Need New Cordless Drill

[carolinarider09]

I am looking for a new cordless drill. 

I had a Ridgid that I used when building the house.  Its still a little operational but needs a new battery and charger (well the charger charges two batteries at the same time and only one charging port is operable now). 

I like the Ridgid devices.  And I like Old Milwaukee devices.   

And I have a couple of old DeWalt drills, none of which seemed up to the work the Ridgid did for me.

When looking at reviews (on line search) it seems Ridgid is not mentioned.

So, my question.  Lowes does not sell them, Home Depot does (where I bough the one I have). 

Anyone have any thoughts on why I should not return to the Ridgid drill.  It will probably be the last one I purchase, but I want a reliable device. 

This is the one I was considering.  Ridgid 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless 2-Speed 1/2 in. Compact
Drill/Driver Kit

Interesting the one that Home Depot sells has a 1.5 Amp battery but they also sell 4 Amp batteries. 

Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

[JimC]

I have been using Ryobi for years. I really like them, I feel they are the best bang for the buck, with one issue being battery life, in the 12-14 years I have accumulated probably 20 or more worn out batteries.

With that said, if I was not so heavily invested in the actual tools, I would probably for for rigid, mainly because they have a replacement battery plan. (if they still have it)

Jim

[Jersey mike]

I know all our guys use Milwaukee 1/2" & 3/8" cordless drill/screw/hammer drills on a daily basis as well as the cordless impact guns. They are small, strong, stand up to some real abuse and the batteries seem to hold up for many recharges. As a screw gun they are gentle enough for delicate work and holds up well under heavy use when drilling dozens of holes at a time in mansonary. With all the switching out of drill bits to screw tips to socket drivers I can't remember a chuck going bad.

Don't get me wrong they're not indestructible but I think they're good machines.

[Jess from VA]

I had a big (powerful) Dewalt (not lithium), but failed to use it for so long the batteries wouldn't take a charge anymore, and since long discontinued, funding new batteries was going to cost more (or as much) as a new drill.

So I go down to the Walmart, and buy the cheapo (small and light, and probably Chinese) Hyper Tough 18volt lithium ion (for around $30), and holy crap that thing kicks ass, and the charge lasts forever.  But my days of needing (and using) one all the time are over.  It amazes me when after 6 months I need to push in a couple three inch deck screws, and I pick it up and it's ready to go.  I've only charged it up twice in years and may end up killing it too.

It made me unhappy to just pitch that essentially brand new big Dewalt with batteries and charger in the trash, but I did.  I kept the nice metal box, but I'll have to figure out a reason why (beyond pack-rat-itus).

The real trick to these drills is not the drills, it's going to hex drive screws (hardware).  The power these new drills put out just strips the hell out of phillips head hardware if you don't lean on them like a gorilla. Of course, I've got a supply of phillips head screws in all sizes that will last far longer than I will.  

[f6john]

I swear by the DeWalt 20 volt brushless motor impact drill/driver. I won’t ever own another drill without the impact feature.

I have a Rigid 18 volt drill/driver/hammer that I bought in 2003 from Home Depot and still use it occasionally. Good tool but much heavier than the current crop of drills available, my DeWalt in particular.

[hubcapsc]

I perceive Rigid to be "Home Depot" and Kobalt to be "Lowes". I bet they're
both decent, I have the Kobalt chainsaw-on-the-end-of-a-pole thing, I know I
like that.

Batteries have evolved. I mowed a fair amount of way overly long
grass this morning with an Ego battery powered lawn mower, the
battery didn't run out during the mowing.

I'm focusing on having only one kind of battery as my tools/batteries age out. Dewalt
flex-volt batteries and tools that use them. The Dewalt circular saw I'm building the
shed with is as good as a plugged in saw, both the quality of the tool and
the power of the batteries. I also have the reciprocating saw, I've abused it
to no end, it gets the job done. And I have the grinder, I just moved my old
Milwaukee's random orbital sander head to it, it works great. I'm not going
to buy any more Ego batteries. I have the mower (given to me) the chainsaw
(I gave my good Husqvarna chain saw to Stanley Steamer after I got the Ego)
and a blower. Batteries are the most expensive part of this new breed of
high power battery tools. When my Ego ones start getting weak or quit working,
I'll replace the tools with Dewalt ones that work with flex-volt batteries.

