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As the title suggests I am seeking some advice in regards to power tool brands. The ones I had scraped together are broken/breaking and are mostly some rando brand bought for super cheap.
Now I dont have endless funds but also can spend if warranted. I have need of a drill and driver mostly. I went to a few places and had seen deals for Craftsman and Kobalt but am unsure of those. Also I am not super certain of the differences of brush/less sets. I know of the differences themselves, but not really through experience.
Thank you.
PS- For example a place near me has a 2 tool from Kobalt for 149 (brushless drill and driver) and Craftsman 2 tool for 199 (brushless drill and driver, also comes with your choice of of a third bare tool; was thinking of the 50 dollar orbital sander).
"If nothing is impossible, than would it not be impossible to find something that you could not do?" - Me
RightfulSin on
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zepherinRussian warship, go fuck yourselfRegistered Userregular
edited September 2021
So for brands. Professionally I buy makitas for my folks if I’m going corded powertools and Dewalt for cordless. Both of their warranties are fine, but I they last long enough with daily use that I only have to replace 5% of them on a 5 year contract. The reason I like dewalt for cordless is that their batteries are interchangeable. So you can have n+2 batteries (n=technicians) and just slot them into any of the tools. Even though you’ll have 30 or 40 tools and they are all interchangeable.
So for brands. Professionally I buy makitas for my folks if I’m going corded powertools and Dewalt for cordless. Both of their warranties are fine, but I they last long enough with daily use that I only have to replace 5% of them on a 5 year contract. The reason I like dewalt for cordless is that their batteries are interchangeable. So you can have n+2 batteries (n=technicians) and just slot them into any of the tools. Even though you’ll have 30 or 40 tools and they are all interchangeable.
Thoughts in regards to brushless vs brushed? I see on Amazon a brushed 2 tool for 149 (reg 199) and a brushless for 214 both from DeWalt.
RightfulSin on
"If nothing is impossible, than would it not be impossible to find something that you could not do?" - Me
So for brands. Professionally I buy makitas for my folks if I’m going corded powertools and Dewalt for cordless. Both of their warranties are fine, but I they last long enough with daily use that I only have to replace 5% of them on a 5 year contract. The reason I like dewalt for cordless is that their batteries are interchangeable. So you can have n+2 batteries (n=technicians) and just slot them into any of the tools. Even though you’ll have 30 or 40 tools and they are all interchangeable.
Thoughts in regards to brushless vs brushed? I see on Amazon a brushed 2 tool for 149 (reg 199) and a brushless for 214 both from DeWalt.
Brushless tools are nice and probably last longer in both work per charge and overall tool lifetime. Unless you are using them everyday though none of that really matters. Those tools are great if they see regular use, but most people don’t use tools save for a few times a year. I’ve personally have a couple thousand invested in my tools and I can count on one hand how much I use them in a typical year. I’m more worried about the batteries becoming obsolete than I am about the tools wearing out. I suspect I’ll be using these tools even 20 years from now assuming I can still get batteries.
All that being said, if the price difference is only a few dollars I’d get the brushless tools. If it’s more like the brushed tools are 30-40% cheaper though I’d get those instead.
My tools are all Dewalt, and I’ve never had an issue with any of them, if you are looking for a brand endorsement.
Steam - Synthetic Violence | XBOX Live - Cannonfuse | PSN - CastleBravo | Twitch - SoggybiscuitPA
So for brands. Professionally I buy makitas for my folks if I’m going corded powertools and Dewalt for cordless. Both of their warranties are fine, but I they last long enough with daily use that I only have to replace 5% of them on a 5 year contract. The reason I like dewalt for cordless is that their batteries are interchangeable. So you can have n+2 batteries (n=technicians) and just slot them into any of the tools. Even though you’ll have 30 or 40 tools and they are all interchangeable.
Thoughts in regards to brushless vs brushed? I see on Amazon a brushed 2 tool for 149 (reg 199) and a brushless for 214 both from DeWalt.
