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AR15.COM
11/9/2014 2:19:33 PM EDT
Ok. I will be closing on my house in about 6 weeks. Need tools to do general stuff around the house and build reloading bench, etc.

What brand does GD recommend?

I don't mind paying for quality but don't want to pay for something I could frame houses with either.

The Ridgid line at HD has my interest because of the lifetime warranty on everything including batteries.

Lowes has a 8pc set of Porter Cable for $400

what say the hive?
11/9/2014 2:23:03 PM EDT
[#1]
I have bought a bunch of Rigid stuff for my guys, seems yo hold up well. Lifetime guarantee, even on the batteries.
11/9/2014 2:24:57 PM EDT
[#2]
Powdered batteries? Did I miss a technology breakthrough?
11/9/2014 2:29:54 PM EDT
[#3]
Milwaukee Fuel line.
11/9/2014 2:33:24 PM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
Ok. I will be closing on my house in about 6 weeks. Need tools to do general stuff around the house and build reloading bench, etc.

What brand does GD recommend?

I don't mind paying for quality but don't want to pay for something I could frame houses with either.

The Ridgid line at HD has my interest because of the lifetime warranty on everything including batteries.

Lowes has a 8pc set of Porter Cable for $400

what say the hive?
View Quote


For rechargeables, I have used and/or owned Ryobi, Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ridgid, and Makita.

I've used and abused a BUNCH of Ryobi cordless tools, and never been able to break one.  Makitas (even the white ones) are a step up, I have three sets at work, and I like them quite a bit.  And my DeWalt 20V XR set is quite, quite nice.  Milwaukee and Ridgid both worked fine, too.

Lithium batteries are more expensive than NiMH, and don't self-discharge.   They also keep a nice, powerful output virtually right up until they're dead.  But, they are more expensive.

In other words, if you're not doing constant, heavy work, I don't think you can necessarily go wrong with any of them.  Pick your budget, and look at what's available.
11/9/2014 2:35:17 PM EDT
[#5]
Milwaukee M18 Fuel

Expensive but very quality tools. I have the drill/driver and impact, sawzall, angle grinder and just purchased the 7 1/4" circular saw a couple days ago. It has brushless motors and using the 4.0 battery it has insane run time. 5 year warranty on the tool and charger. 3 years for the batteries.
11/9/2014 2:40:09 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History


In other words, if you're not doing constant, heavy work, I don't think you can necessarily go wrong with any of them.  Pick your budget, and look at what's available.
View Quote



Bingo. Take care of them batteries too.

I beat the piss out of power tools daily at work (construction) and just about everyone has Milwaukee tools.
11/9/2014 2:40:36 PM EDT
[#7]
buy a cordless drill/driver for around $100. The little 12 volt lithium battery ones are more than enough for a homeowner. A carpenter friend of mine uses his for 95% of his work.
Any of the major manufacturers make a nice set. Here is a Rigid http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-12-Volt-Hyper-Lithium-Ion-Drill-Driver-and-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-R9000K/205358335?cm_mmc=CJ-_-4485850-_-10368321&MERCH=RV-_-rv_search_plp_rr-_-NA-_-205358335-_-N&AID=10368321&PID=4485850&SID=9d44d52e44a34db498112b4ffa2da850&cj=true
If you buy a Rigid, you MUST register the tools or there is no lifetime warranty. I've also heard it can be a PITA to warranty their tools. there is a service center locator on rigid's web site, if you live close to one it may be worth it to get Rigid.

Unless you're using the tools everyday, buy the rest of the tools with cords, no batteries to worry about going bad. At least with the drill driver combo, you will only be out $100 instead of $600 because they stopped making batteries for your cordless tools.
11/9/2014 2:52:00 PM EDT
[#9]
I've been rocking my Ryobi 18v set for over a decade now with no problems.
11/9/2014 2:54:42 PM EDT
[#10]
Ryobi
11/9/2014 2:58:12 PM EDT
[#11]
Ive always used and preferred Milwaukee
11/9/2014 2:58:47 PM EDT
[#12]
Lots of good options....

