Cordless tool decision

[56FordGuy]

I'm trying to decide what cordless tools to go with, or maybe which to sell. I currently own a Makita 18 volt LXT drill and impact driver, and the same tools in the Bosch line. Both are nice, I keep the Makita set in my work truck and the Bosch at home. I've decided to add a grinder, reciprocating saw, and maybe right angle drill to my cordless collection, doubling the number of cordless tools I own. I'd like to have the 'big' set be the same brand so batteries and chargers are interchangeable, and I've been trying to look at all the options.

I've been looking at the Milwaukee 18 volt line, and it looks nice. I really like the Hackzall. Seems like the Milwaukee warranty is a bit better than the Makita or Bosch at 5 years vs 3, but the Makita tools charge a bit faster. The Bosch tools feel nice, but just don't strike me as being as heavy duty as Makita or Milwaukee. Maybe that's just my perception, and I'm wrong.

Do the Milwaukee Fuel tools and regular 18v tools share batteries? From what I can find they do, the Fuel series is just the brushless version.

So, I'm considering selling either the Makita or Bosch tools I currently have and buying the Milwaukee tools. I would put the Milwaukee stuff in the work truck, and the other set would be for household use. Not that there's a big difference, I drive my work truck home every night so I usually have whatever tools in it I need. Of the three, which would you prefer? Would you sell either the Makita or Bosch, or simply keep both and buy the additional Makita tools I'd like?

 

[firebox40dash5]

I used to have a full set of Makita tools. Couldn't keep batteries alive for squat. Just my experience, I understand it doesn't happen to everyone.

IMO, the angle grinder especially, and somewhat the sawzall as well, are of very limited use. I used to get maybe a couple minutes of moderate use on a battery with the grinder, probably 2-3x that with the saw. I have a Fuel grinder now, and not only does it last a TON longer, it's got a lot more *** without going into overload. I haven't tried the Fuel sawzall yet since my little hackzall does well enough, but it's on the list, and I hope it's a big improvement too.

If you're making money with it, I'd go brushless. Just my $0.02

 

[3rdgen]

I have both Makita and Milwaukee cordless tools. I find find the Makita stuff is not as flashy or fancy but is tough as nails. I've had the Makita impact, hammer drill and sds,metal cutting sds, grinder, light and trouble light for the last 5 years with no issues. Batteries last about 2 years on both brands when you use them everyday and the Makitas seem to charge faster. The Milwaukee stuff has been good too and the fuel stuff has crazy power, batteries last along time, but its still pretty expensive. Either way I don't think you could go wrong with either set.

 

[Coolguy83]

I am highly impressed with the snap on cordless tools. Just removed a 1/4 NPT plug using cordless impact gun.

 

[amlv20]

I have snap on and Milwaukee cordless, the compact impact ^^^^^ above I have one to and is very disappointing for the price!

for best bang for the buck plus a good warranty I can only recommend Milwaukee hands down.

 

[crewchief888]

i've never had good life out of any cordless battery.

ridgid's battery warranty is great, as long as you follow their registration policy to the letter.

i have both 12v & 18v ridgid drills and 18v hex driver at home.

just recently switched over to milwaukee 18v fuel 3/8" dr impact, 12v drill and flashlight at work.

if i buy any other cordless tools, for home or work use, i'm leaning towards milwaukee

 

[The FIB]

Been using the Milwaukee 18v for about 5 years, I cant find anything bad to say about them. I don't know for sure if the batteries are interchangeable with the fuel tools, but from the pictures on their web sight they look the same.
Had an opportunity to try some m12 tools recently, I was really impressed how much power such a small tool could produce.

 

[stonesfan68]

I just made the switch from Makita to Milwaukee. I did all kinds of research and pondering, and the longer warranty was the tie-breaker.

 

[oldwino]

I've used Milwaukee in the trades for years (both cord and cordless) and they have been darn near bullet proof. Plenty of power with the 18v and the best battery life on the job (pretty much tied with Makita). Sawzall not the best balanced of the bunch but still my go to.
I haven't used the 18Fuel as I quit buying before they came out and I have a lifetime worth of cordless tools laying around the shop. Have full set DeWalt that I never liked (mostly poor run time on batteries) and a few other mixed drills, etc.

 

[boomer12831]

I have used mostly Dewalt cordless tools but the batteries always seemed to be their downfall. I switched to the Rigid line and have had great luck. You have to register them when you get them but it is well worth it. I replaced the batteries and they didn't cost a dime. Good luck, Ed.

 

[56FordGuy]

Not many Bosch fans here, then?

I think I've decided to get rid of the Bosch tools I have, and start building a Milwaukee set to go in my work truck.

 

[amlv20]

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[amlv20]

ERROR: We detect suspicious activity from your network; to complete this action, please contact the webmaster.

Wtf? That's not what I typed.

Uhh what the hell does this mean??