A couple of readers and forum members have emailed in and messaged me, asking if now’s a good time to buy an 18V cordless drill driver or kit. Or should they wait for all the new brushless tech that’s bound to hit the market?
In my opinion, brushless technology is worth waiting for, if you can mind the wait. If not, go out and buy yourself a current-gen model and rest assured that it won’t be rendered obsolete the day a brushless model is announced.
Of course, several brands already came out with their brushless drill/drivers – Milwaukee and Hitachi models are already on the scene. Both brands came out with brushless hammer drills at the same time, and Makita’s is also on the way.
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But what about Dewalt and Bosch? And will Milwaukee and Makita release more compact and lightweight versions of their brushless drills?
It is unclear what’s on the horizon for Dewalt and Bosch. Dewalt just released their new brushless impact driver, but there’s no word yet whether a drill/driver or two are on the way. Bosch has kept mum about brushless, but if such tools are almost ready for market, Bosch may introduce them at their June media event.
Update: Here’s a first-look at Dewalt’s brushless hammer drill and drill driver.
If you bought into the Dewalt 20V Max lineup, there are plenty of great brushed drills to choose from. The same goes for Bosch’s 18V lineup of drills. You can wait, but if you need a new drill, buy one now. Even if both brands announce new brushless drills in June, it’ll be months before they appear on store shelves. Or you can go ahead and buy one of the other brands’ brushless kits. There’s nothing wrong with having a rainbow of colors in your cordless toolbox.
Remember – aside from Makita – most of the major brands are only now releasing their first generation of brushless tools. I guarantee that the second generation of tools will be even better. Oh, and the third? The third generation will make the first generation of tools look like play things.
There will always be better tools on the horizon. And be sure not to forget the risks of being an early adopter.
What’s so great about cordless tools with brushless motors? Here’s a quick intro to get you up to speed.
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Steven B
Stuart, A most excellent analysis of the current situation. Even when all the vendors have their brushless lineup on the store shelves, the brushed products will still be functional.
If you are considering upgrading your currently functional tools, I would wait for all the big players to have their 1st gen products available, because that is when the price will start to come down across the brushless lineup.
SawdustTX
I needed a hammer drill, so I went with the new Milwaukee brushless, model 2604-22 at the local box store. Fantastic tool! It replaced a 15 year old Dewalt NiCD drill, so as you can imagine the difference going to brushless with LiON is huge! I could have saved a few bucks buying a brushed drill, but it was definitely worth it.
Harry
This is the time to avail the discounts being offered on regular drill/drives. Why should I pay twice as much for fancy brushless tech. For a professional like me its all about cost effectiveness.
Scottthetec
Panasonic cordless tools have been brushless for over a decade. One of the HVAC techs I work with swears by them. I looked into them years ago when I needed to upgrade to 18v. At the time they didn’t have Li-Ion batteries and they were quite dear.
Robin
I would personally buy into the 20V max lineup… IMO the 20V max compact drill is the best on the market, brushless or not, due to its ergonomics and power.
Dewalt already offers a brushless impact for the line, and has hinted that they intend to expand their brushless lineup.
Also, since it is their new flagship platform, the batteries and tools will be around for a long time, and are a VERY safe bet to invest in.
Seti
They nailed the ergonomics but the new dewalts feel like plastic toys IMO.
Every time I adjust the clutch, or change directions, I feel the cut corners.
Stan
I think the Makita tools stand out right now with their battery platform and brushless line up. The Lithium tools are outstanding and there is no lack of tools to be had in the huge line they have. The brushless impact is on it’s second version. I have the first Makita brushless impact and it has power, light weight, and comfort.
Brushless will be fun to watch, but if you need tools I think you can’t go wrong with lithium. There is always something new and more impressive on the horizon.
Stanley
I bought one of new makita Fuel range brushless drills and I am stoked with it, it cost a bit more but from what I can tell so far, well worth it.
Jason
Festool has been brushless for years. They almost introduced their brushless jigsaw to the states (corded I believe) last year. They just came out with a drill/impact driver that changes modes so you can have both in one tool. I don’t know if it is worth the extra $$$. I bought the brushless impact and love it. Festool is usually ahead of the curve from what I’ve seen. So maybe even corded tools will be brushless soon.
leo guy
I bougth the milwaukee m18 brusless impact today wowwwwwwwwwwwww the best .I think that dewalt and milwaukee are the 2 first one ane then comes the mikita.
I payed $279 plus taxs with 2 x1.5 ah batteries in home depot and had an extra 3.0 ah batterie free ,wath a deal . A impact for pros
Rich
Brushless tech has been around since the 60’s. What brushless gives you is higher efficiency. I don’t think there is anything great for the next generation of brushless around the corner. Look to the R\C industry for breaking motor or ESC technology.
The biggest concern with any brushless I see is the same as the R\C industry. Electronic Speed Controlers (ESC) are expensive and were usually the first thing to burn out in your new R\C car model but that was 20 years ago. The newest ones are waterproof and last many hours of hard use. Also Li-Ion batteries can be dangerous if shorted or fail when not maintained.
Funny I was just thinking of the 787’s that were grounded because of Li Ion battery issues.