You've discovered the issue with cordless tools. Save the environment, and use corded tools.

 

Whats the difference ? Power here is generated from Coal and fossil fuels.
Lithium Mining well thats another subject.

 

I think any of the big brand tools are a good choice (e.g. DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, etc.). I guess you would look at the tool selection and decide from there. I have the Makita 18v and 12v tools and have had good luck with them. I like the 12v drill/driver and impact -- lightweight and plenty of power, all of the other tools use the 18v battery.

 

All of the major brands have pretty good systems these days. I think your system should depend on a number of factors so make a list:
1: What tools do I want in cordless.
2: What tools are most available in my area.
3: What is my budget.
4: What is price and availability of replacement parts and batteries.

Use this as a starting point. I know that almost all are available on Amazon or internet, but sometimes waiting a few days for a tool is not acceptable. Most people have a big box store or even a HF somewhere near. Also may depend on whether you want all the tools in same color, voltage, etc. I started out with Ryobi, but after a few years decided to upgrade in quality. Now I use Milwaukee 12v system and Makita 18v system. And I would also point out that there are now interchangeable battery adapters that for instance let me use my Makita batteries with my older Ryobi tools, etc. Again, I don’t think you can go entirely wrong with any of the major brands.

 

I think it starts with which battery system you want to go with. I think Dewalt is a good choice and that is what I switch to after having Craftsman for years. Most of the contractors I have seen in my area use Dewalt which means to me that they are probably durable.
What you need to be aware of is that often the multi tool package deals come with the smallest amp hr battery (ie. Dewalt 2amp) when in most cases you probably want the 4 or 5. Also there are often two or three versions of the same tool and the less expensive ones are in the multi tool package. So they are not the good deal they appear to be. But there are also some ungrade packages to consider. It can get complicated making comparisons.
I prefer to buy the individual tool without the battery and buy the batteries when they are on sale; however lately I haven't seen any battery sales. Maybe a supply shortage.

 

I'm a fan of Ryobi 18+ system

 

Intended use, hobby or business and your budget. I went with the Ryobi system and have never regretted it. Have bought a couple of Ridgid 18v from Home depot on special and like the lifetime warranty.

 

We just had this discussion?

Which cordless power tool bundle (Dewalt/Makita/Milwaulkee)?

So the Porter Cable tools that I started with initially 7 years ago (and slowly added to for battery compatibility) are showing their age and I need to get new ones. I would like to get the following: drill, impact driver, angle grinder, reciprocating saw, circular saw, jigsaw, multi-tool...

www.lumberjocks.com

Please use the search function, many questions are repeated over and over....

 

I'm mostly using DeWalt but there are some cool tools in the Metabo range including nailers and a 36v full sized plunge router.

I've had Ryobi before and they're alright but the battery life is poor in my experience. I've never had Ryobi battery not fail after a year or two but have other lithium ion batteries that have lasted a decade.

 

+1 for Ridgid. Once a tool is registered with the LSA, they either repair or replace whatever you purchased. My mist recent experience was replacing ~ $800 worth of batteries for free. Not the best tools in the world, but buying once saves money.

 

There's a trade-off between corded and cordless. You've already found out that, with cordless, once batteries are no longer available the tools are a throw away tool. Plus, you have to continually buy replacement batteries. Sure there's a convenience with cordless, but with a price. I have a corded saber saw that I purchased in about 1976. 50 years later and I still get good use out of it and didn't have to buy any replacement batteries.

The only cordless power tools I own are a cordless drill and two cordless screwdrivers. The rest are all corded.

Case in point; I bought a battery operated lawn mower. Didn't want the hassle of getting gasoline and paying $60 every spring to tune-up lawn mower in the summer and another $60 in late summer to have the needles in the carburator cleaned. I figured what I paid in gas and tune-up service, More than paid for the batteries. After three years I could no longer get batteries for the lawn mower. Now I need to buy another lawn mower. Convenience was short lived before I had to spend more moolah on another lawn mower. Now I'm thinking about getting an electric lawn mower (corded). Dealing with an 100' extension cord (or two 50') doesn't seem like a bad idea.

 

There's a trade-off between corded and cordless. You've already found out that, with cordless, once batteries are no longer available the tools are a throw away tool. Plus, you have to continually buy replacement batteries. Sure there's a convenience with cordless, but with a price. I have a corded saber saw that I purchased in about 1976. 50 years later and I still get good use out of it and didn't have to buy any replacement batteries.

Case in point; I bought a battery operated lawn mower. Didn't want the hassle of getting gasoline and paying $60 every spring to tune-up lawn mower in the summer and another $60 in late summer to have the needles in the carburator cleaned. I figured what I paid in gas and tune-up service, More than paid for the batteries. After three years I could no longer get batteries for the lawn mower. Now I need to buy another lawn mower. Convenience was short lived before I had to spend more moolah on another lawn mower. Now I'm thinking about getting an electric lawn mower (corded). Dealing with an 100' extension cord (or two 50') doesn't seem like a bad idea.

