Looking to buy Cordless Power Tools

['52Chevy]

So I am in the market for some cordless power tools. Currently the only thing I have is a Sears/Craftsman 9.4(ish)V cordless drill. I got it from my dad when I moved out, found some batteries on clearance for 10 bucks at sears a while back and it has worked pretty well. I need more!

I am looking for a combo/kit with room to grow. It would all be for home use. The must haves are drill, driver, circular saw. I would like some more things such as possibly a brad nailer, light, reciprocating saw, impact wrench, vaccumm etc. I will be doing a lot of wood working. I plan on trying my hand at some furniture building. I would prefer LI batteries as well.

I am in somewhat of a unique situation, I am stationed in Germany, so I am not sure about shipping the LI batteries out here. I will face that bridge when I get there I suppose.

So far I have read quite a few threads on individual tools, but not much on tool lines themselves. Since they are for home use I don't want to spend "too" much, but would like a decent quality long lasting tool.

I have looked at:
Craftsman C3
Dewalt 20V Max
Ryobi ONE+ 18v
However I am open to other suggestions.

Which line would you suggest?
Which line would have the best available options for buying more tools later on?

Thank you

 

[txvwnut]

Ryobi should be available over there as I remember them having some stuff in Europe that wasn't available over here.

I've been real happy with my One+ stuff.

 

[Lawson4450]

Depending on what you need the stuff for if your looking for a basic DIY home stuff then the Ryobi is fine but if you need something a little more heavy duty then the Dewalt or Milwaukee, would be the way to go. Right now the Milwaukee brand is coming out with alot of stuff if I wasn't already vested in the old C3 stuff i would be going with them myself. As it is I have the 12 volt Milwaukee set and C3 stuff. Even though I like the C3, with sears looking shaky I would be hesitant to jump in with them again.

 

['52Chevy]

Also, is a cordless nailer worth it or should I get a pneumatic?

 

[LB-1911]

I am in somewhat of a unique situation, I am stationed in Germany, so I am not sure about shipping the LI batteries out here. I will face that bridge when I get there I suppose.

So far I have read quite a few threads on individual tools, but not much on tool lines themselves. Since they are for home use I don't want to spend "too" much, but would like a decent quality long lasting tool.

http://de.ryobitools.eu/

The Ryobi Tool Appreciation/Review Permathread!
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=335881&showall=1

 

[PugetDude]

Another vote for Ryobi 18V - mine have served me well for over 15 years. Great platform of tools to choose from. Batteries are reasonable and tools are forward/backward compatible.

 

[Monte]

Ryobi is available at the Bauhaus stores

 

[stikman56]

I just switched to Milwaukee, they're everywhere, well built from what I have seen ( I've had them apart) parts are out there and they're cheap as well. They have so many tools they offer too. I found great deals, bought way more than I needed, couple guys at work wanted some, so that helped a bit. I ended up with multiple impacts, screwdrivers, impact drivers, batteries, chargers saws, drills.....both M12 and M18, some new, some used. I took wheels off a motor coach the other day and put them back on, and they were tight enough after checking them with the torque wrench, with a used 2662-20 impact.

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Professional brands: Snap-on, milwaukee, dewalt, makita, bosch, Ringersoll Rand
Midway brands: Kobalt
Homeowner (but good value for the price IMO) brands: ryobi, craftsman, rigid, B&D,
Questionable brands: harbor freight and other no name brands

I'm sure I missed a few and some will call me an idiot, and possibly with good reason, but this is what I've gathered.

I would certainly recommend research any particular tool you want to buy, and sign up to "slick deals" and look for kits. Cheaper to buy the tools that way.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Right now I have Craftsman C3 and haven't had any problems with it, although some of the different tools (planer, paint sprayer, caulk gun) have been discontinued and are hard to find. The Craftsman brand is also for sale right now, which makes me a little nervous for the future.

I know a few people with Ryobi One+ sets and are happy with them.

