Cordless Tools for the Non Professional

[robertc1024]

Makita has never done me wrong.

 

[Tamlibtoim]

HVAC tech here. I use the Ridgid 12v cordless drill and my first drill was over 10 yrs old and ended up replacing it due to just how beat down ugly it got, but it still worked like a champ. The batteries are definitely the most expensive part & are covered by the warranty BUT you have to go through a kind of complicated process of registering each component. The batteries lasted about 3/5 years before needing replaced. You also have to register the new batteries you receive.

 

[TxStetson]

All my cordless tools used to be DeWalt 18 volt. Now I have started collecting Milwaukee 18 volt tools and much prefer them to the DeWalt. My 1/2” impact wrench puts out 1600 ft/lbs of torque. The 4-1/2” angle grinder will run for 30 minutes with heavy use. I charge my 1/2” hammer drill once a month whether it needs it or not.

 

[Texan-in-Training]

Though not in the market right now, I'm going to try my best not to buy anymore stuff that supports the Chinese Communist Party.
A German company, Festool, was recommended as a good quality tool maker.
https://www.festoolusa.com/en-us

 

[benenglish]

Another FWIW - Craftsman is now a Chinese manufactured subsidiary of Stanley tools. Not recommended.

I have tons of Craftsman hand tools but they were all bought in the 1960s and 1970s. I assume I'm good to go?

 

[toddnjoyce]

I have tons of Craftsman hand tools but they were all bought in the 1960s and 1970s. I assume I'm good to go?

Yes, to a degree.

Long story short: I worked my way thru college selling Craftsman tools at the Sears in San Angelo. In the mid-90s, Sears split tools into three lines, Sears brand, Craftsman brand, and Industrial or Professional depending on the year.

Sears brand was always as import, no lifetime warranty. Craftsman hand (not power) tools were always made in USA, lifetime repair or replace warranty, Industrial was a power tool line that was a licensed copy of DeWalt or similar depending on year and had a similar limited warranty. Professional was a premium hand tool (polished and specialty products) that was lifetime warranty, except production was limited and inconsistent.

Up until the late 90s, if anyone that sold a Craftsman hand tool was contractually obligated to honor the warranty. Western Auto, for a while, was a retail
outlet in addition to the mom ‘n pop Sears franchise stores and corporate outlets.

A few years ago, the Craftsman brand was sold off to Lowe’s and one term was contingent on honoring the existing warranties so long as Lowe’s provided a similar replacement. My understanding is that Lowe’s has shifted all Craftsman hand tools off-shore, and will honor that warranty still, but be aware it is most likely a lower quality replacement or no longer available. One example is some of the specialty tools, like an offset brake-line wrench that’s no longer in production. Let’s say it was 7/16”. It will be replaced with a standard open end 7/16” as a suitable substitute.

 

[LaVbRef]

Yes, to a degree.

Long story short: I worked my way thru college selling Craftsman tools at the Sears in San Angelo. In the mid-90s, Sears split tools into three lines, Sears brand, Craftsman brand, and Industrial or Professional depending on the year.

Sears brand was always as import, no lifetime warranty. Craftsman hand (not power) tools were always made in USA, lifetime repair or replace warranty, Industrial was a power tool line that was a licensed copy of DeWalt or similar depending on year and had a similar limited warranty. Professional was a premium hand tool (polished and specialty products) that was lifetime warranty, except production was limited and inconsistent.

Up until the late 90s, if anyone that sold a Craftsman hand tool was contractually obligated to honor the warranty. Western Auto, for a while, was a retail
outlet in addition to the mom ‘n pop Sears franchise stores and corporate outlets.

A few years ago, the Craftsman brand was sold off to Lowe’s and one term was contingent on honoring the existing warranties so long as Lowe’s provided a similar replacement. My understanding is that Lowe’s has shifted all Craftsman hand tools off-shore, and will honor that warranty still, but be aware it is most likely a lower quality replacement or no longer available. One example is some of the specialty tools, like an offset brake-line wrench that’s no longer in production. Let’s say it was 7/16”. It will be replaced with a standard open end 7/16” as a suitable substitute.

And the Lowe's Kobalt brand of hand tools was/is higher quality than the Craftsman tools that Lowe's is gradually replacing them with in the store.

 

[coachrick]

Interesting how Craftsman showed up in ACE stores around 7? years ago...before SO many ACE stores disappeared.

Funny to come across this thread as I just today contacted Bosch about sourcing some of their "old" 18v BlueCore batteries for my large collection of tools...maybe 12 or so that use that power supply. I've purchased one knock-off replacement battery that is so-so. I know Bosch hasn't shown that battery as available in a few years. Most of my tools were purchased ca 2001-2007 and some are in like-new condition. The planer is sweet! The hammer-drill is a beast. Re-cip saw is okay.

I've seen a YouTube about converting a Black and Decker old-style 18v battery to run the LiIon power pack. Would be fun to find a similar conversion for the Bosch.

"They" say RC hobbyists are well-versed in battery conversions and swaps; but I'm not aware that I know anyone in that arena.

