Power Tool Advice for First-Time Homeowner

[Deker]

Hi all, first post here. I don’t have much DIY experience, but I just moved into my first house and need tools for some fun projects I have lined up. This forum has been a great resource, and I’m hoping to get some more personalized recommendations on which tools will take me the furthest.

Projects:

Reface wood fence, paint and roof patio trellis, demo and rebuild garage workbench, add tabletop over washer dryer, install brick pavers in side yard, grind and epoxy inject cracks in driveway / patio, build some planter boxes, seismically retrofit crawlspace, demo concrete slab in backyard.

Tools I think I Need (For Now):

Drill / Driver, Impact Driver, Rotary Hammer, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, Random Orbital Sander, Angle Grinder

I don't have access to power in the garage , so all tools would be cordless.

Tools Option (1) - $1184 Total:

1. $548 Makita LXT Sub-Compact Combo: Drill, Impact Driver, Reciprocating Saw, 11/16" Rotary Hammer, (2)2.0Ah Batteries
2. $199 Makita LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw
3. $139 Makita LXT 4-1/2" Angle Grinder
4. $119 Makita LXT Random Orbital Sander
5. $179 Makita 5.0Ah Battery Combo

Tools Option (2) - $976 to $1305 Total:

1. $699 Milwaukee M18 Fuel Combo: Hammer Drill, Impact Driver, Reciprocating Saw, 6-1/2" Circular Saw, (2)5.0Ah Batteries
2. $329 (Optional) Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1" Rotary Hammer
3. $119 Milwaukee M18 Random Orbital Sander
4. $158 Milwaukee 2.0Ah Battery Combo

Questions:

1. Should the Makita sub-compact tools be powerful enough for what I need? I like the small form factor, especially for the reciprocating saw and rotary hammer, but I know they won’t be as powerful as the Milwaukee M18.
2. The Milwaukee combo comes with a hammer drill, so do I need the rotary hammer? I would be drilling lots of holes in the foundation walls for the crawlspace seismic retrofit.
3. Would the Milwaukee 1" Rotary Hammer be useful for demoing a concrete slab, or am I better off renting a demolition hammer? I'd have to rent one regardless if I went with the Makita since it doesn't have a chipping setting.
4. Which option would you choose? Are there any tools that I’m missing? Any other advice?

Thank you!

Derek

 

[MattRMagnum]

Makita, imo, is nice stuff. I've a couple of their tools and they've held up great.

My personal advice: go to Harbor Freight/inexpensive tool supplier in your area, and buy the inexpensive versions. Use it until it breaks, and see how much you used it. If you use it regularly? Buy a high quality one. If you used it only a few times? Buy another cheap one. I honestly think this approach has saved me at least a couple hundred, if not more, since I always wind up buying way nicer of a tool than I really need, if I don't do this.

I would also recommend "add/expand power in garage" to the list. I have a strong disdain for battery powered tools since you're then locked into that brand, and any other which uses the same battery standard, if you're lucky.

 

[Balvar24]

The lower cost brands work for most people as well. I've had good luck with Hitachi.

My advice would be buy only what you need as you need it.

 

[engineer2]

Been a homeowner for 30 years. I have had the Makita LXT system for 8 years. Broke my drill after 4 years and Makita replaced it for free.
If you stay with the Big 3 (Makita, Milwaukee, DeWalt), you will less likely to be a batteryless orphan. How long before Harbor Freight comes out with a new line and changes battery types?

They all make good-better-best versions of their tools. For the occasional user Good or Better is fine. If you do a lot of remodelling (like me), buy the best. As a homeowner with a Direktor of Decorating (wife), it is easy to get sucked into bigger and bigger projects.

As far as usefulness:

Impact Driver: Likely to be your most used tool since it will drive screws, nuts, & bolts, and can be used for drilling with the right bits. I use mine daily. Best to get one that has a few different power settings. You need finesse for small screws and high power for lugnuts.

Drill/Driver: Your cordless drill will be your second most used tool. Most have a hammer drill function for use with carbide bits to drill concrete. Get a decent one. Not a place to skimp. Check out the Makita XPH07.

