Which Box store Cordless tools would you recommend?

[Parrothead]

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 am fan of the old DeWalt 18v tools, but that's not what I would buy today. I'd get the DeWalt 20v stuff. DeWalt has supported their products after then came up with a new line. DeWalt even had Lithium Ion batteries for the 18v series, though they're aren't cheap. Because the 18v series was so popular I suspect you'll be able to get batteries and parts for a very long time. I've had mine 10+ years and nothings failed other than batteries.

So if it were me, I'd get DeWalt 20v system because I think they'll supporte it longer than some other brands (save for Ryobi).

 

[mdurbanc]

I was pretty heavily invested in the Craftsman C3 tools and NiCad batteries until a house fire 2 years ago. I have since been replacing with the Ryobi One+ tools with Li batteries I would rank the quality of the tools on par with the C3, but the decider for me is the price of the high-capacity Li batteries. Home Depot has the 2-pack 4Ah Li batteries for $99 several times a year. I never see the C3 Li batteries anywhere near that price (although I have stopped looking).

 

[TomB19]

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.

Milwaukee makes some really good stuff. It's a good choice.

DeWalt has been making good product for a while too, though. It's another excellent choice, IMO. DeWalt has some nice cordless nailers that Milwaukee doesn't have.

... and then there's Makita LXT. Good stuff. They have a killer circular saw that's an industry beater, IMO.

As for Ryobi, I rarely see a positive comment about it but the people I know who use it just quietly get their jobs done without making a bunch of noise. I don't know anyone who has the Ryobi system who says anything bad about it. When I ask, they tell me it's great. The negative comments seem to come exclusively from people who haven't owned it ever or, at least, in several years.

Ryobi has the nice AirStrike nailer, too. Nice tool.

 

[Parrothead]

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'll agree to some extent, as I have a corded tool for every cordless. However I used an 18v DeWalt hammer drill to install an entire warehouse full of pallet racks. Sure I used a couple of batteries, but realistically it was a much better tool than I expected.

Lots of times I'll grab the cordless tools when it's a quick job or a cord is just a pain to run. There quite a few times I've completed projects or did something quick just because I didn't have to drag out a cord.

 

[rslaback]

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

Or Ridgid.

 

[TomB19]

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.

Totally agree.

Any tool you're going to use less than once per month should have a cord.

 

[TomB19]

Or Ridgid.

Nice looking nailer. I look forward to checking out some reviews.

 

[bcradio]

I'll agree to some extent, as I have a corded tool for every cordless. However I used an 18v DeWalt hammer drill to install an entire warehouse full of pallet racks. Sure I used a couple of batteries, but realistically it was a much better tool than I expected.

Lots of times I'll grab the cordless tools when it's a quick job or a cord is just a pain to run. There quite a few times I've completed projects or did something quick just because I didn't have to drag out a cord.

Precisely this!

You should have a corded (air or electric) version of every tool you own first before you start buying into the cordless versions. The only exceptions to this would be an impact driver and possibly a drill. I would still get a corded hammer drill too though.

 

[slyonedoofy]

I know I'll probably get flamed for this but I use the 12 volt Nextec Lithium from Craftsman. I have the impact, drill, right angle impact, air inflator, vacuum, multi-tool, LED Light, heated coat, and they work great for 99% of the jobs I work on (pickup work for remodeling). The guy I work with has 18 volt Dewalt so if I need big tools I use his, which is rare.

They will never replace corded tools when you need real power. (3.5 inch holes saw for install beer tap lines)

 

[JohnMcD348]

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 have quite a few corded tools that I will use from time to time when I really need long lasting power and won't be moving much but I really like my cordless stuff for ease of use and portability. When I built in all the shelving and storage space in the unused area of my garage, I mainly used corded tools like my PC Hammer Drill, Very Old SkillSaw circular saw and my plain old hand saws. I used a lot of my cordless drills for driving the screws into the wood though.

I do though get most of my use from the cordless tools. It seems like I'm always being asked to help with something that takes me away from electricity. Over the Christmas time, I helped to build a float for our local parade and the group relied heavily on my cordless tools, since the trailer we were building on was away from source of electricity. I just helped a friend build a new fence gate in his pasture. I have a generator, but it's big and way too cumbersome to take some place like that.

And, sometimes, grabbing a cordless tool and going to do what you need to do is just easier and less hassle than pulling out the cords, doing the job and putting it all away again.

