Which brand to start a cordless tool set?

[cvcman]

Agreed. So little between these that any is a good choice. Please stay away from Rigid. I can't even begin to tell you how difficult and useless the warrantee is....

Yea I ha to drive to homedepot and give them my 2 18v batteries and have them hand me 2 brand new ones...no questions asked!!!

 

[yamaha0343]

Just pick your favorite color. Teal, Red or Yellow. You'll get people that say Milwaukee, DeWalt or Makita is the best.

They're all solid choices.

Agreed! We're all living in a great time for cordless tools.

 

[cvcman]

For home to light professional use I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ridgid or Ryobi.

Both have extensive lineups (Ridgid oil impact is the best I've ever used), backwards battery compatibility and good warranty, especially








Ridgids lifetime warranty. Some say it's hit or miss but I would be willing to bet they either didn't register properly or forgot to update the registration for the new tool/battery

I'd agree..i have had ZERO issue with the warranty on my ridgid stuff...for the batteries HD doesn't even question

 

[buckwheat_la]

Yea I ha to drive to homedepot and give them my 2 18v batteries and have them hand me 2 brand new ones...no questions asked!!!

I waited 2 months for repairs on a drill and a saw. Got them back and drill lasted 1 week.

 

[cvcman]

I waited 2 months for repairs on a drill and a saw. Got them back and drill lasted 1 week.

Humm again I have not had that experience nor has anyone I know that uses and abuses them..now don't even talk to me about Dewalt if you want to avoid problems...Cheers

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

They're all pretty good. I went DeWalt, pretty much everyone in the shop uses them as well, with a few Hilti's as well.

 

[WWheeler]

I've been solidly on team yellow for almost 3 decades now, have dozens corded and cordless tools (I've posted pics of most of them before), and never has one ever disappointed me in the slightest. All my Dewalt tools bought in the 90s and since are still ready to kick some *** whenever I need them.

That said, I'll be the first to admit there's nothing wrong with being on team red either. I've got a ~30yr old corded Sawzall™ that was gifted to me as a teen that still runs like she did the day I got her, and I picked up an M12 cordless ratchet (because Dewalt doesn't make any such animal) that's one of my most used tools (We also use them at work).

TLDR: I'd say go team yellow or team red, or else you'll be on a minor-league team.

 

[ohblondi]

I have issues with the DeWalt's we have at work. Most of them are fairly new and it seems like the chuck doesn't grab the bit to well no matter how tight I get them. Sometimes the bit will get stuck and the chuck just keeps spinning around it. Am I the only one?

 

[Hendricks433]

I just bought my first set and went with Miluakee. Primarily cause they do ratchets and their impact line up since I mainly do Auto and Motorcycle work.

 

[mudflap]

Makita even has a coffee maker. This would be cool for tradesmen or Amish carpenters working at houses without power. Have a fresh pot of coffee for breakfast and one for lunch with their sandwiches.

The carpenter I hired to help me at my mom's new house had the full Makita lineup. No coffee maker, but he did have the Makita radio boombox, table saw, and about 10 other tools.

Thats awesome.....

 

[mudflap]

Keep in mind..DeWalt has a "homeowner" grade...then the XRP line is their "pro" stuff.. I think Makita is doing that too now Blue or White...

 

[MushCreek]

I pretty much built my entire house with my Milwaukee M18 tools. I've had them for 5 years without a hiccup, other than putting new brushes in the 1/4" driver. I recently bought the 1/2" impact- it's a beast!

 

[BlackLS2]

I started with the Milwaukee M12 and then went Makita LXT 18V because the M12 first generation batteries and first generation drill chuck sucked. Milwaukee got into the RED batteries with improved 18650 lithium cells and they have been great since; they warrantied all my crappy first generation batteries...took 7 years to straighten that out. Over the last 10-12 years I have invested in both...generally I get ONE new tool per year, but have sometimes been gifted a second by wifey.

If I am doing major construction I find myself with the Makita LXT in hand - favorite tools are the 1/2 chuck drills, brushless angle grinder, LED flip light, 1/4 hex impact, "sawzall", and I just picked up the 18V hedge trimmer...its awesome. Next will be a 1/2 impact; there are at least 3 to choose from. Each tool and each battery has been ultra reliable.

Around the house chores or anything on a ladder it's the Milwaukee M12, because it's small and lightweight. Most used by far is the hex screw gun, then the 2457 3/8 ratchet for vehicles, 2415 small angle drill, 3/8 square drive impact, drills are ok for light work, 2438 polisher was a nice surprise, 2420 hackzall is a jumpy turd, 2460 "dremel" is sketchy, but I do love the 0850 vacuum for light cleaning. They do have a workable LED light, but it started a over $100..we'll see as the price drops. The big XC battery saves the M12 system from being an "also ran", but 5 -7 years of battery problems took their toll on my opinion.

