Which Box store Cordless tools would you recommend?

[JohnMcD348]

Just wondering what the general thoughts are, Pros and Cons, on the different cordless tools that are out there at the local Lowe's/Home Depots.

I've got a few of the Sears C3 tools and do plan to buy as many of them as I can get as time/money permit but, I've had some issues with them over the years and I really don't think they will improve in time. Little things like Chargers that begin to fail, batteries that won't charge after only a few time back in the NiCad only days. I have one of the brand new XCP Large LiON batteries that discharges so quick that if I leave it in the multicharger, it drains and I only bought it back during the last Black Friday sale. I've also, like many, been concerned about the way Sears seems to be going so I'd like to look at tools that are a little more available.

I was wondering about the offereings from DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee and the other lesser sold brands like Ryobi, Porter Cable and the like. I was considering DeWalt and Bosch mainly because they were both sold by the Big Box stores so are more readily available and accessible for parts and accessories.

Also, in regard to the DeWalt, which size should I look at for the long haul? They have both an 18v and 20v system. Is there one brand that seems to be more loyal to a system than the other? I'd hate to start buying the 20v DeWalt only to have them discontinue it in favor of a new 23v Hydrogen Solar Anti-matter power source and leave me with a group of tools that I can't get batteries for anymore when the ones I have wear out.

Which brand seems to have the most selection, been around the in that power platform the longest and seem like they will be around for awhile?

Thanks

 

[ChrisLS8]

I like my Ridgid 12v stuff. I have the Drill driver combo for 99 bucks with a lifetime warranty, even on the batteries. My Jobmax has been great for going on 3 years now

My Nextec Right angle impact is a beast, zero complaints as well. You cant really go wrong with most brands sold at the box stores nowadays

 

[rslaback]

For a homeowner Ridgid and Ryobi are hard to beat. If you want to get a little more serious, Dewalt is your best bet.

 

[JohnMcD348]

Thanks. I meant to have in the OP that I'm looking for tools to do things around the home or away from home. I'm not a contractor, just a DIY guy. So far, my C3 stuff has always been more than adequate, other than the battery issues, but, I'm starting to consider something a little more serious and not be tied down to just one source. That's what got me to thinking a bit about brands that aren't really specific to 1 retailer.

I remember reading about 1-3 years ago of one manufacturer that was bringing out a new series and there was worry that the older units that had been sold would be obsolete. I searched but couldn't find reference to it anymore. Did it not happen like that after all?

 

[Rarified27]

I use Milwaukee M12 for daily stuff and have blue/green Ryobi 18V stuff at my in laws a few hours away for the occasional jobs.

The Milwuakee stuff has handled anything I've thrown at it and the only problem I've ever had is with the torque setting on a M12 drill after it was jammed into a tight space and the setting adjustment got crushed.

The Ryobi stuff had a drill recall a few years ago for a trigger switch that would overheat, but they replaced it free of charge. the new Ryobi lithium batteries and chargers are excellent for the price.

 

[rslaback]

Thanks. I meant to have in the OP that I'm looking for tools to do things around the home or away from home. I'm not a contractor, just a DIY guy. So far, my C3 stuff has always been more than adequate, other than the battery issues, but, I'm starting to consider something a little more serious and not be tied down to just one source. That's what got me to thinking a bit about brands that aren't really specific to 1 retailer.

I remember reading about 1-3 years ago of one manufacturer that was bringing out a new series and there was worry that the older units that had been sold would be obsolete. I searched but couldn't find reference to it anymore. Did it not happen like that after all?

You're talking about the Dewalt switch to lithium powered tools. The older nicads have a different battery type than the new lithiums. It did make the earlier tools obsolete and has definitely pissed off the guys who were heavily invested in Dewalt.

 

[JohnMcD348]

I'm kinda looking at Milwaukee after reading a few things on ToolGuyd.

They seem to have quite a lot of offerings that fit a pretty large variety of jobs. Also, I see they have a charger that handles both the M12 and M18 batteries. That would let me open up to more than one power platform a little easier. Or, at least, if something came up and I needed to get a new tool to do the job, I'd be a little more likely to be able to walk in and buy it without worrying if it would be the one and only tool that used that battery. For me, that's been my drawback over the years of not buying anything but the C3 tools.