I have four 6ah flex volt batteries now. "Flex Volt" means they have little
computers in them and they're 20 volt batteries or 60 volt batteries or
whatever the tool you plug them into needs them to be. There's a Dewalt
sliding compound miter saw that takes two of them and runs like a big miter
saw plugged into 120. You can, in fact, choose to plug it into 120 instead of
running it off batteries, its their top of the line saw.

You were asking about drills... I'm still using the Hitachi 18 volt drill with
two 3ah batteries that I've had for 15 years because it still works great
and the batteries still charge. I use the snot out of it. I think Hitachi is
a real good tool company.

I think, unfortunately, the big American tool companies might just
be names now, all the tools made elsewhere (that doesn't make them
bad tools).

-Mike

[Robert]

Dewalt 20v brushless, batteries last even through hammer drilling, quick charge, different speeds and comes with a impact driver that will put screws in fast and tight. Didnt think I needed both but I use the impact driver more than the drill for screws and nuts, bolts, the bag is nice also. The short head on the impact means you can get into tight spots and they are light wieght. Just put the bit in the impact because it has a quick release so swithing bits is easy. Unlike the drill you have a chuck to deal with the quick release is just that.

 So far the batteries have lasted a few years and they are not expensive either. I put in storm shutters in concrete and the battery on the drill lasted quite awhile through hammer drilling. A plus was when the battey did drop on the drill I just took the battery off the impact and continued on. Took about half an hour to charge fully.

Have one at home and one at the buisness and some who work for me have them too and like them.

At Lowes

DEWALT 2-Tool 20-Volt Max Power Tool Combo Kit with Soft Case (Charger Included and 2-Batteries Included)
$159.00 Was $199.00


https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-2-Tool-20-Volt-Max-Power-Tool-Combo-Kit-with-Soft-Case-Charger-Included-and-2-Batteries-Included/50169133?cm_mmc=shp-_-c-_-prd-_-tol-_-google-_-lia-_-129-_-cordlessdrillsandcombokits-_-50169133-_-0&store_code=1111&placeholder=null&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIieuF0PmL6QIVhp6fCh0BFQRiEAQYASABEgKDifD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[bassman]

I got this one last Christmas and very happy with it so far.  However, I am a "light homeowner user" so can't comment on daily use in a construction setting. 

Believe it is brushless which is one of the features I was told to look for when I bought it.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-3-8-in-Drill-Driver-Kit-with-Two-1-5-Ah-Batteries-Charger-and-Tool-Bag-2407-22/204300706?MERCH=REC-_-pipsem-_-204632932-_-204300706-_-N&modalType=drawer

[carolinarider09]

Gentlemen,

Thanks for the information.  Battery life is one issue.  I have never had a battery operated tool itself fail.  Its almost always associated with the batteries (or in the Rigid's case the charger but the batteries did need to be replaced).  

I was not aware of the flex thing (batteries sensing the voltage that was needed at the device).  

Regarding screws:  When I built the house the screws I used at first (I got them from Home Depot and Lowes, depending) were all philips head screws. 

Over time is has become apparent that Phillips head screws are good for light duty.  For heavy duty, the "star" screws are better.

When I started replacing the boards on my outside, stairs (wooden 2X12's Treated) found some of the screws were actually rusted through.  These were suppose to be screws for decking.   Nope.  And, on some others, the phillips head stripped.

So, I am now using stainless steel square head screws.   Only issue with these screws is that stainless steel will deform easily, but it will not rust.

[Chrisj CMA]

So timely.

I just bought this guy today. I’ve been using the 18V one since they came out in like 2001 or so. The power and performance was great but batteries not  holding charge after a couple years was the weak link.

I have heard these 20V are cheaper and better. The larger 18V aren’t even available except after market replacement on line and they are not as good as the original.

