Looking for a good cordless "combo kit"

[TipsyMcStagger]

After spending my entire adult life living in apartments, I've finally got a house and I'm looking forward to getting started with some home improvement projects.

That said, I'd like to buy a good cordless kit (drill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, charger, batteries). I guess I'd want 18V or better.

Any recommendations?

TIA.

Tipsy

 

[rsanter]

if your going to work the hell out of them and can afford it
dewalt

the other one I have liked but they dont have as much power (but still good)
id ryobi

bob

 

[TipsyMcStagger]

if your going to work the hell out of them and can afford it
dewalt

the other one I have liked but they dont have as much power (but still good)
id ryobi

There's an 18V Ryobi kit for $150. And a Dewalt for $550.

Either the Dewalt is far superior, the Ryobi is junk, or the Ryobi is a steal!

Tipsy

 

[Indy_500]

what the other 2 said. If you can afford it/know you'll need it, get dewalt. If you will only use it once a week or less, then go the ryobi route. i have a ryobi 18 volt drill, and circular saw and love it.

 

[mdbeck1]

what the other 2 said. If you can afford it/know you'll need it, get dewalt. If you will only use it once a week or less, then go the ryobi route. i have a ryobi 18 volt drill, and circular saw and love it.

I've only owned the Ryobi ones but I originally had a set like the one pictured (the blue set). It seemed to work pretty good so eventually when the new Lithium batteries came out and they started the new lime green set I bought them. The Lithium batteries last at least twice as long and they work with the blue tools.

I use mine on the weekends but occassionally make them work VERY hard and have no real complaints. Buy the lithium batteries.

IMHO the reason the blue ones are so cheap is that the newer technology is out and they're trying to clean out inventory.

 

[mrb]

the ryobi stuff is a very good value for the money. If your livelyhood depends on it and you will be abusing the tools 5 days a week it would be a good idea to invest in a more expensive set, but for a homeowner doing random work around the house I dont think the ryobi will let you down.

 

[TipsyMcStagger]

... they started the new lime green set I bought them. The Lithium batteries last at least twice as long and they work with the blue tools.

I use mine on the weekends but occassionally make them work VERY hard and have no real complaints. Buy the lithium batteries.

By green set, I assume you mean these?

Tipsy

 

[IndyGarage]

I don't like 18v tool sets - it is not enough for a circular saw, and barely enough for a recip saw, and too much for a drill.

The ryobi 18V set I have is junk - with the exception of the drill, which is very good and the sabre saw, and the light. The Circular saw won't make a cross cut on 1/2 inch plywood on a charge - the chainsaw was totally useless, and the recip saw is pretty marginal, although you might get a few decent cuts out of it. I've used dewault 18's and Makita 18's and although better than Ryobi - still pretty much gutless.

If you are a heavy user, go to the Milwaukee V28, or the Dewault or Bosch 36 volts. I tried each of them and I picked V28's and couldn't be happier - corded power and endurance in a cordless tool - but you will do OK with any of them.

If you just want decent cordless tools for DIY projects, I'd seriously look at the small 12 volt kits. Bosch came out with the first ones about 5 years ago, and Milwaukee followed with their M12's a couple years ago. I also noticed Makita and a couple others are coming out iwth them.

These tools are much more easily handled and stored than the big 18's or the even bigger 28's and 36's. 12v is plenty for a drill and impactor. Milwaukee also makes a couple of really cool other tools for the M12 - a small recip saw called a Hacksall and an inspection camera, and many others. You don't get a full sized recip saw or a circular saw with these small tools, but those are where I would go ahead and buy the corded anway. The only other trade off is in battery life - they do have to be recharged more often than my bigger batteries - but it's no secret those batteries are much smaller an lighter weight, and there's plenty of juice for most home projects.

One other piece of advice: take a look at the complete lineup of tools that you can buy for that particular battery type, and buy from the manufacturer that has a line that fits your needs, rather than a single tool . For example in the comparison between Bosch and Milwaukee compact 12 volt tools, I find there are pretty similar in ergonomics, power and usefulness, however the extended line of tools for the two are both different.

 

[metal1313]

for a first time buyer/homeowner id recommend the ryobi kit, but also add in a corded drill, circular saw, and recip saw. the v28 stuff isnt cheap and unless your going to be working far from any power not worth it imo. hell you would be better off with corded tools and a small generator.

 

[hischj]

I bought a set from porter cable and love it. Lowes sells them for 180 and it has a drill recip saw and circular saw. Unbelievable value and quality

 

[porschedude996TT]

I bought several Dewalt 18v items. Then after having enough batteries, I started buying the tools bare of the battery on Amazon. Really, howmany cases, batteries, and chargers does one need. I would find a package that you know you will use all the tools and then buy the other items bare.

I never had great luck with Ryobi batteries.

