Which cordless "system" to buy into?

[chrisexv6]

Im looking to replace my aging 18V Ridgid NiCD set. Ive had them for 8 years and honestly have never a had a problem. But 8 years later there are much better offerings (more power, lighter, and did I mention lighter?). Im tired of lugging around heavy tools and even heavier batteries.

So pretend I have NO cordless tools right now. Im looking for an 18V system to buy into. Im an avid DIY-er and am probably fairly hard on tools. Ive put my Ridgid set thru hell and back over the 8 years....recip saw, impact driver, hammer drill, circ saw. All have gotten a ton of use and at this point owe me nothing.

Im using M12 Fuel for my 12V stuffs....that seems to be a no-contest decision. But 18V seems to muddy the waters.

Do I go Ridgid again for the battery LSA?

Ryobi for the price and massive amount of tools available (but no batteries for life and Im not sure how well they would hold up in the long run)? I need a hammer drill, as my Ridgid been quite useful over the years, but I dont know if Ryobis will hold up well.

Bosch because they always seem to build good (not flashy, not high spec) stuff?

Or Milwaukee because a ton of the internet seems to love them and have good experiences with them? (and if I have 12V Milwaukee I can get 18V to match)

I like the idea of Ridgid for the lifetime replacement batteries (in fact I just sent my NiCDs for replacement....Ive been on the original set this whole time), but Im reading a lot of people saying its not so true anymore. And Im not quite sure the quality of the current X4 line

I got a great deal on a Bosch 18V compact tough drill and impact driver, but havent opened it yet. It helps I have 2 batteries already (a promo from when I bought my jobsite radio) and the kit included 2 more batteries.

Thanks in advance. I realize its a common question and Ive read a whole ton of threads on here (including the massive Milwaukee love thread) but any input anyone could provide would be really appreciated.

Thanks.

-Chris

 

[devoncoolman]

I love my new milwaukee fuel hammerdrill and impact driver. Tons of power light and great battery life. Plus another bonus is i have the 12v stuff too and the 18v charger incorporated the 12v charger as well. I also have some of the new 20v dewalt stuff. Its been good.

 

[awdblazer]

i really like my ryobi 18v
got an impact set (2 batteries, tool and charger) and got the drill (2 batteries, tool and charger) both for 100 bucks here in canada
also bought the grinder, nice to have but eats batteries pretty good

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I would go with Milwaukee, I'm impressed with mine. I have the 3/8 m18 fuel and use snap on at work and I also own a bunch of cordless iqv20 from ingersoll. If I could do it again, I'd buy All Milwaukee. A bit cheaper than the ir and all the same platform. I have ir, Bosch and Milwaukee.

 

[bcradio]

Milwaukee gets my vote... Fuel is the only way to go though.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I've been looking into the different brands and I'll be going with Milwaukee. They are all the rave right now and have a great product with great features.

 

[t4runner]

I just got the Milwaukee brushless hammer drill and hex driver. So far Im very happy with them. As far as Im concerned Lithium Ion is the only way to go as far as a power source.

 

[fatboyf150]

Milwaukee Fuel.

 

[RedneckWelder]

To me nothing compares to Milwaulkee or IR for automotive work. (Some will also say Snap On, but the price puts that a little out of reach for me)

If you exclusively do automotive, either one will work.

Since you are planning to do household work in addition to automotive, then Milwaukee is always a safe bet.

Both have powerful compact 3/8 guns and powerful 1/2" impacts. Slight edge to Milwaukee for power/compactness, but both are great. None of the other makers (save Snap On) seem to come close to the impact performance of Milwaukee or IR.

IR also has a hammerhead right angle impact that puts out 180 ft-lbs.

I wouldn't consider Ryobi or any of the other brands, they just aren't up there with Milwaukee.

 

[shockwave]

Get Milwaukee 18v comes with charger for both 12 and 18 aswell and best warranty in the biz imo

 

[retfr8flyr]

Another vote for the Milwaukee Fuel system.

 

[ddawg16]

Ryobi fan here....especially if your looking at the yard tools as well.

There is something to be said for being able to use the same battery in both your portable tools and your weed eater.

The new LI batteries are a lot better and lighter.

Ryobi built both my garage and house.

Yea, I went through 4 NiCad battery packs. Now it's only LI.

One charger...2 batteries....never run out of power.

 

[hoston23]

I have the 18v ridgid system with lifetime warranty on the batteries, but I enjoy the snap on system for impacts because if something happens you can get a snappy guy to send them off to get rebuilt and then they are like new again

 

[franzdom]

I recommend Craftsman because it has a lifetime warranty, and because I haven't recommended Craftsman around here enough lately.

