Cordless tool migration path...

[rattle_snake]

I have a bunch of 18V DEWALT cordless tools. I would like to get a 1/4" impact driver as my next toy.

Options:
1) Get the 'legacy' DC825B which used same old school 18V batteries as everything else I have. $100, done.

2) Adopt the newer technology. Get the 887 kit w/ bat & charger, and also DCA1820 battery adapter to use new battery(s) with old tools. Continue with DW 20v max stuff in future.

3) Abandon DEWALT and adopt another brand to move forward with.

So, What makes the new generation tools better? The battery weight/run time? The tools themselves, lighter, more power, compact? All of the above?

If the batteries are the more significant improvement, then option 2 makes sense to phase out all the old 18v batteries and replace with Li-ion.

I'm not trying to spend a pile of money replacing tools I already have. I'm trying to understand the best path forward.

Disclaimer: I don't care what brand of tools you have, nor the make of truck or favorite brand of cola. Turning this thread into a tool brand ******* match isn't helpful.

 

[bcradio]

Option 2 may be your best bet with the adapter. Then you can upgrade the other tools as you see fit.

DISCLAIMER: I don't care what brands of trucks, cars, tools, phones tv's, shoes, watches YOU have either.

 

[FigureItOut]

Option 2. I chose option 3 last year but I had some pretty specific tools I wanted that only Milwaukee had, and Dewalt had badly disappointed me with a warranty.

I certainly wouldn't be putting any money into Ni-Cad, the newer technologies are far and away superior and Ni-Cad won't likely be supported for much longer, though I salute Dewalt for continuing to sell batteries, tools and adapters so as not to force people to switch all at once. So that eliminates option 1.

Option 3 is attractive, but as you mentioned will take a pile of money. As tool generations and iterations come and go, Dewalt will likely always be among the top 3 brands. Its a healthy company with a large lineup and they continually make improvements. If there's no reason to switch, there's no reason to switch.

This is coming from a guy who is biased against Dewalt, and a certified Milwaukee fan, but I think option 2 is the most logical path.



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[Yarpo]

Option 2, we did this at work.

Our old Dewalt 18v NiCad drill died, so we replaced it with a new Dewalt brushless drill/driver kit. We got the battery adapter so we can still use our old batteries with the old impact, or use the new batteries on the impact if needed.

However I'd vote for option 3 if your tools are on their way out, but if they've got life left, keep them. This Impact driver we have won't die, looks like its from the stone age but works well

 

[engineer2]

Back when I had DeWalt NiCd, batteries only performed well for a year or two. Time to upgrade to Li-Ion. I have 4 year ol Li-ion (Makita) batteries that work as good as the day I got them.

 

[signcrafter]

All depends but from what you say option 2 would be best for you. I was in the exact same boat as you two years ago. I had all dewalt 18 volt xrp tools and batteries. Probably 10 different tools and 10 or so batteries. I decided to ditch dewalt and go red. Just a personal choice based on performance and tools available. My electrician used all dewalt xrp abnd some of the new 20v stuff so i gave him all my dewalt stuff. I'm a milwaukee guy now and have been very happy. But it all depends on what tools you need. If you just need a new drill/driver then option 2 makes sense. If you want/need some tools milwaukee offers and use them enough to justify abandoning dewalt then option 3 makes sense.

 

[Voi]

So, What makes the new generation tools better? The battery weight/run time? The tools themselves, lighter, more power, compact? All of the above?

I think it's all of above and I think the improvements are most obvious in things like circular saws and angle grinders. I really like my new brushless Makita impact driver but other than its compact size it doesn't blow away my much older brushed Hitachi.

But using a current brushless Dewalt 6.5" circular saw and compare it to my friends not-all-that-old brushed 18V Dewalt and it's a very noticeable difference.

My gut says option 2 and possibly combine it with option 3 if something from another company jumps out at you. If you really don't want two battery systems then I'd shop carefully and consider option 3. I went with Makita for their greater variety of yard tools. If my needs were more on the automotive side then Milwaukee would have "won" easily. It's all about what you need and how much a single battery system matters to you.

 

[JohnDeere1]

I'd get the adapter kit and impact or move to a different brand which makes less since but buying the kit lets you keep moving forward and your old tools won't be a waste of money if you were to change brands.
I'm a Makita guy myself but Bosch makes nice tools also and Milwaukee is also highly regarded it seems Dewalt is loosing popularity.

How many tools do you have in your current nicad setup if only 3 or so I'd move to another brand just depends on that really but I'd say you'd be happier with another lithium ion powered brand.

