Hey Guys,

So I'm looking to get a set of cordless tools. There are tons of options out there and I'd like to hear from some people with experience.

Here are my specs:

-I'm not a contractor so I don't need the BMW of cordless tools.
-However, they would be used weekly and I'd like something that won't die on me within 5 years. They also need to be able to withstand heavy use when they are being used. I can't have a cordless tool that needs to be recharged every 2 hours, or cannot screw into hard wood.
-I'm not looking to spend more then $600
-I don't need every cordless tool known to man. Just the basics with a few nice additions to make it a value added selection.
-A good warranty would be nice. I'd like something from a company that will back their work.

Thanks again fellas!

Duke

 

What about Craftsman or Dewalt?

 

Check out Black & Decker FireStorm cordless tools. For $180 I got 2 18V batteries, a drill/screwdriver, sander, sawsall, circular saw, stud finder and a laser level. They also make a 24V version. Not sure how long the batteries last, I pretty much just use them for short bursts at a time.

- NCSU

 

5 years? That might be tough with constant use unless you get the good stuff.

18v is fine...

Ryobi (don't laugh) is a great deal for home stuff.

Dewalt would be my choice if you want long term value.

 

So the Volts only have to do with how long the battery lasts? Do higher volts mean stronger tools? IE. the saw will cut easier?

Right now I'm looking at Craftsman since all my other tools are craftsman and I like the lifetime warranty. But I'm guessing Craftsman lifetime warranty only applies to regular tools and not the power tools.

Here is what I'm looking at so far-

Craftsman 19.2 volt Cordless Combo Kit with Multiple Tools: $319
Combo kit includes: 1/2 in. drill/driver (#11541), trim saw (#11516), reciprocating saw (#11574), jig saw (#11428), RA drill (#10154), and fluorescent light (#11407) - plus 3 19.2 volt battery packs, universal charger, and 2 AAA batteries for trim saw laser. Laser mounted on upper guard for easier, more precise cuts. LED light - improves visibility by illuminating the work area.


Craftsman Professional Lithium-Ion 20 Volt 3-Tool Combo Kit with Contractor Utility Bag:$299
Craftsman Professional 1/2 in. Drill/Driver, 7 1/4 in. Circular Saw and LED Worklight is powered by a 20.0 volt Lithium-Ion Die Hard battery featuring SmartChip™ technology that maximizes the efficiency and lifecycle of the battery. Battery's power bar features 4 integrated LED lights to display the battery's charge. SmartCharger™ charging system with diagnostic check that communicates with each individual battery cell to power up Lithium-Ion Die Hard battery with in 50 minutes. Contractor grade, Lithium-Ion 20 volt 1/2 in. Drill/Driver with electric brake weighs only 5.5 lbs. Job rated motor delivers up to 500-in. lbs of torque. Adjustable 24-position clutch allows the torque to match the job. Two speed, heavy-duty all metal machined gear box provides smooth, efficient power transfer to the bit. Extended length variable speed trigger with soft grip for precise control, trigger switch controls the RPM: low range 0-350 RPM and high range 0-1300 RPM. Contractor grade full size 7-1/4 in. circular saw with an electric blade brake weighs only 9.0 lbs (without blade). Job rated motor delivers plenty of power to cut, rip or plunge through soft and hard woods. Heavy-duty all metal machined gear box provides smooth, efficient power transfer to the blade. Battery operated Laser Trac® laser is simple and easy to use. A quick flip of the switch emits a thin RED laser guide line out from the tool and onto the work surface. Magnesium upper and lower blade guards add strength and reduce overall saw weight, lower blade guard features an anti-snag tooth. Both Drill/Driver and Circular saw feature an LED work light to illuminate the work surface and material. LED Worklight delivers up to 30 hours of run-time on a full charge. Worklight features an multi-positional head with three positive stops for maximum flexibility to put the light where you need it most. Multi-function LED beam setting of 3, 6 or 9 LEDs to provide the right amount of illumination for every task.


Craftsman 5 pc. 19.2 volt Combo Kit: $299
5 Pc. Kit includes: 1/2 in. Drill/Driver with 2-Speed (0-400 / 0-1400 rpm) Gear Box & 1/2 in. keyless chuck; Trim Saw with 4500 rpm & 5-1/2 in. carbide blade; Reciprocating Saw with variable speed (0-3100 spm) & 7/8 in. blade stroke; Impact Driver (without LED worklight) with variable speed (0-2500 rpm / 0-3000 bpm) & 1/4 in. hex collet; Fluorescent Light.


Could I use this impact driver to take my rims off on the truck? This could be useful as I could change to the chrome rims in the summer myself without having to pay the tire store to do it.

Duke

 

Craftsman 4 pc. 19.2 volt Combo Kit: $159.00
4 Pc. Kit includes: 1/2 in. Drill/Driver with 2-Speed (0-400 / 0-1400 rpm) Gear Box & 1/2 in. keyless chuck; Trim Saw with 4500 rpm & 5-1/2 in. carbide blade; Reciprocating Saw with variable speed (0-3100 spm) & 7/8 in. blade stroke; Fluorescent Light.

 

Dont forget as the Volts rise so to does the weight of the tools. Holding a heavy cordless drill while hanging sheet rock can wear you out quick.

And you're right the lifetime warranty from craftsman is only on hand tools.

 

Seems to have absolutely everything you could ever need. Just wonder how powerful it is.

Ryobi
One+ Renovator Plus Combo: $189 online special at Home Depot
The P860 Combo kit includes the P201 cordless drill with magnetic bit holder and 2 bits, P500 circular saw with carbide tipped blade and edge guide, P510 reciprocating saw with 2 blades, P520 jigsaw with 2 blades, P400 sander with sandpaper and scrubbing pad assortment, P710 Tuff Sucker™ wet/dry vac, P700 flashlight, 2 rechargeable battery packs, 1-hour diagnostic charger and tool bag.

 

Yeah I was just begining to realize the weight increase. Will the rise in volts, is there a rise in power of the tool? Or is it just battery life?

Duke

 

I got the "free" tools that were a bonus when I bought my truck. I have used them a lot and they are great. I think the brand is Milwaulkee or maybe Mikita. They are red, trimmed in black. Just be sure to get a Sawzall. That thing is very useful. The drill works great as a screwdriver.

 

I've had the Ryobi set for about 6 years now. The batteries need replacing at this point but the tools are still great. I'm a little more active than I guess your average home owner and they've never let me down. It's always had the power I needed.

I've gutted and rebuilt a kitchen , bathroom, two sheds, decks and a basement with my Ryobi. It doesn't look as cool and contractors will give you a hard time but I am quite happy with mine

 

Both go up but some articles that I've read say that once you get above 18 you are wasting your time, it isn't worth it

 

I think that is Milwaulkee...I believe Mikita tools are blueish turquoise.

 

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/produ...seBVCookie=Yes

All you'll need

 

The perfect cordless tools all say "DeWalt" on the side of them, IMO.

I've put my 14.4V DeWalt cordless drill through more hell than a contractor ever would over the past six years - dropped, thrown, soaked in transmission fluid, mineral spirits, engine oil, drilled through floorpans, axle housings, door skins, and it still works to this day.