There’s no denying that cordless power tool brands have made remarkable progress over the years, as they drive forward the concept of a “cordless jobsite.”
Many tool users buy into a single cordless platform, while others might buy into several platforms. There are many possible reasons why someone might buy into more than one cordless power tool system.
Working with more than one cordless system has its benefits, but also its downsides. The more cordless tools and systems you use, the more chargers and batteries that need to be juggled.
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Some brands do offer charger compatibility across multiple battery systems, such as how a standard Dewalt charger can work with their 12V Max, 20V Max, and FlexVolt batteries, or how a standard Milwaukee charger works with M12 and M18 batteries.
But while working with multiple cordless systems within one brand might not be as much of a hassle as working with different brands’ systems, the simplest solution is to work with just a single cordless power tools system where all of the tools, batteries, and chargers are cross-compatible.
Makita uses “One System” marketing language for their new XGT 36V/40V Max cordless power tool system. When they launched this cordless lineup in the USA, Makita made a big deal about the variety of tools that can be powered with a single 18V form-factory battery.
Makita makes similar “One System” claims for their 18V and 12V Max systems.
Each of Makita’s full-size tool systems – their 18V system and 18V form factor 36V/40V Max XGT system – have both single and dual battery solutions.
Hilti recently launched Nuron, their new 22V cordless platform. Hilti says:
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Nuron is a single 22V battery platform that enables cordless tools on all kinds of jobs, from light duty drilling to heavy duty concrete breaking.
There’s that claim again, of a single platform to suit all of your cordless power tool needs.
The Hilti Nuron system was seemingly designed from the ground up, and with modern Li-ion tech in mind. It will be interesting to see what they do here.
Bosch’s latest newsletter talks about “high power, one battery,” seemingly referring to their Profactor battery.
Bosch makes an effort to show off a cordless drill, impact wrench, and rotary hammer, all powered by a Profactor battery.
Metabo HPT (formerly Hitachi Power Tools) has their MultiVolt system. Their MultiVolt 18V tools can be powered by 18V or MultiVolt batteries, and their MultiVolt 36V tools can be powered by MultiVolt batteries or the MultiVolt AC adapter.
Milwaukee’s M18 system has an “everything fits” motto, where you can use different classes of batteries for everything from compact to heavy duty power tools.
Milwaukee also has MX Fuel, a separate cordless power equipment category.
Dewalt has a new Flexvolt 15Ah battery, and it looks like they designed a new interface to help support larger cordless tools and equipment.
Dewalt also created 20V Max PowerDetect and 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage cordless power tool systems.
Dewalt FlexVolt Advantage tools, such as their recent air compressor (DCC2520), bring higher performing tools to their 20V Max platform. While FlexVolt Advantage tools deliver the highest performance when powered with a FlexVolt battery, you can also use 20V Max batteries.
Dewalt recently launched PowerStack, their new compact Li-ion stacked pouch-style battery pack.
Flex also announced a new stacked lithium battery pack.
Brushless motors are the new de facto standard for new cordless power tool releases.
“Standard” power tool battery packs, built with 18650-sized Li-ion cells, are still extremely common and popular, and “high output” battery packs with 21700-sized cells have also become commonplace.
Big changes are coming to the cordless power tool industry. Adding stacked pouch-style Li-ion cells to the mix will surely lead to further expansions and possibilities.
21700-sized batteries raised the power output ceiling. Pouch-style cells can do the same again, and we’ve also seen brands – namely Dewalt so far – lowering the floor when it comes to battery size and weight.
With respect to 18V and 20V Max tools, there used to be just two battery form factors – compact 5-cell batteries and higher capacity 10-cell batteries. We now have compact 5-cell batteries that match the power delivery and runtime of legacy 10-cell batteries, and 15-cell batteries that fuel tools that weren’t possible 10 years ago, even in higher voltage systems.
Every brand seems to be working towards the goal of “one system fits all,” where they can suit any user’s needs with the right tool-battery pairing.
Cordless power tool brands have been working towards this for years. After all, which cordless brand would be eager to lose any business to their competitors?