 

[rslaback]

Milwaukee definitely makes quality tools. My only reservation in recommending them to anyone is cost. It's kind of like a F450. It is a helluva truck. It will do anything you ask of it. It's just way more truck and way more cost than a lot of guys need.

 

[JohnMcD348]

Nothing specific right now. I started looking for a nail gun today and this is what got me started down the rabbit hole of cordless tools. I've got what I use most in the C3 tools right now. A small finish saw, 3 drills, reciprocating saw, jig saw. They do make a nail gun also and I may get that one to add to my set.

I guess what actually got me thinking about other tools and other sources was this past week, Radio Shack announcing they'll be going Chapter 11. All the talk over the past 3-4 years about Sears dying a slow death made me think about what I'd end up with if they went belly up and I had no more sources for these tools and accessories. I'd be better off in the end if I had tools that were more readily available.

 

[rice rocket]

You won't find a cordless nailgun anywhere but Ryobi and DeWalt.


Honestly, if I wasn't a tool snob, I bet I would be 100% satisfied w/ Ryobi ONE+ stuff. They seem to offer a ton of good homeowner focused tools, and have made their battery platform backwards compatible going back for almost a decade now?

My Milwaukee stuff is nice, but looking back at what I spent over the comparable Ryobi tool, it seems stupid.

 

[AE2]

I don't have any but the masterforce from menards looks good and has a wide assortment including a bandsaw.

 

[CJM8515]

I still have a porter cable 18v li-on set; looked at dewalt, makita and milwaukee. Went with milwaukee due to the 4.0 batteries and the good deal I got on a drill/impact driver set.

 

[gayler]

I hope I don't regret it, but I got a Hitachi 18 volt 1/4 inch impact driver for my birthday.

 

[SweetD]

I like the Ryobi stuff for homeowner DIY general use. RIGID and Ryobi are both made for HD by the same company, TTI. I believe TTI may also make Milwaukee now too.

 

[mrvm]

Which brand seems to have the most selection, been around the in that power platform the longest and seem like they will be around for awhile

To answer this part of your post, Ridgid and Ryobi 18V One+ lines have been around for a long time being backwards compatible with their older power tools that use Nicad batteries. Once I upgraded to lithium power, it rejuvenated the old Nicad power tools (just have to use the newer lithium charger). Dewalt is not the only major brand to have had platform changes that caused owners grief. Bosch and Milwaukee come to mind.

For a homeowner, Ryobi offers the most value for performance and has a large number of power tools to choose from. The only negative for you IMO is that the Ryobi won't be a big step up from the Craftsman C3 line since I suspect they are closely related. This is not a negative stab at Ryobi but the pro brands are generally more powerful, durable and designed better. IMO the Ridgid is a step up from Ryobi/CM and definitely has them beat on warranty (life-time service agreement that covers tool/battery not abuse).

 

[ZRH`]

I like the Ryobi stuff for homeowner DIY general use. RIGID and Ryobi are both made for HD by the same company, TTI. I believe TTI may also make Milwaukee now too.

TTI owns Milwaukee and Ryobi, Emerson Electric makes Rigid and has a "strategic agreement" with TTI. That really doesnt mean any of the tools are even similar though.

If I was going in for a new battery system I'd definitely look at Hitachi (I know HD doesnt stock them but they arent hard to find). Nice ergos, nice prices, nice batteries.

 

[finn]

I've got ancient Craftsman, and newer Skill, Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch. I prefer the Bosch stuff in general, but it is all satisfactory for home use.

I had a battery pack rebuilt last week for my circa 1996 Craftsman, as I still use it for odd jobs. Interesting in that the Remy Battery store could rebuild a NiCad battery but not a Li ion pack. Didn't get a chance to ask why.

 

[bleacht]

I started a few years ago with Dewalt but had issues with defective drills and impacts. I switched to Makita and was happy until the SO bought me a Milwaukee kit for Christmas. Now I'm continuously building my M12 and M18 collection and haven't looked back.

