Entry level cordless tools

[mbarth712]

I am looking into getting into woodworking in the near future. Whats a good entry level cordless tool or combo? I have a dewalt 18 volt drill and circular saw combo. I've been looking at a drill/driver combo. I'm confused there's so many choices and looking for suggestions I've looked at Milwaukee, I also saw home depot had a makita impact for 99 bucks. It'd mostly be used as a diyer. Thanks for the help

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[JazzBlueRT]

Stick with what you got and expand.

 

[jd_1138]

Stuff you have now is Ni-Cad? Can't really go wrong with any of the main brands -- DeWalt (USA owned and mostly made, if that matters to you), Makita, Milwaukee. Any of these new lithium tools by those 3 makers will be fine.

They're just a little bit more than Porter-Cable, Black and Decker, Ryobi, so I'd probably stick to DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee. But Ryobi does have a nice and large selection of tools at great prices. Also check CL and OfferUp for larger woodworking tools. I just bought a nice Delta 10" table saw for a whopping $30.

Also, keep what you have even if the ni-cads don't work with the newer lithium stuff. Nothing wrong with being on 2 battery platforms. A new lithium impact driver will be a great addition.

 

[mbarth712]

Let me expand what I have. I have a 10 inch non sliding miter saw. 10 inch Delta table saw. Nicad dewalts. I'm interested in Milwaukee whats recommended m12 or m18?

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[deberly12]

Milwaukee will not let you down. The big thing with Milwaukee is they have several different models for most of the tools. I think there are at least 5 different drills just in M18. ( Compact, hammer, compact brushless, fuel compact, and fuel hammer.... maybe more)

I would start with m18. I don't personally have much experience with the m12 but I hear some of them are underpowered for heavy diy work. They are a lightweight and small and would be awesome if you were drilling 1/8 pilot holes. But a 1/2 inch (or something bigger) they might struggle for.

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[ocloc24]

Buy a kit that includes a dual charger(most do) and it's really up to what you want. Most things are offered in both m12 and m18 but obviously the m18 is generally more powerful. By quit a bit in most instances. If you aren't worried about power, the smaller m12 drills and drivers are a little more affordable and are still pretty tough. M18 line is pretty much top of the line. Many of their m18 offerings outperform what other brands offer. All of their tools are great though.

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[jd_1138]

Let me expand what I have. I have a 10 inch non sliding miter saw. 10 inch Delta table saw. Nicad dewalts. I'm interested in Milwaukee whats recommended m12 or m18?

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I'd go with M18, as the stuff will be more powerful so you can use it for more jobs. 12 volt stuff is nice to have, but its chief advantage is lighter weight and smaller size, so it really shines for professional use for someone using their tools day in/out for hours a day. A pro will have both 12 and 18/20 volts. The 12 will be less tiring to use for long jobs where the extra power of the 18/20 volts isn't really needed.

 

[mbarth712]

Ok m18 drill driver combos are expensive. Anything anyone recommends for around 150? Like I said I have a drill would I be better served just buying a 99 dollar makita impact that home depot has on sale now?

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[General Geoff]

Ryobi 18v ONE+ is the best entry level cordless tool brand, they might not be the most powerful or always have the latest technology (sometimes they do), but they are good value for the money and all the tools run on a single battery platform.

 

[kctyphoon]

Your best bet for cordless these days is Milwaukee. Dewalt nicad tools are what 15, 20 years old now? ALOT has changed..

You should look at it like this, whatever you buy, can and likely will be working for you for the next 10 years or more if they are home tools. Buy something good. Find a better system, with better choices, and better deals than Milwaukee and then MAYBE you can create a thread on the forum with a bigger following that will be more active than the Milwaukee thread on here.. Personally, I doubt you will.

 

[racintj]

Check out the Ridgid Gen5X drill and impact combo. It's in your price range. $159 from Home Depot. Register them after purchase and they have lifetime guarantee, including batteries.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-X...mpact-Driver-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-R9602/205762719

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[joseywales]

If you want to stay within one line (brand) of tool, then look at their entire line to see if they offer what you want. Sounds like hobby/DIY, so any of the brands at HD or Lowes will do you fine. Ryobi has the most extensive line of tools (I believe) and they had odd items, like a hybrid pump and air compressor, both of which I was looking for.

Lots of choices and for your needs. I probably wold have looked harder at Milwaukee and Ridgid, but the Ryobi day deals, which I had ignored for a while, finally sucked me. I've only used the Ryobi 18GA nailer thus far, but am happy with it.

 

[ocloc24]

I know diy guys tend to look at dollar amounts. But why spend a hundred on something you are just settling on, when you can hold off a few weeks and just get something you have full confidence will not only last but perform great. Some tools you can skimp on but with how much use you put on a drill and driver, it's something you're going to have in your hands a lot. Buy once, cry once. The price difference isn't that huge either.

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[mbarth712]

Well I just saw on home depot they have an m18 drill/driver combo kit for 169 I'll probably end up going that route unless I can find an m12 combo kit for 99

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[PelicanPines]

I was a Dewalt 14.4 and 18v DIY'er

I got a Dewalt 20v drill driver... also got the adapter to use my 20v lithium ion batteries on my 18v tools

I sold my 14.4v Dewalt tools...