Rotary Hammer: I don't own one, never needed one, and if I had to demo concrete, I would rent a regular 115V jack hammer.

Reciprocating Saw: Very useful for demolition or tree trimming.

Jig Saw: An essential tool for cutting smaller wood or metal pieces.

Circular Saw: needed if you are building stuff. An 18V 6-1/2" cordless one is fine for homeowner use.

Miter Saw: Needed if you are building stuff that needs higher precision or cutting larger pieces. Essential if you are doing trim work in your house.

Random Orbital Sander: Another essential tool, but I don't think Makita makes a 1/4 sheet model, only round sheets. I have a 115V powered Bosch that is cheap and works fine.

Angle Grinder: Great when you need it, but it sits a lot. A cheap plug-in one is more justifiable if you seldom use it.

Table saw: Purchase later when the need arises. I got by for years without one.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I'm guessing at your projects/materials.

Reface wood fence: Scraper, pressure washer, brushes, roller, circular saw, hammer
paint patio trellis: Scraper, pressure washer, brushes, roller
roof patio trellis: Hammer or roofing nailer. possibly impact driver
demo and rebuild garage workbench: Crowbar, hammer, nail gun, circular saw
tabletop over washer dryer: Circular saw, sander, router
install brick pavers in side yard: shovel, rake, tamper
grind and epoxy inject cracks in driveway / patio: chipping hammer, chisel, maybe a gas powered concrete saw.
build some planter boxes: Circular saw, nail gun
seismically retrofit crawlspace: Not sure what this is.
demo concrete slab in backyard: Jack Hammer, slege hammer, large lever bar

Tools I think I Need (For Now):

Drill / Driver, Impact Driver, Rotary Hammer, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, Random Orbital Sander, Angle Grinder


My list of tools doesn't match yours very well and honestly for most that do I'd prefer corded, even if I had to run an extension cord to the garage. I'd suggest renting the jack hammer, concrete saw and power tamper (but a hand tamper works fine unless doing a large area of pavers).

I do recommend a cordless impact driver and a 1/2" hammer drill.

 

[matt_i]

I do what I have to do with an M18 drill and a M18 impact driver.

Demo concrete with a 12# sledge hammer and a bottle of advil lol. If you have a pickup truck or tractor, pull the slab away from where it already is after prying under various pieces with a steel bar. Then it breaks up super easy since its not all perfectly supported by the ground.

I much prefer corded circular saws and miter saws.

Life is too short to mess with "hammer drills". Buy or rent an SDS drill to drill holes into concrete.

Edit: forgot the M18 swiveling head flashlight. One of the two best I've yet owned, the other being a Milwaukee Pocket Floodlight which charges by USB.

 

[ooba tooba]

I’m kind of obsessive compulsive about tools before I buy them. I watch a lot of videos. I read a lot of reviews. I talk to people. I don’t give a **** what it costs if it will last and perform to an extremely high standard. This 1/4 impact kills the competition. Spend the little bit extra and get the brushless motor and belt/ladder hanger. It’s the tool I use most around the house. Whatever you got it will handle it without breaking a sweat.
If you have the occasional job that requires a grinder than buy the cheapest you can. If you find yourself cutting a lot and possibly even shaping and polishing with it than invest in a Metabo, or another adjustable speed grinder (usually not found at big box stores). I like a corded circular as someone mentioned above, although I’ve definitely used the mini cordless circ on quick late night cuts. Hammer drills are basically junk. I have a couple of porter cable hand held belt sanders I use more than I would have expected. Great for sanding wood jigs like radius boards after the initial jigsaw cuts if your piece is clamped to a board on horses. Those and my wrenches and measuring tools are what I use most.

 

[Bolson32]

I'm a heavy DIY user and I went down the ridgid line at home depot. Lifetime warranty and pretty close to contractor grade. You'll save some money on that versus Milwaukee and won't notice a difference.

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[FANTM58]

I’ve seen a Milwaukee Fuel packout set
Driver
Drill
Hacks all
Grinder
2 batts
$400.

