Buying Multiple Cordless Platforms

[fm2176]

When is enough enough? I have a friend who started buying tools last year. His current plan is to get out of the Army next year and work as a diesel mechanic while he fixes up his house, so the more tools he buys now the better off he should be if/when he realizes that E-5 pay isn't too bad on the 1st and 15th of each month.

The thing is, he's been buying different cordless tools. Started with a new 20v Kobalt impact, then a used Ryobi set, new Craftsman Bolt-On with various attachments, and now he's stocking up on 20v DeWalt. Yesterday he told me that he's thinking of getting some M12 stuff, which makes more sense than buying four different 18/20v systems. The bad thing is, he's got me wanting to upgrade to either Milwaukee or DeWalt myself!

I have an old 14.4v drill and multiple PC 18v and 12v tools. They get used a fair amount , and the 12v impact is what got him thinking about the M12 line. I let him try it out driving some screws into fence boards yesterday and I think he finally sees why I talk about it more than anything else. Anyway, one thing I don't like about my Porter Cable tools is the battery size. I have four 1.3Ah batteries; the "EX" batteries are only 2.6Ah. Considering that 2.0Ah batteries come with a lot of tools these days, with 4.0Ah or larger batteries available for some brands, my relatively puny, and no longer produced, batteries are all but obsolete. They work well with the impact and drill, but using a saw or oscillating tool drains them quickly. What's worse is that as I kill off these batteries, the only option for new factory ones are NiCad. Then too, there are a few things I'd like that PC either didn't make or that are no longer available for a good price, like an impact wrench, hammer drill (the 18v PC bare tool is available online for $100+), and jigsaw (spent a few hours searching earlier this week and found one on Amazon for $180!).

Part of me wants to upgrade a little at a time--get a newer system and add to it over the next few years. Then I realize that what I currently have cost maybe $250 total; it hardly makes sense to spend half of that for one or two new tools. Should I just keep using the heck out of the PC tools, or wait for a special buy and upgrade?

Does anyone see the merit in investing in numerous cordless systems? I can understand buying tools that may not be made by a certain manufacturer, but in my mind it makes more sense to invest heavily in one system and supplement it with other brands only if necessary.

 

[kythri]

I personally don't see the benefit in multiple cordless systems. If something came up in a different system that I absolutely had to have, I suppose I'd consider it, but it'd have to be utterly amazing for to accomodate the hassle of another battery system (charger, extra batteries, etc.)

If you're not HEAVILY invested in your PC stuff, I'd personally be looking between now and the end of the year for one of the Ryobi sales on a larger combo pack, and augment that with some of the 4.0Ah batteries.

 

[Kracin]

only thing i've considered not having milwaukee for has been cordless nailers (to keep from dragging air hoses all over my house doing all this trim work...).

other than that, i bought into milwaukee because they do a lot of trade specific tools and i really like what they have to offer. i could have gotten by with others, but there is no reason to buy into different brands. get a list of what that brand currently makes. go with the one that makes the most sense

do you need a long warranty? do you even care about warranties?

where do you buy your tools from?

what tools do you NEED, what do you WANT.

do you really need 20 more ft/lbs on an impact driver? is it necessary to have a hammer drill?


these are the questions you should be asking yourself.

 

[Ign]

I'd try to consolidate as much as possible. M12/M18 makes a bit of sense since the chargers are one. I'm also into V28/M28.

I got into Nextec 'cause it was cheap. The right angle impact driver has saved me just twice, and the fluorescent work light is awesome. The cordless inflator should be made by every cordless company.

I got into Ryobi Tek4 'cause it was cheap. The distance measure is incredibly handy and the I use the ear protection literally every day.

I got into Ryobi 40V 'cause, for what it is, it was cheap and I wanted to try the weeds eater and chain saw. Now I'm also considering 58V Echo for the same reason.

 

[Addrock]

I say it can't be helped. I am constantly upgrading and phasing out. There are always deal breaker tools, such as Paslode Impulse, I bought a framer and trimmer a few years ago when they where the only game in town, now there are many more options. None that use my current 18 volt systems. I have Makita and am phasing to Milwaukee, I am still waiting for a good Milwaukee oscillator (in my book this tool needs tool less blade changes). Have phased from Bosch 12 to M12. So I always have a bunch of chargers and tools.

