Cordless power tools

• justincredible

  

  My 9ish year old Hitachi cordless drill bit the dust last weekend so I'm in the market for a new cordless drill. I don't have any other cordless tools that use the same batteries so I'm open to getting a different brand. Now that I'll have a garage and can have an actual workshop I might actually add additional cordless tools to my collection so I want to start with a decent platform. Anyone have experience with Ridgid cordless tools? They seem to have the best reviews on Home Depot's website, but I'm not sure if that's HD trying to push their own brand or if they are actually that good. I did buy a Ridgid shop vac recently and it has been great.
• salto

  

  justincredible;1848065 wrote: Anyone have experience with Ridgid cordless tools? They seem to have the best reviews on Home Depot's website, but I'm not sure if that's HD trying to push their own brand or if they are actually that good. .

  Are you really not sure about HD pushing their own brand? Seriously?
  
  Get either a Dewalt or Milwaukee cordless drill, if you're expecting it to last as long as that old Hitachi drill.
  
  
  You're welcome.
• justincredible

  

  salto;1848066 wrote:Are you really not sure about HD pushing their own brand? Seriously?

  Seriously.
• justincredible

  

  But thanks for the recommendation. I'd been eyeing the Milwaukee as well.
• salto

  

  justincredible;1848067 wrote:Seriously.

  I don't believe you.
  
  You know damn well HD upsells their own brand crap. (haha)
  
  I just got a new Dewalt drill. Not sure how much I like the built in light nonsense and thought the battery needed recharged rather quickly but maybe it wasn't properly fully charged before use.
• justincredible

  

  I don't doubt that, but that doesn't mean that they aren't decent tools for DIYer.
• salto

  

  justincredible;1848071 wrote:I don't doubt that, but that doesn't mean that they aren't decent tools for DIYer.

  
  Very true. Google says Rigid is now made by "TTI a Hong Kong based company"
  
  
  
• justincredible

  

  Same company owns Milwaukee as well.
• mcburg93

  

  I have used dewalt cordless products for 20 plus years doing plumbing and other construction. I have just about every cordless product they make so its hard for me to switch brands at this point. I started off with the 18v four pack with the saw zaw, drill, circular saw, and flash light. The batteries were the only issue I had with that until someone stole them out of my work van. I then went to the 24v products and they were just to heavy to work with on a daily basis. I bought the 20v and have been ever since. The only issue I have ever had was when they first come out they were using plastic gears for some odd reason. I am guessing it was a weight thing. I stripped a few of those gears in the drill but other than that everything is great. I really like that the circular saws are right hand saws and not the left hand that are almost always sold with the packs. No one really notices that since almost all circular saws are left hand.
  
  I have used some milwaukee and like the feel of their drill better than the dewalt. That is the only one that I liked better than my dewalt stuff. I would recommend going to the store and picking some up and see what feels best in your hands. Most of my corded tools are Milwaukee.
  
  I also recommend getting a four pack or a bundle pack and then buy a few extra batteries. You can find the bundles cheaper in june/july. Not sure why but I have bought the most during those months cause of price reduction. You can also pick up factory refurbished cheaper and will last just as long.
• justincredible

  

  My plan is to hold out until Memorial Day and hope for a decent sale. Have a few different brands that I like and just go with the one offering the best deals at that point.
• Zunardo

  I picked up a gas chainsaw yesterday, my first gas model. I bought an electric one over 20 years ago, just to do some stuff around the yard when I needed to trim tree branches or some firewood, but I knew it lacked cutting power, and it bit the dust a few years ago.
  
  The first thing I noticed yesterday was the plethora of cordless battery-powered models. Am I correct in thinking those are also under-powered compared to gas models? I can't see taking one out to a place where you can cut your own firewood and having last long or cut quickly.
• Bio-Hazzzzard

  

  I would go with Milwaukee or Makita. Buy the set and you'll save $$
• superman

  Check the open box table at Home Depot. They usually have some good deals.
• GOONx19

  

  My dad bought a full set of Ridgid saws used from an acquaintance about 10 years ago now. He's never mentioned any problems. He isn't a serious woodworker, we just use them for projects around the house. Definitely had a band saw and table saw. There were a few others pieces that I can't remember.
• TedSheckler

  

  I buy all Milwaukee tools. I have an impact driver, drill, circular saw, sawzall, and their heated jacket. All using the M18 battery. I love them.
• wkfan

  justincredible;1848065 wrote:My 9ish year old Hitachi cordless drill bit the dust last weekend so I'm in the market for a new cordless drill. I don't have any other cordless tools that use the same batteries so I'm open to getting a different brand. Now that I'll have a garage and can have an actual workshop I might actually add additional cordless tools to my collection so I want to start with a decent platform. Anyone have experience with Ridgid cordless tools? They seem to have the best reviews on Home Depot's website, but I'm not sure if that's HD trying to push their own brand or if they are actually that good. I did buy a Ridgid shop vac recently and it has been great.

  I had the same issue with my Hitachi cordless drill that is about the same age....the batteries would no longer hold a charge.
  
  I ordered two replacement batteries for $40 and they came within 2 days.
  
  Back in business
• j_crazy

  

  I use the Craftsman C3 series. I have the drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, 3 batteries and 2 charging bases one is a dual charger. I like them a lot and while my projects have not been major (at least in my view) they have never let me down.
• justincredible

  

  How much power do the cordless saws have? I feel like they'd bog down pretty easily but I have no experience with them. I have a corded hitachi circular saw and a corded (cheap red brand, can't remember off-hand) reciprocating saw but it might be nice having the cordless option as well.
• mcburg93

  

  justincredible;1848549 wrote:How much power do the cordless saws have? I feel like they'd bog down pretty easily but I have no experience with them. I have a corded hitachi circular saw and a corded (cheap red brand, can't remember off-hand) reciprocating saw but it might be nice having the cordless option as well.

  Never ran into an issue with the saw bogging down. Keep a good blade on them and shouldn't have any issues.
• justincredible

  

  Found this buried in the back behind the sets without the free saw so I figured what the hell.
• salto

  

  justincredible;1849388 wrote:Found this buried in the back behind the sets without the free saw so I figured what the hell.

  Are you wearing classic chuck taylors?
• justincredible

  

  salto;1849456 wrote:Are you wearing classic chuck taylors?

  Good eye.
• justincredible

  

  The little "hackzall" that came with this set is pretty awesome. I've found several uses for it already. I'm loving the drill so far, as well.
• TedSheckler

  

  I've got the same impact driver. I love it. Use it all the time around the house.