I have been very satisfied with Dewalt

[Gavin_Sons]

I use ridgid daily. Batteries that come with the tools are junk. I always upgrade to the 5 or 6 ah. I have 8 or 9 big batteries now. I have alm9st every cordless tool made by ridgid. Even the vacuum whice is awesome.

[3fan4life]

All of my tools are 18 volt Ryobi.

For the average homeowner Ryobi are very good tools.

They have multiple battery sizes from 1.5 to 9 Amp Hour.

I have found that the 4 Amp Hour batteries provide the best bang for the buck.

My cordless drills have exceptional battery life.

I want a 9 Amp Hour battery for my weed eater though as it takes two of the 4 Amp Hour batteries to do all of my weed eating.

I like the Ryobi tools and they've never let me down.

One reason that I've stayed with the Ryobi line is to have uniformity with chargers and batteries.


I've always said that if I had to make a living with my tools that I'd buy Dewalt.

When I work the Martinsville races we have 36 volt Dewalt tools on the Rescue Truck.

Those things are absolute work horses.

I'm not sure if they ever sold the 36 volt line to the public.

[Bret SD]

I've been a general contractor for over 30 years, I'd say the Milwaukee line has shown the most bang for the buck.. and I've beaten the pi$$ out of them for 10 years, the larger batteries last much better than the small, lightweight ones.
Makita makes excellent tools, Hitachi, De Walt, Ridgid..  

Overall I've been most impressed with Milwaukee, if you need a tool that takes a pounding, charges for many years and make driving 3" screws all day a mundane task.. that would be my recommendation.

You can pick up some good used ones on Offer Up, I had a set stolen and replaced them that way for a good bargain.

Ryobi are good for cheaper tools, and I have a ton of all the above listed brands. One of my favorite tools is the Ryobi cordless caulking gun.

[DGS65]

I se my cordless drills for work several times a week and have for many years I have been through many but for the last several years I have been using Milwaukee fuel drills and work great plenty of torque and good battery life and quick to charge.  I have four in my truck I have completely stopped using Dewalt which several years ago was my go to drill. 

[hubcapsc]

I'm not sure if they ever sold the 36 volt line to the public.

They did. I built Carolyn's barn with Dewalt 36 volt tools. Only one of
my 36 volt batteries is still any good, I've been using it (the drill) every
day lately... I keep the driver bit in my Hitachi drill and the drill bit in
the Dewalt, no changing bits back and forth.

The 20-volt max and flex volt batteries/tool-line is their new stuff, the
36 volt stuff is not made or sold anymore...

-Mike

[carolinarider09]

I have been looking and, again, thanks for all the advice. 

I think I have settled on the

Milwaukee M18 Compact Brushless Drill/Driver Kit — 2 Compact Batteries, 1/2in. Chuck, 500 Ft.-Lbs. Torque, Model# 2801-22CT

Link below from Northern Tool. 

Its not the M18Fuel version.  My only real concern is the 1/2" chuck.  While I do, on occasion drill some big holes, most of my bits have shanks that are 3/8" or less in diameter.  So,  I will have to look at the drill in person and see how the chuck works with 1/4" and less accessories 

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200725787_200725787#

My small light duty drill (new a year or so ago) is pictured below.  It can handle light tasks and has pretty good battery life but is not suited to driving large wood screws. 

[da prez]

  It's time for me to replace my 18 year old Craftsman 18.5(?) cordless. I am going with Rigid brushless tools. Lifetime replacement on all tools , batteries and charger.  I used a set last year working on our cabin up north. I was impressed.  I love my Craftsman tools , but a year and a half and the batteries are shot.  They are up to $70.00 each.
  The big Rigid tool set on line is $400.00. In Home Depot it is $500.00. Unless it goes on sale soon , I will order on line.

                                                  da prez

[carolinarider09]

The Ridgid drill I referenced in my opening post was also covered by a lifetime warranty.  I thought I registered it but when I go to the Ridgid website I only see my 1/2" hammer drill registered. 

