Power Tool Advice for First-Time Homeowner

[Dutch01]

OP buy what you need when you need it.

+1 On this. That is the way I started. Moving into a house always require funds for thing to be done so I bought tools on an "as needed" basis. The cost the tool/s was justified in the saving of not getting someone to do the job plus you have the tool/s for future use. Invariably you will develop an interest in a specific area or hobby that will lead you into buying more dedicated tools (and nice to have's )

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Milwaukee. They own the patents on the battery technology and the majority of the other "good" brands are now either owned by Milwaukee's parent company or are making things under their license. Makita isn't what they used to be. They are still good, just not as good. I wouldn't have another DeWalt if it was free.

Tommy

 

[HotrodHR]

I own Makita tools for automotive refinishing, buffer, polishers, etc. I try to keep my home project tools separate from my shop although I find myself using Robin battery operated impact driver in my shop.

Lately I've been purchasing the Ryobi line of tools and catch them on sale and in package deals. I have the yard blower and string trimmer both are good and batteries interchange. The battery packs can be expensive for any brand of tools, but keeping in the same line you'll end up with more batteries to swap out when working bigger jobs. I also picked up their multiple battery charger I leave in the shop eliminating six or eight separate chargers.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Lately I've been purchasing the Ryobi line of tools and catch them on sale and in package deals. The battery packs can be expensive for any brand of tools.

From what I'm told, that's partially because they're one of the companies that got sued by Milwaukee, they were absorbed as partial compensation by Milwaukee's parent corporation and they're still paying licensing fees for the battery tech.

Tommy

 

[finn]

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 Right now I have a mix of 19.2V craftsman that is out of date and older corded stuff.

The 60v doesn’t make sense for 90% of what a homeowner does. Specially items and lawn and garden, it’s great, but the batteries are just too big and heavy for common household jobs like hanging pictures, etc.

12v tools are all most homeowners need 90% of the time, and their ergonomics can’t be beaten.