Brushless motors, higher output Li-ion cells, and years of progress with now-mature Li-ion tech, have helped engineers raise the tech and performance bar, time and time again.
Brands furthered the idea of a “cordless jobsite,” where cordless battery-powered tools could replace tools and equipment were traditionally powered by AC and extension cords, gasoline engines and generators, or air lines.
They’ve done a good job with this so far – there are fewer and fewer tools where you need to choose AC, gas, or air power.
Now, whether obviously or subtly, most if not all major cordless power tool brands seem to be moving towards a “one system” philosophy.
Some brands offer next-level performance with some level of cross-platform compatibility, such as how Dewalt FlexVolt batteries can be used with both FlexVolt 60V Max and 20V Max cordless power tools and chargers.
Makita’s XGT system is completely new, and while not compatible, their 18V system remains separate.
Hilti’s Nuron 22V system will likely replace their legacy 22V and 36V systems.
Bosch has an 18V “Profactor exclusive” 12Ah battery.
We’re not just moving towards increasingly cordless jobsites now, we’re moving towards cordless jobsites and workshops where a single cordless system can meet increasingly broad user needs.
It seems that most cordless power tool brands are striving to provide complete one-system solutions. Will tool users move in the same direction?
As a tool user, I’m not quite certain whether I am moving in the same direction.
Let’s consider an 18V/20V Max class circular saw. Traditionally, I’d power this with a 10-cell battery, such as a 5Ah battery pack, or I might use a compact battery for a light cut or two in a pinch. Now, there might be as many as 6 or 7 different battery form factors in a platform, and that’s just talking about physical sizes – there are more if you go by charge capacity.
While it’s good for cordless brands to meet as many user needs as possible, will more users stick to just one cordless system?
When you might have to buy a full kit, or a $200 battery and separate fast charger to support a more powerful cordless tool, does it really matter if it’s in the same system as your drill?
One thing that’s certain is that the next couple of months will be extremely interesting. The idea of being able to power all of your cordless power tools with “one battery” or that they’re all in “one system” isn’t new – this is what years of progress and expansion has been leading up to.
What happens when you have a smaller battery and a standard charger for a compact tool, and a much larger battery and rapid charger for a heavier duty tool? I wonder how stacked lithium batteries will play into this. What if you could power a 12″ sliding miter saw – and at max performance – with a battery that’s compact and light enough to comfortable fit an impact driver?
Do you prefer using just one cordless system, or is your kit composed of multiple brands or cordless platforms? Which option would you choose if you had to build your cordless kit today?
Bob
I am in the DeWalt system. So technically it’s 4 battery systems 20volt max, 12volt max (I don’t have any batteries but my 20 V charger also does 12v), 60v Flex volt and I have factory adapters that let me use the handful of 18volt XRP tools that refuse to die lol
I’ve been tempted a few times by other brands but never pulled the trigger.
Oh I do have an 18V cordless bandsaw from Stout tools I modded to accept a DeWalt 20v pack. Ironically stout tools was the OEM that used to produce the 18V XRP bandsaw for DeWalt.
Joe
Bob, I too have a Stout Tool band saw that I haven’t been able to use in years because of no batteries. Could you please tell me more about this 20Vmax modification?
MM
I’m currently on Dewalt 20V Max, Flexvolt, and Milwaukee M12. I have many tools on each system. I also have a single tool each from Metabo and Makita which I run on 20V Max batteries using adapters.
If all my tools disappeared and I had to buy everything over again I’d go with the exact same lines of 20V Max Dewalt and M12 Milwaukee for most of my tools. The former for “contractor” leaning tools and the latter mainly for mechanic’s tools.
Jared
I have been tempted to try some Makita with adapters. Was it bargains that tempted you or because Makita had something unusual?
MM
I really needed a Bandfile sander and neither Dewalt nor Milwaukee had one on their system, so I went with the Makita. I figured I’d try the battery adapters first and if that didn’t work I’d get some proper Makita batts and a charger. It turns out the adapter works fine.
Jared
I saw marketing language from Hoover about “one battery fits all” the other day. HOOVER. They only have 1 or 2 cordless products anyway.