 

[aaronrkelly]

Ive used Makita, Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee at work - nobody makes BAD stuff, its mostly personal preference.

......but when I bought my tools for home.....I went Ryobi.

Around my area quite a few pros use Ryobi and get by fine with it, but its widely considered home owner quality. That being said, its highly usable stuff at FAR cheaper prices. Home Depot has most anything in stock. Battery system has never changed, so you can pick up a 10 year old tool and out a new battery in it.

I recommend looking at the system and compare prices - you should find a significant savings and they are still good tools.

 

[nieuport17]

My brother in law bought the expensive Dewalt 20v set for his new house several years ago.
Then they just sat on the shelf.
Real waste.

My recommendation: go to HF. If you use enough, then upgrade.

 

[99LeCouch]

For most homeowner stuff, 12v stuff that can fit into small spaces comes in far handier than incredibly powerful tools. I have a cheap 12v Ridgid drill and driver combo that has done quite a bit. A good bit of that is because it is small enough to fit places a bigger tool wouldn't. It's also lighter, which is really nice when lugging it up into the attic or working overhead. For repair things, a modern 12v set is surprisingly capable.

If you like Milwaukee, look at the M12 Fuel line. What it doesn't have in brute power it makes up for in smaller size. Homes put stuff in the worst spots. Oftentimes, having access is more important than power.

 

[mc4life27]

Hi all, first post here. I don’t have much DIY experience, but I just moved into my first house and need tools for some fun projects I have lined up. This forum has been a great resource, and I’m hoping to get some more personalized recommendations on which tools will take me the furthest.



Projects:



Reface wood fence, paint and roof patio trellis, demo and rebuild garage workbench, add tabletop over washer dryer, install brick pavers in side yard, grind and epoxy inject cracks in driveway / patio, build some planter boxes, seismically retrofit crawlspace, demo concrete slab in backyard.



Tools I think I Need (For Now):



Drill / Driver, Impact Driver, Rotary Hammer, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, Random Orbital Sander, Angle Grinder



I don't have access to power in the garage , so all tools would be cordless.



Tools Option (1) - $1184 Total:

1. $548 Makita LXT Sub-Compact Combo: Drill, Impact Driver, Reciprocating Saw, 11/16" Rotary Hammer, (2)2.0Ah Batteries
   
2. $199 Makita LXT 6-1/2" Circular Saw
   
3. $139 Makita LXT 4-1/2" Angle Grinder
   
4. $119 Makita LXT Random Orbital Sander
   
5. $179 Makita 5.0Ah Battery Combo
   

Tools Option (2) - $976 to $1305 Total:

1. $699 Milwaukee M18 Fuel Combo: Hammer Drill, Impact Driver, Reciprocating Saw, 6-1/2" Circular Saw, (2)5.0Ah Batteries
   
2. $329 (Optional) Milwaukee M18 Fuel 1" Rotary Hammer
   
3. $119 Milwaukee M18 Random Orbital Sander
   
4. $158 Milwaukee 2.0Ah Battery Combo
   

Questions:

1. Should the Makita sub-compact tools be powerful enough for what I need? I like the small form factor, especially for the reciprocating saw and rotary hammer, but I know they won’t be as powerful as the Milwaukee M18.
   
2. The Milwaukee combo comes with a hammer drill, so do I need the rotary hammer? I would be drilling lots of holes in the foundation walls for the crawlspace seismic retrofit.
   
3. Would the Milwaukee 1" Rotary Hammer be useful for demoing a concrete slab, or am I better off renting a demolition hammer? I'd have to rent one regardless if I went with the Makita since it doesn't have a chipping setting.
   
4. Which option would you choose? Are there any tools that I’m missing? Any other advice?
   

Thank you!