If I were starting new, or if I ever sell the Craftsman C3 tools, I'd go with either Makita or Milwaukee. Most likely Milwaukee.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Depending on what you need the stuff for if your looking for a basic DIY home stuff then the Ryobi is fine but if you need something a little more heavy duty then the Dewalt or Milwaukee, would be the way to go. Right now the Milwaukee brand is coming out with alot of stuff if I wasn't already vested in the old C3 stuff i would be going with them myself. As it is I have the 12 volt Milwaukee set and C3 stuff. Even though I like the C3, with sears looking shaky I would be hesitant to jump in with them again.

This sounds about right. I got the m12 stuff & honestly think that drill is every bit as good as the c3. I went to m12 when my last cm battery stopped holding a decent charge. I wouldn't hesitate to buy dewalt, makita or ryobi either. My dad has had the one+ system forever & loves it. I chose Milwaukee because of the warranty & the batteries are less bulky. Also the other guys weren't making as many options at the time.

 

[gearhead1]

DeWalt or Milwaukee. I have both and you can't go wrong with either.

 

[lotsoftools]

Also, is a cordless nailer worth it or should I get a pneumatic?

Brad nailer? YES. It is a million times easier to just grab the nailer and go to work, than it is to fire up the compressor and lay out an air hose. To me at least.

 

[Stevenn1]

I have a big Dewalt 18v kit with the Lithium batteries when they first replaced ni-cad (in 2010 i think) and I am still using them today. Never replaced batteries or tools yet. I would recommend Dewalt but in probably the newest version (20v Max I believe).

 

[wildbill23c]

Brad nailer? YES. It is a million times easier to just grab the nailer and go to work, than it is to fire up the compressor and lay out an air hose. To me at least.

If its for a small couple minute job, a cordless brad nailer would be great...but if you are doing a large job I'd rather have a pneumatic. Same goes for finish nailers and framing nailers...not sure if they have a cordless framing or finish nailer but I'd go pneumatic on those as you'll most likely be doing larger jobs with both and they require some pretty good power to drive those nails.

To the OP. It really depends on what you are doing with the tools. I have no experience with the new Ridgid tools but their older tools were pretty good. I started with a Dewalt 18VXRP set that I won as an entry prize at a local hardware store about 12 years ago. They work great, they are heavy though. Since I already have Dewalt and I used them every day for about a year installing garage doors I was happy with the results and have expanded my Dewalt line since I already have the chargers and batteries. I also have recently started going to the 20V stuff which is a bit of a step up. The new thing with Dewalt is they now have Flexvolt batteries. They'll work on the 20V and the new 60V tools. Dewalt also now has a 12" Double Bevel Sliding Compound Miter Saw which runs on 2 60V batteries or you can plug it in...they also have an 8-1/4" 60V table saw now as well.

Anyhow, if you want to just drill a few holes or drive a few screws at home Ryobi has some pretty descent tools for the money, and a great selection at that.

 

[rick carpenter]

Don't overlook the various Certified Previously Owned online vendors when you buy them. Google for "CPO [brand]" for whatever brand you choose. I have a several years old refurbed 18v Bosch impact driver that I really like.

 

[kctyphoon]

If you are looking at buying a 4 -5 -9 piece kit , the holiday deals HD has with their "deal of the day" 24 hour sales once it gets close to Christmas get pretty unbeatable. Up to 50% off even with the Dewalt and Milwaukee kits. Not to mention the $100, and $150 off promos that will start soon.

 

[M6erfan]

I went Bosch 18v a few years ago and have been very happy. Bosch has a pretty extensive line up in 18v tools, more than I'll ever need. Should be uber easy to get where you are

 

[Roobaix]

Milwaukee has everything you're looking for.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a Bosch 18v jig saw, and I love it. Most of my other cordless is 18v DeWalt, They have served me well for years.

I have a cordless brad nailer and a finish nailer. Both work well, and easier to use rather than firing up the compressor.

 

[buckwheat_la]

Willing to bet Makita is readily available over there....

 

[rice rocket]

You're in Germany, might as well get Bosch or Metabo. Maybe Fein too although their lineup isn't as deep.


And send me some too, they starve us of the good stuff here.

 

[1badbird]

I have been very pleased with the craftsman c3 stuff, but with that being said if I was starting fresh I would go with Milwaukee.