Not doubting the lifetime warranty, but...  since it is not registered my drill is not covered even though its a real Ridgid product that was suppose to be covered at the time of purchase. 

[Tx Bohemian]

WOW!!

This may turn into a "Best oil" or "Best Tire" thread!!!


I'll throw my 2¢ worth in.

At work (nasty chemical plant) we have M18 Milwaukie cordless stuff (drills, impacts, etc...) and I was very impressed with the battery "charge life" and the fact that every "tom, dick and harry" use and abuse these things and they seem to be holding up very well. We've had them for a few years now.
Needing a circular saw at the time I bought a "Pack" at Home Depot that was on sale. Came with a circular saw, Sawzall saw, drill, 3/8" impact, and flashlight along with a charger and 2 batteries (2 and 4 amp).
These tools suit my needs extremely well!

As I was researching what deals Milwaukie was having, every one of the "packs" came with a 3/8" impact wrench, which I didn't think I needed. I was pi$$ed I couldn't find a pack without it!
Turns out I use this thing more than any of the other tools in the pack!

And I'll add one more thing. A buddy uses Rigid stuff from HD and was bragging on their warranty. He said if you register the things they give a lifetime of battery replacement. (or at least they did)
He needed to replace his batteries a couple of times and he said there was no problem receiving the new batteries.

[Wizzard]

Many are made by the same people. ck this out.
https://www.protoolreviews.com/news/power-tool-manufacturers-who-owns-them/43632/

[Crackerborn]

I am not going to try to tell you what to buy since all the lines a more than adequate for typical home-owner use. When you are driving 2 1/2 - 3" screws into walls, drilling 2 1/4" holes, etc all day, 6 days a week, 52 weeks a year then you might need to be more concerned with what you are buying. Panasonic made a cordless drill that put all others to shame. It was "only" 15V but would work all day on only two batteries. The problem with that line was you had to buy new batteries annually (nickle hydride) and they were as much as the kit. When Milwaukee came out with their Lithium ion batteries the company I worked for had a national account with Milwaukee. We were part of the test market for the lithium ion tools. The smaller size and less weight were huge advantages over the 20+ volt Dewalts that we still were using at the time. Milwaukee also develops tools that are trade specific, thus their popularity among trades people. I have a few 18v Fuel Milwaukee tools and they are quality tools but again the batteries will eventually need replacing. I will not buy Dewalt cordless tools, not because of the tool or the batteries, but because I have had two battery chargers catch fire while charging batteries. Both could have brought a house down if they had been unattended. Makita also has a brushless lithium ion line that has several additional tools that use the same battery. Again, expect to replace batteries at some point. Most of mine make it about 18-24 months. Rigid tools I have no experience with but do know Rigid limits their warranty on commercial use.

No matter the brand, you want a minimum of 3 amp-hour batteries and at least two batteries. I would recommend a driver and drill set. If you need to drill in concrete even occasionally a hammer drill would be my choice. It is switchable to use as a regular drill or hammer mode. The impact driver is designed to drive screws and saves the drill for use as a drill and then you can drill and screw without changing bits all the time. I have started to use after market batteries on all my cordless tools and find they last as well as the name brand batteries. Many of the made in China tools are made by the same manufacturers but on different lines with the better tools having more QC steps.

[Bret SD]

"I will not buy Dewalt cordless tools, not because of the tool or the batteries, but because I have had two battery chargers catch fire while charging batteries. Both could have brought a house down if they had been unattended."

Crackerborn,
I had the same ting happen to me on a customer's job, scared the crap outta me.. luckily it was on a concrete garage floor charging at the time. Since then I have dumped Dewalt as well.

I had Panasonic drills too, man those are bullet proof, as you said the battery tech back then was not so good.

[carolinarider09]

Many are made by the same people. ck this out.
https://www.protoolreviews.com/news/power-tool-manufacturers-who-owns-them/43632/

Wizard,

An interesting link.  

So Ridgid and Milwaukee are made by the same company.

And Husqvarna also owns Poulan  (Really like my Husqvarna chain saw).

