So, I finally have a good excuse to justify a set of cordless tools and wanted to ask the opinion of the group here. Background on me and what they’ll be used for…I’m a homeowner and thanks to FHB I’ve gutted two bathrooms. Now that I have a new (old) house, I have two more to tear out and rebuild. Projects after those will be a potting shed / workshop for me, and then some built-ins in the guest room.
With that in mind, I’ve been considering either the Makita LXT combo (hammer-drill, impact driver, circ saw, and the bonus recip saw that they have through Oct), or the reconditioned Dewalt XRP (hammer-drill, impact driver, circ saw, recip saw, and cut-off / grinder tool). If I toss in the Dewalt jigsaw body, both of these kits are about the same price.
For the amount of work I’ll be doing, is the LXT too much?
Am I better taking the Dewalt and getting more tools?
Does Dewalt have an advantage with the number of tools on their system? I know they have some nailers that might be nice to have down the road, even if they’re heavier than the Paslode ones.
The only cordless I’ve had was an old Makita drill that a friend borrowed 3 years ago and I’ve not seen since 🙂 Since it didn’t have enough power to drive through metal studs, I imagine anything I get now will put a smile on my face.
Thanks for your ideas.
Replies
check out the Milwaukee lithium-ion
they've just come out with an 18-v. system, along with their 28-v. tools.
I've got the older 18-v. ni-cad kit, which I've been very happy with
Thanks Shep,
I had considered the Milwaukee kit initially, especially after the FHB review. And I did see that they were making the Li-Ion batteries backward compatible, which sounded great.
But after reading a bunch of posts on the forum, it sounded like the NiCad batteries weren't so reliable.
Plus, it seemed like the new Makita was more ergonomically friendly, and the Dewalt line offered more options. But if there's a strong feeling out there for Milwaukee set, that's exactly what I'd like to hear.
Thanks again.
I've had the set almost 2 years, with 2 batteries in the kit.
I got a third battery as a freebie from Milwaukee.
One of the 3 doesn't hold a charge anymore; I just don't know if it's one of the originals, or the freebie.
I have got the 6 pc+1 free Dewalt 18v. Love it.
But I was swayed cuz my coworker has the same and a slew of batteries. And we really use the heck outta drills/impact/ and the cut off tools and the free bie I got was the sheetmetal shears...
We do mostly copper roofing, and not say plumbing or general carpentry.
With that said, if it were for me to do all over again..and not having this current full time gig, I'd be real tempted to go w/ the L.Ion tech. Makita.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
" If ya plan to face tomorrow, do it soon"
Sphere,
Any reservation about picking up a reconditioned set of the Dewalt kit?
Did you have the jigsaw? If so what do you think of it?
Thanks much.
Sphere what do you think of those shears, it is the next dewalt 18volt I am considering to add to my extensive collection.
I wish they would make an orbital sander but the grinder has worked real well as a sander.
ANDYSZ2WHY DO I HAVE TO EXPLAIN TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT BEING A SOLE PROPRIETOR IS A REAL JOB?
REMODELER/PUNCHOUT SPECIALIST
Love them! I was getting a really sore elbow last year from the snips all day. The shears are a JOY.
I have had days where I cut a 20" wide copper pan maybe 20 times..I mean, not the SAME pan, but at least 20 cross cuts. Often even more.
For all small stuff tho' the snips are easier and lighter to use, but any cuts over say, 6'', now get the shears.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
" If ya plan to face tomorrow, do it soon"
I really don't think you'll do too bad on any of the major brand combo kits. Pick the one that feels right in your hand, is packaged in a way handy to you, has specific features you want, etc.
I have the Dewalt 6 pk and I really like it with one exception. My recip has been in the shop twice. Luckily I have a spare but I feel thats too much. Granted I do use these tools hard (I care for them but I dont baby them).
Would I buy the Dewalt again? Yep. I've heard bad about their drills but have yet to have any problems with them.
I'd also probably look at the Bosch kit too. I've been on a Bosch kick lately and have had no problem woth their stuff either.
As far as the Milwaukee kit, it looks good but it aint cheap. If your a homeowner and not using the tools everyday I would think you wouldnt get the bang for the buck.
Good luck with whatever you buy, I have to believe you'll ultimately be happy with whatever you end up with.
