Cordless Power Tools - What is good/best?

[Moo Moo]

Hi Everyone

I was hoping to get some input from those experience with Cordless Power Tools. I'm planning to get one of those Combination kits with Drill, Driver, Angle Grinder, Reciprocating Saw, etc. I'm not a Contractor (we call them "Builders" here in Australia) and so it will just be for DIY around the house. I do not need "top of the range" but I do want something with quality. It appears most of these cordless products are now brushless.

I was a Makita man when everything was made in Japan. Not so sure anymore. As well as Makita, we also have Dewalt, Milwaukee, Metabo, Ryobi, and HiKoki.

It appears most of these cordless products are now brushless.

Any input would be appreciated.

Cheers
Moo Moo

 

[Sistema1927]

I am not a professional user, but the Ryobi 18v tools have worked for me at a decent price. The batteries seem to last (age well in addition to giving good time between charges). I have not had any of these tools break or need replacing, and that includes some of my original blue ones that came with nicad batteries. Those batteries are long gone, but the lithiums hold up very well.

 

[arjay]

I’m only familiar with Dewalt and Milwaukee and they’re both good. My first cordless tool was a Makita (1984?) It was good too

 

[bigwheelzip]

Whichever rechargeable tools get recommended, you might see substantially faster charge times with the power on Australian mains.

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Tapatalk

 

[Model 19 6"]

I have a Ryobi drill and I agree with Sistema1927 battery life is excellent.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

During my time as a contractor and home builder I swore by Dewalt tools. Now, as a retiree with little demand on my tools, I find the Ryobi brand to be excellent quality at a very good price.

I love my cordless tools (drills, saws, etc). Every time I work on a project I remember my old Dad, truly excellent carpenter and gifted mechanic, WW2 veteran, who always talked about his days working on jobs with hand tools and gasoline-powered saws! I appreciate the fact that there was a world before power tools, and cordless tools made that world even better!

 

[wood714]

I've not owned a cordless drill since they first came out years ago.

Bought a nice Ryobi Drill / Impact driver kit last winter and love it.

Did mass research on which one to buy, went with Ryobi due to them not changing battery style when they come out with a new model.

 

[swsig]

I bought a lightweight Ryobi cordless drill. I loved it -- it was well-made and absolutely perfect for my needs. HOWEVER, the 6v battery died and no one, least of all Ryobi, makes a replacement. Now I own a perfectly good cordless drill that is absolutely useless. Since Ryobi won't stand behind its products, I am through with them. I am also through with any cordless tools. While it may be more inconvenient to drag around a power cord, a decent corded tool will last forever.

 

[OLDSTER]

Another vote for Ryobi. My drill is six years old and going strong.

 

[Greyman50]

Had DeWalt for over 20 years, had the batteries “ rebuilt” but do not hold charge as originals. Ryobi’s are very good and for the $$$$ Ryobi may be best choice.

 

[Chukar60]

I have been running DeWalt for a very long time now at home. One grind is the cost of batteries. Ridiculously high cost for new batteries.

For my business we use Rigid and have had very good luck with them in harsh conditions. So far after about 4 years we have not had to replace one battery on them

 

[JH1951]

I bought a lightweight Ryobi cordless drill. I loved it -- it was well-made and absolutely perfect for my needs. HOWEVER, the 6v battery died and no one, least of all Ryobi, makes a replacement. Now I own a perfectly good cordless drill that is absolutely useless. Since Ryobi won't stand behind its products, I am through with them. I am also through with any cordless tools. While it may be more inconvenient to drag around a power cord, a decent corded tool will last forever.

I suggest you do a search online for someone to rebuild your battery. There should be several rebuilders out there that will give new life (and new technology) to your now useless cordless drill.

 

[Ranger17]

I have had a Bosch cordless drill and have been very happy with it. Noting it is just used around the home.
I have not tried their other tools though

 

[Jon651]

Hi Everyone

I was hoping to get some input from those experience with Cordless Power Tools. I'm planning to get one of those Combination kits with Drill, Driver, Angle Grinder, Reciprocating Saw, etc. I'm not a Contractor (we call them "Builders" here in Australia) and so it will just be for DIY around the house. I do not need "top of the range" but I do want something with quality. It appears most of these cordless products are now brushless.

I was a Makita man when everything was made in Japan. Not so sure anymore. As well as Makita, we also have Dewalt, Milwaukee, Metabo, Ryobi, and HiKoki.

It appears most of these cordless products are now brushless.

Any input would be appreciated.

Cheers
Moo Moo

I am a fan of Metabo HPT. They are high-quality while not draining your bank account. The "HPT" in the name comes from Metabo's merger with Hitatchi Power Tools. And yes, they do make many brushless varieties and I feel that they are better.

I've purchased all of my Hitatchi/Metabo tools from Big sky tool | New and Reconditioned Power Tools, Air tools, Cordless and More over the years, all as Grade-A refurbs. For what you are looking for, on their page select "Cordless --> Combo Kits" for a list of what they offer. However, the trick is to find what you want in stock. The best way is to put your name on their "Back In Stock" notification list for what you are interested in and they will email you when they get some in.

And don't forget to get an impact driver with your kit! It's one of those "what did I ever do without it" tools!

 

[double-dipper]

My $.002; I don't really think the internal parts are any better from one brand to another, its the rechargeable batteries. The question is; What company doesn't change their battery design every 10-15 years or so rendering the old models worthless? Or charge 80-90% of what a new drill would cost for a replacement battery?

I had a Makita many years ago went through several rechargeable batteries until Makita stopped making that type of battery rendering the drill useless.(long round tube type that inserted into the handle)

Got a new DeWalt about 15 years ago it was 12 or 14 volt I don't remember but, same thing DeWalt doesn't make that type of replacement battery anymore so I replaced it with a new 20 volt DeWalt. I guess in 10-15 years they will change battery types again rendering my new now drill useless in 10-15 years.

 

[MRB1]

Dewalt user here. I've never had a problem with the actual tools, but batteries are too expensive. I have found that if I watch the sales, I can get a drill, case, with two batteries cheaper than buying just the two batteries by themselves. I have more drills than batteries. Never had trouble with batteries on my corded tools.

 

[RogerA]

I have one small rechargeable, a drill, a cheap $40 Black and Decker. Drill, charger and two batteries. Works great for a small job. Anything else, I get out an extension cord. The tools always work.

 

[jdh]

My original Ryobi tools are going on 10 years now. One of the original batteries still holds a charge (I dropped the other from a ladder or it would probably still be good also). The tools have been rode hard and put up wet, dropped from heights, and run over still they keep on working.

The Ryobi One + system has some kind of tool for any job that comes up. I agree that they are the best compromise between cost and quality available and that the batteries are the strong point of the system.

 

[2tall79]

Retired after 40 years as a carpenter/builder. DeWalt and Milwaukee were always my go to's.

 

[mtgianni]

I stuck with Dewalt for years. I bought a device to run an ice auger for ice fishing and burned up the Dewalt drill the first hole. I went to a Royobi and get 5-6 holes per battery. I am impressed. The Milwaukee saw and drill run well also.