Which way to go cordless

[Legion Prime]

I've got a couple cordless drills, an ancient 14.4v Dewalt, an even ancienter Makita with them big long size of your forearm oval shaped battery inserts, a little Craftsman NexTec driver and an 18v Makita LiIon (nonLXT) and I am looking to update. I went through the inventory because Ace Hardware has a trade in program for DeWalt tools and I instantly wanted to trade in the two oldsters (no offense to any resemblances). The Craftsman I'm going to hang onto as a keep in the house use driver. I was thinking of going Makita as while not wholly compatible apparently I can get the new batteries to work with the older driver (or vice versa) so that's one less tool I'd need to buy and I was eyeballing their handheld router already.
Is there overwhelming reason to just trade everything into DeWalt (saving money AND clearing out old not really usable tools sounds good and it's not like DeWalt is trash)? Just buy whatever in Makita (preferred but I don't know if anyone takes trade-ins)? Get into Milwaukee instead (Hey, maybe you know something I don't and this is really the way to go)? Short term I plan to buy an impact driver and a router but a replacement drill is a remote possibility if the current one isn't measuring up (like one of it's two batteries currently). Mainly I want to standardize on batteries so I can save a bit buying just bare tools in the future and not having to deal with 5 different chargers and battery types and currently both Makita and DeWalt have good arguments going for them. If anyone has any thoughts, advice or experience I'd love to hear it.

 

[noahwins]

I got the semi-US made (forgot the part number) 20V 1/4" Dewalt impact and I love it. It hits hard, the senior mechanic in the shop was really impressed with it when I loaned it to him. It can put 70-80 ft. lbs. of torque on a lug nut on a full charge on the highest of the 3 clutch settings. The 1/2" impact hits even harder. I got the package with a bag, 2 batteries, charger, 1/4" impact and drill. Really happy with it. Tons of good other products once you're in the 20V Dewalt ecosystem, too.

There's a less expensive, weaker version of the impacts and drill that don't have the US flag logo on the top of the housing -- don't get those. The US made ones have better specs for not much more money.

EDIT: This is the package I got off the Mac truck.

https://www.dewalt.com/products/pow...river--impact-driver-combo-kit-15-ah/dck280c2

Here's the Dewalt 20V ecosystem that's "US made with global components." The XR series produces incredible amounts of torque.

https://www.dewalt.com/products/power-tools/products-made-in-the-usa

 

[dodge610]

One thing to think of is how big is there tool platform. I was the craftsman c3 and then they quit coming out with new tools. So switched to ryobi 18 volt and could not be happier. There tool platform is big and very affordable. Also they have performed very well and handled everything i have thrown at them flawlessly. But it comes to one main point its your money and final choice. One other thing warranty is superb on ryobi it breaks you take it to HD thy give you a new one that is what happened on two of my ryobi cordless no questions asked.

 

[TexasT]

I have some old dewalt and Milwaukee stuff that the batteries wont hold the charge, I thought about trying to replace the cells, but what a whip. And it didn't seem to save near enough once you figure in the cost of the cells, shipping then the time to actually do the replacement. I put these up and ordered a set from big sky tools. it is this model but I got a kit with drill, impact driver and a flashlight, two batteries and the charger.
https://bigskytool.com/hitachi-ds10dfl2-12v-peak-lithium-ion-dirver-drill-reconditioned.html
I am pleased with the power, lightweight, and battery life. Ive been using them for probably two yrs. Would definitely buy again.
https://bigskytool.com/hitachi-kc10...ombo-kit-with-carrying-bag-reconditioned.html

 

[Legion Prime]

Yeah that's the big thing with my old DeWalt, it is a great driver but for a single new battery it costs about what a newer lighter more powerful drill that typically comes with TWO batteries would. Thanks for the link to the Hitachi, I know their tools are great they just aren't carried by everyone. That's another option I'd forgotten about to consider.

