I've had really good luck with my DeWalt 20V tools. I've got the drill, impact driver, jig saw, and circular saw. They have (easily) seen me through the first year of owning a 40+ year old home (and all the joys that that has entailed).
Battery-powered tools & equipment
- Thread starter HardcoreClone
- Start date
So we've given recommended every power tool company available. Hope that helps!
And to the guy who recommended Black and Decker - he's got to be a Hok as he has no clue what a good brand is. They are hot GARBAGE!
And to the guy who recommended Black and Decker - he's got to be a Hok as he has no clue what a good brand is. They are hot GARBAGE!
B&D makes budget tools but they also own DeWalt.
Like most everything in life, you usually get what you pay for.
Agree with many others that Ryobi is tough to beat for a homeowner. I have drills, saws, lights, a weed trimmer, brad nailer, etc. that all use the same Ryobi 18 V batteries. Home Depot is always running good deals on combo starter sets.
Trying to decide if it's worth the extra $150 to go with Milwaukee or Dewalt over Ryobi.
Milwaukee $299 (Originally $559)
M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Tool Kit (5-Tool) with (1) 3.0Ah and (1) 1.5Ah Battery, (1) Charger, (1) Tool Bag
M18 cordless 1/2 in. drill/driver
M18 1/4 in. hex impact driver
M18 cordless 6-1/2 in. circular saw
HACKZALL reciprocating saw
Work Light
(1) M18 REDLITHIUM XC extended capacity battery (48-11-1828), (1) M18 REDLITHIUM compact battery (48-11-1815)
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Super Combo Kit (4-Piece) $150
Drill
Reciprocating saw
Circular saw
Light
Includes 2 P102 compact lithium-ion batteries and P118 dual-chemistry charger
OK, I don't care about the light on either one. I can't think of a time where I've ever needed an impact driver. It looks like the big difference is that the Milwaukee has a better battery and a better (larger) circular saw.
Thoughts? Is it worth double the price?
Milwaukee $299 (Originally $559)
M18 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Tool Kit (5-Tool) with (1) 3.0Ah and (1) 1.5Ah Battery, (1) Charger, (1) Tool Bag
M18 cordless 1/2 in. drill/driver
M18 1/4 in. hex impact driver
M18 cordless 6-1/2 in. circular saw
HACKZALL reciprocating saw
Work Light
(1) M18 REDLITHIUM XC extended capacity battery (48-11-1828), (1) M18 REDLITHIUM compact battery (48-11-1815)
Ryobi 18-Volt ONE+ Lithium-Ion Cordless Super Combo Kit (4-Piece) $150
Drill
Reciprocating saw
Circular saw
Light
Includes 2 P102 compact lithium-ion batteries and P118 dual-chemistry charger
OK, I don't care about the light on either one. I can't think of a time where I've ever needed an impact driver. It looks like the big difference is that the Milwaukee has a better battery and a better (larger) circular saw.
Thoughts? Is it worth double the price?
Also
Dewalt 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit $250
1/2 in. drill/driver
reciprocating saw
6-1/2 in. in. circ saw
Light
(2) Batteries 2Ah
Only thing on this one is that I see some of the reviews say that the batteries don't last long?
Dewalt 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit $250
1/2 in. drill/driver
reciprocating saw
6-1/2 in. in. circ saw
Light
(2) Batteries 2Ah
Only thing on this one is that I see some of the reviews say that the batteries don't last long?
Don't skimp on the impact driver. I can't remember the last time I put any screw in with a drill after getting the driver. Drills are handy for putting holes in things, not much else.
Also, maybe others have had a different experience, but I don't use my battery powered circular saw. Just doesn't have the power to do much more than really thin wood. And it'll suck the battery dry really fast. I ended up buying a corded one and only use the battery powered one for a quick hack job.
For a few years I had a fleet of Black and Decker yard/power tools. They were inexpensive, interchangeable batteries, and very convenient. When we moved to a house with a bigger yard, however, I couldn't make it around the yard in a single charge and I switched back to gas. I know batteries have improved a lot since then.
Never owned any of their battery tools, but I've also found Ryobi to be a great value brand.
Never owned any of their battery tools, but I've also found Ryobi to be a great value brand.
Currently in the middle of building a 12x12 shed, and between my Ryobi impact and my friends set of Makita tools, both have been great. I whole heatedly recommend Makita if your buget allows. They've had some of the best batteries in the biz for a long time.
Makita 18v circular saw has been impressive to me for a battery powered rig. Have ripped 1/2" siding all day no problem (1 battery change). Though I did use the old corded craftsman saw to rip the 3/4" treated ply.
Makita 18v circular saw has been impressive to me for a battery powered rig. Have ripped 1/2" siding all day no problem (1 battery change). Though I did use the old corded craftsman saw to rip the 3/4" treated ply.
Once you go impact, you never go bact.
ANd the light on the drills/impacts seems stupid, but it is really handy. REALLY handy.
Batteries are for tools are like the ink for home printers. It's a complete racket.
If buying to have if needed, than Ryobi. If you KNOW you are going to use them a lot and have projects planned, than Milwaukee. Guessing at this price the tools aren't brushless if that matters to you. Not really sure it's that big a deal for us part time users anyway. It's not like I have ever burned out any of my power tools. you do get a little better battery run time tough, again how important is that to amateurs?
Does Rigid have many yard tools? I have some of their shop vacs, planer, and a compound sliding miter, and they are all very sturdy.
I went with the 100 tooth. Probably could have went with 80 or 90 though. 60 works just fine for my needs, but if I was going to by a different blade, might as well get an upgrade.
