I really tried to keep at 2 cordless brands

[FTWingRiders]

I tried really hard.. I did. I started with Craftsman 19.2 years ago, and have quite a few pieces.. Then the Milwaukee caught my eye.. first the 12v then the 18v.. But then Makita tempted me, and I fell for teal hard.

So the craftsman fell to the wayside, relegated to the bottom drawer, except for two. The 5-1/2” Corner Cat sander, I loved how it worked, easy to gab and use with one hand, and the 18g brad nailer, which finally gave up the ghost.. I’ve decided on the Milwaukee nailer, but I’ve waited for a similar sander from either, but nothing. Milwaukee has a small detail sander, it’s nice, the small head gets into tight spots, but I miss the 5-1/2” size on the 19.2.

I’ve been planning on selling all the 19.2, most of it is like new.. so checking the new Craftsman 20v and I see they have the same corner sander, with some nice upgrades.. replaceable sanding tips and multiple speed. So I find myself at Lowe’s picking up the sander with a battery/charger set. Not sure they really have anything else I’d want that the other two don’t have.. sigh.. So 3 brands it is..

Oh well…

 

[rancherbill]

I am starting down that slippery slope. I have Makita and have bought several Ryobi. At this point I have been using battery adapters so I don't get into new batteries.

I feel your pain I have had 12v Ryobi, 12v Makita, 18v Hitachi and they are all gone.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

You can’t have too many battery platforms for tools. This is Garage Journal lol . Whatever works for you. Milwaukee and Makita are the ones I’d hang onto though if the Craftsman is working for you then that’s good too. As long as you avoid that yellow brand haha.

 

[cgrutt]

I still have a bunch of Makita 7.2v somewhere. Bosch, Porter-Cable, older Milwaukee. Current platform is Milwaukee M18 with a few M12s. Life is short go with what makes you happy.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Using Dewalt and Makita for power tools, corded and cordless, mostly for home renovations. I like these brands since we take on serious projects.

 

[Jsf721]

I was mikwaukee and purchased some Ryobi kits and they are good for me. The Milwaukee hammer drill is my go to for HD stuff.

 

[sumobro1]

When I got started as a race mech most of the race rigs were carrying Makita and so I followed suit so I could always snag a battery or charger when I needed. The old guys raved about the trigger feel and overall quality of the tools. They were right the sensitivity and feel I get from the tools makes it an extension of my fingers. 15 years later I still love teal tools.

 

[FTWingRiders]

When I got started as a race mech most of the race rigs were carrying Makita and so I followed suit so I could always snag a battery or charger when I needed. The old guys raved about the trigger feel and overall quality of the tools. They were right the sensitivity and feel I get from the tools makes it an extension of my fingers. 15 years later I still love teal tools.

I agree.. something about the Makita.. fit and finish.. definitely my favorite tool brand, There an independent tool store close by that’s a Makita Pro Center that always has a ton in stock, with great sales also. It’s a dangerous place to walk into with a Credit card in your pocket. Lol

 

[klassenl]

I have lots of Makita in the work van. The other guys I work with have DeWalt and Milwaukee. Im trying my best to stay with one battery system. It's hard when the other guys bring out nice stuff that Makita doesn't make.

 

[Jr5]

Same here. I’ve got all Milwaukee 12/18v Fuel EXEPT for my Festool installation driver/drill. I use it for small/fine work. I didn’t care about having more than one battery platform.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I prefer corded since all my work is for my home and vehicles, not doing it for a living. Nice to have redundancy, corded, cordless, air, and manual tools, not worrying about battery system. Also have a portable generator and gasoline just in case the grid goes down for awhile, need to charge batteries as well.

 

[Wiz02]

I switched from a first gen Dewalt hammer drill to Milwaukee m18 after all ķinds of research. I look at it the same as being married, much easier and cheaper to stick with just one

 

[FTWingRiders]

I have lots of Makita in the work van. The other guys I work with have DeWalt and Milwaukee. Im trying my best to stay with one battery system. It's hard when the other guys bring out nice stuff that Makita doesn't make.

I just have to accept that some platforms have certain tools that are just better than others and it’s better to have the right tool for you than sacrificing what’s right for you just to be brand loyal.
I guess it’s my trying to streamline, and get rid of repetitive tools and excessive stuff in my shop.. besides a touch of OCD..
At least the Craftsman’s Red/black scheme blends in with the Milwaukee.. 3 different colors schemes would push me over the way..