 

[rice rocket]

I have Makita and am phasing to Milwaukee, I am still waiting for a good Milwaukee oscillator (in my book this tool needs tool less blade changes).

Bosch 18v oscillating tool rules the roost. Brushless, super low vibration, toolless changes. It's better than the Fein, IMHO.

I'd be surprised if Milwaukee makes a good multi-tool in the next decade, it's not their core market at all.

 

[Voi]

Does anyone see the merit in investing in numerous cordless systems?

I have some 18V Hitachi stuff and some 12V Bosch stuff. Find it to be a pain when I have to load up tools and take them somewhere.

I could see at some point in the future having a cordless platform for yard tools and separate platform for "non yard tools" but even then I'd rather have them all be the same.

 

[archirelic]

My first cordless drill was a Black & Decker 18v nicad unit. Put that through the ringer for years & finally upgraded to a Makita 18v drill driver / impact combo kit. Unfortunately at the time, I invested only in the 18v Makita line which is white, which severely limited my platform options.

Later I invested in a Ryobi brad nailer & crown stapler + some 4ah batteries to run them and was sold on the Ryobi platform. Smartly shopped ebay, etc. and have now fully immersed myself in the Ryobi one+ platform and haven't had an issue since.

Still have the Makita set b/c it's always nice to have a second drill & impact driver, but it honestly sees less & less usage now b/c of my expanded Ryobi line up.

To date, I've got the brad nailer, crown stapler, angle grinder, multi tool, drill driver, impact driver, reciprocating saw, circular saw, led worklight, jigsaw, and fan. Eventually I'll invest in the newest version of their 3 speed impact wrench & upgrade my 5.5" circular saw with the 6.5" circular saw.

I've heavily considered investing in the Milwaukee m12 line b/c of the size / weight / options available but thus far my usage requirements haven't deemed it necessary to do so.

So I can definitely see investing in multiple platforms for convenience, offerings, etc. but will only do so if it ever becomes too much of a hassle to lug around all my 18v Ryobi items or if I eventually just need specific tools only available to a certain brand.

 

[Beemer533]

Depends what you are doing I guess, if your tools never leave the house/shop it probably isn't a huge deal.

For me, I have to travel (by air) with a lot of my tools so its a much bigger issue to be as consolidated as possible. For work I primarily use Dewalt 12/20v which helps as the 20v charger can charge the 12v as well.
The one outlier right now is the 18v bandsaw I still have; I'd like to switch to the 20v soon just to not have to carry an 18v XRP battery/charger just for the bandsaw.

For home/shop use I am primarily Dewalt 12/20v (in the process of switching from 18v) but over the years I have bought some other stuff as needed.

For example, I have the Milwaukee 12v scanner and hackzall. I did buy them back when Dewalt didn't have any equivalents, so now that they do I have been thinking about selling the Milwaukee's just to eliminate the different batteries..

I have a couple of paslode nailers I really like, but I wouldn't mind swapping to Dewalt if the opportunity arose. Really though, I just use those at home or helping out friends so it really isn't high up on my list..

I also have an 18v Ridgid collated screw gun that I use frequently. I also started buying into the Ridgid 12v Jobmax line a few years ago, but the batteries sucked so bad (they were all dead within 6 months of purchase) I stopped buying them.

Only having one system is ideal, but the real world is hardly ideal!

 

[fm2176]

I personally don't see the benefit in multiple cordless systems. If something came up in a different system that I absolutely had to have, I suppose I'd consider it, but it'd have to be utterly amazing for to accomodate the hassle of another battery system (charger, extra batteries, etc.)

If you're not HEAVILY invested in your PC stuff, I'd personally be looking between now and the end of the year for one of the Ryobi sales on a larger combo pack, and augment that with some of the 4.0Ah batteries.

I've got a fair amount of PC tools, but as stated above I paid maybe $250 for it all. Right now I have the 12v impact and drill as well as 18v circular and reciprocating saws, oscillating tool, drill, impact, area light, flashlight, inflator, and vacuum. These have been solid tools over the past three years and are my first lithium powered cordless; besides drills, they are also the first cordless tools I've owned, period. That said, 18v PC at clearance prices seems to be a gateway drug...