 

[gayler]

TTI owns Milwaukee and Ryobi, Emerson Electric makes Rigid and has a "strategic agreement" with TTI. That really doesnt mean any of the tools are even similar though.

If I was going in for a new battery system I'd definitely look at Hitachi (I know HD doesnt stock them but they arent hard to find). Nice ergos, nice prices, nice batteries.

Menards carries Hitachi.

 

[Fender1325]

I wonder what jobs the OP is looking to complete.

I really like the makita stuff but was given a gift card to sears and got the C3 impact and drill set. I like the impact but the drill *****. The chuck wobbles drill bits so Im planning on swapping it tomorrow if they let me.

 

[Ruger_556]

I hope I don't regret it, but I got a Hitachi 18 volt 1/4 inch impact driver for my birthday.

Those are good, mine's still kicking amazingly

 

[fordgasm]

I was looking into what power tools to buy about a month ago. Settled on the Craftsman C3 stuff. For what it costs, how cheap an extended warranty is, how often I will be using it and how often Sears seems to run huge sales on the stuff (at least twice a month it seems), it fit my needs perfectly.

In the last month Ive bought the C3 heavy duty 1/2 impact with their new XCP li-ion 4Ah battery and could not be happier. Used it today and it easily took off the lugs on my '98 Durango for a brake job.

I also bought the C3 heavy duty drill with the XCP li-ion 1.5 Ah battery for well under $100 out the door. Havent used it yet but it feels great in hand.

I bought the C3 multi-speed impact driver that came with a 1.5 Li-ion battery for $119.99 last week. Used it to install new blinds. I realized I may never use a drill again. I absolutely love the impact drill.

a few days ago I bought the C3 reciprocating saw to replace an old one I have. Havent used it yet but again it feels solid and Im sure it will do great when I use it. That was $49.99.

Like I said so far zero complaints about the C3 stuff with the XCP batteries. Great product at a great price.

 

[rice rocket]

But what'll happen when Sears goes under?

 

[gayler]

Those are good, mine's still kicking amazingly

Good to know. How long have you had it?

 

[Ruger_556]

Good to know. How long have you had it?

5 years now maybe? It's been abused, I swear this thing is indestructible

 

[rsanter]

Dewalt all the way of you want heavy duty stuff. If you have nothing then you want the 20v. The only reason the 18volt is still there is the guys like me that have them and don't want to switch platforms. 20v is their new stuff.

If all you need is homeowner grade stuff then the ryobi is great. We had them at work and while they are not as strong as the Dewalt, for the price they will work well

Bob

 

[jeep_boy02]

My ryobi set is very nice... Battery life could be better on the circular, recip, and oscillating saws but the impact will run for hours. Batteries fully charge in about 30 mins so that's nice. Pretty light too

 

[fordgasm]

But what'll happen when Sears goes under?

here is a good read on just that.

http://toolguyd.com/what-would-happen-to-the-craftsman-brand-if-sears-goes-bankrupt/

 

[67King]

I've had horrible experiences with Ryobi. Everything I've had that they made that was a power tool broke before they were very old. Ridgid was pretty decent, but the drill's chuck was pretty out of round. Then the N-Cd batteries bit the dust.

Bought some Hitachi 18V Li stuff a few years ago. Has been great for me so far. Very happy with it. Would highly recommend. I'm starting to put together some Milwaukee M12 stuff, though. really like their variety. If I were starting over on the bigger stuff, I'd probably stick with Milwaukee. But stand alone, I was quite happy with Hitachi.

 

[nicksnothereman]

Just wondering what the general thoughts are, Pros and Cons, on the different cordless tools that are out there at the local Lowe's/Home Depots.

I've got a few of the Sears C3 tools and do plan to buy as many of them as I can get as time/money permit but, I've had some issues with them over the years and I really don't think they will improve in time. Little things like Chargers that begin to fail, batteries that won't charge after only a few time back in the NiCad only days. I have one of the brand new XCP Large LiON batteries that discharges so quick that if I leave it in the multicharger, it drains and I only bought it back during the last Black Friday sale. I've also, like many, been concerned about the way Sears seems to be going so I'd like to look at tools that are a little more available.

