Which cordless tool brand is going to have the longest production life?

[William Payne]

I need a new battery drill. Most of my power tools are corded so whether someone does or doesn’t make it anymore means nothing.

However with battery tools it is a different deal. For example the drill I am replacing is an old blue Bosch. What has killed this drill is not the drill. Drill works great. But the batteries don’t hold a charge any more and are no longer made.

Lots of perfectly good brands, Milwaukee, dewalt, makita, etc.

But who is going to have the longest availability of batteries? Also the smallest range.

Makita I love your stuff but there is no reason to have a dozen drill options.

I do not have a collection of batteries that will cause me to choose any specific brand.

 

[Stelzer]

No idea who has the smallest range of battery offerings, but I've been impressed by Milwaukee's M18 lineup as well as their M12. I'm sure you already know this, but there are adapters which could fit your old Bosch if you'd like to continue using that. As far as longevity, although many of the manufacturers warn their li-ion batteries might only last 2-3 years or 300-500 charge cycles, (whichever occurs first), I've had many Milwaukee batteries for much longer and they just keep on keepin on.

 

[William Payne]

No idea who has the smallest range of battery offerings, but I've been impressed by Milwaukee's M18 lineup as well as their M12. I'm sure you already know this, but there are adapters which could fit your old Bosch if you'd like to continue using that. As far as longevity, although many of the manufacturers warn their li-ion batteries might only last 2-3 years or 300-500 charge cycles, (whichever occurs first), I've had many Milwaukee batteries for much longer and they just keep on keepin on.

I think what doesn’t sit well with me regarding battery tools is that it makes the tool almost disposable. Where as a corded tool lasts as long as you are willing to maintain it.

I’d hate to buy stuff only for it to be replaced by something else in a year.

 

[Hakeem]

Dewalt. They only stopped production of their NiCad batteries a few years ago, after a twenty year run. I can still buy new NiCad dewalt batteries at my Home Depot. Meanwhile both makita and Milwaukee have revamped their full-size battery line at least once, meaning that existing users were left out to dry.

 

[johnre]

I find that the bare tool far outlasts the batteries, no matter the brand.

And the manufacturer's pricing of battery replacements is always high enough to drive me away from fixing it.

Until I found reasonably priced aftermarket batteries available on Amazon that are form / fit / function compatible with the manufacturer's OEM batteries.

 

[William Payne]

I find that the bare tool far outlasts the batteries, no matter the brand.

And the manufacturer's pricing of battery replacements is always high enough to drive me away from fixing it.

Until I found reasonably priced aftermarket batteries available on Amazon that are form / fit / function compatible with the manufacturer's OEM batteries.

Sometimes I feel I should just go with a name brand that has the cheapest batteries as I rarely find much difference between cordless tool brands.

 

[CMB41]

I need a new battery drill. Most of my power tools are corded so whether someone does or doesn’t make it anymore means nothing.

However with battery tools it is a different deal. For example the drill I am replacing is an old blue Bosch. What has killed this drill is not the drill. Drill works great. But the batteries don’t hold a charge any more and are no longer made.

Lots of perfectly good brands, Milwaukee, dewalt, makita, etc.

But who is going to have the longest availability of batteries? Also the smallest range.

Makita I love your stuff but there is no reason to have a dozen drill options.

I do not have a collection of batteries that will cause me to choose any specific brand.

What model Bosch/ battery do you have? I can try to source something for you with the info. There are a few methods for putting new cells and/ or converting Ni-cad to Li-ion etc. There are also some conversion adapters out there. LMK

 

[William Payne]

What model Bosch/ battery do you have? I can try to source something for you with the info. There are a few methods for putting new cells and/ or converting Ni-cad to Li-ion etc. There are also some conversion adapters out there. LMK

All it says on it is 18V 2.0AH. It’s OLD!