I went with rigid though.  Lifetime warranty did it for me.
11/9/2014 3:05:28 PM EDT
[#13]
I have had DeWalt Nicd 18v tools for many many years. They have done me well for side jobs and projects around the house. If I was to start fresh I would seriously look into Milwaukee...
11/9/2014 3:14:16 PM EDT
[#14]
Whatever you get, wait for black Friday deals.
Get a good cordless drill. Hammer drill if you have a brick house.
Everything else should have a cord: Skills saw, Sawzall, Belt sander, Angle Grinder.
A jig saw you can go either way, corded or cordless.
Get a bench grinder and a vice too.
Now get some clamps, pliers, channel locks, screwdrivers and a socket set.

This is the bare minimum for house stuff. Without all this you will die cold and alone.
11/9/2014 3:20:47 PM EDT
[#15]
I've done a LOT of home projects with a Ryobi 18V set the Wife bought me when they first came out.  I've had to replace one of the batteries, $99 each, and the other one I only use with the light.  I've been very happy with the set.  I also have a lot of plug in power tools for the tough, long jobs.

Our crew has DeWalt, most of the trades at work use them, and I lust after them when I'm shopping.  I don't buy them buy them because I don't think they would be worth the extra $$ and wouldn't work that much better than what I have.  If I were to have to replace my set, I'd be getting the DeWalt tools.  The DeWalt (edit: 20V) lights put out a very nice light to work by.
11/9/2014 3:22:04 PM EDT
[#16]
Milwaukee
18 volt

A buddy of mine works in the trades. He often works in the tool room. He claims Milwaukee tools are the only ones that last.

I took his advice.
11/9/2014 3:27:57 PM EDT
[#17]
Ryobi batteries suck ass.  I've have and 8, and they all failed after 4 years or less.


If I'm going to buy junk again it will be at harbor freight where replacement batteries are under $15, vs $35 for Ryobi.


11/9/2014 3:28:21 PM EDT
[#18]
Does the OP really need cordless tools for home use?  I've used them for construction and industrial maintenance work but corded tools work just fine at home.
11/9/2014 3:31:11 PM EDT
[#19]
Don't need cordless. Just a nice option.
11/9/2014 3:31:56 PM EDT
[#20]
I have Dewalt and Milwaukee, I like them both.
11/9/2014 3:32:06 PM EDT
[#21]
Quote History
Quoted:
Does the OP really need cordless tools for home use?  I've used them for construction and industrial maintenance work but corded tools work just fine at home.
View Quote



I got so sick-and-fuggin tired of buying new cordless drill batteries. Seemed like every time I needed to use the drill one of the batteries was dead and the other wouldn't hold a charge either.

I finally picked up a used Sears cord drill at a garage sale for $10 and haven't looked back. For a cheap chit drill, it will still out-power any cordless drill I've ever had.
11/9/2014 3:39:50 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote History
Quoted:
Milwaukee Fuel line.
View Quote

Yep.
11/9/2014 3:50:51 PM EDT
[#23]
Quote History


I bought the 18v combo set a few years ago.   I liked them so much i went out and bought just about every tool in the series.  The only one to dissapoint was the circular saw.  The reset were and still are awesome.  

I never bought the cordless grinder, and i already owned a corded oscilating tool.  I put a 1400 sq/ft addition on my home with my PC tools.  Only complaint was the circular saw liked to "walk" to the left, would bind if cutting large pieces of wood.  

Other than that GTG.
11/9/2014 3:53:02 PM EDT
[#24]
Yeah the new Milwaukee 18v lithium ion are the shit
11/9/2014 3:54:29 PM EDT
[#25]
I have the new Dewalt 20v lithium. They have PLENTY of power.
11/9/2014 3:55:20 PM EDT
[#26]

Quote History
Quoted:


Milwaukee Fuel line.
View Quote




 
11/9/2014 3:55:22 PM EDT
[#27]
Milwaukee.  Get the drill and sawzall.





11/9/2014 3:55:56 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote History
Quoted:

Yep.
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Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Milwaukee Fuel line.

Yep.