I was wondering about the offereings from DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee and the other lesser sold brands like Ryobi, Porter Cable and the like. I was considering DeWalt and Bosch mainly because they were both sold by the Big Box stores so are more readily available and accessible for parts and accessories.

Also, in regard to the DeWalt, which size should I look at for the long haul? They have both an 18v and 20v system. Is there one brand that seems to be more loyal to a system than the other? I'd hate to start buying the 20v DeWalt only to have them discontinue it in favor of a new 23v Hydrogen Solar Anti-matter power source and leave me with a group of tools that I can't get batteries for anymore when the ones I have wear out.

Which brand seems to have the most selection, been around the in that power platform the longest and seem like they will be around for awhile?

Thanks

No such thing as "long haul" with cordless power tools. Just saying.

You might be getting wrapped up in the "hotness", get what you need based on what you do. If you drill metal higher voltage, frankly I have problems drilling maple with an 18v but I paid something like 4 bucks for it new so it's not a huge deal.

They have a set at home depot (dewalt) 18v for 100 bucks with a bunch of stuff, that's probably what you should get. Not that it's the best drill/driver but it's a good deal. Milwaukee stuff is probably best in class (though chinese I think) but not necessarily worth the asking price unless that's all you're using on a professional basis.

 

[JohnMcD348]

Thanks all. I REALLY appreciate all the opinions on this. Please keep it coming.

As far as my typical uses go, I'm really just an around the home Jack of All trades.

What I've used my C3 stuff for so far:

Building a reloading bench
Built a large stand for my wife's 85 gallon aquarium
Lots of odd job wood cutting and repairing or building things.
I recently used them to help build a Christmas parade float for my sons Little League ball park
I used the Sawzall to cut out the exhaust on my 92 Bronco
Jigsaw to build new panels for an interior redo in the Bronco.
Install new screen doors in 4 door ways in the home.
Repair a leaking roof and had to replace the under board along with the shingles.
Built storage in the garage

I pretty much do whatever needs doing around the home and on my older vehicles. I think I use the drill/driver more than anything. the other tools are just good to have for those Just in Case instances that save time where other tools could also do the trick, just not as fast, not as easy.

 

[Chevy-SS]

You won't find a cordless nailgun anywhere but Ryobi and DeWalt.


Honestly, if I wasn't a tool snob, I bet I would be 100% satisfied w/ Ryobi ONE+ stuff. They seem to offer a ton of good homeowner focused tools, and have made their battery platform backwards compatible going back for almost a decade now?.....

I am TOTALLY satisfied with my Ryobi ONE+ tools. About a year ago I bought the six-in-one package deal (online), and it came with a free 1/2" impact driver. Every tool works wonderfully. The impact driver removes lug nuts from every vehicle I have (including pickup truck) with ease. I bought an extra charger and two of the 4000MaH batteries. This is a terrific kit. Plus, it's cleverly designed to be backwards compatible with the older Ryobi tools and flashlights. Kudos to HD for these new tools!

I just finished building a big garage addition and I was noticing that many of the subcontractors had a Ryobi ONE+ tool or two..........

 

[Chevy-SS]

I've had horrible experiences with Ryobi. Everything I've had that they made that was a power tool broke before they were very old. ....

I am guessing these were the dark blue tools, prior to the new ONE+ (the green tools)??? I agree about the old NiCad Ryobi tools. They sucked. Except the flashlight are good, I still have two of them that work great. Very handy swivel head too, and they take the new Li-ion batteries!

 

[Dave in Mass]

Dewalt all the way of you want heavy duty stuff. If you have nothing then you want the 20v. The only reason the 18volt is still there is the guys like me that have them and don't want to switch platforms. 20v is their new stuff.

If all you need is homeowner grade stuff then the ryobi is great. We had them at work and while they are not as strong as the Dewalt, for the price they will work well

Bob

I have the Dewalt 20V impact driver and drill combo. I bought a work light to go with it. Have had it about a year and use one or the other every weekend. it is my go to case. The power is great and so far battery life has not been an issue at all.

