I have been analyzing, reporting on, testing, reviewing, and of course using cordless power tools for more than 15 years now.
When I started ToolGuyd, the age of NiCad-powered cordless tools was ending, and Li-ion was just beginning.
It’s with all of this experience that I can confidently say the following: we are in the golden age of cordless power tools.
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With few exceptions, new tools have few compromises.
Brushless motor technologies are mature.
Performance has been fine-tuned.
The emergence of next-generation battery tech, while significant and important, are not as game-changing as they would have been a few years ago.
Now is a great time to be a pro user or demanding DIYer or hobbyist.
Do you need to cut thick pipe, strut, or engineered beams? Staple wires? Mix drywall compound? Build concrete forms? Drill into thick steel? Strip cables? Crimp pipe fittings? Drain water from a pit? Cut concrete indoors? Core-drill walls? Cut a hole for a kitchen sink?
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There are cordless tools for that – and they’re good. Often, users benefit from being able to select from multiple competitive and compelling choices.
The cordless drill torque wars are over, with high performance drills now topping 1,000 in-lbs max torque with little reason to keep going higher.
Newer tools aren’t leaps and bounds better, but have been optimized for productivity and improved user experiences.
New 7-1/4″ cordless circular saws don’t bog down. Reciprocating saws finally have muscle. Grinders have practical runtimes.
Cordless table saws. 12″ miter saws. Vacuums.
This is the golden age in cordless tools.
Do you remember the time before cordless drill and impact driver LED worklights had an “afterglow” feature, where the lights remain on for a set delay following trigger switch release?
There are exciting new tools coming out, but I think we are definitely in an iterative and evolutionary phase right now where advancements will be smaller and more incremental.
How can modern cordless circular saws be made better? Most pro models have ample power and runtime.
Back when the first Li-ion-powered cordless angle grinders were released, they were marketed as cut-off tools. Why? I asked a product manager just that, and they told me it was because those earlier brushed motor tools lacked the power and endurance to be called grinders.
Cordless tool users have it pretty good these days.
Despite now being what I’d consider the golden age of cordless power tools, I think many tool brands will face increasing challenges.
Consider the digital camera industry. Various statistics and research companies report Canon as shipping the most number of units in 2023, followed by Sony, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Panasonic, in that order.
Looking at the numbers in one report, Canon shipped nearly 1.8X the number of units as Sony, Sony shipped more than 2.2X the number of units as Nikon, Nikon shipped more than 2X the number of units as Fuji, and Fuji shipped around 1.38X the number of units compared to Panasonic. These top 5 brands hold more than 94% of the digital camera market share.
But when you take a closer look, the top-selling brand shipped more than 10X the number of units compared to the 5th selling brand, and the second best-selling brand shipped more units than the third, fourth, and fifth best-selling brands combined, and not by a small margin.
Similar is happening in the cordless power tool industry. There’s Dewalt and Milwaukee – in no particular order – and then everyone else.
I’ve been a bit worried about the brands in the “everyone else” category – the ones competing for the far-off third place.
Tool brands need to work harder to gain and retain users, but many are not.
There are 7 cordless power tool brands represented in this graphic.
As a tool user, I would buy into one for their unwavering commitment to end users, another for their continued drive towards a cordless jobsite with competent solutions, another for their focus on DIY interests and needs, and the last one because they do their own thing, which often results in clever products.
Of the three remaining, I bought into one but wish I hadn’t, I wouldn’t touch anything from another, and the last one has continually disappointed me with their apathetic attitude.
It sometimes feels like a lot of cordless power tool brands have given up the fight, as if there’s no point in competing for second-to-last place.
Some of are at the brink of irrelevancy, and eventually obscurity.
Social media changed the ways brands communicate with channels like this one, but I see signs of apathy in all corners of a couple of tool brands’ operations. For some brands, signals showing that they truly care about their products and end users keep getting weaker.
If you’re a marketing or product manager or at a cordless power tool brand and asking yourself “is he talking about us?,” I probably am. Have I been excited about your brand’s products lately? Have you been?
The choices available to tool users are part of what makes this the golden age of cordless power tools.
