Battery tools for DIYers

[theoldwizard1]

Clearly a drill is the first tool on the list. I guess if you are only going to have one (or live in an apartment) you should probably get a 1/2" with hammer function (eventually you will have to drill concrete or brick).

What would be your 2nd, 3rd and 4th tools?

 

[Bogie1632]

#2: Impact Driver
#3: Oscillating Multi Tool
#4/#5: A jig saw or a circular saw.

V/R
Bogie

 

[Walkers]

Drill and impact driver, circular saw…

 

[NUTTSGT]

Impact driver

Circular saw

I suppose it depends on what you are doing. . . could be impact wrench, recip saw or flashlight.

 

[seber]

1. impact driver
2. drill
3. sawzall

 

[zendriver]

1/4" hex
1/2" impact
Garden sprayer

 

[M635_Guy]

Impact driver would be way first over a full-on drill. When I was setting up my eldest spawn in the the first apartment earlier this year, I put a Milwaukee Surge in the kit - fantastic driver, and a decent drill for general use when needed.

I'm a homeowner for over 30 years total and don't have a hammer-drill (just a regular brushless 1/2" chuck - also Milwaukee)

 

[dscheidt]

Impact driver would be way first over a full-on drill. When I was setting up my eldest spawn in the the first apartment earlier this year, I put a Milwaukee Surge in the kit - fantastic driver, and a decent drill for general use when needed.

I'm a homeowner for over 30 years total and don't have a hammer-drill (just a regular brushless 1/2" chuck - also Milwaukee)

No, a drill is far more useful to a not-terribly-serious DIYer. The clutch on the drill makes it far more useful for things like furniture asssembly, and it uses normal, cheap drill bits, not expensive, typically garbage quality, bits with a hex shank.

 

[f121]

Impact driver. I often wonder how people built stuff before they were invented.

After that, it kinda depends what sort of diy they are doing etc. Probably a SDS, circular saw or jigsaw next, oscillating saw and sawzall are a long way down my list.

 

[quickfarms]

It depends on what projects you are going to do.

I have three hammer drills
An impact driver, came in a kit
A 3/8” and a 1/2” impact

the impact driver is the least used tool of that group.

my choice would be
1, Hammer drill, they drill normally and also have the screw clutch
2, circular saw
3, this is where it starts to get specialized depending on use but here are a few that I use regularly, in random order
A, reciprocating saw, can trim trees with the right blade
B, 3/8” impact
C, 1/2” impact
D, blower
E, light
F, radio
G, jig saw
H, router
I, chain saw
J, die grinder for sharpening the chain sa

I very rarely use
The isolating tool or grinder

my biggest advice is to get a brand that has a lot of options. I just had this conversation with my nephew and we were discussing makita or Milwaukee. I prefer makita but I think it is just like ford or Chevy, Lincoln of Miller

 

[nadogail]

A drill was my first power tool, followed by a circular saw, further on I bought a Saber Saw.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Clearly a drill is the first tool on the list. I guess if you are only going to have one (or live in an apartment) you should probably get a 1/2" with hammer function (eventually you will have to drill concrete or brick).

What would be your 2nd, 3rd and 4th tools?

I’ve come to hate a regular drill.

1/4” impact driver to me works far better these days. You can get DIY grade twist drills for them that work decently well especially for wood and plastic, masonary impact bits that out perform non SDS, traditional 1/2 chuck hammer drills, and regular bits. Socket adapters and nutdrivers for most smaller fasteners on cars and appliances. it’s a great all round tool.

 

[M635_Guy]

No, a drill is far more useful to a not-terribly-serious DIYer. The clutch on the drill makes it far more useful for things like furniture asssembly, and it uses normal, cheap drill bits, not expensive, typically garbage quality, bits with a hex shank.

A drill is, at best, a second-class driver of screws and other fasteners. Maybe you've got a **** impact driver or totally different experiences and use cases than me, but I have a nice brushless M18 Milwaukee drill that hasn't touched a fastener yet. My M12 Surge - bought the same week as the drill - has been absolutely fantastic and is probably my most-used tool. Mode 1 and 2 both have what amounts to the value/function of a clutch, and it's more automatic than the dial-a-clutch on drills. The Surge has been fine as a drill too - Milwaukee's hex drill bits do a fine job when you have just the one tool, though I generally make sure I have the drill available for heavier/more intense jobs.