11/9/2014 3:57:24 PM EDT
[#29]
I have a shop full of tools from almost every major manufacturer.  But the majority are orange.  Ridgid makes good stuff.  I've burned up a Dewalt drill and orbital sander but all my Ridgid stuff is going strong.
11/9/2014 3:59:02 PM EDT
[#30]
HD has a Milwaukee M12 set with three batteries for $129. Perfect for homeowner duties. And they have a ton of specialized tools in the M12 line if you want to expand later.
11/9/2014 4:01:31 PM EDT
[#31]
Try rebuilt Hilti tools on eBay. Toughest tools in construction.
11/9/2014 4:02:59 PM EDT
[#32]
Milwaukee.

I have a couple 12V fuel (small) and a few 18V tools (bigger).

They're the shit
11/9/2014 4:04:03 PM EDT
[#33]
Quote History
Quoted:
Milwaukee.  Get the drill and sawzall.


View Quote


The impact drill and the driver combo, sawzall, and circular saw.

That should set you up nicely.
11/9/2014 4:06:51 PM EDT
[#34]
Quote History
Quoted:
Ryobi batteries suck ass.  I've have and 8, and they all failed after 4 years or less.


If I'm going to buy junk again it will be at harbor freight where replacement batteries are under $15, vs $35 for Ryobi.


View Quote


I will differ with you on this. My old man had ryobi from the time their 18V line came out. Old NiCad batteries first, now the new Lion batteries.

The only ones that failed was a niCad that he dropped from an 8 ft ladder and one of the first Lion batteries he bought. The other half dozen have been pretty good
11/9/2014 4:08:36 PM EDT
[#35]
Quote History
Quoted:



Bingo. Take care of them batteries too.

I beat the piss out of power tools daily at work (construction) and just about everyone has Milwaukee tools.
View Quote View All Quotes
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Quote History
Quoted:


In other words, if you're not doing constant, heavy work, I don't think you can necessarily go wrong with any of them.  Pick your budget, and look at what's available.



Bingo. Take care of them batteries too.

I beat the piss out of power tools daily at work (construction) and just about everyone has Milwaukee tools.

yep this. Milwaukee is what you want
11/9/2014 4:11:58 PM EDT
[#36]
Quote History

drill, impact and sawzall are going to be the 3 you will use the most. plus it only comes with 2 batterys
11/9/2014 4:12:47 PM EDT
[#37]
I use cordless tools everyday and I use the Milwaukee m12 line.



Home Depot has some decent deals on them right now.  
11/9/2014 4:20:14 PM EDT
[#38]
Quote History
Quoted:
I have bought a bunch of Rigid stuff for my guys, seems yo hold up well. Lifetime guarantee, even on the batteries.
View Quote


This

But there are limits to cordless tools such as every brand cordless circle saw is nearly worthless, cordless drills are not for mixing thin set.
11/9/2014 4:30:26 PM EDT
[#39]
I have most of the 18V Bosch line ...
Drill
Impact driver
Sawzall
Bandsaw
Circular Saw
Nailer
Radio/Charger
SDS+ Hammer Drill

Very happy w no regrets. Bought some at Home Depot, some on eBay, some on Amazon.
That being said, only because of the (recent) availability of the M18 line at HD, I'd probably go w Milwaukee.

Stay safe
11/9/2014 4:33:26 PM EDT
[#40]
Quote History
Quoted:
I use cordless tools everyday and I use the Milwaukee m12 line.

Home Depot has some decent deals on them right now.  
View Quote



     If you go with Milwaukee, Home Depot just about always has the cheapest prices on them.



11/9/2014 4:35:37 PM EDT
[#41]
Makita 18v, the blue ones. ANyone who tells you otherwise wont admit buyers to remorse :)
11/9/2014 4:36:49 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote History
Quoted:


This

But there are limits to cordless tools such as every brand cordless circle saw is nearly worthless, cordless drills are not for mixing thin set.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Quote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
I have bought a bunch of Rigid stuff for my guys, seems yo hold up well. Lifetime guarantee, even on the batteries.


This

But there are limits to cordless tools such as every brand cordless circle saw is nearly worthless, cordless drills are not for mixing thin set.

This could probably be said for any brand, but my Makita cordless circular does a great job of cutting down sheet goods. Its my goto for stuff too big to put on the table with no help.