When I have future tool needs... I have and will be buying Milwaukee...

SO... my advice... pick a manufacturer that makes a WIDE range of tools in a "lithium ion" platform...

 

[jd_1138]

Well I just saw on home depot they have an m18 drill/driver combo kit for 169 I'll probably end up going that route unless I can find an m12 combo kit for 99

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http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Drill-Driver-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-with-Free-Battery-2691-22P/300833655

This is a great deal, too. For $30 more, they toss in an extra battery that would normally cost $70. This would pretty much set you up on batteries, and then you can just buy bare tools in the future. There are a lot of good deals on bare tools on ebay, CPO, etc..

 

[ocloc24]

Well I just saw on home depot they have an m18 drill/driver combo kit for 169 I'll probably end up going that route unless I can find an m12 combo kit for 99

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That's the set I got when I started buying milwaukee. They aren't the "Fuel" versions but honestly for all my needs it's been more than enough. Other tools I feel are better in Fuel but in terms of power with these two it's not a big difference, not enough for me to justify the extra money. If you ever do end up buying an impact wrench in 3/8 or 1/2 definitely go Fuel though. They're about twice as strong as the non fuel.

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[engineer2]

Keep you non-slider miter saw if you are doing furniture. I find them to be more precise than sliders.

 

[Rarified27]

I would start with m18. I don't personally have much experience with the m12 but I hear some of them are underpowered for heavy diy work. They are a lightweight and small and would be awesome if you were drilling 1/8 pilot holes. But a 1/2 inch (or something bigger) they might struggle for.

I suppose everyone would define "heavy" differently, but I have the 1/2" M12, which I've used to drill through everything from dense wood to concrete. Sure, M18 would be better, but I've had no worries about the M12's ability to complete the job or the time it took. I've even used it to go through the block walls at work to hang everything from shelves to speakers.

The M12 impact I have is probably the most impressive of all in the line.

 

[trekgod3]

I just did a video on the Harbor Freight one

Here's a link in you want to see it
Hey if anyone's interested
In the new harbor freight cordless impact I did a video on it on youtube... I don't see how they think they compare to Snap-on lmao here's a link... By the way it was my first video so take it easy on me
https://youtu.be/ignJH38

You've posted this same post at least 7 times in different threads. Stop the spam

 

[PelicanPines]

Skip an off brand... stick with

Milwaukee,
Dewalt,
Makita,
Ridgid...

They will be around ... others like Harbor Freight may not be around... well HF will be around... their cordless tools may not...

 

[DerekV]

You've posted this same post at least 7 times in different threads. Stop the spam

You beat me to it.

Oso, if people want to watch your video, they will.

 

[mbarth712]

I also forgot to mention I have a radial arm saw as well. I almost went and bought a sliding miter saw but I don't feel like I really have the need right now. I have contemplated picking up a used dewalts 12 inch miter someone has on CL for 100 bucks

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[mbarth712]

Is it worth it going to like CPO and buying reconditioned tools or is it not worth the money saved?

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[ptgarcia]

Is it worth it going to like CPO and buying reconditioned tools or is it not worth the money saved?

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Yes, it's worth it. The reconditioned tools typically carry the same warranty as a new one. Everything I have bought that was reconditioned looked and worked like new.

 

[emort007]

I've used Ryobi One + tools since their introduction and almost 20 years later with almost daily use and abuse, I'd say they have FAR exceeded my expectations and could easily be considered pro grade. I've dropped them, left them out in the rain, abused them to no end asking them to do things they were not designed for and to date, I've only had two fail. my original blue drill finally had a trigger failure, and my original blue impact driver died from the same.

I own about 18 Ryobi one tools right now, with everything from drills, saws, inflators, chainsaws, blowers, weed eaters, stapler, disc grinder, and on and on.

I'd say that with the exception of one of the old blue dust buster type vacuums, I've been pleased by the quality and performance of each of them.

Try them out and you won't be disappointed. Just be warned, they make about 70 different tools for the One + system now and it can become an addiction as you keep adding tools to your collection!

 

[tarbellb]

Yes, it's worth it. The reconditioned tools typically carry the same warranty as a new one. Everything I have bought that was reconditioned looked and worked like new.

NOT true. Typically Refurb tools have a shorter or no warranty at all. Milwaukee is 1yr vs 5yr for example.

Im not saying Refurbs arent worth buying, many of my first tools were.

CPO has some great deals and sales, so does Bigskytool.com.

M12 Fuel is plenty for a homeowner...

 

[VintageOkieDriver]

I don't know if considered entry level or not but I love my Bosch 3/8" and 1/2" drill/drill guns. The batteries seem to last a long time! Power is more than adequate for my needs.

 

[mbarth712]

I have no brand loyalty I was seeing i could get the ryobi one for a little over a hundred dollars. I just want the best bang for my buck. If it helps my first project will be an assembly table and I do use pocket holes so having a combo kit would really help me

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[lbhsbz]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the name brand stuff...except Ridgid...I can't stand their customer dis-service dept.