 

[diggerrick]

I've had a couple Craftsman cordless drills and was happy with both of them. But after going Milwaukee M18 last year and adding the M18 fuel 3/8" impact this year, I'm sold on M18. And I can charge my M12 3/8" ratchet with the same charger.

 

[Tinner]

Milwaukee M18 Fuel. No contest.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Im looking to replace my aging 18V Ridgid NiCD set. Ive had them for 8 years and honestly have never a had a problem.
.
.
.
I like the idea of Ridgid for the lifetime replacement batteries (in fact I just sent my NiCDs for replacement....Ive been on the original set this whole time),

You must have a bunch of $$$ burning a hole in your pocket !

The tools you have work, with no complaints, and you have free replacement batteries on the way ? I wish I had that much cash to blow on unnecessary tools.

 

[CarsonConcepts]

I've been very happy with my 6pc. Ryobi kit with the Lithium+ batteries. Drill, Impact, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, Flashlight & Oscillating tool (which also takes Ridgid heads). The standard 2 compact batteries and 2 of the big 4Ah ones. The large batteries have been on sale a couple times in a two pack for $100. Use the hell out of them and they've been holding up great.

My parents have a ton of the Ryobi "green" tools. Everything from the weed eater, chain saw, blower, cultivator, to the normal "kit" tools, jig saw and others. Everything I've used while visiting has worked great. The yard tools are especially nice for quick jobs or for people that have difficulty using large gas equipment (e.g. my mom loves her chain saw for pruning and cutting up stuff for their fire pit, but could never start a normal gas saw on her own). My dad is not the kindest on tools, and so far they have held up great.

I've also played with and used several of the Milwaukee M18 Fuel tools and they are also a great choice. I'd take a look at the entire line offerings for the two and decide which one has the largest number of tools you'll find useful. Stock up on a good number of batteries and keep adding bare tools as you need (want, can justify, find on sale, can hide from the wife, etc.)

~ Carson

 

[ATC]

Milwaukee gets my vote... Fuel is the only way to go though.

 

[pi_guy]

I have gone with the 20v DeWalt stuff.
Have used the drill to run my ski brush for 3 years it has tolerated fine wax dust extreme cold and had no issue.
Just picked up the 1/4 inch impact today.

 

[928'er]

Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi and the Craftsman 18v (19.2) tools are all made by TTI. There may be differences in design and QC, but they're all made by the same company - presumably in the same factories.

I'm just a DIY'er, but I've got a lot of the Ryobi stuff and I use it hard. NONE of it has ever let me down.

I'm curious though, if you've already got four Bosch batteries - why not stick with the Bosch platform? I think any of the above mentioned tools will do the job - it's primarily a matter of which battery system you're invested in....

James

 

[chrisexv6]

First off, thanks for all the replies! A lot of Milwaukee loving here, for sure.

To those that think Im nuts for even thinking abotu it: I sort of agree with you! But let me elaborate:

Right now I have 2 sets of 18V cordless, along with the Bosch still in the box.

My Ridgid NiCD set is 8 years old and consists of hammer drill, impact driver, circ saw, recip saw, jigsaw, caulking gun (pretty useless!) and 3 batteries.

I also have a small One+ set that I picked up for a song (a penny). It has a compact drill/driver, recip saw, circ saw. Ive added a right angle drill and oscillating multitool. Came with 1 full size batt pack and 1 compact size

The Bosch set I picked up because Lowes currently has it 80.00 off, so for 149 you get the compact tough drill/driver, impact driver and 2 2.0aH battery packs. I still havent opened it yet, because Im not sure what brand I want to go with.

All 3 of those sets have their advantages, IMHO.

The Ridgid because its definitely the heaviest duty out of all of them and the LSA (mroe on this later).

The Ryobi is nice because its lithion so its light and the tools they keep adding to the line are impressive.

The Bosch wins just because its Bosch so its supposed to be better (could be questionable), but if I went with them I happen to have 2 other batteries (albeit small capacity: 1.3ah) already from a promo (2 free batteries if you buy their jobsite radio, which I bought strictly because its one of the best jobsite radios Ive seen/heard)

Ive had loads of trouble with the Ryobi compact battery pack. It never lasts me longer than 3 months, even with light use. The charger just stops recognizing it. The full size pack works fine though.

Overall Im looking to condense down to one system....tired of moving tools, chargers, batteries to get to what I want to use.

I feel like the Ryobi stuff might not last what I put it through...especially a hammer drill (Ill need one....Ive used my Ridgid in hammer mode more times than I can count).