But the drill is a far less-used tool for me, mainly because I drill less holes than I did 15+ years ago, but also because the Surge does just fine in a lot of the light-duty drilling I face these days. I seem to assemble/disassemble a lot more stuff than I need to put holes in. I think that's probably true of most not-terribly-serious DIYers. If there's a choice for only one tool, I'm going with my Surge impact driver, and would definitely recommend it to just about everyone.

As far as the bits, if you've had garbage bits that's your fault. They're not that expensive.

 

[subroc]

A 3 speed hammer drill
A circular saw

Now I say that as what I find valuable as a first and second tool. The next guy might think a compact 2 speed followed by some yard tools are the way to go. Maybe another guy needs a drill, grinder and impact wrench as a good start.

Initially buy what you need. After that, buy what you want.

BTW, I have 5 drills including 2 hammer drills, 2 compact drills and an angle drill.

 

[speed bump]

In 10 years of home ownership I can count on 1 hand the number of times I've needed something smaller than an SDS hammer drill at home (and not fill up the hands with the total times.

I would say impact driver. I plan on picking up a decent set of 1/4" shank bits so I almost never have to break out my drill when I do anything carpentry.

After that if you have landscaping to maintain a sawzall. Not as fast as a chainsaw but will eat grit and dirt all day long and just need more batteries and a $2 blade.

Finally one of those tire inflators.

 

[fuggle]

No, a drill is far more useful to a not-terribly-serious DIYer. The clutch on the drill makes it far more useful for things like furniture asssembly, and it uses normal, cheap drill bits, not expensive, typically garbage quality, bits with a hex shank.

Well I am going to have to agree with M635. Ive owned many drills and still have a few. But since purchasing a 1/4” hex impact I almost never use a drill. I drill and assemble everything with the impact. Awesome tool. So awesome I own three so I dont have to change between bits. Lol

 

[MushCreek]

I'm a very active DIY'er. The 1/4" driver gets used the most by far. Second is the drill, followed by the circular saw and the Sawzall. I put everything together with Torx screws. Quick, easy, and can be disassembled.

 

[GeoBruin]

Piling on here but the impact driver is far and away my most used cordless tool. I don't have hex shank drill bits because I have a drill, but other than drilling holes, I can't think of when I would ever use a drill over an impact driver. Certainly not for fasteners.

 

[Citation]

Yeah, impact driver. I wish 90* impact drivers were more common. I had a Cman Nextec 90* impact driver. At the time I was just trying to get the drill that came with the kit (super deals when Sears was dumping the line). After using it a few times I was totally sold on impact drivers. What I didn't get at first was that, even thought the 90* setup isn't as nice to use vs traditional pistol grip when you have space, it's great when you don't. When I sold the Nextec impact driver for enough money to buy my current Ridgid 18V drill and impact driver I thought it was a clear upgrade. Well, yes when I was doing jobs that required driving lots of fasteners the Ridgid was better (the Nextec, while never too weak, was slower and had short battery life). But, when I needed to get that screw inside a cabinet... well I am sold on the 90* impact driver.

 

[GeoBruin]

The new Dewalt atomic impact is so short its almost a 90* impact.

20V MAX* ATOMIC™ Brushless Cordless 3-Speed 1/4 in. Impact Driver Kit

Tackle tough jobs and maneuver in small spaces with the ATOMIC™ 20V MAX* 3-Speed 1/4 in. Impact Driver. At less than 4 in. (front to back), this Impact Driver features 1,825 in-lbs. of torque and 3,250 rpm for driving large screws.

www.dewalt.com

Also, these work great for tight spaces.


DEWALT MAXFIT Right Angle Magnetic Attachment

DEWALT MAXFIT Right Angle Magnetic Attachment DWARA60 - The Home Depot

Grab a resourceful and versatile addition to your jobsite with the selection of this extra ordinary DEWALT MAXFIT Right Angle Magnetic Attachment.

www.homedepot.com

SKU# 308436444

 

[Citation]

The new Dewalt atomic impact is so short its almost a 90* impact.

20V MAX* ATOMIC™ Brushless Cordless 3-Speed 1/4 in. Impact Driver Kit

Tackle tough jobs and maneuver in small spaces with the ATOMIC™ 20V MAX* 3-Speed 1/4 in. Impact Driver. At less than 4 in. (front to back), this Impact Driver features 1,825 in-lbs. of torque and 3,250 rpm for driving large screws.

www.dewalt.com

Also, these work great for tight spaces.