I am pretty much all over the board on power tools. No loyalty whatsoever. I try not to add more platforms but can’t seem to help myself.
Currently I’ve got Dewalt 12v, 20v & 60v, Bosch 12v and 18v, Milwaukee 12v, Worx 20v, Ryobi 18v, Ridgid 18v, Craftsman 60v, Black &Decker 20v and Porter Cable 20v.
It wouldn’t surprise me if I’ve forgotten something. I’ve also got a few adapters.
Admittedly, at this point I’m trying not to add any more platforms. It’s not often a problem, but there are times when juggling chargers and batteries is annoying.
TonyT
Multiple platforms – nobody makes everything. Main current platforms are Ryobi One+ and Bosch 12V, with one M18 (drain auger) and Makita LXT (track saw). I don’t want to expand too much more, but might add more in the future (DeWalt 12V, HPT Multi-Volt most likely).
TonyT
Our machinist, who does a lot of wood working outside of work, has been using Ryboi 18V and Makita LXT for years; he just added DeWalt 20V.
John E
I’m happy with my Dewalt collection. Would trade my Makita 18V stuff for their new 40V lineup but the expense isn’t worth it. Too invested in Dewalt to dump it all.
The rest is Mafell and some Bosch. Still use a lot of corded tools. The cordless Hilti drills are very tempting. I basically just buy what I need, when I need it.
Jon
Many of the 24v tools are simply too large. Having smaller, lighter tools are more convenient for most tasks. On the other hand, 24v lines don’t seem to pack the power required for high output tools.
I don’t see a good balance to this. I don’t want to use a miter saw with a 2 ah battery. Nor do I desire to use 15 ah battery on an impact driver or drill. As convenient as a single system might sound in concept, I think there is recognition of battery incompatibility for different power classes of tools.
I have the dewalt 12v, 20v, and 60 v lines. I really like that the chargers can be used across all voltages. As more and better atomic tools are released, I am doubting the value of the 12v system, but am still very pleased with the 20v & 60v mix.
Chris Gutierrez
I was just thinking the same thing about atomic and 12v.
This is especially true in the impact space. I have the MAC branded impact driver/screw driver/drill. Their small sizes let me keep all three in one tstack/versastack.
But with the atomic impact wrenches and driver I may have gone in this direction and paired it with the compact xr drill/driver even though it is a bit larger than the 12v separate units.
The 12v tools are really nice, but I didn’t “need” another drill (have compact and full size 20v) or impact (have 4 20v wrenches and drivers of all torque sizes).
With the new power stack batteries and atomic lines people who don’t already have multiples may be more inclined to just stay in 20v instead of getting the smaller and lighter 12v line.
Frank D
Pipe dream.
Even Ryobi does not do one battery system for all …
Saulac
Am I the only one that read the title and thought Stuart talked about the Cordless Alliance System (CAS) again, and was a bit disappointed? Not because of the content of the post. It’s good for what it is. I thought I was about to hear that CAS, or something similar, was coming to the States. Regard to the current topic, I applaud Dewalt for using the same interface for their 12/20/60. I am currently looking to buying into OPE and would give Dewalt Flex a priority, just so I can take advantage of the Flex batteries on my 20v tools. But I am not sure if Dewalt has good selection of OPE. I am not sure if the Flex compatibility can win me over the Ryobi 40v, which is great currently with lot of potential. But if I can dream, I want to see 12/24/48v with the same interface accross all manufacturers. I know that i will not see this in the US anytime soon, but if USB C here…I can hope.
Chris Gutierrez
Admittedly I’m already heavily invested in DeWalt but the flexvolt multihead ope tool is a beast.
I currently have the string trimmer/edger/hedge trimmer/extension/snow power shovel. Line trimmer is DeWalt and came with the kit but because this power head uses universal attachments you can buy heads from Troy/snapper/Ryobi/hart and so on (which I have).
It’s really a matter of what ope you want. If a snow blower is on your list you probably want to consider ego or roybi (40v) for ope…..I’m still waiting for the DeWalt flexvolt snow blowers……..
