M12 for sure.
Brand recommendation for Power tools (drill, small impact, screwdriver) for apartment?
- Thread starter Sequoiasoon
- Start date
I will get laughed at but for someone not likely to use tools much I'd get the Skil flip drill on sale for $79.99 at Lowes.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/SKIL-PWR-CORE-12-Drill/5015240817
https://www.lowes.com/pd/SKIL-PWR-CORE-12-Drill/5015240817
I understand this sentiment, and I would say I am a reformed tool snob. These days, I watch prices carefully and try to avoid the Chinese stuff that falls apart as you open the box. I have done fine with cheaper tools, and am ready to accept that they may not last as long. At the same time, if I see Snap On stuff at a garage sale, I will grab it. Even the good brands sometimes come from Asia. I think that for the homeowner, economic choices can make sense. If I were a professional mechanic, then I would get the absolute best.
Each to his/her own, but country of manufacture is important to me. Not always easy to do price wise, but I vote with my money.
I like the Milwaukee stuff I have, but will not be buying any more.
Beyond that, "buy the best tools you can" is some of the best advice I've ever got.
I like the Milwaukee stuff I have, but will not be buying any more.
Beyond that, "buy the best tools you can" is some of the best advice I've ever got.
Anecdote: my crazy lawn care client bought the M12 right angle impact (3/8" sq anvil) to change blades on his mower after seeing me use mine for that.
He called me yesterday dismayed saying it wasn't working and asked for my help. I used his impact with his (chrome, 12pt -- ugh) socket and compact battery and indeed it just rattled away. For giggles I put a 5.0 on it and it zipped the nut right off. He's ordering a 5.0 today
TL;DR: mo amp hours mo better
He called me yesterday dismayed saying it wasn't working and asked for my help. I used his impact with his (chrome, 12pt -- ugh) socket and compact battery and indeed it just rattled away. For giggles I put a 5.0 on it and it zipped the nut right off. He's ordering a 5.0 today
TL;DR: mo amp hours mo better
JHZR2
Staff member
For home tools, I’d go makita or DeWalt. For auto tools I’ve usually gone Milwaukee, as a separate set. This is because then all the dirty tools and batteries stay separate.
I tend to care less about one battery for all tools, rather what tools are best of breed.
HF becomes a compelling option due to the fact that all tools except a few DeWalt are made in China, and the best prices are at HF. So maybe it’s a good value proposition if it’s competitive to say Milwaukee.
I tend to care less about one battery for all tools, rather what tools are best of breed.
HF becomes a compelling option due to the fact that all tools except a few DeWalt are made in China, and the best prices are at HF. So maybe it’s a good value proposition if it’s competitive to say Milwaukee.
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Milwaukee is kind of like Toyota, Glock, or Apple. Loud naysayers, yet big following and very successful products.
Whether you're Milwaukee or Elon or a reigning sports team, when you're on top there's always a faction that will hate just because you're on top.
I still maintain the Dewalt XRP loyalists from 20 years ago are peeved that Milwaukee blasted out of the gate with li-ion V18 and V28. I know those platforms were ultimately problematic but Milwaukee didn't let that slow them down and not only continued to push li-ion but kept introducing cordless tools people really wanted -- or at least I really wanted.
That said, let the rivalry continue because it ultimately helps all of us. Competition is good for the consumer. If the big names weren't worried their competitor was going to beat them to market with a given product, there would be less incentive to innovate.
I don't hate Milwaukee they were one of my favorite power tools when they were really Milwaukee. Did Toyota or Apple get bought by some Chinese company and living on the name? No, but that it exactly what TTI did with Milwaukee and charging premium prices for not much more than DIY tools at that. Tools like their gen1 1/4" angle die grinder is over $200 bare tool and it is a stinking pile, Hercules has one for $60 that handily beats it is also brushless and has a 5 year walk in warranty. All are made in China.
Would someone pay $219 for it if it had TTI on it, I don't think so.
Would someone pay $219 for it if it had TTI on it, I don't think so.
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Just ordered my son in law a M12 Fuel kit. Drill and driver, batteries and charger
Ryobi is a great option for light duty use. For a step up in quality and warranty Ridgid tools from HD may be the way to go. Not much more expensive for above average quality, selection, and surprising no question asked warranties even on batteries.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
i own both a large collection of M18 and M12 stuff. i reach for the M12 stuff 99% of the time. i repiped my house and ran gas lines to appliances with my M12 stuff because my dad is borrowing my M18 stuff. huge fan of theM12 line because the handles fit my hands better, they’re lighter and aren’t as powerful. leads to less “oops” moments hitting things you didn’t mean to or wrapping your arm up around the drill.
The latest M18 drill ‐‐ I think it's the 2904 -- is downright scary when it hangs up in low. I hurt myself the other day with a 3.5" hole saw in sheetmetal when it grabbed. I was ready for it, using the aux handle and had my arms braced and tight and still it got the better of me.
I've owned 'em all: the 2604, 2704, 2804 and 2904 and the latest growls like diesel and you better respect it in low.
BrendanC
$100 site donor 2024
but again, this is why i use my m12 stuff mostly.
Then I couldn't complain about having to put Rohms on my Milwaukees!
Kickback control? That sounds like backup cameras or rain sensing wipers. I'm not a pansy!
Except you don't have to buy the chuck. like you I had a large 18v drill (Makita) hurt my wrist pretty good and darn near tossed me off the ladder with a large hole saw. LOLThen I couldn't complain about having to put Rohms on my Milwaukees!
Kickback control? That sounds like backup cameras or rain sensing wipers. I'm not a pansy!
For light duty, M12 Milwaukee would be my choice. Or, if you find a better deal, Makita. Those are my two favorite brands. Dewalt is a grade down. My opinion, of course, after having owned and currently using all three. Where I work, we use Milwaukee all through our assembly shop. No joke, we have a couple hundred M12 nut drivers and drill motors. Biggest problem is people steal them. The tools themselves are bulletproof.
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Brand isn't really that important. I worl in industrial maintenance we see everything from Rigid, Metabo, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Harbor Freight. From that I will say without any reservation despite owning Milwaukee myself they all are about the same. Actually I want to get the new DeWalt 1/2 because there has been bolts my m18 fuel won't take off that that thing smokes off. Again though brand really isn't a big deal.
So get whatever basic power tools you need in whatever brand has a good price and I guess has a color scheme you like.
So get whatever basic power tools you need in whatever brand has a good price and I guess has a color scheme you like.
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