 

[CMB41]

Couple options. Your profile says your in NZ so not sure if these are viable with shipping etc

Bosch Style 18V NiCad Rechargeable Battery Rebuild Kit (Sub C 2.1A Full Size 1 5/8″ Tall Milspec Connectors) – Battrx.com

www.battrx.com

MANUFER 2Pack 14.4 V 3000mAh Ni-MH Replacement Battery for Bosch BAT038 BAT040 BAT041 BAT140 BAT159 2607335533 2607335275 2607335685 13614 AHS PSB14.4 PSR 14.4 GST 14.4v : Amazon.com.au: Home Improvement

MANUFER 2Pack 14.4 V 3000mAh Ni-MH Replacement Battery for Bosch BAT038 BAT040 BAT041 BAT140 BAT159 2607335533 2607335275 2607335685 13614 AHS PSB14.4 PSR 14.4 GST 14.4v : Amazon.com.au: Home Improvement

www.amazon.com.au

New life Adapter to use with Bosch 18v Nicad tools to M18 Milwaukee Batteries - Amazon.com

New life Adapter to use with Bosch 18v Nicad tools to M18 Milwaukee Batteries - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

[William Payne]

Couple options. Your profile says your in NZ so not sure if these are viable with shipping etc

Bosch Style 18V NiCad Rechargeable Battery Rebuild Kit (Sub C 2.1A Full Size 1 5/8″ Tall Milspec Connectors) – Battrx.com

www.battrx.com

MANUFER 2Pack 14.4 V 3000mAh Ni-MH Replacement Battery for Bosch BAT038 BAT040 BAT041 BAT140 BAT159 2607335533 2607335275 2607335685 13614 AHS PSB14.4 PSR 14.4 GST 14.4v : Amazon.com.au: Home Improvement

MANUFER 2Pack 14.4 V 3000mAh Ni-MH Replacement Battery for Bosch BAT038 BAT040 BAT041 BAT140 BAT159 2607335533 2607335275 2607335685 13614 AHS PSB14.4 PSR 14.4 GST 14.4v : Amazon.com.au: Home Improvement

www.amazon.com.au

New life Adapter to use with Bosch 18v Nicad tools to M18 Milwaukee Batteries - Amazon.com

New life Adapter to use with Bosch 18v Nicad tools to M18 Milwaukee Batteries - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Either way that’s an interesting enough subject for me to look into even if I don’t go that route.

 

[CMB41]

All it says on it is 18V 2.0AH. It’s OLD!

I would try the discharge method first to recondition the battery if you haven’t done so already

link for that

And if all this is just too much of a PITA, I would go Milwaukee 12v. Very pleased with all of mine

 

[William Payne]

I would try the discharge method first to recondition the battery if you haven’t done so already

link for that

And if all this is just too much of a PITA, I would go Milwaukee 12v. Very pleased with all of mine

It’s fascinating no matter which route I go. I am always interested in seeing how different people go about things.

 

[CMB41]

It’s fascinating no matter which route I go. I am always interested in seeing how different people go about things.

One of the many things good, and bad , about the wonderful inter webs. Interested to see what path you take!

 

[Orangina]

my private 25 year old Bosch 12V still works... also the old charger.
But the set of 2 batteries last for me about 5-8 years depending on use.
The first ~15 years I could get original new Bosch replacement in normal hardware stores -
the last ones I get aftermarket batteries made in China from online shops.

In its work it has completed several apartment renovations, house renovations, several classic car restorations and gardening work, ... Was a silver Expo 2000 world exhibition version (internal a green DIY series, not the blue professional, that I usually prefer).

 

[AJHD]

Dewalt. They only stopped production of their NiCad batteries a few years ago, after a twenty year run. I can still buy new NiCad dewalt batteries at my Home Depot. Meanwhile both makita and Milwaukee have revamped their full-size battery line at least once, meaning that existing users were left out to dry.

Really? I haven't seen a NiCad battery at HD since the 1st store I worked at back in 2019-2021.

With all the different battery versions Milwaukee has been pumping out, I doubt they're going anywhere. The Forge versions were just released late last year.

 

[richfinn]

I need a new battery drill. Most of my power tools are corded so whether someone does or doesn’t make it anymore means nothing.

However with battery tools it is a different deal. For example the drill I am replacing is an old blue Bosch. What has killed this drill is not the drill. Drill works great. But the batteries don’t hold a charge any more and are no longer made.

Lots of perfectly good brands, Milwaukee, dewalt, makita, etc.

But who is going to have the longest availability of batteries? Also the smallest range.

Makita I love your stuff but there is no reason to have a dozen drill options.

I do not have a collection of batteries that will cause me to choose any specific brand.