Brushless tools are nice and probably last longer in both work per charge and overall tool lifetime. Unless you are using them everyday though none of that really matters. Those tools are great if they see regular use, but most people don’t use tools save for a few times a year. I’ve personally have a couple thousand invested in my tools and I can count on one hand how much I use them in a typical year. I’m more worried about the batteries becoming obsolete than I am about the tools wearing out. I suspect I’ll be using these tools even 20 years from now assuming I can still get batteries.
All that being said, if the price difference is only a few dollars I’d get the brushless tools. If it’s more like the brushed tools are 30-40% cheaper though I’d get those instead.
My tools are all Dewalt, and I’ve never had an issue with any of them, if you are looking for a brand endorsement.
The tools will see regular use, if not daily.
As brand, any thoughts on Ryobi?
"If nothing is impossible, than would it not be impossible to find something that you could not do?" - Me
I do not personally have the expertise to know exactly why. But a material scoentist I worked with and trusted said they were among the worst of the brands.
He used Makitas for drivers/drills and Milwaukee for sawzall and grinders
+1
zepherinRussian warship, go fuck yourselfRegistered Userregular
So for brands. Professionally I buy makitas for my folks if I’m going corded powertools and Dewalt for cordless. Both of their warranties are fine, but I they last long enough with daily use that I only have to replace 5% of them on a 5 year contract. The reason I like dewalt for cordless is that their batteries are interchangeable. So you can have n+2 batteries (n=technicians) and just slot them into any of the tools. Even though you’ll have 30 or 40 tools and they are all interchangeable.
Thoughts in regards to brushless vs brushed? I see on Amazon a brushed 2 tool for 149 (reg 199) and a brushless for 214 both from DeWalt.
When I’m spending company money I go brushless. For my personal tool use I purchased brushed because of the price and infrequent use. If it’s going to be frequently used, then brushless.
So for brands. Professionally I buy makitas for my folks if I’m going corded powertools and Dewalt for cordless. Both of their warranties are fine, but I they last long enough with daily use that I only have to replace 5% of them on a 5 year contract. The reason I like dewalt for cordless is that their batteries are interchangeable. So you can have n+2 batteries (n=technicians) and just slot them into any of the tools. Even though you’ll have 30 or 40 tools and they are all interchangeable.
Thoughts in regards to brushless vs brushed? I see on Amazon a brushed 2 tool for 149 (reg 199) and a brushless for 214 both from DeWalt.
Brushless tools are nice and probably last longer in both work per charge and overall tool lifetime. Unless you are using them everyday though none of that really matters. Those tools are great if they see regular use, but most people don’t use tools save for a few times a year. I’ve personally have a couple thousand invested in my tools and I can count on one hand how much I use them in a typical year. I’m more worried about the batteries becoming obsolete than I am about the tools wearing out. I suspect I’ll be using these tools even 20 years from now assuming I can still get batteries.
All that being said, if the price difference is only a few dollars I’d get the brushless tools. If it’s more like the brushed tools are 30-40% cheaper though I’d get those instead.
My tools are all Dewalt, and I’ve never had an issue with any of them, if you are looking for a brand endorsement.
The tools will see regular use, if not daily.
As brand, any thoughts on Ryobi?
Oh yeah, in that case, get brushless tools if they are available. You will get more life out of them in your use case.
Still a vote for Dewalt from me.
Steam - Synthetic Violence | XBOX Live - Cannonfuse | PSN - CastleBravo | Twitch - SoggybiscuitPA
So for brands. Professionally I buy makitas for my folks if I’m going corded powertools and Dewalt for cordless. Both of their warranties are fine, but I they last long enough with daily use that I only have to replace 5% of them on a 5 year contract. The reason I like dewalt for cordless is that their batteries are interchangeable. So you can have n+2 batteries (n=technicians) and just slot them into any of the tools. Even though you’ll have 30 or 40 tools and they are all interchangeable.
Thoughts in regards to brushless vs brushed? I see on Amazon a brushed 2 tool for 149 (reg 199) and a brushless for 214 both from DeWalt.
