Cordless Drill and Impact combos..

[sgrammel]

So I am looking at buying a drill driver/impact combo. The two that stick out to me are

Harbor Freight

https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-2-tool-cordless-drill-and-impact-driver-kit-with-2-15-ah-batteries-and-charger-70933.html

and

DeWalt from Lowe's

https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-20V-MAX-2-Tool-Brushless-Power-Tool-Combo-Kit-with-Soft-Case-2-Batteries-and-Charger-Included/5014148639?store=1632&cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-vf-_-tol-_-ggl-_-PMAX_Dewalt-_-5014148639-_-local-_-0-_-0&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_a_cid=279391351&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20288279017&gbraid=0AAAAAD2B2W9REshIcU42YFzB1f4TfqSbY

HF has the advantage of price.

Dewalt is more expensive but comes with larger batteries, brushless and a better reputation (at least in my mind)

I am a weekend warrior.... at best.

Any experience/input on these two choices is appreciated

 

[JohnX14]

I'm a big fan of the Makita driver. Similar in price to the Dewalt. The Makita is the smoothest I've used, has the best trigger light, and I've use and own multiple Milwaukee and Dewalt drivers as well. Been using the Makita since 2008-ish. I've used the Makita daily for many years, as an electrician, and GC. Not doing all day heavy duty driving, but all day screw gun type of use, and some heavy duty driving mixed in. I have more heavy duty tools, when needed.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-18V-LXT-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Compact-2-Piece-Combo-Kit-1-5-Ah-Driver-Drill-Impact-Driver-CT225SYX/310782931?g_store=&source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=vantage&utm_campaign=46996&utm_content=49253&mtc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-Multi-Multi-NA-MAKITA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-MK894289001-46996-NBR-35-NA-VNT-FY25_Makita_D25P_OAM_CPT_Drive_Sales_BAU_Opportunity&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-Multi-Multi-NA-MAKITA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-MK894289001-46996-NBR-35-NA-VNT-FY25_Makita_D25P_OAM_CPT_Drive_Sales_BAU_Opportunity-22185707743--&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22175563590&gbraid=0AAAAAolLu9_vqkKTd0X-8lhdG9yh-BqQF&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyPfhyPejjQMV0B6tBh2D-TP3EAQYASABEgLvKPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[kngelv]

DeWalt over Bauer.

James

 

[engineer2]

Features to look for:
Brushless motor
Battery platform that is going to be around for decades
Good ergonomics
USA repair places (just in case) and parts availability.
Batteries are an expensive part of the tools. Avoid brands that have reports of battery problems.

Tool companies make good-better-best.
Good is OK for occasional light duty use.
Better is OK for a DIYer.
Best is contractor or industrial grade and should give many years of service.

Best deal quality-wise would be the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless 2-Piece Combo Kit XT288T.
Costs a bit more, but should last for many years.

Father's Day deals should be coming up soon. I started my Makita collection because of a Home Depot Father's Day deal in 2010. Impact driver and original batteries are still going strong.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

I'm a big fan of the Makita driver. Similar in price to the Dewalt. The Makita is the smoothest I've used, has the best trigger light, and I've use and own multiple Milwaukee and Dewalt drivers as well. Been using the Makita since 2008-ish. I've used the Makita daily for many years, as an electrician, and GC. Not doing all day heavy duty driving, but all day screw gun type of use, and some heavy duty driving mixed in. I have more heavy duty tools, when needed.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-18V-LXT-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Compact-2-Piece-Combo-Kit-1-5-Ah-Driver-Drill-Impact-Driver-CT225SYX/310782931?g_store=&source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&utm_source=google&utm_medium=vantage&utm_campaign=46996&utm_content=49253&mtc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-Multi-Multi-NA-MAKITA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-MK894289001-46996-NBR-35-NA-VNT-FY25_Makita_D25P_OAM_CPT_Drive_Sales_BAU_Opportunity&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-RM-RMP-GGL-Multi-Multi-NA-MAKITA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-MK894289001-46996-NBR-35-NA-VNT-FY25_Makita_D25P_OAM_CPT_Drive_Sales_BAU_Opportunity-22185707743--&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22175563590&gbraid=0AAAAAolLu9_vqkKTd0X-8lhdG9yh-BqQF&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIyPfhyPejjQMV0B6tBh2D-TP3EAQYASABEgLvKPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

I have that same set but some reason the tools are white. That impact is an absolute beast! I use it every single day at work as a mechanic and I probably only charge the 4ah battery once every 90 days. I use a 1/4 drive extension with Gearwrench impact swivels for most all of my light duty work with that tool. Would definitely buy again!

