Cordless Tools
Oct 19, 2021 10:08:24 #
If I had it to do over, I would pick one brand of tools as my cordless brand. Right now, I have about equal DeWalt and Ryobi, with the edge going to DeWalt. I also have a few cheap third party tools - like a cordless drill I keep in the house. Cordless tools are so much more convenient to use. I did some roofing with an air-powered nail gun, and dragging that hose behind me was a nuisance. I couldn't justify the cost of a cordless nailer since I already had several air powered ones. Settling on one brand for your common tools makes having enough batteries easier and less expensive. I have several batteries for the DeWalt and Ryobi, both brand name and generic. It would have been simpler if I had all one brand, though - probably DeWalt.
If you're considering buying cordless tools, think about sticking with one brand.
If you're considering buying cordless tools, think about sticking with one brand.
Oct 19, 2021 11:12:38 #
red is my favorite color as is the brand I use...........I remember when Makita was the only choice........9.6 volt
Oct 19, 2021 12:25:26 #
RiJoRi
Loc: Sandy Ridge, NC
Hand tools have the advantage of making you exercise! 😂
--Rich Couch-Tater
--Rich Couch-Tater
Oct 20, 2021 08:47:31 #
I like Ridgid because they have a lifetime warranty on their batteries.
Oct 20, 2021 09:42:19 #
As the years...and decades...roll by it's tough to end up with a common manufacturer. Back in the '70's when we were starting to amass tools, Makita was the only way to go. I bought one of the first cordless drills in the '80's and I think it was a Black & Decker. As different manufacturers introduced better tools you went with what was best at the time. Now I have a mix of Ryobi and Milwaukee. Trouble is, even if I had stuck with Ryobi, the battery that fits in my (15-year-old) cordless drill is not the same as would fit in a new Ryobi tool.
Oct 20, 2021 10:00:06 #
Oct 20, 2021 10:46:32 #
bamfordr
Loc: Campbell CA
Have you looked into the available battery adapters? There’s a superior Milwaukee cordless nail gun, which it seems I can run with my Dewalt batteries.
Oct 20, 2021 11:17:29 #
Examine the tools and batteries. There might be small tabs somewhere that keeps the batteries from being used on different brands and various chargers. A friend discovered this, removed the tab(s) and now can use various batteries on various tools interchangeably. Of course he uses the correct voltages, he's not stupid.
Oct 20, 2021 11:20:57 #
Got a couple of adapters when DW went from 18v to 20v. All is well. Probably would have worked w/o adapters, oh well.
Oct 20, 2021 11:44:36 #
Another area requiring forced standarization to at least some degree.
I have a UV flashlight which requires two batteries, even Amazon, which sold the light, does not sell. One battery never stops charging, assume a leak and worry about a fire! Found two on Amazon just a mm longer and hope they fit, come from Asia of course.
I have a UV flashlight which requires two batteries, even Amazon, which sold the light, does not sell. One battery never stops charging, assume a leak and worry about a fire! Found two on Amazon just a mm longer and hope they fit, come from Asia of course.
Oct 20, 2021 11:50:47 #
I started out with Craftsman cordless drills then I switched to Dewalt and I have been with them for close to 10 years. Never had a problem with a cordless tool from them and so far the batteries are still holding a charge.
Oct 20, 2021 14:16:14 #
bamfordr wrote:
Have you looked into the available battery adapters? There’s a superior Milwaukee cordless nail gun, which it seems I can run with my Dewalt batteries.
Yes. I have an adapter to use between Ryobi and DeWalt. I forget which way it goes. A guy did a test of adapters online, and they decrease the power of the tool slightly, but not enough that it would matter to me. Another decision is brand name batteries or generics. There's a huge difference in price and a small decrease in performance with the generics.
Oct 20, 2021 18:04:52 #
Harbor Freight can't be beat. I have several of their tools, all 20V Lithium using the same battery pack.
Admittedly - I'm NOT a contractor, and don't use them 8 Hr / day, 5 - 7 d / wk.
BUT - for the hobbyist - a very value oriented option.
Admittedly - I'm NOT a contractor, and don't use them 8 Hr / day, 5 - 7 d / wk.
BUT - for the hobbyist - a very value oriented option.
Oct 20, 2021 18:37:58 #
jerryc41 wrote:
If I had it to do over, I would pick one brand of ... (show quote)
Back in corded tool days it seems each Mfg. did one tool better than anyone else. DeWalt for drills, Milwaukee for reciprocating saws, Bosch for hammer drills, Wen for jig saws, Makita for circular saws, etc. The battery revolution has changed that in that we try to go with one company so we have interchangeable batteries. I have several Ryobi tools and six 4 amp. batteries. I don't depend on tools for a living and went with Ryobi due to cost and the fact they make a very decent product. If I needed tools in my job, I would go all DeWalt.
Oct 20, 2021 20:27:26 #
You hit the nail in the head, Jerry. Like you, over the years I’d spent a small fortune on cheap or mediocre tools in an effort to be frugal. Penny wise, pound foolish! A few years ago, I got fed up and invested in Milwaukee and haven’t regretted a moment! Expensive outlay but, like photography, invest in a system and enjoy the dividends!
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