Which cordless tool will you upgrade this year? Or perhaps buy for the first time?
My thought process when planning out my tool purchases often comes down to 2 things. One: Does it offer capabilities my current tools lack? Two: Does it do something a LOT better?
Advertisement
Cost is also a factor, but I roll it into the other 2 considerations. I don’t shop for new tools unless I have the budget for new equipment.
I think that, if I didn’t already have a few samples on the test bench, a brushless impact driver would be at the top of my list. Or, if I used an impact wrench more often, that would be my top pick.
Why brushless?
Having multiple speed settings have spoiled me. It means fewer stripped screws and more control. I know, seasoned users rely on the trigger as their speed control. But I’m the kind of user that prefers having hard limits.
One day, maybe we’ll have a dial with more speed and torque modes, perhaps as many as a cordless drill has clutch settings.
Or maybe there will be more models like Milwaukee’s One-Key, which offers customizable presets.
Advertisement
Right now, these are my 2 favorite impacts:
Milwaukee Surge Hydraulic Impulse Driver
Hitachi Triple Anvil Impact Driver
That Hitachi is AMAZING!
If you have a 10-year old drill, or even a 5-year old model, a new cordless drill will be leaps and bounds better. Well, depending on what you choose.
Today’s compact cordless drills, and brushless models especially, are very, very good. And heavy duty models are pushing the torque and performance ceiling higher and higher.
I can’t use Makita’s new sub-compact 18V brushless drill without letting a few expletives fly. My only complaint so far is the sometimes hard to adjust clutch dial. Aside from that, the user experience is simply beautiful.
After that, I’m not sure.
WAIT! Let’s not forget about cordless miter saws!
I’m glad I’m not in the market for a cordless miter saw – which would I pick? Dewalt’s FlexVolt 12″ sliding miter saw is spectacular. Their 20V Max 7-1/4″ miter saw is quite nice too. There’s also a Milwaukee 10″ saw, and a smaller Ridgid saw.
The Dewalt options are my 2 favorites from the list.
With the FlexVolt, you can power the saw via a wall adapter, or connect 2 FlexVolt battery packs for 120V Max power. It’s a great sliding miter saw, and it features Dewalt’s shadow-casting LED guiding worklight system.
I need to pick up some dimensional lumber next weekend for a project. I can’t fit 8-foot boards in my SUV, and the max dimension I’ll need will be 4′, maybe 5′. If I don’t ask the store to cut the boards, I make some quick cuts in the parking lot with a cordless circular saw and simple support. But the Dewalt 20V Max miter saw is compact enough to use instead.
So those are the 3 cordless tools I’d upgrade to. What about you?
William
Last year I got a Milwaukee Fuel Package, Circular Saw, Hammer drill/Driver, and Impact.
A few months ago I picked up the Surge Impact, very happy with it.
I’m just a Hobbyist/DIYer, so cordless isn’t that important to me, but I think I’d like to get the Milwaukee Cordless Sawzall.
Pete
I saw a promo at home depot today. Buy the 9.0ah battery with charger for $250 and get a FREE Fuel sawzall….
It its a bundled kit all in one box. Sorry…. it was too good of a deal not to tell you about…
William
Oh No,
This is very tempting.
Thanks.
fred
The 2760-20 can be back- ordered at ToolUp (for email subscribers) right now for $126.65 – using promo code MAD15
Rudy
I have the Milwaukee 2786 drill/impact. But that sneak peak of those DeWALT drills….man especially that monster at the top corner those look amazing, I may pick one up. But for some reason I have a strong feeling about Hitachi and Metabo this year. They’re no joke. If for some reason and thats a BIG IF, they have a team of engineers coming up with ideas and pushing limits. Hitachi will be noticed, and may even be hard to top. Am I wrong? Or am I just secretly rooting for the green machines?
Aaron
You’re not wrong! These last 6 months have firmly established Hitachi as an elite cordless tool company. Their Triple Hammer is absolutely top-tier and arguably in a class of its own.
Aaron Rhodes
I think Hitachi needs a couple of years before investing too heavily into it. Sure they have a couple of top tier tools but not quite the selection of great tools to make them your primary format.