If I had to choose just one system, it would be the Makita LXT...by a nose.

Neighbor does HVAC, and went with LXT. I have talked to a lot of Dewalt users and they love those too; I notice guys who worked outside in the cold hung on to their NiCads because they don't suddenly drop the way Li Ions do when cold.

I agree with others on choice; red, yellow, or teal...a nice "first world" problem to have.

 

[JRC3]

Whatever 18v set you get I would suggest a 12v drill and impact driver set for general use. Makita, Milwaukee, Bosch, Dewalt, Ridgid. The 12v is much lighter and great for quick tasks, and easy to store one somewhere convenient. I have a full Bosch 18v set but use the 12v impact driver and drill for 90% of the tasks a drill or impact driver is needed.

Have you by chance not used a new cordless tool over the past few years? They are way too light nowadays. I used to do that with a lighter drill, have 18v Dewalt but had a single 14.4 drill for driving. Then I went 20v. And brushless. No heat but I kinda miss the nostalgic ozone odor.

I just dug the 14.4 out for that pic. I went to put an 18v battery in it thinking it was the 18v because it was so big and heavy. LOL

Btw, that green radio in the pic is another reason to have a Ryobi set.

 

[FigureItOut]

Have you by chance not used a new cordless tool over the past few years? They are way too light nowadays. I used to do that with a lighter drill, have 18v Dewalt but had a single 14.4 drill for driving. Then I went 20v. And brushless. No heat but I kinda miss the nostalgic ozone odor.

I just dug the 14.4 out for that pic. I went to put an 18v battery in it thinking it was the 18v because it was so big and heavy. LOL

Btw, that green radio in the pic is another reason to have a Ryobi set.

There's no full size 18/20 volt drill or driver that even comes close to the compactness and lightweight of something like the Bosch 12 Volt stuff, or even Dewalt 12 Volt. Milwaukee M12 may not be a whole lot smaller than full size, but you're comparing an old Dewalt NiCD to newer full size lithium-ion.

 

[JRC3]

There's no full size 18/20 volt drill or driver that even comes close to the compactness and lightweight of something like the Bosch 12 Volt stuff, or even Dewalt 12 Volt. Milwaukee M12 may not be a whole lot smaller than full size, but you're comparing an old Dewalt NiCD to newer full size lithium-ion.

You're right, but lesser voltage isn't as noticeable as it was back then. I almost can't believe I lugged that 18v XRP hammer drill and 3 speed transmission around. That thing is a tank.

 

[FigureItOut]

You're right, but lesser voltage isn't as noticeable as it was back then. I almost can't believe I lugged that 18v XRP hammer drill and 3 speed transmission around. That thing is a tank.

I've never had the pleasure, my first set was Dewalt 20 volt. It was current at the time but I can't remember if it was brushless or not. I couldn't live without my little 12 Volt stuff though. My Bosch PS-21 is by far my most used tool. It's a far cry in size in weight from anything in M18 that I have.

 

[fasteddie313]

I did some construction work for a while recently and my forman swore by these hitachi guns so that is what I bought..

 

[jd_1138]

I did some construction work for a while recently and my forman swore by these hitachi guns so that is what I bought..

Does Hitachi have a lot of the basics covered? Not sure how many tools they have in their lineup. Whereas, with the others they have a huge lineup.

 

[monte977]

After I retired I worked part time for Details Inc. (Mooresville NC) as a field rep for a couple of years. I traveled up and down the I-5 corridor (Wa & Or) in and out of Lowes stores. One of my responsibilities was to do tool returns on faulty tools, DeWalt was by far the worst.

 

[LB-1911]

Does Hitachi have a lot of the basics covered? Not sure how many tools they have in their lineup. Whereas, with the others they have a huge lineup.

http://www.hitachipowertools.com/us/main-navigation/tools?category=/tools/cordless&title=Cordless

 

[machine_punk]

I just went through the same issue as the OP. I've avoided cordless for a long time, because they just weren't good enough. Seems like the battery technology (Li-ion) and motor technology (brushless) finally made the leap I was looking for.

After a lot of reading, I finally went with Makita...but I've literally had them less than a week at this point. To be honest, I don't think you'll regret any of the latest generation of cordless tools.

