Cordless Tools: New Recommendations Needed!

[tenorplayer23]

Guys,

Am in need of the following cordless tools (certainly the first two):

- 1/2" Drill/Driver
- 1/4" Impact Driver (these two probably in a combo kit)
- 1/2" Impact Wrench

Have been doing the usual searches/review reading et. al. My requirements are usual home/garage DYI stuff. Not being used for construction - but not afraid to pay a decent amount for good tools as requirements may change.

Been looking over new Dewalt 20V Max line w/Lithium-Ion batteries.

Makita usually gets very good reviews.

And, I wouldn't mind buying Craftsman, as I have gift cards and accumulated credits!

So, what do you recommend from your own experience or research?? Still vacillating...deals are every where.

Thanks in advance for the comments.

See ya,

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

I've actually had really good luck with Hitachi for lithium drills and impact drivers. I grabbed the KC18DHL set from Lowes a couple months back (was on sale for $180) and I've beaten it up pretty well since then and don't have any complaints. Batteries have good life and charge fast, plenty of torque in both the screw gun and the impact driver, and the flashlight is reasonable enough for a freebie toss-in. The only thing I don't like is the case - it's more of a pizza box than a contractor's hard case, and is pretty bulky compared to a Dewalt case.

I was looking at the Milwaukee Red Lithium stuff, but it's stupid expensive, and my dad hasn't had too much luck with new Dewalt lithium doing his contractor stuff. I've had good luck with Makita, but at $180 out the door, the Hitachi set was hard to pass up. Bosch lithium is supposed to be pretty good, and there are some decent combo kit deals on Amazon if you can snag one.

For 1/2 impact, I was looking at battery-op stuff, but at least for me, it's prohibitively expensive and the battery pack looks like it would get in the way quite a bit. I picked up a Milwaukee 9072 corded impact, and it's held up fine (and never not broken a nut or bolt free) in about 8 months of moderately heavy home wrenching. It's actually got more balls than the 1/2" Craftsman Pro air impact I use at work, on something like 180psi.

 

[LumpyMusic]

Hard to beat the DeWalt 1/2 inch 18v drill/driver on sale now at HD and Lowes for $119 including charger and two batteries. That tool will do everything you'll ever ask it to do around the house and shop and then some. It will last a decade or two. You may need to buy new batteries in 5-10 years.

Once you get a feel for using that tool, then shop for the others on your list. You'll have developed a sense of what you like in a cordless tool and can make a better educated guess as to what works.

I've dropped my DeWalt off a grocery store roof to concrete. Scraped the housing, broke a fin off the phillips bit, but the tool still works great. I've used it to drill into concrete and to bore core samples in hay bales. Both very taxing on a drill. I've replaced the batteries once and the motor brushes once in 17 years.

I just bought one of those $119 packages to add to, not replace, my existing DeWalt.


Lumpy

You Played on Lawrence Welk?
Yes but no blue notes. Just blue hairs.

www.LumpyMusic.com

 

[BD1]

Amazon has some specials on qualifying Dewalt tools and accessories.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/promotions/details/popup/AZBCRJBOIJYES

 

[tenorplayer23]

Thanks for the tips......I'll have to look into the corded impact wrenches, as well, although the specs on the new Dewalt's are for pretty high torque levels.

See ya,

I've actually had really good luck with Hitachi for lithium drills and impact drivers. I grabbed the KC18DHL set from Lowes a couple months back (was on sale for $180) and I've beaten it up pretty well since then and don't have any complaints. Batteries have good life and charge fast, plenty of torque in both the screw gun and the impact driver, and the flashlight is reasonable enough for a freebie toss-in. The only thing I don't like is the case - it's more of a pizza box than a contractor's hard case, and is pretty bulky compared to a Dewalt case.

I was looking at the Milwaukee Red Lithium stuff, but it's stupid expensive, and my dad hasn't had too much luck with new Dewalt lithium doing his contractor stuff. I've had good luck with Makita, but at $180 out the door, the Hitachi set was hard to pass up. Bosch lithium is supposed to be pretty good, and there are some decent combo kit deals on Amazon if you can snag one.

For 1/2 impact, I was looking at battery-op stuff, but at least for me, it's prohibitively expensive and the battery pack looks like it would get in the way quite a bit. I picked up a Milwaukee 9072 corded impact, and it's held up fine (and never not broken a nut or bolt free) in about 8 months of moderately heavy home wrenching. It's actually got more balls than the 1/2" Craftsman Pro air impact I use at work, on something like 180psi.