As much as I like Dewalt and Milwaukee, their competitors need to get back in the saddle.
Multi-party competition is what drove the cordless power tool industry further and what fueled innovation and progress.
Out of 10 tool users buying into their first pro-level cordless power tool system, how many are going with either Dewalt or Milwaukee? What about Bosch? Makita? Are either of the latter brands a threat to Dewalt and Milwaukee dominance anymore?
Is this going to change anytime soon, or go back to how things were 10 years ago? No. But brands need to approach their marketing as if there were still a chance, because then there might be, and that’d be great for tool users.
Jason
Me trying to figure out what the other orange color is
Michael F
The way I read it, from left to right: Milwaukee, Rigid, Dewalt, Ryobi, MetaboHPT, Makita, and Bosch. I could be wrong, of course.
Jason. W
I read it the same way.
Jason
I think you’re right, maybe I’m a little color blind
Sevin
I own every one of the top three! Used to be a serious ridgid user until I brought in 5 “ lifetime” replacement batteries and realized they put the serial numbers on the bottom of the battery! When you use those tool for a living you’re using that tool hard and not worrying about that serial number. But THEY WON’T REPLACE THAT BATTERY without the serial number so I changed to dewalt and Milwaukee!! I have a series tool buying problem though I’ve got multiple of each tool in each brand even though I only need one of each tool!
mark
Wait but there are 2 oranges on the image before yellow (left to right) no?
Jronman
Is it yellow or Ryobi green? Is it orange or DeWALT yellow? The colors seem strange to me but that how I had to think about it.
marm
Ahh the DeWalt yellow looks a little orange and Ryobi looks a little yellow in my screen. Think you solved the mystery haha.
Morgan
Bostitch? CAT? Fein? Maybe its not literal
The companies I’ve seen really push hard dont seem to be represented.
I think Hilti and Flex have made the hardest push – and frankly, I’m impressed. Its a ‘day late dollar short’ problem as I’m waist deep in Milwaukee, but if not, it would be a tougher decision. It would probably come down to Lowes or HD being closer to the house
Morgan
I’m assuming this is pro grade – leaving Ryobi, Craftsman, Hart, Hercules, Kobalt, etc – out of it.
Although I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Ryobi was the number one selling tool brand in America
Warren
Boy I disagree with you. While was with Mike I was not satisfied. In my trade I don’t need 3000 rpm to drive screws. The 12 v Mile was BLAH and tried 6 other brands. Finally tried Hercules and loved it. I have since bought about 6 other Herc tools and they have been my go to.
Bought a few Flrxbut are they going to be around???? And the past six months picked up about 9 DEWALT tools. Still if I need a border tool I have been buying Metabolize
Stuart
I can try to make a new one with more colors next time. I originally created this one for a discussion about non-universal battery formats.
It’s hard to fit every brand. Hilti red next to Milwaukee red, Festool green next to Metabo HPT, Hercules blue next to Bosch blue – it gets messy.
MAW
What about plain old Grey for my favorite, FLEX!
Jronman
And is it Festool green or Ego green? They are nearly identical.
Stuart
Neither. Metabo HPT.
Mike McFalls
I thought one of them was Klein.
Boots
I think the most significant cordless tool companies are vehicle manufacturers. And this is the space I would watch most closely for battery innovation. Specifically LFP chemistry focused on high cycle life. (6,000-10,000 charge discharge cycles with minimal degradation) People don’t want to be throwing away power tools. This has been the primary advantage of corded tools in my opinion. They are buy it for life. If cordless power tools are now powerful enough, the next step is making the battery outlast the tool from a lifecycle perspective. This, in my opinion is where innovation is most relevant.
Stuart
It’s my understanding that LFP batteries excel at energy storage, but not high current delivery.
We are likely to see an increase in LFP-based charging stations and mobile power packs, but I don’t believe they’re suitable for use with cordless handheld power tools.
William R Scheitler
Bostitch
Stuart
Orange is Ridgid.
Bostitch was never a major cordless power tool brand.
mark
Are there 2 oranges or are a bunch of us going to realize we have sight deficiencies?