 

[hischj]

I agree adding tools is the best way. I added a impact driver and feel I now have a well rounded set.

 

[IndyGarage]

for a first time buyer/homeowner id recommend the ryobi kit, but also add in a corded drill, circular saw, and recip saw. the v28 stuff isnt cheap and unless your going to be working far from any power not worth it imo. hell you would be better off with corded tools and a small generator.

No need for a corded drill these days. Unless you are drilling in rock or thicker plate steel, a good cordless can do everything a corded one can.

I would stick to a corded recip and circle saw unless you can go with at least the 28v kit.

You don't realize the V28 is good because you've never used them. I can have a corded tool sitting right beside the V28, and I'll still pick up the V28 almost every time - cheap tools are often more expensive in the long run. The only thing I don't like about the V28's is the price of the new batteries. They run about $150+.

Which is another very good reason to go to the 12V systems - batteries are much cheaper when you eventually need them.

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

I recommend this Craftsman 5 piece C3 combo kit froms Sears. I have a similiar kit I bought a few years ago. The tools have been awesome, they see regular use, and Im still on the original batteries. For a homeowner, you cant go wrong with this set:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00911445000P?

 

[boiler7904]

What's your budget?

If I was in the market for an 18V Lithium Ion kit, I'd be going with the Makita LXT702 7 piece set. Not only is it cheaper than the 6 piece right now at Coastal Tool, there is a promo for a free bare tool and 3rd battery by mail. Coastal is also showing $50 in gas cards. Hell, I'm not in the market for new tools and I almost pulled the trigger on this package. Couldn't justify it since I have more pressing tool needs at the moment.

Makita LXT702 at Coastal Tool

 

[Seven finger Joe]

I recommend this Craftsman 5 piece C3 combo kit froms Sears. I have a similiar kit I bought a few years ago. The tools have been awesome, they see regular use, and Im still on the original batteries. For a homeowner, you cant go wrong with this set:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00911445000P?

I bought the same C3 set a year ago. It goes on sale a lot -- as low as $180 -- so wait a week or two if it's regular price.

They're solid tools, but don't plan to build a house with them. I've finished my garage, refinsihed/built a few tables, installed dog doors, your regular stuff. They get lots of use and even a little abuse, and they're going strong.

The drill is great, but the impact driver is better, especially for anchoring screws in hard wood, driving lag bolts -- stuff that would wear down a regular drill. The circular saw is OK but just 5 1/2 inches. Reciprocating saw works well but cut through something tough and it's a battery killer. The light is awesome and can stay on all day on one battery.

I've added the sander and jigsaw. Great results with each. There are about 30 tools (all very reasonably priced) in the C3 line, even some lawn/garden tools, and more coming out every year. I'd definitely buy them again.

 

[Zorro13]

Look into the different internet shops from CPO Tools and then end up buying an refurbished Kit from one of the serious brands. Got there a BOSCH 18V Li-Ion Kit that even came with an combo drill (impact/regular) for about $400. It's handling great.

 

[jhn9840]

www.reconditionedsales.com

Good deals on that site if your looking to save a buck or two.

jhn9840
John

 

[Garage_Mahal]

The Porter Cable kits are a great value. Good features and functions and great lith-ion batteries. They are not as robust as classic Porter Cable tools, but they are more than adequate for the homeowner.

My Sears kit tools work fine, but the conventional battery life is pretty dismal. The selection of tools that share a battery is astounding. If I had to do it again, I would probably get the lith-ion drill kit and add the other tools I needed.

 

[TipsyMcStagger]

Thanks for all of the great info! That's a lot to consider.

Tipsy

 

[MrSnicks]

Black & Decker makes Dewalt in their factories so I figured that B&D was the budget brand. I have an 18V tool set + the Yard set I bought of craigslist for $150.00. Had to buy a few batteries and I was/am set. As far as batteries go it was cheaper to buy a new 18V drill with 2 batteries included than it was to buy 2 batteries separately.

Just my 2cents but am very happy with my cheap/used B&D set. Don't use it for my livelyhood, but at least 1 piece of it gets used every weekend.

Patrick

 

[Abbott]

I recommend this Craftsman 5 piece C3 combo kit froms Sears. I have a similiar kit I bought a few years ago. The tools have been awesome, they see regular use, and Im still on the original batteries. For a homeowner, you cant go wrong with this set:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00911445000P?

I have owned a couple of these Sears Combo kits that Robert mentioned and they last for a few years and do their job. They are a good value and will work well in a home shop. They are a bit heavy and the drill chuck tends to let go now and then but other then that there is not much to complain about. For the price the Sears Combo Kits is probably the best value going. The Ryboi stuff is made in the same factories.

If you want a step up and a professional line then Makita (Ion) is the way to go in my opinion. Light weight and robust but pricey. Milwaukee and Dewalt are also good choices but have a bit less torque and a bit more weight then Makita cordless tools but they are also good quality tools.