Brandon
Since I have already invested in the Ridgid line, any tools I purchase this year will be from that brand. I have been eyeing up their cordless brad nailers, as it would make life easier when I’m working away from my shop and air compressor.
KenZ
You won’t be disappointed. I got Ryobi’s and have no idea how I lived without it.
Cory
I’m going to buy the Milwaukee cordless String trimmer, hoping home depot runs a promo on them soon.
Chris
Hoping to pick up a few more dewalt 20v max tools. Not sure which ones. Maybe the BL hammer drill. And I’m not sure if it counts but I’d like to get my hands on some higher capacity 20v max batteries. The 2 Ah batteries are decent in the drill and impact driver but I would like something better for my recip saw and circular saw.
Also, it would be nice to get my hands on the Milwaukee OPE that PTR did a giveaway of. Fingers crossed I win haha. However doing the math it looks like I only have a .2% chance of winning.
In summery, new 20v max tools and higher capacity 20v max batteries. And Milwaukee OPE would be a good starter kit for the m18.
Drew
The Milwaukee 2753 Impact has been on my list for at least a year now.
fred
The 2753-20 is on sale at ToolUp for $109.65 – if you sign up for emails and use code MAD15
Drew
THANKS 🙂
Adam
I’m going to be getting a miter saw, but I’m still going back and forth between a DeWalt (probably the FlexVolt), and the Bosch axial glide. I really like the space efficiency of the axial glide, but the DeWalt has some features I really like (like the shadow-line cut marking).
Bolt
A new Ryobi inflator since the old one burned out filling up an f250’s tires, but at least it got the truck to where it needed to go.
The other is a chainsaw. I’m tired of rebuilding the carb every time I let my gas saw sit for more than a week and my Ryobi 18v saw while reliable and easily powered with my existing batteries just doesn’t do it outside of very small jobs and emergencies.
I’m thinking either ego, echo, or Oregon.
KL
The 40V Ryobi chainsaw is real decent, affordably priced and Ryobi now offers 4ah and 5ah packs for their 40V line-up
Pete
Ryobi chain saw works pretty good. BUT the oregon has a self sharpener and works AMAZING…. i honestly dont see why to but gas anything anymore if its used not used heavily…
Next time use the premix in a can from home depot. It has no ethanol which is whats killing your carb. Damn you government!!!! No one wants ethanol in their gas!!!
Matt
I might invest into some Hitachi. The new drills, trp hammer, compact 3ah batts, 6ah batts. The 18v recip saw received decent praise for it’s ergonomics albeit the cutting speed is bottom of the barrel…
Ridgid is also bringing some cool stuff to 18v market. New lights, vacs etc.
I was hoping to see some 12v evolution. Something more and perhaps brushless from ridgid, Hitachi, DeWalt….
Fein has the 4 speed Brushless 12v ascm(can’t recall model number)…
So many options
Pete
Ridgid also has their cordless aircompressor…. i expect ryobi to have one soon too…
Patrick H
I’m hoping desperately to see a new ryobi canister vacuum. I killed my old one being stupid and can’t get them anymore.
Jerry
If you are on a budget, Ryobi also makes a 3 speed impact driver and 1/2 inch impact wrench. I have both and while not a Milwaukee fuel by any means, they are very nice for the money.
My personal upgrades might be a cordless hammer drill. I already have Ryobi batteries so thinking of possibly their new brushless one.
Fm2176
If one of my local Home Depots have the DeWalt 20v miter saw on clearance, that may be next. If not, I’m still tempted by the 9.0 Ah starter kit with Sawzall.
Pete
With a FREE Sawzall… saw that kit today for $250
Chad
I have many dewalt 20v. The only upgrade I plan on is to buy 20v cordless brad nailers and narrow crown staplers so i can ditch the air hoses in my woodshop. Ive been waiting for 2 years though.
Luke
My next purchase will be from the M18 outdoor power equipment. Either the trimmer, the blower, or both.
I have a gas blower now, and between mixing fuel and fighting the crank start it’s just so inconvenient to use. Plus the wife says I reek of gasoline every time I use it. The trimmer would just simplify things, mostly for the same reasons. I have an additional battery power trimmer from Amazon that works… ok. It just lasts 20 minutes or so, and just has the one battery though.