I ran across a forum post somewhere the other day, where someone was partial to Panasonic 14-volt tools were far superior and and felt that none of the other brands even came close. I cannot back that up...just something else I would have investigated, if I had read it before buying.

The biggest issue, as I can see, is to make sure you get the largest batteries you can afford. The 'cheap' kits usually use 2 amp hour batteries. After reading, it seems to be better to get batteries in the 4-5 amp hour range. They are bigger and heavier, but significantly increase run time.

With all other things being essentially equal (same battery and motor technology), I'd go to the store and see if any seem to fit your hands better than others.

Kev

 

[monte977]

I should have added that I've been using Ryobi One+ cordless tools for a while now (Home Depot) and I'm very satisfied.

 

[jd_1138]

Thats awesome.....

The Makita coffee maker also comes with a regular AC outlet cord.

I could use one over at the in-laws' farm. Their barn is 300 feet away from the house and has no power, and I am often out there for like 2 hours doing PM's on their equipment.

I don't drink Monster energy drinks or Red Bull. I prefer hot coffee for my caffeine.

 

[jd_1138]

http://www.hitachipowertools.com/us/main-navigation/tools?category=/tools/cordless&title=Cordless

Wow, yep I would say they have all the bases covered. But they could use a radio/bluetooth device. Not a biggie but nice to have.

I am in the yellow camp, but I did buy a Ryobi radio (newer lime green model) and a battery/charger. Even with the battery/charger it was cheaper than a DeWalt radio. Plus I have a Ryobi 18v lithium battery/charger in case I ever buy any Ryobi tools.

I take it outside when I am grilling or doing yard work. It's also good for parties. Also, having a battery operated radio is good in case of emergency if the power's out and you need to hear weather reports. Not that I've had to use it for that, yet.

 

[fasteddie313]

Does Hitachi have a lot of the basics covered? Not sure how many tools they have in their lineup. Whereas, with the others they have a huge lineup.

For me, cordless drills, OK.. Cordless anything else, no..

I just saw an AvE review of the Dewalt 60 volt angle grinder, the best out there, and it lasts 5-6 minutes and he loved it..

hundreds of $ for something that lasts 5 minutes? Not for me..
When I break out my metabo for a "hot supper" it's game over..

Hitachi has the sawzall and I'm sure other stuff but no way they can hold a candle to a good old corded Milwaukee sawzall like the one I have.. Mine is so old it still takes an allen wrench to change blades, but I don't even consider replacing it..

 

[MushCreek]

Oddly enough, one of my favorite things is the flashlight that they throw in. It stands up by itself, something most flashlights don't do, and of course, the battery is rechargeable. Out here in the boonies, you use a flashlight a LOT. It worked well, but I kept blowing bulbs (they don't like to be knocked over). I bought a 5 watt LED bulb from ebay, and it's brighter, doesn't mind being knocked around, and the battery last and lasts.

As for power, mine keep up with me OK. I used the circular saw and SawZall to build a house! Nearly as powerful as corded, and I have 5 batteries, so I never run out.

 

[kythri]

I can't say enough good things about Ryobi.

They get a fair amount of hate from elements of the Red/Yellow crowd, unfortunately, but the stuff is just consistently good.

It's also apparently good enough for a fair number of pros, as I've witnessed a LOT of contractors with Ryobi in their kits.

One of the best things is, you can usually find someone on Craigslist selling a multiple tool kit for pennies, all you gotta do is pick up a couple new batteries (and possibly a charger, if the kit is old blue stuff).

 

[LB-1911]

Wow, yep I would say they have all the bases covered. But they could use a radio/bluetooth device. Not a biggie but nice to have.

Something like this?

UR18DSALP4 18V Lithium Ion Bluetooth Radio (Tool Body Only)

Convenient Bluetooth wireless technology means music can be played from a phone while the phone is with the user


http://www.hitachipowertools.com/us...V+Lithium+Ion+Bluetooth+Radio+(Tool+Body+Only)

 

[jd_1138]

Something like this?

UR18DSALP4 18V Lithium Ion Bluetooth Radio (Tool Body Only)

Convenient Bluetooth wireless technology means music can be played from a phone while the phone is with the user

Looks pretty cool. I like the large handle and the triangular shaped sides where the speakers are. Little spendy at $120 or so, but you only live once.

The Ryobi radio is a bargain in the world of cordless tool radios at about $30 or so. I have seen kits for about $50 that include the newer lime green Ryobi radio, battery and charger. So that'd be a cheap way to get a cordless radio system and at the same time pick up a Ryobi battery/charger, in case you want to buy other Ryobi 18V One+ tools. Granted it doesn't put out the watts of the pricier cordless radio systems.