Stuart
Metabo has CAS, and Bosch has their own “alliances.” https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/bosch-cordless-power-tool-battery-system-alliances/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
But few of those “alliance” brand tools are readily available here.
Klein Tools and Graco have cordless tools powered by Dewalt 20V Max.
These and other cross-brand compatibility arrangements tend to live outside of brands’ direct expansion and marketing efforts.
MM
I looked at getting into the Metabo line pretty hard about a year and a half ago. I read about the CAS back then, I thought it was pretty interesting so I researched it farther, and at least as far as I could see all the brands outside Metabo on CAS are highly specialized and expensive. I thought I might get more value out of having Metabo batteries around if I could use them in other tools but there was nothing on the CAS which I had a use for.
Joellikestools
I am in six different lines. M12 for most tools. Got Kobalt 24v to replace my old nicad drill because batteries are inexpensive to replace. Got Ryobi 40v for OPE. I have a Makita vacuum for our kitchen. We got into Ryobi 18v for the glue gun. Which is quite nice. We also use their fan daily. I have wanted an oil impulse driver for awhile and couldn’t resist the M18 deal for black Friday.
Jeff
I am deeply invested in Dewalt with 12v, 20v, and 60v. I have said for years tool companies should get together and make their batteries interchangeable like vehicles did in 1996 with OBD2 and how all corded tools plug into the same extension cord. I would buy some Milwaukee tools if my Dewalt batteries would fit.
Vance
Totally agree, Every tool manufacturer should use the same battery/tool interface. The batteries can have there own performance design just let them work across all platforms. It would take a bunch of humility and willingness to work together but the end result would be better batteries that are less expensive and I could go back to having just one charger in my shop
josh
I have the dewalt 20 volt for my heavy use tools in the garage, ryobi for my yard tools because i do the least amount of yard work as possible and there more than enough and i have a power torque brand cordless ratchet because dewalt didn’t make one and I wasn’t interested in the Milwaukee price. I would probably have ryobi instead of dewalt had they had there hp 1/2in impact out a few months sooner
AlexK
I was starting to consider getting back into Dewalt, but I am overwhelmed and too confused. I am fine with my m12 stuff, but I only have a couple of m18 tools that I literaly haven’t used more than 10 times in 4 years. The m12 hammer drill and impact driver are more than enough for what i do and there are tools at my jobs. I like the Dewalt – router with plunge base and random orbiting sander. But when I look on line, all the descriptions and explanations that Stuart took time to research and explain are not held in my mind and I freeze. The batteries and models are too much. I like overbuilt everything. My old xrp tools were tanks, and 17 years later are currently being used by a friend in Puerto Rico. I can’t seem to sort it out. I’m on overload with all the different choices.
Stuart
For the sander, there’s a promo-priced kit right now, DCW210D1, which gives you a 2Ah battery and charger. That’s a good start, and gives you time to figure out battery preferences later. Generally, the standard 5Ah battery is a good fit, offering the same size and weight as 10-cell 3Ah and 4Ah batteries but with higher charge capacity for longer runtime.
If you buy that sander kit and wish to buy the router, you can use the same battery and figure out additional batteries later.
One option is to go for Dewalt’s compact 3Ah battery 2-pack, DCB230-2, which is still a $99 promo at several retailers. That battery is larger than Dewalt’s compact 1.5Ah and 2.0Ah batteries, but a different size/shape than their 10-cell 3Ah-5Ah batteries. It is also designed to adequately power heavier duty cordless tools, such as the saws.
Generally, high output (21700 cell) batteries deliver step-up performance compared to standard (18650) batteries. Meaning, 5-cell 21700 batteries are typically advertised as delivering the same punch as 10-cell 18650 batteries.
When in doubt, looking at how different tools are kitted can help to eliminate the guesswork.
Dewalt has a “woodworking kit” (DCK201P1) that bundles their router and D-handle jig saw with a 5Ah battery. One retailer has a custom bundle that pairs the router with a compact 3Ah battery.