I’m up to 5 M18 batteries now, 2 of which are 9.0 Ah, so buying into their outdoor power line just makes sense.
Kevin
I got the blower off of preorder and couldn’t be happier with it. A few people seem disappointed in the power, and if you have multiple acres or are a landscaping contractor, I can see that. For a homeowner cleaning up the yard on a regular basis, it’s more than enough, the 9.0Ah battery last forever, and it’s just so much easier to use than a gas model.
Tom
I just got mine too. It’s not super powerful, but good enough. Pretty decent control with the trigger which I find really useful for blowing out the garage.
Adam
As long as you don’t expect back-pack power (as no-one should if it isn’t a backpack), you will be more than happy with both. I am. Trimmer is better than any gas I’ve owned, and the blower is great as well. Yes, I would love ‘more power’ but happy. Biggest nitpick is the hold lever on the blower is a bit far forward for me to pull back to turn off easily, nothing that really is a negative towards it.
Aaron
I’ll be picking up a miter saw (likely by Hitachi) and will be holding out on buying a hydraulic impact from what’s currently out there. I already have the Triple Hammer and Hitachi’s apparently making a new and improved version of the hydraulic impact they have out overseas. If it’s anything like the Triple Hammer it’s going to kick the pants off anything currently out there. It’s stunning how much they’ve reinvented their identity as a cordless tool company, at least here in the US.
Adam g
I just picked up the ryobi 15ga finish nailer and the ryobi 1/2 in impact with the free starter kit. It adds to my ryobi lights. The low capacity battery is meh but so far I just have one of the less featured slow chargers so the charger is an upgrade.
Lance
As far as battery powered OPE is concerned, I would strongly advise looking at the higher voltage platforms. I’m sure the Milwaukee OPE stuff is nice, and everyone gets all excited about the 9.0HD battery, but that battery has very “middle of the road” capacity for OPE requirements.
Compare Milwaukee’s OPE pricing to Ego, for example. For $50 less than the price of Milwaukee’s blower/string trimmer/HD battery kit, you can buy an Ego blower kit and 15″ string trimmer kit. You’d have two batteries instead of one, a spare charger, the blower has better ratings than Milwaukee’s and I’d be amazed in the string trimmer compared.
OPE is one area where cordless hand tool platforms just don’t make sense, and the $ value just enforces that point.
Personally, I bought into Ego’s line after debating whether to get Makita OPE, and MAN am I glad I didn’t make that mistake! Makita makes nice stuff, but Ego’s stuff is top notch too and quite a bit cheaper.
I’m sure other high voltage OPE lineups offer similar value advantages over the 18/20V OPE tools as well, in case Ego’s stuff doesn’t suit for some reason.
Bremon
My current list is
Bremon
My current list is Festool CT Midi, M18 Surge, hog ring mid torque impact, FlexVolt circular saw, trimmer, blower, track saw (late ’17), 20v Max XR 7.25″ mitre (unsure), 18 gauge (May?) and 15 gauge (August?) nailers. Waiting on word of a 10″ FlexVolt table saw before I fold and get the 8.5″.
fred
Not that it is a big incentive – but the CT Mid price goes up by $10 come April
Bremon
Yeah but I still have the $50 coupon from the Pro5 so Festool’s price hikes aren’t lighting a fire under my backside. If they get too greedy I’ll just buy a Dewalt 012 instead lol.
fred
I also have the coupon – bought the Pro5 to give as a gift. Not sure what to do with the coupon – since it can’t be used for accessories.
My old Fein dust extractors still work fine (pun intended) for me – so Festool one is not on my radar. My only Festool tools are a TS55REQ track saw and a Domino XL machine. I’m not such a fan that I need one of everything – and at my age I should be cutting back and giving stuff away to my kids. Anyway the voucher is good until the end of December – so maybe I’ll think of a Christmas gift.
John S
I would absolutely jump on a M12 version of the M18 Surge 2760-20 hydraulic impact driver.