 

[cheechi]

In 12v Milwaukee are the only game in town. I had the nextec and they aren't bad tools. Neither are any of the 12v available really. But when something comes up and you need a new power tool, nobody makes 1/3 of what is in the M12 lineup.

In 18v you have a little more competition and a little more variety of 'they make everything' but it's hard to argue with Milwaukee there too. Personally I have Bosch and would do it again, but it would be a lot tougher choice this time Bosch vs M18 while last time it was Bosch vs Dewalt XRP.

 

[RedRabbit]

Look at Makitas. They have a great lineup and great batteries With a charger that cools the battery whole charging.

 

[rice rocket]

In 12v Milwaukee are the only game in town.

I disagree, Bosch has a very decent offering in 12v, though they use the new brushless motors to push their tools to have adequate power while making them smaller and smaller. Milwaukee does the opposite, keeps the tool to same (or even grows the tool in a few situations), but makes it more powerful.

i.e. check out the Bosch PS22 vs the M12 Fuel screwdriver.

179 in-lbs vs 325, but 1.6 lbs vs 2.3 lbs, and 5.6" vs 6.6".

Bosch doesn't have the very specialized tools (like the PEX expander, or the tubing cutter), but their core tools are very good and worth considering. That said, I'm so deep in the M12 stuff that it would be silly for me to split battery platforms.

 

[Coach James]

My cordless tools consist of stuff from Hitachi, B&D, Ryobi, Porter Cable, Bosch, C-man and Dewalt. I take care of my house, mom's house and my commercial building mainly and never had a problem with any of the brands I have.

Coach

 

[ravedave]

I have had Ryobi 18v for 12+ yeas now.
I was a general contractor for 6 years and full time motorcycle mechanic now.
I had a Bosch 24V set that was horrible and $700+.
I used the drill, drywall/rotary tool in construction so much that I wore out the bearings in the rotary tool (about 9 houses worth of drywall) and a replacement was only $30.
I bought the $99 impact/drill fit 5 years ago and have used at least the impact 5 day a week. It has been tortured, but still keeps going. I ordered the upgraded one today because it was $45.
They are not as nice as Milwaukee etc. but they hold up and are a good value.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Harbor Freight. They are all either Chinese or Taiwan.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a ToolAholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

 

[JohnMcD348]

Sorry, can't do Harbor Freight. I'm one of those people that can't seem to get anything there that's worth what I paid for it. Even with the 20%-25% off coupon. I tried using them a few times over the years for little tools that I only needed for a one time use and such and ended up causing more damage than I was trying to fix with them. Always ended up buying the much more expensive tools to get the job done.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I have had excellent luck with Porter Cable stuff from Lowes.

 

[BeachBoy]

Just bought Milwaukee.

Was going to buy M12 Fuel, got out with M18 Fuel as the price difference was small.

Can't wait to try them.

Will likely buy a few M12 stuff now that I have the dual charger.

 

[rslaback]

Nice looking nailer. I look forward to checking out some reviews.

I have an extra 15 gauge nailer or two if you decide it is worth giving it a try.

 

[Ratchet Guy]

Ryobi , C3 and Ridgid share the same product, was looking at 1/2 impact ratchet,
https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/18v-half-inch-impact-wrench
https://www.ryobitools.com/products/details/353
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-c3-189-8221-heavy-duty-impact-wrench-kit/p-00945195000P
I got the Makita, but would probably consider Ryobi or Ridgid if I would need to buy again bec of the price difference and the platform, Ridgid jobmax platform is nice as I just learned about their jobmax interchangable platform, it comes in with different head and you can choose a battery base or a corded base.

 

[ajchien]

I have a few brands.

Had some Black and decker 12v nicd that I hated. Underpowered, short battery run time, didn't hold charge for long idle either. Strange, got a good friend with a whole line up of black and decker 12v he loves. (He also owns dewalt so ... Idk ... Maybe he gets all the unusually good ones)

I've got some craftsman 12v nextec lion. Other than it being underpowered, it's worked fine.

Got porter cable 18v nicd that has worked flawlessly for 5+ years now. Would have no problems recommending the brand.