 

[jimreed2160]

My work is light DIY and I have used off brands, B&D, DeWalt, and finally Milwaukee. Milwaukee is the best and most of what I have now. Check out the spring and later the Father's Day sales.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I started with Ryobi (back when their batteries sucked), and when I needed tools they didn't have (specifically that badass heavy duty 1/2" drive impact) went with the 20V DeWalt. I still have both, and while I hate having 2 incompatible battery systems, the variety I have is awesome.

 

[kctyphoon]

Compared to what you have, anything is an upgrade. Buy whatever you want. We all have our opinions and feeling as to which brand is the best.

 

[Voi]

If you want a cordless router I think Makita is considered one of the best & is compatible with all of the router bases from their corded line.

I chose Makita for their yard tools but have a lot of their other tools as well.

Seems unavoidable that I'll add Milwaukee 12v but Makita has worked out for us.

 

[jd_1138]

I started with Ryobi (back when their batteries sucked), and when I needed tools they didn't have (specifically that badass heavy duty 1/2" drive impact) went with the 20V DeWalt. I still have both, and while I hate having 2 incompatible battery systems, the variety I have is awesome.

I am in Ryobi and Makita. I have 2 Makita 18 volt LXT 1/4 impact drivers (one was only $20 off ebay as a bare tool), regular drill, and a charger with 3 batteries. In Ryobi, I have lights, jobsite radio, impact driver, recip and circular saw, 2 batteries and a charger.

It's convenient to be able to choose from 2 large ecosystems. Sure it means you're kinda buying duplicate batteries, but the batteries and a charger come with a kit anyway. And it's nice having multiple tools if you're working with others. I built a deck at a friend's house, and I had 3 impact drivers for us to use to make it go fast.

Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Ryobi are all good options. Can't go wrong with them.

 

[turnthewrench 2.0]

Compared to what you have, anything is an upgrade. Buy whatever you want. We all have our opinions and feeling as to which brand is the best.

Ditto. Kind of like upgrading your horse for a car...

Go Dewalt!

 

[jd_1138]

Ditto. Kind of like upgrading your horse for a car...

Go Dewalt!

And DeWalt is an American co. with at least some production here. I was in DeWalt but sold them to a carpenter friend who needed an infusion of DeWalt tools for a large project. I was kinda guilty not using them to their full potential (I am a DIYer). They can take a beating and keep on ticking.

I helped my carpenter cousin repair my mom's house, and he had DeWalt. I saw the tools drop off the ladder a lot with no damage. I then bought DeWalt for my first pro-grade tools.

 

[ToolPolisher]

Since you seem to keep cordless tools much longer than most (on this forum) it might be worth your while to do a search on peoples' success with Rigid and their Lifetime Service Agreement. If I had to start over, I would seriously consider that before making my first purchase. If their tool selection and price point is in line with what you need and what you expect then it may be something to consider.

 

[GrantCee]

In my area, carpenters seem to prefer Makita, installers seem to like DeWalt, and mechanics often use Milwaukee. I honestly don't think you'd go wrong with any of them.

Make your pick based on the kind of tasks you ask of cordless tools, and how well you like those examples in their line. You'll find pluses and minuses with each; there isn't one answer.

When it came time to replace my Ryobi tools (which I had miserable luck with), I looked around and decided on Makita. I do a lot of work here on the farm, and needed a good all-around tool selection with an emphasis on rugged batteries. Makita seemed to have the longest track record in that regard.

Another big selling point was their x2 tools, 36v using 2 18v batteries, instead of a separate high-power battery line. That made sense to me, as I don't use those high-power tools as often as the others in the line. I can keep all my batteries charged and active using them in the smaller tools; if I'd chosen a line with a separate battery type for just a couple of tools, they'd sit unused most of the time — and that's bad for batteries.

For someone else, my criteria wouldn't matter. So decide what tasks you need to do, what attributes are important to those jobs, and pick the line that best meets them.