 

[finn]

I just counted mine: a total of 12 tool platforms and 4 lawn equipment battery platforms have passed though my hands since I received my first Black and Decker cordless drill of unknown voltage over thirty years ago. Of those, only two are completely gone, that original B&D drill, which I wore out, and the Firestorm set, which was obsolete when I bought it.
I still have a couple of 9.6 volt Craftsman drills that are at least 25 years old that need the battery packs rebuilt again, something that’s not high on the priority list since they’ve bee only backup tools for over fifteen years.

The Ryobi hedge trimmer will probably go when I clean the shed since it’s an obsolete platform with bad batteries and we don’t have a hedge to trim anymore.

The fifteen year old Dewalt 18v NiCad drill is running on 20 v lithium batteries now, with an adapter, so that brings the active platforms down to nine tool, plus three trimmers. Of the twelve, eleven are still in active use, and the 9.6 v Craftsman is awaiting a decision on wether to do a couple of battery rebuilds.

The next acquisition will add another platform though, unless I go for gasoline power. I need a paddle broom of some sort to clean the driveway gravel off the lawn (snow plowing aftermath when your helpful neighbor does you a favor) , and, assuming I go battery, the choices are Makita, Husqvarna, or Stihl. A battery combi tool would get me into the paddle broom, a battery pole saw to replace my gas unit, and a battery trimmer to replace the Stihl gas trimmer at the shop.

Obviously, I don’t feel that having multiple platforms is really an issue. I have multiple locations, ie the house, shed, garage, and shop in Mi., plus a house in Az., all of which have battery tools. I tend to cluster the tools: the shop has Dewalt 12, 20, and 60v ( Flexvolt) that all can use one charger, plus the Milwaukee 12 and 18v, again using a common charger, plus 18v Bosch. That’s three chargers that cover probably over a dozen tools.
The oddballs like the old 10.2 v Dremel and 18v Skill drill are in Az, along with a 20v Dewalt blower. It’s not worth replacing the Skill drill or Dremel with new tools just to commonize platforms. Those tools are fifteen to twenty years old and are only used occasionally.

 

[dnschmidt]

Well, if we're going to play "Can You Top This" I'm ready to throw down. Milwaukee M12 and M18, Makita 18V, Dewalt 20V, Metabo 12V, Bosch 12V and 18Volt, Ryobi 18V. I-R 12 Volt mini belt sander. YEA, TAKE THAT!!!

 

[jpaw]

I just counted mine: a total of 12 tool platforms and 4 lawn equipment battery platforms have passed though my hands since I received my first Black and Decker cordless drill of unknown voltage over thirty years ago. Of those, only two are completely gone, that original B&D drill, which I wore out, and the Firestorm set, which was obsolete when I bought it.
I still have a couple of 9.6 volt Craftsman drills that are at least 25 years old that need the battery packs rebuilt again, something that’s not high on the priority list since they’ve bee only backup tools for over fifteen years.

The Ryobi hedge trimmer will probably go when I clean the shed since it’s an obsolete platform with bad batteries and we don’t have a hedge to trim anymore.

The fifteen year old Dewalt 18v NiCad drill is running on 20 v lithium batteries now, with an adapter, so that brings the active platforms down to nine tool, plus three trimmers. Of the twelve, eleven are still in active use, and the 9.6 v Craftsman is awaiting a decision on wether to do a couple of battery rebuilds.

The next acquisition will add another platform though, unless I go for gasoline power. I need a paddle broom of some sort to clean the driveway gravel off the lawn (snow plowing aftermath when your helpful neighbor does you a favor) , and, assuming I go battery, the choices are Makita, Husqvarna, or Stihl. A battery combi tool would get me into the paddle broom, a battery pole saw to replace my gas unit, and a battery trimmer to replace the Stihl gas trimmer at the shop.

Obviously, I don’t feel that having multiple platforms is really an issue. I have multiple locations, ie the house, shed, garage, and shop in Mi., plus a house in Az., all of which have battery tools. I tend to cluster the tools: the shop has Dewalt 12, 20, and 60v ( Flexvolt) that all can use one charger, plus the Milwaukee 12 and 18v, again using a common charger, plus 18v Bosch. That’s three chargers that cover probably over a dozen tools.
The oddballs like the old 10.2 v Dremel and 18v Skill drill are in Az, along with a 20v Dewalt blower. It’s not worth replacing the Skill drill or Dremel with new tools just to commonize platforms. Those tools are fifteen to twenty years old and are only used occasionally.

I think Echo, Milwaukee, and Ego all make paddle sweepers too. I got sucked into Toro 60v yard tools. I have a polesaw, blower and weed trimmer that I like. Wouldn't mind the chainsaw but with 4 gas saws, the Toro polesaw along with an electric one I don't need it.
I'm not sure if the have a paddle attachment yet.