 

[kctyphoon]

Some current Milwaukee deals if this can help -

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Hardware-Power-Tools/Milwaukee/N-5yc1vZc298Zzv

 

[rice rocket]

Some current Milwaukee deals if this can help -

http://www.homedepot.com/b/Tools-Hardware-Power-Tools/Milwaukee/N-5yc1vZc298Zzv

Yeah, because Home Depot Germany is a thing...

 

[code4pay]

I have Hitachi and use them alot and find them good. If your interested in ryobi check out jay Bates on YouTube he did an honest review of his which he uses alot

Sent from my ASUS_Z00AD using Tapatalk

 

[bcradio]

Also, is a cordless nailer worth it or should I get a pneumatic?

Cordless anything (other than drill/impact driver) is not a good idea as a first and only choice. You should always buy the pneumatic and/or corded electric version first before buying the cordless. Then evaluate if a cordless would be useful and convenient, and if so buy it then.

 

[GiantCranium]

Cordless anything (other than drill/impact driver) is not a good idea as a first and only choice. You should always buy the pneumatic and/or corded electric version first before buying the cordless. Then evaluate if a cordless would be useful and convenient, and if so buy it then.

Na. Give me a paslode over air any day. I've been a carpenter for 13 years and would not pull out a compressor to save my life. Most cordless tools these days are good enough that you do not need the corded version. I haven't pulled out my corded 5" grinder, multi tool, jigsaw or saws all in years. Cordless tools are too convenient and safer to use without having power cords all over site.

 

['52Chevy]

So much input thank you all! I am still looking around, taking everything into consideration. I am not in a rush to buy anything so hoping to find some good deals during the holidays.

As of right now, I am leaning towards Ryobi, or Dewalt. Ryobi for the price point, as I said I won't use them heavily, but it will be nice to have everything. Dewalt, Simply because that's what my dad has, and my FIL. I have bought some stuff for my dad that added to his collection, and he absolutely loves them, biggest thing is wether or not the price difference is worth it.

 

[bcradio]

Na. Give me a paslode over air any day. I've been a carpenter for 13 years and would not pull out a compressor to save my life. Most cordless tools these days are good enough that you do not need the corded version. I haven't pulled out my corded 5" grinder, multi tool, jigsaw or saws all in years. Cordless tools are too convenient and safer to use without having power cords all over site.

Exactly, they are convenient... that's where it ends.

But then the DIY guy (OP) will be cursing every 5 years when he has to buy all new batteries or all new tools because his old batteries do not hold a charge. Whereas if he already had the corded version he could pull out the 30 year old one and fire it up and get the job done.

So yes, after corded is purchased, if you decide that a cordless is worth it to buy also then by all means do so.

 

[JRC3]

I totally recommend Ryobi for a homeowner. I hit the pawnshops sometimes and found a Ryobi kit and bought it mostly because it contained an oscillating multi-tool and an SDS hammer drill. It also had a recip, circular, impact, jigsaw, and something else for $150. I figured it would be a great backup for my Dewalt stuff. I've found the quality to be quite good for what they normally sell for.

I've since bought a Ryobi radio and no longer even keep my big Dewalt in the van, it just sits on the garage floor and collects dust. The little Ryobi can be carried or packed anywhere for work or recreation.

 

[kctyphoon]

Yeah, because Home Depot Germany is a thing...

Not sure where he said he's in Germany, but anyway

They have these amazing new things called Fedex and UPS.. You wouldn't believe it, but you can actually send a box to just about anywhere. It's the way of the future!

Not to mention, this is posted right on the Home Depot website -


How do I place an order?
You can place an order through the International Sales Department by e-mail or telephone. Our contact information is:

The Home Depot International Sales Department
Telephone: 1-888-843-7055

E-mail: [email protected]

Can I go directly to my local store and place an export order?
Yes, you may go directly to the PRO / Commercial Sales desk or Special Services desk in the store and make the order. The store may contact the International Sales department for assistance.

Is there an minimum for an export order?
No, there is no minimum purchase for an export order in our stores or the International Sales department.