 

[Nickmm]

I really am quite a makita fan these days. Before owning a LXT tools, I loved my Dewalt 18v xrp stuff. My hammerdrill, while now rather heavy, was very, very good. dcd hammer drill I had a hammer drill, impact driver, and 3 impact wrenches, all of which held up to 3 years of heavy use at work. Never had a tool fail, just two batteries out of 8.

Now I am in the Makita LXT line, and Makita is showing they will keep this line healthy/modern for awhile, anyway, so its not a bad way to go. Any nice brushless tools they make are awesome, but nothing wrong with entry level sets.

Also have a dewalt 20v setup with hammer drill at work, it seems to have less power than my makita. Still a great hammer drill, and I like their handle as well.

 

[ZRH`]

Thanks all. I REALLY appreciate all the opinions on this. Please keep it coming.

As far as my typical uses go, I'm really just an around the home Jack of All trades.

<snip>

I pretty much do whatever needs doing around the home and on my older vehicles. I think I use the drill/driver more than anything. the other tools are just good to have for those Just in Case instances that save time where other tools could also do the trick, just not as fast, not as easy.

Im about to go slightly off topic apologies: Cordless drills are appreciably easier to use for anyone but for a lot of the other stuff you listed you could get appreciably cheaper and more powerful corded tools + 25-50ft of quality extension cord (or even a cord reel) and never have to worry about manufacturers changing batteries or waiting for them to charge etc.

Just something to chew on.

 

[Fender1325]

I got the craftsman C3 lith-ion drill/impact set about a month ago. Loved the impact, the drill was eh. So I needed to drill about 140 holes in 16 gauge sheet metal for a project recently and the damn chuck on the drill kept wobbling. I tried re-installing the bit deeper or more shallow but nothing helped. Thought I mustve bent the bit somehow. Put it in my corded dewalt drill and it was straight as an arrow.

So I brought the set back today to sears and they swapped it out no problem. I actually upgraded for another $40 and got a set that comes with 2 batteries, and a good carrying case - obviously with the impact, drill, and charger. Paid an extra 20 for a 3 year no questions asked warranty - which includes normal wear and tear on batteries. We'll see how the new set works out.

Ive used craftsman, porter cable, dewalt and makita. I like makita the best but they also cost a lot more. I own several dewalt products and always like them, but for the money I couldnt beat this craftsman set. If it gives me any trouble a second time I'll return it and pony up for the makita.

My father in law was a contracter for many years and always loved his makita stuff. Believe it or not he had his makita impact for almost 20 years. He finally upgraded to lith and they are a joy to use.

I really have no experience with milwaukee. HD had some out for testing and I tried it. Felt okay. Cant really tell until you build something with a tool I guess.

I bought a corded porter cable impact and it was un-useable. Rounded out screws like you wouldnt believe.

 

[Conductor562]

I prefer Milwaukee, but if you're only looking for the basic stuff like drills, impacts, recip & circ saws, etc., Ridgid is pretty hard to beat for the price. It's good stuff and had they offered more specialty type tools, I would have went with Ridgid instead of Milwaukee when I replaced my cordless set 4 or 5 years ago.

 

[Fender1325]

Im about to go slightly off topic apologies: Cordless drills are appreciably easier to use for anyone but for a lot of the other stuff you listed you could get appreciably cheaper and more powerful corded tools + 25-50ft of quality extension cord (or even a cord reel) and never have to worry about manufacturers changing batteries or waiting for them to charge etc.

Just something to chew on.

I really agree. At the same time Ive been in scenarios where I have an extension cable out - and a jig saw, angle grinder, or whatever else and was thankful the drill or impact was cordless. One less cable is nice, or if youre working overhead its just nicer. Cables are a bit of a pain but also nice if you need a lot of power constantly

 

[BFHtime]

None, find a small store, get the service, and a better tool. Go brushless, with lithium batteries. When it comes to cordless you have to look at the complete line of tools, which puts Milwaukee and Makita, on top in my opinion, in that order. Panasonic, Bosch, Hitachi, Porter Cable, DeWalt, and others have some decent tools, some of them good. You have to pick and choose the tools you plan on using.

Right now Milwaukee fuel with brushless if it offered, IMO is the best right now, but it changes.