Ryobi never really caught my eye, but I'll check them out the next time I'm at Home Depot. I may ask my friend if I can borrow some of his, too.

get a list of what that brand currently makes. go with the one that makes the most sense

That's really good reasoning. Outside of winning that DeWalt sweepstakes grand prize (that includes almost everything they make), building a set should be based on individual need and what the manufacturer offers. Honestly, if I had adopted my current mindset a few years ago, the 18v PC line would be sufficient (besides the lower capacity batteries). A number of Lowe's stores still have the marketing stickers up, and there were bare tools made I've never even seen.

I have some 18V Hitachi stuff and some 12V Bosch stuff. Find it to be a pain when I have to load up tools and take them somewhere.

I could see at some point in the future having a cordless platform for yard tools and separate platform for "non yard tools" but even then I'd rather have them all be the same.

I haven't yet bought any cordless yard tools; thinking about checking some out when it comes time to buy a trimmer, though. I read this earlier and it motivated me to look at Ryobi and DeWalt trimmers. I like the thought of 18v or 20v yard tools to match the power tools.

Only having one system is ideal, but the real world is hardly ideal!

Very true! Kracin's suggestion could serve one well, though. Say Milwaukee makes a certain tool in M12 and M18 models and DeWalt doesn't, but they make another tool for their 20v Max line. A person could buy the M12 tool DeWalt doesn't make, and the 20v tool Milwaukee doesn't make. Of course, this theory doesn't really work once we dedicate ourselves to a certain brand.

In the end, it kind of ***** that manufacturers don't make universal batteries, doesn't it?

 

[Voi]

I haven't yet bought any cordless yard tools; thinking about checking some out when it comes time to buy a trimmer, though. I read this earlier and it motivated me to look at Ryobi and DeWalt trimmers. I like the thought of 18v or 20v yard tools to match the power tools.

My wife is wanting a cordless string trimmer and leaf blower.

My hope is Makita will branch more into their yard tool 36V X2 line, which currently doesn't include a string trimmer as far as I know.

I'm not sure how well it works but I like the idea of just using two, 18V batteries to get 36V.

Heck, if they did a 54 volt X3 mower I might be interested in that as well.

Right now Bosch, Milwaukee and Makita all have elements to their cordless lineups that I like. I'll keep using what I've got until I just can't wait anymore. Maybe there will be a clear winner by then.

 

[dutchgray]

I'm currently using Makita 18v, Bosch 18v & 10.8v and Panasonic 14.4v platforms, all Li ion.
The Bosch 18v is just their Brad nail gun but I will be getting more and probably will phase out the Makita when the tools die. It is a bit of a pain having so many, but you need the tools to do the work.

 

[rice rocket]

Makita's non-core tools are still way expensive.

Makita's 18x2 hedge trimmer is $400. I don't even want to know what they'll ask for a mower.

 

[Ign]

Also regarding the type of work you do, I like that Milwaukee offers "cigarette lighter"'chargers for M12 and M18. I don't use them often, but when I need my truck to be "home base," it's awesome. Other guys favor an inverter and that's a whole 'nuther debate, but I like being able to just plug the charger into any 12V power port.

 

[03protege]

My wife is wanting a cordless string trimmer and leaf blower.

My hope is Makita will branch more into their yard tool 36V X2 line, which currently doesn't include a string trimmer as far as I know.

I'm not sure how well it works but I like the idea of just using two, 18V batteries to get 36V.

Heck, if they did a 54 volt X3 mower I might be interested in that as well.

Right now Bosch, Milwaukee and Makita all have elements to their cordless lineups that I like. I'll keep using what I've got until I just can't wait anymore. Maybe there will be a clear winner by then.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X75GBPI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I started collecting the Makita 18v line up (even have the x2 circular saw and it rocks) but the price of the string trimmer is a little high for me.

I have seriously considered getting a 40v Ryobi for cheap and hacking it to accept 2 18v batteries.

 

[white91formula]

I've got a fair amount of PC tools, but as stated above I paid maybe $250 for it all. Right now I have the 12v impact and drill as well as 18v circular and reciprocating saws, oscillating tool, drill, impact, area light, flashlight, inflator, and vacuum. These have been solid tools over the past three years and are my first lithium powered cordless; besides drills, they are also the first cordless tools I've owned, period. That said, 18v PC at clearance prices seems to be a gateway drug...

if you watch ebay you can get new EX batteries for around $75, and they make a huge difference over the LX ones.

Also look on ebay for the stuff you want such as the hammer drill and jig saw, that is where i got mine. A jigsaw with a EX battery just went for around $90 the other day. Thats tool and battery.

