20V Tool Platform for a DIYer

[dmparksa]

Looking for recommendation on a 18/20V platform as a DIYer. The wife and I are planning to buy a home in the next year or so, and I want to get into a system that we can expand upon once we're in the home.

I currently have very minimal investment into the Dewalt 20V system with a brushed drill and impact driver set I bought 5+ years ago and a couple of struggling 1.3Ah batteries. Aside from the small capacity battery + brushed motor combination that leads to very short run time of these tools, I haven't had any issues. I also recently acquired the Milwaukee M12 3/8" stubby Impact Wrench with an XC 4.0 battery & charger. I plan to continue to pickup M12 tools and batteries down the road(cordless ratchet, die grinder, etc.)

At most, I'm wanting some basic homeowner type tools for house work (oscillating multi tool, circular saw, random orbital sander, etc.), welding/metal working(angle grinder, die grinder, etc.), and a few automotive things(mostly the 1/2" impact).

I've looked at Milwaukee M18, Dewalt 20V, Ridgid 20V, Ryobi, and some other lineups and wanted to get some thoughts on what people recommend for non-professional use.

The pros and cons of each are(based on my research/experience):
- Milwaukee M18 is pricey, but good reliability, performance, and good lineup.
- Dewalt is less pricey, with good reliability and lineup, but lacking some performance in some of the tools in their lineup.
- Ridgid is less pricey, good reliability and performance, but lacking in the lineup.
- Ryobi is great price, varying performance and reliability(seems to heavily depend on the tool), but great variety in lineup.

After writing the post, I'm realizing that most, if not all, of the tools I can think of needing are available in the Ridgid lineup, which means that I probably don't need the extensive lineup that these other companies provide. For any tool that Ridgid doesn't have, M12 seems to have one. The performance difference of one tool brand over another seems negligible for my use case as I probably won't be touching these tools every day. I'll probably use them a few times a month at minimum, but likely not more than 20 times a month.

The most commonly used tools will likely be the impact wrenches, impact driver, and a drill, which happen to be the only three power tools I have. My most frequent use case will be automotive work, maintaining vehicles, friends' project cars, etc. I learned to do some automotive work, have done everything just short of a full engine/transmission rebuild.

I'd love to hear your thoughts/recommendations.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I'll start the popcorn, kettle corn or movie theater butter?

OP, its user preference, all the brands will get the job done. I have Dewalt 20v and Milwakee M12/M18 and they work fine.

 

[tez929rr]

I already owned a bunch of Ryobi stuff when we had to drill a bunch of holes in a concrete slab to mount some mailboxes. We were using a corded hammer drill when a neighbor stopped by and pulled out his Milwaukee 18 fuel hammer drill - it drilled the holes so fast I went down to HD the next day and bought a set. We also converted all the cordless stuff on our rescue truck (impact, pole saw, and reciprocating saw) to M18. I later added an impact for my shop. I can’t compare with other brands like Dewalt as I haven’t used them but I am really impressed with the Milwaukee stuff. The Ryobi stuff has been fine but it’s nowhere near the performance of the Milwaukee.

 

[dmparksa]

I'll start the popcorn, kettle corn or movie theater butter?

My bad... I did look around for previous posts, but it's been a little while since the last platform comparison and a lot the companies have come out with new tools in the last year or so that made my decision a bit more difficult.

I'll delete my post if it gets too messy or if it's too redundant.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

My bad... I did look around for previous posts, but it's been a little while since the last platform comparison and a lot the companies have come out with new tools in the last year or so that made my decision a bit more difficult.

I'll delete my post if it gets too messy or if it's too redundant.

Dont be afraid to choose a brand if its got the specific tool you need.

Sometimes its the only way to get done what you need. I hopped from Dewalt and added Milwalkee for that very reason when the "3" cutoff tool came out. Its only in recent time that Dewalt out there's out.

All tool manf are putting out some badass tools, for practically get what you need and organize a good charging and tool storage station.

 

[MOS3522]

Dewalt works for me, others like the M18 series. You can't lose with either.

 

[JradM]

Ryobi would be my suggestion. These days they've got tools at different quality levels - not that any are junk - but some rival pro grade stuff too. Plus they've got more tools that anyone else and plenty of unique stuff.

Personally I don't stick to just one, I've got Dewalt 12v, 18v & 60v , Bosch 12v & 18v, Porter Cable 20v, Worx 20v, Ridgid 18v, Milwaukee M12 AND Ryobi stuff. No loyalty whatsoever.

