Rechargeable tool system recommendations?

[dgeist]

I'm a long time Dewalt user (at least the impact drivers and drills) and am looking to replace my "system". It's been long enough that I doubt any reasons for my original decision are even valid anymore, so I'm interested in what cordless tool systems you all recommend and why. Here are my requirements:
- Must be a commonly available brand (no macto/snapon/fein stuff where I have to have a specialty sales setup to get parts)
- Primarily used for impact driver and drill (others matter, I just don't have many other cordless tools, so I'll focus on those
- Cost matters, but I moreso want the tools to be reliable and durable, and am willing to pay a premium if worth it.
- not JUST automotive. I'll be using this for other general household work light carpentry / framing, etc.

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[Bill_BCNtoNY]

I saw a great review on the Hercules Ultra Impact from HF, and would consider them if in the market now. It was pretty close to the Milwaukee, and a bit cheaper.

Having said that I’ll be following this thread to see what people say!

 

[Steveo]

Milwaukee. Nuff said. Pick up tools and batteries when they're on "special buy" at HD.

Occasionally, you can get good deals from other e-tailers.

My main problem with HFT/Hercules stuff is the weak/short warranties. Not that most warranties are worth much these days.

 

[Vinman]

I’m a finish carpenter and use Makita 18v and Milwaukee 12v tools. The 18v Makita drill was the highest powered 18v they sold in 2015 and gets abused hard drilling 2-1/8” holes for door handles, it has enough power that I don’t use low speed anymore due to torque when the bit jambs. The drill just keeps on going and nearly broke my wrist more than once. Power wise it is still comparable to the new Milwaukee drills.
Apparently Makitas 18v is tougher than Milwaukees.
Zero complaints.

 

[jludave]

Milwaukee. Nuff said.

Milwaukee Fuel.

 

[Steveo]

Milwaukee Fuel.

 

[Philly_]

I really like my Milwaukee M12 tools. You get more power from the M18 line, but I've found the M12 is more than capable to do anything I'm working on. I still use a breaker bar to loosen any tough bolts, and the 3/8" M12 impact has enough juice to handle everything after that, including suspension work.

I think the important thing is go with a brand that's generally known as reliable and is well-known enough to pick up at most hardware stores. After that, take a look at the product line and see what lines up best with the projects you have planned. This way, you'll only need a handful of batteries to get you through any project.

If I didn't have Milwaukee, I'd probably go with Makita. Haven't heard anything bad about them. Also, Ryobi seems to get a bad rep, but they have a massive product line, and you could potentially save a bit on tools you only use a handful of times.

All depends on what is most important to you!

 

[phageghost]

Another Milwaukee fan here. When it came time to replace my old DeWalt drill, I tried all the demo units at Home Depot and the Milwaukee had the best "trigger feel" (lightness, consistency, modulation) which may not seem important, but just like a pistol it's your main user interface with the tool and if you use it all day it's going to make an ergonomic difference.

Anyway, eventually built out a whole Milwaukee collection and am satisfied with each one, but don't have much experience with other brands.

I will say that this hydraulic impact driver: https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/2760-20 has completely replaced my drill for driving fasteners. The impact style gives better torque while completely avoiding the "going-to-break-your-wrist" feeling of using drills for high-torque driving. And the hydraulic drive means it's basically silent, so no "whacka-whacka" noises either. A side benefit is now I can use the drill for pilot holes and then drive the fastener without having to switch bits back and forth.

YMMV

 

[Steveo]

I really like my Milwaukee M12 tools. You get more power from the M18 line, but I've found the M12 is more than capable to do anything I'm working on.

I use my m12 tools far more than the m18 tools for both automotive and household chores.

It's nice not to have a big/heavy 18v battery hanging off the end of an electric ratchet.

 

[PeatedWhisky]

I have Dewalt but if I were going to be starting from scratch I'd go Milwaukee or Makita but probably Milwaukee. I've had issues with DeWalt's outdoor products, and I think those are a big step backwards in quality for DeWalt. The DeWalt hand tools have been great for me, but I would only get their XR line as the step up in capability, I find, comes with higher reliability. That said, I've not tried their Atomic line so maybe those are good too. Their generic line seems less reliable than the competition.

 

[Mifsuud]

Milwaukee if you want the option for every tool.
HF Hercules line if you only want driver and impact. Their impacts are fantastic for their price and size. Also They offer a charger that can do 12v for small stuff and 20v battery charging.

 

[Camaroboi13]

I’m a DeWalt 20v guy myself, everything from lawn care to automotive repair to home improvement. Works for me.

 

[Hpc3]

I'm a long time Dewalt user (at least the impact drivers and drills) and am looking to replace my "system". It's been long enough that I doubt any reasons for my original decision are even valid anymore, so I'm interested in what cordless tool systems you all recommend and why. Here are my requirements:
- Must be a commonly available brand (no macto/snapon/fein stuff where I have to have a specialty sales setup to get parts)
- Primarily used for impact driver and drill (others matter, I just don't have many other cordless tools, so I'll focus on those
- Cost matters, but I moreso want the tools to be reliable and durable, and am willing to pay a premium if worth it.
- not JUST automotive. I'll be using this for other general household work light carpentry / framing, etc.

Many decade Dewalt 18V/20V user - jumped to Milwaukee 12V for some specialty Automotive driver/ratchet options a couple years back. Have to say I like them both but Dewalt's 20V/60V tools are more useful here. Maybe the 18V Milwaukees are better... no experience here. I'm back to Dewalt unless there's something I need that they don't make.

 

[dgeist]

Milwaukee if you want the option for every tool.
HF Hercules line if you only want driver and impact. Their impacts are fantastic for their price and size. Also They offer a charger that can do 12v for small stuff and 20v battery charging.

HF...interesting. I wouldn't have considered them for something expected to last, but it might be worth another look.

 

[Bill_BCNtoNY]

HF...interesting. I wouldn't have considered them for something expected to last, but it might be worth another look.

Milwaukee. Nuff said. Pick up tools and batteries when they're on "special buy" at HD.

Occasionally, you can get good deals from other e-tailers.

My main problem with HFT/Hercules stuff is the weak/short warranties. Not that most warranties are worth much these days.

Don't quote me on it, but I think the review I saw actually called out the fact that HF offers a much more competitive warranty on the Hercules Ultra Impact vs their usually insufficient-by-any-means 30days.

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