 

[finn]

Well, if we're going to play "Can You Top This" I'm ready to throw down. Milwaukee M12 and M18, Makita 18V, Dewalt 20V, Metabo 12V, Bosch 12V and 18Volt, Ryobi 18V. I-R 12 Volt mini belt sander. YEA, TAKE THAT!!!

I think the point is that it’s silly to stress over minimizing the number of platforms, because, over time, suppliers come and go, technology changes, platforms are obsoleted, and new designs are introduced..

Life’s not static.

 

[oldwino]

I’ve done pretty well holding down battery platforms to Milwaulkee 18v, and old SnapOn 18v (hardly ever used an more). Of course while looking at multi-tools found a yellow one with charger and single battery for $60 So I guess I’m up to 3

 

[FTWingRiders]

The next acquisition will add another platform though, unless I go for gasoline power. I need a paddle broom of some sort to clean the driveway gravel off the lawn (snow plowing aftermath when your helpful neighbor does you a favor) , and, assuming I go battery, the choices are Makita, Husqvarna, or Stihl. A battery combi tool would get me into the paddle broom, a battery pole saw to replace my gas unit, and a battery trimmer to replace the Stihl gas trimmer at the shop.

I only have experience with Makita 18v lawn, so I can't speak about others, but I'd assume a paddle broom would run down a battery pretty darn quick. I have the string trimmer, 36v blower and the 10" 18v and 14" 36v chainsaws. All work great with they're limitations and do all I ask from them, but battery life is measured in minutes. I have the Echo PAS gas system for heavier jobs.. the tiller, pole saw, string and blade trimmer and work great with only one head to worry about.. I've been looking at the Paddle broom also, but haven't had a job yet to justify it.. yet.. lol

 

[finn]

I think the point is that it’s silly to stress over minimizing the number of platforms, because, over time, suppliers come and go, technology changes, platforms are obsoleted, and new designs are introduced..

Life’s not static.

On the other hand, I decided on a Milwaukee M18 power head for last week’s outdoor power equipment and attachments, partly because it was cheaper than Oregon, Stihl, Husqvarna or Makita, and partly because I have other aM18 tools.

 

[mepstein]

I just stick to Milwaukee m12 & m18. Mostly because I can have a big supply of batteries no matter what I’m doing.

 

[dr_clyde]

I lost track how many platforms I have. 5 or 6 probably.

People put way too much stock in having everything match and interchange.

Just buy whatever tools you like. You won’t really be hindered at all unless you work out of a van or something and space is HYPER critical.

 

[mepstein]

I lost track how many platforms I have. 5 or 6 probably.

People put way too much stock in having everything match and interchange.

Just buy whatever tools you like. You won’t really be hindered at all unless you work out of a van or something and space is HYPER critical.

Until you have a big job and need a half dozen batteries for a blower, chainsaw, lawn mower, etc. It’s also nice to have small, medium, large batteries. It doesn’t make a big difference on a workbench but start putting up a ceiling of sheet rock and a bunch of smaller batteries is nicer on your shoulders.

But I am of the opinion that whatever works for you is the right choice.

 

[dr_clyde]

Until you have a big job and need a half dozen batteries for a blower, chainsaw, lawn mower, etc. It’s also nice to have small, medium, large batteries. It doesn’t make a big difference on a workbench but start putting up a ceiling of sheet rock and a bunch of smaller batteries is nicer on your shoulders.

But I am of the opinion that whatever works for you is the right choice.

I mean, there is obviously a benefit to having one battery style, but the reality is no one brand makes everything or the best examples of certain things.

The choice you have to make is put up with mediocre tools in some instances and have one battery or buy the tool you like for each job and tolerance having more platforms.

I like Metabo grinders and drills, so that’s what I have for those.

I have a lot of Milwaukee because Metabo doesn’t make a lot of what Milwaukee does. I have M18 and M12 because they have benefits to being big or small. My big chainsaw battery doesn’t fit in the drill, but that’s ok.

I have some Makita stuff that dust keeps working, so we’ll still use it until we can’t.

I have Bosch at home because it was on sale and I rarely use cordless tools at home.

If tomorrow I needed to run a job with a special tool that had its own battery system I didn’t have and was noticeably better than a brand I already own, I’d be happy to get the best version.

The general attitude here is that you’re locked in forever to whatever color you buy and can’t ever change. Simply not true. Same with corded tools. Just because a cordless version exists doesn’t mean you have to buy it. Sometimes it’s fine to roll out a cord for the once a year time you use a hole hawg or whatever

If you like Dewalt drills, Milwaukee impacts, Festool saws, and Metabo grinders then go that route. If you care more about having all your batteries match than using the tool you prefer, go that route.

