Power Tools
- Thread starter ATIOH
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Drill?
If you want cheap, buy a ryobi or harbor freight Chinese and replace it once it goes. If you want the best, buy a DeWalt.
Of the different brands of power tools, they all make everything, but each excel at serving different. With drills, a DeWalt is worth the money if you are going to beat on it, or give it a lot of use.
At the end of the day though, a drill is a pretty damn simple tool, so unless you are really beating on it it probably doesn't make a difference what you get.
If you want cheap, buy a ryobi or harbor freight Chinese and replace it once it goes. If you want the best, buy a DeWalt.
Of the different brands of power tools, they all make everything, but each excel at serving different. With drills, a DeWalt is worth the money if you are going to beat on it, or give it a lot of use.
At the end of the day though, a drill is a pretty damn simple tool, so unless you are really beating on it it probably doesn't make a difference what you get.
Dewalt has moved some manufacturing back to the US so that helped sway me to them for a set of 18V tools. I've been very satisfied with their design and quality. I've also found Makita to be well made and very reliable. Stay away from Harbor Freight for power tools. They are absolute junk. have a Ryobi circular saw that can't made a 90 deg cut...
For a gift harbor freight is just tacky. Now for personal use with the understanding you are purchasing disposable tools, I have no problems with harbor freight
Home Depot's cheapest line by far is 'Home Lite', I got an electric chain saw and hedge cutter, both work great for residential home jobs , get a long enough extension cord and never worry about an engine firing up. Both well under $100. Also got a Milwaukee reciprocating saw (Sawzall sp?) from HD, about $80, I cut up an old aluminum shed with it in less than an hour and took the remains to recycling....saved a lot of money.
2 weeks ago, Amazon had a sale on all Dewalt power tools at close to 50 percent off. If you bought 100 bucks worth of stuff, you got an extra 20 dollars off. I got a corded drill, new drill bit set and a screwdriver set for 80 dollars.
All depends on what you're using it for (or what your gift recipient is using it for). If the recipient might use a drill twice a year to put a screw in the wall to hang a picture, you can't go wrong with the value you get from a Ryobi 18V lithium ion drill/driver from HD, though I would steer you towards a Black and Decker 20V Max with Autosense Technology; it's like an automatic transmission for drills). I used to have a whole bunch of Ryobi 18v NiCad tools and everything with the exception of the drill and impact driver were crap. Utter steaming, stinky piles of crap. I've since sold the whole kit and caboodle on Craigslist and got $15 bucks for it.
If you're looking for a nicer drill, I'm really enjoying my Dewalt 20v max set, but realistically, any pro-grade tool is going to be plenty good for the average home user. Stick to brands like Dewalt, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, Ridgid and you'll be in good shape.
If you really don't like the person you're buying the drill for, go to Harbor Freight. They make excellent paper weights shaped like tools.
If you're looking for a nicer drill, I'm really enjoying my Dewalt 20v max set, but realistically, any pro-grade tool is going to be plenty good for the average home user. Stick to brands like Dewalt, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, Ridgid and you'll be in good shape.
If you really don't like the person you're buying the drill for, go to Harbor Freight. They make excellent paper weights shaped like tools.
Dewalt and makita . Dewalt is strong and durable and the makita line packs a lot of power into a smaller, easier to carry tool.
In the usa, you will definitely find better prices dewalt tools. And if there is a dewalt service center near you , you can bring any old tool from any brand and they will trade it in for a discounted dewalt tool.
In the usa, you will definitely find better prices dewalt tools. And if there is a dewalt service center near you , you can bring any old tool from any brand and they will trade it in for a discounted dewalt tool.
Good tools are worth the money. I would avoid the Ryobi and Harbor Freight stuff. Looks cheap. Feels cheap. Go with Dewalt, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee + lithium ion batteries. I'm assuming you're looking for a drill/driver? For quick around the house things, I use a small 12v one. For extended projects, I use a 20v one.
