Which brand to start a cordless tool set?

[gdpolk]

I'm going to go against the grain and say for a homeowner don't buy cordless. For infrequent and light duty use the reduced cost, increased power, and decreased hassle of keeping ancharged battery and/or having tools outdated due to battery technology advances out weigh the convenience of not using an extension cord.

If you must go cordless I think Milwaukee is probably the king as of now but there are other fantastic options too. Milwaukee isn't the only strong player.

 

[JRC3]

(I'm looking at you Dewalt NiCd platform).

At least they finally released this.

 

[jd_1138]

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.

DeWalt still sells its Ni-Cad's in 2 pack or 1 pack.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-18-Volt-XRP-Ni-Cad-Rechargeable-Batteries-for-18-Volt-Power-Tools-2-Pack-DC9096-2/100124990

Granted, they probably don't sell too many of them, because most people look at the prices and think: "Um, ok I can drop $120 on 2 new Ni-Cad batteries or I can drop $170 on a brand new DeWalt kit with a new impact driver, drill, 2 batteries/charger". Thus most opt to get into the newer lithium tools.

Batteries are always pricey -- no matter the brand. The most cost effective way to get batteries is when you buy a new tool that comes with 1 or 2 batteries.

 

[JRC3]

Batteries are always pricey -- no matter the brand. The most cost effective way to get batteries is when you buy a new tool that comes with 1 or 2 batteries.

Another good thing about Ryobi and the reason I bought some as backups and have a few single purpose tools. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ON...gclid=CIGsoOiQwdICFcO3wAod-nkIgg&gclsrc=aw.ds

Two batteries $99.

 

[Dick in Wisconsin]

I'm surprised no one mentioned the Craftsman C3 19.2 series. I started with a "kit" in 2006 that included a three or four Ni-Cad batteries. All but one of those still hold a charge, albeit not like they were new.

There are lots of tools, most of them now come with Li-Ion batteries (note it appears that the C3 Li-Ion batteries are already on a second generation).

None of the cordless C3 have ever failed me. I've never returned a tool or a battery for replacement. Sure one of the Ni-Cads gave out ... but after nine or ten years of use.

I highly recommend the Craftsman C3 series.

 

[nadogail]

I had a long battery makita drill, loved it until after years it failed. My boss replaced it with a Dewalt, I was not thrilled.
Bought a Royobi set with a drill, circular saw, and a flashlight; the batteries failed within two years, bought new Royobi replacement batteries. Those too failed promptly' wound up donating the three piece set to DAV.
I now have a brushless Makita drill, it has been wonderful. I bought it at Home Depot as a pre-Christmas special, best $100 investment in a long time.

The only cordless drill that was worse than the Royobi was a Harbor Freight cheap POS.

 

[kythri]

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...?

Completely, utterly inaccurate.

Specs on some of the newer green stuff are certainly improved, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the older blue stuff whatsoever.

I'm not going to front and say that Ryobi is "better" than the "pro" brand stuff (but, at what point does "better" stop being worth the massive increase in price?), but it can certainly hold its own, and is no slouch - blue or green.

 

[kythri]

I had a long battery makita drill, loved it until after years it failed. My boss replaced it with a Dewalt, I was not thrilled.
Bought a Royobi set with a drill, circular saw, and a flashlight; the batteries failed within two years, bought new Royobi replacement batteries. Those too failed promptly' wound up donating the three piece set to DAV.
I now have a brushless Makita drill, it has been wonderful. I bought it at Home Depot as a pre-Christmas special, best $100 investment in a long time.

The only cordless drill that was worse than the Royobi was a Harbor Freight cheap POS.

You should have probably bought Ryobi, instead of the knock-off brand Royobi.

 

[kythri]

I'm surprised no one mentioned the Craftsman C3 19.2 series.

[SNIP]

I highly recommend the Craftsman C3 series.

I personally don't bring up the Craftsman C3 for two reasons:

One: It's Ryobi in a different package. A handful of the tools are different, but, in most cases, they're identical, save for the package colors. Same manufacturer, same internals, same tool.