Derek

Try and see if you can find someone you know that has done you can try out and see what you like over all remember no matter what you get what you pay for in the long run. Also sometime to pay more for tools but they save you time and headaches and what is that worth to you. Only you can answer that. Also take a look at the skil pwrcore 12 line and the dewalt 12 volt max line. From what I’m seeing they seem to be very well priced and are good bang for you buck. Me personally. I make my living with my tools. So I’m always buying new tools and trying new brands and what not. So far my overall favorite is Milwaukee fuel line and both 12 and 18 volts. They all have their place in my book. But then again I also have like 5 or 6 different impacts alone and looking and buying a couple more here soon. But for me I don’t have any kids so when the guys at work are buying things for the kiddos I’m buying tools. I always say my tools are my kids.


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[finn]

Starting out, I wouldn’t put the rotary hammer on my initial buy list.

You can probably get buy with a drill-driver, an impact driver , and a circular saw to start with, then add as projects demand additional tools.

Rent a stand up demo hammer for the patio. You will be an old man before you finish if doing it with a compact rotary hammer.

I have mostly Dewalt and Bosch, with some Milwaukee.

A lot of homeowners like Ryobi though.

Any of the brands will serve you well.

I wouldn’t necessarily recommend high end tools, though, as they will become obsolete before you wear them out. Expect any platform to be obsolete in 2-10 years.

 

[jdsac]

Think Harbor Freight- example-https://www.harborfreight.com/1-18-in-sds-variable-speed-pro-rotary-hammer-kit-64288.html It will wear you out long before you wear it out.
make your money go farther by buying several cheaper - not necessarily made cheaply- tools
and for the stuff you know you are only going to use once rent it from home depot
And at HF there is always the 20% off coupon unless it's already on sale

 

[awdblazer]

ryobi hands down

 

[gtae07]

Honestly, other than the drill and impact driver, I’d not make cordless a requirement for the other tools. You can probably pick up corded versions and an extension cord for less, possibly off of craigslist or similar.

I’d go with a reputable brand for the drill/driver and maybe the circular saw. HF probably works for some of the infrequently-used stuff.

 

[soloz2]

Ryobi is decent and has lots of tools. I almost bought their 18v line for myself, but growing up I had access to contractor grade tools and I've learned that I'm just not happy with anything less long term so I went with Milwaukee m18 myself when I bought my first house 2 years ago.
I previously had a Dewalt 18v drill and the m18 is just better IMHO. I started with the M18 compact brushless drill/driver and impact driver kit and I added the string trimmer. I have since added the non-fuel recip saw, 3/8" fuel impact wrench, and fuel hammer drill. I am seriously considering getting the M18 chainsaw, jigsaw, and some lighting, but only as needed for projects as I don't have tons of money for unneeded tools at the moment.

I would add in to consider what you will need for lawn maintenance. I had to buy a lawn tractor, push mower, leaf blower, tiller, string trimmer, pole saw, and hedge trimmer after moving and realizing my old push mower wasn't up to the task. Some of tbes I knew going in and others I realized later and shopped for deals.

You will probably use an impact driver more than you think you will.

Harbor freight angle grinders are fine for limited use, as are many of their other tools if you aren't going to use them all the time. A good couple extension cords will go a long way with a few tools corded tools will help keep costs down and you can add as you need and funds allow after you see what you use most often. That's how jigsaw is on my m18 list. My old Craftsman is a hand-me down and probably older than I am. [emoji3]

Milwaukee fuel is nice, but for most homeowners isn't necessary except for a few things like impact wrench or outdoor power tools. My brushless compact set cost just about half what a comparable fuel set would have run on sale.


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[Bill26]

The best advice I think I've gotten is to try to buy all one brand (or as much as possible). That way power cords and battery packs are more universal. It just makes it much easier to keep track of. Also, stick with a well-known brand (ie. not Harbor Freight lol).

 

[TractorJeff]

WOW! What a Thread on Tools!
I don't know how I survived all these years (60 plus) with only Corded Tools and a Dewalt 18v Drill/Driver!

 

[eastbaysubaru]

Another vote for Milwaukee M18 and M12 here. They have a ton of other super useful stuff in the M18 line. Their LED lights, Stereos, and Vacuum among others are top notch. The vacuum is something that no one else makes and it is awesome.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Vacuums-and-Fans/Wet-Dry-Vacuums/0880-20

The only problem I have is that I wait for their sales and then they come out with a newer/smaller/more powerful/better version a month later. It happened with my drill/driver combo and the sawzall that I just purchased. All manufacturers seem to do this though so...no regrets at all and I wouldn't hesitate making the same decision now.