 

[seph]

I was in the same boat about 3-4 months ago. My older DeWalt batteries were dying off and I didn't want to spend the money on the outdated technology. Looked at some different brands and really liked the Makita and Milwaukee stuff. But, stumbled across Rigid at HomeDepot. If you buy Rigid there, you can apply and get a lifetime warranty...covers everything including the batteries, which is the main thing that seems to die first. Most reviews I've read where folks had to deal with the warranty they've not had any issues.

I picked up a brushless driver/drill and a corded circular saw and both are working great. Disclaimer that I'm not a professional...weekend warrior. The comparison I'd make is along the lines of comparing SnapOn to Craftsman 25-30 years ago. SnapOn made way better tools, but the cost wasn't justified if you weren't using them all day every day. Same way the Rigid tools feel to me.

Just something else to consider.

 

[rattle_snake]

I think I have decided to do stay with dewalt and get the 283 combo which is a 887 impact driver and a 791 drill (non hammer). The cost diff is $60 for a 2nd battery and a drill. The 791 drill is significantly lighter than my old ones.
I have 3 drills, one with a bad trigger, which is $50 to replace. So better off getting new drill/batt for same price as fixing old one.

Thanks for everyone's feedback.

 

[KnurledNut]

If you get the 18 to 20 adapter, its had known issues of draining batteries. Dont leave them in the tools.

 

[nikerret]

A lot of the newer tools will wipe the floor with the older models. I would get the adapter and upgrade as necessary and practical. The 887 is a powerhouse.

 

[gdocktor3]

I think you made the right choice getting the new 20v and adapter. Dewalt' brushless line of tools are superb. I like them better than Milwaukee's brushless tools...which I use at work every day... so I'm not just saying it because I like yellow...

 

[rattle_snake]

I ended up going option #2 and got the 283/887 combo. I have been using the tools for about a month now. I use both every day on my random projects to maintain sanity. To answer MY original question, what make new stuff better? I would say all of the above. #1 is reduced weight, followed by compactness.

The battery life is significantly improved, but I rarely ran all battery packs down where it was an issue. 1st recharge was after a month of daily use.

The light feature is also quite useful. Trivial but replaces the need for a flashlight/headlamp in many cases. I seem to do a lot of stuff in the dark. Damn day job getting in the way!

 

[BikerDad]

Option #2, EXCEPT for one consideration. By jumping to another platform, you could get the hydraulic impact which is MUCH quieter. IIRC, Makita, Milwaukee and Ryobi are the only makers of them currently, I know that DeWalt does NOT make one. Aside from that one consideration, unless you just want the joy of buying a whole new stable of tools, Option #2 is the most cost effective path.

 

[Robinson1]

I'd put the old stuff up on ebay probably be surprised what it will bring. There's definitely a market for used Dewalt 18v tools.

I

 

[fourjeepin]

I was heavily invested in Dewalt 18v myself until I picked up a smoking deal on a lithium ion impact set. Better power, smaller size, lighter weight, belt clip, battery gauge... I then built an adapter as the Dewalt one wasn't out yet. I used it for a couple of months before dumping all my Dewalt stuff on eBay. The new batteries are just that good.

I went with Ridgid for the battery warranty and good prices. HD clearance pricing used to be really hard to pass up.

 

[finn]

I went with option 2.

I have an 18v Dewalt drill that is down to one battery, and a couple of Li-Ion Bosch tools. I was going to standardize on Bosch, but ended up with three new brushless Dewalt, three batteries, two chargers, and the adapter through a series of deals.

I probably still need a couple of backup batteries, though.

In my case, I use the tools in several locations and don’t like hauling the tools around.

The brushless tools are the way to go, in any event, if you need to be place the tools.

 

[ItsNemo]

I just went through this...lots of 18v Dewalt tools, several batteries, all starting to get long in the tooth. Bought a new 20v kit with brushless impact/drill and have picked up quite a few of the 20v tools and batteries to replace the same thing I had in 18v.

Still use the 18v stuff on the old batteries if I need one separate drill with different bits to speed things up (just use it on the easiest/lowest runtime job) which has been nice having two drills, two impacts, etc. Also picked up one adapter sled so any tool I haven't replaced (sawzall, circular saw, 1/2" impact) I can use a good battery on it.

 

[kctyphoon]

Jump ship.. join the red team..

 

[ItsNemo]

Jump ship.. join the red team..

The Milwaukee tools aren't that different or better despite what all the fan boys keep saying. The fact that $25 adapter will let him keep using his old tools for years to come if he buys into the 20v line makes it silly not to stick with Dewalt.

Disclaimer: I don't have brand loyalty, I just buy whatever is best for me.