FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Tool life expectancy

Piffin | Posted in Tools for Home Building on November 23, 2002 09:57am

I was just reading the thread on circ saws and side winder vs wormies. A lot of guys mentioned long time or short life without much talk of actual years of regular use.

I thought it’d be a good topic.

I’ve had several diferent sidewinders and generally get about ten years out of each one. Motors all still turn but no longer safe or convenient to use. Thirty- three year old Millers Falls with broken handle gets to cut steel or masonry occasionally now. the fourty year old Craftsman sits in the shop for that occasionall chop cut to shorten a piece. The fifteen YO Milwaukee is still my favorite and is wearing it’s third cord in daily use. I’ve got a PC that must be four YO now but I save it for the nicer work on panels and trim because the shoe is so nice while the Milwaukee still chews most of the framing wood. Actuall, there’s something about that PC – I have cut the cord on it four times now and I cut the cord on one that my helper has too.

Reciprocating saws seem to only last about three or four years but I do a lot of heavy demo work in my remodeling. Big beams, cast iron pipe, steel I beams, plaster walls. The PC was the best so I got another.

drills don’t die often. I had two Craftsmen drills for fifteen years each before Sears forgot how to make tools. The Milwaukee I have now should outlast me since it is similar to two SR and Tex screw guns that are older than some guys reading this.

Cordless drill drivers only get me about four years too but that’s because the batteries and chargers go out about the same time that new improved models come out.

Friends don’t let friends drive Ryobi!

.
Excellence is its own reward!

“The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.
The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are.”
–Marcus Aurelius

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. r_ignacki | Nov 24, 2002 04:36am | #1

    ro sanders, new one every couple years.

    listening for the secret.......searching for the sound...

    1. Piffin | Nov 24, 2002 04:51am | #2

      They are rough on the bearings. And newer better models are always coming out too..

      Excellence is its own reward!

      "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.

      The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

      --Marcus Aurelius

      1. xMikeSmith | Nov 24, 2002 07:31am | #3

        keep waiting for my '73 craftsman 3x21 belt to die so i can get one of the newer models.... but so far , no such luck

        my rockwell 315 is from about '80, but it has a new arbor.. and i use it for masonry & steel..the PC lefty is about 5 years now

        got a workhorse Millers-Falls router for rough work.. that has to be from the '70's... still gets trotted out every job..

        and the super-sawzall has to be going on about 10 years  now with no shop timeMike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

      2. sarison | Nov 24, 2002 07:42am | #4

        OK, you've  caught  me,  who in the hell is SR and Tex??

        1. Piffin | Nov 24, 2002 07:59am | #5

          Sheet rock screw gun and Tex screw gun. Tex screws are used for steel buildings and steel roofs..

          Excellence is its own reward!

          "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.

          The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

          --Marcus Aurelius

          1. sarison | Nov 24, 2002 08:10am | #6

            I feel silly, I was thinking SR was Sears and Robuck but  what was Tex? You claimed they were older than  some of us in here and I was duped.

  2. User avater
    AaronRosenthal | Nov 24, 2002 08:26am | #7

    Maybe I have the exceptions ....

    I have a 220 volt Ryobi belt sander and a 220 volt electric plane from my years in South Africa and so far I can't kill them.

    Those were the ones that had the Ryobi cases and the Makita inerds, so I guess that's something.

    At my age, my fingers & knees arrive at work an hour after I do.

    Aaron the Handyman
    Vancouver, Canada

  3. User avater
    JeffBuck | Nov 24, 2002 09:24am | #8

    My everyday fixed base router.....Stanley, I believe.....has the paperwork it came from the factory with.....dated 1954.

    All aluminum body and base.....depth is adjusted by threading the base up or down the motor housing......and that motor housing can also be threaded into a door plane base.....which I've never done because the big spiral cutter I have in the kit it rusted and frozen shut...no hopes of revival.

    anyone that's used it finds a new favorite.

    Jeff

    ..............Al-ways look on......the bright......side of life...........

                       .......whistle.....whistle.......whistle........

    1. calvin | Nov 24, 2002 08:50pm | #9

      Rockwell 315, everyday use since '72.  New armiture (however it's spelled), bearings, but this saw still cuts true.  Have managed to find 2 more  in the last few years that I've reno'd and keep them in shop or for additional saw when two diff. repetitive cuts are due.  Have used many others but it's wobble-free freehand cutting is what hooked me after purchase.  59.95 in a mtl box as a bonus special at a lumberyd opening.  Shoulda bought the whole skid.

      Milwaukee sawzall, hi/low speed from 72 also.  Needed some gear replaced after loaning it to a numbskull on a job.  Probably could have supersawzalled at the time, but just repaired the old one.  Put some cords and switches on it, but still used often.

      Milwaukee screwgun, w/detachable cord 99.00 new in 73.  Brushes only if I remember correctly.  Have used the crap outta it too, no wanna quit.

      Hilti 3/8 hammer drill included in their powder actuated nailgun promo from 73 still see's constant use.  I know I should upgrade this tool as the technology for drilling concrete has certainly come a long way.

      I laugh when reading about someone burning up and throwing away tools after 5/10 years and they're happy with the use.  I'm thinking either you abuse the crap outta them or they were bogus to begin with.  One other thing might be in my favor for long tool life.  Maintain them and don't loan them.  Being on my own for so long, no one else uses them and anything changing in their operation is quickly taken care of.__________________________________________

      Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.

      http://www.quittintime.com/

      1. Piffin | Nov 25, 2002 01:45am | #10

        I'll agree that when I saw through a slew of old 8x8s with plaster dust all around all day with a Bosch sawsall 'till smoke pours out of the front gearing is somewhat akin to abuse.

        ;-)

        Generally, I do take care of them better than average but I'm the master. The tools don't own me. I own them. If it does break down and is fixable, I do but like tha Millers Falls circ saw - they aren't made anymore so I can't buy a new handle for it. Even my time will come someday..

        Excellence is its own reward!

        "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.

        The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

        --Marcus Aurelius

    2. Piffin | Nov 25, 2002 01:51am | #11

      I've got a bunch of routers of all ages. Even one Ryobi LOL

      The only one that I ever wore out was the easiest and most comfortable to use for me. It was a B&D handyman style. The plastice holders to retain the brushes and guide the armature got overheated and weakened until they fractured under the stresses.

      We usually don't use routers daily but when we do a run of millwork with router tables, they can be singing and shouting all day long and get a good workout..

      Excellence is its own reward!

      "The first rule is to keep an untroubled spirit.

      The second is to look things in the face and know them for what they are."

      --Marcus Aurelius

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Guest Suite With a Garden House

This 654-sq.-ft. ADU combines vaulted ceilings, reclaimed materials, and efficient design, offering a flexible guest suite and home office above a new garage.

Featured Video

A Modern California Home Wrapped in Rockwool Insulation for Energy Efficiency and Fire Resistance

The designer and builder of the 2018 Fine Homebuilding House detail why they chose mineral-wool batts and high-density boards for all of their insulation needs.

Related Stories

  • From Victorian to Mid-Century Modern: How Unico Fits Any Older Home
  • Designing the Perfect Garden Gate
  • Vintage Sash Windows Get an Energy-Efficient Upgrade
  • Design and Build a Pergola

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data