owning multiple cordless tool brands

[Farmer888]

Just curious if anyone has multiple brands? I have a few Milwuakee tools all fuel versions and they rock! But sometimes I see deals on other brands etc etc, is it worth the hassle of different batteries and chargers?
I've mostly been interested in Ridgid, their octane line is quite a bit cheaper than the fuel line for drills and impacts etc.. though about getting some of their tools but then I'd have the different batteries etc.

 

[p00p]

I had two different brands. Hated it.

If the batteries all work in the various use of tools under that one brand, then that leads to other factors to consider.
I have not found one brand to offer a combo/variety of cordless tools that outperform other brands. There will be strengths & weaknesses with every brand imo. Which tool would you be willing to suffer with being craptastic is for you to decide (if possible) .
If I were to have it my way, I'd want all one brand, all various volt/amp batteries to be interchangeable with each tool, share the same charger, & outperform with all its cordless tools. Impact driver, recip saw, circ saw, drill driver, weedwhip, mower, blower, vac & a FM radio.

No one brand comes to mind that can do it.

 

[GeoBruin]

Just curious if anyone has multiple brands? I have a few Milwuakee tools all fuel versions and they rock! But sometimes I see deals on other brands etc etc, is it worth the hassle of different batteries and chargers?

I've mostly been interested in Ridgid, their octane line is quite a bit cheaper than the fuel line for drills and impacts etc.. though about getting some of their tools but then I'd have the different batteries etc.

I think people try too hard to avoid owning multiple brands. No one brand makes every tool I want. Plus, for a specialty tool, it's not like I need a half dozen batteries, so I can usually buy the tool as a kit with battery and charger and I'm set. For things like drills, impact drivers, recip saws, grinders, etc, that I use all the time, it makes sense to have some extra batteries lying around and it doesn't make financial sense to have 10 batteries for each of 3 or 4 different tool systems. That said, buying a couple battery adapters really opens up your options...

 

[Farmer888]

I kind of picked milwaukee because of their impacts and automotive tools, Haven't really bought as many as I'd like yet but getting there. I wish the tool makers would go to a standard battery and we could pick and choose what tools we want but I know they do it on purpose obviously to keep us stuck.
Do the adapters work good enough?

I was thinking of ridgid for some of the tools I'd use less instead of paying for the milwaukee. Seems like they offer good value but only available at HD

 

[Kscardsfan]

I don’t want to keep up with the logistics of multiple platforms and chargers for myself. For corded stuff I buy the best in the segment, but for my cordless I’ve committed to one brand.

 

[Buy2Much]

What I don't get is why the cheap cordless tools Amazon sells just don't all agree on a standard battery platform? Just pick a standard and stick to it.
Don't make it hard to choose by battery.

 

[Badgerstate]

At one point in time, I had DeWalt 12v, Ryobi and Milwaukee 12v. The reason was that I had a DeWalt Xtreme 12v that I bought first, then really got into the Milwaukee M12 line and I had Ryobi for my larger power tools and for my lawn equipment.
I have since sold all the Milwaukee stuff and now just have the DeWalt 12v because my wife likes using it and all of my stuff now is Ryobi because they have so many different tools that use the same batteries.
Ive got a bunch of Craftsman tools too but they are all corded, so that doesnt apply. About a month ago, Lowes had a great deal on a Craftsman impact driver that I almost pulled the trigger on but I told myself that I really dont need to be into 3 different battery platforms again. LOL

 

[Old Steamer]

I try to stick with one brand, two at he most because of battery interchangeability. I've considered the battery adapters. Until I hear more about their success/failure, I don't want to be the test pilot for adapters.

 

[619DioFan]

I have two milwaukee fuel impacts ( 1/2 and 3/8 ) wanted them for the power the have and have yet to be let down. everything else cordless is Ryobi including my weedeater. I am more than happy with Ryobi.

 

[acer66]

I have 4 as of now.