It seems that both tools were designed around the 5Ah battery. https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-cordless-woodworking-tools-router-sander-jigsaws-2018/%3C/a%3E There are two sander kits – the one I mentioned with a 2.0Ah battery, and one with a 5.0Ah battery. The router is sold as a bare tool, but is shown with a 5Ah battery. I’d use a compact high output battery (e.g. 3.0Ah) or standard 10-cell battery (e.g. 5.0Ah). You can use larger batteries too (6Ah and up), but with less than optimal ergonomics and control.
Philip
But. Only Milwaukee keeps reminding us users of High output tools… to look for high amp hour batteries for tools before higher voltage tools. Lol.
Well I have many high output tools in red and yellow and can say 60v at a low amp hour is much better than m18 at a higher amp hour batteries.
I am willing to bet Milwaukee is working on this mistake and stop building such big hand tools and equipment at 18v. They will build a line between 18v and mx 80v.
M18 HO cost and performance is not worth the damage the heat does to batteries and requires a lot of batteries and charger management.
Stuart
Milwaukee can also create M18 x 2 tools to bridge the gap between M18 and MX Fuel.
They are NOT interested in an intermediate system.
Look at Makita and the mess they’re in between 18V and XGT 36V/40V Max. The standard 36V battery is the same size as an 18V 10-cell battery, and with the same energy capacity. They don’t offer the same tools in both systems, and there’s zero cross-compatibility outside of a one-way charger adapter.
With Dewalt FlexVolt, there’s at least one-way battery compatibility, where you can use FlexVolt batteries with 20V Max tools.
WHY is Dewalt introducing more 20V Max FlexVolt Advantage tools, rather than keeping FlexVolt-level performance and functionality at its 60V Max level?
Even ignoring Milwaukee’s movement away from their 28V system, they will NOT seek to create a higher voltage system between M18 and MX Fuel. Such an intermediate system would be a huge mistake, for them and in general.
Makita had no choice with XGT. They had to create a more modern interface that could allow for higher output Li-ion cells, and they couldn’t, wouldn’t, shouldn’t have two separate 18V lines.
Metabo HPT has MultiVolt, which gives you compact and high power tool and battery options.
Bosch’s Profactor marketing confuddles me.
Hilti’s Nuron was designed around modern tech and potential, and they have a huge compatibility chart that details tool and battery pairings. It’s a higher voltage system, which presumably includes a 6th Li-ion cell for 21.6V nominal voltage. I believe it’s comparable to “24V Max.” This gives their batteries 20% greater power potential than 18V batteries. You’re not going to have as compact a tool-battery pairing as say a Dewalt Atomic impact driver with Powerstack battery, but Hilti’s 22V line leans towards higher power tools overall. And, they also have a 12V line for compact tool needs.
Maybe Milwaukee is the only brand reminding users of High Output tools, but most brands seem to be working towards single battery platform solutions, whether it’s 18V/20V Max, 22V/24V Max, 36V/40V Max, or otherwise.
For cordless equipment, Milwaukee has MX Fuel, and it’s going to be extremely difficult for any brand to compete on even ground. Brands can try to adapt batteries and interfaces designed for handheld power tools for power equipment needs, but not without compromises.
Milwaukee worked extremely hard to push the limits as to what an 18V-class battery pack can do.
I have heard from readers that some of their M18 tools can overtax even the largest HO batteries at times. If M18 is at its limits, there’s still the potential for M18 x 2, 20-cell batteries, and stacked lithium batteries.
Bosch has a “Profactor-exclusive” 12Ah battery. I believe that Milwaukee would opt for M18 x 2 tools way before they would consider 20-cell batteries or batteries designed with limited tool compatibility in mind.
Dewalt had a 40V Max lineup of cordless outdoor power tools aimed at professional landscapers, but they discontinued it and expanded their FlexVolt line.
An intermediate line between M18 and MX Fuel would be unlikely and maybe even unwise.
Hilti appears to be replacing their 22V and 36V lines with Nuron 22V. Other brands have abandoned (or all-but abandoned) their 36V lines, except for those that are built on the 18V 10-cell form factor.