And FWIW, I started with a fairly decent Porter Cable set but made the decision to upgrade once I used a few Milwaukee tools that my subs were using.

-Brian

 

[engineer2]

The vacuum is something that no one else makes

Makita makes one too.
Makita XCV11Z 18V 2 Gallon HEPA Filter Portable Wet/Dry Dust Extractor/Vacuum

So Does DeWalt
DEWALT 18/20V Max Vacuum, Wet/Dry (DCV581H)

As a homeowner, a plug in shop vac would be much more useful.

 

[ford33]

OP buy what you need when you need it.

I only have two battery powered tools, a drill and impact driver. Everything else is corded. At home there is an electrical outlet ten feet from anywhere in the house. A short extension cord works a long time and without losing power.

I do not like the expense of replacing failed batteries or being tied to one tool brand. My corded tools last many years. My battery tools last 5 maybe 10 years max..

 

[kngelv]

I think someone mentioned it earlier but the first project you should do is get power in the garage.

James

 

[yeldogt]

I think someone mentioned it earlier but the first project you should do is get power in the garage.

James

That's my thought

 

[theoldwizard1]

Have you looked at the Milwaukee M12 line ? Light enough that your "significant other" can easily use them. I will admit the M18 random orbit sander will do a better job that the M12 sander. I will also tell you that someday you will buy a M12 rotary tool (think Dremel). And don't scoff at the little M12 circular saw. It will make a lot of cuts in 2by material and it is great for plywood/composite panels. (I do like the M18 vaccum better than the M12 vacuum.)

Forget using rotary hammer for demo-ing anything for than a couple of square feet of concrete.

What ever you buy, buy at least ONE of the largest battery that they offer.

 

[yeldogt]

First -- no extension cords?

With more than one house I have too many tools (I have a recent thread on this). Multi tools at different houses. I'm not using my tools for a living .. that distinction is important. What may work for a homeowner may just not be enough for a guy using his tools everyday.

Cordless are great .. But, have yet to see a really fine carpenter show up with cordless trim/chop/sliding saw. I have both the typical corded DeWalt 12" sliding miter w/ stand and the classic smaller 8.5" Hitachi ... but, I still use my ancient Craftsman slider because it's easy to move.

I think you need to rethink the cordless for everything. I love my small Mikita cordless drill impact set w/ 3 batteries. Great size/ power ... I also have an older Dewalt set w/ impact drill. It's bigger and I use it much less often --- only because some of my properties are masonry and it comes in handy when hanging stuff with anchors. But you quickly understand that if you really need a hammer ... you need a hammer (BIG).

I never use my cordless circular saw or jig saw .... Had a talk a few months ago outside with my plumber (he got a new truck) -- I noticed he had both cordless and corded of things. If he needs to drill a couple of holes .. cordless. Same with cutting -- circular or Sawzall. More than that he brings the corded versions.

If you plan on building a deck with 2x12's -- the 12" sliders are great ... you don't need one that big even for crown moulding. I have it because my board and batten fence and barn are wide boards and it's easier to use the slider vs a hand held circular saw.

I have bought many many tools through CPO -- they sell refurbished versions of many brands. Great deals -- and they look new .... never a problem.

Everybody needs a good drill/driver/impact -- decent sliding saw. The other stuff comes along when needed. I have a set of the Dewalt saw horses ... I can't say praise them enough. They work like the stand for the Dewalt slider/ chop saws.

HF is fine for some things -- I have one of the throw away tiny screwdrivers for electric work (switches and outlets) -- the handheld grinders and multi tools are fine for occasional work.

What you will discover is tools matter if quality is desired ... with some jobs you need decent tools.

 

[jetnow1]

For the saws, the Dewalt Recip saw is better than the Makita in my opinion. The Makita
recharges much faster than the Dewalt does. Note my tools are a couple of years old, the Dewalt chargers may have improved, and Makita makes more than one recip saw.
For a homeowner Rigid is fine, but other than Drill and Driver I would get corded.