They're all good. Sometimes it depends on what tool from which brand, but often the same brand has options at different price levels and it just amounts to how much you want to spend.

My point is unless you need something specific or the top performer in a particular category, Ryobi would probably do just fine.

 

[finn]

Dewalt, Milwaukee,and Bosh are all in my inventory.

The Dewalt line seems to have the strongest impacts of the three with their latest releases. Nothing wrong with the Milwaukee though, now that they seem to have recovered from the 2767 fiasco.

Don’t bother with brushed tools. They’re largely obsolete now, although many homeowner users would be hard pressed to tell the difference most of the time.

My only issue with Bosch is that they aren’t heavily promoted, or as widely available as Dewalt and Milwaukee.

Of the three, Dewalt is the only American company, if things like that matter to you.

 

[engineer2]

Makita makes reliable tools too and probably have the largest product line globally.
DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita are the big 3 for professional level cordless tools.
Go brushless. More efficient and most have modern electronic controls that prevent letting the white smoke out.

If you look at online reviews be aware some are paid promotions, some are biased, some are USA tools only, and some are global tools. No one company makes a perfect product line, they all have excellent models and turkeys as well.

Most all make good-better-best products. No matter what brand, avoid entry level tools that were made for light duty use.
You also don't want your tools to be orphans because the batteries got discontinued. This is less of a worry unless you get an off-brand. You also want a brand with reliable batteries that are going to give you at least a decade of service.

A trend is towards higher voltage battery packs (40V, 60V, 80V). If you are starting out they are worth looking at, but the tools and the batteries cost more. Probably not worth it unless you are considering a battery powered lawn mower.

 

[jives]

For the DIYer it is likely you cannot tell performance differences in any of the major brands. Unlike others, I have stuck to one brand (Makita) as it seriously reduces battery cost. And at about $100-150 or more a pop, battery cost is a big deal. I have only 3 batts and need no more. It would be hard to imagine that any of the major brands would not have the tools you are looking for.

Your tool will not wear out, but the battery will, and eventually the battery platform may change. For the DIYer that is a serious downside, so I would look for long term battery compatibility and support. I'm happy with Makita, but it does seem that Ridgid has a battery compatibility warranty or some such thing?

 

[alinc100]

Don't discount the Milwaukee M12 line. The M12 Fuel Surge Impact driver is a favorite. A couple XC batteries and I can't imagine it wouldn't handle household chores.

 

[dmparksa]

Seems like consensus is that there is no need to stick to one brand and one line of batteries. I'll probably stick to my plan of going for Ridgid for my main lineup of tools(they've had their 20V line for a while and have lifetime support agreement for batteries that come with a tool as a pack), then Ryobi for the odd ball tools that Ridgid doesn't have.

I'll also buy M12 as well since I'll have a few more batteries in the upcoming sales.

Thanks for the help everyone!

 

[dmparksa]

Don't discount the Milwaukee M12 line. The M12 Fuel Surge Impact driver is a favorite. A couple XC batteries and I can't imagine it wouldn't handle household chores.

Yeah, I've been impressed with the M12 3/8" stubby impact. I plan to keep my M12 stubby and add on a ratchet or a die grinder in the M12 line.

I just wanted to get a mid/high torque and those are only available in 18/20V lines.

 

[subroc]

As a DIYer, I still believe in the idea of one battery platform, if you already have DeWalt 20v and Milwaukee M12 I expect you have 2 good platforms to add to. You pointed out owning a home as part of your need in the early part of the OP as well automotive tools in the end of the post. Don't discount those brushed tools. Clearly, brushless are better but that doest mean you can't or won't be using them for another decade or more. Add what you need or want, upgrade when something fails. A circular saw, reciprocating saw and these days yard tools string trimmer, hedge trimmer, maybe a blower, maybe even a chain saw.

Anyway, I believe you already have a couple platforms worth building on rather than starting over.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Dewalt.

Wait for a sale if you don't need it immediately. Black friday would be best!

 

[dmparksa]

Dewalt.

Wait for a sale if you don't need it immediately. Black friday would be best!

Yeah, I'm in no rush. I'm going to pickup a spare battery for the M12 in the next month or two, but I'll be keeping my eyes open for the Memorial Day/Father's Day sale along with the 4th of July sales for the 20V. If nothing looks good to me during those sales, I'll wait till Black Friday for the combo deals. I picked up the M12 stubby + XC 4.0 battery and charger during the holiday sale last year for $150.

 

[matthew]

Even as a tool-obsessed GJ member, for non-pro applications I’d wonder just how many cordless tools you’d need.