 

[Ilikeike]

9 or 10 DeWalt 20volt tools
8 or 9 Milwaukee 12 volt tools.

I don't think it would make sense to get two different brands
of the same voltage though.

 

[Barnabas]

I had lots of different tools, but decided to go with Milwaukee M18 for my indoor power tools and Greenworks 80v for my outdoor tools. I gave away my old power tools to relatives and ReStores.

Five years later, I couldn’t be happier.

 

[dacan23]

All Milwaukee except the Makita mower I just bought because Milwaukee is just stupid slow on some things. Unless your in Milwaukee, Dewalt, Ryobi, or Makita the rest of the brands wont have everything so you kinda have to be in multiple.

 

[subroc]

Clearly we are all different in the type of aggravation we are willing to accept. I happen to have Dewalt battery powered tools and am for the most part happy with them. Within that I have 3 battery platforms between several 18 volt tools along with 20 volt tools and have a 60 volt Flexvolt saw as well. I have several battery adapters to use all the 18 volt tools with 20 volt batteries.

I will say this, there will always be something better. So being drawn into the fact that some tools in another tool line are some degree better, is that reason enough to have more than one battery platform? My 18 volt tools still work brushed motors and all with a battery adapter hanging off the bottom. Would your performance when working on whatever it is you are working on be "significantly improved" by using the tools you deem better from the other platform?

If I ever chose to do that, I would have battery adapters to go from either platform to the other and more than 1 set.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[matt_i]

I'm an extremist now and won't even buy a cordless tool unless an M18 pack plugs into it.

I can be swayed if a USB connector would fit though...

 

[johninct]

I have been buying the best in class of each cordless tool regardless of family so I have multiple brands.

 

[klassenl]

For work I have 2. Makita for drills saws and flashlights. Then I have a Bosch am/FM radio and I have a Bosch Freak just for fun.

In the garage I have 2 Bosch 18v drills.

I think your main use tools need(?) to be the same for productivity reasons. But the secondary stuff...whatever.

 

[Kev442]

Got my old 14.4 working yet and the newer 20v stuff. Wife bought something on 24v for herself. Going to start looking at 40-60v outdoor stuff. Doesn't bother me at all.

 

[Strouty]

I know this sounds like governments intruding in a free market, but I really think that cordless tool batteries should be standardized like USB plugs, it would be nice to have the ability to buy any tool on any platform and use a standard battery and charger.

I am also in the same mindset that vehicle manufacturers should have to standardize bolt patterns on wheels.

 

[LeeG]

It really depends on where you work. When working in the shop, it doesn’t really matter. When I am offsite, I only bring Milwaukee. I can’t think of any work I do where they don’t have at least an acceptable tool for the job.

 

[oldwino]

I’m 99% Milwaulkee but still have an older SnapOn 18v impact.

 

[Dumber than lumber]

I have been buying the best in class of each cordless tool regardless of family so I have multiple brands.

Curious if you have any Festool.

 

[ovilla]

Just Ridgid 18V stuff that refuses to die and a bunch of Milwaukee M12 and M18. Both of my Ridgid batteries died so I was going to finally get rid of all my Ridgid tools but then my buddy reminded me about the lifetime warranty so I got two new batteries for free. I was hoping for an excuse to buy more res stuff but it just doesn’t make sense yet.

 

[vavet]

I’ve been buying Ridgid for about 10 years. I’ve had to send a few tools back for LSA work, but my first battery failure was last year and my second was just a few weeks ago. It’s really nice not questioning “should I just buy a new kit” because you need a new battery.

I just bought my first ryobi tool yesterday after 3d printing my own adapter. The fit isn’t great. The battery slid far enough out of the adapter to lose contact with some vibration. I think I’ve filed away the slot enough now to have the battery locking tabs engage better. I’m excited epbecause there are certain tools I don’t use frequently enough to justify a $100+ Ridgid tool, but a $50 ryobi tool is easier to swallow.