Your friend has shared a link to a Home Depot product they think you would be interested in seeing:

DEWALT MAXFIT Right Angle Magnetic Attachment

DEWALT MAXFIT Right Angle Magnetic Attachment DWARA60 - The Home Depot

Grab a resourceful and versatile addition to your jobsite with the selection of this extra ordinary DEWALT MAXFIT Right Angle Magnetic Attachment.

www.homedepot.com

SKU# 308436444

I have the adapter. Just not the same. The short body driver would address much of my concerns.

 

[M635_Guy]

Well I am going to have to agree with M635. Ive owned many drills and still have a few. But since purchasing a 1/4” hex impact I almost never use a drill. I drill and assemble everything with the impact. Awesome tool. So awesome I own three so I dont have to change between bits. Lol

Oh good - now I don't feel so crazy for buying a second Surge...

 

[Showkey]

A drill was my first power tool, followed by a circular saw, further on I bought a Saber Saw.

“Saber saw” Thats a term that defines your age

OP answer drill and impact driver kit.

 

[brownbagg]

i bought a makaita battery drill in around 95, its been on the shelf, never used once. I dont think the battery are any good now

 

[theoldwizard1]

Yeah, impact driver. I wish 90* impact drivers were more common.

Get a 3/8" ratchet and a 3/8" to 1/4" hex adapter.

 

[trs71]

How about a brand of tools? I vote Ridgid, mostly for the Lifetime Warranty-which the repair guy said, only about 20% of the people register it online, which is the one requirement. Milwaukee is quite a bit better quality, but $$$$ compared to Ridgid, How can you compare with lifetime battery replacement?

 

[RedneckWelder]

How about a brand of tools? I vote Ridgid, mostly for the Lifetime Warranty-which the repair guy said, only about 20% of the people register it online, which is the one requirement. Milwaukee is quite a bit better quality, but $$$$ compared to Ridgid, How can you compare with lifetime battery replacement?

That’s if you can get them to honor it. I’ve heard of a lot of difficulty in registering and getting service on that, to the point where I’ll buy Ryobi (which has come up in the world a lot) over Rigid.

 

[trs71]

Ryobi is fine for a DIY-

But for HD, Why wouldn't they honor it? Especially if only 20% actually do the registration, which I easily believe is true, that's why rebates were a big thing. People here are generally lazy. It Seems risky for a big chain improvement store.

I've replaced battery packs, led lights, drills I got slightly wet (submerged my small Milwaukee drill in a tub that filled 1/2 with fluid, sat underwater for 2 days. I baked for 10 min 2x at 170 degrees, and didn't even have to charge the battery...)

I mean I can see if you're using a battery pack as a hammer. I've got a feeling it's a small % of people posting an issue, while 99% of returns go "unposted"- since they can't *****.

 

[tarbellb]

Impact is a luxury

A chucked drill does everything a impact does plus holds twist bits which is indispensable

Impacting with hex shank bits is only for crude work, they wobble to much and you are limited to the standard sizes

-------

1- chuck drill
2- circular saw
3- jig saw

now if you are like me you have 5 impact drivers (both M12+18) and 6 drills (again, M12+18)

 

[Citation]

Get a 3/8" ratchet and a 3/8" to 1/4" hex adapter.

It wouldn't address the part I was impressed with. The impact driver doesn't have counter torque and, more importantly, it can often free screws thanks to the impact drive profile. While a drill with similar torque might result in a cam out situation.

 

[dscheidt]

Impact is a luxury

A chucked drill does everything a impact does plus holds twist bits which is indispensable

Impacting with hex shank bits is only for crude work, they wobble to much and you are limited to the standard sizes

Exactly. And the drill clutch is vastly superior for torque limited applications, like furniture assembly (I've seen so much stuff damaged from being assembled by impacts. yes, it can be down, and I'm sure you can do it. But it's a skill. ) It can also spin a paint stirrer. If I were to have only one, it's the drill, even though I use my impacts a lot more than my drills. (and i probably use the cordless screwdriver as much as I drill holes.)

 

[Ronson25]

1/4 impact driver and 1/2 drill are a must and possibally a saw of some kind

 

[trs71]

Id get a reg ratchet. The Milwaukees are nice, but if the 1/4 is smaller, id go the other way 1/4 ratchet 3/8 adapter. With larger tight bolts you'll have to break loose anyway, spin em off with a tiny 1/4.

A Skill was simply the best battery tool I've ever owned, it lasted 20 years. 100s of radiator shrouds.
I should say still, I just bought 2 from ebay.