The Ridgid LSA has come under some fire, even after the switch to using HD as a repair spot. Ive read a couple references to "one replacement only" in regards to batteries, etc. I wouldnt want to buy into Ridgid (again) just to find out its all bunk.

I like Bosch's new stuff, and I would have 4 battery packs from the start which is pretty good but I would like a line that has more tools readily available to it. Locally, Lowes is the big dealer around here and they dont have many of the "extras" (circ saw, etc)

As far as why Im thinking about doing it - Ive been remodelling my basement for the last few months and am literally getting tired of lugging the heavy stuff around. The old Ridgid NiCD packs are heavy enough, then tack them onto a heavy drill (or even impact driver) and it (literally) weighs on you. On top of that Id like to have some newer features (lighting especially) built into whatever tools I go with. And even further, the tools I have now are pretty underpowered compared to todays lighter more compact equivalents.

And after a little more thinking, the M12 Fuel stuff could technically replace everything I have. With the exception of the hammer drill, all of the M12 stuff is equivalent or better than what I have now (power-wise) and all to better than what I have now in regards to size, weight and features. I only rule out the hammer drill because Im not really sure how much a 12V hammer drill could hold up. It seems to be the only piece that is LOWER powered than the equivalent I have now. And it could be a perception thing too (a "dinky" 12V motor drilling holes in concrete?)

Again thanks for all the info....feel free to keep the advice coming!

Thanks

-Chris

 

[adgoff21]

Milwaukee fuel, as most have suggested.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[dwysywd]

I bought the new rigid li-ion. I liked them so much I purchased the other tools that fit the same battery.

Here is what I purchased -
First: drill and impact with radio kit

Second: corded base with Interchangeable heads, came with cutting/sanding head

Third: impact 90 degree head, drill 90 degree head, sawzall head, ratchet 90 degree head.

Finally, extra 4 hr battery and battery powered base for interchange head unit

Next: air powered base for head units

I have used them all and love it. Pulse they have the limited lifetime warranty. Follow the directions to register. Pretty easy.


Sent from my bag phone...

 

[CJM8515]

I have the non fuel Milwaukee. I couldn't justify the extra cost since I got the drill and the impact as well as 2 extended batts and one super extended batt. They have performed flawlessly but I will say the drill is a bit underpowered compared to an old dewalt nicad I have. Even so very happy with it all. Impact driver is much stronger than the porter cable 18v li on I have. And the spec for it vs the Milwaukee isn't that much less. Milwaukee puts it to shame.

 

[pierider]

Milwaukee fuel 18 has been the most reliable for me the batteries hold a strong charge and I like the battery level indicator as well as the quick charge


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[kf4zht]

Awhile back I tested both the Milwaukee and Bosch Lithium systems. At the time I went with Bosch, the tools seemed just as tough and I had repeated battery failures with the Milwaukee (3 in less than a year). Over the past 2 years I have continued to abuse my bosch tools and been very happy. I run the 12v and 18v systems

That being said if I bought in now I would go Milwaukee. By all accounts the fuel series batteries have fixed the reliability issues, they now have dual 12/18 chargers and far more different tools than bosch. The few "odd" tools that bosch has (nailer, jig saw) are very pricey.

The L-Boxx is a nice system if you want portable storage but you can get the dewalt toughsystem cases cheaper and put whatever tools in it.

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

I have the DeWalt 20 volt family and I'm happy with them all. Although it looks like wakee no contest

 

[trpearcy]

I recommend Craftsman because it has a lifetime warranty, and because I haven't recommended Craftsman around here enough lately.

Craftsman Hand tools have a lifetime warranty, but cordless tools don't....
I know this because my c3 1/2 impact has broken twice, once it was covered because it was within a year, and the second time it was a year and a month from the original date of purchase and they wouldn't cover it. I even had the "extended service plan", but apparently that plan doesn't mean you get a replacement...they just send you a gift card in the mail for the original purchase price. And they only send out that card after you mail in the defective item.

 

[franzdom]

I was wondering when someone would call me on this, my post was sarcastic.
1000 apologies, it was one of those late night things.

 

[trpearcy]

I was wondering when someone would call me on this, my post was sarcastic.
1000 apologies, it was one of those late night things.

Nah it's cool....I found out about that recently, and I just figured I'd share the knowledge....

 

[neonlazer]

Not Milwaukee because you will end up buying way more cordless tools than you actually need.

 

[bcradio]

From what you are describing, the M12 Fuel line will fit the bill perfectly. The 1/2" hammerdrill is VERY powerful for a smaller tool. It is a full 1/2" chuck too. It does everything a hammerdrill should with ease (This does not include heavy duty concrete drilling though as hammerdrills are not designed for this). You can also supplement with the Fuel rotary hammer drill if you are drilling concrete. You will also love the smaller size compared to 18v.