 

[RTM]

I have that same set but some reason the tools are white.

The Makita white tools are considered a consumer grade, vs the teal are pro grade. My drill came with a 1.5aH battery, kinda puny, but I usually only use it for a few holes at a time. (Forget where I found this)

 

[CobraRed]

To compare to those DeWALT tools you'd need to buy the $220 Hercules kit at HF.
Those are actually decent DeWALT models, especially that impact driver which is really quick. The best deal in this thread by far

 

[Rinspeed]

Northern Tool has the Milwaukee set for $180, I think they are a step up from the Dewalt.

 

[CobraRed]

Northern Tool has the Milwaukee set for $180, I think they are a step up from the Dewalt.

Link? I'm only seeing their prehistoric kit stuff around that so far

 

[Steve_P]

I'd definitely go with DeWalt over HF. Which I did. I have quite a bit of their 20V stuff, some of it is now 5 years old, and no issues at all. GJ seems to prefer red over yellow, but all of my DeWalt stuff has been excellent, and there are lots of deals to be found.

 

[neophyte]

Features to look for:
Brushless motor
Battery platform that is going to be around for decades
Good ergonomics
USA repair places (just in case) and parts availability.
Batteries are an expensive part of the tools. Avoid brands that have reports of battery problems.

Tool companies make good-better-best.
Good is OK for occasional light duty use.
Better is OK for a DIYer.
Best is contractor or industrial grade and should give many years of service.

Best deal quality-wise would be the Makita 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless 2-Piece Combo Kit XT288T.
Costs a bit more, but should last for many years.

Father's Day deals should be coming up soon. I started my Makita collection because of a Home Depot Father's Day deal in 2010. Impact driver and original batteries are still going strong.

“Battery platform that will be around for decades”
Good luck on that.
Most manufacturers of cordless tools have already failed on that front multiple times.
Makita and Dewalt were better on this issue than some other manufacturers, but both have still discontinued older batter systems, leaving the market relying on generic aftermarket versions.
Bosch and their AMPSgare system, and Metabo and their CAS Battery system, might be a possible exception, since both are being used as “official” “universal” battery systems by multiple brands, si even in the event that one or the other or both are cancelled, quality adapters and generic batteries should be available, but the Metabo HPT batteries are as far as I’m aware aren’t even using the CAS system.

“USA repair places”
I don’t know what the current status is for cordless tools, but for a decade or mire, most cordless tools were basically made to be “disposable”, with practically no parts availability, with exceptions such as the drill chucks.
For cheaper mire common tools such as drills and impact drivers this was way more likely to be the case.
Between Dewalt and Harbor Freight in the original question, Dewalt is way more likely to offer parts availability or repair.

I agree with the other points.

 

[kctgb]

It’s price versus how many times you will use it? In my mind, Dewalt is better if you want to spend the money. If you’re only using it a couple times a year maybe you will be better served with a less expensive tool?

 

[Leon bee]

I'd happily pay twice as much for the Dewalt. Had that same combo given to me slightly used as a little bonus on a job. Not a diehard Dewalt man, but these are real good.

 

[1Bad55Chevy]

“Battery platform that will be around for decades”
Good luck on that.
Most manufacturers of cordless tools have already failed on that front multiple times.
Makita and Dewalt were better on this issue than some other manufacturers, but both have still discontinued older batter systems, leaving the market relying on generic aftermarket versions.
Bosch and their AMPSgare system, and Metabo and their CAS Battery system, might be a possible exception, since both are being used as “official” “universal” battery systems by multiple brands, si even in the event that one or the other or both are cancelled, quality adapters and generic batteries should be available, but the Metabo HPT batteries are as far as I’m aware aren’t even using the CAS system.