 

[Wamsutta]

I still advise people to choose a tool based on its ergonomics rather than if it'll work with their battery platform. What's the sense in choosing brand X for an impact wrench and then choosing the same brand X circular saw when they hate the circular saw? All because they're on the same battery platform? Why subject yourself to all that suffering for the damn battery?

 

[ALinCarolina]

I have a whole cabinet full of batteries and chargers but if I was advising someone who had none I would say get a Milwaukee M18 and probably the Harbor Freight for cheap tools you won't need often. Since I do a lot of woodworking I also have the Festool system but I wouldn't expect most other folks would need it

 

[PR1Gneon]

I like Milwaukee M18/M12 , Ryobi and Ridgid 18V, the tool selection is way better than other brands.

DeWalt and Makita performance is pretty good but dont innovate, are always catching up Milwaukee and TTi.

Sent from my SM-J337A using Tapatalk

 

[Hytekrednek]

dont overlook Hilti cordless tools. I am very impressed with their 4 speed 22 volt drill/driver. The warranty with these is awesome, the tools are very very well made, backed by a proven company and great reputation

 

[pstemari]

I have some old dewalt and Milwaukee stuff that the batteries wont hold the charge, I thought about trying to replace the cells, but what a whip....

Interstate Batteries will rebuild your battery packs for a fair price. They've been keeping my old 14.4V German-made Milwaukee drill running for ages. Seems like you get 3–5 years off a battery pack before the cells need replacing.

The drill itself is skookum as frig. Only problem was a crappy keyless chuck that I replaced with a US-made Jacobs.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[Legion Prime]

I don't hold onto my tools a long time so much as my dad did. The only one of them that was actually mine was the old 14.4 Dewalt which I didn't hold onto so much as just not have much use for. Now that my dad's gone and I'm doing work around my mom's house I kinda want something a little handier than an old brace, some bits and corded tools older than I am. Hilti's stuff is awesome, and I'd consider them if my budget could stand half a grand to a grand per tool which unfortunately it won't. I had never heard of Ridgid's LSA but that sounds pretty awesome, I will look more into them. It even looks like there might be a service center in town. Since one of the things I really want is a router it looks like I'm back to DeWalt, Makita and Ridgid (sorry Milwaukee, I know you make really great tools). The Ridgid LSA & the fact their router is the same price with battery and charger as Makita's router alone kinda pushes me toward them. I'll have to start collecting prices this week, especially trade in prices for DeWalt. Thanks again for the heads up on Ridgid's LSA, that alone may put me in their camp.

 

[finn]

I like Milwaukee M18/M12 , Ryobi and Ridgid 18V, the tool selection is way better than other brands.

DeWalt and Makita performance is pretty good but dont innovate, are always catching up Milwaukee and TTi.

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I think the Dewalt flexvolt is pretty innovative.

Also the adapter to allow use of the newer lithium ion batteries in the old 18v Nicad tools.

 

[kctyphoon]

For the record - Milwaukee gets my money.

There’s a reason why the Milwaukee addiction thread has such a huge following around here. If your goal is just to get the few core tools everyone makes - then you can go with anything. If you think you may want to expand into other areas - then you NEED to look at what everyone makes, instead of just the first few tools you might buy.. not everyone offers a lot of cordless lighting. Not everyone offers a lot of heated gear, not everyone offers a cordless ratchet. 12v platform is absolutely dominated by one company, and their 12v stuff can likely do what your old stuff did, or more.

 

[det414]

DeWalt has served me well. Never had an issue with their older tools. If I needed/wanted more than an impact (or two), drill and saw I would have went the red route.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I still advise people to choose a tool based on its ergonomics rather than if it'll work with their battery platform. What's the sense in choosing brand X for an impact wrench and then choosing the same brand X circular saw when they hate the circular saw? All because they're on the same battery platform? Why subject yourself to all that suffering for the damn battery?