 

[moab11]

I am mostly Ryobi mostly for the price and variety of tools available. Going with Ryobi has let me buy many more tools, even seldom use tools that are nice to have. Overall as a home DIY-er, I am very happy with them.

Then I decided to try the M12 screwdriver, which let to the fuel drill/impact combo and the stubby 3/8" impact. Dang are these some nice compact tools! When I don't need the power or want lighter weight, these are the ones I reach for. Otherwise I have pretty much everything I need in Ryobi.

 

[richfinn]

I just buy whichever deal is the best, I dont care about colour brand or multiple platforms/batteries

It's all disposable/consumable **** that will be obsolete in 5 years

Don't even worry about it!!!

 

[Bessy]

I bought into Dewalt 20v stuff the year it came out. I was just a teenager looking for a drill to use on a few projects because Dad's cordless couldn't drive three screws without being recharged. It wasn't long before I added a second set of 12v porter cable drill/impact for tossing in the car to take to work, leading me to be a brand adulterer.

I haven't strayed from Dewalt so far, but that's not for lack of wanting. I'm definitely interested in Milwaukee for a few of their 12v items (ratchet, stubby impact, etc) but for construction tools I'll likely keep with Dewalt for cordless for the time being, as I've got probably 6-7 batteries for the tools that I have (6-1/2" circ, drill/driver, impact, flashlight).

For corded tools I'm all over the map from Bosch, Dremel, Mastercraft, Rigid, Ryobi, etc.

 

[p00p]

Clearly we are all different in the type of aggravation we are willing to accept. I happen to have Dewalt battery powered tools and am for the most part happy with them. Within that I have 3 battery platforms between several 18 volt tools along with 20 volt tools and have a 60 volt Flexvolt saw as well. I have several battery adapters to use all the 18 volt tools with 20 volt batteries.

I will say this, there will always be something better. So being drawn into the fact that some tools in another tool line are some degree better, is that reason enough to have more than one battery platform? My 18 volt tools still work brushed motors and all with a battery adapter hanging off the bottom. Would your performance when working on whatever it is you are working on be "significantly improved" by using the tools you deem better from the other platform?

If I ever chose to do that, I would have battery adapters to go from either platform to the other and more than 1 set.

Good luck with your choice.

Would be great if adapters were easy to find and buy.

 

[Al Borland]

My stuff is 18v DeWalt and a couple Ryobi drills (old Blue and modern 18+).
Batteries stay with the tools, so not a huge issue.
Work **** was upgraded from Ryobi to current 20v DeWalt, and they are talking about switching to Milwaukee. (because if the tools are expensive enough, maybe the guys won't lose/destroy every tool they get).

 

[Voi]

I had more than one brand when we started on our cabin. Also had two & four stroke yard equipment.

I replaced every tool & OPE with Makita & it has turned out to be a good decision when living between two places.

My Bosch 10.8v still get some use but I only hang onto that system for the magnetic clip light.

 

[alcorelli]

All Milwaukee here. A few years ago, we had to buy equipment to install new style pipe fittings. Best bang for the buck for us was Milwaukee equipment. We had to buy an 18-volt and a 12 volt. So then that's where I came upon a great idea! I gave my son everything I had that was DeWalt. Everything Even the brand new stuff I just gotten. And that serves me twofold. Everything I own now is Milwaukee, everything he owns is DeWalt. That keeps him from taking my stuff! Win-win.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[jg4660]

I just buy whichever deal is the best, I dont care about colour brand or multiple platforms/batteries

It's all disposable/consumable **** that will be obsolete in 5 years

Don't even worry about it!!!

^^^^^^ This...right on.

 

[Renegade1LI]

Unfortunately no one platform has everything and some from one are better than others so multiple platforms is unavoidable as a contractor. Like others have said they're all disposable and its usually cheaper to replace tool and batteries as a kit so new tools are always coming in to the mix. For home it's the same thing, if I like the tool it doesn't matter what brand and it makes for a colorful mix. Even ryobi makes good tools, I had a ryobi cordless trim router years before Dewalt or Milwaukee came out with one,same with their inflator, some times you just can't wait fort your favorite brand to come out with one.