I am actually very surprised that you already have the Fuel M12 tools (which are pricy for 12v), but aren't sure they are up to the task. I'm actually selling off my 36v DeWalt tools to go all M12 cordless.

 

[brkosk]

I have a Milwaukee M18 1/2 Impact. I've been really impressed so far with the batteries. They hold a charge for a long time and seem to keep a constant power output longer. Much better than my aging Rigid NiCad stuff.

 

[Major Ramifications]

You'd better check into that Ridgid warranty if you decide to go that route. It's not worth anything around here, last I checked.

 

[Ign]

Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi and the Craftsman 18v (19.2) tools are all made by TTI. There may be differences in design and QC, but they're all made by the same company - presumably in the same factories.

James

Sure, people always mention this but how is it relevant? A 2wd F150 w V6 and 8.8 rear might be built in the same truck plant as a crew cab F350 with 6.7 diesel and D60/10.5 but how does that mean they're similar?

I'm also voting M18. But since the OP already has M12, try it. The 2404 is their 1/2" chucked drill with hammer capability, but (since the OP specifically mentioned concerns about drilling concrete), they offer an SDS hammer drill for M12 in both brushed and Fuel

Here's brushed, the 2412
http://www.toolbarn.com/milwaukee-2...ukee-2412-20&gclid=CKvS9aPahsECFQsSMwod4moAZg

Here's Fuel w XC battery, the 2416
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...ci_sku=40569&gclid=CPqrv8zahsECFQsvaQodcAQATQ


note the former link is tool-only while the latter link is kit, thus wild price differences. I figure you can search the web from here for what you need (brushed or brushless, kit or no kit).

 

[chrisexv6]

Thanks again everyone!

Just wanted to chime in to reply to bcradios recent post (about M12). I actually considered changing over to M12 altogether. My only question WAS the hammer drill....could it really hold up to what Ive put my Ridgid hammer drill through? If it can (and your experience makes it seem like its possible), then M12 Fuel could be the answer to all of it.

To be honest, I JUST bought my first M12 Fuel piece last week. HD dropped the price of the hex impact driver + 2 batteries to 139. Its not a bargain, but its not the 169 everyone else wants for it. After using it this weekend, I have to say I cant see going back to an 18V impact driver. It spins faster, has more torque (plus 2 speed settings which Ive never had in an impact before) and oh yeah its TINY. If I wasnt using my Ridgid 18V driver I was using my old Bosch PS40 which is just slow and not working correctly (speed fluctuates, and it emits a nice motor-ish smell when I use it). I thought about just getting a PS41 bare tool, but looking at the specs vs value the M12 Fuel stuff seemed like a better investment.

If the M12 Fuel hammer drill really holds up that well, I could see the M12 being my whole kit. Granted, I dont get the "lifetime" battery warranty, but Im still not so sure how lifetime it is with Ridgid anymore anyway.

As far as price goes, I would basically be selling off most what I dont use. Yeah I wont get HUGE amounts for it, but surely I can get enough to get the hammer drill and maybe a standard drill. Do you have the 3/8" drill in non-Fuel? Ive read some bad things about that one, unfortunately.

Thanks again everyone.

-Chris

 

[Hlidskjalf]

Any opinions on Hilti's cordless line? I'm interested in the SID 18-A

 

[spoon671]

I looked into Hilti before I bought into Milwaukee. I found a guy that had Hilti and he said the batteries don't last. That was almost 10 years ago or something like that so I'm sure they might not be the same.

Are Hilti cordless made in Germany?

Currently I have Milwaukee M18. Their newer brushless line looks great and I may upgrade because they use the same batteries as what I already have. The problem is my drills won't quit. I have a Milwaukee store near me and was able to easily source replacement brushes for my stuff. I've replaced them and they're just like new again.

If there's anything in particular you'd like to know about my experience with the Milwaukee cordless drill/driver and impact, let me know. Also search on YouTube for brand comparisons.

You'll see regularly that Milwaukee out drills the competition. Sometimes by a long shot. Also, I saw a test where they took a 1" auger and tried to drill through a stack of three 2x4's... the Milwaukee was the only drill that had enough torque to make it through.

 

[retfr8flyr]

Another thing to consider with Milwaukee is it has a real warranty. 5 years on the tools and 3 years on the battery's. The Milwaukee warranty covers shipping both ways and they are great to deal with, none of this send it to a repair station and we will see if it gets covered. Unlike some other company's I could mention, they actually honor their warranty.