 

[RPH]

Ryobi, line is full of tools. Save the money for tools that aren’t anticipated at this time. Those purchases will come, they always do.

 

[jrbab]

Ryobi, as they also have a huge line of tools for lawn/garden/yard work that use the same batteries. I agree with RPH - you'll find all kinds of other tools you'll want later on. Prices are pretty reasonable and they do take a beating without a problem.

 

[iminocca]

I have Milwaukee M18 tools for my residence and keep a set of Ryobi tolls at my second home. I would buy Ryobi before HF, proven quality and batteries that don’t change. Both are great and effectively serve my needs. The M18 tools are more robust and have noticeably more power, at roughly twice the price. I have 2 Milwaukee drill/drivers, one is also a hammer drill that works really well for making smaller holes in stucco or block…holes you would make for plastic anchors to mount things like electrical boxes or wall art, I wouldn’t expect more out of it than that. An impact is a must, and I have been extremely happy with their circular saw and Sawzall. I have 2 square drive impacts for automotive use in 3/8” and 1/2”…haven’t used my air impacts since. I recently picked up a multi tool to remove grout, what a breeze that was! Also have a radio, leaf blower, vacuum, and a really nice flashlight…and a bunch of batteries.
Fore retrofit work I would just rent an SDS drill, HF does make a good corded one at a reasonable price, I’ve owned a couple of them, I do prefer Bosch bit over HF though. As others have said, for occasional use, corded is going to save you a lot of money. As for table saws and power miter saws, why even bother with cordless? Battery power is great for a tool your constantly picking up, setting down, and moving around with, but if you’re going to set up a tool and not move it around much if at all then the extra cost of battery power doesn’t make sense.

 

[CraigStu]

A couple of thoughts. 1- Do you have a brother, father, good friend nearby who has battery power tools? If you do, consider buying the same brand he has. 2- I know all the new LiIon stuff is better than it used to be w/ NiCad batteries but I still like corded tools. Other than drills and drill drivers All my stuff is corded. Maybe 10 yrs ago I bought one of these reels.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bayco-Cord-Storage-Reel/3129447
I have a 100 ft of cord on it which I can re-reel in about 2 minutes. I bought another one a couple of months ago and bought a 50ft and two 25 ft medium duty cords. be sure your cords have simple inline ends so they work well on the reel. I also got a couple of these. I got the best they had not for the power rating but because they are constructed stronger and tend not to disconnect themselves.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/15-Amp-3-Wire-Grounding-Single-to-Triple-Orange-Adapter/50061643
The 50 went onto the reel first then the 25s. This way I can pull the shorter ones off if I want. And I can separate them, put an adapter between and then run a branch cord off the middle of the long cords. I find that having made extension cords handy to use makes using corded tools only very slightly less convenient than battery tools. Also the corded are generally less expensive while being more powerful. 3- I now have three battery drills. Why? Often a drill, battery, and charger is only about $20 more expensive than a battery by itself. So I can have a drill bit in one and a driver bit in another.

 

[Stuey]

1. Should the Makita sub-compact tools be powerful enough for what I need? I like the small form factor, especially for the reciprocating saw and rotary hammer, but I know they won’t be as powerful as the Milwaukee M18.
2. The Milwaukee combo comes with a hammer drill, so do I need the rotary hammer? I would be drilling lots of holes in the foundation walls for the crawlspace seismic retrofit.
3. Would the Milwaukee 1" Rotary Hammer be useful for demoing a concrete slab, or am I better off renting a demolition hammer? I'd have to rent one regardless if I went with the Makita since it doesn't have a chipping setting.
4. Which option would you choose? Are there any tools that I’m missing? Any other advice?

1) That's a tough one. Frankly, I wouldn't want that as my only drill. It's a great hybrid between 18V power and 12V size, but it's not going to handle heavier duty tasks as well as other options.

2) Lots of holes? You'll appreciate having a rotary hammer. If there's any chance of being able to use a corded tool with an extension cord, that'll save you money on very infrequently used tools.