 

[subroc]

Would be great if adapters were easy to find and buy.

Well, there is something to be said for that. I don't believe many if any adapters are store items or can be had locally. But, is eBay or Amazon a readily available or "easy to find and buy" location? I have 6 adapters for Dewalt 20 volt batteries to 18 V tools. I bought 4 when they first came out, 2 after market and 2 Dewalt. I paid a premium for them, in retrospect, silly money. The last 2 I bought a year or so back that were after market eBay items I think I paid $13 each. A deal to be sure. Just looked around and it appears a $20 bill plus or minus a bit will get an adapter for almost any battery platform brand to any tool brand these days.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have no aversion to owning multiple cordless setups. Almost all of my cordless tools are a mix of M12 and M18 Milwaukee, except for my three Hitachi nailers (framing, finish, pin), and two Ryobi tools - the hot glue gun, and the high volume inflator.

I'm considering the Dewalt battery roofing nailer this year, and I could finally just sell my air compressor to get back some of the cost.

Not every brand has every tool, or the best of each tool. Nothing wrong with having a few different charger on the wall.

 

[Ign]

I grew tired of chargers for Milwaukee, Ryobi 40V, Echo 56V and Nextec.

Now I'm 97% Milwaukee (both M12 and M18). So much simpler and cleaner.

I also run the RedLithium USB for the headlamp. These barely count, though, because you can charge IN the tool via USB or in a standalone charger, and compared to the big stuff it's relatively inexpensive

 

[claymont]

1. Black & Decker 20v: One tool, hedge trimmer. Two batteries
2. Black & Decker 3v: Two tools, drill, small grinder, hardly used. Four batteries
3. Craftsman 19v: Six tools, don't use them except multi-tool. Three batteries
4. Craftsman 20v: One tool, pole saw. One battery
5. DeWalt 7v: One tool, screw driver. Two batteries
6. DeWalt 14v: Two tools, drill, saw. Two batteries
7. DeWalt 18v: Six tools now with 20v adapters, used mostly outdoor projects live in my shed/shop. Four 18v, Three 20v batteries
8. Milwaukee 12v: Two tools, drill, impact driver, used the most. Three batteries
9. Milwaukee 18v: One tool, 1/2 impact. One battery
10. Ryobi 18v: One tool, blower. Three batteries

Some of these tools were given to me, a few came from a deceased relative. The rest I bought. Twenty+ years of accumulation

Dewalt batteries are in the shed except the 20v in garage; all other batteries in garage.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Since Bosch offers a 1/2 square with 1/4 hex on one tool.
And my M18 Fuel Surge hex driver doesn't work as a small impact gun.
So I'd consider adding the Bosch to my garage. But haven't yet.

 

[Trapps]

Since Bosch offers a 1/2 square with 1/4 hex on one tool.
And my M18 Fuel Surge hex driver doesn't work as a small impact gun.
So I'd consider adding the Bosch to my garage. But haven't yet.

You won't regret it if you do.

It was my first modern cordless tool (as a kit with a drill, charger and 2x 18V batteries) and its still running strong nearly 7 years years later. I use both the 1/4 and 1/2 on a regular basis. It also led to a rabbit hole of cordless acquisitions and solely in Blue. It's working for me, but nearly every day I have the discussion with myself about adding a complimentary battery platform. There are a few things I want that Bosch does not offer. Consider this in your thought process. Depending on your location, you can source from another market for some options; I have an EU saw and it's running fine on NA batteries.

 

[GaryM909]

I have all Makita 18v for home use but a few days ago I bought a DeWalt 60v flexvolt grinder to use for work. This was the only grinder that I can run 6" discs. I got the kit with 2- 9.0Ah batteries and if it works out I will buy a couple more.