And Yamabiko owns Stihl (I really like my Stihl trimmers and pole saw).  

And Black and Decker owns DeWalt.  

That is a cool link.  Who would have thought.  

[carolinarider09]

It appears I can only find the Milwaukee tools at Northern Tool (well there is Amazon, but...).  And both of the ones I looked at are mail order only.  Not in the stores.  Makes one wonder.

This one is a little more powerful and has the 5 Amp batteries and is the "Fuel" version. .  

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Li-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver Kit — With 2 Batteries, 1/2in. Keyless Chuck, 2000 RPM, Model 2803-22

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200712404_200712404


Edit:  I was in error, Home Depot also has the none "Fuel" M18.  Interesting that they have the Milwaukee and the Rigdig tools,  Now we know why.  Same company.

[Bigwolf]

I am watching this thread! 
I have used (and abused) a Craftman 19.2 volt set for 17 years or so now.  I did strip the gears in the reciprocating saw about 5 years ago and replaced it.  Then last summer the 5 1/2 circular saw burnt up as I was finishing the addition to my deck.  I now have another one of those.  I got more than my money’s worth out of that circular saw and used it for a lot of projects, not just lumber but kindling and aluminum too.  I also have a small chain saw that uses the same battery.

But I am thinking that when these die, it might be time to look at a different brand.

[Crackerborn]

Anybody getting 10+ years out of a cordless tool made prior to the lithium ion era got their money out of that tool. I still have an original Makita 9v single speed drill that works for about 5 minutes before the battery needs charging. It was the original Yankee screw driver replacement.  The Yankee was what we used before cordless drills. At the time, the Unions would not allow cordless drills on a job site and Makita tools were banned since they weren't manufactured in the U.S. The only reason that old Makita is still around is for a conversation piece.

While I haven't looked at the article posted by Wizard as yet, if you want to trace tool manufacturers back to the paper holders, look at Skill's holdings.

Crider09, Home Depot carries Rigid, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi and some Bosch. Lowe's carries Kobalt, Porta Cable, Black and Decker and Bosch (at least near me). I doubt you have Menards, Fleet Farm or Farm and Fleet in your area but there are any number of online tool sellers that offer last years models at tremendous discounts. See Tool Barn, Acme Tools and others to compare prices and models. I can seldom walk into any big box store and purchase a replacement tool off the shelf other than cordless tools. Even some of the specialty stores do not carry certain tools because there is just no demand for them. Try to find a Porta Plane 126 on a shelf somewhere. Porta Cable still makes them but good luck finding it, even in their own catalog.

[hubcapsc]

Anybody getting 10+ years out of a cordless tool made prior to the lithium ion era got their money out of that tool.

I just checked, I got my Hitachi through Amazon in May of 2009... it is Lithium-Ion, an
early one I guess... you can't get my model anymore... both batteries still charge and
last.

Hitachi DS18DL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 1/2-Inch Cordless Driver Drill (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

Hitachi is a GIANT company, they make all kinds of stuff, including mainframe computers
that are competitors to the IBM ones (Clemson had one for a while)...

-Mike

[Chrisj CMA]

Ok I would have to agree the Milwaukee brand is probably the king of the hill right now. However it’s twice the cost of a comparable DeWalt. I’m on my third DeWalt drill, the first two lasted around 8 years each. So if a Milwaukee lasts 16 years then cost wise it’s not double but don’t mind getting a new one every 8 years.

[carolinarider09]

I can only give you my personal experiences. 

As I said, when I started building my house in 2003,  I got a Ridgid drill and a Ridgid (120 VAC) circular saw. The drill was set aside a few years ago due to failed batteries and it was getting a little "worn".  After all it was 15 years old.  The circular saw had an issue with its power cord about five years ago.  I ordered a replacement cord from Ridgid but it was not a fit for my saw.  That saw was the most accurate and easy to use circular saw I ever had (compared to a Skill and a DeWalt battery operated saw I still have). I set it aside early last year when building my workshop.

I also have a Sears Radial Arm saw (its still in use in my workshop. It must be 25 years old, not sure).