 

[tenorplayer23]

Looks like a national sales campaign.....Tool Plus has them....also free shipping and no tax to me. I'm looking into it.

Thanks.

See ya,

Amazon has some specials on qualifying Dewalt tools and accessories.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/promotions/details/popup/AZBCRJBOIJYES

 

[tenorplayer23]

Looks like they are promoting the 18V line.

Also, are yours Ni-Cad or Lithium-Ion......the battery styles of the 18V series and the new 20V Max are different....the 18V seem to have the stem of the battery in the handle...the L-I's don't (claiming better balance). Just curious.

Thanks.

See ya,

Hard to beat the DeWalt 1/2 inch 18v drill/driver on sale now at HD and Lowes for $119 including charger and two batteries. That tool will do everything you'll ever ask it to do around the house and shop and then some. It will last a decade or two. You may need to buy new batteries in 5-10 years.

Once you get a feel for using that tool, then shop for the others on your list. You'll have developed a sense of what you like in a cordless tool and can make a better educated guess as to what works.

I've dropped my DeWalt off a grocery store roof to concrete. Scraped the housing, broke a fin off the phillips bit, but the tool still works great. I've used it to drill into concrete and to bore core samples in hay bales. Both very taxing on a drill. I've replaced the batteries once and the motor brushes once in 17 years.

I just bought one of those $119 packages to add to, not replace, my existing DeWalt.


Lumpy

You Played on Lawrence Welk?
Yes but no blue notes. Just blue hairs.

www.LumpyMusic.com

 

[5lima30]

+1 for the Hitachi Li-Ion drill/ impact drivers! Bosch and Milwaukee should be great as well.

 

[bob15]

For a 1/2" drill driver go with a Metabo BS18LTX. Once you try it, you will never question your decision.

1/4" impact driver, why bother?

1/2" impact gun I have a 15 or so year old IR2131. If I was to buy a new gun, I would go with the Snap-On MG725.

bob

 

[Big-Foot]

Do yourself a HUGE favor and look into the Makita LXT series tools..

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=152106&highlight=Makita+lxt

 

[chadster1]

Outside of Snap-on, I would have to recommend milwaukee. I have had issues with Makita batteries and their service center in the Dallas area *****.

 

[Big-Foot]

Outside of Snap-on, I would have to recommend milwaukee. I have had issues with Makita batteries and their service center in the Dallas area *****.

Where those Makita batteries the LXT Lithium Ion ones that you had issues with?
If so, you're the very first person I've ever heard ths from...

 

[BrokewrenchLS1]

1/4" impact driver, why bother?

1/4" impacts are great for non-automotive stuff like driving lag bolts, deck screws, anything like that. Basically any high-torque situation you'd use a regular screw gun in, you use the impact instead. Makes things a lot easier. Since I don't have air tools, I've also used mine to pull car stuff that has a lot of small bolts (transmission pans as an example).

 

[BD1]

Here's Amazon 20 volt with the discount,no , tax, free ship.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052MIIAK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[woody 73]

Wow sounds like you are getting some very good information, so I will not leave you with any brand name instead I will leave you with a good tip:


Whatever you decide stick with that same brand because down the road it gets confusing and expensive buying all the different chargers and attachments that go with different companies.

Sign me been there done that!

 

[theoldwizard1]

Been looking over new Dewalt 20V Max line w/Lithium-Ion batteries.

Overkill for DIY. Stick with DeWalt 18V. They have combo sales all of the time, especially with Father's Day coming up !

P.S. Skip the drill/driver, just get a regular drill. Especially if you are going to get a 1/4" hex driver. Spend some extra bucks and get impact driver bits, at least 2" long.

P.P.S. The little DeWalt panel circular saw is really nice, once you put a carbide blade on it.

 

[justin85]

Milwaukee M18 line, would not consider anything else besides Bosch.

I use DeWalt 18v & 36v sets at work regularly... I'd rather use my Milwaukee tools any day.

 

[BullfrogJohnson]

I have owned dewalt and makita. Too many battery issues out of the dewalt. The makita was not bad just didnt seem as strong the older it got. I bought a milwaukee 18v drill driver/impact driver combo from northern, and I will never own another brand. The milwaukee has balls and is tough as nails. I use them daily working on heavy equipment and they get beat hard.

 

[tenorplayer23]

Amazon is goo, but unfortunately they caved to NY State and charge tax here......therefore +8%. FYI, others online, ie. Tool Plus don't. BTW, they all seem to have the Dewalt discounts going on.

Thanks.