Two: It's not likely to be around for long - at least, not nearly as long as Ryobi has been, or Ryobi will be. There's already reports/complaints on this forum about particular tools going unavailable quickly, and folks having to source them from the secondary market. Given that we're talking Sears, I'd hate to advise someone to buy into something that could be ended in 6 months.

Those two items aside, the Craftsman C3 stuff is every bit as good as the Ryobi stuff. If you're already invested in it, there's no reason to jump ship anytime soon.

 

[kythri]

In the past decade, the following has happened:

Dewalt changed tool lineups from 18v to 20v. They just recently supplied an adapter to use 20v batteries in 18v tools, but that's a new development. For the longest time, the only way to get Lithium-Ion was to upgrade to the 20v Max line (though, they did finally release Lithium-Ion batteries into the XRP line).

Milwaukee changed up from V18 to M18 - batteries between the two are incompatible without modification.

Pretty sure Makita changed up their 18v batteries from a stem-style (1822/1833 batteries) to a slide style when they went from NiCad to Lithium-Ion.

Sears/Craftsman introduced a 20v line of tools alongside their 19.2v lineup - batteries were incompatible. Ended up finally cancelling their 20v line, and introducing Lithium-Ion for the 19.2v line.

Ryobi, in the mean time, has stayed consistent, not changing up battery packaging, and not forcing you to start buying a new tool line with that new battery style when they introduced Lithium-Ion.

-----

Whatever choice you make, you'll probably be happy with the tools.

The vast majority of users don't need that extra 10 foot/lbs on their impact wrench, or the extra 20 inch/lbs on the impact driver.

The vast majority of users of users don't need and won't notice many (if any) differences between brushed and brushless motors.

The vast majority of users won't be in a position to take advantage of a slightly more compact tool.

Ultimately, if you buy Milwaukee/Dewalt/Makita, you're going to be happy.

I personally believe you'll be just as happy with Ryobi.

I'd only steer you away from Craftsman C3 (for reasons explained above) and from Porter Cable (due to lack of breadth in offering).

 

[Hghgrad]

I'm happy with my porter cable 18v set I bought about 5 years ago. I'm not happy I can't get a battery for the things anymore though.

I was going to grab the higher cap lithium battery they used to carry at Lowe's, and I can't find the thing anymore.

 

[tncatadjuster]

I do general maintenance on rent houses with some renovations, and maintain all the equipment for my company. I consider the M12 Milwaukee tools the best tools I have purchased in the last 35 years. Don't be fooled by the size, the weight is perfect for all day use.

I'm sure there are other good brands, but this series has been perfect for me.

 

[kythri]

I'm happy with my porter cable 18v set I bought about 5 years ago. I'm not happy I can't get a battery for the things anymore though.

I was going to grab the higher cap lithium battery they used to carry at Lowe's, and I can't find the thing anymore.

So, they changed the battery style as well? Stem to slide?

 

[DFB]

I just bought two knock off Ni Cad Makita batteries thru Amazon to replace my once again dead and or dying OEM stuff. One 12v and one 18v, just to keep the old tools up in usable condition. They were like $18 a piece and if they last 2 years be as good as the OEM 's ever were.

 

[JRC3]

(but, at what point does "better" stop being worth the massive increase in price?), but it can certainly hold its own, and is no slouch - blue or green.

Use both everyday and it becomes clear. Ryobi stuff isn't as robust in power, doesn't have the same control of operation, and won't last as long. Sure it is half the price, but it will also be half the life. I like Ryobi and think it's well worth the money.

Look at the difference in these impacts. The smaller one has more power and control. It's little things too, like the light...The Ryobi only comes on with the trigger, while the Dewalt comes on and stays on for a short period without holding the trigger. It also has 3 lights so there aren't shadows.

Again, I like Ryobi and think it's well worth the money for someone who doesn't use it every day.

 

[Cougar]

I looked and looked.
Ended up going with the less expensive.
Bought Masterforce from Menards, for what I use it for, it works good.