My brother gave me his Sears Table Saw which lasted a few years. 

A few months into the project (the house), I purchased a DeWalt Impact driver (120 VAC)  It got used sparingly, it still works. 

Then some Milwaukee tools (right angle drill (120 VAC), and a SawZall (120 VAC)l both still operational and dependable) 

I have been through at least two (now on my third) DeWalt battery powered drill during that time. 

Just some information.  My experiences.  Which is why I asked the question. 

Until today, I was not aware that Ridgid and Milwaukee were owned by the same company.  Given my experiences, it makes sense. 

The small DeWalt drill I posted a picture of was purchased to have a small drill that was easily used for lite projects. But putting a couple hundred (maybe more) new screws (not counting removing the old ones) into the new decking boards requires a more powerful drill. 

Now I am in the process of replacing all the 2x6's on my back outside deck.  The small DeWalt is fine for drilling holes but my older DeWalt's battery is failing (down to the last battery).  So, one more purchase which I hope will last .... well I am 73... So....

[h13man]

All of my tools are 18 volt Ryobi.

For the average homeowner Ryobi are very good tools.

They have multiple battery sizes from 1.5 to 9 Amp Hour.

I have found that the 4 Amp Hour batteries provide the best bang for the buck.

My cordless drills have exceptional battery life.

I want a 9 Amp Hour battery for my weed eater though as it takes two of the 4 Amp Hour batteries to do all of my weed eating.

I like the Ryobi tools and they've never let me down.

One reason that I've stayed with the Ryobi line is to have uniformity with chargers and batteries.

Same here. Ryobi has a lot to tool options at a more reasonable $$$ cost. Their corded saws all is a damn good tool though my old 6 amp. DeWalt 23 yrs. old and was still working fine just wanted a newer saw just in case. Have a rare (31 yr. old) 1/6th sheet Ryobi sander that is the most aggressive sander I've ever used.

[semo97]

Bosch hammer/ drill 4 amp cordless been DeWalt  for 20 years but there batteries do last any more. I work my cordless stuff for long hours.

[MarkT]

Been a DeWalt user for 20 yrs or so.  Bought in Home Depot and Lowes.  The old tech Ni-Cad was good within the tech's limitations, superceeded by Ni-MH which was better and then by Li-Ion which is far better.  I'm still using one drill in ea tech - all with the older batteries with the post.  DeWalt went cheap on the chucks to where they were plastic partly; wouldn't grip the drill like the old metal ones did.  I found the latter once in my travels, in of all places the checkout counter of a restaurant and bought it. (The waitress's father owned a tool store and she displayed his closeout drill for him.)  Still using it though I had to get the batteries and charger online.  Grips the drills much tighter than the DeWalts I bought at Home Depot.  Meanwhile I had found there's a Milwaukee service center in downtown Denver so I became a fan.  Went to 11 amp 4 1/2" corded angle grinders from them - in my use I have to exceed duty cycles to heat up the work piece to make it glow and see where the grind has to happen - which was overheating and abusing the armatures making them need to be rewound periodically.  Finally a tech told me, just run them between cycles, so they cool and you can stop burning them out.  That worked.  Meanwhile I have bought brushes, switches and cords and do the replacement parts myself as I work them hard and don't want down time taking them to the shop.  I require heavy duty, high quality tools and I use them to the max - no Harbor Freight quality electrical tools could survive here.  Burned out a Ryobi chop saw and replaced it with a Milwaukee.  Destroyed several brands of various battery tools looking for good ones - I have quite a list 0f all those junkers.  The original Milwaukee chop saw still running, so now both chop saws are Milwaukees.

