Cordless Tool Set Opinions

[nmk_61802]

This weekend while doing some electrical work, I toasted my third Craftsman C3 cordless drill in 10 years, not sure if it is the batteries (LI-ION) or the drill itself. I have decided that it is time to upgrade to something a little better. I have been considering a Porter-Cable Set, but have not found a lot of reviews. I am not a contractor, just an avid DIY guy but am hoping to find something that lasts longer than 3 years.

I have a fairly large selection of C3 tools and would like whatever I decide to go with to have a similar selection (drill, cirular saw, 1/4" impact, 1/2" impact, jigsaw, 90 deg. drill, sawzall, and flourescent lanterns).

I have seen a lot of recommendations here for both Bosch and Dewalt. I have a set of the Bosch mini driver/ impactor and like them, but I have not seen a large selection of battery tools in their larger cousins. I also have looked at Dewalt, while the tool selection is there, they also have an very high purchase price and from most reviews the quality is slipping as to not justify that price.

What is eveyone else using, or what would you use if funds allowed?

 

[Ign]

I'd go M18 personally. Milwaukee is most aggressively expanding and pursuing this line as a balance of plenty of power without the bulk of V28 (which I like).

I do think Milwaukee's quality is slipping, too, but so far they're still great about warranty service.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I have 18V Dewalt stuff and am very happy with it. Ther is alot of Dewalt stuff out there and if you're careful, you can pick up some decnet tools cheap at pawn shops, CL or classifieds.

What ever you buy, make sure it has thetools you want so you can keep all one type of battery. Sounds like you're already keeping that in mind.

 

[Monte]

The question is if Porter Cable is really a upgrade compared to Craftsman ...?

 

[nmk_61802]

The question is if Porter Cable is really a upgrade compared to Craftsman ...?

That is part of my question Although keep in mind your images are not the 18v set but the compact line which competes with the PS120 Bosch.

This is the 18V which looks more like the Dewalt:

From my reading it appears as if PC, Black and Decker, and Dewalt are all basically the same products right now.

I have looked a little into the Milwuakee M18 line as suggested above. Initially I was turned off by their Hackzall but now see that they have a traditional Sawzall. I am starting to be swayed toward them since I like their tool designs quite a bit.

 

[tonycastec]

"I have a fairly large selection of C3 tools and would like whatever I decide to go with to have a similar selection (drill, cirular saw, 1/4" impact, 1/2" impact, jigsaw, 90 deg. drill, sawzall, and flourescent lanterns). "

For this reason, you may want to check the interchangeability of the Craftsman C3 and Ryobi 18v Li-ion "Plus one" system. This would allow you to re-use all your C3 tools .Ryobi sell a charger that recharges both Nicad and Li-ion 18v. Ryobi also have a huge assortment of tools in their Plus One range at reasonable prices.For example an 18v caulking gun.Works great in cold weather caulking/adhesive jobs .

 

[Macgyver_ga]

Hitachi

 

[RKA]

Just throwing another option into the ring...Makita. I've been using them for 6 years I think. Still going on the original batteries. They have a huge selection of cordless tools on this battery system. Only thing that's given me any trouble is the switch on their little incandescent light.