“USA repair places”
I don’t know what the current status is for cordless tools, but for a decade or mire, most cordless tools were basically made to be “disposable”, with practically no parts availability, with exceptions such as the drill chucks.
For cheaper mire common tools such as drills and impact drivers this was way more likely to be the case.
Between Dewalt and Harbor Freight in the original question, Dewalt is way more likely to offer parts availability or repair.

I agree with the other points.

Repair by mail

Customer Support & Service Center | Milwaukee Tool

We know your MILWAUKEE® tools are an investment and we want to help you protect them. Browse our support and service options for your needs.

www.milwaukeetool.com

Here in the DFW there is actually a Milwaukee repair facility you can take your tools to.

 

[Steel_Rain]

Makita and Dewalt were better on this issue than some other manufacturers, but both have still discontinued older batter systems, leaving the market relying on generic aftermarket versions.

You might be referring to the old Makita 7.2V (1.3Ah) Ni-Cd Stick (stick packs)? These are old school and were before my time, so I can't really comment on it.

Makita LXT has been around since 2005, so about 20ish years:

History

History

www.makitauk.com

They integrated "STAR" technology (overloading, over-discharging, and overheating protection) in 2013 (I think) but the battery's are still backwards compatible. I have several Makita packs from 2006-2008 that still hold a charge and provide about 75% of the original power. These early packs were exclusively made in Japan with Panasonic/Sanyo lipo cell chemistry.

I've had many tool brands in the last 15-18 years but I must say that Makita has stood the test of time with both tool and battery longevity/durability/reliability.

 

[Theronswanson]

Milwaukee

 

[Jlanciani]

“Battery platform that will be around for decades”
Good luck on that.
Most manufacturers of cordless tools have already failed on that front multiple times.
Makita and Dewalt were better on this issue than some other manufacturers, but both have still discontinued older batter systems, leaving the market relying on generic aftermarket versions.

Dewalt introduced the current 20 volt line in 2011, not so bad.

 

[niget2002]

I bought into the DeWalt ecosystem years ago with a similar drill/driver set (might even be the same one, but I'm too lazy to go look at the model numbers).

It has served me well and has slowly expanded through the years to include many of their other tools including chainsaw and yard equipment. I've never had issues with mine and one of my drills has been rather abused.

 

[duneslider]

The Makita white tools are considered a consumer grade, vs the teal are pro grade. My drill came with a 1.5aH battery, kinda puny, but I usually only use it for a few holes at a time. (Forget where I found this)

My white makita drill and impact is like 15 years old and is an absolute workhorse. I do have a newer brushless drill and impact and they are better (more powerful and better on battery life). I like the smaller batteries for some stuff, lighter is nicer at times.

I personally would take one of the big three(four if you like bosch) over anything else all day everyday, you won't regret the purchase and they will last much longer.

 

[neophyte]

Repair by mail

Customer Support & Service Center | Milwaukee Tool

We know your MILWAUKEE® tools are an investment and we want to help you protect them. Browse our support and service options for your needs.

www.milwaukeetool.com

Here in the DFW there is actually a Milwaukee repair facility you can take your tools to.

There’s a Black & Decker/Dewalt repair place in Philly that has been around for decades in South Philly, although they did move a decade or two ago,
And a separate tool repair and sales place called Ideal Tool and Equipment, that has also been around decades.
For other brands it can vary.
Still, I’ve tried looking up parts diagrams for a number or cordless tools, and nowadays the parts diagrams have way more assembled component parts than individual parts, to the point where a cordless tool may just break down into a half dozen individual repair parts, which are hopefully actually available.

 

[richfinn]

I have Milwaukee M12/M18 fuel stuff mostly down to cost/availability and like it mostly

Didn't care for the 12v 1/4" hex drill/driver (non impacting) much

I paid a bit more and went with a Bosch

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

There’s a Black & Decker/Dewalt repair place in Philly that has been around for decades in South Philly, although they did move a decade or two ago,
And a separate tool repair and sales place called Ideal Tool and Equipment, that has also been around decades.
For other brands it can vary.
Still, I’ve tried looking up parts diagrams for a number or cordless tools, and nowadays the parts diagrams have way more assembled component parts than individual parts, to the point where a cordless tool may just break down into a half dozen individual repair parts, which are hopefully actually available.

