I decided to switch all my cordless tools to Hercules

[Notgrownup]

With a 5 year warranty and the strong battery I think Hercules wi be around for a good while. I don’t think they set out to sell a product of this caliber to fail. For a homeowner like me it’s a perfect compromise to high dollar brands with no more to offer for me in value.

 

[AEAdam]

Because some people can't stand anyone being happy with a HF tool, and need to point out where they went wrong.

No. It all has to be culture wars with you guys. All identity politics. You guys would probably be happier literally on any other forum because your posts are never really about tools. It's all personal.

On one hand, I'm being honest that I feel dumb for having 3 different cordless platforms and 5 different batteries. On the other hand I'm saying switching exclusively or heavily to a single bargain cordless brand, don't care if its Ryobi, HF, or Craftsman etc, is unwise. Eventually life will throw something at you and if you had a bigger platform's batteries, you could buy a bare tool for cheap that would change your work.

That said, you MIGHT be able to gravitate to a specific brand if the work you do is pretty narrow. If its not, my personal opinion is Milwaukee currently has the greatest range of stuff, from chains saws, to plumbing tools, saws, nailers, and automotive tools. I'm pretty critical of Milwaukee. I'm not a fan. I think they are more concerned with spec sheets than actual usability. It's all about marketing with Milwaukee. I think Makita and Bosch both make really fine, thoughtful tools, often overlooked by shallow, unskilled reviewers only comparing stuff like max torque. But you can't buy a Bosch chain saw or a Makita framing nailer (at least last I looked).

Money where my mouth is:
I never ever thought I'd staple wood together. To me, staples were the lowest form of factory woodworking. I bought a Milwaukee 15ga finish nailer. I like it, even tho the on off switch is atrocious. But it's a bit big for crown molding and other moldings. I went looking for an 18ga nailer. So I found an 18ga narrow crown stapler (I know, it's the tool of a hack). I ******** love that thing. It's SO much better than a pin nailer. The staples have amazing pull up and never shoot through thin stock. Sometimes I staple shims in place with it. Point is, this is a tool I didn't want, didn't think fit within my skills and expectations. But I bought it because I had the batteries already. I NEVER would have bought it if I didn't have those batteries.

Of the 2 HF brands, Bauer has the bigger range. But of course, they are only 10-15% cheaper than Milwaukee, which I can find refurbished or second hand for 1/2 that. I wish the OP well, but caution others looking to do the same.

 

[Cruzan80]

So first off, I didn't mention @AEAdam at all in my quote, so not sure where you are reading the "culture wars" and "identity politics" into this. As I stated, I don't have any HF battery platforms, and I have 2.5 main ones (PC/B&D counting as 1.5, as the batteries are virtually identical). Looking at the last threads I posted in (not counting listing FS items), it was about bluetooth earbuds, Craftsman Drill Press, OWWM, Steel pressed sockets, CM V20 tools, and 3d Printing. But sure, none of those are about tools...

Upthread, the OP showed what he was selling off. In that, I see a RO sander, an impact driver, three drills, a sawsall, and a circular saw (and a dinky flashlight that was part of a kit). Does any "major" brand (Ryobi, Ridgid, Milwaukee, Dewalt, Craftsman, Hercules, etc) not make those things? In his first post, out of all of the things he pictured (also included a jigsaw, angle grinder, and portable bandsaw), the only thing that is a bit uncommon is a portable band-saw.

I feel like @AEAdam is arguing for the abstract "What if" need, not what the OP actually said he was going to use. As I said before, if what Hercules offers him fits his CURRENT NEEDS, that is what counts. If they (HF) drop the line tomorrow, so what? The tools still work. If I needed a 18ga narrow crown stapler to do crown moldings, I would buy a cheap air-powered version. An air-hose is a "universal battery". In this case, it really feels like FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) is exemplified by the "but maybe I need XYZ obscure thing, and since I already have the battery from another, it makes it easier to justify".