You must have bought a ”no name” lawnmower then.
All the major tool co.’s battery platforms have been around about two decades and aren’t going anywhere soon. All of them “changed” their platforms when the went to Li Ion but that tech is here to stay so you’re pretty safe for the next quarter century at least.

As far as corded tools lasting longer, that still might be true but it’s less of a slam dunk now. They don’t build em like they used to is true in this case. And you also miss out on improvements if you stick to that antique. Your saber (jig) saw probably has a metal case which makes it’s heavy , it certainly doesn’t have quick change blades and I’ll bet the blade guide system isn’t as good as modern ones. It doesn’t have dust collection either.

 

I use a Panasonic cordless drill for around the house and in the shop. I’ve had the battery pack rebuild twice by mto battery. I’ve had this drill for at 15 years
I do agree with other corded saws and drill are a better investment.
Good Luck

 

I went the Rigid route for the warranty as mentioned above. I also found at the time there were better package deals on combo kits than with other brands. That said, I would probably consider Dewalt knowing what I know now. The tools and batteries seem a little more compact on Dewalt. There also seems to be a step up in features as well. There is also a cost creep to consider. I started with a kit that had the circular saw, hammer drill, impact driver and reciprocating saw. Then added a regular drill, router and jig saw. Now have 4 batteries and two chargers. So, the initial low price of the basic kit got me in and then I wanted to add more. I would have been better off to have bought a bigger kit up front. My buddy got a deal on Makita combo package and loves it. Other than the holidays, it seems that they all rotate combo deal discounts throughout the year. Start looking at reviews and then go and try holding the tools and adjusting the different features to see the differences (keeping in mind what the reviewers pointed out). Once set on a brand keep an eye for the discounts (you may have to wait a few months). Hope this helps.

 

Another vote for Ryobi. I've had some of my tools for 15 years and those are still going strong using the latest batteries (the original batteries actually never died but the new ones are so much better). I've also got newer tools of theirs bought in the past 2 years and those work great as well. Drills, impacts, hedge trimmer, nailers, all have met my expectations.

 

Another vote for Ryobi. I've had some of my tools for 15 years and those are still going strong using the latest batteries (the original batteries actually never died but the new ones are so much better.

I can do you better than that. I have had some of my Ryobi tools for more than 20 years. I bought a box of 10 blue tools at the Home Despot just before Father's day in 2000. The only tools that have died in all that time were sanders. One just up and choked on dust, and the other had the ferrites in the motor break apart. That might have been my fault, of course.
I have had some batteries die. The original NiCads only lasted a year or two, but the Lithiums are better. I had one that never worked right, but I think it died on the shelf at the HD before I even bought it. Since it worked fine in the radio I didn't get upset.
I have also had some problems with the chargers. Sometimes a newer charger will refuse to charge an older battery. The chargers look the same, but the sticker on the newer charger does not show a green-stem battery, and it won't charge them. Frustrating. The new new chargers seem to be more accepting, but now I have three chargers lined up on my workbench.

 

I have some Milwaukee cordless drills and impact tools from about 2000. The drills I know were made in Germany. I replaced the gear box on one and several batteries but they still keep going. I have some other Milwaukee drills that are 40 years old and one of them I replaced the bearings on the armature. The others I keep changing the grease. The one thing I like about the larger electric drills is I can slowly turn a screw if I want because they have a lot of power.

 

I have some Milwaukee cordless drills and impact tools from about 2000. The drills I know were made in Germany. I replaced the gear box on one and several batteries but they still keep going. I have some other Milwaukee drills that are 40 years old and one of them I replaced the bearings on the armature. The others I keep changing the grease. The one thing I like about the larger electric drills is I can slowly turn a screw if I want because they have a lot of power.

 

I've used Ryobi stuff for like a decade. I have had really good results. My drill is probably close to dead now but it's worked well...I can hear the clutch clacking. I rebuilt a cruising sailboat with their stuff. It didn't hurt as bad the time I dropped my other drill overboard.

I just can't afford the good stuff but I don't really have any regrets. I think I broke one tool in 13 years and I've used them hard. Probably not contractor grade but I'm not a contractor.

They have deep sales at home depot.

 

Friends -

Currently, I don't own any cordless tools except drills. I have four older drills (three different makers, 5-10 years old), and replacement batteries are no longer available for two of them.
I could put money into new replacement batteries for two of them, but I'm thinking that it might be time to get some new drills and drivers, and maybe expand to cordless circular and saber saws, and perhaps a router. My question would be "What is the best overall system for these tools that would share a battery size/voltage, have great performance across the range, including dust collection where possible?" I have the Dewalt table saw and planer and love those, and I own three Bosch routers and a saber saw, and love those.