Last I remember they have a Factory service center in York P.a., They used to come pick up any faulty tool on a bi-weekly basis at our plant.
Drop off the fixed stuff and pick up the damaged or broken stuff.

 

[sgrammel]

Thanks for all the feedback! I actually purchased the HF/Bauer but returned it. Gonna wait and see what kicks up for Memorial Day/Father's Day sales. The HF Hercules combo looks nice too especially with the 5a batteries..Just not gonna pay $220 for it...

The Lowe's deal is good into July...

 

[Super38ACP]

I have that dewalt set (along with a lot of other 20v and some 12v.

It’s takes a serious beating and no problems at all. In fact the only problem I’ve had with dewalt was a bad 3ah battery and they sent me a new one no issues.

I know it’s “ford vs Chevy” for some folks but imo you can’t go wrong with Dewalt.

 

[neophyte]

You might be referring to the old Makita 7.2V (1.3Ah) Ni-Cd Stick (stick packs)? These are old school and were before my time, so I can't really comment on it.

Makita LXT has been around since 2005, so about 20ish years:

History

History

www.makitauk.com

They integrated "STAR" technology (overloading, over-discharging, and overheating protection) in 2013 (I think) but the battery's are still backwards compatible. I have several Makita packs from 2006-2008 that still hold a charge and provide about 75% of the original power. These early packs were exclusively made in Japan with Panasonic/Sanyo lipo cell chemistry.

I've had many tool brands in the last 15-18 years but I must say that Makita has stood the test of time with both tool and battery longevity/durability/reliability.

Makita actually kept their stick battery system around way way long than many battery systems.
I think the stick battery tools were produced from the late 1980s into the early 200s, and even after being discontinued, Makita kept producing batteries for a number of years.
I think both Milwaukee and Bosch gave introduced, half a dozen or more battery systems, from the late 1970s up till now that have all been discontinued, and are no longer supported by the brands.
Both the Bosch and Milwaukee systems were used by other specialty tool brands, that were basically left hanging when Milwaukee and Bosch discontinued the battery systems.
Weirdly, Festool, despite their reputation for “modularity” used to design new batteries for every, or every other new series of drills, and Fein basically used to come out with a new battery system for their cordless drills each time the drills were redesigned.
Fein has started making tools from the Bosch AMPShare system nowadays.

 

[Rinspeed]

Link? I'm only seeing their prehistoric kit stuff around that so far

https://www.northerntool.com/produc...W2bBWvaT_bimQtIhRHIaAoaBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[CobraRed]

https://www.northerntool.com/products/milwaukee-m18-compact-brushless-2-tool-combo-kit-chuck-size-1-2in-drive-size-1-4in-model-3692-22ct-5539566?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Power Tools > Cordless Power Tool Kits&utm_campaign=Milwaukee&utm_content=5539566&ogmap=SHP|PLA|GOOG|STND|c|SITEWIDE|OOT|PowerTools|{adgroup}||168639116|8715915356&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=168639116&gbraid=0AAAAADpPfbNsegyL4Q9wqcaVL9fqffKUw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoZbBBhDCARIsAOqMEZXq4Xt3BzEDQfYUw6KKZlHCkTjM3G37gErlW2bBWvaT_bimQtIhRHIaAoaBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

That's their compact brushless (non fuel) stuff. BUT, it's also very recent introduced tools so quite good for the size and also a very good deal IMO

 

[Leon bee]

Those stick Makita batteries lasted a long damn time for me.

 

[finn]

Northern Tool has the Milwaukee set for $180, I think they are a step up from the Dewalt.

I have both Dewalt and Milwaukee, among others.

I don’t consider the Milwaukee to be any better, overall, than the Dewalt. I actually prefer, in many cases, the ergonomics of the Dewalt. I would buy both again without hesitation.

 

[Rinspeed]

I have both Dewalt and Milwaukee, among others.