See ya,

Here's Amazon 20 volt with the discount,no , tax, free ship.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0052MIIAK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tenorplayer23]

For sure!!!

Wow sounds like you are getting some very good information, so I will not leave you with any brand name instead I will leave you with a good tip:


Whatever you decide stick with that same brand because down the road it gets confusing and expensive buying all the different chargers and attachments that go with different companies.

Sign me been there done that!

 

[tenorplayer23]

Why? Ergonomics? Battery life? Power? Durability?? Thanks for the additional info.

See ya,

Milwaukee M18 line, would not consider anything else besides Bosch.

I use DeWalt 18v & 36v sets at work regularly... I'd rather use my Milwaukee tools any day.

 

[tenorplayer23]

I agree....absolutely. Thanks.

See ya,

1/4" impacts are great for non-automotive stuff like driving lag bolts, deck screws, anything like that. Basically any high-torque situation you'd use a regular screw gun in, you use the impact instead. Makes things a lot easier. Since I don't have air tools, I've also used mine to pull car stuff that has a lot of small bolts (transmission pans as an example).

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

i had a 14.4 dewalt xrp drill. i loverd it but the batterys are to much. for the price of a dewalt battery u can almost get another new but cheaper drill combo kit. if i would have had multiple dewalt tools i would have judt got batteries but i got the porter cable kit. loove the 1/4 in impact, those are awsome but i wish they made a 1/2 in impact. if i were u i would consider the 18 volt range because they r most popular and u can find othe add on tools, replacement chargers or aditonal batteries cheap.

 

[bigbarf48]

I absolutely love my dewalt 20v tools. The 1/4 impact driver has performed flawlessly. That little thing'll spin 110 ft/lb lug nuts right off

Im looking to get the new compact 1/2 impact wrench when its available

 

[tenorplayer23]

What else do you have in the Dewalt 20V Max line?

BTW, how do you get a socket big enough for the 1/4" drive to spin off a lug nut??

Thanks.

See ya,

I absolutely love my dewalt 20v tools. The 1/4 impact driver has performed flawlessly. That little thing'll spin 110 ft/lb lug nuts right off

Im looking to get the new compact 1/2 impact wrench when its available

 

[shoturtle]

If you are not using it professionally I would get the craftsman 19v stuff. Batteries are allot less expensive then dewalt. If you are looking for high end. Dewalt is nice, but I like the makita especially the made in japan models.

I personally use Bosch,

 

[dodge610]

Go with the craftsman C3 system lots of different attachments. I love mine I have the drill driver,handlight,impact,magnetlight that you can angle, My newest is the hedge trimmers used them first time this season. They are awsome no more cut ext. cords for me. I have the ni cad batteries and they seem to hold up well mine are 2 years old still goin strong. Also purchased the quad charger so I always have a fresh battery its great. Almost forgot to mention the am/fm/weather radio looks great and sounds great. Keeps me up on the weather too.

 

[Burgerkong]

Bosch user as well, liked the balance and size of it.

 

[Big Johnson]

I personally have used Dewalt and been very pleased, can't go wrong with them. I have the Craftsman(China)Corded Impact that has 350 ft/lbs for $109 on sale; I use it with an converter hooked up to my car batt. when Im on the go. Dewalt is 345 ft/lbs. I also have the Craftsman Lion Cordless 1/2 impact 250 ft/lbs on sale for $89; it has not yet failed me(loosening lugs, even crankshaft bolts). Im definately getting the IngersollRand 1/2 Lion Ion(China) when I get the funds though.

 

[2JZGTESC300]

A recommendation that I would recommend for the 1/2'' Impact Wrench would be from Snap On. Snap On has a 1/2'' Impact Wrench that works very well. So well, that I've purchased another one to just keep around. (Not using it, just to keep and store away).

The first set comes with the 1/2'' Impact Wrench, two 18 Volts Rechargeable Batteries, 20 minutes super fast charger (you can charge Snap On 14.4 Volts Rechargeable Batteries as well), and a Projective Boot.

It's on sale for $435.00 right now from Snap On website.

I've used the gun on lots of tight bolts such as lug nuts on wheels and various harmonic pulleys removable. A tool that's worth keeping double!

If you're into the 3/8'' Impact Wrench, Snap On makes a 14.4 Volts one that is awesome. I also have this as well, very useful daily!

 

[shoturtle]

If you are looking to grow your cordless tools down the line for home owner and diy, the snap on just do not have the offering of saws and other items that makita, dewalt, bosch, hitachi, milwaukee and craftsman has. So you need other tools the snap on does not offer, you will have to have a completely different set of batteries and charges.