Drill, absolutely. Impact driver - yes. I hate dragging cord around the yard, so string trimmer I’d put on the list. But beyond that? Sure cordless impact is great, but my air impact does fine. Saw - for occasional use I have no issues with corded. Sawzall - every once in a while I might wish mine was cordless, but it’s no big deal.

Admittedly I’m more of a hand tool than a power tool guy, but simplicity can be beautiful.

 

[dmparksa]

Even as a tool-obsessed GJ member, for non-pro applications I’d wonder just how many cordless tools you’d need.

Drill, absolutely. Impact driver - yes. I hate dragging cord around the yard, so string trimmer I’d put on the list. But beyond that? Sure cordless impact is great, but my air impact does fine. Saw - for occasional use I have no issues with corded. Sawzall - every once in a while I might wish mine was cordless, but it’s no big deal.

Admittedly I’m more of a hand tool than a power tool guy, but simplicity can be beautiful.

I agree. I definitely don't need too much variety in my tools at home. I wrote at the bottom of the original posting that writing out the post made me realize that I didn't need all the variety that Milwaukee and Dewalt offer in their lineup.

With that said, I think I'll likely just go ahead and get whatever good deal I end up coming across for a 1/2" mid torque, and then just buy tools as needed when they're on sale. If they happen to be in the same battery platform I get the mid torque in, that's cool. If not, that's probably okay too.

 

[cycle61]

Not typically considered a shop tool, but I use my M18 leaf blower damn near every day. Gets 95% of the dust and **** out of the garage in a matter of seconds.

 

[david3921]

I found recently that battery adapters are my new best friends. I can use my current battery arsenal and purchase tools that are not included in the platform.

 

[ZRX61]

Dewalt here, You already have some, just buy more. Lowes have deals all the time: free extra tool, batteries etc. Got a free multitool that way. The last deal was buy two batteries (6ah & a 4ah) & got a free SDS Plus drill.
Looking at getting a free 4.5in grinder or circular saw next time depending on the deals.

Ryobi is for arts & crafts projects,

 

[ecotec]

I’m all in on Milwaukee right now. I started out with DeWalt in ‘94.

If I had a bunch of DeWalt tools that could be refreshed with some new batteries… I would probably just buy a couple of the tools you are looking for in DeWalt brand sets with a couple new batteries each and updated chargers…

 

[jmdirk]

Can't go wrong with either DeWalt or Milwaukee. As long as they have the tools that you need. Ryobi is fine, bit more of a DIY grade but they've gotten better. And they have a ton of variety in their tool line up. They kind of pioneered the whole buy the tool only scenario. They started that when everyone else was still including batteries with ALL their tools.

I have Rigid as well. They've decent tools. Plus lifetime warrantee on batteries is a good plus. Just make sure you register the tools and batteries.

 

[txvwnut]

I have been very happy with my Ryobi stuff, I have a mix of the older brushed and the newer brushless. All of it has been used harder than your average homeowner will use them and they haven't let me down.

 

[rancherbill]

- Ryobi is great price, varying performance and reliability(seems to heavily depend on the tool), but great variety in lineup.

I have Makita stuff it's great. I bought a Makita set for a son.

I bought a Ryobi set for my other son thinking he wouldn't use it that much. He has gotten a ton of tools because they are low cost. He loves them. I have purchased a Makita battery to Ryobi adapter and bought a Ryobi tool. It was close to $100 less. You do not need the quality of a tradesman brand.

 

[boom_bap]

My opinion, there is no difference between a DIY and professional. A pro is going to get more use out of their tool, but if you're doing automotive work for example, a 22mm lug is a 22 mm lug. A tight fastner doesn't change its tightness for a diy vs pro. Just get the "pro" stuff and you won't regret it. Dewalt or Milwaukee.

 

[dmparksa]

I’m all in on Milwaukee right now. I started out with DeWalt in ‘94.

If I had a bunch of DeWalt tools that could be refreshed with some new batteries… I would probably just buy a couple of the tools you are looking for in DeWalt brand sets with a couple new batteries each and updated chargers…

I just have the two tools in Dewalt - a brushed drill and a brushed impact driver along with their two 1.3Ah batteries that came with the kit.

While I've had no issues with the set so far, I don't particularly have an attachment to them either. They've been perfectly good for helping out friends, helping to build planters, mend wooden fences, build saw horses, hanging stuff on walls, etc.

I'll keep my eyes peeled for good deals on any of the mid torques + batteries in all the brands. I'll probably end up with Ridgid, Milwaukee, or Dewalt since I'll be using the mid torque pretty often and I've seen more reports of reliability issues with the Ryobi ones.

