What triggered you to align with a certain manufacturer for your cordless tools?

[72C10]

My first power tool gifted was Dewalt by my father. We had common tools and batteries and worked together on some projects so it just made sense.

Dewalt was also available locally so it was an easy choice.

 

[UG_Passat]

Because I used to work for a certain company

 

[wrcsixeight]

I always wondered though, would it be possible or does anyone already do it; in lieu of a battery or as a fail safe, could they make a transformer in the same configuration as a battery but it is corded so if you exhaust your available battery power you can snap in the cord adapter and basically now have a corded tool while the batteries are recharging?

I experimented using a 1500 watt Dc to Dc voltage booster to power a 24v hedge trimmer from a 12v battery. Unloaded at 24v it only drew 110 watts.

It worked great, until i tried to cut a fatter branch. It also Wound up blowing my wattmeter rated for 60vdc.
The power supply was not designed for a dynamic load, so when I hit that fat branch and loaded motor hard, it dialed up, and when the branch was cut voltage spiked to somewhere over 60vdc and poof went wattmeter and power supply.

My white black makita 18v drill impact driver were pretty good for the first decade. The drill occasionally had gearbox issues on higher speed. Still managed to wear out its brushes. Was gonna replace brushes, but batteries were shot, could not drive one 3" screw anymore.

That 24v hedge trimmer, i got a second 12v battery to run in series.
I did the same to an old 18v nimh porter cable drill. It was a monster being fed 24v. Id use it with 4 and 6" wirewheels for long periods of time. Never seemed to get excessively hot, and did the same to 18v maKita tools briefly, but did not maKe the effort for permanent wire attachment.

Also have a 9.6v craftsman drill i would feed 12vdc from a 18 ah agm battery through 10' of 10-2 landscape wire. Monster torque and all day capacity, but the cord is a pain and the baTtery 11lbs, but still easier than running extension cord to corded drill.

Running a cordless tool from a different power source than original battery, is certainly possible, but defeats the cordless factor in most instances.

I had to move x country and my white black makita18v drill and driver, and its worn out batteries, did not make it.

There are battery adapters I was unaware of at that time.

I replaced the abandoned Makita Drill and driver with Ridgid drill and driver, mainly for the battery warranty.

Also, 2 Ridgid 4.0 ah batteries and charger and bag, occassionally go on sale for 79$ via HD 'special buy', most recently during amazon prime day, but was outta stock when I went to place order, and i dont really need more ridgid baTteries, so was not too heartbroken.

I now have Ridgid to Makita, ridgid to ryobi, and makita to ridgid battery adapters. They are about 20$ each

Just acquired a '20v' Dewalt pole saw with battery and charger for significantly less than the maKita or milwaukee versions that i had been eyeballing.

I'm not marrying any battery or tool brand.

The only major baTtery system I do not yet have is Milwaukee, and will jump when the offer is right.

Am considering getting a battery spot welder to gain experience in building baTtery packs.

 

[The Critic]

When I first started acquiring cordless tools, Milwaukee had the best performance (for the price) and variety for automotive applications. While I recognize that competitors have caught up, I have mostly stuck with the Milwaukee line-up since I am married to their batteries.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Sunday morning I wanted to clean and lube the front brakes on our beloved TSX; it had been maybe 3 years since installation.
2 Makita impacts and sockets and it's apart in no time.
The skinny SO 17/19MM wrench helps during the caliper fastener torquing.

 

[Braapdaddy]

The majority of the trades in my area all use DeWalt and for that reason I go with Milwaukee on my service trucks ..... this way the batteries don't get stolen as often and they last as long as DeWalt in most cases

Now for non battery operated tools I go Harbor Freight on every service truck except my sons and mine because there is no warranty for stolen or downright abuse/misused tools so spending any extra for it to be destroyed no matter the brand is like throwing money in a hole

 

[LDB]

Battery question. If a tool has two batteries of capacity X and 2X does it produce more power/torque using the 2X battery or is it identical and just goes about twice as long before going dead?

 

[JHZR2]

I’m not married. I have a few of each associated with what I needed and/or felt was best.

I stayed with corded tools for a long time. I really don’t mind the cord for many jobs. Started with some 12v Bosch tools. Then needed a fiber optic scope for some work in the house - Milwaukee M12 at HD fit the bill. Wanted a drill and impact. DeWalt felt the best in hand and was US made. Came in a kit with some big batteries. DeWalt also tends to have more dual power stuff which I like for radios and vacuums. Milwaukee was beating the market for impact automotive tools, so got some of them, m18 and m12. M12 lights were also quite good.

Love the makita cordless vacs, and the 36v leaf blower and circular saw. I have their little stick vacuums on every level of our home. Also like their impacts.

Got a ridgid 1/2 impact gun on clearance for a song. Gave that at one of my properties.

I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the majors. It’s going to come down to features, feel, etc.

 

[JHZR2]

Battery question. If a tool has two batteries of capacity X and 2X does it produce more power/torque using the 2X battery or is it identical and just goes about twice as long before going dead?