I have the Milwaukee FUEL 18V cordless Drill Driver and 1/2" impact wrench. Amazing battery life, they charge quickly and the impact wrench seems miraculous in how well it breaks bolts w/ease. I resisted cordless tools for a long time, but these have made a believer out of me. For now. We'll see how they are in 5 years.
Like others have said, it's unlikely you'll be unhappy with any of Milwaukee, Makita or Ryobi, or Dewalt tools. I wound up choosing Milwaukee because web searches led me to contractor forums where there seemed everybody loved the Milwaukee cordless tools. But most people seemed to love pretty much whatever tools they wound up buying, regardless of the brand.
Oops - forgot to say that the 1/2" impact wrench is brushless. I really like it a lot. But I couldn't tell you if it's better or worse than an equivalent impact wrench that's not brushless.
Like others have said, it's unlikely you'll be unhappy with any of Milwaukee, Makita or Ryobi, or Dewalt tools. I wound up choosing Milwaukee because web searches led me to contractor forums where there seemed everybody loved the Milwaukee cordless tools. But most people seemed to love pretty much whatever tools they wound up buying, regardless of the brand.
Oops - forgot to say that the 1/2" impact wrench is brushless. I really like it a lot. But I couldn't tell you if it's better or worse than an equivalent impact wrench that's not brushless.
Tools are like grills. The more you use the better you should buy. I have different brands based on how much I need them for. Drills are Ryobi and big Black and Decker hammer drill. Great value on both and both for many years and use them often. Rarely use nails. Drill bits are all top quality from different manufacturers.
Saws are all all Dewalt as cutting needs to be more precise.
Don't go crazy unless it your job.
Saws are all all Dewalt as cutting needs to be more precise.
Don't go crazy unless it your job.
I'm gonna echo what others are saying - good tools are well worth the investment. I've got DeWalt and Porter Cable power tools, and all have lived up to their reputed quality. I'll actually be in the market for a good cordless system, so I'm finding this thread informative as to what to look for.
I've accumulated a bunch of power tools over the years. Don't stick with any one brand but my Makita cordless drill has never let me down after about 15 years of use. Two other favorites are my Milwakee reciprocating saw and Porter Cable pneumatic finish nail gun.
Don't like Makitas. They have questionable temperaments and shed constantly.
I have the 18v Ryobi torque and drill set, and it has not failed me yet. IF you are a contractor or have extra cash to throw away, Then you buy Dewalt, Makita. If you are a homeowner and will use them 20 times a year then the Ryobi 18V tools will be fine for you. I disagree that the new line of Ryobi feels cheap. He is fixing gutters not building a house.
Power tools. A grown man's toys.Sometimes they are even functional.Boys will be boys.:football:
Quick question for you guys regarding my brand new DeWalt 20v max. This drill has two settings 1 & 2. Setting number 2 generates the most rpm's. But I notice that when I use the drill on setting 2 the moment I take my finger off the trigger it makes a clicking noise (or two) before it stops, almost like a gear. On setting 1 (lower rpm's) no noise at all when I take my finger off the trigger. Is this normal? It's brand new.
As an FYI from Someone that sells Dewalt products. The Dewalt products you get in a Home Depot are not the same quality as I sell as a distributor. Home Depot gears are plastic mine are metal
I sell 1-2 million in Dewalt a year
I sell 1-2 million in Dewalt a year
When considering the Ryobi/Harbor Freight dilemma, I find it most useful to start by asking what the tool does. If the tool must be precise, they Ryobi/HF are not an option. They are not made precisely enough, or out of good materials. Thus, it won't work regardless of how often you use it. Even if you only need it for one job, it will not do that job properly.
Circular saws, table saws (!), routers, jig saws, and belt sanders are eliminated here. You've got to buy good brands...don't even consider HF. With respect to circular saws, the cheap ones won't cut square. Ryobi's are notorious for that. I prefer Makita for a circular saw, but that's just me.
