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Posted: 9/19/2023 5:54:42 PM EST
Sick of Ridgid with a couple batteries dying over the last couple years.
My drill stripped the gears a few months ago, and now my circular saw is dead. What are some hard use cordless drill and circular saw suggestions. |
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Posted: 9/19/2023 6:19:55 PM EST
[#1]
We use Hilti & Milwaukee on the railroad, and we beat the crap out of them. We have some Dewalt tools for smaller jobs. We were going through Dewalt tools & batteries like crazy, before we switched to Hilti for the bigger jobs. For the most part, Hilti & Milwaukee can take a lot of abuse. I’m not sure how long the batteries last, because they’re stolen so often. But after seeing how fast the Dewalt tools fail, I’ll never buy them.
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2023 6:20:01 PM EST
[#2]
Is it for home use or for work? At home, I use a Skil 12v drill with no problems. As for a circular saw, I can't recommend you one since I prefer corded.
At work, I use a Dewalt 20v drill kit and have used a Dewalt circular saw. Most brands are good, you just got to consolidate so they share the same battery. I found a Skil kit that serves me well. |
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Posted: 9/19/2023 6:32:45 PM EST
[#3]
I use Milwaukee Fuel brushless pretty hard. Works well for me.
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MN, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2023 6:35:45 PM EST
[#4]
I have all milwaukee personally.The biggest reason is,I am forced to use Dewalt junk where I work,commercial construction.I spend most of my time replacing and recharging batteries.
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Posted: 9/19/2023 6:40:11 PM EST
[#5]
Milwaukee has different grades of drills. The regular grade is solid but abuse will kill it fairly quickly. Sadly I found this the hard way. I was using it to auger a hole in clay soil (2” auger bit 10” deep). The drill survived maybe 8-10 holes and the magic smoke started coming out and the gears were making unhappy sounds. I bought the better grade drill and didn’t do the augering any more. I will say this. When those drills snag a rock and stop hard, the torque is enough to put my wrists at risk…even using the side handle.
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Posted: 9/19/2023 6:44:42 PM EST
[#6]
I’d go with Milwaukee.
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Posted: 9/19/2023 6:58:28 PM EST
[#7]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Nosmik: Is it for home use or for work? At home, I use a Skil 12v drill with no problems. As for a circular saw, I can't recommend you one since I prefer corded. At work, I use a Dewalt 20v drill kit and have used a Dewalt circular saw. Most brands are good, you just got to consolidate so they share the same battery. I found a Skil kit that serves me well. I use it at home but do side jobs so I guess you could say for work. |
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Posted: 9/19/2023 7:22:41 PM EST
[#8]
Milwaukee Fuel.
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Posted: 9/19/2023 7:44:30 PM EST
[#9]
Milwaukee Fuel is good. You can get discounts for sets from retailers.
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Posted: 9/19/2023 7:53:55 PM EST
[#10]
I worked at a lumber yard during college. Got to handle lots of warranty stuff.
Dewalt if you have an issue, you most likely get a replacement. Battery, drill, or saw. Had one Milwaukee issue. It was a disaster. But they finally took care of it and got my guy a new drill. I’m not sure of how many dewalt products I sent out. Only 1 Milwaukee though. More people buy the yellow stuff so that is probably why more came in. They are cheaper to get into but I think red is the way to go. |
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2023 7:54:54 PM EST
[#11]
I've been using Makita the last 35 years, no complaints and they get used every day. I'm also so invested in batteries I can't switch.
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Posted: 9/19/2023 8:10:59 PM EST
[#12]
We went through many Makita saws in my business over thirty years. VERY abusive environment. When I retired I bought a full set of DeWalt for my shop as we owned an Ace store along with our Mfg. Co. The DeWalt stuff is 14 years old and other than buying a pair of new batteries it's done me quite well in my retirement years.
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VA, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2023 8:18:36 PM EST
[#13]
Milwaukee FUEL is the best, hands down.
Dewalt isn't much better than Ryobi as far as durability, but I've been happy with my Ridgid tools for 2 years now. I don't use them every day but I use them hard |
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Posted: 9/19/2023 8:27:58 PM EST
[#14]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By Jimbo54: I've been using Makita the last 35 years, no complaints and they get used every day. I'm also so invested in batteries I can't switch. Seems like the Makita batteries outlast the Milwaukee. They’re like the ever ready bunny. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2023 8:32:55 PM EST
[Last Edit: giantpune]
[#15]
Construction is everywhere. Go take a tour through the new neighborhoods being built and look what the pros are using.