By the bye, I knew about the Black and Decker, DeWalt, Porter Cable connection; but this article contains a few surprises:
https://toolguyd.com/tool-brands-corporate-affiliations/#sbd

IF I had to do it over AND I could afford it, I'd go with Bosch again...I've had good experience with Rigid and used to have quite a few of the old Black and Decker 18v yard tools as well as a couple of drills, etc. Still have the B&D 18v blower but no more need for trimmers, etc.

 

[pronstar]

Stanley owns everything LOL

I have a buddy who ran their industrial sales division. They make stuff like SCIF’s and government-level biometrics and access control.

They’re just as big on the industrial side, as they are on the consumer-facing side.


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[oldag]

The biggest concern for me is not the tool, but the batteries. I have never had a cordless tool wear out, but the batteries do die. And replacement batteries are ridiculously expensive. Often as cheap to catch a new tool/battery combo on sale as to buy a new battery.

 

[coachrick]

The biggest concern for me is not the tool, but the batteries. I have never had a cordless tool wear out, but the batteries do die. And replacement batteries are ridiculously expensive. Often as cheap to catch a new tool/battery combo on sale as to buy a new battery.

Yep, that's one way I collected so many of the Bosch tools. Lowe's was a big Bosch dealer in Atlanta in the mid-2000s and would clearance a combo pack in a heartbeat. I picked up some tool/battery combos for a song, as you said. After moving into the condo 6 years ago, most of the tools are just lying fallow in the box; but I have needed to use a couple of them during "crisis projects". Disappointing to grab a battery with no charge.

 

[GoPappy]

The biggest concern for me is not the tool, but the batteries. I have never had a cordless tool wear out, but the batteries do die. And replacement batteries are ridiculously expensive. Often as cheap to catch a new tool/battery combo on sale as to buy a new battery.

I bought a Dewalt 40v hedge trimmer with battery on Amazon Prime day for LESS than a replacement battery alone would have cost. And I already had their 40v chainsaw and leaf blower.

 

[coachrick]

I bought a Dewalt 40v hedge trimmer with battery on Amazon Prime day for LESS than a replacement battery alone would have cost. And I already had their 40v chainsaw and leaf blower.

There ya go!!! Back before I could afford Bosch(and a few years later), I must have had 10 Black and Decker 18v batteries in rotation. Same deal at Lowe's or Target, a combo would often be the same cost as a battery or close to it. I seldom used the drills; but I powered a string trimmer, hedge trimmer, blower, mini-chain pole saw, "dust buster", sander, etc. I knew about Firestorm, Silver, and their other battery variants and different style chargers back then. Still have the big Mouse sander that uses that battery, along with the blowers I use pretty regularly(but only for about 10 minutes with the weakening batteries I have left).

 

[FireInTheWire]

I've been happy with my Dewalts.

 

[Lonesome Dove]

Makita

 

[mroper]

Buy the ones with the best Battery Warranty . I have Porter Cable and had my Batteries replace by them.
Now I learned a new trick . If your charger wont charge them hook them up to a 12 v car charger on low amp charge over night. I did it with alligator clips on the two middle cooncetors. it will put enough charge in them to but them back of your normal battery charge.

FYI Stanley owns dewalt , craftsman , portercable , mac tools , Bostich, Irwin, Lenox, and Hilmor,
B&D and a bunch of other co's

 

[pronstar]

I bought a Dewalt 40v hedge trimmer with battery on Amazon Prime day for LESS than a replacement battery alone would have cost. And I already had their 40v chainsaw and leaf blower.

I've got quite a few of their 40V tools, and lots of batteries for them - mower, weed whacker, 16" chain saw.
Super impressed with all of them...the chain saw is especially legit.

Recently learned that they are discontinuing the 40V line, and are going with 20V and 60V...so there should be some deals on 40V stuff.

All of my hand tools are Dewalt as well.

 

[GoPappy]

I've got quite a few of their 40V tools, and lots of batteries for them - mower, weed whacker, 16" chain saw.
Super impressed with all of them...the chain saw is especially legit.

Recently learned that they are discontinuing the 40V line, and are going with 20V and 60V...so there should be some deals on 40V stuff.

All of my hand tools are Dewalt as well.

Yep, that 40v chainsaw is really handy. I’ve got several acres of woods and I use the Dewalt chainsaw to cut up deadfall for firewood.

Pick it up, cut, and set it down, over and over, all without having to pull a starter cord on a gas chainsaw. My Stihl 261 gas chainsaw only gets used for serious work.

 

[Dawico]

Fan of my Dewalts also and will stick with their products.

Watch for clearance deals. As they upgrade the technology they sell the "old" stuff cheap.

 

[pronstar]

Yep, that 40v chainsaw is really handy. I’ve got several acres of woods and I use the Dewalt chainsaw to cut up deadfall for firewood.

Pick it up, cut, and set it down, over and over, all without having to pull a starter cord on a gas chainsaw. My Stihl 261 gas chainsaw only gets used for serious work.

One thing that irks me about it, is that it drinks bar/chain lube. I mixed some STP oil treatment into 4 quarts of chain lube, in the hopes that thickening the viscosity might slow the thirst...

Do you find the hat yours uses a lot of lube also?


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