If they do make an equivalent M12 version it needs to keep that “4-Mode DRIVE CONTROL” system which is brilliantly awesome. The M12 Fuel Impact driver is getting pretty long in the tooth and even worse the non Fuel version feels so stone aged now and crazy loud. I have the non-fuel version and have almost pulled the trigger on the Fuel version but it doesn’t seem like a worth while upgrade other than then the two speed modes. Hoping upon hope for it to be released …
Derek M
In the last two months I’ve upgraded my old Black and Decker drill kit to a DeWalt drill/driver combo. I decided to stick with DeWalt wherever possible for cordless tools, simply because of their commitment to their battery system. Next up will probably be a cordless jigsaw. I don’t use a jigsaw often or for long periods of time, but I do have a need for one every now and then.
Doresoom
DeWalt is the company that’s switched from 18V to 20V Max to FlexVolt in the span of 6 years – of all the major tool manufacturers out there, I wouldn’t exactly call them committed to a battery system.
Pete
And hasnt released pretty much anything new for their 12v line…
OhioHead
Look at the historical rise of DW cordless vs. MKE or Makita, DW stuck w/ the 1 up style battery till they could not and finally switched to a slide pack and came up w/ a retro kit…….20v is marketing vs a calling the new slide 18v max……..I am not a DW fanboy, just stating other manufactures have changed battery styles previously & before DW…..,,,,
Jon
Doresoom I am not sure why you say that about DeWalt commitment to battery systems? DeWalt has not abandoned ANY format of battery ever! You can still purchase brand new 18v pod style packs and even 14.4v packs if you have old enough cordless tools (20 years old) to need one – that’s commitment if you ask me. They even make them with today’s technology (lithium cells inside instead of NiCad)!
Every manufacturer (except Ryobi I think) made the jump from pod style to slide pack at some point, so it’s not like they did something nobody else did.
The Flexvolt system is not a “switch” in battery system, it’s an entirely new additional system that just so happens to work backwards compatible with a whole lot of 20v max tools. Just because they have released these 60v batteries and tools it doesn’t change anything about the existing 20v max world of batteries and tools.
I can guarantee you that in twenty years from now you will absolutely be able to buy brand new batteries that work with 20v max tools that are sold today.
Lance
Abandoning and discontinuing are two different things.
DeWalt may not have discontinued a particular line, but they certainly abandoned their first lithium line, the pod style one, after a very short time. Time will tell if history repeats itself with their 40V stuff now that they (very shortly after) released the FV line. It seems like poor planning to me.
In my opinion, when you buy into a new-to-market tool lineup you’re hoping (expecting) it to grow and flourish. If they introduce a new platform and cease development of the platform you bought into, they’ve basically told you if you want a tool that doesn’t yet exist on your platform you’re out of luck.
As far as the big tool brands go, I believe Makita LXT is the longest running. Yes there are some compatibility restrictions with older tools and newer larger capacity batteries, but they still sell new batteries that work with their older tools.
Stuart
I briefly wrote about FlexVolt vs. 40V Max here: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-40v-max-backpack-blower/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
They will not abandon 40V Max in favor of FlexVolt. Different tools for different user types.
Jon
Mar 17, 2017
Sorry Lance but you are mistaken, DeWalt did not abandon or discontinue the lithium pod style battery, you can still buy them today.
They are still producing and selling them because people with 18V pod style tools still need a source for batteries and DeWalt will not let them down and orphan their tools!
My guess is that you’ll still be able to source brand new pod style batteries (if not from DeWalt) even in 10 years from today, and it will many more than 20 years from today before you might have trouble finding a 20v max slide pack (compatible that is – it may not use lithium cells at that point in time).
Lance
Jon, once again I agree that they are not discontinued. Yes still available – for a PRICE.
My buddy needed a new battery for his XRP drill a couple years ago. DeWalt charges the same for a 15 year old NiMh battery pack as they charge for their latest lithium technology! I told him he’d have been better off getting a deal on a new 20V Max drill kit and selling his old drill (he only has the one DeWalt tool). He elected just to buy the single overpriced battery…
The battery platform I’m referring to specifically is based on the DC9182 battery. This was a horrible battery right from the start, woefully under capable compared to the competition at the time, and yes there was a small lineup of XRP Lithium tools designed to use these batteries only, and yes DeWalt abandoned that lineup. You can still buy them, sure, but they’re purposely overpriced to discourage it. Look them up on Home Depot’s site, they’re not in stock at your local store but you can order them.
It would seem our definitions of the word “abandoned” are different as it’s applied here, so we’re both right. I agree to disagree.