For years, the only battery tools I had was a 3/8" impact wrench and a drill...both were getting tired. I looked at Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, and Ryobi. I looked at all the stuff that they offered, and decided what I might need or want now or in the future that runs off of a battery. Makita didn't seem to have a 3/8 or 1/2" drive impact to compete with Dewalt and Milwaukee, and Ryobi didn't either. Dewalt was less expensive than Milwaukee, and plenty good enough for what I'm doing with it. I would see who has the product range that best suits your needs, and buy the system from the least expensive brand that can satisfy that.

I ended up with the 20V MAX weed wacker, blower, shop vac, flash light, impact driver, drill, recip saw, circular saw, 1/2" XR impact and a few extra batteries for under $900. I'm amazed at how much more little projects get done when I can just grab a tool instead of dealing with a cord...I hate cords.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

My vote is for Milwaukee. I've got M18 at both home and work, and I may add some M12 stuff at work for smaller jobs. All are great quality, but some single tools get pricey.

But if you're looking to get a lot of tools for a lower price, Ryobi is a great way to go. Extra tools are cheaper, and good quality for DIY'ers.

 

[chrismenke]

I think Ryobi is a great deal for homeowner level projects and are priced very very competitively.

Sometimes, instead of buying more batteries I'll buy another starter kit with 2 batteries and a charger and a drill and a saw and a impact driver and a flashlight and a sawzall for not much more.

They're not built to stand up to full duty cycle pro use, but they've certainly been good for my home projects and I'm doing some pretty serious work with them across a bunch of vehicles and a few properties.

 

[ShumanSS6.0]

Don't forget to check out Hitachi as well. Had my set for 5+ years as DIY use and just recently upgraded to a 3.0 slim lithium ion battery from one of the first that finally died.

 

[CKS1955]

Don't forget to check out Hitachi as well. Had my set for 5+ years as DIY use and just recently upgraded to a 3.0 slim lithium ion battery from one of the first that finally died.

I really like my Hitachi as well. It replaced an 18-volt DeWalt. The Hitachi gets a lot of use and the batteries have held up great.

Jay

 

[mbarth712]

I've narrowed it down to a few choices. Home depot has a m18 drill with a flashlight combo for 89 bucks. Also have ryobi combo kit with drill, light, sawzall, circular saw or ryobi drill/driver. Both ryobis are 129 dollars don't know which one to go with

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[risc]

The Ryobi circular saw is worthless, it can barely cut a 2x4. It's the only Ryobi tool I haven't been impressed with for the money.

 

[PugetDude]

The Ryobi circular saw is worthless, it can barely cut a 2x4. It's the only Ryobi tool I haven't been impressed with for the money.

Put a good thin kerf carbide blade in it. I framed out my recent basement remodel with mine- with only one battery change.

 

[PugetDude]

I've used Ryobi One + tools since their introduction and almost 20 years later with almost daily use and abuse, I'd say they have FAR exceeded my expectations and could easily be considered pro grade. I've dropped them, left them out in the rain, abused them to no end asking them to do things they were not designed for and to date, I've only had two fail. my original blue drill finally had a trigger failure, and my original blue impact driver died from the same.

I own about 18 Ryobi one tools right now, with everything from drills, saws, inflators, chainsaws, blowers, weed eaters, stapler, disc grinder, and on and on.

I'd say that with the exception of one of the old blue dust buster type vacuums, I've been pleased by the quality and performance of each of them.

Try them out and you won't be disappointed. Just be warned, they make about 70 different tools for the One + system now and it can become an addiction as you keep adding tools to your collection!

^^My experience exactly.^^^

 

[JohnDeere1]

Makita all the way I bought my white 18v 1/2 hammer drill and 1/4 impact driver with case and matching light and 2 batteries for $40 off Craigslist, snatched that **** up!

Anyways they have performed great and with the quick charger they charge within 15 min for me and I dig the little tune it makes to tell you it's charged plus you can change it.
Makita invented the cordless drill even the lithium powered , go with the originator.

If it's too much go with the black and Decker 18v or whatever lithium from Wal-Mart it's like 40 for the kit and is a nice setup for the money my MIL has one as well as brother has 2 and had them for years.

 

[BikerDad]

Let me expand what I have. I have a 10 inch non sliding miter saw. 10 inch Delta table saw. Nicad dewalts. I'm interested in Milwaukee whats recommended m12 or m18?

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For WOODWORKING, the M12 is more useful, but. M12 Fuel can do 90% of what the M18 can do, the question is whether or not you'll run into that other 10%. Of course, the Fuel (brushless motors) is more expensive than the brushed tools.

Why is it more useful? Because working in small spaces is more important than big power with most woodworking.

In reality, any of the Big 4 (Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee) will do ya fine, although if I were looking at 12v I'd focus on Milwaukee and Bosch. (Full disclosure: I have Bosch 12v and DeWalt 20vMax, no Milwaukee cordless. I have been so pleased with the Bosch 12v that I just upgraded my drill/driver from the original brushed motor model to the new brushless motor version.)