 

[Renegade1LI]

I look at all the different platforms as disposable so it doesn't really matter. As a contractor & a homeowner I get what works best & really don't care about branding. On the jobsite all the cordless lines last about the same, when the fitter drops the bandsaw from 20' off the manlift I think they would all break. Buy the Hercules, use them, enjoy them & who cares if they ever drop the line, by that time you'll probably be ready for new ones. I had a set of old blue ryobi, sold on mp in 2 days, there's a buyer for everything.

 

[zendriver]

I remember working for my plumber friend 22 years ago, who had purchased small, rather expensive (maybe $350) set of Milwaukee cordless tools/bag batteries. (drill, recip and circular saw). they were probably about the only game in town for professional cordless, at that time.

They were well built and fun to use, but the NiCad batteries lasted about 15 min (nonstop sawing), but we were paid to wait for them to recharge, verses dig out the corded tools. I wasn't obsessed with COO, but I think they were US made.

It's a different world today. I don't work in the trades so I don't know what power tools they use, but I do see HF jacks hand tools used in truck shops, generators and gas powered Fortress air compress in or installed in service trucks. HF stuff must get the job done. It does for me. Hercules and Bauer stuff seems great quality (for my intelligence level)

Wonder if the OP dumped all his Porter Cable stuff for Milwaukee, if he would be receiving a from the red faithful.

The really funny thing is the wishful thinking that HF won't be around forever. It's getting harder to find a close up parking space at my local store. Just like Walmart "save money live better" (even if not a lot better) they're not going away anytime soon.

 

[AEAdam]

Wonder if the OP dumped all his Porter Cable stuff for Milwaukee, if he would be receiving a from the red faithful.

There is no "red faithful". There is no secret club to which you are not welcome. People with Snap on tools don't actually meet in smoke filled gentleman's clubs to decide the fate of tool companies everywhere.

The really funny thing is the wishful thinking that HF won't be around forever. It's getting harder to find a close up parking space at my local store. Just like Walmart "save money live better" (even if not a lot better) they're not going away anytime soon.

There is no wishful thinking that HF won't be around forever. Though we thought Craftsman would be around forever 20 yrs ago and believed we were buying tools with "lifetime" warrantees.

I'm trying to take the weird out of some of these posts: HF has 2 cordless power tool lines. The OP chose the less expensive line with many fewer tools, presumingly thinking he made a smart financial decision. He bought a wide range of tools indicating to me he's handy with tools. I wish the guy well, but in the longer term, he very well may end up like me with more battery platforms than he really wanted.

If I could go back in time, I probably should have started with Milwaukee, and maybe added one other brand. Off the top of my head, I would have chosen Makita for its tracksaw and HUGE line of cordless tools. Those 2 platforms would cover most things. I think I also would have chosen M12 for a lot of the stuff I'm currently using 18V for. M12 has enough run time and power for just about everything I do (but there is no escaping 18V).

 

[mike93lx]

People with Snap on tools don't actually meet in smoke filled gentleman's clubs to decide the fate of tool companies everywhere.

That's what someone in the club would say.

The first rule of fight club is You do not talk about fight club

 

[zendriver]

There is no "red faithful". There is no secret club to which you are not welcome. People with Snap on tools don't actually meet in smoke filled gentleman's clubs to decide the fate of tool companies everywhere.

There is no wishful thinking that HF won't be around forever. Though we thought Craftsman would be around forever 20 yrs ago and believed we were buying tools with "lifetime" warrantees.

I'm trying to take the weird out of some of these posts: HF has 2 cordless power tool lines. The OP chose the less expensive line with many fewer tools, presumingly thinking he made a smart financial decision. He bought a wide range of tools indicating to me he's handy with tools. I wish the guy well, but in the longer term, he very well may end up like me with more battery platforms than he really wanted.

If I could go back in time, I probably should have started with Milwaukee, and maybe added one other brand. Off the top of my head, I would have chosen Makita for its tracksaw and HUGE line of cordless tools. Those 2 platforms would cover most things. I think I also would have chosen M12 for a lot of the stuff I'm currently using 18V for. M12 has enough run time and power for just about everything I do (but there is no escaping 18V).