If the tool doesn't need to be precise, the second question is how much am I going to use it and how much am I going to beat on it. Drills, reciprocating saws, and a few other items go here. The cheap one will do the job just as well as the name brand...its solely a matter of durability. For me, drills can go either way. DeWalt is the recognized leader. DeWalt is expensive. It is a great choice if you are going to use it all the time, and take good care of it. Most "handy" people use a drill enough to warrant the expense of a nice one. On the other hand, a harbor freight corded drill can be had for $20. I can beat the hell out of it, and when I finally break it, I can chuck it and buy a new one for $20 without even considering whether I qualify for the warranty.
Reciprocating saw is easy. It is used for destruction, so you are inherently beating on it. They all work the same...blade matters way more than the saw itself. I would never consider a name brand reciprocating saw. Get a HF for $40-$50, and beat the hell out of it without ever having to worry. When it blows out, chuck it in the trash with whatever you just cut up.
Finally there is cordless. This is the real wild card, because you are kind of pushed into using one brand for everything, even though they each have their strong points. I would never consider HF for cordless. If you want cheap, get Ryobi. Across the board, I like Milwaukee for the cordless, but that is personal preference. If it was just a drill...I would definitely go Milwaukee or DeWalt. Several brands will be comparable.
Circular saws, table saws (!), routers, jig saws, and belt sanders are eliminated here. You've got to buy good brands...don't even consider HF. With respect to circular saws, the cheap ones won't cut square. Ryobi's are notorious for that. I prefer Makita for a circular saw, but that's just me.
If the tool doesn't need to be precise, the second question is how much am I going to use it and how much am I going to beat on it. Drills, reciprocating saws, and a few other items go here. The cheap one will do the job just as well as the name brand...its solely a matter of durability. For me, drills can go either way. DeWalt is the recognized leader. DeWalt is expensive. It is a great choice if you are going to use it all the time, and take good care of it. Most "handy" people use a drill enough to warrant the expense of a nice one. On the other hand, a harbor freight corded drill can be had for $20. I can beat the hell out of it, and when I finally break it, I can chuck it and buy a new one for $20 without even considering whether I qualify for the warranty.
Reciprocating saw is easy. It is used for destruction, so you are inherently beating on it. They all work the same...blade matters way more than the saw itself. I would never consider a name brand reciprocating saw. Get a HF for $40-$50, and beat the hell out of it without ever having to worry. When it blows out, chuck it in the trash with whatever you just cut up.
Finally there is cordless. This is the real wild card, because you are kind of pushed into using one brand for everything, even though they each have their strong points. I would never consider HF for cordless. If you want cheap, get Ryobi. Across the board, I like Milwaukee for the cordless, but that is personal preference. If it was just a drill...I would definitely go Milwaukee or DeWalt. Several brands will be comparable.
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demauroj, this is like saying nobody needs a car with more than 25 horsepower. Yes, you may not need it, but better tools pay dividends. It's not just about power output or battery longevity. It's oftentimes the precision and improved design that the better tools give you. For example, the Ryobi 18v circ saw, aside from its inability to make more than 2 cuts in 2x lumber has a 5-3/8 blade which cuts significantly shallower than the standard cordless 6-1/2 blade on other saws. The Ryobi 18v recip saw has a very short stroke which makes anything other than drywall a chore. It also has no adjustability in the guard and its blade can only be inserted in one direction. Ryobi's non-cordless tools are disposable toys with absolutely no accuracy.
Highly disagree...... I am using it today for a bathroom demo and it cut thru a Metal Pipe like butter. It also cut thru a Soffit that I was ripping out like butter. You just need the right blades. Now if I was a contractor who was using it every day then I can understand going with a higher torque and most powerful drill, Sawzall etc etc. for double the price. My point is if you are a normal homeowner who is handy the Ryobi line is just fine.