Brushless tools are nice and probably last longer in both work per charge and overall tool lifetime. Unless you are using them everyday though none of that really matters. Those tools are great if they see regular use, but most people don’t use tools save for a few times a year. I’ve personally have a couple thousand invested in my tools and I can count on one hand how much I use them in a typical year. I’m more worried about the batteries becoming obsolete than I am about the tools wearing out. I suspect I’ll be using these tools even 20 years from now assuming I can still get batteries.
All that being said, if the price difference is only a few dollars I’d get the brushless tools. If it’s more like the brushed tools are 30-40% cheaper though I’d get those instead.
My tools are all Dewalt, and I’ve never had an issue with any of them, if you are looking for a brand endorsement.
The tools will see regular use, if not daily.
As brand, any thoughts on Ryobi?
Oh yeah, in that case, get brushless tools if they are available. You will get more life out of them in your use case.
Still a vote for Dewalt from me.
Yep. Went ahead and order the brushless DeWalt 20V drill/driver 2 tool combo set off Amazon for 214.
Thanks for help/tips/advice.
RightfulSin on
"If nothing is impossible, than would it not be impossible to find something that you could not do?" - Me
AuralynxDarkness is a perspectiveWatching the ego workRegistered Userregular
DeWalt is definitely a solid choice. Milwaukee does pretty good smaller tools - I see them a lot in the toolboxes of the guys working in our comms sites.
Ryobi can be found in decent bundles relatively inexpensively. Most people won't use tools around the house enough for it to matter. I've helped friends build entire structures with Ryobi and it's been fine.
I wouldn't trust them to be reliable enough were it your full time job with very high use, but for hanging a picture or cutting a doggie door hole - sure.
IMHO picking a system for home use relies on the battery system lifespan. You'll be replacing batteries way more often than tools.
@RightfulSin keep an eye out for deals with Columbus Day, Veteran's Day, and Black Friday coming up; if you want to expand. Sites like Slickdeals are good for catching any deals and grabbing the discount codes.
Even if you only add more batteries, it's worth looking.
Also if it matters to you, DeWalt has a "speed charger" that has an integrated fan in case you get caught mid project with no juice
@Mugsley Ya. Thanks for the tip. Will keep an eye out for a deal on the batteries, and maybe the speed charger.
One other thing, as a DeWalt owner myself I would be an asshole if I didn't warn you against counterfeit DeWalt batteries on Amazon. Make sure you're buying directly from Amazon and not some third party
That's an issue with every brand, just search Amazon for a brand and voltage combination and sort by price. A lot of times the inferior cells aren't even the worst problem because when you're paying a third as much you might expect some slip in capacity or longevity. But a lot of times the fakes don't have the thermal protection installed correctly (or at all) and they can go Samsung on you.
Some of them even advertise this as your tools not dropping power in the middle of a heavy session, but that power cut off is a feature, not a flaw. Hell, some of them are even higher voltage and promise to turn your 12v light duty drill into a 24v heavy duty drill. Which might actually be possible but it's just a race between the battery exploding and the motor burning out.
Edit: worst offenders are the blue ones you see on eBay a lot. They're Hercules batteries with a little nub shaved off and a couple wires switched. They're actually good batteries on the correct tool, and they have all the features of a good battery that the counterfeits usually miss. But it's all a ruse, because modified to fit a DeWalt they're small incendiary weapons.
So for brands. Professionally I buy makitas for my folks if I’m going corded powertools and Dewalt for cordless. Both of their warranties are fine, but I they last long enough with daily use that I only have to replace 5% of them on a 5 year contract. The reason I like dewalt for cordless is that their batteries are interchangeable. So you can have n+2 batteries (n=technicians) and just slot them into any of the tools. Even though you’ll have 30 or 40 tools and they are all interchangeable.
Thoughts in regards to brushless vs brushed? I see on Amazon a brushed 2 tool for 149 (reg 199) and a brushless for 214 both from DeWalt.