None of them, they aren't really in the business of selling "power tools", what they really want is to sell you a whole new battery system every ten years (so you have to replace all the tools)

I run a Bosch Brushless drill/driver (it's the most compact)

Everything else is from Milwaukee (cheapest batteries)

 

[KnurledNut]

But who is going to have the longest availability of batteries?

For lithium, Makita LXT has the longest unchanged battery track record that is still fully supported and with new tools still being released. There is word they are even finally releasing higher Ah batteries. They have proven to be very reliable, safe, and high quality. Its not uncommon for these batteries to last 10+ years. I have been using the platform professionally since its inception.

 

[JohnX14]

For lithium, Makita LXT has the longest unchanged battery track record that is still fully supported and with new tools still being released. There is word they are even finally releasing higher Ah batteries. They have proven to be very reliable, safe, and high quality. Its not uncommon for these batteries to last 10+ years. I have been using the platform professionally since its inception.

Same here, I bought my first LXT drill/ driver kit in and around 2007-2008. I have an extensive amount of new/ newer Milwaukee and DeWalt tools, but I still prefer the Makita impact driver. I have a lot of tools from all 3 of these brands.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Dewalt impact driver from 2016, Makita drill from 2014 both going strong. 10 years is fine for me. I may pick up Milwaukee just to try them out once Dewalt impact driver needs to be replaced.

 

[niget2002]

Dewalt. They only stopped production of their NiCad batteries a few years ago, after a twenty year run. I can still buy new NiCad dewalt batteries at my Home Depot. Meanwhile both makita and Milwaukee have revamped their full-size battery line at least once, meaning that existing users were left out to dry.

And when Dewalt did switch battery tech, they sold adapters so you can still use the old tools. I still have a driver running on an adapter.

 

[KnurledNut]

It’s a damn shame DeWalts collaboration with A123 for the nano phosphate post style batteries was short-lived. Those were some of the best power tool batteries ever made IMO.

 

[rmanrman]

If there is a Home Depot in NZ definitely go with Ryobi. They have not changed battery style for over 25 years. They did change to Li batteries but they are compatible with everything they make including yard tools and automotive tools

 

[jblnut]

No one has mentioned Ryobi yet. They’ve been the same post style battery for 25ish years. All the new batteries that are lithium fit the old blue tools as well.

Edit: @rmanrman beat me to it by a minute lol.

 

[William Payne]

If there is a Home Depot in NZ definitely go with Ryobi. They have not changed battery style for over 25 years. They did change to Li batteries but they are compatible with everything they make including yard tools and automotive tools

We have our equivalent stores. We can get the same brands as you guys.

 

[jmdirk]

There are some places that will rebuild old battery packs. Both NiCad and Li batteries are pretty much using commodity, standard size cells. Though, this may not be the most economical option.

Any of the main brands, worst case scenario, you can often find adapters to use another battery is said tool. Some of the less common brands it's not so easy. Not that there's anything wrong with Bosch, they're just not as popular. You'll have a much better chance of finding an adapter for DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi or Makita than you will for Bosch or Rigid

 

[finn]

There are some places that will rebuild old battery packs. Both NiCad and Li batteries are pretty much using commodity, standard size cells. Though, this may not be the most economical option.

Any of the main brands, worst case scenario, you can often find adapters to use another battery is said tool. Some of the less common brands it's not so easy. Not that there's anything wrong with Bosch, they're just not as popular. You'll have a much better chance of finding an adapter for DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi or Makita than you will for Bosch or Rigid

I would think that worldwide, Bosch has a larger footprint than most any other brand. Milwaukee, for example, is more of a regional, ie US brand than Bosch, which is sold and serviced worldwide.

 

[William Payne]

I would think that worldwide, Bosch has a larger footprint than most any other brand. Milwaukee, for example, is more of a regional, ie US brand than Bosch, which is sold and serviced worldwide.

It’s funny, here all brands are pretty equally available.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I bought a Milwaukee 18 volt drill/driver in 2010; still have it and it still uses it's original batteries. I'm a carpenter; it's seen a lot of use. I have a number of other Milwaukee tools; the only failure I've had is my 3/8" ratchet died last year.

 

[William Payne]

Does anyone have any opinions on the 12v Milwaukee drills? I like how compact they appear to be and are very modestly priced local to me.

How gimped are they compared to the 18v?