Is it fair to let you speak for everyone?

The OP chose to go with Hercules. That that not the most expensive "best" level HF sells?

 

[mike93lx]

Is it fair to let you speak for everyone?

Did you miss the vote?

 

[Cruzan80]

Shh, it was secret...

 

[Notgrownup]

Is it fair to let you speak for everyone?

The OP chose to go with Hercules. That that not the most expensive "best" level HF sells?

It is their highest level.

 

[Aaron_W]

Of the 2 HF brands, Bauer has the bigger range. But of course, they are only 10-15% cheaper than Milwaukee

10-15%? Bauer is more like 50% cheaper, Hercules maybe 30%.

 

[AEAdam]

10-15%? Bauer is more like 50% cheaper, Hercules maybe 30%.

Before you get too entrenched, homedepot.com has weird BOGO deals on Milwaukee year round. Be sure to check prices at the CPO outlet and always check FBM.

At the end of the day, I don’t care if it’s HF or AEG. It’s really smart to buy into the cordless platforms with the greatest array of tools.

I don’t even like Milwaukee, but you just can’t dispute the enormous range of tools they offer.

 

[Notgrownup]

No Home Depot here so it’s Lowe’s or HF. I really considered a Dewalt bundle but when I put everything on paper Hercules came out on top for me. I only need another 2-3 pieces and I will be done. I will put all to the test next week building a 12x16 shed I bought yesterday as a DIY package. Will be delivered Wednesday.

 

[AEAdam]

No Home Depot here so it’s Lowe’s or HF. I really considered a Dewalt bundle but when I put everything on paper Hercules came out on top for me. I only need another 2-3 pieces and I will be done. I will put all to the test next week building a 12x16 shed I bought yesterday as a DIY package. Will be delivered Wednesday.

Are you going to screw it together? Or hand nail everything? Or do you have air? How does that go together?

I guess this is 100% exactly my point and almost exactly what happened to me.

I had a few basic cordless tools when I started building my house. Maybe just a drill driver set and a sawzall. As I needed more tools, I stuck with the brand I started with, never thinking about future needs, never stepping back and thinking “I wonder what life will throw at me?”.

They are unanswerable questions tho. And somehow we get through it. Please let us know how you make out. Just as I’ve shared my failures with you all so you can learn from my mistakes, keep us posted on your experiences.

I built a lot of stud walls with screws because I didn’t have a framing nailer and didnt want to hand nail. Those walls are structurally sound and still standing so on that level it was a success. I now have a couple air nailers and see how much better and faster I could have built those walls. Right tool for the job.

 

[Notgrownup]

Are you going to screw it together? Or hand nail everything? Or do you have air? How does that go together?

I guess this is 100% exactly my point and almost exactly what happened to me.

I had a few basic cordless tools when I started building my house. Maybe just a drill driver set and a sawzall. As I needed more tools, I stuck with the brand I started with, never thinking about future needs, never stepping back and thinking “I wonder what life will throw at me?”.

They are unanswerable questions tho. And somehow we get through it. Please let us know how you make out. Just as I’ve shared my failures with you all so you can learn from my mistakes, keep us posted on your experiences.

I built a lot of stud walls with screws because I didn’t have a framing nailer and didnt want to hand nail. Those walls are structurally sound and still standing so on that level it was a success. I now have a couple air nailers and see how much better and faster I could have built those walls. Right tool for the job.

Bit of all I think. I have a framing nailer but some areas I will use screws where I want to be assured it won’t back out. like my flooring. I need to make sure I have enough air hoses to reach the area, it might be tight. Hey, trip to the local Harbor Freight store today. Lol
I built my whole shop all with Harbor freight toold, back then it was cheaper Nicad battery cordless. Thank goodness for Lithium Ion.