99.87% of what you'll see will be the Ketchup and the mustard. Red and yellow, Milwaukee and dewalt. Makita are usually as good, but they dont have nearly as good of a distribution network. Its a lot easier to find tools for red and yellow. If you get makita, most of their tools you would need to special order. |
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Posted: 9/19/2023 8:47:02 PM EST
[#16]
Makita 18v and Milwaukee 12v tools for me.
The Makita 18v battery charge seems to last forever. Sometimes, I’ll complete a project with the impact driver, and I’m blown away at how much battery life is left after all the screws I drove. |
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Posted: 9/19/2023 8:51:12 PM EST
[Last Edit: CPshooter1]
[#17]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Construction is everywhere. Go take a tour through the new neighborhoods being built and look what the pros are using. 99.87% of what you'll see will be the Ketchup and the mustard. Red and yellow, Milwaukee and dewalt. Makita are usually as good, but they dont have nearly as good of a distribution network. Its a lot easier to find tools for red and yellow. If you get makita, most of their tools you would need to special order. Amazon has pretty much every Makita tool available. Prices are always a lot cheaper than Home Depot as well. If you need it the same day, however, Makita might not make as much sense as a Milwaukee or Ryobi or DeWalt. FYI - Milwaukee and Ryobi are part of the same company now. Ryobi has stepped their game up quite a bit as of late from what I understand. If I needed a new 18v system, I’d give them a hard look as well. |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2023 9:05:38 PM EST
[Last Edit: MJ11B4P]
[#18]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By hsvhobbit: Milwaukee has different grades of drills. The regular grade is solid but abuse will kill it fairly quickly. Sadly I found this the hard way. I was using it to auger a hole in clay soil (2” auger bit 10” deep). The drill survived maybe 8-10 holes and the magic smoke started coming out and the gears were making unhappy sounds. I bought the better grade drill and didn’t do the augering any more. I will say this. When those drills snag a rock and stop hard, the torque is enough to put my wrists at risk…even using the side handle. How does Milwaukee differentiate their product lines? I’ve beat the shit out an M12 Fuel drill/driver with a few home projects… like using an auger bit to bore double to p plate I thought was going to destroy the gearbox. I like their design (and excellent power for the size) but not impressed with quality. Even with some our M18 drills at work have disappointed me DeWalt catches a lot of hell around here, but even my Atomic tools at home have exceeded my expectations. I dunno, guess I’m more of a mustard guy. |
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TX, USA
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Posted: 9/19/2023 9:16:47 PM EST
[#19]
Milwaukee all the way
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Posted: 9/19/2023 9:22:48 PM EST
[#20]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By MJ11B4P: How does Milwaukee differentiate their product lines? I’ve beat the shit out an M12 Fuel drill/driver with a few home projects… like using an auger bit to bore double to p plate I thought was going to destroy the gearbox. I like their design (and excellent power for the size) but not impressed with quality. Even with some our M18 drills at work have disappointed me DeWalt catches a lot of hell around here, but even my Atomic tools at home have exceeded my expectations. I dunno, guess I’m more of a mustard guy. They have three tiers: Base, Brushless, and Fuel. Brushless uses commercial motors, Fuel uses custom wound)designed motors for that specific tool. No compromises. |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 9/20/2023 5:29:29 AM EST
[#21]
We have M18 & M12 Milwaukee tools at work, we're invested in Milwaukee stuff from impacts and drills to vacuums, augers and leaf blowers. Over 10 years I've had 1 drill and 2 batteries fail. The 12V stuff is impressive (we've had them less than 1 year) I was truly shocked how long they run and how strong they are when we used them on an office remodel hanging drywall etc.