Brushless tools are nice and probably last longer in both work per charge and overall tool lifetime. Unless you are using them everyday though none of that really matters. Those tools are great if they see regular use, but most people don’t use tools save for a few times a year. I’ve personally have a couple thousand invested in my tools and I can count on one hand how much I use them in a typical year. I’m more worried about the batteries becoming obsolete than I am about the tools wearing out. I suspect I’ll be using these tools even 20 years from now assuming I can still get batteries.
All that being said, if the price difference is only a few dollars I’d get the brushless tools. If it’s more like the brushed tools are 30-40% cheaper though I’d get those instead.
My tools are all Dewalt, and I’ve never had an issue with any of them, if you are looking for a brand endorsement.
The tools will see regular use, if not daily.
As brand, any thoughts on Ryobi?
Oh yeah, in that case, get brushless tools if they are available. You will get more life out of them in your use case.
Still a vote for Dewalt from me.
Yep. Went ahead and order the brushless DeWalt 20V drill/driver 2 tool combo set off Amazon for 214.
Thanks for help/tips/advice.
I have that set, and I use the driver constantly when working on cars. Never gave me an issue and after 4-5 years the batteries are still going strong.
So for brands. Professionally I buy makitas for my folks if I’m going corded powertools and Dewalt for cordless. Both of their warranties are fine, but I they last long enough with daily use that I only have to replace 5% of them on a 5 year contract. The reason I like dewalt for cordless is that their batteries are interchangeable. So you can have n+2 batteries (n=technicians) and just slot them into any of the tools. Even though you’ll have 30 or 40 tools and they are all interchangeable.
Thoughts in regards to brushless vs brushed? I see on Amazon a brushed 2 tool for 149 (reg 199) and a brushless for 214 both from DeWalt.
Brushless tools are nice and probably last longer in both work per charge and overall tool lifetime. Unless you are using them everyday though none of that really matters. Those tools are great if they see regular use, but most people don’t use tools save for a few times a year. I’ve personally have a couple thousand invested in my tools and I can count on one hand how much I use them in a typical year. I’m more worried about the batteries becoming obsolete than I am about the tools wearing out. I suspect I’ll be using these tools even 20 years from now assuming I can still get batteries.
All that being said, if the price difference is only a few dollars I’d get the brushless tools. If it’s more like the brushed tools are 30-40% cheaper though I’d get those instead.
My tools are all Dewalt, and I’ve never had an issue with any of them, if you are looking for a brand endorsement.
The tools will see regular use, if not daily.
As brand, any thoughts on Ryobi?
I think the next question is what kind of daily use? If it's heavy duty use or you need a chuck that's 1/2"+ then yeah go with a big 18v. If not, consider one of the good 12v drill/driver combos. Form factor and weight are definitely one thing to consider with daily use tools. Like all the electricians I know mostly only use small form factor 12v models because they are so much lighter and easier to use. Not just that, they are much smaller and can reach into much tighter spaces if you're doing work inside/under cabinets or other tight spaces. Using a much larger/heavier tool than you need on a very regular basis will definitely have some wear and tear on your body.
For small form factor, but quality drill/drivers, you've got the the Milwaukee Fuel 12v set that's pretty much the best 12v set you can buy. On a budget, I have the 12v Bosch drill/driver set which has a similar form factor/weight and is about half the price (or less on sale). Only time I ever bust out the 18v nowadays is when I need something with a large chuck.
Ryobi can be found in decent bundles relatively inexpensively. Most people won't use tools around the house enough for it to matter. I've helped friends build entire structures with Ryobi and it's been fine.
I wouldn't trust them to be reliable enough were it your full time job with very high use, but for hanging a picture or cutting a doggie door hole - sure.
IMHO picking a system for home use relies on the battery system lifespan. You'll be replacing batteries way more often than tools.
Seconding this, because I think it's about levels of use.