They have this one on clearance now.
There are some in stock by you.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...185007691-c-9066.htm?tid=-7496701254514524028

 

[kythri]

Doesn't the Ryobi impact driver also have three lights? Product literature indicates that it does. I have the older style impact driver, so I can't check.

Anyways, ultimately, though, that's what I'm getting at - even though I see a lot of professionals with Ryobi in their kit, I'm not necessarily arguing that Ryobi is pro-level stuff - but, then again, it's not necessarily targeted at them, either.

There may be some nominal gains by investing in pro-level (i.e. Dewalt/Milwaukee/Makita) tools, but the ROI for the "non-pro" certainly isn't there.

I argue the "half the life" statement, but, that's my personal experience and observation.

 

[JRC3]

Doesn't the Ryobi impact driver also have three lights? Product literature indicates that it does. I have the older style impact driver, so I can't check.

Tbh, I don't remember exactly how many lights the Ryobi has, I'll check later. But the Ryobi does require the triggered pulled for the light to stay on. Again, I think it's good stuff especially for the money. I'm not talking trying to talk poorly of it.

 

[mrrooG8]

I've had real good luck with my Ryobi stuff the last 12 years. Only issues are the batteries that wear out. But I started to upgrade those as well to the newer Lithium stuff. I'm no everyday user but do use my stuff weekly. I have the whole kit. Sawzall, circular saw/table saw, drill/driver, router and bits, flashlight. All work well. the circular saw really needs the big batteries to work well. But all in all I like them. Lots of big projects have been done over the years with them. We use Dewalt and Milwaukee at my work all day every day and both hold up well besides batteries. That seem common across the board on all makes.

 

[4ruinner]

I bought a DeWalt 18v xrp set about 7 years ago, I'd say I've abused the drill a little too much and hasn't let down yet.

That being said, I tend to consider where the products I buy are made. (Some) DeWalts are at least assembled here in the States while the others are not, at least not that I know of. If all brands are good and are comparable in prices I'd go DeWalt just for this reason.

 

[Voi]

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..

I wasn't aware that existed. I stopped paying attention to Dewalt in part because I didn't care for their 20V angle grinder.

His comments on compatibility issues with the 60V battery is concerning but I have a legit need for a tool like that. I guess Dewalt is back on my short list.

 

[Greg85mcss]

It's hard to go wrong with all the lines available. I chose Milwaukee because of the variety and warranty. The batteries have a 2-3 year warranty too and the 18v charger also works for 12v so I don't need 2 chargers taking up space. I've been very happy but it really comes down to which one offers the tools you need and where you like to shop.


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[4x4_G30_Sportvan]

I have many of the Cman 19.2V tools, love them.

But as others have mentioned, i fyou are just starting out, go to a different platform.
Ryobi i sgood because of the huge amount of tools available.

It's a shame too about the end of Sears Craftsman tools as we know them.

 

[mudflap]

Completely, utterly inaccurate.

Specs on some of the newer green stuff are certainly improved, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with the older blue stuff whatsoever.

I'm not going to front and say that Ryobi is "better" than the "pro" brand stuff (but, at what point does "better" stop being worth the massive increase in price?), but it can certainly hold its own, and is no slouch - blue or green.

Lol.......Seems that you and i had different experiences with the old (blue) Ryobi tools...The flashlight was ok.

 

[jd_1138]

I bought a DeWalt 18v xrp set about 7 years ago, I'd say I've abused the drill a little too much and hasn't let down yet.

That being said, I tend to consider where the products I buy are made. (Some) DeWalts are at least assembled here in the States while the others are not, at least not that I know of. If all brands are good and are comparable in prices I'd go DeWalt just for this reason.

Great first post. Yep, that's the reason I went with DeWalt myself. They're one of the rare power tool makers who are based in the USA, and they actually do some manufacturing in the USA.

 

[brianh]

I have been using Ryobi cordless for years professionally they are affordable, work and get the job done, and if it disappears from my job site its not a huge hit. I used to get only Makita cordless but Ryobi has come a long way from what they were a decade ago.