The yeti
I want to add to my 40v string trimmer. She would look good with a blower .
Also I will continue to buy 18v bosch stuff . I like the look of that new charger u posted on here . If I got that I would be also looking at 12v
Pat M
I am thinking about upgrading the the Milwaukee Surge impact driver to have less noise. I don’t use my M18 drill nearly as much as my impact, but the noise is a bit much.
And I am going to upgrade my compact M18 drill to the Fuel one to get more power and run time. The main reason is I made an adapter to run my hand ice auger for ice fishing with my cordless drill, and the compact just barely has enough power and run time to manage it.
Pat M
Forgot to mention, I am also thinking of an M18 drill/driver for the kids. Even the compact M18 drill/driver is a bit big and hard to deal with for my 6 year old.
The yeti
Guess having a pickup truck in NYC is not much of an option hey stuart
Stuart
I did end my new car search in November. I went back and forth, but a pickup would have been too impractical.
It would have to be a super crew for a full back seat for the kids.
My wife has a small car. If her next car is a small SUV, my next one might be a pickup.
Until then, I’ll be logging the number of times I could have really benefited from a pickup.
But to be fair, my midsized SUV is proving to be the right choice for right now. We even mafe use of the fold down 3rd row few times.
The parking situation for pickups is difficult a lot of places around here. Parking lots just cannot accommodate them easily, and street parking would be a bigger challenge.
David C.
Stuart, what did you end up getting? I remember your vehicle input post a while back.
Stuart
I have a post planned on this… eventually.
Decided on a 2017 GMC Acadia.
It’s larger than my Chevy Equinox, and I love the more modern tech.
Headlights suck. I went in to get them checked and they said alignment was off by 15 degrees.
They’re angled better now, but could stand to be brighter and have greater spread.
The cargo hatch required me to go in to get it aligned. It’s close to perfectly aligned now.
The drivers side door is not at perfect depth with rear door.
There are rubber flaps at sides of hood that got clogged with leaves. I guess they’re rain and leaf blocks? But they’re not fastened, it’s kind of just a friction fit. Heavy rain might make it past and into door interior.
There are uneven gaps between interior plastic panels.
They missed sewing finished cloth into a seat fabric tan endpiece that’s visible between drivers seat and center console.
In other words, it’s as if it was build on a Friday afternoon at 4:55pm, or GMC rushed some of the small details to get it road ready sooner.
But I’m loving it so far. There are a few other minor annoyances. I bought a rear cargo cover, but it interferes with the 3rd row seat belts when the seats are down!
So the cargo cover lives in the garage for now.
I had actually ruled out the Acadia and then settled on the Kia Sorento.
But the Kia salesman was bad.
He was pushy and kept asking me finance and trade-in and timeline questions.
Pushed for test drive. Said they have dozens in stock.
A week later I called about a test drive. No models at the trim level I wanted in stock.
He said he will call back with info about test drive availability. Called back hours after he said he would. “When are you looking to buy, what do you drive now, finance or lease, trade in?”
The GMC salesman had been great with me so I called him. He was just awesome. I looked at the Acadia again, took 2 test drives, and was sold.
Once in a lifetime no pressure salesman that seemed more interested in matching me with the right car.
Maybe the Sorento would have been good too, but so far I’m pleased with the Acadia.
It’s smaller than the previous generations, but still larger than small and some mid sized SUVS.
I didn’t even want to test drive a Pilot, they’re just too big and no Android Auto.
Other mid sized SUVs have bad crash ratings. And others poor reliability (Jeep).
Hang Fire
Sounds like typical GM quality. Avoiding Jeep is important if reliability matters to do (this from the owner of a Dodge 4WD sharing many of the same components). Get the dealer to fix EVERYTHING and make sure to fill out the surveys.
Unfortunately US car maker’s new-buyer surveys have 23 variations of “how was the dealer experience” and ZERO on “how do you like your new vehicle?” They JUST DON’T GET IT. I guess they assume if you bought it, you’re happy??? Forever???
Too bad about not driving a Pilot. If you took one for a test drive, you probably would have bought it, and gladly paid more for it. They are much more nimble then they look. The turn radius is GM:19.35′ versus Honda:19.7′, you would have never noticed the difference.