There are several good choices out there for combo kits, the biggest choice is do you want top spend $299.00 or $499.00. Good luck with whatever tools you bring home I'm sure you will find them very handy to have around. I doubt you will ever look at corded tools the same again.

 

[X1 Mike]

I would look for something that is not only good for your purposes now but is upgradeable. I have this set from Makita and they have ½” impact along with recip and circ saws available as bare tools. I hope to add both soon but an impact was way more important to me now. I don’t like the sets that have the adapter for the impact I like to have a regular 3/8” anvil.

http://www.tooltopia.com/makita-lxt311h.aspx

I did just buy a reconditioned Milwaukee 12v driver for $75 shipped and I really like it and think I may expand. Sometimes a smaller more maneuverable tool is what you want. They have recip saws, impacts, lights, and an inspection camera.

http://www.toolking.com/milwaukee-2...d-m12-12-volt-cordless-sub-compact-driver-kit

 

[TipsyMcStagger]

Thanks guys...I just ordered the Makita LXT407...got it for $370 shipping included.

I'll use the rebate to order the circular saw.

Tipsy

EDIT: Hmmmm....ironically, when I went back to the ToolKing site just a few seconds after placing my order to verify this was a new and not remanufactured kit (it is new) the price comes up as $390. I paid $370. No idea why, but I'll take it!

 

[X1 Mike]

Good job on that set. You should be very happy with it, they have good power and the batteries last a long time. My only preference would be to have the impact with the anvil instead of the adaptor, but 5 tools for $370 is too good to pass up. Does the rebate come directly from Makita?

p.s. The Milwaukee 12v I just bought came from Tool King in 4 days.

 

[IndyGarage]

For those still looking, here are some tremendous deals:

This is a screaming deal. Reconditioned Milwaukee M12 driver with charger and 2 batteries for $67! The batteries alone are bout $40 apiece. This is my go-to driver these days. The size and weight cannot be beat, and it is capable of most any around the house duties. Buy a quick change driver kit with it that has an assortment of drill bits and you may never need another drill. I'm going to buy a couple of them, maybe one for a gift and keep one for myself just for the spare batteries and keep the driver in my desk drawer:

http://www.toolking.com/milwaukee-2...d-m12-12-volt-cordless-sub-compact-driver-kit

Not quite as screaming, this kit adds the hacksall to the M12 driver. I also have the hacksall, which can be either quite handy or quite frustrating at times. It is a very compact and short stroke sawsall - it does great at cutting easy stuff - wood, PVC pipe, even the occasional copper pipe, and it can get into tight spaces - but it's in no way a replacement for a real recip saw - the stroke is too short and the battery life too low to cut anything very challenging:
http://www.toolking.com/milwaukee-2490-82-factory-reconditioned-12-volt-driver-hackzall-combo-kit

If you're a makita fan instead of Milwaukee or Bosch - here is their version of the compact cordless. It includes a driver similar to the Milwaukee driver above, but also has an impactor - which is another great little tool - arguably even more useful than the driver. I also have the M12 impactor and I love it. I haven't used the Makitas - but all the stuff of theirs I've used has been good, and you can't beat this price:
http://www.toolking.com/makita-lct2...ct-driver-and-driver-drill-combo-kit-with-bag

 

[Handyman163]

Check out:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_37894-79992-PC218C-2_4294936478_?productId=1208983&Ntt=porter%20cable&Ntk=i_products&Ns=p_product_price|0&pl=1&currentURL=/pl_Tools_4294936478__s?Ntk=i_products$rpp=30$No=30$Ntt=porter%20cable$Ns=p_product_price|0

Porter Cable 18V 1/2" chuck drill, circular saw, and bag for $89. My dad has this drill, and it's awesome. Much cheaper than the Li ion battery ones.

 

[TipsyMcStagger]

Does the rebate come directly from Makita?

Yes, the rebate (free tool) is processed through Makita...not the retailer.

Tipsy

 

[unashamedlaborer]

Milwaukee all the way.... nothing but heavy duty. I have used the 18v system for years doing full time construction and they have lasted the test of time (and punishment)
best warranty in the business by the way... they even warranty there batteries, if dewalt did that they would go out of business. I have milwaulkee tools that were my grandfathers and they are still going strong... and he used them daily as a tradesman...
I also use the M12 impact driver and standard driver, they are very powerful for there size and run a long time on a charge. between the two kits I have never wanted more.

(p.s. you will find that the ryobi will be a better investment than De-walt by the time you replace a few of those batteries.)

 

[X1 Mike]

I tried cheaping out on an eBay bid of this 3/8" m12 impact and lost it. I bid $56 with 11 seconds left and he bid with only 1 second left. doh..........

I just wish I could find an impact with a 1/4" anvil then I would be all set.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270584941740&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBUAA:US:1123