Milwaukee M18 could be near its limits, and if that’s true, we can expect for them to overcome this. Milwaukee product managers and engineers are smart and strategic. They have something up their sleeves.
Jared
For what it’s worth, I really enjoy these battery discussions.
I am very curious about what Milwaukee will do. “x2” systems seem like an inherent compromise, but I suppose it’s all in the implementation. I’m not going to care if a tablesaw uses two packs, but an angle grinder…
Philip
Right and with 2x kits you most likely end up with many batteries so really 2 different lines and voltages is not a huge problem. Also the big bats on small tools is horrible ergonomics. Or Milwaukee small bat on a HO tool same voltage line is a joke. Even the biggest 12 amph batteries can’t take heat and get damaged. Now nuron by hilti makes similar claims as Milwaukee and batteries issue could be the same.
Philip
Correct. Many of the Milwaukee HO tools. Should be m18 x2 for 40v. Not just the 1000usd mower
I disagree makita is in a mess. They are better off than originaly saying they would not have a 40v line. At least they did what you say Milwaukee can do. 2x 18.
But really 2x 18v is suited better for really big stuff. A manufacturer is best to have one bat on board for ergonomics charging and purchasing ect.
I will not speak about hilti until it’s proven. Milwaukee had similar claims.
As u point out the industry is moving to 2 to 3 main lines and Milwaukee has a huge hole.
Mike
They are already going with two batteries with there lawnmower but for the price they’re charging for the lawnmower 1000 bucks it my be a big failure, they say it’s for professionals but they won’t buy that and homeowners are definitely not buying it at that price it has a lot of power but poor runtime
Philip
Dewalt flex advantage is not a replacement for 60v. Proof is they have new 60v tools. A flex advantage grinder will never compete with dcg 414 418 or 440 grinders
Dewalt is just supporting all the lines. And filling any opertunity in size and power.
Again . And what so many people seem to forget with a brushless cordless tool. Brushless voltage matters.
Makita made huge leap in finally realizing where future was going with 21700 cell and higher voltage
Stuart
True – FlexVolt Advantage is not replacing FlexVolt, but it’s a recognition that users want more capability in an 18V/20V Max system.
If you want max performance, you need a FlexVolt battery, but FA tools can still bridge the gap. For instance, a 20V Max battery gets the new cordless compressor to 125 PSI. A FlexVolt battery gets it to 140 PSI.
The FlexVolt-only air compressor won’t do anything with a 20V Max battery, as it requires a FlexVolt battery.
So, despite there being inherent benefits in a higher voltage and larger battery form factor system, Dewalt still recognizes that there’s benefit in 20V Max-compatible options.
There’s going to be some overlap between FlexVolt Advantage and FlexVolt offerings, and FlexVolt also has a growing number of tools that will remain FlexVolt-dedicated offerings.
It’s a good balance.
Jared
I’m in favor. I imagine consumers are pushing this trend.
A Flexvolt battery is expensive – getting enough to keep your grinder spinning for extended periods isn’t cheap. Plus, even if you buy them, then those packs are awkwardly large if you try using them in your ROS.
On the other hand, having a couple Flexvolts – with your 20v packs in reserve if you happen to run out between charging cycles – is manageable. You need a Flexvolt advantage tool to make that plan work though.
I think Flexvolt advantage is way more appealing to the average consumer. Flexvolt is a big jump up in cost.
That might also lead to the supposed development of a Flexvolt pouch cell battery. If there’s a pack powerful enough to run your chainsaw, but not so unreasonably large and awkward that you can’t pop it into your impact, well then, that would be something.
Philip
I have Milwaukee m12 and 18 with HO too.
Dewalt plus mac tool 20v and 60v with OPE too.
Both red and yellow for home and work. About 60 tools.
Oh and Dyson platform too. 6 vacuums. All cordless. Oldest on original bat is 15 years. Newest is v10.
Gordon
Each brand seems to have a few holes in their “one system”. For instance, Makita has a great track saw that’s compatible with Festool stuff. DeWalt has a pretty nice flexvolt saw, but a proprietary track. Milwaukee still doesn’t have a tracksaw.