Jay
@Hang Fire, Ditto on the Pilot. I drive a Chevy pickup, wife drives a Honda Pilot. We have owned Ford, GM and Honda SUV’s. Daughter drives a RAV4, in laws just got a brand new shiny Pathfinder. The Honda Pilot owns them all.
The yeti
I can not even imagine living in a city that big . My city is about 125 000 that’s getting to be way to big . Takes ten minutes to get across town now .
Jay
@The yeti, 125K pop IS way too big. Our nearest city has a 6K pop and is 60 miles one way from my place.
Garrick
More Bosch 12 volt drivers. I have several driver bits without their own driver. I use the drills instead of drivers for screws because there is less slop to a drill chuck. But I do also need a large drill, since the Bosch 36 volt drills both died.
One reason I am shying away from cordless mitre saws is that I need a vacuum hooked up many places I use them, and I don’t know of a powerful enough one that runs on batteries.
RKA
Probably going to start entertaining OPE options. My options are somewhat limited because I need an extended reach hedge trimmer with an articulating head. And for me to even consider this I would need a chainsaw that is modestly capable on a cordless platform (cutting up 12-16″ diameter logs might be the largest I’ll tackle, but I don’t want each cut to take 5 mins). My existing equipment works fine, so the motivation to replace them isn’t strong, but we’ll see.
Diamond Dave
Just upgraded to Dewalts Brushless 3 speed Impact and Drill during the Holiday Season! Love the 3 speed Impact! Also have the Dewalt 20v Recip Saw although I prefer to use my older 18v with the Dewalt NiCad adaptor as it is more heavy duty. Will probably purchase a 20v Dewalt Circular Saw this year to replace my 18v as the Dewalt Adaptor prevents deeper cuts because of the extra length on the battery.
Also converted to Milwaukee M12 during this past holiday season as Home Depot had some super buys on them with free tools etc. Drill and Impact are the Fuel Brushless. Came out with the M12 recip saw, 3/8″ ratchet and the rotory tool in Milwaukees promotion for Christmas also! Previously had the Dewalt 12v max but it seems they have given up on that lineup as no new tools are being offered. I am thinking they let MAKITA have it as the MAKITA 12v looks identical to the Dewalt!
BikerDad
Upgrade: Bosch 12v Drill & 12v Impact Driver. I’d like to upgrade them to the brushless models, and pick up the 3/8″ Impact Wrench as well.
Add/Upgrade(ish): SCMS. The DeWalt Flexvolt is in the lead, with the Bosch Glide right behind. Whichever it is will be replacing my 15+ year old DeWalt CMS.
Add/Upgrade(ish): Tracksaw or circular saw. The DeWalt Flexvolt Tracksaw is the leading contender here, although the Festool pops it’s expensive little green head up. I may go for cost savings though, which would mean the new DeWalt 71/4″ brushless circular saw.
I’d LIKE to get the DeWalt Toughsystem radio, but there’s a lot of other better value additions/upgrades to hand tools and stationary tools that make it hard to justify replacing my perfectly good DeWalt jobsite radio that I only got about 18 months ago.
My 18v setup is DeWalt 20Max XR brushless already. I would DEFINITELY upgrade the impact driver with a DeWalt hydraulic, but I’m not going to jump into another battery platform just to get the quiet of a hydraulic impact. Were a I pro, it would be a different story, but as a hobbyist, the earplugs will do me fine for the time being.
John
I have a 10″ mitre saw that I tried to use this week to cut some trim boards. Did not have the capacity to do it, so I think I’ll be upgrading that. Probably going to over-compensate by getting the biggest baddest saw out there: Flexvolt.
I’d like to upgrade my impact driver as well. I’m looking at the DCF 887.
I think I’m going to invest in some Ego OPE as well.
Jared Richael
This is different than anyone else on here but I just bought the 24v cordless lithium ion brushless kobalt circular saw. Little saw is a beast!! Anyone who says it’s just a diy saw is insane. Thing chews through 3 pieces of stacked 3/4 in ply like it’s candy. I would like to get a little more than 89 linear feet on a charge when cutting through 2x but hey can’t have everything. Except a second battery.
