Replies

1. 
   calvin | Jan 24, 2012 05:57am | #1

   John

   Both my plumber and electrician have the dewalt batt. sawzall-which they use regularly.  Not sure as to the voltage-but I would go that direction over a jig saw.

2. 
   [email protected] | Jan 24, 2012 11:51am | #2

   What do you use?

   The decision of what cordless tools to own, should be driven by what you will use. 

   I use the impact driver the most, follewed by the drill.  Now that they have drill bits with the hex shank to fit the impact driver I tend to use the drill less. 

   You have a full complement of corded tools.  What one of those do you use? 

   Also, you can just wait until you need particular tools for a given job and then buy them as needed.  Admittedly you might have to plan ahead to get good deals.  You can also watch sales, and closeouts at the stores and buy compatible tools when they are on sale.  Most of my 18V Dewalt cordless was bought that way. 

   The one cordless tool that surprised me was the Dewalt snake style flashlight with the flexible neck.  A freind who bought a Dewalt kit that included it felt that it was worthless, and gave it to me.  He does mostly flooring and trim so I can see why he thought it was dead weight.  I think it is great for plumbing repairs because I can set it down and bend it to put the light where I need it, and not have it in my way, or in my hand. 

   I have a pretty broad selection of cordless tools.  But with the exception of the impact driver I tend to use corded tools for more things.  The only reason I use the cordless impact drivers all the time, is that I have never been able to find a corded one actually sold in the US for less than the cost of two or three cordless ones.  Makita and Milwaukee both show them in their catalogs, but I only ever found one dealer who could order either of them.  The Makita was going to cost $695.  I'll take the hint and use cordless.  If you ever want a nearly pointless search, look for a corded drill/driver with an adjustable torque clutch.  Ryobi has the only one, unless you want to count the black version of the same tool sold at Sears. 

1. 
   JohnWalker | Jan 24, 2012 11:51pm | #3

   good advice

   I realize I should buy for what I need/use but was looking for ideas as to what cordless tools are well suited to being cordless and which are not.

   I have a serious Milwaukee sawzall and although it’s an amazing tool it’s mainly for demolition or very rough work. Cutting up old cast iron radiators (through the connecting nipples) proved that to me.

   I've started using a Bosch corded jigsaw lately and am very much impressed with its power and fine handling compared to my previous one. This has caused me to re-think the usefulness of a jigsaw (the new one cutting SQUARE and FAST. If I have to nip off a single 2x4 it’s a reasonable choice.)

   I can also see (pardon the pun) how for some trades the flashlight might be very handy too but not for me.

   Perhaps I should have said "I have three batteries so I am just looking at "bare tool" sale items".

   Does the impact driver/circular saw/reciprocating saw make up the trifecta? What are the most popular choices?

   Thanks

   John

1. 
   xxPaulCPxx | Jan 25, 2012 12:20pm | #4

   I'd say you hit the trifecta already.  Going forward, you have to keep in mind that your tools usefullness is tied to the battery.  LiIon batteries loose about 20% of their capacity every year, so next year your tools will do 20% less per charge.  The year after that they will do 40% less per charge.  Some tools, like a circular saw, are pretty much worthless with a battery at less than 80%.

   If you go awhile between projects, be prepared to invest in a new set of batteries as part of your project cost.

3. 
   JohnWalker | Jan 28, 2012 12:36am | #5

   Li-Ion really loss 20% capacity per year?

   Are you sure you are not thinking of NiCad? I've seen lots of other Li-Ion batteries perform very well for several years (laptops, cellphones etc.)

   (Oh and as my friend suggested "buy everything you need before they change the battery style, voltage, chemistry....")

   John

1. 
   DanH | Jan 28, 2012 07:55am | #6

   No, Li-Ions a pretty notorious for their short life, both shelf and in use.  At least as compared to NiMH.  And no one uses NiCad anymore, that I know of.

   But a good quality Li-Ion, properly maintained, will last for several years in moderate use.  (But if you're a pro and run the thing flat daily then you're probably lucky to get a year out of it.) 

1. 
   JohnWalker | Jan 31, 2012 12:17am | #7

   Good to know

   That's good to know - thanks Dan.

   I guess i will stop buying batteries until some get weak....