My dad has been gradually replacing his old (primarily black and decker) tools with Ryobi, mostly because of the universal battery system, and they've been fine for his use, which is mostly moderate DIY.
I do not personally have the expertise to know exactly why. But a material scoentist I worked with and trusted said they were among the worst of the brands.
He used Makitas for drivers/drills and Milwaukee for sawzall and grinders
I worked at home depot for 2 years, and our advice when folks asked about brands was that most brands are pretty comparable, they have maybe cheaper or more expensive versions and you get what you pay for, but generally most of the major brands maintain similar quality and price points. With the exception of Ryobi - dont buy ryobi, they're very cheaply manufactured, they break and dont perform well, the savings upfront aren't worth it.
Personally I have a half dozen dewalt power tools, both corded and battery, and they all work great. A little on the spendier side but they're definitely well made and I've never been disappointed with their performance.
Kana on
A trap is for fish: when you've got the fish, you can forget the trap. A snare is for rabbits: when you've got the rabbit, you can forget the snare. Words are for meaning: when you've got the meaning, you can forget the words.
I'm relatively familiar with their budget (not their cheapest, but just one step up for occasional use) Garden&DIY tools since me and my brother have bought a lot of their budget machines for my mom. She has arthritis in her hands and wrists, so basically anything requiring grip strength needs to be done by powertools, but she also has a small kolonistuga (small cottage with an attached garden, usually in an area just outside of town so that you can spend your summers growing veggies, berries and flowers and enjoy the quiet life). So far we've gotten her a light screwdriver/drill multitool, hedgetrimmer, a small powersaw and a lawnmower, and bosch tools are frequently about a pound or two lighter than their competitors but still powerful enough that the screwdriver can drive screws into hardwood (and not just soft budget lumber), the hedgetrimmer can cut finger-thickness branches etc.
"The western world sips from a poisonous cocktail: Polarisation, populism, protectionism and post-truth"
-Antje Jackelén, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden
Bosch in the US is like Metabo in the US: it's name is licensed out and you can get things that are actually Bosch and things that are store brand if you're lucky wearing the name.
At least the "fake" Metabo stuff is all a different color and lower price point, but "real" Metabo isn't common retail fare so a lot of American consumers might never have seen it in person. The licensed Bosch is the same color and price and usually on the same shelves despite not sharing a battery or other accessories.
I'm happy with my Bosch pistol grip drill and driver for light work (my kids used the drill for pumpkins this weekend). Anything major project related, I use my DeWalt gear.
My brother inherited a major Ryobi tool collection so he's tried to stick with it. He's so far happy but the heaviest project was building a swing set from lumber stock and some steel brackets.
Bosch in the US is like Metabo in the US: it's name is licensed out and you can get things that are actually Bosch and things that are store brand if you're lucky wearing the name.
At least the "fake" Metabo stuff is all a different color and lower price point, but "real" Metabo isn't common retail fare so a lot of American consumers might never have seen it in person. The licensed Bosch is the same color and price and usually on the same shelves despite not sharing a battery or other accessories.
The consumer grade Metabo tools are just the old Hitachi power tools, which are probably on par with Makita. Hitachi just decided to get out of the power tool game so sold the whole division to Metabo's parent company which rebranded them for a consumer grade product.
0
ShadowfireVermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered Userregular
I'm relatively familiar with their budget (not their cheapest, but just one step up for occasional use) Garden&DIY tools since me and my brother have bought a lot of their budget machines for my mom. She has arthritis in her hands and wrists, so basically anything requiring grip strength needs to be done by powertools, but she also has a small kolonistuga (small cottage with an attached garden, usually in an area just outside of town so that you can spend your summers growing veggies, berries and flowers and enjoy the quiet life). So far we've gotten her a light screwdriver/drill multitool, hedgetrimmer, a small powersaw and a lawnmower, and bosch tools are frequently about a pound or two lighter than their competitors but still powerful enough that the screwdriver can drive screws into hardwood (and not just soft budget lumber), the hedgetrimmer can cut finger-thickness branches etc.