Thanks!

I help manage and do repairs for a Tool Library that has 1500 tools. We have about 25 battery tools. We mostly have the DeWalt 18v tools. They seem to be reliable, well made and easy to get parts as needed. We no longer buy the brand name batteries and use a clone that cost 1/4 of the brand name. Performance and durability seems to be the same. We get about 2 years of life time use from the batteries. These tools are mostly in weekly usage. We have battery powered drills, hammer drills, sawzalls, orbital sanders and circular saws from DeWalt. We recently acquired some of the Ryobi battery 16, 18 and 23 gauge nail guns that seem to be operating well. Ryobi typically do not last as long as DeWalt and other brands across the board. The lower cost is the main factor in using the Ryobi nailers. We do not plan to replace our Porter Cable air guns as they wear out and will switch to battery only in this area.

 

A lot of good feedback.
It would seem that just about any cordless system has pluses and minuses. I purchased Makita about 8 years ago and because you pretty much end up sticking with the brand you started with, I have about 10 different tools from 2x18 volt through the little 12 volt drill/ driver that I bought for my better half to use around the house. It’s a good brand and haven’t hadany of the tools out and out fail. I also buy only generic batter, 2 5 amp off Amazon for $65 rather than $100 plus each for the name brand. They don’t carry the charge quite as long but not enough to really notice. I have so many because I have rentals and when repair/improvement time comes it’s just way more convenient to not drag a cord and look for an unused outlet. Otherwise l‘d only have the drill/driver and nothing else as they are way more expensive than corded and, don’t care what the reviews and tests show on paper, not as powerful. All of the Makita tools have been backward compatible with newer Batteries but the older batteries are not compatible with the newer tools.
IMHO, go around to the different box stores and heft some. Feel which brands sit well in your hand and then decide. Ryobi is popular as is the new Hercules line from HF. Yes, not the “quality” of the yellow, red or teal ones but not bad if you’re not using them constantly. Make certain whoever you go with, that a local store Carries, at least the basic ones, drill/driver, maybe a saw or two. That way you can not only get one in a time crunch but also go do some hands on to decide weather you just gotta have it. That technique has swayed me from being lured to the new and shiny toy I see on the net, more than once! Good luck!

 

Make certain whoever you go with, that a local store Carries, at least the basic ones

So much this. I had one professional contractor tell me that the other people on the crew make fun of him for using Ryobi tools, but he knows that if one dies there is always going to be a Homedepot nearby where he can get another one.

 

The one thing not mentioned much is the convenience of cordless tools. It is so much easier to use them without extension cords on large projects.
They are great for purloining catalytic converters from cars and trucks or drilling holes in fuel tanks to get gas. Also for cutting locks off of gates or shed doors and trailer hitches.

 

Friends -

Currently, I don't own any cordless tools except drills. I have four older drills (three different makers, 5-10 years old), and replacement batteries are no longer available for two of them.
I could put money into new replacement batteries for two of them, but I'm thinking that it might be time to get some new drills and drivers, and maybe expand to cordless circular and saber saws, and perhaps a router. My question would be "What is the best overall system for these tools that would share a battery size/voltage, have great performance across the range, including dust collection where possible?" I have the Dewalt table saw and planer and love those, and I own three Bosch routers and a saber saw, and love those.

Thanks!

Another angle to help you decide which system may be best for you is checking out some of the unbiased tool reviews. I appreciate the YouTube channel Project Farm, and really like the way he conducts tool reviews. He reviews a wide spectrum of tools and products, and has reviewed numerous cordless power tools. He is not sponsored (from what I can tell) and purchases the tools specifically to do tool 'shootouts' based on his own criteria. If you have several tools you know you will be replacing/buying, his reviews may be of help in deciding. which overall brand may suit you. In his conclusions (especially more recent videos) he doesn't really make a recommendation - but he does say his top two or three preferences, and includes cost/benefit as part of his preference, which is pretty cool.

I personally own mostly Milwaukee, but also have (previously) owned a couple of DeWalt and Makita. My preference is Milwaukee for an overall brand. With any of these three brands though you can't really go wrong.

Having said this, I am in need for a right angle drill - and will likely be purchasing the Rigid over the other brands.

 

Another angle to help you decide which system may be best for you is checking out some of the unbiased tool reviews. I appreciate the YouTube channel Project Farm, and really like the way he conducts tool reviews. He reviews a wide spectrum of tools and products, and has reviewed numerous cordless power tools. He is not sponsored (from what I can tell) and purchases the tools specifically to do tool 'shootouts' based on his own criteria. If you have several tools you know you will be replacing/buying, his reviews may be of help in deciding. which overall brand may suit you. In his conclusions (especially more recent videos) he doesn't really make a recommendation - but he does say his top two or three preferences, and includes cost/benefit as part of his preference, which is pretty cool.