Recently started buying Ryobi 18v lion. I think I might have like 18 pieces now. Went to the platform because they have both garden/lawn tools and woodworking/construction tools. Only had the stuff for about a half year, been pretty happy with it so far. Definitely get the 4mah batteries. Had the hybrid 18v blower take a drop from the second floor onto my concrete driveway (male stupidity), I found the battery separated about 20 feet away from the blower, other than a bunch of scrapes on the plastic, both the blower and battery survived.

 

[JohnMcD348]

Wow. That's a good testament for durability. Looking for Yard and wood work tools could be a bonus for me, maybe. I was thinking about the newer Battery powered yard tools they are coming out with nowadays yesterday when I was replacing the carb on my Weedeater. With all the issues with E-10 fuel, it seems no matter what I do, still have issues with everything but my lawn mower. For the occasional trimm/blow/cutting that I do around the house, I thought the battery powered things might be worth looking at.

Something else for me to consider.

 

[healey]

I'll throw another vote in here for Makita LXT. I personally like how they feel better than the Cman, Ryobi, Rigid drills - but I haven't tried the Milwaukee stuff much. Makita also seems to have a very complete line of tools (they advertise 85+).

I've had a Makita hammer drill for years now and it's held up great. My impact driver is a little newer, but also a tank and I just got a new 2nd hammer drill for bigger projects. I have 1/2 and 3/8 impacts on my soon to buy list.

Finally, Makita LXT has a teaser deal on amazon right now. $99 for a 1/2 chuck hammer drill, rapid charger and an 18v battery. Considering the chargers retail for ~$60 and a battery for ~$80, it's a great deal.

 

[redmondjp]

Wow. That's a good testament for durability. Looking for Yard and wood work tools could be a bonus for me, maybe. I was thinking about the newer Battery powered yard tools they are coming out with nowadays yesterday when I was replacing the carb on my Weedeater. With all the issues with E-10 fuel, it seems no matter what I do, still have issues with everything but my lawn mower. For the occasional trimm/blow/cutting that I do around the house, I thought the battery powered things might be worth looking at.

Something else for me to consider.

I use the Ryobi 18V with the 4.0ah Lithium batteries. Let me tell you, a lot of the tools (circular saw, vacuum) were just worthless on the Ni-Cd battery but they rock using the Lithium. So I just bought a 2-pack of the Lithiums on Black Friday and didn't have to upgrade any of my existing tools.

As for your gas-powered equipment, use alcohol-free gas, even if you have to drive to get it. Check www.pure-gas.org for a station near you. I maintain dozens of pieces of outdoor power equipment (OPE as used on the landscaping forums) and it is totally worth it. It will last for a long time especially when kept in metal containers. Even if it is 50 cents per gallon more, if it saves you one no-start or a carb rebuild, it is totally worth it.

 

[nbruno]

I think I may have the worst luck in the world with cordless tools. Bosch, makita, rigid, Milwaukee. I've managed to kill batteries like it's my job. I'm really kind of disappointed about it. Now corded tools...hell, I have antique corded tools. Right this very moment, I have 3 Makita LXT tools with 2 shot batteries, a Bosch drill/driver with 2 shot batteries, a Rigid drill/ driver with 2 shot batteries and a Milwaukee screw driver that barely worked for a month before the batteries failed.

Now I just brought home a few M12 tools and 6 batteries and I'm anxious to see how it goes.

 

[jmontoya]

All the of the brands you mentioned make fine tools for the most part,but if a friend or family member asked me to recommend one right now i would go with Milwaukee.
I'd used Makita,Ridgid,and Milwaukee.

 

[wahoowad]

I agonized over this decision recently as my older C3 Sears batteries were dying yet the tools were still good. I elected to switch to the Porter Cable 20v line primarily due to the low cost ($189) of their 4-tool combo kit to get me started. But I now regret that decision because Porter-Cable has a relatively limited selection of other cordless tools. Cost wise I may still be slightly ahead of the game but convenience wise it would have been worth it to get one of the ore prominent lines and have the ability to swap batteries among many more tools.

Whatever. Nothing lasts forever.

 

[burleyfarm]

I've had a few of the Ryobi cordless tools for years. Two drills, reciprocal saw, flashlight and small power miter saw. I've gone through at least 6 batteries in 15 years working on projects around the house and garage. I also have a few corded drills that I wouldn't be without for those big jobs like concrete drilling and multiple screw driving.