Hey, if it works for you and allows you to bank a few extra bucks, all the power to you. I just got fed up with them. And tear that soffit down! I don't understand why builders used to be so obsessed with putting up soffits. They just take up space for absolutely no reason, when you can easily recess the pipes, ducts, wires, etc.
I can't say I've agreed with a post as much as I do with this one in a long time. Interesting way to look at it. That said, I've gotten to the point where I really don't buy or try not to buy much 'stuff' anymore. The more hard goods I buy seems to just prop the Chinese economy and pack our landfills. So I buy only when I deem it necessary and I buy the best that I can afford. So even with the recip, I ended up getting a 15 amp SuperSawzall from Milwaukee and that thing can take down a small tree with the right blade.
Thanks. I do agree on hating the disposable nature of stuff, but I just try to make the best economic choices. As an aside, you wouldn't believe what a beating my HF recip took. I got 4 years out of it, doing a ton of demo work. It died cutting 150 year old 4x6 oak timbers out of my farmhouse. Those things were hard as steel...finished the job with a chainsaw.
Ridgid. I have a drill/driver set that I bought like 4 years ago and have dropped one off a roof onto the concrete deck and generally beaten them up and they work great still.
I have a mix of stuff. Ridgid router, Ridgid cordless drill and driver, Ryobi and Ridgid cordless nail guns, Porter Cable circular saw, Milwaukee ortibal sander, Ryobi reciprocating saw. I also have a Milwaukee cordless drill as well that was given to me as a gift and I just kept it. I've had no issues with any of them.
As someone said, if you are just going to beat on the tool, like a reciprocating saw you don't have to spend a ton.
I have a mix of stuff. Ridgid router, Ridgid cordless drill and driver, Ryobi and Ridgid cordless nail guns, Porter Cable circular saw, Milwaukee ortibal sander, Ryobi reciprocating saw. I also have a Milwaukee cordless drill as well that was given to me as a gift and I just kept it. I've had no issues with any of them.
As someone said, if you are just going to beat on the tool, like a reciprocating saw you don't have to spend a ton.
So, in other words, buy literally any brand on the market. Someone absolutely loves them; someone else thinks they're too cheap, underpowered, unreliable, weird-looking or overpriced. You win (and lose) no matter what.
LOL. Seems to be the case with everything nowadays. We just had some new windows installed. I basically could find negative reviews on every window we considered buying. Somewhere someone thinks the product you might buy is total crap. Hahaha.
I buy Hitachi, Milwaukee, and DeWalt, and I have done much construction in my lifetime.
Look at reconditionedsales.com for great tools at great prices. Don't buy Ryobi, Craftsman or Black & Decker.
Also, a corded hammer drill anda 20v Lithium cordless impact driver will do just about any job. Don't get a drill/driver - the impact driver is easier to change bits and doesn't torque your arm like the drill/driver.
Look at reconditionedsales.com for great tools at great prices. Don't buy Ryobi, Craftsman or Black & Decker.
Also, a corded hammer drill anda 20v Lithium cordless impact driver will do just about any job. Don't get a drill/driver - the impact driver is easier to change bits and doesn't torque your arm like the drill/driver.
+1 to those saying Makita (Milwaukee or Dewalt are pretty good too)
Unless you really feel like blowing money to get Hilti, I like Makita the most, as do most of the contractors I work with, much smoother. I use my tools a lot and the battery charges FAST, so I can keep rotating the two batteries I have on the charger and never run out of juice. The Dewalt and Milwaukee stuff is pretty good too though. If you're planning to use it for anything significant, definitely don't skimp and get anything less that 18V.
Unless you really feel like blowing money to get Hilti, I like Makita the most, as do most of the contractors I work with, much smoother. I use my tools a lot and the battery charges FAST, so I can keep rotating the two batteries I have on the charger and never run out of juice. The Dewalt and Milwaukee stuff is pretty good too though. If you're planning to use it for anything significant, definitely don't skimp and get anything less that 18V.