3) Depends on the size of the slab? Personally, I think I'd prefer a smaller rotary sufficient for drilling work and light chipping, and rent for the bigger demo job.

4) I would possibly consider a cordless track saw. If going with Makita, the kit might be a good source of 5Ah batteries.

Also, once you know what you want, you'll have to price out different options. For Makita, for instance, you can get the "5Ah battery combo" and circular saw for less as part of a kit, XSS01T, than if you bought the bare tool and batteries separate.

 

[ddurrett896]

I'd go with M18. Started with Dewalt, moved to M12 and loved them, but M18 had a wider selection and I sold everything and staying with M18. The M18 chargers can charge M12 stuff so it's not a huge pain to mix and match. Look at the light selections it's crazy!

Never thought I would need a rocket light but just this past weekend, we lost power and I had to fill my generator in the pitch black. Set that thing up and it lit up the side of my house.

In the original post, you mentioned the 6 1/2 circular - get the 7 1/4. It's the standard and will make a full beveled cut on 2x.

Also, this kit: $699 Milwaukee M18 Fuel Combo: Hammer Drill, Impact Driver, Reciprocating Saw, 6-1/2" Circular Saw, (2)5.0Ah Batteries can be bought for cheaper if you have time.

I got a fuel drill, driver, rec saw, charger and 2 batteries for $270.
then the 7 1/4 fuel circular saw, with a rapid charger and 12.0 battery for $400.

Cheaper than that kit + you get a rapid charger and a $200 12.0 battery.

 

[Jackfre]

I have a few of the M12 Milwaukee's and love them. I recently picked up the M18 Fuel drill driver set for a specific project. For the most bang for the buck I'm in the Harbor Freight camp. I have a Fein multi-tool that was real dough. My GC bought a $30 HF MT and it did everything mine did. Four years later it broke and he spent another $30. I would not go all cordless. Batteries last a few years and it is generally easier and cheaper to buy a new tool than batteries. I've used a Hitachi C8FB slider for 25 yrs and it is great and still available.

One thing that I did not see mentioned was benches or saw horses. I picked up a set of the Channel-Lock folding saw horses for my SIL. I've worked off them a couple times and they are very good and fold up to about a 4x4 dimension. In order to do good work and not drive yourself crazy you need a good work surface.

 

[619DioFan]

Outside of the milwaukee fuel 1/2 and 3/8 drive impacts I bought for mainly automotive work ( wanted serious power there ) all my cordless tools , including my weed eater are Ryobi. I consider myself a serious DIYer. The Ryobi line has been great IMO. I also use a Ryobi drill and hex driver everyday at work. those two have been going strong for over 6 years with no issues.

 

[greg13]

I WAS a Ryobi loyolest for years. But I am switching over to Dewalt. I have gone through too many chargers I get about a year out of them and I am the type that unplugs the charger as soon as the battery is charged and I remove the battery from it. The Dewalt line has (in my opinion) improved the last few years, And their impacts kick ***. My next choice would have been Ridgid since no one can beat their warranty. They are owned by Emerson Electric, the people that used to make Craftsman when they were bullet proof power tools.

 

[pmiranda]

If I was starting over, I'd probably buy 60V Dewalt cordless. Right now I have a mix of 19.2V craftsman that is out of date and older corded stuff.

 

[egdede]

For most homeowner stuff, 12v stuff that can fit into small spaces comes in far handier than incredibly powerful tools...

Yes, I have used the ridgid, milwaukee makita and bosch 12 volt drills. They are all awesome for homeowner use. They'll drive dozens of 3" screws on one battery. I personally own the Bosch line (mostly chosen to favor Lowes over HD). My drill is torquey enough to aggravate my tennis elbow injury if I don't brace properly. (WTF doc? I've never played tennis in my life.)

 

[cderalow]

Ryobi 18V line. Same system has been around forever now.

Hundreds of tools, one battery platform.

I’ve had mine for 10+ years and never been able to destroy them.

Typically rated as best bang for your buck.


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