Is m12 or dewalt 12v stuff good enough for a semi big project like redoing a deck? Not the framework but just the deck floor? Besides that I think I'd be fine with 12 volt stuff, maybe even happier due to the compact size. Just worried if I redo my deck myself that 12v won't cut it.
I had wanted to go with ridgid 18v but reading up on them makes me realize they are very slow to introduce new tools and the warranty is a pain to deal with. I wanted a line of tools with an 1/2" impact for car work but am beginning to think I should go with two seperate platforms. Had also considered Kobalt 24v but their reputation of dropping tool lines and no longer supporting them. As well as the physical size of the tools and power is unnecessary for my use except for the one time I may do my deck.
My advice. Skip the 12v stuff and pick up an 18v or 20v hammer drill/impact driver combo from Home Depot on Black Friday. Deck's take 1000's of screws and I don't think a 12v is up to doing that all day long. I think you will drain batteries really quick. Plus, impact drivers are the tool of choice for driving deck screws, but they don't work
that great for drilling holes. That's why a combo would be a good purchase. The prices for 18 and 20 volt will come down to around $200 for most brand's containing drill, driver, batteries and charger. Then from there you can add on with impact wrench. There is no reason to buy 2 separate platforms. I personally own 18 and 20v Dewalt, Makita 18v, Ryobi 18v, and Ridgid 18v. I used solely Ridgid tools doing carpentry up until I quit for another job about 2 years ago. This past week I did a small job and all the Ridgid batteries were still charged and all tools working after sitting with no use. Two drills, impact driver, 2 sawzalls, and circular saw. Interestingly, my Ridgid hammer drills did not have enough power to drill 3/4" holes through studs to run wire, but my buddies 18v Ryobi did. The green lithium ion was drilling 3/4" worm bits 18" long through studs all day long. I was pissed, but my stuff is also pretty old now. I use Makita 18v at my job now and they're super nice. Powerful and well made. My coworkers have Milwaukee 18v stuff and while they are powerful and durable, they are heavy. A while back I acquired a 20v Dewalt impact driver from a friend, loved it, and purchased the 20v DCF899 impact wrench to go with it. They are really nice tools and that impact wrench is an absolute beast. I have not run into a fastener it couldn't remove. Amazing. I am planning on adding brushless Dewalt hammer drill this Black Friday.
Basically though, any brand name tool now a days will work. They're all pretty good and each has their own benefit. I would make sure you buy into a platform that has an impact wrench that will meet your needs. I know some brands only offer impact wrenches with plus or minus 300 ft lbs of torque, while the Dewalt I have is rated at 1200 ft lbs. Big difference. As for drills, as prices go up, so does quality of tool and power. Each brand has a cheaper home owner drill with less power, all plastic housing and chuck. As price goes up they get better and more powerful, eventually all metal chucks, brushless motors and over 1000 ft lbs of torque. I'm the kind of person who wants the best of the best, no matter what. This way I know it will work each and every time I need it to. Personally, I'm a Dewalt guy and have had good luck with every one of their tools I've owned.