Sevin
Ridgid!
xu lu
Battery platform investment drives nearly every purchase decision. Anything but the top 2 brands for cordless are zombies-dead brands, they just havent figured it out. They will slowly fade to black. And unlike your suggestion, the afterthought brands will reduce R & D, innovation and breakthrough offerings all to reduce overheads and stay afloat.
As far as actual innovation, we are in the bottom of the second inning. All that has happened so far is to port corded tools to cordless ones with like for like performance. Almost no new tech in tools but that will come. Innovation always has a way of reshuffling leaders, even if this is unlikely. A quick look at Apple shows this. Almost no innovation in a decade with a very controlled pace of feature releases all driven by managing costs not value in use. We should expect the same from the big 2 tool brands. Oh and an 18 volt bread toaster from Makita.
Stuart
“ Anything but the top 2 brands for cordless are zombies-dead brands, they just havent figured it out”
That’s the problem – it seems some have figured this out and completely surrendered to such a fate.
Some of the brands ignore their social media followers, leaving questions unanswered.
Some just don’t have pride or passion anymore. They might announce a tool, and in the features list “doohickey.” What’s that do?
A few years ago, it’d warrant an explanation in press or marketing materials. Now, either no one at the brand understands the feature, or they simply don’t care to promote it.
There’s plenty of capacity for excitement between apathy and excessive hype.
One brand had a dozen people congratulating each other on social media over a marketing campaign, where the focus is a hollow slogan that doesn’t resonate. That, they put effort towards, rather than engaging with media or end users?
A lot of brands had passion and drive, and there are signs that such sentiments have dried up.
After a runner finishes a race, spectators tend to cheer on those that follow. If a runner loses interest since the to prizes have already been awarded, the spectators are sure to notice and respond in kind.
When tool brands lose interest in their products and end users, it shows, and tool users lose interest in them as well.
That’s not good for anyone.
Saulac
Good read. So true and so depressing. Thing is though, we may need to stop looking at brands and start looking at OEMs. Brands are created by OEMs, and more significantly in last decade, by big retailers, NOT to compete.
Stuart
Retailer brands are definitely designed to compete, just in a different way.
Brands compete with each other in a broader market. Retailer private label brands are designed to compete in a narrower market.
Milwaukee and Diablo sometimes have competing reciprocating saw blade promos at Home Depot stores. Home Depot is not going to be so eager to introduce Ridgid accessories that directly compete with Milwaukee or Diablo. At the end of the day, whether someone buys Ridgid blades over Milwaukee or Diablo provides little added benefit for Home Depot. Instead, they might seek to carry something that directly competes with an offering by Craftsman or Kobalt at Lowe’s. That’s where Home Depot wins more.
So there is competition regardless of whether a brand is independent or tied to a specific retailer, just in different ways.
S
I think you’re wrong, there is still room for other brands and innovation.
Personally, I own mostly Milwaukee tools, specifically because I committed to the battery platform. But with the rise of adapters on Amazon, I’m finding myself branching out and taking an honest look at other brands that are now suddenly compatible with the battery platform I committed to 10 years ago.
The largest disadvantages of the adapter method though is that all the adapters are extremely cheaply made, and extend the tools heights sometimes past usable limits.
I think a huge innovation for the lesser brands would be a standardized battery connection., no different than micro USB or USB C connections. Allowing interoperability between brands means that a specific battery platform is much less of a death knell at the consumer level of buying into something that leads to later regret.
It would also allow companies to better focus on their core strengths. Metabo is well known for their grinders, and Makita is well known for their drills. Being able to run both, sure, Metabo loses out on a drill sale, and Makita loses out on a grinder sale, but it allows the companies to sell more of their core products, but more importantly, the consumer is more satisfied with their purchase.
And a satisfied consumer is who goes on tool blogs and tells everyone else how great the tools they have are, and also issues recommendations for others to buy and try…
I also think Stuart hit the nail on the head with the marketing changes. I absolutely love Milwaukee’s pipeline concept. I don’t follow influencers, I just read reviews once the tool is in users hands. But knowing innovation is still occurring is huge to motivate me that buying into the platform is worthwhile now and into the future.