Took me forever to find a 18v vacuum and they are going for $70+ used on ebay every few months

that being said im pretty heavily invested in PC 18v and im considering switching to milwaukee for better range of tools available and battery life.

 

[Beemer533]

...



Very true! Kracin's suggestion could serve one well, though. Say Milwaukee makes a certain tool in M12 and M18 models and DeWalt doesn't, but they make another tool for their 20v Max line. A person could buy the M12 tool DeWalt doesn't make, and the 20v tool Milwaukee doesn't make. Of course, this theory doesn't really work once we dedicate ourselves to a certain brand.

In the end, it kind of ***** that manufacturers don't make universal batteries, doesn't it?

Oh definitely, that's why I ended up with the Milwaukee scanner and hackzall; Dewalt just didn't have anything equivalent back then.

This post edited by the NSA

 

[Ign]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X75GBPI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I started collecting the Makita 18v line up (even have the x2 circular saw and it rocks) but the price of the string trimmer is a little high for me.

I have seriously considered getting a 40v Ryobi for cheap and hacking it to accept 2 18v batteries.

Damn, yeah, $301 for the bare tool when the Echo 58V brushless kit (just 1 battery) is $269.

 

[CobraChevelle]

Just bought my dad a black and decker 40V refurb weed trimmer from CPO for 88$.

That thing sure does have some power. Sure did change my opinion about using cordless vs gas. Makes me wonder what that new echo line is like.

 

[Voi]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X75GBPI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Oh geez. I was just on their site last week. Please don't tell my wife about that, lol. Our Stihl string trimmer has been a lot of trouble but I really want to drive it into the ground before getting a new one.

[EDIT] I still can't seem to find it on Makita's site. Weird

 

[reader2580]

I have both Ryobi and Makita LXT cordless tools. I started with Makita, but I found a deal on a Ryobi cordless miter saw with a bunch of other tools for $100. I bought a Ryobi cordless drill just to get the batteries. I probably have $150 into the Ryobi stuff.

Makita cordless tools are still my main cordless tools though. I would like to get the X2 chain saw since I have four LXT 3.0 batteries.

 

[wilb1976]

I would definitely stay with one make of cordless tools. I was a die hard Makita fan up until about 3-4 years ago when I got real frustrated with there 18v lxt system, more the batteries then anything, but also the durability and power of their cordless drill and impact driver. I switched over to the Dewalt 20v line due to the variety of tools available. I'm happy with the move although Milwaukee has a pretty solid line-up now. Had the tools been available back when I switched over, I may have gone that route. We have a pretty good local supplier here whom I buy most of my power tools from due to the convenience and service they provide. They have an Unconditional 1 year warranty of the tools you buy from them. And it really is Unconditional. They have very competitive prices, monthly specials and most major brands. Helps due to shipping charges here to Hawaii and supports the local economy.

www.slimspowertools.com

 

[pablo94sc]

I have Ryobi and I'll champion them all day for the average DIY homeowner, but I'm starting to want something compact for weight and tight spaces. I'm seriously looking at the Milwaukee M12 line. Home depot has the drill/impact kit with a free XC battery for $169, and I think another $25 off for father's day. It's hard to pass that up given all the positive reviews here and elsewhere. Plus that inspection camera would be awfully handy working on my car, furnace, etc. Still, Ryobi will be my go to brand. The price for the quality is too hard to pass up for my needs.

TL;DR - I don't see an issue with multiple brands.

 

[woody 73]

Ok go ahead and laugh at me but I am starting to cry a lot these days when I have at least half a dozen dead 18volt dewalt batteries and lord knows the cost to replace each one of them?

Corded is starting to look like the way to go...Sigh

Having different cordless tools is just so confusing looking for all the different battery chargers and then gasp remembering what to buy when they die adds to the confusion.

On top of that some of those companies change their platforms ask me how I know this!

 

[mrvm]

Got multiple cordless brands over the years from "super" deals to "super" specialty tools that the other companies don't have but I keep them at different sites. Rental properties have the older Makita XLT 18V drill/impact/circ and older Bosch 12V, renovation project property has older Dewalt 18V impact and home base has newer IMPACT-ONLY driver/wrench 12/18V Fuels that I just had to have . Invested in Ryobi 18V strictly for blower/trimmer/mitersaw. Sold off most of the 18V hammer drills because if I got to "hammer" I got corded. Any battery systems that die the tools will be ebayed....