 

[mike93lx]

Bit of all I think. I have a framing nailer but some areas I will use screws where I want to be assured it won’t back out. like my flooring. I need to make sure I have enough air hoses to reach the area, it might be tight. Hey, trip to the local Harbor Freight store today. Lol
I built my whole shop all with Harbor freight toold, back then it was cheaper Nicad battery cordless. Thank goodness for Lithium Ion.

If you need more air hose, get the really light weight 1/4" stuff. It's plenty for nailers and so much nicer than heavy stuff when on a ladder or roof

I run this one. Has a little more memory than would be ideal, but overall I like it

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-4-in-x-50-ft-Poly-Air-Hose-AB-12-1/323700053

 

[Notgrownup]

If you need more air hose, get the really light weight 1/4" stuff. It's plenty for nailers and so much nicer than heavy stuff when on a ladder or roof

I run this one. Has a little more memory than would be ideal, but overall I like it

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-4-in-x-50-ft-Poly-Air-Hose-AB-12-1/323700053

Yeah, I have I believe be 100‘ of decent hose, I need maybe a 25’ basic piece-. I have a pretty strong compressor

 

[mike93lx]

Yeah, I have I believe be 100‘ of decent hose, I need maybe a 25’ basic piece-. I have a pretty strong compressor

Air nailers need very little air... You could build a house on a 2 gal pancake

 

[Notgrownup]

And I have one of those as well, the big one being 100’ away will be quiet

 

[lardy1]

Sigh. It just never ends.

Note to Notgrownup: Buy whatever you want. Use them the way you want. Enjoy them. Don't worry about the busybodies that know so much more than anyone else and can't wait to prove it.

Congratulations on your new tools.

 

[Notgrownup]

Sigh. It just never ends.

Note to Notgrownup: Buy whatever you want. Use them the way you want. Enjoy them. Don't worry about the busybodies that know so much more than anyone else and can't wait to prove it.

Congratulations on your new tools.

I’m not worried about what anyone says. I’m happy as can be.

 

[zendriver]

I went for the 1/4" brushless impact, (in addition the the monster 1/2" brushless impact)

Was loving it driving in long screws in wood fencing. Then it stopped driving the screws all the way in. "oh, great, my HF dreams ruined" Nope, operator error. Somehow selected the "A" mode which is for eliminating overdriving small self-tapping screws. Select the right mode - back in business!

Here's the skinny on what some consider a lackluster brand.

https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-brushless-cordless-14-in-compact-3-speed-impact-driver-tool-only-59421.html?hftm_sc=116&hftm_source=google&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21901739030&campaignid=21901739030&utm_content=173216759271&adsetid=173216759271&product=59421&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21901739030&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4cRJDLP3EPsdNpZAGOMDb6Zw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwrZTRBhDSARIsAHidYffeFknASykSjkhQ7ob0nLINSlFCJ_SQrKZRctBxdd37aRFx9PsDUAQaAow_EALw_wcB

 

[dchawk81]

Before you get too entrenched, homedepot.com has weird BOGO deals on Milwaukee year round. Be sure to check prices at the CPO outlet and always check FBM.

At the end of the day, I don’t care if it’s HF or AEG. It’s really smart to buy into the cordless platforms with the greatest array of tools.

I don’t even like Milwaukee, but you just can’t dispute the enormous range of tools they offer.

Milwaukee had a fraction of what they have now when I first bought into them. So I already have a ton of different chargers because other brands were making tools they didnt have.

They still don't make everything I have. So I'd be multi platform regardless. I dedicated a shelf to chargers.

I would have a shelf of chargers if I was on a singular platform anyway so that I didn't have a queue of batteries waiting to be charged.

 

[AEAdam]

Sigh. It just never ends.

Note to Notgrownup: Buy whatever you want. Use them the way you want. Enjoy them. Don't worry about the busybodies that know so much more than anyone else and can't wait to prove it.

Congratulations on your new tools.

You got me 100%. I just can’t wait to share my mistakes with strangers so they don’t have to step on the land mines I did. If that makes me a busy body, so be it.