Mike McFalls
I wrote about adapters on the forum last week. in my experience those on Amazon are good -but of course you lose the benefits of the battery communicating with the tools- and those on Etsy, eBay, etc are terrible.
MM
I’ve never bought an adapter from Etsy or Ebay but I have a couple from Amazon and they both have been working great for going on 3 years now. One is Dewalt batt to Makita LXT, the other is Dewalt to Metabo. Of course they aren’t perfect–they do take up some extra space, and I’m not sure I’d trust them for a high power tool like an angle grinder–but I’ve found them reliable and durable for my uses.
Ken
Step right up and play the matching game!
Red = Milwaukee = They do their own thing, which often results in clever products
Orange = Ridgid = Unwavering commitment to end users
Yellow = DeWalt = Drive towards a cordless jobsite with competent solutions
Lime = Ryobi = Focus on DIY interests and needs
Green = Metabo = I bought into one but wish I hadn’t
Teal = Makita = Continually disappointed me with their apathetic attitude
Blue = Bosch = I wouldn’t touch anything
How did I do?
Big Richard
Couple corrections:
Red = Milwaukee = Unwavering commitment to end users
Orange = Ridgid = I wouldn’t touch anything
Yellow = DeWalt = Drive towards a cordless jobsite with competent solutions
Lime = Ryobi = Focus on DIY interests and needs
Green = Metabo = I bought into one but wish I hadn’t
Teal = Makita = They do their own thing, which often results in clever products
Blue = Bosch = Continually disappointed me with their apathetic attitude
To clarify these are not my opinions, just a guess at toolguyd’s opinions.
Stuart
Swap green and teal.
Fowler
That was going to be my guess, I actually bought my first Metabo HPT stuff recently because I think they’re pretty innovative and I want to support that:
– They had the first Multivolt system that I remember hearing about
– They make a first-party wall adapter for their 36V tools
– Deepest-cutting 6 1/2″ circular saw
– Triple-hammer impact driver
– My personal favorite cordless screwdriver
Mike (that one)
Yes sir, I completely commiserate. I bought into the XGT lineup with the tracksaw, extractor, sawzall and mower. The mower was just the cheapest way to get more batteries and the dual bay charger. Maybe Makita stages a rally but should have put that tool money into Festtool.
Big Richard
Nuts. That was my initial guess given your history with Makita (and I don’t know anyone that regrets getting into Metabo HPT) but I suppose I wanted to think you would take a somewhat less subjective and personal look at them as whole. It was a coin toss.
But let’s be honest, they are the only independent company in the list (“They do their own thing…”) and they have some truly unique offerings no one else does (microwave, coffee maker, wheel barrow, dollies, coolers, robot vacuums, e-bike, etc.). But I also certainly can see how you personally regret buying into them.
Stuart
People like to say that Makita is an “independent” company, but they’re a large publicly-traded corporation, just like many of the others.
It’s challenging to look at brands as a whole when we’re exposed to USA availability, pricing, and management. For example, Bosch and Makita’s standings in the USA are very different compared to overseas.
Mike
Pretty sure you have first 4 right, not sure about last 3.
My own guess with subtext:
RED = MILWAUKEE – Unwavering commitment to end users
-no one beats their product range and distribution in NA
-staying 18v is really pushing battery tech, but as an end user I’d rather have power hungry tools that perform better with inexpensive batteries.
ORANGE = RIDGID – I wouldn’t touch anything
-interesting if this is right as TTI is same maker as Milwaukee, this is my sentiment though
YELLOW = DEWALT – Drive towards a cordless jobsite with competent solutions
-really just about all of these qualify here, some, like Dewalt, are better than others obviously.
LIME = RYOBI – Focus on DIY interests and needs
– I’d put as not touch with all of the other choices, especially for brushed Black Friday kit sales from top brands
GREEN = METABO HPT – They do their own thing, which often results in clever products
– Products often track Makita’s, but are so much better value and dual voltage that really works. I think products are competitive (along with Makita) with top 2, but being crushed in NA in marketing and distribution.