I don’t consider the Milwaukee to be any better, overall, than the Dewalt. I actually prefer, in many cases, the ergonomics of the Dewalt. I would buy both again without hesitation.

For someone who uses them a couple times a week you will never see a difference. Compared to Milwaukee Dewalt are junk. I've bought 30 cordless drills in the last five years and they were run hard daily. There is a difference, most homeowners will never see this as I said.

 

[finn]

For someone who uses them a couple times a week you will never see a difference. Compared to Milwaukee Dewalt are junk. I've bought 30 cordless drills in the last five years and they were run hard daily. There is a difference, most homeowners will never see this as I said.

Seems like your Milwaukees last about two months each.

How long did the last thirty Dewalts last? Were they current products, or twenty year old antiques?

And, if homeowners will never see the difference, what’s the point? The op is buying his first impact driver. Doesn’t sound like he’s a 40 hour / week assembly line user.

 

[sk farmer]

Seems like your Milwaukees last about two months each.

How long did the last thirty Dewalts last? Were they current products, or twenty year old antiques?

And, if homeowners will never see the difference, what’s the point? The op is buying his first impact driver. Doesn’t sound like he’s a 40 hour / week assembly line user.

because he doesnt like dewalt.

there are basicly 2 types of people who respond to questions.

those that say brand a is better than any other because that is what i have it, like it, and need to justify it by telling everyone else it is the best, even though the open didn't ask the question to claim their answer is the final and only answer.

the others are those that share their experience, give reasons why, stay in the parameter of the op and do it without bashing another brand fully understanding there may be other opinions and reasons for why someone may like something else.

while not saying other comments were not welcome the op clearly asks for comments about 2 specific sets yet gets recommendations for makita, bosch, milwaukes and maybe another i missed.

 

[country83]

https://www.northerntool.com/products/milwaukee-m18-compact-brushless-2-tool-combo-kit-chuck-size-1-2in-drive-size-1-4in-model-3692-22ct-5539566?cm_mmc=Google-pla&utm_source=Google_PLA&utm_medium=Power Tools > Cordless Power Tool Kits&utm_campaign=Milwaukee&utm_content=5539566&ogmap=SHP|PLA|GOOG|STND|c|SITEWIDE|OOT|PowerTools|{adgroup}||168639116|8715915356&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=168639116&gbraid=0AAAAADpPfbNsegyL4Q9wqcaVL9fqffKUw&gclid=Cj0KCQjwoZbBBhDCARIsAOqMEZXq4Xt3BzEDQfYUw6KKZlHCkTjM3G37gErlW2bBWvaT_bimQtIhRHIaAoaBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I got that same set for the same price a couple years ago at HD on Father's Day weekend. I needed something new, as all my old cordless drill batteries were shot. Since I had to step into a new platform anyway I went Milwaukee. Works for me. Since then I've bought a reciprocating saw and oscillating multitool that use that battery, plus a couple more batteries. Good bang for the buck.

 

[Sal Bandini]

I would get this. 4Ah batteries and multiple settings on the impact. I got this a while ago for $169 and my son then bought the set. We are very pleased. Both of our sets were brand new, likely just a return.

Factory Reconditioned Bosch 18V Compact Tough Connected-Ready EC Brushless Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Cordless Drill Driver / 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver Combo Kit with 2 Batteries (4 Ah)

Factory Reconditioned Bosch 18V Compact Tough Connected-Ready EC Brushless Lithium-Ion 1/2 in. Cordless Drill Driver / 1/4 in. Hex Impact Driver Combo Kit with 2 Batteries (4 Ah)

www.cpooutlets.com

 

[Steve_P]

^ Bosch has nearly zero presence in the US, especially for cordless tools. Yes, you can find them online, but Bosch's cordless presence here makes Makita cordless look mainstream. I realize it's a GJ thing to buy boutique brands in the US, but OP isn't looking to be unique so he can flaunt it here and insist it's the best. It's like when someone here that's in the US asks what hex bit sockets to buy and people suggest Hazet, Stahlwille.....

 

[dscheidt]

^ Bosch has nearly zero presence in the US, especially for cordless tools. Yes, you can find them online,

Menards sell them, and at least the local stores have a pretty good selection of stuff. So if that's an option, they're available in a local brick and mortar store.

