Cordless power tool brands - What's your fave?
 

About 15 years ago, my parents bought me a DeWalt 12 volt cordless drill. I've used the crap out of it and loved it, but it's reached the end of it's wonderful life. I've been looking over 18 volt DeWalt drills to replace it and was caught by sticker shock. :eek:

I can't deny that my DeWalt has been a very good drill as I've used it a lot over the years. But I do have to watch my dollars, and I'm worried I'm paying too much just for the brand name. Should I look at Porter-Cable? Bosch? Milwaukee?

My question to all of you is this - what good/bad results have you personally had with what different brands of power tools?

Spiff--Believe it or not---I use Ryobe---Tough--never killed one yet,and I'm tough on tools--

The batteries are cheap,too. $59. for two. I had 5 of the 14.4---Now I have 4 of the 18 volt--

I can't complain---The first one was a Christmas present--I will admit to being a bit of a tool snob:laughing: Never would have even looked at that brand--

But the drills work just fine-----My 2 cents.--Mike--

I got several ryobi 18volt tools.

Though I am interested in getting the milwaukee hackzall m12 kit with the small drill. I can get the kit for 200 and they even toss in another battery

I have a number of the relatively inexpensive Ryobi 18 volt tools I carry in the vehicle as I assume they will eventually be stolen, and I've been surprised at their reliability.

The conventional 18V batteries have a poor run time, but I've been very impressed with the performance of the compact size LI batteries (I've not tried the full-sized version) which are small, light, and have amazing durability for their size, and in combination with somewhat somewhat smaller (and more expensive) version of the 18V drill are the best 1/2" drill I've owned for overhead work.

Several thumbs up for Ryobi...I'm surprised to hear that! Good info, though! :thumbsup:

I have a 3yr. old Ryobi 18v. ni-clad drill & light combo. Came with 2 batteries.
I like that drill but bought an 18v Milwaukee about a year ago. Both have been good for what I use them for.
Home Depot/Lowes will have better deals when Christmas gets closer.

I also love my Ryobi cordless drill and impact drivers. The only time I saw them fail was high torque situations such as 3/8" x 3" long lags into oak.

My caution to anyone purchasing the Ryobi product is to stay away from the cordless circular saw. You won't get torque...you'd get took.

The laminate cutter they have works well though, even compared to a Rigid wired laminate cutter Its small enough for hinge routing

I have a Ryobi drywall roto zip--(Another gift) I love that thing for smaller jobs--

i am a makita man, but haven't tried their lithium ion stuff yet

Ryobi are the Edsels of the tool world.Because they are cheap.

What's improtant to ask is what made the De Walt so good? It was that the gears and motor are much more durable than Ryobi. They are made for the commercial construction and trades. They are more heavy duty than Ryobi and have some ver nice warranties...three years ...one year exchange.

You will find the Milwaukee and Bosch are similar in price but well worth it.

My son works for Bosch and he says they are one of the toughest tools around.
I agree. I have a ten volt lithium ion swivel head I install whole furnace on a single battery charge charge with juice to spare.

I think if you compare the amount of usage you got out of your De Walt with the typical Ryobi owner you will find you used your De Walt much more.

New helper showed up for work with a Ryobi. it died half way thru. I loaned him a De Walt, Now he want's to buy it from me.

He's a good kid so I gave it to him (I got mores cordless stuff then i need).

My tool of choice is my Milwaukee 18v hammer drill. It eats Ryobi and craps Makitas .

MARKETING!!! DeWalt is a mediocore tool with a FANTASTIC marketing dept

I've had to loan my 'cheap ' drills out to many a DeWalt drill owner---I don't think they hold up and better- and the batteries cost $65--Each.

Well, my Edsels have worked. Maybe your son should work with tools instead of selling them, then he would know.

De Walt Milwaukee Makita and Bosch dominate the cordless market.


No amount of advertising can increase a tools market share if it's poor quality.

You can't polish a turd.

My son ran my installation team and has installed more hvac systems then I can remember. He knows how to use tools. We are talking tools, not family. Let's keep it friendly.

A little macho tool talk is all in fun.