TEAL = MAKITA – I bought into one but wish I hadn’t
I think the quality and innovation is still there; the XGT-LXT incompatibility is like adopting another brand, and the recent pricing increases make them non competitive except on secondary market
BOSCH = BLUE – Continually disappointed me with their apathetic attitude
They are clever and have pushed some innovative attachment systems like SDS and Starlock; they have stuck with many of their corded tools for woodworking segment but their cordless tools are outclassed and not a great value.
Stuart
Perfect score!
Badger12345
Great summary of the landscape!
Mike McFalls
I think a lot of feedback comes from personal experience with brands, and in most cases, the responses based on unfamiliarity and lack of availability of these tools in the US. Makita and Bosch are massive corporations, globally, and if you look in the overseas markets do very well. So I don’t think it’s accurate to say that these brands are dying they’re just not in the US market.
Dave
I don’t know, one of our framers got the Flex rear handle, and I got to use it a bit. Holy hell, that thing is more powerful than my corded Mag 77 and it’s noticable. I think your right for most of the traditional cordless tools, I really haven’t noticed any noticable gains in drills or impacts for years, but I think we are approaching and era where cordless tools are going to start dominating corded tools in terms of power, not just convenience. I think it’s really just the start.
Stuart
We’re part that point. Cordless is already more powerful than corded in more instances.
The convenience started off as not requiring a power code, but now the user experience is improved and being further improved.
For instance, some impact trigger now provide much more speed control at the low end, since many users use impacts for more and more small fastener applications.
Tom
Yeah, I’d say that a cordless tool being as powerful as any corded or pneumatic equivalent was the leading edge of tool development, but it’s been well breached.
I work on power tools full time, including maintaining some fleet-type setups for large construction firms. Complex discussions on runtime/ battery security/ battery size/ repairability are had: but almost never is there an issue with a cordless tool not being powerful enough.
Al
The next evolution will be driven landscaping. Li-ion doesn’t have the capacity and longevity. Dumb batteries aren’t safe to deploy in mass numbers.
Something like a 15-30+Ah battery will need unique serial numbers and communications with chargers. Fleet management needs inventory tracking, predicting life expectancy, warranty management, and risk management.
Tool batteries pose safety and waste problems that don’t exist with corded tools.
We’re already seeing subsidy programs where state funds are helping pay for battery-powered landscaping equipment. I’m hoping that product development of fleet-grade chainsaws, mowers, and blowers will help the pro-sumer tools categories.
There’s not a huge volume of things like cordless miter saws, tables saws, etc. But bigger batteries and motors would help. If I’m looking at $600-800 for a ‘glide’ style saw, why not pay an extra 100 to cut the cord? Same for air compressors.
Hon Cho
OPE (Outdoor Power Equipment) is going to require a big simultaneous shift in battery power density to grab market share without government law/regulation banning internal combustion engines (a la California)
Leo B.
Cordless saws are pretty excellent- the main improvements to make, I think, is reducing weight and improving torque. The torque isn’t bad, by any means, but I find my Mag77 better for cutting bevels, rake studs, long compound miters, etc. The weight also isn’t terrible, but it’d be nice to reduce it where possible. Any of the rear handles with the large batteries are pretty heavy. Overall, though, I thoroughly agree. It’s never been easier on tradespeople’s bodies than it is now, and that’s awesome. There’s some trade offs, like plywood sheets vs 1x skip sheathing, but overall, it’s much easier now. I’m excited to see what’s next!
Jared
What would you do if you ran a second-tier cordless tool brand right now?
I can’t think of a reason to disagree with Stuart about the state of the industry. It is Dewalt and Milwaukee at the top – but, at least for now, there are a bunch of brands with substantial cordless tool portfolios, competitive performance and innovative ideas. It’s just that no one is doing all those things at the same level as the top two.
Some brands have focused on a particular category – Ego for example. Ryobi doesn’t try to compete for peak performance (though I think they do have SOME tools that are suitable for pro use) but they offer many unique options. Flex seems willing to play the high-tech and performance game, but they lack the breath or tool innovation of Red and Yellow – is that enough?
What direction should a second-tier brand take?
