What's up with power tools

[theundermount]

What's with batteries not being included when you purchase new power tools at Home Depot? yoy pay big money for the tool then you still gotta spend more on batteries and chargers ? just seems like scam to me

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[jumbojak]

You can get kits that come with batteries but once you have three or four batteries it's much more economical to buy bare tools as you need them. You don't wind up with a herd of chargers that way either. I think I have four or five M12 chargers stashed around from buying kits at good prices.

 

[renloy]

I think the logic for most people is that they already have a bunch of batteries for a particular system and just need the tool. Why pay for yet another battery when you already have 4 at home?

 

[56Safari]

They expect you to buy a base level package that includes a battery or 2 and then expand your tool kit as needed... If you got a battery with every tool, costs would go way up and you'd have way too many batteries.... (I think I have 9 porter cable 20v tools now) If you're starting small and not buying a kit I'd just buy a 2 pack of 4ah batteries and you'll be set for a while as you expand your kit

 

[theundermount]

I guess looking at it they way it makes sense. I guess because I'm just starting to acquire a different brand it seems like a waste, I will keep my out of for a good deal on some combo packages I suppose

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[like2wheel]

Yeah, most are available "Tool only", or in a kit with battery(s) & charger.
If you chose by price, you'll get the one without.

Most people have a favorite brand & pick a platform.

They're actually doing us a favor by not making us pay for what we do not need.

 

[Viper98912]

Gotta pick up a combo first (hopefully on sale)

 

[theundermount]

on a related note what is everyone's feelings on rigid tools? is it worth driving right in on rigid or what?

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[brooktre]

It is not the most popular brand, but I bought a Rigid kit a few years ago. It came with a drill, impact driver, 2 batteries and a charger. Many other brands offer the same type of package. I mainly chose it for the lifetime battery warranty. Some say the warranty is no good, but I haven’t had to use it. I’m an light user, but I use them more than I expected. So far I’m satisfied with the brand.

 

[Bent Handle]

I have the rigid kit as well as the radio, oscillating tool and nail gun. I really have no complaints.

 

[gmtech]

Not to mention, depending on your intended use, people will need different amp hour ratings. Most of the kits you find on sale at thanksgiving and Christmas come with small AH batteries. May be fine for Johnny homeowner, but not gonna cut it for someone in a trade.

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[Crazyjake8493]

Most tool brands sell the tools as a kit (w/ battery & charger) or as a bare tool option. If the bare tool is still too expensive for you, buy a cheaper brand.

 

[Negen]

The batteries are probably the most expensive part of the tool. Beings how there are only two or three cell manufacturers worldwide (that companies will risk using). It is common practice among some people to choose tools based on battery platforms and just buy the bare tools as needed. The kits they put together with multiple tools seem useless to me as I may only want two of the four tools. Impact guns and drills are the only cordless I care about. Other people like different things that suit their needs.

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[Dr.Fiero]

I ran the service department of a large retail outfit for several years.

From personal experience, I have to say that Milwaukee, while not perfect, is probably the best bang for the buck of all the major consumer grade products. Stick to the “Fuel” versions when at all possible.

 

[nyy845]

You really need to commit to a brand, it doesn't make sense to have 5 different brands with batteries.

I've gone with Milwaukee and since I have the batteries already, I just need to find deals on "tool only".

 

[danielbuck]

For me, 3-4 batteries is plenty. I don't use the bags/cases or chargers that come with the kits, so it doesn't make sense for me to buy kits. A kit is probably good for your first or 2nd tool purchase though, if the price is right. And particularly if you like the molded cases.

I've never liked cases that come with most tools, even when I take battery tools with me offroad/camping trips or long road trips, it's WAY more compact to toss the tools in a bag (I like surplus "tank tool bags") or ammo box or whatever. And then wrenches and hand tools go in a wrap.

Sensitive measuring instruments/items, I usually keep in cases. But not most tools.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Sounds like the TV ads for every Christmas toy ever sold..."batteries not included".

 

[theundermount]

all very good info everyone thanks for the feedback, I'm stuck at a cross roads right now I have a makita drill set (not impressed at all with it) so now as I'm trying to acquire more cordless tools to replace alot of my older corded stuff I just have to "pick a brand" per say because as most of you have stated it doesn't seem to make sense to just buy one tool here and there you gotta go for the bundle

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[fourjeepin]

on a related note what is everyone's feelings on rigid tools? is it worth driving right in on rigid or what?

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I’m heavily invested in Ridgid due to the warranty and price. I was with Dewalt 18v nicad, but picked up a Ridgid impact set cheap and loved the newer tech, so I started picking up more pieces while dumping all my Dewalt on eBay.