Otherwise, if you aren’t looking for experiences to learn from, why post on GJ? If you just want likes, that’s what instagram is for.

 

[AEAdam]

If you need more air hose, get the really light weight 1/4" stuff. It's plenty for nailers and so much nicer than heavy stuff when on a ladder or roof

I run this one. Has a little more memory than would be ideal, but overall I like it

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1-4-in-x-50-ft-Poly-Air-Hose-AB-12-1/323700053

I’m continuing my adventure with hardie board siding. I’m on scaffolding again today and bought a 50’ hitachi 1/4” air line. It’s working fine, but needs to straighten out. Not 100% sure if it’s heat or UV, but I sense leaving it in the sun all day has gotten it to relax. Depending on how much the tangle can effect you, will help make the decision between the poly line and the urethane foam like Flexilla. Flexilla is lightweight and doesn’t tangle, but between the 2, I’m liking the 1/4” poly better.

 

[Spikes]

I have a lot of HF tools. I'm just a homeowner who works on his own stuff though, not a pro. At the house I use DeWalt because that's the platform I started with but I needed some tools to keep in the Jeep so I wouldn't have to keep swapping back and forth so I got Bauer. I was able to get everything I needed (impacts, drills, grease gun, grinder, cut-off, small chainsaw etc) for a great price and if someone steals them it'll ****, but it won't be the end of the world.

 

[Notgrownup]

I just left HF, they had 40% off today only on all clearance as is and they had a Hercules angle grinder for $35. Shoots he scores.

 

[mike93lx]

40% of today only

 

[Notgrownup]

You got me 100%. I just can’t wait to share my mistakes with strangers so they don’t have to step on the land mines I did. If that makes me a busy body, so be it.

Otherwise, if you aren’t looking for experiences to learn from, why post on GJ? If you just want likes, that’s what instagram is for.

I really don’t give a rats *** about likes. I’m not sure where that came from… I’m just sharing my experience with others so they know.

 

[AEAdam]

I really don’t give a rats *** about likes. I’m not sure where that came from… I’m just sharing my experience with others so they know.

Yeah I get it. I was responding to @lardy1.

Probably a couple thousand people will read this thread all thinking the same as you. Many will seek an answer to the question: “what’s the functional difference between big branded cordless tools and some of the smaller less expensive tools? Does cheaper mean less powerful?” “Why NOT HF cordless?” I hope they read what I wrote and pause to think about it.

Summary:

1. Battery cells and power could be identical between different brands or even aftermarket battery packs. The difference CAN be the battery management circuitry and that can be a concern. There are YouTube videos that dissect batteries worth watching.
2. The brands that offer tons of tools can be a huge advantage moving forward. While a smaller platform tools might offer attractive pricing, you want to think about what you might need next and if your chosen platform offers them. If it doesn’t, there are nearly always work arounds but you want to think about it before you impulse buy another platform.

I said I had 5 different battery platforms. No I have 6. Forgot my 18V snap on. In hindsight I could have cut that number easily in half and saved myself $100s and $100s.

 

[Notgrownup]

Well in all fairness, almost half the day was gone.

 

[Notgrownup]

Yeah I get it. I was responding to @lardy1.

Probably a couple thousand people will read this thread all thinking the same as you. Many will seek an answer to the question: “what’s the functional difference between big branded cordless tools and some of the smaller less expensive tools? Does cheaper mean less powerful?” I hope they read what I wrote and pause to think about it.

Summary:

1. Battery cells and power could be identical between branded and aftermarket battery packs. The difference CAN be the battery management circuitry and that can be a concern. There are YouTube videos that dissect aftermarket and other batteries worth watching.
2. The brands that offer tons of tools can be a huge advantage moving forward. While the tools offered now might be attractive, you want to think about what you might need next and if your chosen platform offers them. If it doesn’t, there are nearly always work arounds but you want to think about it before you impulse buy another platform.