For people who ask me what drill they should buy, with no other context, I always tell them the m12 fuel drill driver set. It currently sells for about $230, and is almost always available with another tool or battery as a special offer. They're light, they're small, they're reasonably inexpensive, and they'll do anything you want them to. (the drill is more powerful than any cordless drill you could buy 20 years ago, which is when they started taking over on job sites. ) I use my m12 drills and drivers much more than my m18 stuff. Yes, the 18V stuff is more powerful and faster. But who cares? the m12 is lighter, smaller, and when you're working overhead or in a tight spot, it's much less tiring to use. Most things people use them for, they're only drilling a couple holes or installing a few screws, so the time saved by a faster tool is a few seconds. If you're building a deck, and driving thousands of screws, yeah, speed matters. But hanging a picture? Fixing a gate? Building a birdhouse with a kid? putting together Ikea stuff? Convenience is more important.

 

[neophyte]

^ Bosch has nearly zero presence in the US, especially for cordless tools. Yes, you can find them online, but Bosch's cordless presence here makes Makita cordless look mainstream. I realize it's a GJ thing to buy boutique brands in the US, but OP isn't looking to be unique so he can flaunt it here and insist it's the best. It's like when someone here that's in the US asks what hex bit sockets to buy and people suggest Hazet, Stahlwille.....

You can buy Bosch cordless tools at Lowes, and I think this has been a thing for at least the last decade.
Bosch did withdraw somewhat from the US market maybe 20-25 years ago, around the same time Amazon bought Tool Crib of the North, and started selling power tools, and around the time Festool started being heavily promoted in the USA, but they have since started pushing their tool line again in the USA.

 

[AEAdam]

I’m a pretty intense weekend carpenter. Taking a break now because I’m installing new windows on a third floor.

I am a ******* and have many battery platforms and use them all regularly. For the most part I like them all. It’s really hard to go wrong.

Here’s my advice: if you are an occasional user, you probably won’t benefit from 18/20V. The brushless 12V, hell, even brushed 12V tools kick ***. I think the attraction to 18V drills and drivers is that you can use the same batteries for other tools that absolutely require 18V.

But!!!! In my experience, the “other tools” are saws and things that need 18V and also need high amp hour batteries that you fundamentally don’t need for your drill drivers. So you really end up not sharing batteries that much.

I think there are many advantages to having smaller lighter hopefully cheaper batteries and more of them, rather than a few heavy bricks on the bottom of your tools. I would look at home center available 12V tools.

No scare mongering: one thing that keeps me up at night is the thought of run away li Ion batteries burning my projects down. When guys dissect generic tool batteries, they often find identical cells to the name brand. Some actually show superior power delivery. But the battery management chips are always different and many appear to be garage (Chinese sweat shop) made, That circuit board senses the power in the cells and stops the battery charger’s current from over charging the battery. The chargers themselves have a similar circuit and are typically called “smart chargers” because of it. I believe both must fail to get a run away.

Advice number 2: I’d pass on Bauer or any new platforms. I’d stick with the bigger name brands and only buy name brand batteries that you are certain aren’t counterfeit. And maybe advice to all, maybe yank your batteries off your chargers at night or connect them to a power supply with a switch.


One downside to 12v tools I’ve never ever heard discussed is how you attach them to a belt. This hook fits any belt and hooks any tool with a battery of this shape (even this 12V right angle tool). This is the only exception I can think of for not wanting 12v

 

[jack stand]

The OP stated weekend warrior and I assume newly with no cordless tools. I'm a Makita guy, but HF is not a bad entry level tool at all and all of the big names are from China.
I recently "dipped my toe" into HF battery tools with my first cordless grease gun.
The makita counterpart was $350+/- and the HF was buy the $100 battery and charger and your choice of one of several tools. I'd still be pumping manual grease guns if there wasn't a $100 option.
I have no complaints.

 

[BrandonV]

@sgrammel. I have a Bosch set, GXL18V-27B22 NIB I was going to throw up on eBay or the marketplace but I never got around to it. Looks like your PMs are off so if you're interested I'll give you first dibs.