Cordless Tool Recommendations

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I am looking to get some battery operated tools. Mostly the basic stuff. I am your average homeowner workload, but we are going to be redoing some cabinets, so I will be getting a sander. I have a 1 ryobi 18v battery, leaf blower, and shop vac. But I am wondering if I should go with some higher quality tools (Milwaukee or Dewalt).

Ryobi definitely has the advantage in the sheer volume of tools to use with its 18 volt. Dewalt is probably a close second with its variety of tools. I have a corded milwaukee drill that is great, but I would like to have that when I need more power and use the convenient battery drill for quick work around the house.

Ryobi tools are quite a bit cheaper, but if you get into the brushless HP models the difference is less. I do have appreciation for Dewalt being made in America for a lot of its tools. Thanks for your help!

I have cordless impacts, ratchets, and drivers ranging from 1/4, to 3/8, to 1/2, and ranging from 12v to 18v from my time as an auto tech… those are all either Snap On or Matco and after heavy use still work as they should. I also have a Milwaukee M12 set that continues to function well, that served me as a commercial/residential HVAC tech… those are excellent tools as well.

Only ever bought the tools off the trucks because service was imperative and could risk having tools go down. Outside of that career field I never would’ve bought them, great tools nonetheless.

Got the Milwaukee brand for HVAC since that’s what was used on the crew and we could share chargers and swap batteries if ever needed.

Anything new I would ever need, knock on wood as I have more than I hope I’ll ever need, will be American made… so I’m on board with ya there.

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[Gsxrdoug]

I have a full complement of Milwaukee M12 and M18, been using Milwaukee since the cord was attached and will continue to without the cord. Just remember EXPENSIVE batteries.

 

[Clank]

I have the same one.

I haven't used my air impact since I got it.

@Clank , the 18V Ryobi tools are good for homeowner use and work fine.

For the outside yard tools, get the 40V versions.

Last year my gas blower putzed out and I was needing a string trimmer too so I went and bought the 18V Ryobi combo.

The blower was OK but the trimmer was a bit too weak for my needs.

Returned them and got the 40V kit. It was more expensive but the power difference is HUGE.

Blower and trimmer are pretty equal to the power of my gas tools and the battery lasts a long time.

I also bought the 40V Ryobi chainsaw and hedge trimmer and they exceed my expectations every time I use them.

The hedge trimmer actually scared my wife a bit the first time she used it.

She was accustomed to our corded B&D trimmer and the 40V Ryobi is WAY more powerful.

Agreed. I have the 40V mower, and it easily mows down pretty tall grass. The 18V blower is pretty good for blowing out the garage, but anything heavier than a dry leaf it is not moving very far.

 

[Dr. Zaius]

Agreed. I have the 40V mower, and it easily mows down pretty tall grass. The 18V blower is pretty good for blowing out the garage, but anything heavier than a dry leaf it is not moving very far.

I will be getting the Ryobi 40V mower when my Toro conks out.

 

[Clank]

I have a full complement of Milwaukee M12 and M18, been using Milwaukee since the cord was attached and will continue to without the cord. Just remember EXPENSIVE batteries.

Thats definitely a factor in this choice. Milwaukee batteries are quite spendy. Dewalt's are slightly cheaper and can usually be found on a sale at one of the 4 major hardware stores in my area, Ryobi's are cheaper and also on a sale a lot. Kobalt is a wild card in all of this because they have cheap batteries, good performance, and reasonably priced tools. The warranty from them has mixed reviews because it all depends on the Lowe's customer service rep that day to determine how it is replaced.

 

[Langwilliams]

for "light home use" you can't go wrong with any of the name brands but like others have said stick to one brand that way you can buy just the tool an swap the batter pack over. This makes buying additional tools a lot cheaper since you aren't paying for a battery an charger for every tool.

I have a Bosch impact driver that's been a tank for 10 years. You would never think a 12V driver would have that much power.

I have a 20V Bauer from harbor freight an I think it's the best thing I've ever bought there. I've never run it down. It's the kind designed for screw driver bits but I put the adapters on for sockets an use it to take stuff apart all the time. You have to be careful putting stuff back together I've snapped a bolt putting the exhaust on my Harley. Cheap hardware that came with the mufflers. I'm so pleased I plan on getting the matching drill and automotive style impact driver. The one I have has about 110 ft pounds of torque. The automotive one has like 350.

I read somewhere people are 3d printing adapters to use different brand batteries on their tool but I haven't see anyone use one.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Agreed. I have the 40V mower, and it easily mows down pretty tall grass. The 18V blower is pretty good for blowing out the garage, but anything heavier than a dry leaf it is not moving very far.

Hi Clank,

In non tool category, I have an 80V Greenworks blower and an 80V 16" chainsaw also by Greenworks. I bought through Costco.com as you got two batteries instead of one... The 80V leaf blower is more powerful that my Stihl gas powered blower I gave to my Gardener.

best,
Phil

 

[Langwilliams]

my son has a electric lawn mower an loves it. I'm going to get an electric weed eater. I could probably get away with a worx gt trimmer!

 

[Bob902]

I have a 26 horse diesel powered mower?

 

[Wanted Ranger]

I have a 26 horse diesel powered mower?

Bob902:

What Series John Deere is that, 2 or 3?

Me (and I'm sure a few others here) would love to have something like that.

My dad had a New Holland TC18, which, for it's size, did some pretty amazing things, but I don't find the NH as "polished" as a JD.

NICE rig!

I have a 26 horse diesel powered mower?

 

[Langwilliams]

I have a 26 horse diesel powered mower?

Man I'd love a front bucket for my little JD 316

 

[Bob902]

Bob902:

What Series John Deere is that, 2 or 3?

Me (and I'm sure a few others here) would love to have something like that.

My dad had a New Holland TC18, which, for it's size, did some pretty amazing things, but I don't find the NH as "polished" as a JD.

NICE rig!

Thank you sir. It is the 2520. I traded up for it in 2014. It's been a workhorse for sure.

 

[Bob902]

Man I'd love a front bucket for my little JD 316

Best wheelbarrow ever!

 

[NotBudule]

Hilti makes some nice corded stuff I use at work , I haven't tried any cordless from them but I would without hesitation... Dewalt went kinda crazy on those Flex batteries and we've had lots of issues ... not really any bad choices if you stay with a good name...

 

[Rick V.]

Ridgid from Home Depot 18v brushless. Lifetime warranty and lifetime on the battery’s. I haven’t had a problem in years and when the battery’s wouldn’t keep a charge they were replaced for free.

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