So a couple of years ago after retirement I worked in the Tool department at Lowes for awhile. Had to walk by all those new Dewalt 20v lithium tools and drooled every time. I knew my batteries were in need of replacement and planned to purchase some new lithium powered Dewalt tools. There were two problems. One, it wasn't going to be cheap and two there was nothing wrong with the actual Ryobi tools I had, just the old Ni-Cad batteries wouldn't hold a charge for very long.

So I'm in the tool section of Home Depot the other day talking to a staff person (not very knowledgable I might add) and told him my problem with the batteries saying "I wish the new lithium would work in my old tools. He says "I think they might". So I read some literature they have on their counter and tell this "tools, staff person" Ryobi's pamphlet says they will. He looks surprised. [emoji15]

So for around $120 I was able to purchase a new duel ni-cad/lithium charger and two new lithium batteries and keep all my old, but like new tools.

Now I can afford to buy the Ryobi impact driver, jigsaw and maybe a couple of others I want without replacing everything. The new batteries seem to have a lot more power than the old no-cad. [emoji106]


Sent from my tractor seat.

 

[crewchief888]

i have ridgid 12v & 18v li-ion drills and drivers at home

milwaukee fuel 3/8" dr impact, 12v drill and LED flashlight in my service truck.

no real complaints from either brand.
i did have issues with the ridgid 18v batteries not holding a charge,
and trying to get them warrantied,
even tho i followed ridgid's liftime warranty registration policies & procedures to the letter. they claim they never recieved the UPC's from the cordless tools i bought.
i did finally get a local repair shop to replace the batteries, and havent had a problem since then.

 

[awdblazer]

i really like my ryobi
the impact hits harder than my makita at work

 

[mrvm]

IME the 18V Ryobi impact works okay driving smaller screws but during a recent big flooring job (HardiBacker fiber-cement backer board and 500+ cement board screws), it was the least favorite impact drive tool. Speed/power/torque delivery just were not as impressive as the other 18V pro brands like Makita and Dewalt.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Makita........

 

[JohnMcD348]

I'm pretty much decided to stay with the C3 that I have, but, begin moving toward the Milwaukee tools. Between their 12v and 18v tools, they have a lot to offer that I would use. What brought me to the conclusion was seeing the multi charger that carries both batteries. I began to look and take notice of the professionals around me and noticed there were 2 brands that were used. Dewalt and Milwaukee and some Makita mixed in.

I figure if someone who makes a living using those tools believes in them, they'll be perfect for my around the house jobs and hobbies and last a long time.


I really appreciate all the input and info that you all put into this thread. It gave me a lot to think about.

 

[stihlntime]

I used to b a DeWalt fan,but my son bought me a Milwaukee Fuel 1/4" impact and hammerdrill combo for Xmas and it is the best I've ever owned. I had bought the DeWalt 20v lithium max drill and 1/4"set on black Friday. In a heads up test the Milwaukee drilled. 38 and 41 3/8" holes compared to 9 and 11 holes for the DeWalt. This is a M12 Fuel compared to the 20 volt max DeWalt. From now on its nothing but Fuel for me.

 

[Greg85mcss]

I have some of the c3 tools that I was very happy with until the batteries stopped holding a charge. Bought a lithium ion & again was happy until I had to recharge it & found out I needed a new charger. While I was waiting for the charger/battery to go back on sale I got a Black Friday email from Home Depot. Grabbed the m12 drill/driver with 2 regular & 1 4ah battery for $99. I'd had the cordless ratchet for a couple years & figured they would be nice to grab for a quick little job around the house so I didn't have to bring the craftsman home from work. I have to say they performed every bit as good if not better. I use the impact & ratchet every day at work & the batteries last a few months. Still have about 1/2 charge on the xc battery after over a year. Added some m18 also & plan on expanding both platforms.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[oldldh]

JohnMcD348 --- I was a Craftsman C3 guy, back in the Ni-Cad days...

But...

I'm now a Milwaukee person...

I was a very good boy, for the last year, so Santa and the Birthday Buzzard brought me ---

A Brushless M18 1/2" Drill...

A "Fuel" Hammer Drill and 1/4" Impact driver Set...

A Compact Blower...

A Cordless Shop Vacuum...

And 3 Extra 4.0 A/Hr M18 Batteries...

The tools are the best I've ever had or used...

You will be very pleased with your conversion to the Milwaukee M18 Platform...