The only options that occur to me are to push something further than Dewalt or Milwaukee are willing – be it cordless innovation, performance, value, tool selection, etc. Instead “uncertainty” seems like the direction most are following by default.
Stuart
Part of the problem is that a lot of second-tier brands are still huge on a global scale.
And on a global scale, those brands act like top-tier brands.
But here, they’re just not showing any energy or passion anymore. They need to flip a switch and turn all that back on.
Nate
I want to see those brands reengage and out-innovate the two big players. I have some Dewalt XR tools that I really like, but I don’t think they’re generally better than other brands. My XR barrel handled jigsaw has a flaky switch that seems to take two or three slides to get to turn on. I like the saw besides this function, but it’s annoying. Bosch is an excellent player in this space, as is Festool. This whole “platform effect” of batteries has led to instances where even the biggest players are able to sell a few “below average” tools simply due to battery-lock.
Rog
We do get spoiled by the options and choices we have. Even the best Milwaukee drill/impact from 15 years ago is likely not as good as a modern Ryobi in terms of power, features and performance.
BigTimeTommy
Who has an “unwavering commitment to end users”? Best I can guess is Ryobi for sticking with the battery form factor instead of pushing planned obsolescence with a new battery.
JJ
That’s a great point – it’s mind blowing that Ryobi’s newest batteries still fit in their ancient blue tools. Another contender is Ridgid for their full lifetime warranty (beating even Hilti). It sounds like he’s probably referring to Milwaukee’s expansive range and trade-focused specialty tools.
DustyImp
I wouldn’t call adapting new technology (Li-Ion) “pushing planned obsolescence” – unless you like having post-style batteries since that was a design tradeoff to fit enough of them into a battery footprint when NiCad was the primary energy storage medium. How many people still use Ryobi tools from 15 years ago?
Mopar
I still have and use my 20yr old blue Ryobis. No, they are not my first tier tools (#TeamYellow), but they all STILL work. I’ll often grab the little 5-1/2 circular for something small and quick around the house, or to break down stuff in the parking lot of the big orange store. Same with the drill. Sure, it’s twice the size of my Dewalt, and it doesn’t have led lights, but to drill a quick hole or drive a few screws around the house, it works just fine and I don’t have to dig the yellow one out of the tool box.
Scott F
Look forward to what’s to come, I remember 12 years ago contemplating spending several hundred dollars on automotive compressors/tanks and all of that jazz – back in the days when a battery impact gun was the ultimate cordless tool. Now we have cordless compressors all around, hell, my M18 takes the RV tires up to 90PSI on one (big) battery.
I don’t know what the next step-change will be in the domain, but I’m sure in 12 more years we’ll look back similarly.
Be interesting to see what brands hold up the lead. Hard to imagine a world where Milwaukee and DeWalt are not the leaders in the pro space, and I expect Ryobi will continue to recognize the DIY space.
Exciting times, for sure!
Tim
As a worker in the trades, I strongly disagree. We’re in battery hell.
Do you remember HD-DVD versus Blu-Ray? Or Netscape and Internet Explorer? Mac-only and PC-only peripherals? Cordless tools in 2024 are like that except 10 times worse.
Nobody would call it the “golden age of flashlights” if you could only use a Duracell battery in a Duracell flashlight and an Energizer battery in an Energizer flashlight. Imagine if a Milwaukee drill bit only fit in Milwaukee drills, or a Dewalt saw required Dewalt blades.
Companies turned into greedy $#!@s, and workers are paying the price. Even on the jobsite where my boss buys any tool (on any “platform”) we need, it’s more batteries to haul around and more chargers to babysit. Enough already. Knock it off. I’m sick of it.
Starfleet engineers can integrate alien technology more easily than we can integrate Chinese tool brand X with Chinese tool brands Y.
Stuart
There’s no easy way out of “battery hell.”
Critics commonly complain about corporate greed, but there are engineering and end user experience considerations blocking all potential paths towards a universal battery interface.
Milwaukee’s highest performance tools operate at 18V. Dewalt’s highest performance tools operate at 54V and the same batteries can be used on their 18V-class tools. Makita’s highest performance tools operate at 36V. Hilti’s operate at 21.6V. Bosch and Metabo have competing battery alliances that both operate at 18V.