 

[M635_Guy]

Impact is a luxury

A chucked drill does everything a impact does plus holds twist bits which is indispensable

My impact driver holds drill bits just fine - lol

Impacting with hex shank bits is only for crude work, they wobble to much and you are limited to the standard sizes

You say you have five impact drivers, but it doesn't sound like you actually use them. There are a massive range of hex bits, and they're far more precise than a drill with a chuck.

Exactly. And the drill clutch is vastly superior for torque limited applications, like furniture assembly (I've seen so much stuff damaged from being assembled by impacts. yes, it can be down, and I'm sure you can do it. But it's a skill. ) It can also spin a paint stirrer. If I were to have only one, it's the drill, even though I use my impacts a lot more than my drills. (and i probably use the cordless screwdriver as much as I drill holes.)

Riiight...

Get a worse tool for the infrequent drilling a casual homeowner does vs. installing fasteners... why?

I mean seriously - A drill is good at drilling and pretty **** at fasteners. An impact driver is great at fasteners and fine for light-to-moderate drilling tasks done by the casual DIY homeowner.

An impact driver is not a heavy-duty drill for sure, and not a hammer drill, but as a more-than-casual DIY guy, my Surge impact driver has done a lot of great work with more grace than the drill can manage. I have both tools handy, and no bias beyond what does the work the best. The drill sits a lot more than the impact. If I have to choose between my drill and my impact, there wouldn't be any hesitation to take the impact.

 

[finn]

Impact driver, with an assortment of drive bits and decent hex shank drill bits.

My wife has the little 12v Bosch, which does 90% of the tasks around the house. Stay away from the HF drill bits, though. Runout is so bad on some of them that they’re unusable. No problems with any other random brands she has.

Number two would be a cordless weed walker / trimmer for use around the property, and number three would be a cordless leaf blower for cleaning up the deck and patio.

Circular saws and sawsalls are way down the list, although the compact saws like the Milwaukee hacksall are useful, even though I hate my Milwaukee. Try a different brand, as most brands offer something equivalent.

Number five would be a cordless oscillating tool, Unless you’re doing construction, which most apartment dwellers and even homeowners these days don’t do.

The cordless drill would be next. A 3/8” chuck is adequate. If you have the driver, you will rarely use the drill, though, and most people would never need a hammer drill, or even a 1/2” chuck.

You really have to understand the demographics of the “customer”, though. I would guess that most tools are used for assembling toys and household goods, hanging pictures, stringing outdoor lights, and yard maintenance. Not many people doing remodeling, adding electrical circuits, building sheds, etc. those tasks obviously need things like saws, which I passed by.

 

[wolf_from_wv]

1/2" drill
3/8" drill for smaller bits that seem to slip in the 1/2" chuck
Impact driver
reciprocating saw (works great for pruning limbs)
1/2" impact driver for automotive
circular saw
hedge clippers
soldering iron
jig saw
hammer drill

 

[NUTTSGT]

Piling on here but the impact driver is far and away my most used cordless tool. I don't have hex shank drill bits because I have a drill, but other than drilling holes, I can't think of when I would ever use a drill over an impact driver. Certainly not for fasteners.

My impact driver never gets put away.

 

[Blind1]

I’ve built several nice pieces of furniture where I only used a drill/driver. Low torque needs are where the drill/driver comes in very handy. I prefer the smaller non-hammer styles.

For work where I just need to get some screws or lag screws into something. - the impact driver is the ticket. Fencing, quick box construction, rough woodwork, etc.

I like my Makita battery tools.

I prefer corded tools for any circular or recip type saws and other things.

 

[seber]

Impact is a luxury

A chucked drill does everything a impact does plus holds twist bits which is indispensab

A drill will most definitely not do what an impact driver does. Impact drivers will drive a three inch screw into a deck without a thought and do it all day. A drill will simply twist them off. The impact will do that very quickly. It will also break stuck fasteners loose without breaking off the head. Unless you are using it a lot, I would just get a VSR corded drill for most DIYers.

 

[M635_Guy]

I’ve built several nice pieces of furniture where I only used a drill/driver. Low torque needs are where the drill/driver comes in very handy. I prefer the smaller non-hammer styles.

For work where I just need to get some screws or lag screws into something. - the impact driver is the ticket. Fencing, quick box construction, rough woodwork, etc.

I like my Makita battery tools.

I prefer corded tools for any circular or recip type saws and other things.

In #1 mode (low torque) my Surge does a nice job of advancing the screw/whatever with just enough power, and doesn't over-drive or cam out. I have to admit the Craftsman C3 predecessor was mainly used for decking similar tasks and the drill had the rest of the driving tasks, but the Surge just took over everything.