Jared Richael
I forgot to mention that every power tool whether it be cordless or corded that I own is a bosch and I own a lot of tools. However until they can finally come out with a new 18 v brushless circular then the kobalt is my go to. Hmmmm…..Guess I just like blue.
avi
I bought into MIlwaukee’s M18 system with the fuel hammer drill/driver impact driver combo kit back when it first came out, 2012 i think, five years later and I still think it was my best tool purchase ever even though I bought it before all the deals with a free bare tool or battery.
Now I really want to upgrade from corded to cordless my circular saw to the fuel 7-1/4″ and rotary hammer to the fuel 1″ D-handle, but it is hard to justify when my corded tools still work splendidly. Also I have been spoiled by brushless and am hesitant to cut the cord with the cheaper brushed options.
avi
Oh, and I second Stuart’s idea of cutting lumber in the parking lot because it won’t fit in the car.
Rman
Hopefully Milwaukee will have a m18 table saw soon. Have the m18 scms and it’s a beast with the 9 ah battery. Need ability to work off the grid to build my retirement home
No generators allowed and solar with battery storage and inverters to get power is too complicated without a building. Of course the dewalt charger/inverter is on my hot list if they run a special on the upcoming 9ah flexvolt battery
Also the m18 tower led area light is a needed tool now.
Sheldon Colwell
Ive been using a 12v setup from milwaukee for a few years. The drill and impact have been great for the remodeling work I do. At the end of the year I bit the bullet and picked up a cordless saw, the heavy duty 1/2″ hammer drill and 2 5ah batts, a hackzall, jigsaw, and finally their cordless miter saw with 2 9ah packs.
The hammer drill is serious if you were wondering, and the miter box runs all day. The brushless saw is no slouch either. With no 18v impact in my box, the surge is next on the list!
Dan
I really want to get into another battery platform (currently only Metabo), then:
– vacuum
-brushless impact driver
-brushless circular saw
Just not enough new Metabo tools coming out.
Chip
Surge for fastening, superhog for drilling tree roots,fuel miter saw for handrails,metal saw for chain link posts and rails,fuel blower, string trimmer, sds max….All Milwaukee.
Please Milwaukee, I need a chainsaw,and framing nailer.
Luke
I would bet money that we’ll see an M18 chainsaw at their new tool symposium this June, with a fall release date.
glenn
I have mainly M12 and with some M18 gear as well a few Ryobi tools. I plan on buying the Ryobi 18v belt sander and the upcoming new router.
Also I am thinking about dropping the M18 and buying into AEG’s line up, especially if we get the 18v compressor and lpg heater and also because Milwaukee Australia are starting to believe their own hype; 10x this and 3x that and 50% more but mainly because its 2x the price that it should be even allowing for the exchange rate and our sales tax
Chris Fyfe
I have already bought a Surge , love it . Just picked up a new Milwukee Fuel straight grinder , not to mention a Festool sander . Off to a flying start ! Got some PB Swiss stuff inbound from Toollady .
Stuart
PB Swiss is a slippery slope.
Really off-topic, but what’d you order? Enjoy!
Chris Fyfe
Torox keys , A new ratcheting stubby , with bit magasine . A three shaft precision pocket driver , belt mount bit holders , with a few spare 10 round magazines . My EDC ratcheting drives are now all PB , when I need something precise , that won’t cam out , it’s PB . I also ordered a new 18 VDC , Fein Starlock Oscillating Multitool .
I have a Jones for the new Milwaukee SDS Max , and a Knipex want list as long as your Lizard !
Best regards ,
Chris
Eric B
I am planning to get the Flexvolt outdoor equipment. Being able to stay on “one” battery/charger platform is a huge plus for me and I am finally confident that the new stuff can keep up with my yard and I can reduce my inventory of small and frustrating gas engines.
Adam
I don’t care if they say the 40v is here to stay, I’m glad I returned mine. It seems they are only keeping it because of the battery efficiency for OPE (?). Not enough to sell me another a 2nd battery system that will soon be gone in my opinion. Now I’m all set with a M18 blower & trimmer, but I am eyeing the Dewalt 60v Chainsaw. I see a lot more potential in having the 60v battery around, especially as I would like the battery generator from Dewalt at some point.