Their batteries are much less expensive than the competition.

 

[mudflap]

I think like most on here..stick with one of the major players..and you will be happy...but i talk to lots of trades people working in the County garage..and have a Brother in law that is a job super for a big Multi-State home builder...it's interesting how it breaks down...

Ask an Electrician...Milwaukee is the good stuff..any other brand is a waste of money

Ask a Plumber..Ridgid is the good stuff...any other brand is a waste of money

Ask a Framer/roofer/HVAC guy...DeWalt is the good stuff..any other brand is a waste of money

Ask a trim Carpenter, or cabinet maker..Makita is the good stuff...any other brand is a waste of money

And thats it....end of conversation for them...Funny how a brand can dominate the market..it's just the industry standard..in a given trade...

Not that Mechanics like Snap On or anything..........Lol

 

[Milzo]

i bought this porter cable kit last winter http://www.tylertool.com/porter-cab...-tool-combo-kit/pcbnpcck619l8,default,pd.html
for homeowner use its perfect considering the price point. if i was using the tools everyday to make a living I would have bought dewalt or makita which i use everday at work and they are simply just better. no experience with Milwaukee

 

[pfbz]

Anyone know of some great deals on Makita or Milwaukee combo kits? Time for replacements...

 

[Tenex]

I don't think there is a better value than this HITACHI kit. $200 gets you a brushless, hammer-drill combo kit with two 3Ah batteries, charger, and hard case.

If you're a contractor or professional then having several cordless tools makes sense, but it really burns my *** to buy tools that will become obsolete or fail simply because they're old so I try to stick to corded.

 

[bcradio]

I'm going to go against the grain and say for a homeowner don't buy cordless. For infrequent and light duty use the reduced cost, increased power, and decreased hassle of keeping a charged battery and/or having tools outdated due to battery technology advances out weigh the convenience of not using an extension cord.....

I'm with you here.

Cordless is more of a luxury for the average homeowner/DIY person. Corded tools will typically last a lifetime and always work when needed. The only 2 cordless I'd say are needed for most DIY folks are an impact driver and a drill... everything else is more luxury. Of course there are exceptions to this though (i.e. people with no outlet available).

However, I am very tempted to blow some money and jump on the M18 bandwagon as some of their stuff looks nice. I already have a comprehensive M12 lineup.

 

[alex3610]

I made the investment into the Makita 18 LXP series. I now have a hammer drill/driver (brushless), impact driver (brushless), recip saw, 7¼" circular saw (takes a pair of 18v batteries really nice saw), and a hedge trimmer. In my personal experience Makita and Milwaukee seemed to be the best quality/performance without getting into really high end stuff like Festool. What pushed me towards Makita in the end was the sheer number of tools available, including lots of yard stuff. When my 2 stroke string trimmer dies it will be replaced by the 36v Makita.

 

[Voi]

Cordless is more of a luxury for the average homeowner/DIY person. The only 2 cordless I'd say are needed for most DIY folks are an impact driver and a drill...

What pushed me towards Makita in the end was the sheer number of tools available, including lots of yard stuff. When my 2 stroke string trimmer dies it will be replaced by the 36v Makita.

If I didn't have a need for other cordless tools I'd pick a drill/impact kit based on what yard tools I needed. I could also see it being worth it to the average homeowner to buy something like a cordless caulk gun for one time use if they were painting their house, for example. I'd rather pick something like that up in bare tool form and use my current battery than buy a separate system.

There are probably other cordless tools that are hard to find in corded versions.

For example, that M12 polisher. I'd love to have one but it doesn't need to be cordless for my needs. But based on another thread there doesn't seem to be a corded version.

 

[tncatadjuster]

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.

Wow, a lot of information from this guy, thanks.

In the first few minutes he sines a bright light on the cordless tool industry.

.

 

[jd_1138]

I'm with you here.

Cordless is more of a luxury for the average homeowner/DIY person. Corded tools will typically last a lifetime and always work when needed. The only 2 cordless I'd say are needed for most DIY folks are an impact driver and a drill... everything else is more luxury. Of course there are exceptions to this though (i.e. people with no outlet available).

