Life expectancy of cordless tools

ex-x-fire · Dec 7, 2013

I use my tools daily in an auto garage, I've had the cordless IR 1/4 ratchet for around 6-7 years. I bought the better of the two batteries then, but now I'm going on my 3rd ratchet. What it does is it turns slow, smokes a little, then it frees up & acts normal. Then one day it would do nothing. That's what the last on did about 3 years ago. The replacement has starting to do this lately.

billybudge · Dec 7, 2013

I know what you mean, and I'm working in the tools trade at the moment, long storey, but it will do for now, anyway , you get to see what goes on in the trade, and the life span for any brand any voltage, including lithium based cells, of power tools is in fact 2 years,
And all tool manufacturers give a small clue to how long the life expectancy of there product will last, and that's with the garentee, in other words if it says item comes with a 12 month garentee, then the theory is that is how long it will work, after that time period is chance, and this is the truth,

theoldwizard1 · Dec 7, 2013

When the magic smoke starts to leak out, it is either dead or will be soon.

Smoke is cause from heat. Heat is usually caused from excess friction. Likely a worn bearing or something like that. Also possible is brush/commutator wear. The new bushless motors will fix the second problem.

GSteg · Dec 7, 2013

How often was the ratcheting mechanism oiled? On some of my older tools, bearings and such would seize if I didn't oil them, causing the motor to struggle turning them. Eventually the motor goes out from being overworked.

bobcatdan · Dec 7, 2013

My Makita impact driver, drill and work light are still kicking after 13 years. The NI MH batteries finally kicked last year. I'm fond of the impact and work light is awesome. I ended buying new batteries from interstate and they are going strong.

Provincial · Dec 7, 2013

The life time of a cordless tool is just short of the amount of time you will need it.

First corollary: The battery life of a cordless tool is 20% less than the amount of time you will need it for the job at hand.

Second corollary: The tool will fail just after you bought several new batteries.

Gary S · Dec 7, 2013

I've never had a tool failure on a cordless tool. For me, they last until the battery dies. At that point, I have to decide if I buy a new battery or a new tool.

ctb · Dec 7, 2013

Milwaukee 12v cordless drill bought in 1992. Still working fine, but I'm down to one battery and can't see much prospect for getting another one over here. Charge it on a 230 - 110 transformer. Damn those guys made good tools.

ex-x-fire · Dec 7, 2013

bobcatdan said:
My Makita impact driver, drill and work light are still kicking after 13 years. The NI MH batteries finally kicked last year. I'm fond of the impact and work light is awesome. I ended buying new batteries from interstate and they are going strong.

Our Interstate guy always asks if we have any tool batteries that need to be rebuilt. My battery is still good.

MDSPHOTO · Dec 7, 2013

My drills last forever it's the battery packs an chargers that give out on me all the time. Just bought a battery for my Makita that is only a few years old an a new charger for my original versa pack system.

jmm · Dec 7, 2013

I've got a Makita that's 5 years old and still going strong. I bought extra batteries to eliminate down time and spread the wear on each battery. The 4 I have for my little impact I'm sure aren't like new, but I can't honestly tell any difference.

jakemac · Dec 7, 2013

I have a couple of Makita 9.6v tools that I gave to my grandfather when I switched to DeWalt. They're still going strong after 20+ years, although the batteries only last about 8-10yrs.

ihateminimumwage · Dec 7, 2013

ex-x-fire said:
I use my tools daily in an auto garage, I've had the cordless IR 1/4 ratchet for around 6-7 years. I bought the better of the two batteries then, but now I'm going on my 3rd ratchet.

That seems like a lot of ratchets to go through in under 10 years for $100+ each.
You might want to give the Milwaukee M12 cordless ratchet a shot.
I love all my M12 tools, and use the hell out of them (plus it's a 5 year warranty on the tool, and 2 years on the batteries). I've heard nothing but good on the ratchets, and will be picking one up soon.

ex-x-fire · Dec 7, 2013

I use that ratchet a lot, checking air filters, fixing light bulbs, ****** pan bolts, splash shields, ect. I couldn't be more happier with the battery though.

frankush · Dec 7, 2013

Cordless tools are just like anything else these days. What keeps us buying them is technology and convenience. Battery improvements, brushless technology, and impact resistant plastics make them nice to have around. I won't buy a cordless tool unless I know it's going to get used a lot. I also try to stick to one brand and one voltage, so when the batteries **** out, I have good reason to replace them. It's usually cheaper in the long run to replace a broken tool, than it is to repair it. Bought a nice 18v bosch drill/ driver when they had a coupon for 2 free compact batteries with purchase. Paid $99 at Menards. Great deal. 18 months later the chuck and shaft that holds it, fell off. Replacement part cost $103. Not worth fixing and I used it twice. I have other cordless drivers that I prefer, so I didn't sweat it.

If you use a cordless tool daily and it lasts past the warranty period, you've gotten your moneys worth.

Life expectancy of cordless tools

ex-x-fire

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