Depends. The motors are only rated for x. You can’t get more than that. But some batteries can’t put out the current, and sag voltage more so then you don’t make the max performance.

 

[Astro14]

Battery question. If a tool has two batteries of capacity X and 2X does it produce more power/torque using the 2X battery or is it identical and just goes about twice as long before going dead?

For Makita, twice as long. Full power on the 3.0 ah. Twice as long on the 6.0 ah. For most jobs, like impact, driving screws, etc. the smaller battery is great.

For a lawnmower, grinder, blower, or other high current continuous use, get the bigger batteries.

 

[Auae1985]

Started with a Black & Decker rechargeable drill (~6V NiCd internal battery if I recall correctly) that I received as a gift over 30 years ago. Somehow it was misplaced in a box while moving, so I got along with corded power tools for a while. Found it recently, but even after a couple of days charging it wouldn't work.

Then about 10 years ago SIL gave me a Black & Decker homeowner's tool bag / kit, that included a 9.6V cordless drill. It was handy for a while, but has gotten to where the battery doesn't hold a charge for very long. I think it also has a NiCd battery.

Started a new job last Fall, and noticed that 90% of the shop section guys were using 20V DeWalt cordless tools, and I mean using them HARD. These tools look like they were tumbled in a rock crusher or the like, but they keep working. So, based on that, I have invested in the DeWalt 20V tool family. So far I have an impact driver, drill driver, sawzall, circular saw, jigsaw, and oscillating tool. I have used every one of them on projects at home. I got the tools from Lowe's (new), Home Depot (new), and eBay (refurbished / open box). Aside from the batteries that I got with some of the tools, I have bought extra DeWalt batteries from eBay and Walmart (online).

Overall, for accessories, I have purchased from Lowe's, Home Depot, Amazon, Tractor Supply, Ace Hardware, eBay, and Walmart. I shop around between these to find the best prices on items.

 

[cb_13]

Started with a Black and Decker cordless drill. That thing was a joke. I just assumed all cordless were at the time and mostly used air or corded tools.

Later moved up to a Dewalt 18v NiCad. It was significantly better than the B&D but not nearly as strong as the guy next to me’s Snap On 18v drill. I put a lot of use in on that dewalt but eventually the batteries all went bad and it wasn’t worth replacing them compared to the cost of going to a whole new set up.

This time i went with a Snap On setup. Purchased used as it’s a NiCad and they were pushing their Lithium line up at the time. Picked up a drill and 3/8 impact with two good batteries real cheap. Added a sawzall and 1/2 impact with bad batteries also real cheap.

When my two good batteries die I can get them rebuilt at Batteries+ or buy the internals to install myself from Amazon. So really it was working next to a guy with the Snap On cordless and seeing how it compared to my dewalt that led me to those tools.

 

[MrStamper]

Milwaukee guy here. Company tools are all Milwaukee so that’s what I’m familiar with. But I wouldn’t hesitate to use Dewalt or Makita. Would never consider Hilti tho, way too overpriced.

 

[John105]

Totally based on batteries…fist tool was dewalt 20v impact wrench, and it all went from there..I only have 5 batteries and not sure but probably 10+ tools…

I got 2 20v for $90 5 years ago…now $130?

 

[Trav]

Milwaukee guy here. Company tools are all Milwaukee so that’s what I’m familiar with. But I wouldn’t hesitate to use Dewalt or Makita. Would never consider Hilti tho, way too overpriced.

The prices are not too bad if you buy from Hilti direct but still not inexpensive. They are better suited to commercial/industrial users.

https://www.hilti.com/c/CLS_CORDLESS_TOOLS_7123#nav/products

 

[Number_35]

I mentioned it previously in that thread, but it’s simple: Makita was the first to offer cordless drills. Makita makes great tools. My 43 year old Makita drill, a 3/8” corded model, still works.

My 30 year old Makita 1/4” plunge router is still great. My 20 year old Makita 10” slide compound miter saw is still great.

So, I got my first cordless Makita was around 1990 and it was a game changer. Made so many jobs so much easier. Of note, that drill still works. I still use it, even though the 9.6V NiCad batteries aren’t made by Makita any more.

When I built a deck in 2004, which had hardwood decking, I needed a driver and drill to run the few thousand screws. Naturally, I got a Makita set, in 14.4v NiMH. Those two tools still work. Batteries are hard to find. But they run.

A dozen or so years ago, I needed another cordless for a project. Makita again. Now in 18v Li-ion.

Those new batteries have great capacity, and seem to run forever. I labeled all the batteries with a Sharpie to keep track in case one wore out. Battery #1, a 12 year old battery, ran my impact all day yesterday doing suspension work. I’m all in on the 18V Makita ecosystem. Great tools, great performance, great batteries.

At the moment, most of my cordless tools are down at my shop. But at home, here is the charging setup.