Sorry, I disagree, especially for DIYers. I am very careful with my tool selection. I had some ancient B&D NiMH tools, but they were never anything much more than toys. My son bought a big set of DeWalt 18V NiCad when they were in their peak. (Classic problem, when he wants to use one, the batteries are dead.) When Milwaukee finally cam out with the M12 Fuel line, I bought in.

Are they the "best" battery platform for every tool ? NO ! Having carefully researched the items I have purchased and might likely purchase, I don't think there is one tool I would really "hate". (Maybe their funky looking M12 vacuum !)

No DIYer is going to want to have more than one battery line !

 

[theoldwizard1]

12v platform is absolutely dominated by one company, and their 12v stuff can likely do what your old stuff did, or more.

Let me add, don't turn your nose up at those 12V "panel" saws ! With a good carbide tipped blade they will make dozens and dozens of cuts in 2by material on a single charge. Plenty for the average DIYer. And yes, they are great for panels.

Like any power saw, the right blade for the job makes the difference.

 

[jw3]

I’m a plumber by trade. I try very hard to take care of my tools, but due to the nature of my work, my tools are in less than desirable conditions at times. Milwaukee has outlasted the others for the past several years. Many of our trade specific tools have gone to the Milwaukee platform, it only made sense for us to go that route


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[bob15]

I have some old dewalt and Milwaukee stuff that the batteries wont hold the charge, I thought about trying to replace the cells, but what a whip. And it didn't seem to save near enough once you figure in the cost of the cells, shipping then the time to actually do the replacement.

Not sure what model Milwaukee you have, but I replaced the batteries on my 18v Milwaukee with a new kit from these folks for about 50 bucks: http://www.springgrovebattery.com/Milwaukee.html

Took less than 5 minutes to take the battery apart and replace the cells with a new set and put back together. No soldering, gluing or anything.

 

[Tallpilot]

Sorry, I disagree, especially for DIYers. I am very careful with my tool selection. I had some ancient B&D NiMH tools, but they were never anything much more than toys. My son bought a big set of DeWalt 18V NiCad when they were in their peak. (Classic problem, when he wants to use one, the batteries are dead.) When Milwaukee finally cam out with the M12 Fuel line, I bought in.

Are they the "best" battery platform for every tool ? NO ! Having carefully researched the items I have purchased and might likely purchase, I don't think there is one tool I would really "hate". (Maybe their funky looking M12 vacuum !)

No DIYer is going to want to have more than one battery line !

I can almost agree with this but I would change it to two battery lines. Due to the inverse square law governing electrical power there are just a few too many compromises involved in only owning 12V, or 18V for that matter, tools.

12v gets things small and lightweight and brushless motors can pack a pretty good punch. But trimmers, saws, drills, etc benefit hugely from more voltage in both power and runtime. The increased size and weight is worth it, as is the expense of another battery line.

KCTyphoon is correct. For the basics any line will work but you should consider the other options they make because after the initial investment in batteries and chargers the bare tools are fairly cheap and someday being able to get a specialty tool for a project for less than $200 might be worth it to you for the convenience.

 

[Legion Prime]

Well I decided to go with Ridgid. Like I said one of the main tools I wanted was a router which limited my options to Bosch, Dewalt, Makita, Ryobi and Ridgid. Everything else I can imagine having a need for (drill, impact driver, circular saw) everyone makes. The Bosch was a 12v which if it were compatible with my Craftsman 12 drill battery would have been an option, unfortunately it isn't. Ryobi I've never been a fan of so no. That left Makita, DeWalt and Ridgid. Dewalt was more expensive, the Makita I didn't like the adjuster as much despite being the only one a plunge base was available for. The Ridgid won out with the adjuster that seems a lot easier for making fine adjustments while still being able to make gross adjustments quickly and easily, the LSA and the sale that got me the router, battery and charger for the same price as the Makita bare tool.
I appreciate the input and advice guys, I should have the router in a day or two and will add to the collection from there. Thanks!