 

[fm2176]

if you watch ebay you can get new EX batteries for around $75, and they make a huge difference over the LX ones.

Also look on ebay for the stuff you want such as the hammer drill and jig saw, that is where i got mine. A jigsaw with a EX battery just went for around $90 the other day. Thats tool and battery.

Took me forever to find a 18v vacuum and they are going for $70+ used on ebay every few months

that being said im pretty heavily invested in PC 18v and im considering switching to milwaukee for better range of tools available and battery life.

I haven't checked EBay much, though occasionally the tools will still pop up at Lowe's. I found a close quarters drill and infrared thermometer at one store and a grinder/cutoff tool at another in the past year but passed on them all. I'll have to browse EBay for deals; $90 for the jigsaw and an EX battery is a decent deal. Then again, I could put that money towards a newer system.

Ok go ahead and laugh at me but I am starting to cry a lot these days when I have at least half a dozen dead 18volt dewalt batteries and lord knows the cost to replace each one of them?

Corded is starting to look like the way to go...Sigh

Having different cordless tools is just so confusing looking for all the different battery chargers and then gasp remembering what to buy when they die adds to the confusion.

On top of that some of those companies change their platforms ask me how I know this!

The changes in platforms is what really concerns me. I bought into 18v PC stuff late--got a drill/impact combo on clearance in March 2012 and wasn't too interested in adding to it until I got back from overseas in late 2013. By then the 20v stuff was out and the 18v was being turned into a NiCad only system. Besides the obvious profit motives, I don't see why PC couldn't have made the new system backward compatible. Maybe it's in the circuitry or something, but both systems use slide-in battery packs. Then too there are plenty of people like who would buy more bare tools and batteries. Despite some tempting prices and reviews, though, I think I'm done with PC cordless. I've rarely seen any outside of Lowe's and when I upgrade it will be to a brand that is more widely available.

 

[fm2176]

if you watch ebay you can get new EX batteries for around $75, and they make a huge difference over the LX ones.

Also look on ebay for the stuff you want such as the hammer drill and jig saw, that is where i got mine. A jigsaw with a EX battery just went for around $90 the other day. Thats tool and battery.

Took me forever to find a 18v vacuum and they are going for $70+ used on ebay every few months

that being said im pretty heavily invested in PC 18v and im considering switching to milwaukee for better range of tools available and battery life.

I haven't checked EBay much, though occasionally the tools will still pop up at Lowe's. I found a close quarters drill and infrared thermometer at one store and a grinder/cutoff tool at another in the past year but passed on them all. I'll have to browse EBay for deals; $90 for the jigsaw and an EX battery is a decent deal. Then again, I could put that money towards a newer system.

Ok go ahead and laugh at me but I am starting to cry a lot these days when I have at least half a dozen dead 18volt dewalt batteries and lord knows the cost to replace each one of them?

Corded is starting to look like the way to go...Sigh

Having different cordless tools is just so confusing looking for all the different battery chargers and then gasp remembering what to buy when they die adds to the confusion.

On top of that some of those companies change their platforms ask me how I know this!

The changes in platforms is what really concerns me. I bought into 18v PC stuff late--got a drill/impact combo on clearance in March 2012 and wasn't too interested in adding to it until I got back from overseas in late 2013. By then the 20v stuff was out and the 18v was being turned into a NiCad only system. Besides the obvious profit motives, I don't see why PC couldn't have made the new system backward compatible. Maybe it's in the circuitry or something, but both systems use slide-in battery packs. Then too there are plenty of people like me who would buy more bare tools and batteries. Despite some tempting prices and reviews, though, I think I'm done with PC cordless. I've rarely seen any outside of Lowe's and when I upgrade it will be to a brand that is more widely available.

 

[Big Giant Head]

Well, I bought into the Ridgid line. They offer a lifetime warranty on the tools, batteries, chargers, and if a tool gets phased out and you have a warranty claim, they sent a new series, i.e. a new tool, batteries, and charger. I've got the 18V drill with two batteries, and a friend gave me two reciprocating saws, and a circular saw that fit those batteries. Both work great. I just recently bought the impact driver that came with NO batteries, but my batteries seem to be holding on brilliantly. I've had 'em for nearly three years, going strong.

A contractor friend of mine abandoned the Dewalt line for Ridgid purely for the lifetime warranty. Seems to make sense.