 

[kythri]

This one:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ON...-Bluetooth-Wireless-Technology-P746/205999646

Sounds pretty darned decent, too:

Plus, it's a hybrid system, so if you've got AC, you can run it off of that (integrated plug, just attach extension cord).

 

[mudflap]

I can't say enough good things about Ryobi.

They get a fair amount of hate from elements of the Red/Yellow crowd, unfortunately, but the stuff is just consistently good.

It's also apparently good enough for a fair number of pros, as I've witnessed a LOT of contractors with Ryobi in their kits.

One of the best things is, you can usually find someone on Craigslist selling a multiple tool kit for pennies, all you gotta do is pick up a couple new batteries (and possibly a charger, if the kit is old blue stuff).

The newer Green line might be good stuff....but the older Blue line was completely worthless...They are probably having trouble getting clear of the bad rep...?

 

[mudflap]

The Makita coffee maker also comes with a regular AC outlet cord.

I could use one over at the in-laws' farm. Their barn is 300 feet away from the house and has no power, and I am often out there for like 2 hours doing PM's on their equipment.

I don't drink Monster energy drinks or Red Bull. I prefer hot coffee for my caffeine.

That sounds like a good plan....i just want one cause it's cool...lol.. I don't know if your old enough to remember it...but back in 92 i bought a Makita cordless drill, it was 9.6 volt, had a stick battery that went in the xtra long grip...the thing was pretty bada55 as far as cordless tools went back then...i have been a Makita fan ever since...

 

[hdmark80]

I have to go with Milwaukee. I have the m12 and m18 line. Around the house i usually grab the m12 tools. Smaller, lighter and with enough power to most things around the house.

 

[Hingebird]

Since your criteria is batteries mainly, don't forget to check out Ridgid and their lifetime battery agreement.

I switched from Makita to Ridgid because of the lifetime battery warranty. I live in AZ and it takes a week in the summer to kill your batteries if you leave them in the garage. Also, their Gen 5x has a lot of torque.

That sounds like a good plan....i just want one cause it's cool...lol.. I don't know if your old enough to remember it...but back in 92 i bought a Makita cordless drill, it was 9.6 volt, had a stick battery that went in the xtra long grip...the thing was pretty bada55 as far as cordless tools went back then...i have been a Makita fan ever since...

Sent from my LG-K550 using Tapatalk

 

[rslaback]

If I were making the consideration of picking a cordless tool line to buy into the number one thing I would consider is expected battery form factor longevity. Plenty of guys, myself included have bare tools sitting around that the batteries are no longer supported (I'm looking at you Dewalt NiCd platform). If you look at things historically, Ryobi and Ridgid are your best bets for battery platform length. Most manufacturers switched form factors when they changed to lithium but those two did not. Ridgid is a higher quality line but Ryobi works well for most homeowners too.

There is nothing crappier than having to buy a whole new tool because you can't find decent, cost effective batteries for the tools you already have.

 

[97nismo]

I've been happy with the Porter Cable set in 20v for my wood working projects and I use my snap on 14.4v set for car projects

 

[kctyphoon]

Look at the platforms, see what fits your need best.. my vote will always be Milwaukee for that reason and others.. it's VERY hard to not invest in the m18 and NOT the m12 also.. if you want a cordless ratchet, good lighting options, and 3 levels of 18v impacts wrenches to pick from, then you really only have one option.. all that and a 5 year warranty on most tools is alot to beat..

 

[Inabox85]

Go on YouTube and look up a channel called AvE. He does tear down reviews of all sorts of tools they are both informative and entertaining. The guy who does them is also very knowledgeable. Look into the archives; about 2 months ago he did the batteries for Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee.

I will also add that I am a Makita user and I really like them, but I'm sure you'll be happy with any of the major brands. So, don't beat yourself up to bad over this decision.

I watch him all the time he's ******* hilarious too.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

If I were making the consideration of picking a cordless tool line to buy into the number one thing I would consider is expected battery form factor longevity. Plenty of guys, myself included have bare tools sitting around that the batteries are no longer supported (I'm looking at you Dewalt NiCd platform). If you look at things historically, Ryobi and Ridgid are your best bets for battery platform length. Most manufacturers switched form factors when they changed to lithium but those two did not. Ridgid is a higher quality line but Ryobi works well for most homeowners too.

There is nothing crappier than having to buy a whole new tool because you can't find decent, cost effective batteries for the tools you already have.

You can get aftermarket batteries, you can rebuild battery packs, and at least in the case of 18v DeWalt tools, you can get an adapter to use the newer batteries.