 

[Skellyii]

A company I left in 1996 used Makita exclusively, so I was a Makita guy for quite a few years. I had a buddy that worked in the HQ of a regional Lumber store that would get sample tools and grab various brands of cordless stuff for both of us...most of it turned out to be cr..p, but it was free. I did the B&D lawn stuff for a lot of years, I still love their string trimmers and hedge clippers and refuse to use other brands.

I finally ended up, somewhat by accident with Ryobi for drills, impacts, saws and other stuff. Too many free battery specials, and it works for my light/medium duty stuff. If I was a full time pro, I would probably lean towards Milwaukee or DeWalt.

 

[autobon7]

Very satisfied with my Bosch 18v tools but also have Milwaukee M12, some Milwaukee M18 (string trimmer with various attachments, inflator) and a few Kobalt 24v.

 

[cherokee]

I am fairly Milwaukee and have stuck with that. Several months ago I decided to find out why an old battery drill quit working. Turned out just a broken wire, so easy fix. Amazon for some new batteries and this old thing is back in service again.

Internet photo.



I am not sure why I keep using it, the thing is inferior in every single way, including use as a paperweight. But for some screwy "old time" reason I just grab it if it is a light to medium job. The power is not there, the thing is HUGE. It is slow even on the fast "speed". But it still works and it puts a smile on my face to use it.

Currently putting in a banister and it is the only drill being used. It just puts a smile on my face to use it.

 

[redmondjp]

I am fairly Milwaukee and have stuck with that. Several months ago I decided to find out why an old battery drill quit working. Turned out just a broken wire, so easy fix. Amazon for some new batteries and this old thing is back in service again.

Internet photo.



I am not sure why I keep using it, the thing is inferior in every single way, including use as a paperweight. But for some screwy "old time" reason I just grab it if it is a light to medium job. The power is not there, the thing is HUGE. It is slow even on the fast "speed". But it still works and it puts a smile on my face to use it.

Currently putting in a banister and it is the only drill being used. It just puts a smile on my face to use it.

Here's an idea that can keep a tool like this going after the battery is gone. This 9.6V Makita was my first battery tool platform back in the late 1980s (I still have a few of them but no longer in daily use). You can gut a battery, and connect a cord to the +/- terminals, notch the bottom of the handle for the cord to come through, and then connect the cord via some spring-clamp terminals to a 12VDC high-current power source (AKA your car battery). The right-angle version of the above Makita drill is very compact when compared to other platforms (such as my 18V ryobi), and this 12V adapter can be an easy way to periodically use a tool like that after its battery is forever dead.

 

[f121]

Makita 18v and m12 is the perfect combination.

There are some tools that tempt me to invest in another platform - the m18 mower with 12ah batteries, the snap on 14.4v 3/8 impact and led inspection light, the bosch palm router...but having a pile of batteries and being able to buy bare tools is so valuable.

 

[M635_Guy]

I think the point is that it’s silly to stress over minimizing the number of platforms, because, over time, suppliers come and go, technology changes, platforms are obsoleted, and new designs are introduced..

Life’s not static.

Meh - it's worth doing (to a degree) unless you only value the tool for its battery lifespan. One of the reasons I chose Milwaukee is their clear commitment to the M12/M18 platform (it doesn't hurt that they do a pretty good job across the board). I doped out for some reason and against my "don't buy house-brands for battery tools" rule I bought the Kobalt 80V blower/trimmer for my yard. They're just OK, and I have zero confidence that Lowe's will keep them around. You can hack a Greenworks 80V battery, but I really don't like that as a 'platform - I just want a company that's committed to the business. When the time came to replace my lawnmower, I went Ego because they feel like Milwaukee - they're extremely common with their battery platform and make good-to-excellent products. My mower rocks. I had an issue with my Kobalt trimmer and had a big project this weekend in the yard, so I grabbed the Ego trimmer. That thing is an absolute monster - very happy with it. I'm going to repair my Kobalt so I can use all the attachments I have (edger, pole saw, etc.) but if that's not possible, it's probably the end for the Kobalt blower too (supposed to be pretty awesome) and figure out the attachment scenario later.

Sorry - the point is that will leave me with two chargers in my garage - a Milwaukee and an Ego. It gives me three battery sets (M12/M18/Ego) that are interchangeable across multiple tools I use constantly and extra batteries when I need them (i.e. no orphan tools that will require me waiting for my only battery to charge). That kind of simplicity is what I like, and it's not requiring me to make any quality/performance concessions.