I said I had 5 different battery platforms. No I have 6. Forgot my 18V snap on. In hindsight I could have cut that number easily in half and saved myself $100s and $100s.

I waited a long time and this summer I won a $500 gift card so now was the time.

 

[mike93lx]

Well in all fairness, almost half the day was gone.

I wasn't even poking fun at the misspelling, but that's a good point.

It's the idea that HF sales are limited time only

 

[Cruzan80]

Yeah I get it. I was responding to @lardy1.

Probably a couple thousand people will read this thread all thinking the same as you. Many will seek an answer to the question: “what’s the functional difference between big branded cordless tools and some of the smaller less expensive tools? Does cheaper mean less powerful?” I hope they read what I wrote and pause to think about it.

Summary:

1. Battery cells and power could be identical between branded and aftermarket battery packs. The difference CAN be the battery management circuitry and that can be a concern. There are YouTube videos that dissect aftermarket and other batteries worth watching.
2. The brands that offer tons of tools can be a huge advantage moving forward. While the tools offered now might be attractive, you want to think about what you might need next and if your chosen platform offers them. If it doesn’t, there are nearly always work arounds but you want to think about it before you impulse buy another platform.

I said I had 5 different battery platforms. No I have 6. Forgot my 18V snap on. In hindsight I could have cut that number easily in half and saved myself $100s and $100s.

How many times are you going to keep posting the same thing? You offered your opinion multiple times in this thread. Others have said they have had different experiences, and disagree with your point. You then turn to claiming they are "identity politics", "don't post about tools" "Instagram likes", etc. The OP found a line he liked, and has posted positively about it. But you keep trying to insist that he made a bad decision. At some point, this is less about "advice" and drifts into "Admit that I am right, and you are wrong".

Bringing back up, what does Porter Cable (the brand he left) offer that Hercules doesnt?

Here are the direct answers to your points.

1). Nobody (but you) up until now has mentioned aftermarket batteries. Not disagreeing with the general premise, but it sounds like you are implying that "Hercules" =after-market random no-name alphabet soup brand from Amazon, which is not true. Earlier, you even stated you had no experience with them, but someone did a random teardown on a different battery (aftermarket, not Hercules), which somehow convinced you these are junk.

2) While true, this ignores the general pricing difference between brands. If I can get almost everything from one brand for cheap enough, I can splurge and buy a very nice version of the rare/obscure (corded or cordless). It also (based on your other posts) seems to imply that unless it is Milwaukee, others will never offer ALL of other things you want, so therefore everyone automatically loses #2. Which is taking your experience and over-writing anyone else's. Right now, Hercules meets #2 for the OP, based on the part where the lineup covers everything from the brand he was leaving, and MORE.

 

[dchawk81]

I mean OP also had a gift card worth $500 so why not.

Doesn't matter if it doesn't pan out when its essentially free.

 

[Higgins]

Told the wife a cordless vac would make it quicker for her to clean out her car, so tomorrow after work, I'll pick up the wet/dry for 20% off.

I really haven't seen any comments on useful battery operated vacuums of late. I use to have a DeWalt and was OK until the motor was running slower over time..

 

[Cruzan80]

I have both the PC "square" version (probably 2 gal) and the B&D Dustbuster version (that takes the 20V swappable batteries). Both work fairly well for what I need, and the ability to swap batteries on the dustbuster has been amazing. Be aware, B&D does make a 20V version that is "circular" that just charges normally, not swappable batteries. Both of the battery options are also available in the CM 20V format as well.

To keep it relevant to the OP, it looks like there is a Hercules that is in the same 2gal format (and runs on either 20V or 120V), and there is an over-sized dust-buster version. The versions I have look closer to the Bauer version of each (in general foot-print/shape).

 

[zendriver]

I really haven't seen any comments on useful battery operated vacuums of late. I use to have a DeWalt and was OK until the motor was running slower over time..

I passed on the vacuum, anyway, pretty much an impulse buy. Already have the small corded Bauer, works great (more powerful) for $27, just have to get an extension cord and plug it in, to use.