Knowing how much that affects you when first starting out is virtually impossible. Also it would be silly to avoid a tool you like just because it isn’t in the “system” you already have. I’m pretty sure the advantage of a Makita or DeWalt tracksaw for a M18 user far outweighs the downsides of a second battery system.
From a financial aspect the only bad choice is buying tools you don’t need at full price. So often there are promos and deals that make adding a battery system worth it. The Makita and DeWalt tracksaws are almost always a better deal as a kit than bare tool. DeWalt and Milwaukee definitely seem to have more frequent promos.
But in a strange twist, if I were to do this all over again, I’d take a serious look at Metabo HPT and their multivolt system. But I’d also consider DeWalt for their PowerStack battery and great deals between Lowes and HD. Or even Flex and Makita 40v. But those later two systems are quite limited and I already use 18v tools that are not in either lineup.
QDog
Starting to look at if I should leave behind the Makita 18v for XGT with a Track Saw purchase, been doing a little metal grinding and I can run down the 18V 5AH battery with the flap disk very quickly, although unsure I will be doing too much metal in the future. Of course, sticking with 18v I could buy a kit and more batteries, but not sure that’s the right path for the future.
The small tools like drills, orbital sander work fine for what I do, but maybe Grinder/Saw/Hammer Drill type stuff will really benefit from bigger/better batteries.
As an aside, I note lowe’s seems to be having lower prices in general than HD on some stuff (specifically looked at welding wire/acetalyne torch kit in last week ). Is HD just squeezing profit while the shortages last? Or is something weird going on? I also note Lowe’s has the metabo 12″ sliding miter for $10 less than I paid on sale last fall, is Lowe’s just doing better with inventory overall?
Rob
I jumped on XGT. What I have is great but I still have just as many LXT tools. Makita would rather release beer coolers and tea kettles than fill the gaping holes in the line. Neither lineup has good nailers, so I run Hitachi/Metabo HP/HiKoki and Milwaukee for that.
The 5” XGT grinder has been great.
CoBlue
> Bosch has an 18V “Profactor exclusive” 12Ah battery.
The exclusivity of this battery seems to be a USA only thing. In Europe it’s the same as the other batteries. I don’t know any reason for the difference. Perhaps it’s because the new sander looks absolutely ridiculous with it attached.
It does improve the performance of the grinders and saws under heavy use.
Tool Junkie
When you said, “One system fits all”, I was thinking one battery/connection. Like, I would love to be able to use my Flexvolt on my Milwaukee stuff. I think Milwaukee is the closest, with only the M18 tool handling all my tools from the smallest to a chainsaw or SCMS. With my DeWalt stuff, I like that the Flexvolt works on the 20v stuff, but you can’t use the 20v on my Flexvolt circular saw (wormdrive style). Whereas, with the Milwaukee, it does. I suppose that’s why all the brands (except Milwaukee to date) have come out with 36v or 40v or 60v or whatever in between batteries since the tools keep advancing. Many of the heavier battery tools actually outperform the power of a corded tool. I have DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita batteries & chargers. I was thinking of getting a Makita cordless track saw, as I didn’t want to go with a fourth line (Festool cordless). However, the Festool will run their track saw with one or two batteries attached. The Makita needs both charged & attached) or you have to change battery systems yet again to the 40v. 🙁
Stuart
That’s extremely unlikely to ever happen.
Perry
I’m pretty heavy into makita, but I’ve needed a backup for a while now so i bought a skil 5 piece 12v set at lowes on a $99 deal. I liked them enough that I went back and bought the circular saw the next day. Add that to my graco airless sprayer on dewalt batteries, my bosch bandsaw amd my 40v kobalt OPE, and that puts me at 5 battery systems.
I’ll probably just buy adapters for the bandsaw and sprayer when the time comes to replace those batteries.
I just remembered, I have a craftsman v20 air compressor, but that does run on a makita adapter.
Gruntledlark
I’d like to see the tool manufacturers get together and come up with an industry standard for the damn batteries! One system across all the brands. An open architecture that could encourage 3rd parties to focus strictly on batteries and let the tool companies focus on the TOOLS.