 

[tenorplayer23]

Thanks.....good perspective.

If you are looking to grow your cordless tools down the line for home owner and diy, the snap on just do not have the offering of saws and other items that makita, dewalt, bosch, hitachi, milwaukee and craftsman has. So you need other tools the snap on does not offer, you will have to have a completely different set of batteries and charges.

 

[tenorplayer23]

A lot of Craftsman recommendations......clearly price point is to their advantage. How about Milwaukee......found a great price on an M18v combo kit (1/4" impact plus 1/2" drill/driver...two L-i batteries etc. = $199 plus tax).

Like the Craftsman idea because of price and availability. Also, Consumer Reports likes their drill/driver (point of reference). The Milwaukee stuff is built very well and I like the 5 yr. warranty...seems like it's warranted against everything but throwing the wrenches etc. again the wall. BTW, a bare tool cordless 1/2" impact wrench is just $163.....

What do you think??

Thanks in advance. See ya,

If you are not using it professionally I would get the craftsman 19v stuff. Batteries are allot less expensive then dewalt. If you are looking for high end. Dewalt is nice, but I like the makita especially the made in japan models.

I personally use Bosch,

Go with the craftsman C3 system lots of different attachments. I love mine I have the drill driver,handlight,impact,magnetlight that you can angle, My newest is the hedge trimmers used them first time this season. They are awsome no more cut ext. cords for me. I have the ni cad batteries and they seem to hold up well mine are 2 years old still goin strong. Also purchased the quad charger so I always have a fresh battery its great. Almost forgot to mention the am/fm/weather radio looks great and sounds great. Keeps me up on the weather too.

 

[ckadams00]

Picked this set up at HD when it was on sale for $189 (keep your eyes peeled, it's Father's Day . . .). I was going for the 12v Dewalt L-ion because I really liked the small size, but for the same price got the 18v Makita. Have used it a lot in the past couple of weeks and LOVE it. Batteries hold a good charge and recharge quickly, I had never had an impact driver before and don't know how I got along without it. HD had a nice little Makita impact bit set with it for 1/2 off for only $9 - glad I picked this up as well.

I don't know how you can beat this 18v kit for less than $200?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000V2DSE2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rslaback]

I have had very good luck with the Ridgid 18v line of tools. If you happen to have a Direct Tools Outlet near you they sell a lot of Ridgid refurbs. If not you can also get them direct from Ridgid here: http://www.cpoprotools.com/

 

[shoturtle]

A lot of Craftsman recommendations......clearly price point is to their advantage. How about Milwaukee......found a great price on an M18v combo kit (1/4" impact plus 1/2" drill/driver...two L-i batteries etc. = $199 plus tax).

Like the Craftsman idea because of price and availability. Also, Consumer Reports likes their drill/driver (point of reference). The Milwaukee stuff is built very well and I like the 5 yr. warranty...seems like it's warranted against everything but throwing the wrenches etc. again the wall. BTW, a bare tool cordless 1/2" impact wrench is just $163.....

What do you think??

Thanks in advance. See ya,

The Milwaukee are good tools, but batteries are quite expensive if you grow your tools and need additional or need replacements. As adding a bear tool is only 140 dollars, but batteries are like 80 dollars.

For what you get with the craftsman c3 line, you get a good tool at a great price point.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

dosnt the craftsman only like 200ftlb on the impact? that would be my only issue with craftsman c3 line

 

[shoturtle]

For diy and home owner 200ft of torque is plenty. It will do wheel lugs all day long. And unless you are getting the high end impact driver, the Milwaukee bundle come with a 2200in/pound 1/2 driver giving you 190ft/lb of torque. Same with the bundle dewalt and other brands. So if you need 400+ ft/lb of torque, you are looking at 400 dollar range for a impact driver.

 

[betcd]

if you are a diy'er i would go ryobi power tools i know have a bad wrap of the years but i couple of years ago i needed a cordless kit and i was short on money so i brought it i do not any trouble with them other then a bad battery that the HD swapped out with no problem. They have a lot of options when it comes to the tools and you can use the old or new style of batteries with any of the tools. The funny fact i found out is that Milwaukee power tools are made by the same company that makes ryobi power tools now a days.

 

[franzdom]

May want to rethink 1/2" & 1/4" with the same battery. The dewalt 1/4" impact with 12v Lion and the Milwaukee 18V LiIon 1/2" impact are in my box, I love both. If I was to do it all over again I may just get 20V DeWalt items, but I do love how light the 12V stuff is too.