Metabo and Metabo HPT/Hikoki Power Tools also don’t have any cross-compatibility. Metabo HPT/Hikoki doesn’t make anything for Metabo’s battery alliance system.
Makita XGT and LXT aren’t compatible with each other. So what hope is there for Makita to partner with others towards a universal battery interface?
At least one of the brands that joined Bosch’s 18V battery alliance also makes tools for Metabo’s battery alliance.
Universal charging is looking less viable due to modern charging rates.
You can’t play a Playstation game on an XBox, and you can’t buy a Sony camera lens and use it on a Canon camera.
As for flashlights, there are many different form factors, and most rechargeable lights require very specific batteries. There are a lot of times where you can’t just use the same AA battery for all AA-compatible flashlights.
Tim
“there are engineering and end user experience considerations blocking all potential paths towards a universal battery interface”
And yet in every other case where this was true, the advantage to users was so great they managed to do it. There’s no insurmountable engineering hurdle here. If you can power a table saw and a flashlight with the same battery, you can power a drill that happens to be a different color. They choose not to cooperate.
“Universal charging is looking less viable due to modern charging rates.”
We already have universal charging for cars, and for phones/laptops/watches. Please, someone explain to me what is unique about devices in between these sizes that makes them unable to do the same.
“you can’t buy a Sony camera lens and use it on a Canon camera”
That is also a massive pain point! In the past there have been several brands of third-party lenses that worked on Canon cameras. The latest generation of Canon lens mount intentionally bans third-party lenses, and users are up in arms about it. The presence of intentional incompatibility in other fields does not make intentional incompatibility in power tools any more palatable.
“There are a lot of times where you can’t just use the same AA battery for all AA-compatible flashlights.”
But that’s not what this is. You can’t use every Dewalt battery on every Dewalt tool, and we accept that as a physical limitation. Except for a couple sketchy fly-by-night adapters, though, you can’t manufacture ANY non-Dewalt batteries for ANY Dewalt tool or Dewalt lawyers will show up at your door. That’s not engineering.
Stuart
If a battery can adequately power a table saw, it can adequately power a drill. But just because a battery adequately powers a drill or flashlight, that does NOT mean it can adequately power a table saw.
Cordless power tools are multi-component systems with long and overlapping life cycles.
You have a magic wand that reshapes the cordless power tool industry as you see fit, but you can’t go back in time. Describe your plan for universal batteries and charging that doesn’t increase costs or negatively impact existing users.
How can you power a Dewalt FlexVolt cordless miter saw or table saw with the same battery that can power a Ryobi 18V radio? How can you power a Makita 36V track saw with the same battery as Hilti’s jackhammer?
Tom
“We already have universal charging for cars, and for phones/laptops/watches. Please, someone explain to me what is unique about devices in between these sizes that makes them unable to do the same.”
Sure can. They all have built in, non field swappable batteries. Those batteries share a similar chemistry, so it was straight forward for regulators (in Europe mainly, I understand) to standardise.
Worth noting that the only alliance / standardisation so far in power tool batteries is out of Europe as well. Having an interested regulatory body makes a difference in corporate behaviour, similar to what’s happening with OPE in California.
S
In my experience on the job, I’m starting to see more people using knockoff Amazon batteries.
While I understand that the brands are pushing for a specific performance level, it’s important to recognize the discrepancy in end user usage and purchasing options.
Sure, a genuine m12 6.0 pack has more kick and longevity than an Amazon m12 6.0 pack. But I can buy 4-6 of the Amazon packs for the cost of one genuine pack.
And as long as it gets the tool to 80% the same functionality, most will never know. Or more importantly, they’ll know, and reach for a different tool, or a genuine battery for that use case, because they were likely pushing the tool they had the wrong way for the task anyways.
I think the tool brands are greedy with their battery platforms, and tool expectations. It’s nice to think we all want 100% out of a tool all the time, but the reality is the majority of users likely don’t exceed 50% performance in the majority of cases.
While some of the bigger players battery voltages are different, many of the smaller players battery voltages are the same, with only a physical difference in battery shape, and charger.