Like others mentioned I think the key here is to go brushless with whatever you decide to purchase. I was in a similar situation a few weeks ago and bought a Metabo MultiVolt HTP kit with 4 tools and 2 batteries for $250. I haven't worked them too hard yet just drove a bunch of 2" screws laying down subfloor but they handled it fine. They are unique in that apparently these can utilize a 18V or 36V battery with the 36V doubling the amp hour rating and run time in the 18V tools. The 36V tools (like the saws) allow you to install a 36V battery case thats corded for a 120V connection. |
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GA, USA
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Posted: 9/20/2023 7:58:18 AM EST
[#22]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CPshooter1: FYI - Milwaukee and Ryobi are part of the same company now. Ryobi has stepped their game up quite a bit as of late from what I understand. If I needed a new 18v system, I’d give them a hard look as well. Just because they are owned by the same megacorp parent company doesnt mean they are anywhere near the same product. Porter cable and mac tools are also owned by the same parent (black and decker). Porter cable is still trash in every way compared to Mac. |
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Posted: 9/20/2023 8:00:50 AM EST
[#23]
From what I have seen, construction is very brand loyal. One crew may be 100% Milwaukee and the next crew be 100% Dewalt. Based on their loyal followings, I’d have to say both are good. Personally I prefer Milwaukee but I’m sure Dewalt is excellent too. I am own many Milwaukee batteries (and aftermarket ones too) so it makes sense to me to stay with Milwaukee. Plus, I love the selection of tools Milwaukee offers.
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Posted: 9/20/2023 8:02:44 AM EST
[#24]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Just because they are owned by the same megacorp parent company doesnt mean they are anywhere near the same product. Porter cable and mac tools are also owned by the same parent (black and decker). Porter cable is still trash in every way compared to Mac. I have a corded Porter Cable circular saw I have been very happy with. That said, my next cordless circular saw will be a Milwaukee. |
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Posted: 9/20/2023 8:04:54 AM EST
[#25]
Professional contractor here. I use cordless stuff to make money.
I’ve used Milwaukee exclusively for the past 8 years or so and am very happy |
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Posted: 9/20/2023 8:09:48 AM EST
[#26]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By giantpune: Just because they are owned by the same megacorp parent company doesnt mean they are anywhere near the same product. Porter cable and mac tools are also owned by the same parent (black and decker). Porter cable is still trash in every way compared to Mac. Bugatti and Volkswagen. Same. Actually Lamborghini is owned by them too. |
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Posted: 9/20/2023 8:25:11 AM EST
[#27]
Another vote for or Dewalt for pro use where tools are used and abused every day.
While I do like the Rigid tools and have not had any problems, they aren't made for tough every day use on construction sites. My use of cordless tools are small jobs around the house and I do use the Ridgid tools quite a bit and they are fine for that. |
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Posted: 9/20/2023 2:04:11 PM EST
[#28]
Found out the hard way on the different grades of Milwaukee drills. First was a brushless but NOT a fuel. Found that the chuck would occasionally seize up in use and I’d have to use pliers to release it. Bad enough after awhile I bought a Rohm replacement chuck. Until I destroyed the drill augering clay soil it was a great tool. Stepped up to a fuel after reading they used a better gearset AND better chuck. The brushless non-fuel had an all black chuck body. The fuel has a red painted ring. Zero issues with seizing up. Not even once.
Only time I regret going red is when I buy batteries. But man oh man do I love my fuel impact driver and mid-torque impact wrench. Having selectable power levels is very useful sometimes. |
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SC, USA
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Posted: 9/20/2023 6:16:30 PM EST
[#29]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By -Obsessed-: They have three tiers: Base, Brushless, and Fuel. Brushless uses commercial motors, Fuel uses custom wound)designed motors for that specific tool. No compromises. Gotcha. I was thinking in terms other than the motor. I only buy the Fuel tools. |
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Posted: 9/20/2023 8:11:33 PM EST
[#30]
I'm heavily invested in Dewalt stuff for my remodel business, because I can stomach the cost to replace them.
I wouldn't hesitate to go red if I were to do plumbing, electrical, or automotive all day for a living. They simply have better options than Dewalt. Batteries crap out in a few years with all brands if used hard enough. |
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Posted: 9/20/2023 8:11:48 PM EST
[#31]
I got into Metabo stuff (not Metabo HPT you find at Lowes, it's not the same thing) because I wanted to get away from the stuff made in China. The first 3-4 Metabo cordless tools I bought were made in Germany. And sadly, I think every one I bought since has been made in China. Otherwise happy with the results though. One downside, unlike the more common names, you can't just walk into your local Lowes or Home Depot and get them. I only know one place around here that sells Metabo, an industrial tool sales place.