Luke
That Dewalt generator is fascinating. I’m already fully invested in the M18 line though. Maybe someone with a better understanding of electricity and battery technology can weigh in here though:
Would it be possible for Milwaukee to make something similar? Plug a handful of batteries into a box and use it to power a traditional plug? I know power conversion is complicated, but it seems like if you throw enough battery power at something you’d eventually get enough power.. right?
Ed S
I need a sawzall. Problem is, a corded offers more power and time (cutting thick metal tanks, etc). Not as portable as I would like, but I need a review (hint) on cordless Dewalts…
I need a jigsaw. I had a deWalt but gave away on sale of last home. Now, with older new home, I dislike borrowing the neighbors (corded). Atleast he knows I will return as done with it.
Nathan
If I was in the market for a recip I’d have a really hard time not wanting the dewalt flex volt model.
fred
The subcontractor that we used – who specialized in oil tank removals – always seemed t use a Kett nibbler. Certainly not as versatile a tool as a reciprocating saw – but it seemed to make fast work of the job.
Nathan
I need a circ saw. partially set on corded for cost and the rare as all get out use.
BUT – nothing really wrong with a cordless one.
So many choices and so many considerations. I also need a proper straight edge device for it – think I like the woodriver product.
fred
The Bora edge guides are also pretty good – not a track saw replacement exactly – but straight and easy to clamp down.
Stuart
I’m actually not a fan. I like Emerson’s more. I bought one Emerson, liked it, and bought a Bora 3-size set when I had a chance. But they don’t clamp tight enough and slide around. So after a few uses, that’s when I decided enough is enough and I started planning for a Festool track saw.
fred
I have an old one (made in Sweden) that was the basis for my comment. I should have looked at comments (very mixed) on Amazon before I posted. I used to use it with a old Rockwell Porter-Cable 9314 trim saw – but not since I bought the Festool TS55
fm2176
I just got the Tough System radio this past weekend. Hit up Home Depots in Thomaston and Griffin, GA in hopes of finding a DeWalt 7 1/4′ miter saw on clearance with no luck. The Thomaston store has some of the M18 Rocket lights with free 5.0 Ah battery and charger for $175, though, and a handful of 20v Max tools marked down by a few dollars each (e.g.: drywall cutout tool for $113 instead of $119). I was tempted by the light but decided to pass due to all the reviews about the plastic locking levers breaking. The Griffin store had two Tough System radios marked at $199. I left the display and took the boxed one to self checkout after a brief comparison with the DCR025. The new Flexvolt-compatible DCR025 charges 3x faster (3A vs 1A) but I decided to go with the Tough System. It rang up at $150, so I got it for $135 plus tax! Not too bad.
On the way home I stopped back into the Thomaston store and bought another DS300. Now I need two more DS450s or DS400s with a cart. Future purchases will probably include a drywall cutout tool, since I’ll be hanging a fair amount in two weeks. Also, I may finally pull the trigger on that M18 9.0Ah starter kit with free Sawzall. I’ve got 30Ah worth of power between nine 20v Max battery packs to power the bulk of my tools (not counting two 1.5Ah packs I’ll be giving to my brother); adding another 9.0Ah battery would give me 23Ah between three Milwaukee packs to power four tools.
Also, when it comes to upgrades, I really want a full-sized drill. The DCD996 is high on the list to do jobs my DCD790 and DCD795 can’t handle.
Drew
Home Depot has a special with a Milwaukee Impact M18 kit. Included: the 2753 Impact, (2) 5Ah batteries, Hard Case, Charger and a Shockwave Impact Bit Set (35) piece for $ 250.00. This kit is 22% or $70.00 dollars off till 4/30/17 .
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-FUEL-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Brushless-1-4-in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Kit-with-Shockwave-Bit-Set-35-Piece-2753-22-48-32-4007/300990044
Gaston Gutierrez
Late entry here: I have the craftsman brand (remember them?)19.2v 4pc. Combo, nail brad, Nextec 12v combo, debate to get the Nextec impact driver or upgrade to Milwaukee M12/M18 lines. Plan to get the m12 fuel driver combo w/free 3/4″ ratchet.
I don’t expect craftsman to make new 12v/19.2v anytime soon. Once the jump is made there’s no looking back, not even sure I’d get new batteries for the craftsman line. May just have a tool sale to get things moving along.