Everyone is in agreement on DeWalt, and I'm with them. Bosch you're looking at mostly corded tools that I've seen. But I have this rotary hammer that is amazing for drilling into stone and concrete. Like, put the SDS bit on there and it just falls through the stone without any real effort. Absolutely amazing. Can't compare to my old DeWalt rotary hammer in any world.
webguy20I spend too much time on the InternetRegistered Userregular
Dewalt, Makita, Bosch and Milwaukee all have solid core tools with some trade offs here and there. It gets more iffy when you start expanding into stuff like the vacuums, lawn mowers and other things like that. I'm a big fan of Project Farm and Oz Tool Talk for tool reviews.
Bosch does two things really well where I broke my DeWalt collection.
1) The Bosch 1617 Router is just the best I've ever used. I built an entire router table around this tool. It's too big for smaller jobs or arts and crafts, but is definitely my "go to". The accessories are also great (the circle jig and the under table mount in particular. I like it so much I might just buy the motor separately to have it permanently on the table.
2) The Bosch JS572EK corded jigsaw. This thing cuts so smoothly and has a three options for blade movement depending on what you're doing.
I'm an old when it comes to some corded tools. I don't like cordless saws in particular.
Posts
Thoughts in regards to brushless vs brushed? I see on Amazon a brushed 2 tool for 149 (reg 199) and a brushless for 214 both from DeWalt.
Brushless tools are nice and probably last longer in both work per charge and overall tool lifetime. Unless you are using them everyday though none of that really matters. Those tools are great if they see regular use, but most people don’t use tools save for a few times a year. I’ve personally have a couple thousand invested in my tools and I can count on one hand how much I use them in a typical year. I’m more worried about the batteries becoming obsolete than I am about the tools wearing out. I suspect I’ll be using these tools even 20 years from now assuming I can still get batteries.
All that being said, if the price difference is only a few dollars I’d get the brushless tools. If it’s more like the brushed tools are 30-40% cheaper though I’d get those instead.
My tools are all Dewalt, and I’ve never had an issue with any of them, if you are looking for a brand endorsement.
The tools will see regular use, if not daily.
As brand, any thoughts on Ryobi?
I do not personally have the expertise to know exactly why. But a material scoentist I worked with and trusted said they were among the worst of the brands.
He used Makitas for drivers/drills and Milwaukee for sawzall and grinders
Oh yeah, in that case, get brushless tools if they are available. You will get more life out of them in your use case.
Still a vote for Dewalt from me.
Yep. Went ahead and order the brushless DeWalt 20V drill/driver 2 tool combo set off Amazon for 214.
Thanks for help/tips/advice.
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I wouldn't trust them to be reliable enough were it your full time job with very high use, but for hanging a picture or cutting a doggie door hole - sure.
IMHO picking a system for home use relies on the battery system lifespan. You'll be replacing batteries way more often than tools.
Even if you only add more batteries, it's worth looking.
Also if it matters to you, DeWalt has a "speed charger" that has an integrated fan in case you get caught mid project with no juice
One other thing, as a DeWalt owner myself I would be an asshole if I didn't warn you against counterfeit DeWalt batteries on Amazon. Make sure you're buying directly from Amazon and not some third party
Some of them even advertise this as your tools not dropping power in the middle of a heavy session, but that power cut off is a feature, not a flaw. Hell, some of them are even higher voltage and promise to turn your 12v light duty drill into a 24v heavy duty drill. Which might actually be possible but it's just a race between the battery exploding and the motor burning out.
Edit: worst offenders are the blue ones you see on eBay a lot. They're Hercules batteries with a little nub shaved off and a couple wires switched. They're actually good batteries on the correct tool, and they have all the features of a good battery that the counterfeits usually miss. But it's all a ruse, because modified to fit a DeWalt they're small incendiary weapons.
I have that set, and I use the driver constantly when working on cars. Never gave me an issue and after 4-5 years the batteries are still going strong.
You can't give someone a pirate ship in one game, and then take it back in the next game. It's rude.