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WA, USA
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Posted: 9/22/2023 7:24:57 PM EST
[Last Edit: Tjcj]
[#32]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By JaredC1: Professional contractor here. I use cordless stuff to make money. I’ve used Milwaukee exclusively for the past 8 years or so and am very happy Professional Commercial guy here . Between 6 trailers and whatever is at the shop , probably sitting on $300k + worth of DeWalt . Have for 14 years ( maybe more ) . Our tools get abused. Rain , snow , dirt . I know I have 10+ year old Drills , Batteries and Impacts that have drilled 100s of thousands of holes and put in millions of screws in my trailer. Still work fine . Around here Sparkies and Plumbers use Red , everyone else Yellow . Anymore it comes down to personal preference . |
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OH, USA
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Posted: 9/26/2023 7:41:33 AM EST
[Last Edit: gunsho11b]
[#33]
All my stuff is Dewalt. A few years ago I got a cordless Dewalt drill set. Came with a battery and charger. Ive stuck with them because of the ability to swap out batteries with other Dewalt tools and for me it makes no sense to buy another brand. Opinions will differ with Dewalt but they have accomplished whatever task Ive needed them to do. I will admit, I am not a professional tradesman and mostly use my tools for Home repairs and DIY projects around the house, but they have never let me down.
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AZ, USA
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Posted: 9/27/2023 11:21:20 AM EST
[#34]
I uses Bosch 18V/12V, starting to acquire more Milwaukee tools. No issues from either brand.
My BIL is a professional contractor, he only uses Hilti. He says if he were to buy something else it would be Makita. |
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Posted: 9/27/2023 12:00:01 PM EST
[#35]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By CPshooter1: Amazon has pretty much every Makita tool available. Prices are always a lot cheaper than Home Depot as well. If you need it the same day, however, Makita might not make as much sense as a Milwaukee or Ryobi or DeWalt. FYI - Milwaukee and Ryobi are part of the same company now. Ryobi has stepped their game up quite a bit as of late from what I understand. If I needed a new 18v system, I’d give them a hard look as well. Tractor supply usually has good deals on Makita around Black Friday. Plus they usually throw in an extra tool. |
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Posted: 9/27/2023 2:50:44 PM EST
[#36]
Thanks for all the replies.
I do have some Metabo/Hitachi at work, I am thinking about buying their saw and drill to go with my batteries. |
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Posted: 9/27/2023 4:10:18 PM EST
[#37]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By mouthpiece: Thanks for all the replies. I do have some Metabo/Hitachi at work, I am thinking about buying their saw and drill to go with my batteries. Hitachi really screwed the real Metabo line by taking the Metabo name. Everyone thinks they're the same now. |
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Posted: 10/12/2023 7:57:08 PM EST
[#38]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PA452: Hitachi really screwed the real Metabo line by taking the Metabo name. Everyone thinks they're the same now. Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By PA452: Originally Posted By mouthpiece: Thanks for all the replies. I do have some Metabo/Hitachi at work, I am thinking about buying their saw and drill to go with my batteries. Hitachi really screwed the real Metabo line by taking the Metabo name. Everyone thinks they're the same now. lol That was the whole point of doing that. I am balls deep in Makita. They are very good tools, and I've never had one fail, though I don't use them in a work environment everyday but they do get used. Their batteries last a LONG time, they are built for life rather than raw output. Fit and finish and quality of build is better than most if not all other brands, with the exception of the boutique brands out of Germany. The x2 18V (36V) tools are added versatility. If you want heavier duty tools that will last, especially for a DIY type user who won't expose the tools to the daily hard use a tradesman will, get their 40V tools. The Hitachi tools won't be much better, if at all, than what you're replacing. |
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Posted: 10/12/2023 9:25:34 PM EST
[#39]
Quote HistoryOriginally Posted By A_G: lol That was the whole point of doing that. I am balls deep in Makita. They are very good tools, and I've never had one fail, though I don't use them in a work environment everyday but they do get used. Their batteries last a LONG time, they are built for life rather than raw output. Fit and finish and quality of build is better than most if not all other brands, with the exception of the boutique brands out of Germany. The x2 18V (36V) tools are added versatility. If you want heavier duty tools that will last, especially for a DIY type user who won't expose the tools to the daily hard use a tradesman will, get their 40V tools. The Hitachi tools won't be much better, if at all, than what you're replacing. My cordless tools currently are all Metabo (not Metabo HPT...). But when the day comes that I need to get into a different battery system, I'll probably go Makita. |
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