I have Makita stuff it's great. I bought a Makita set for a son.

I bought a Ryobi set for my other son thinking he wouldn't use it that much. He has gotten a ton of tools because they are low cost. He loves them. I have purchased a Makita battery to Ryobi adapter and bought a Ryobi tool. It was close to $100 less. You do not need the quality of a tradesman brand.

My brother has a handful of Ryobi tools and my impression of them has been overwhelmingly positive as well. Great prices for tools and batteries when on sale and they do the job for years. I'll probably buy the things I'll use more frequently in a different brand, but one off tools such as inflators, fans, lights, etc. could easily be Ryobi without any issues.

 

[subroc]

The one piece of advice I would give to someone that was going to "tool up" over time is know the price of the tools you plan on adding. Research the retail price and know the best sale price they can be had for. Maybe the eBay sold listing is worth checking. Then, when you see an item is available at the best sale price you will know if it is just an item on sale or truly the best price. Is a dcs565 circular saw a $179 tool a $129 tool or can you find a ew one foe $100? This works especially if you have time and are planning to add tools over several months.

 

[powertrip]

20 year Ryobi user here. I also have Kobalt 24v and Milwaukee. Knowing what I know now and if I was just starting out I'd definitely go Ryobi. The amount of tools they make are a definite plus. They do make some that are more homeowner grade and some that are borderline pro grade that mimic Milwaukee. I would recommended the HP Plus line from them. Milwaukee, Ridgid and Ryobi have the same parent company. If you were a contractor just starting out I'd recommend Milwaukee but for your needs, Ryobi should be more than enough. Also look for deals at their outlet store.

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[rancherbill]

My brother has a handful of Ryobi tools and my impression of them has been overwhelmingly positive as well. Great prices for tools and batteries when on sale and they do the job for years. I'll probably buy the things I'll use more frequently in a different brand, but one off tools such as inflators, fans, lights, etc. could easily be Ryobi without any issues.

Buy a kit Here's HD Canada. Look at HD US and search ryobi kits

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ry...and-2-4-0-ah-batteries-and-charger/1001706797

https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ryobi-18v-one-lithium-ion-cordless-combo-kit-12-tool-/1001580925

 

[JradM]

Ryobi is for arts & crafts projects,

That's the stereotype alright.

I contend that some of the newer Ryobi, expecially the HP line, gives the "professional" brands a run for their money. My theory is that Ryobi saw that graph SBD released showing their plans to have Craftsman span the range from homeowner tools to budget minded pros and said "we could do that too, except better". And they did.

I'm not suggesting Ryobi has leapfrogged it's way past Dewalt and Milwaukee - Ryobi still has plenty of tools that are clearly homeowner-oriented - but they have some stuff that is competitive too, especially "core" tools like drills, impact drivers, saws, etc.

I still wouldn't buy Ryobi for use on a job site, but that's because I'd pick a brand that had "pro" grade tools for every category I needed, not because Ryobi doesn't have a decent drill or impact.

 

[Bockscar]

I am a Dewalt guy but I say stick with your 12v stuff and use it...I have 20v and 12v....I use the 12v better than 80% of the stuff the stuff is miles above when battery tools first came out

 

[Cap'n Coldeye]

Dewalt and M12 in my garage. I find the keyless chucks on the M12 are nicer then my Dewalts.

My newest one is a m12 polisher. It works great on the RV and boat the smaller size so nice in tight spots.

Be careful when buying them. At the time I picked up my cordless grinders Dewalt sold 4 different cordless grinders only one had good reviews, I could have easily pick up the wrong ones.

Cheers

 

[Big Bob]

I noticed that most of the pros in my area were either using Dewalt or Milwaukee. I opted for the Dewalt mainly because that is what the Lowe's in my area sold and I had a bunch of Lowe's gift cards stashed. I first bought the 1/4 inch impact and it has handled everything I've asked of it. Since I have bought the drill, circ saw, hedge trimmer, and blower. All have met or exceeded my expectations, however I must add that the blower, while powerful enough, will eat a battery in pretty short order.

 

[ike]

I am a DIY'er and went Dewalt. They are sold in more stores and seem to me to have better sales and promotions. I have a good amount of batteries that I have got free during promotional sales, some at Lowes, some at Home Depot, some online. I also am a person that buys things when I don't need them and will hold out for a sale. I think if you are smart with buying Dewalt during sales, you can get a large collection for the same or a small amount more than lower tier tools.