 

[finn]

It’s funny, here all brands are pretty equally available.

Milwaukee had little presence when I lived in Europe,mat least compared to Bosch.

Things may have changed since then, but last time I was there, it still was like that.

 

[BrandonV]

Really? I haven't seen a NiCad battery at HD since the 1st store I worked at back in 2019-2021.

I can't believe that either. NiCd at least in the United States has become a recycling nightmare and the EU is effectively banning sales later this year for good.

 

[dnschmidt]

The M12 Fuel are pretty stout. They are not M18 but you can't have both tiny size and maximum power as these are mutually exclusive. You definitely want the FUEL and the newer 2.5 compact and 5.0 batteries. With respect to your original question I have every battery platform known to man and I would rate DeWalt as being the best with respect to battery support. For example they are the only manufacturer to have made themselves an adapter for their NiCd tools to use their Lithium Ion batteries. Also their batteries, are at least in the United States, the most bang for the OEM buck. Makita is the worst price to value ratio with their batteries and change platforms the most often. They are openly trying to push customers to their 40 Volt line by making their 18V batteries insanely expensive.

 

[BrandonV]

Does anyone have any opinions on the 12v Milwaukee drills? I like how compact they appear to be and are very modestly priced local to me.

How gimped are they compared to the 18v?

I use both and it really depends on your application. If I was going thru concrete or metal on a daily basis I'd probably stick with the M18 but at home where its all gypsum and wood, the M12 Fuel tears through it.

 

[Notgrownup]

Probably Honda.

 

[Stelzer]

I think what doesn’t sit well with me regarding battery tools is that it makes the tool almost disposable. Where as a corded tool lasts as long as you are willing to maintain it.

I’d hate to buy stuff only for it to be replaced by something else in a year.

Before the advent of battery adapters and aftermarket offerings I'd absolutely agree. Now it's a non-issue.

 

[ecotec]

Milwaukee has the biggest presence on construction sites in this area… by a lot.

You will see gang boxes with 15-20 battery chargers, and almost all of them are Milwaukee 18v.

 

[William Payne]

Milwaukee has the biggest presence on construction sites in this area… by a lot.

Yeah they really know how to market their product.

 

[William Payne]

I remember one place I worked at had a Hilti compact little impact driver for driver bits. Everyone hated it because they thought it was wimpy. I loved that thing. It was impossible to break a screw with it.

 

[drmarkr]

My drill/impact rack has Craftsman c3 (yes, old but still functional so I havent trashed them), Makita XLT, and Milwaukee M12 and M18.

When I grab a drill for a smaller job that does not require higher torque, it is always the M12. They are just lighter and easier to handle. If I have something over 3/8 in size I will grab the M18.

I still have two of the c3s from many years ago in the rack but have given a couple of those to my oldest son, along with a few other c3 tools for his collection.

I do have one Makita XLT drill and a 4.5 XLT grinder that get used occasionally. The quality and function of both of these is not up to the Milwaukee, in my opinion. I also recently picked up a Milwaukee 4.5 M18 grinder and am blown away by the amount of torque this thing has. Far superior to the Makita, but it is 7 to 8 years newer.

In summary, in my experience the Milwaukee M12 and M18 are better than the Makita tools I have, and not surprisingly are better than the somewhat antiquated Craftsman c3 lineup.

Having said all of this my brother has a full compliment of DeWalt and loves them. He has some Makita but no Milwaukee to compare to.

 

[Kscardsfan]

When I bought my house in 2012 I got an M18 6 piece combo kit and Milwaukee gave me another battery for free for buying a 4 piece or larger combo at the time. I have used it personally and professionally and have not burned out one of the original batteries that came with it, I've added a few higher ah batteries to it along with a few more tools for different jobs. So for 13 years it's been a solid investment for me. I later added the m12 stuff and fell in love with how compact and useful they are. I reach for my m12 impact and drill far more than my m18 stuff most days. Like someone else said, if you're boring into concrete or using big holesaws etc. the 18 volt will far and away be the best choice, if you're poking holes in sheetrock and MDF or installing cabinet hardware all day the m12 is the way and the light. I refuse to have multiple styles of battery out of some kind of OCD streak or something. My in laws will run any and all platforms and seem to get decent results from most of the bigger name brands out there.