For one thing, forget the hammer-drill part. Save your money for the real thing -- a roto-hammer like the Bosch Bulldog or a Hilti.
In general, kits are are a scam. You get one or two tools you need, maybe one that is nice to have, maybe, and then one or two that you'll hardly ever use. Figure that it costs DeWalt maybe $30 to manyfacture a cordless drill that retails for maybe ~$150 and can go on "sale" for a couple of sawbacks less.
I like the Ryobi system. Batteries are $20 or two for ~$35. (You need two.) Cargers are either plug in the wall or your car type. Then each tool is sold individually so you just buy what you need when you need it.
It would be nice if batteries were inter-changeable between makes and chargers too. If they can make chargers that recognize different voltages and charge them appropriately, they why can't they make universal chargers and batteries?
~Peter
We can do it. You can help.
Don't know if you've looked at the Bosch 18volt kit - but I have one in the classifieds section that is brand new that I'm looking to sell.
Aside from my bias, cause I have one to sell, I also own and use the exact same kit on a daily basis and couldn't be more happy with their use.
The Bosch kit is the only cordless kit to come with a planer - and that is a tool I keep finding uses for and it'll do some jobs that no other will do as quick or clean.
The jigsaw is great and has power to match the Bosch corded model I USED to own.
The recip saw is powerful and seems to last a good long time even with tough use.
The drill is on the heavy side - but very heavy duty as well and the hammer action works great in brick.
The circ saw has somewhat akward ergonomics, but has been a good use for me.
My buddy has the Dewalt 18 kit and his jigsaw and recip saw seem like they are on their last legs - bearing noise, lots of vibration, etc. He's gone through 2 hammer drill bodies. Personally, I have a few questions about the Dewalt quality in the cordless. If your decision was between the new Makita or the 18 dewalt - I'd go the makita route - they are very nice feeling.
As for refurbs - just check the warranty - you might find that refurbs have a 1 year warranty whereas the new cordless have a 3 year warranty.
Good luck,
Julian
Fat Roman,
I don't have the DeWalt set, but those who do seem to dislike the recip and jigsaw. I use the Bosch 18 volt system, and the jigsaw is my most-used tool out of the set, followed by the recip. The hammer drill has been the biggest disappointment of all the tools. It works well in softer stuff, but struggles to even drill a Tapcon hole in hard concrete. It also gets painfully hot while making the attempt. The drill weighs a ton, too.
If I were you, I'd look into the Makita Li-ion setup. Handle them in a store before you buy. Ergonomics is a very important factor in cordless tools, and impossible to know about over the Web.
Bill
Thanks Bill,
I did exactly that, going into a couple of stores to handle the tools first. I found the Dewalt too heavy for my taste. And when I finally was able to locate the Makita LXT, picking them up was very comfortable compared to the others.
The kit arrived yesterday and what I have been surprised about so far is how useful the LED on most of the tools is.
Thanks again to everyone for your input.
Steve
I would look real hard at the Ridgid line a HD. They offer a lifetime warrenty on the batteries.
Dewalt is homeowner junk IMHO
I bought the 18 v set a few years ago and got 2 years out of the drill & recip saw before both needed a total factory rebuild , the little skill saw couldent cut sh##t
I bought a Bosch set as a fill in set & man what a difference in performance
the skillsaw really cuts 2x material and everything else works like a hot dam
the new Ridgid sure has a good warranty for life and i have a pile of them in my wood shop
Up here you can get any of the kits from HD and try the for a month & if your not satified take the back & get your money back no arguing
I have done this on nearly every tool i have bought for the business after owning the DEwalt and not being happy
PS. i kept the Dewalt as a back up kit but have never used it since getting the Bosch and it now sits in the corner of the shop as a reminder of my stupidety & i wont sell it in case i forget
Have you seen the Dewaly 36V Lithium Ion set? The battery is the size of a small house....that's not a mistake, it's rustic
havent noticed it locally yet, nearest HD is 25 miles away
I can't go in any direction without passing one before I get too far. I rate them by less-suckiness...that's not a mistake, it's rustic
While I do not have the 18V, I have 12, 14.4, and 24 and I have had a very different experience. I am not sure what your two years of use were or what kind of high fiber sh##t (?, I understand sh#t) you were cutting. However I do share your opinion of the Bosch line.