However, I am very tempted to blow some money and jump on the M18 bandwagon as some of their stuff looks nice. I already have a comprehensive M12 lineup.

Plus, corded is more powerful. I agree corded circular saw and reciprocating saw should be bought in corded first, but if you got the $ then buy cordless for that extra bit of convenience. Or if you don't need the power of corded, then cordless is cool.

So your cordless tools are all 12 volt? You'll really like the 18 volt stuff. Like, an 18V impact driver will put out about 1,500 in-pounds of torque compared to 1,000 for a 12V impact driver. Unless you have Milwaukee Fuel M12 brushless; that's 1,200 in-pounds and probably would be sufficient for most people.

 

[JoJoSnap]

After I finally got rid of almost all craftsman pro 20v (recip saw is the last member left) Im sticking with Bosch 18v (drill and impact and recip saw) and Kobalt 24v brushless (car stuffs..1/2 and 3/8 impact wrenches). I have a few milwaukee 12v basically for light stuff and hardwood flooring and confined spots maybe will add 3/8 drive and ratchet and polisher to my 12v collection to use for my motorcycle and jetski


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[IndyGarage]

The best brand of cordless is and has been for 25 years - Panasonic.

But they are relatively rare, unless you buy them with the Hilti logo on them, and then they are very expensive.

As far as the others - There's basically no difference in performance between Milwaukee, Makita, Dewault and Bosch - yeah some tools are better than others, but not my much.

There are the lower level house brands - Ryobi and Porter Cable. They are cheaper and a step down in performance. Ridgid seems somewhere in-between.


The biggest factor on all of them is the batteries. The tools last a long time - especially for the non-professional user. The batteries do not. I will not buy Milwaukee 18V tools, even though I like their brand, because they screwed all of their customers who bought V18 and V28 tools by abandoning those platforms and not making the new one backwards compatible. Dewault did the same thing.

And they will do it again. That's how they sell tools and that's how they make money.

If I were the OP - actually if I were me, because this is what I did. Pick one brand and buy a used set of tools with batteries. I bought a fairly large set of Makita LXT with three good batteries for about 1/3 what they would cost new. I've added a couple more tools and a battery to the set and now it is pretty current and pretty complete.

In my shop I use Panasonic - at home I use the Makitas - or I still have my V28's available if I need them.

 

[JRC3]

I score my stuff at pawn shops. Got this Ryobi setup for $150. It was like brand new when I got it and some were unused. I was going to buy the oscillating multitool new anyways. I saw this at the shop then went home to look up the SDS hammer drill and liked it, so I went back and bought it all. It came with a cheap Ryobi carry bag too.

A big part of my reason was waiting for Dewalt to finally release the 18v/20v adapter. This was also the reason I bought the new Dewalt 20v brushless drill/diver combo.

Over 5 years ago I bought a like new 18v Dewalt kit from the same pawnshop for $400. At the time that was a deal and a half.

Dewalt score came with:
circ saw
right angle drill
vacuum
flex work light
recip saw
2 xrp batteries/charger
grinder
xrp hammer drill
bag



Ryobi kit below:

 

[The DIY Hubby]

The Ryobi is ideal for your situation,but if you want tools that you can work hard on a daily basis rather go for Makita or Milwaukee.

 

[maxpower_hd]

I've had Ryobi for years. They work fine, have LOTS of tools available, batteries are still available and they are tough. I still use my impact driver and drill for work and have dropped both from approximately 10-12 foot heights onto concrete and have had no obvious ill effects so far. Not that I recommend dropping them but I thought it was worth mentioning. It's happened 3-4 times working at the top of a ladder on trailers. Each time I thought for sure it was going to be broken and each time I was pleasantly surprised.

I did also recently buy the Milwaukee Fuel 18 impact driver and drill kit. The impact driver has more power than my Ryobi for sure. But I only use it at home for the time being as I don't want to ruin them at work...for obvious reasons.