Some say they can’t get good prices on them, but Ridgid sets can be found on super clearance after the holidays. Look for the sets that are only available at Christmas. Sometimes they start the clearance right after Christmas, but it is usually in January. I bought so many sets at $40 - $50 dollars that I didn’t even both to try and warranty my only 18v failure - a charger.

I started with a Ridgid abrasive saw many years ago. I used it for a few years, then it died so I took it to the local warranty center. A week later, they gave me a brand new one. It was even a newer model. Some have had trouble with the warranty, but I have not.

 

[mudflap]

I have a Ridgid hammer drill that i have beat the **** out of for 3 yrs..still going strong.. I did warranty one of the batteries about a year ago..but it was my fault..i left it on the flashlight..and ran it down/left on..in the cold for about 4 days. so the charger wouldnt charge it..no problems with the warranty. I think people that have problems didnt register them..

 

[Crazyjake8493]

You really need to commit to a brand, it doesn't make sense to have 5 different brands with batteries.

I've gone with Milwaukee and since I have the batteries already, I just need to find deals on "tool only".

Not necessarily. No one brand makes the best version of every tool, so why limit yourself? I say buy the best version of a tool when you need it, don't just settle because you're invested in one line already.

I have mostly Milwaukee but recently bought a few Hitachi 18v nailers because they're superior to Milwaukee's nailers. I'm looking to get one or two Dewalt tools next year, one being a tool that no other brand currently offers. I may even buy a Ryobi pole saw and chemical sprayer in the spring, just for around the yard at home.

 

[Fishy66]

Milwaukee , Ryobi, and Ridgid are all manufactured by TTI. I think you will be happy with any of them. The Ridgid batteries are lifetime warranty when bought with a kit and registered. The separate batteries are 3 year if I remember correctly.

Happy hunting!

 

[danielbuck]

Not necessarily. No one brand makes the best version of every tool, so why limit yourself? I say buy the best version of a tool when you need it, don't just settle because you're invested in one line already.

I have mostly Milwaukee but recently bought a few Hitachi 18v nailers because they're superior to Milwaukee's nailers. I'm looking to get one or two Dewalt tools next year, one being a tool that no other brand currently offers. I may even buy a Ryobi pole saw and chemical sprayer in the spring, just for around the yard at home.

I can see the reasoning behind that, if some of the tools are so bad you just hate using them. But I've never been so dissatisfied with a battery tool to warrant buying another set of batteries and charger just to use a better version of that tool. I don't need the best of every tool.

If the tools are always in different areas, I can understand that. Like you have Dewalt in the truck, Ryobi in the shed/yard, and Milwaukee in the garage where they rarely ever get used at the same place. But mixed together, man that would drive me bonkers.

I'm not brand loyal at all, I grab different brand air tools and hand tools without a single hesitation, but that's because it's easy, air tools all all plug into the same air and hand tools don't matter. And doesn't cost any more to have multiple brands.

 

[56Safari]

Think about the tools you need now, what you want to eventually get and make sure the manufacturer has those options available... The rigid li-ion stuff I’ve used on the job is great (and if that lifetime battery warranty is true I’d be sold on that alone)... I just bought the PC 20v because it was super cheap for refurb kits and the early stuff (when I bought it) was pretty good quality for the $. (Stuff they sell now is getting cheaper.. metal drill chucks are now plastic, etc... )... but now I really could use a right angle drill and PC doesn’t make one... I might have to start rolling over tools into a new platform.. the most important thing is buying the 4 or 5ah batteries... they’re worth every penny


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[TwoInch]

I agree with both outlooks in a sense.

I think having all battery tools use the same battery platform is great..

But having two battery/tool groups is absolutely not a big deal at all... Having Milwaukee drive tools and Hitachi nail guns sounds great.

Of course, having 6 different battery/charger types would be a nightmare. I really see zero disadvantages too having two, or if you have 12 or so different cordless tools, even three different battery/chargers systems...

Three or four tools, yeah for sure one system makes sense. But I've just never noticed a single inconvenience when slowly switching brands, and temporarily having a number of tools with two different systems. Its just not that complicated keeping it all straight..

That's my .02

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[TwoInch]

I also wouldn't hesitate to buy a small dewalt set on a good sale or used, knowing I planned on going Milwaukee when I could afford it in a few months or a year...

You can always find a use for these things. Keeping a drill and a recip saw in your truck is not a bad idea. I keep a drill always in my truck and use it a couple times a week usually. And a saw comes in handy a lot too, and could potentially save lives if your that type of person that stops at accidents and what not... Can't hurt to keep spares handy either way.

And if you do run two types of battery systems, it can open the doors to a wider range of potential tools at your disposal, if you pick the systems smart like.. And like another poster said, some brands saws may be better than the other, and impacts obviously Milwaukee...