I personally own mostly Milwaukee, but also have (previously) owned a couple of DeWalt and Makita. My preference is Milwaukee for an overall brand. With any of these three brands though you can't really go wrong.

Having said this, I am in need for a right angle drill - and will likely be purchasing the Rigid over the other brands.

I also started buying Craftsman cordless tool sets when they had decent lithium batteries. I still use them most of the times when driving small screws or need to fit into small spaces. Yes the batteries will begin to not hold a charge. Recently I had found the Durcell was the maker of their batteries and new batteries were still available. This being said I still use them almost exclusively for small spaces and light work. I would check and see if they are available for your drills.

 

I use Ryobi, Bosch, and Dewalt. Once you get a couple of tools for Ryobi, the interchangable batteries is gonna lock you into it. However, a couple of my many Ryobi battery's have died...and they an't cheap...usally something like $50 to $100. But the number of tools for it, is amazing.

Bosch to me is a real quality tool...they tend to be small and compact (ie. not super powerfull or long running) but the batteries I have are good quality and I've never had a Bosch battery die on me yet, and I've had Bosch for well over 10 years. Many of the Bosch tools can use the same battery, and I can buy "tool only" bosch's on the cheap. I got a battery jig saw, trim router, drill, impact driver...small and easy to use but batteries don't last like Ryboi or Dewalt, and that doesn't really bother me (I just swap in a new battery)

The Dewalt I have is an old drill driver (big and heavy) but powerfull...I use it for the times I need the power. It's probably 2 generation old, but it keeps on ticking. However, ultimately a coorded driver like a 1/2" Milwaukee is the goto tool when you need the power.

If your all about having the best...then Festool. People will ohhh and awhhh just because its a Festool. And it comes in these wonderfully cases that can be stacked together and carried like a brief case...if your into that stuff.

Contractor stuff is supposed to take abuse and last...so Millwaukee, Dewalt, Rigid,Etc.. are something to look at.

Black & Decker/Harbor Freight/Craftsman are poor in most cases, but if your only going to use once or twice then cheap might save some $.
Craftsman is owned by same company as Ryobi...Craftsman doesn't tend to stay with a battery type for long..so your tool can become an orphan.

Good luck..over the years I've migrated from buy cheap, and you'll cry every time you'll use it...buy quality, and you'll only cry one.

 

Just one more point. I have read several posts here recommending Ryobi. I agree that for most hobby woodworkers that Ryobi makes perfectly good tools, and I have a good number of them. But I will remind the OP that if you just buy Ryobi tools, you are not able to buy bare tools of any other brand, because the batteries are physically incompatible. On the other hand I can use my Makita batteries with Ryobi tools and most other brands using adapters. Even with DeWalt “20 volt”, because this is mostly a marketing difference rather than a real voltage difference. Most of the 18v and 20v systems are interchangeable using adapters, except that Ryobi batteries can’t be used in other brands.

 

....
Most of the 18v and 20v systems are interchangeable using adapters, except that Ryobi batteries can’t be used in other brands.

Ryobi's can be, 😉😉😉

but who wants the burden of adapters... might as well stay corded.

 

Only one word... Fe$tool Bluetooth... OK 2 words, but I can't maths... only problem is that the Domino and Rotex are not cordless.

But if you're budget constrained...

Ryobi is a fair choice as they have virtually everything short of "ear/nose hair trimmers"... or up the quality and go for Milawaukee for a few shekels more.

Makita have a good range too, unless you might want a tracksaw and then there's only one word... Fe$tool Bluetooth!

 

Milawaukee fuel series the batteries are for most part interchangeable.

 

All the name brands are well established and pretty good. I can't say any are bad. I have Ryobi, Dewalt, Makita, Bosche, Ridgid and Milwaukee. Pay attention when buying, and try to buy tools with brushless motors. Most mfg have a couple of lines of tools, and the cheaper one many times (it's getting less) are brushed motor tools. These are not as powerful and drain batteries quicker.

I use all my stuff for diy and hobbies. I have never had a tool break or fail and some have taken a few falls. The only issue I have had is that some of larger Milwaukee batteries I have not held up well. And batteries are not cheap when you get to the larger capacities.

I have hammer drills in Ryobi, Bosch and Milwaukee. Some brushed and some brushless. They all do what they are supposed to do. Using a 6 in hole saw the Ryobi and Bosch feel safer to use since the Ryobi does not have the torque of the others and the Bosch has a feature that cuts power if it senses if the drill moves to much and is trying to snap your wrist. The Milwaukee will try to snap your wrist. As hammer drill they all are about the same, if you need to drill into concrete a rotary hammer is the way to go.

Saws like drain batteries quickly, as do vacuums and leaf blowers.

Having all tools on one battery platform is nice but not really that important.