View attachment 167690In view, 9.6V Makita, the 14.4V driver and drill, an 18v driver, and an 18v 1/2” impact, an 18v reciprocating saw (mostly used for pruning). Not in view, but at the house, 18v job site radio, 18v oscillating multi tool, 18v string trimmer, 18v hedge trimmer, 36v leaf blower and 36V lawn mower.

There are dual 18v chargers for the lawn mower and leaf blower. We’re completely electric for normal yard work.

There is a 12v Bosch in view. Such a handy little drill. No equivalent in the Makita ecosystem.

Down at the shop are the rest of the Makita tools, all 18v, and a coup,e of chargers. There are two 1/2” drills, an impact driver, 1/2” impact wrench, which sees a lot of use, oscillating multi tool, reciprocating saw, 18v leaf blower (faster than sweeping), flood light, jig saw, and angle grinder (new).

I’ve also got a set of 12V Milwaukee tools. Both the 1/4 and 3/8” cordless ratchets. They can’t be beat. Compact. Super useful. Work light. 3/8” angle drill. 3/8” 12v impact. Great tools.

I would be remiss if I didn’t publicly thank @D60 for the Milwaukee 12V chargers. I keep a supply of those 12V charged up, the light in particular goes through batteries because it’s always on. The ratchets get a lot of use, but they’re surprisingly energy efficient.

But having the same battery system across all the big tools is way more convenient from a battery and charger management perspective. Makita yard tools, which work great, by the way, tipped the scale in favor of Makita for all the big tools.

And that first pair of Makita 18V Li-ion batteries, now 12 years old, still used daily, powering my impact and drill down at the shop, is still going strong. Very impressive.

I bought a used Makita table saw in 1989. I paid $150, about half the pre-tax price of new. I have no idea how old it was when I bought it.

It's the little portable one.

It has not missed a beat in 34 years.

I'd like something with a larger table, a better mitre gauge, and a better fence, but the little Makita won't quit.

 

[Number_35]

Reading the "new tool thread" discussion on the quality of Makita cordless tools, thought to ask why BITOGERS align to certain manufacturers of cordless tools.

Many of us will stick with one manufacturer simply to keep the batteries the same. I suspect if all manufacturers used the same battery, our tool boxes might not have cordless tool brand loyalty.

My manufacturer loyalty is to Milwaukee. The reason is PEX A tubing. Milwaukee manufacturers the only readily available cordless PEX A plumbing expansion tool.

Milwaukee making the PEX a expansion tool has made my cordless tool purchases exclusively Milwaukee. What's your reason/ justification?

Jr bought me my first cordless tools this past Christmas. (I know, Mr Early Adopter here ...)

They are Milwaukee, chosen based on his own experience - a drill and a small impact driver c/w two batteries and a charger.

Wow, they are absolutely amazing!

Milwaukee was one of the brands I was considering - glad to have the decision made for me. (Based on the quality of my ancient table saw, I was also considering Makita.)

 

[RhondaHonda]

Ridgid here and for the same reason. I had a Craftsman 19.2v tool set that still worked after 20+ years but the batteries were obviously shot. Only things available were aftermarket and too many bad experiences with getting junk batteries turned me off.... After the Craftsman, I had a smaller 12v Bosch set but it felt underpowered and the batteries wore out too quickly and I was a pretty casual user.

I started with a Ridgid impact driver and drill with 2.5 or 3Ah batteries. Later added a 1/2" impact wrench with a 6Ah and 3Ah battery (bundle offer from HD). A couple months ago, I bought a Ridgid weed trimmer and leaf blower. I suspect these two new tools will affect my batteries much quicker than my power tools so I might be finding out about their lifetime warranty.

I also started with the drill and driver combo. Got a 1/2” impact, tire inflator and small blower now too. For homeowner use they fit my needs perfectly. I got my mom the Milwaukee combo pack that was on a great sale that someone posted here. If I was a mechanic or contractor I’d probably get Milwaukee or Bosch.

 

[football]

I bought my first 18V Ryobi tool about ten years ago. And I’ve been buying Ryobi ever since. The tools are great, especially the brushless tools. Milwaukee and Ryobi are made by the same parent company, TTI. People have disassembled Ryobi and Milwaukee tools and found the same exact brushless motors in both.

Also, Ryobi batteries are the cheapest in the industry. During the Ryobi days sale you can get 4AH batteries for as cheap as $23 each, brand new. They just had a deal for four 4AH batteries for $99. That’s a deal.

I have about 20 batteries in my collection and never had one go bad yet. The ten year old battery still works and still is in rotation. I have regular and HP batteries. They all work great.

I also own M12 Milwaukee tools as they are small and lightweight. I prefer them for cordless ratchets and impact drivers drills and screw drivers. Love the fuel brushless tools.

 

[JWC86]

At the time Milwaukee had the most versatile line up and most of the best tools for the stuff I used most. I can’t say I have any regrets. The M12 stuff really is impressive for what they can do compared to the size.

Have a m18 leaf blower also, not shown.