Can I order The Home Depot merchandise from any country?
Can you ship to any country? You may order merchandise using the above mentioned ways from almost any country. We can process and deliver merchandise to any licensed freight forwarder who will in turn ship the merchandise to you in your country. Your country cannot be restricted by the U.S. Government / U.S. Customs and the U.S. Department of Commerce to do business with the United States. Some U.S. Government exceptions apply.

 

[kctyphoon]

Cordless anything (other than drill/impact driver) is not a good idea as a first and only choice. You should always buy the pneumatic and/or corded electric version first before buying the cordless. Then evaluate if a cordless would be useful and convenient, and if so buy it then.

Yea I would have to respectfully disagree with this also, and say that for a lot of people the opposite might even apply. Especially for a homeowner.

This obviously wouldn't apply for certain things. If you're a guy that's drilling holes ALL DAY cordless isn't a real option. That's just common sense. But as a homeowner or even some professionals, you can wind up with a lot of corded tools you won't touch anymore once you get cordless. They have come a long way.. Rebuilt batteries are not very expensive if it gets to that point. It not uncommon for people to get 15 years out of some cordless stuff, even more sometimes. The makita 9.6v stick pack batteries are still for sale in HD stores, and those tools have been gone for a long time now.

 

[LB-1911]

Not sure where he said he's in Germany, but anyway

Third paragraph of the initial post.

I am in somewhat of a unique situation, I am stationed in Germany, so I am not sure about shipping the LI batteries out here. I will face that bridge when I get there I suppose.

 

[kctyphoon]

Third paragraph of the initial post.

If the OP needs it, but it may not be an issue for him. https://www.ups.com/content/us/en/r.../responsible/lithium-battery-preapproval.html

I just skimmed through it, but it looks like new regulations just require proper labeling and only prohibit their shipment on passanger aircraft now. Might just take a little longer to get it over there compared to a bag of Doritos . Battery restrictions also appear to be on batteries that are over 100 watt hours. I don't have a 5.0 pack at home, but my m18 4.0's are only listed at 72, I'd guess a 5.0 pack would be 90 and still under the restrictions.

I just ordered a lithium jump pack by mail, and it arrived with a label stating "lithium batteries" on it. I would imagine a benefit of ordering from a large retailer that does international shipping is they know what needs to be done, if he does choose to go that route.

Anyway - all the holiday sales are just around the corner. That might broaden your choices by a wide margin OP.

Edit - for some reason what I'm trying to post a link to won't show, but just google international shipment of lithium ion batteries. There was a 6 page result that came up from UPS. it also looks like the 100 watt hour restriction is an international guideline that holds true in Europe also. I don't think it would big a big deal to order something from the states if that is your plan..

 

[epg0]

I am in the same situation as you, looking to get into a line with a great combo offering that I can build up as needed.

Since this will be all projects around the house, I'm leaning towards Milwaukee M12 line, but can't decide if the M18 line would be overkill.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

['52Chevy]

So to clarify, I am stationed in Germany with the Air Force, I have the benefit of having a "US" address as well as a German one. Although its a "US" address everything still gets treated as though its going overseas(which it is) and then has to go through German Customs before it gets to me. Shipping through FedEx or UPS to my US address takes months, USPS Priority Mail takes about 6 days. I don't know about shipping UPS from the states to my German address as I have not had the need.


So I went to the local home improvement store today and looked around at their power tools. I was looking at cordless tools as well as a table saw and a Miter Saw. I was a little disappointed in the selection. They did have a good selection of BOSCH cordless power tools in multiple sizes, but from what I saw all the chargers were only 220v. While I'm here that obviously won't be a problem, but when I go home it would become more of a nuisance.

Looking at miter saws they only had smaller miter saws, although some very nice ones even though they were all only single bevel, but as I expected everything is 220V as well. I had heard that some of them may actually be autovoltage but not marked as such, but that is not a risk I really wanna take on such an expensive item.

So I am back to looking online I feel. Leaning towards the Ryobi simply because of the variety of tools they have available that could be useful around the house. Now to just look out for a deal.

 

[tymbo]

 

[engineer2]

even though they were all only single bevel

Nothing wrong with single bevel for woodworking. They have a lot less slop than sliders.

 

[kythri]

How much are the Ryobi 5.0Ah batteries over there in Germany?