe what you want but keep your stupid ass comments to yourself.

This seems to be going the way of the chainsaw thread a few months back.

With some of your comments over the past few days, in different threads, I really think you are a disappointed wanna be that didn't get what he wanted as a kid. You are now on my ignore list. You keep this up and this forum will be worthless to you.

Have a nice day.

Karl

 

[DA_TriggR4Ruger]

First off, let me say, I don't work much with power tools, most of that work I outsource or barter IT services for.

The power tools I generally use are Sears "Black and Decker, or DE WALT brand.

Its generally light use but lasts long and runs well for the duration of said use.

I'm not very familiar with a lot of power tool brands, just with what I'm limited to on the local "high-volume retail" markets.

This stuff is NOT crap and works well for me.