Couple years ago I picked up a M18 brushless FUEL Milwaukee impact driver - man that thing is a BEAST.  WAY more powerful then my air impact drivers.  I think it could bust the lugnuts loose on a SEMI truck (though I haven't tried that).  So impressed I picked up a FUEL brushless M18 Milwaukee hammer drill - quality is obvious!  Small, fits in tight places, torque considerably more than the DeWalt 18v Li-Ion drill.  Pretty sure if you're not careful it could break your arm with the torque.  BTW none of these Milwaukee tools were bought at any big box stores.  All online or at the Milwaukee factory shop. If you don't know this already - tools and other bigger ticket items sold at the big box stores are built for them, to a price point, not a quality standard.  That goes for lots of brands, some of them are Lincoln (welding equipment), John Deere, Jacuzzi, all the battery tool companies that I know of.  And I'm sure most other brands and genres of big ticket and even cheaper items.  They are like the Wal-Mart of home improvement suppliers.  If you want quality tools to outfit for pro level work, you need to do your homework and buy from pro tool suppliers.  If it's for just occasional DIY work - well then the big box brands will likely get you by.  I can supply lots of examples of what I just said, but you can find it out for yourself with some careful searching, asking pros in the fields, or make the mistakes yourself.

A couple of my favorites: FUEL, brushless, and use the same Li-Ion 5 amp battery which rarely needs charging.

[carolinarider09]

MarkT;

Can you give me an example of an "on-line" shop for purchasing Milwaukee products. 

And your comments about big box stores and "specific" production for them is something I had forgotten to consider.  Yes, I believe that does happen.

What I don't know is if I purchase from Northern Tool, which is not a real "big box store" it is a chain, well I get the genuine product (in my case a Milwaukee).

I purchases several items from them (Air compressor, TIG welder) and while I have not used the welder in years, the Ingersol Rand air compressor is still very much operational (probably 20 years old). 

[hubcapsc]

And your comments about big box stores and "specific" production for them is something I had forgotten to consider.  Yes, I believe that does happen.

There's several sizes of Big Box stores. The Lowe's and Home Depot in my small town
is the small size. They only have home-owner grade tools there, no contractor grade
flex-volt dewalt tools. I have seen Milwaukee fuel stuff at the Home Depot, but probably
not with those nice big batteries in Markt's post.

The big Big Box stores in large towns may have more to offer.

I buy most or all of my tools on Amazon, I'd be surprised if you couldn't get
all the stuff in this thread there...

-Mike

[3fan4life]

MarkT;

Can you give me an example of an "on-line" shop for purchasing Milwaukee products. 

And your comments about big box stores and "specific" production for them is something I had forgotten to consider.  Yes, I believe that does happen.

What I don't know is if I purchase from Northern Tool, which is not a real "big box store" it is a chain, well I get the genuine product (in my case a Milwaukee).

I purchases several items from them (Air compressor, TIG welder) and while I have not used the welder in years, the Ingersol Rand air compressor is still very much operational (probably 20 years old). 

This looks promising:

https://www.usfitwear.com/two-tool-milwaukee-3-0ah-cordless-batteries-charger-kit-tool-lithium-ion-bag-5-tool-one-m18-18-volt-with-combo-one-i28gx53c

[MarkT]

Just quickly I need to get back in the shop.

To start with I research what P/N I need to find.  That means reading reviews of people I trust - like here, and sometimes on Amazon reviews, or other places where reviewers don't have a conflict of interest or incentive to talk it up.  You can often google (actually I duckduckgo) and include in the search terms "forum" and/or "reviews".  Doesn't take long generally to nail down what I should look for.  I go to the manufacturers websites and get the specs and P/N's.  BTW if I was looking at firearms for example, I also keep abreast of what's going on in the field.  Subscribe to trade or enthusiast rags - eg American Rifleman.  Watch the Outdoor Channel esp on gun-focussed shows like on Wednesdays.  If  I was to be in the market right now for guns I know exactly what I would want, and where to look for it.

OK after nailing down what I want including model / PN's, I start searching for them online.  Often the non-brick & morter stores are the place to get it.  But be careful if that will invalidate the warranty.  Also, don't be a "Sheeb"  That is, a "Shop Here Buy Elsewhere".  If you use the help of a pro salesman in the field, then pay for his work by buying it from him.  Don't use his expertise which didn't come free, then buy it at Walmart or the like.  (Not aimed at you CR, this is for everybody who doesn't already support the professional in the field.)