I think the next question is what kind of daily use? If it's heavy duty use or you need a chuck that's 1/2"+ then yeah go with a big 18v. If not, consider one of the good 12v drill/driver combos. Form factor and weight are definitely one thing to consider with daily use tools. Like all the electricians I know mostly only use small form factor 12v models because they are so much lighter and easier to use. Not just that, they are much smaller and can reach into much tighter spaces if you're doing work inside/under cabinets or other tight spaces. Using a much larger/heavier tool than you need on a very regular basis will definitely have some wear and tear on your body.
For small form factor, but quality drill/drivers, you've got the the Milwaukee Fuel 12v set that's pretty much the best 12v set you can buy. On a budget, I have the 12v Bosch drill/driver set which has a similar form factor/weight and is about half the price (or less on sale). Only time I ever bust out the 18v nowadays is when I need something with a large chuck.
Seconding this, because I think it's about levels of use.
My dad has been gradually replacing his old (primarily black and decker) tools with Ryobi, mostly because of the universal battery system, and they've been fine for his use, which is mostly moderate DIY.
I worked at home depot for 2 years, and our advice when folks asked about brands was that most brands are pretty comparable, they have maybe cheaper or more expensive versions and you get what you pay for, but generally most of the major brands maintain similar quality and price points. With the exception of Ryobi - dont buy ryobi, they're very cheaply manufactured, they break and dont perform well, the savings upfront aren't worth it.
Personally I have a half dozen dewalt power tools, both corded and battery, and they all work great. A little on the spendier side but they're definitely well made and I've never been disappointed with their performance.
I'm relatively familiar with their budget (not their cheapest, but just one step up for occasional use) Garden&DIY tools since me and my brother have bought a lot of their budget machines for my mom. She has arthritis in her hands and wrists, so basically anything requiring grip strength needs to be done by powertools, but she also has a small kolonistuga (small cottage with an attached garden, usually in an area just outside of town so that you can spend your summers growing veggies, berries and flowers and enjoy the quiet life). So far we've gotten her a light screwdriver/drill multitool, hedgetrimmer, a small powersaw and a lawnmower, and bosch tools are frequently about a pound or two lighter than their competitors but still powerful enough that the screwdriver can drive screws into hardwood (and not just soft budget lumber), the hedgetrimmer can cut finger-thickness branches etc.
-Antje Jackelén, Archbishop of the Church of Sweden
At least the "fake" Metabo stuff is all a different color and lower price point, but "real" Metabo isn't common retail fare so a lot of American consumers might never have seen it in person. The licensed Bosch is the same color and price and usually on the same shelves despite not sharing a battery or other accessories.
My brother inherited a major Ryobi tool collection so he's tried to stick with it. He's so far happy but the heaviest project was building a swing set from lumber stock and some steel brackets.
Makita
Milwaukee
Ryobi
Harbor Freight :bigfrown: :bigfrown: :bigfrown:
The consumer grade Metabo tools are just the old Hitachi power tools, which are probably on par with Makita. Hitachi just decided to get out of the power tool game so sold the whole division to Metabo's parent company which rebranded them for a consumer grade product.
Everyone is in agreement on DeWalt, and I'm with them. Bosch you're looking at mostly corded tools that I've seen. But I have this rotary hammer that is amazing for drilling into stone and concrete. Like, put the SDS bit on there and it just falls through the stone without any real effort. Absolutely amazing. Can't compare to my old DeWalt rotary hammer in any world.
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1) The Bosch 1617 Router is just the best I've ever used. I built an entire router table around this tool. It's too big for smaller jobs or arts and crafts, but is definitely my "go to". The accessories are also great (the circle jig and the under table mount in particular. I like it so much I might just buy the motor separately to have it permanently on the table.
2) The Bosch JS572EK corded jigsaw. This thing cuts so smoothly and has a three options for blade movement depending on what you're doing.
I'm an old when it comes to some corded tools. I don't like cordless saws in particular.