I can just see real advantages to it. And few real world disadvantages. Theoretically one system seems best, but I just don't see it in real life.

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[jonshonda]

I hear ya op, but if you think about it in the long run it makes sense. Maybe buy a combo kit (drill/driver) that has a charger included. Then as you start to build up the inventory of tools, you aren't paying for chargers and batteries you won't use.

 

[wilb1976]

I like to buy sets myself because I can never have too many batteries. I normally have 4-5 tools out on a project and don’t like switching batteries or waiting for them to charge. I normally sell the chargers on CL to recoup some cost.

As for multiple brands, I’ve stuck with just Dewalt as they offer all the tools I need or want for now. Milwaukee does make some cool stuff that Dewalt doesn’t offer but I don’t have the “need” for any of them yet. My friends and co-workers are split between the two and I’m happy with my setup.

 

[6PTsocket]

The bare tool policy also works for the manufacturer. If they can get you hooked on their system you will probably only buy their tools. A good deal in a combo kit is the bait to reel you in.

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[jgromada]

I am not a tradesman dragging all my tools to a work site so having multiple battery platforms is not an issue. I have 3 platforms now: DeWalt 20v Max, Milwaukee M12 & Ridgid 18v. It all came down to getting a killer deal on combos. now if i need a new tool like a vac, I see who has the best features for the best price.

When my plumbing was here last week he had all his Milwaukee stuff complete with combo M12, M18 charger and of course that makes complete sense.

 

[AngryBeaver]

For years i ran Snap on 18V impacts, Dewalt 18v cordless tools and Milwaukee M12.

when i finally got sick of buying multiple nicad batteries a year i ditched them all for milwaukee M18. selling off the major dewalt kit and three snap on impacts I had allowed me to pay for most of the milwaukee system to start with.

No one wants to buy a 500 dollar drill kit, then a 500 dollar impact kit, then a ratchet kit, then a circular saw kit, then a recipe saw, then a grinder kit, then a blah blah kit.

buy a couple kits, or stuff on promo with a free battery and charger. this allows me to carry a charger on the service truck, have a charger or two at the shop, then a charger or two at home.

buying bare tools works better for me so I can have similar tools at my home shop, my work shop, or service truck.

I'd have 25 chargers and 10K in stuff if I bought them in kit form....

 

[WittHay]

I like multiple systems, have DeWalt at home, Milwaukee at work bought mainly for the impacts and lighting but my favorite is Makita taken back and forth depending on the job.

The OP is in Canada and the most common brand is DeWalt usually with the best deals and dont overlook the new Stanley Craftsman red power tools available in a lot of locations like Rona and Ace

 

[rmsg0040]

Are the 20V dewalt batteries interchangeable with the craftsman 20V

 

[WittHay]

Are the 20V dewalt batteries interchangeable with the craftsman 20V

No they are not, but Ridgid, Ryobi, Craftsman 19.2V are not interchangeable with each other or with Milwaukee even thought they are all made in the same plant.

I just mentioned Stanley Craftsman because i like the looks of them and have never cared much for the lime-green Ryobi. The Ridgid to me seems better but for home use pick a color or two at a price range you are comfortable with

 

[f121]

Having a couple of battery platforms makes sense for different voltages, having 12v compact and 18v full size tools make sense. Splitting a voltage range between different platforms seems like a bad idea, there's been a lot of times where I've borrowed the battery out of the site radio when my drill has gone flat, or borrowed one from a tool im not using right now rather than running back to the house for a fresh battery.

 

[Fishy66]

A word of caution: If you see new Milwaukee Fuel stuff on craigslist or offerup etc. there is a good chance it is a knock-off.

The local swap meet here has stacks of the stuff NIB.

 

[theundermount]

I was eyeing this one up today a HD, still on the fence though as the Milwaukee stuff is really nice.... it still bugs me though as I was only looking to replace my corded orbital sander with a cordless and now I'm looking at this for 400 dollars sheesh

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[theundermount]

or this on for 698 Yikes

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[Voi]

or this on for 698 Yikes.

I know you're wanting to move away from Makita but the brushless three tool kit they have with two free bare tools is a very good deal right now.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-...-Saw-and-Multi-Tool-XT333X1-XRJ04ZM/307307731

I'm pretty sure the free reciprocating saw in this deal is the brushed version.

I have all of the above tools but with the brushless version of the reciprocating saw. I wish the impact driver had multi speed control with a self-tapping mode but I'm very happy with them otherwise. Really like that circular saw a lot.

What Makita set do you have now that you're unhappy with?

 

[theundermount]

I have the 18v LXT brushless drill and impact driver the drill was mangled after a few months gears slip and the chuck is significantly loose so much it causes the drill to wobble when in use.

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