Also be careful on what it is.  I don't buy A/V equipment on ebay, for example.  I have bought it used on Craig's List however - but that amounts to being a local purchase using a web-based classifieds newspaper - it's going to be face-to-face, I'm going to see it work in person and the price is going to be good / negotiated and the sale cash.  There is an element of sic caveat emptor / risk, so I wouldn't buy a high-priced item there w/o protection.  I sold my 20yo Explorer on Craig's a cpl years ago - price was right, the truck didn't have any hidden surprises though the buyer couldn't be completely sure I suppose.  It wasn't a big risk for him; it was an obvious good value.

I can't point you to a specific online source - but I suspect Northern Tool is not in the big box store category. Just say, if you know the P/N or model number, those are specific and are the same product everywhere (though warranty backing can vary; some businesses disclaim "unofficial" sales outlets and abandon you for warranty coverage).  I suspect Amazon is safe given you have the P/N in hand.  If it's a dumbed-down product sold at say Home Depot, that model is going to be dumbed-down at Lowes or anywhere.  eg. - The Lincold HD180 MIG welder.  That HD is not "Heavy Duty".  It's more appropriately "Home Depot". There are several shortcuts in it including it doesn't have infinite variable control on the power - it's click-stop and you have to pick the next power up for the weld you're doing, then reduce the arc time so you don't burn through the base metal.  If the circuit board fails - it's not worth fixing, it's disposable.  It also doesn't have other features of the class, like dual power sourcing, or support an aluminum MIG gun option, etc.  Or the "John Deere" garden tractors for around $1500 at Home Depot.  Those are JD in paint and appearance only.  Really cheaply made, stamped steel frames, typically belt drives, no hydraulics, no 3-pnt hitch, no 4WD, no Diesel, air cooled Kohler's or the like, w/o lots of truly useful implements you can get for them like plows, grader blades,  brush hogs, backhoes, augers etc.   A proper mini tractor is actually a sized-down ag tractor with those and more features.  The class, invented by Kubota, and now there are many, costs like 10X the HD junk tractors, and with only a mower.  My Kubota was about $14K.  It will pull a car out of a ditch.  Grade the drive.  Plow snow.  Mow the lawn twice as fast as the HD junk.  Level a foundation.  With a cpl more attachments, plow a field.  Dig fence postholes.  Dig a ditch.   Run all summer on ONE tank of diesel.  Weighs over a ton.

This wound up being longer than intended.  Now I hafta get back to work.

[3fan4life]

All of my tools are 18 volt Ryobi.

For the average homeowner Ryobi are very good tools.

They have multiple battery sizes from 1.5 to 9 Amp Hour.

I have found that the 4 Amp Hour batteries provide the best bang for the buck.

My cordless drills have exceptional battery life.

I want a 9 Amp Hour battery for my weed eater though as it takes two of the 4 Amp Hour batteries to do all of my weed eating.

I like the Ryobi tools and they've never let me down.

One reason that I've stayed with the Ryobi line is to have uniformity with chargers and batteries.

My old 6 amp. DeWalt 23 yrs. old and was still working fine just wanted a newer saw just in case. Have a rare (31 yr. old) 1/6th sheet Ryobi sander that is the most aggressive sander I've ever used.

I have a 15 amp Porter Cable circular saw that is almost 30 years old and still works great.

I bought a Factory refurbished Ryobi corded reciprocating saw at Direct Tools https://www.directtoolsoutlet.com/ for $30.

It has proven to be a workhorse.

[carolinarider09]

MarkT -

Thanks for the info. 

I try to do as you do.

[carolinarider09]

Using the information on the Milwaukee website (model number) and the model numbers used on the Northern Tool website, I believe the tools I am looking at on the Northern Tool website are the real devices (i.e. not made specifically for Northern Tool). 

Will do a few more checks to verify before making a purchase.

[Dave Ritsema]

I worked for Bosch for 22 years and could get their tools for about 25 cents on the dollar. I have had good luck with them over the years but they can be kind of pricey.