Johm
It would require government intervention to fix. Manufacturers see vendor lock in as the killer feature, they are unlikely to give that up.
Jf the private sector did it, I would expect it to be done by the failures/ laggards working strategically with #3 or #4 cordless tool company. Agree on a standard battery platform and then move up the rankings with universality as your killer feature.
Tom
Yes, I agree with you here. There’s a lesson to be learned from USB-C implementation, from EV charging etc.
Here in New Zealand, Tesla has followed an existing charge coupling standard (no idea if this applies in other markets). I’d guess that the Metabo-led (not Metabo HOT/Hikoki) CAS Alliance is an effort to get in front of EU regulations on the 18V level.
Stuart
Have you seen how messy USB-C is?
Different charging cables have different wattage ratings, and you sometimes need a different cable for high speed data transfer.
There’s no talk of EU regulations, and so it’s unlikely for the battery alliances to be a potential response.
The battery alliances are a way to offer more tools and accessories than smaller brands can develop and market independently.
Bob
Once a government enacts a mandatory standard, innovation cannot happen. Bureaucrats are not product designers. They’re not engineers. They’re paper pushers that listen to mobs. Standards are best pushed by industry once an industry is mature.
The EU originally tried to standardize micro USB. Had that happened, we would not have USB C. And the USB C standard we have thanks to the EU is a mess. Some devices come with USB C ports, but only work with USB A chargers with A-C cables. Some devices need higher power, but not all USB C chargers can provide it. Then there are all sorts of cable capacity differences for both power and data. But every cable looks the same. The fragile part of the connection is in the expensive device and not on the cable.
For tools, companies are differentiating with form factor and power. Stick batteries in lower power, light tools. Dual batteries vs. Large batteries for higher powered devices. Thin vs. thick. Overload protection. Different chemistries. Ergonomics based on form factor. We still have a lot of ways manufacturers can differentiate and make better products.
Mopar
While there is sorta universal charging for electric cars, it’s mostly crap. Teslas charge way faster on Tesla chargers, Fords charge faster on BlueOval chargers, and Chevy’s charge slower on both. Everyone charges slower on the universal chargers.
Until just a few months ago, Apple used a different charger for their phones than everyone else. Even though they broke down and switched to USB C like everyone else on their newest phone, they admit joining the “universal charging” standard has lessened their user’s experiences with formerly unheard of charging and compatibility issues.
While we can argue the greed part, the fact also remains that virtually all the power tool manufacturers subsidize the tool sales to some degree or another, knowing you are then attached to their consumables (batteries).
Take that away from them, and the profits just get shifted from the battery to the tool.
To use your flashlight analogy:
Flashlights cost very little to mass produce. If Duracell flashlights only worked with Duracell batteries, Duracell would practically give you the flashlight for free, knowing they would be selling you batteries for the next decade or more.
lee Hopkins
I am finding Lipo does not last (lifetime not run time) as the older NIcad. I have 1 original Nicad battery from a Ryobi set I bought 18 years ago and still works and holds a good charge. I have had no less than 5 lipo between 2-3 years old have goon bad and will not charge.
Jared
I assume you mean lithium-ion not lithium polymer, but that’s surprising. Are these batteries from one particular brand? How are you using them? E.g. are you providing tools to employees, or a heavy daily user?
I have batteries that are 8-10 years old with no appreciable performance loss – though I’m sure there must be “unappreciable” loss by now.
I’m not a daily power tool user, but I don’t treat my batteries particularly well either. E.g. they live in my unheated garage or unheated shop, may sit on the charger for a week if I forget to take them off, are sometimes forgotten attached to a tool, are used until drained and the tool stops working (I’ve even had to “jump” a couple to get the charger to recognize them), etc.
I’ve only had one battery pack fail in that time – and it was relatively new. I suspect it was a manufacturing defect of some sort and it was warrantied without hassle.
My old Dewalt NiCad packs lasted 10-14 years before going flat on me. There was capacity loss in that time too, but nothing intolerable.
I pulled out some old RC NiCad packs the other day that are probably 25 years old – they were WAY down on capacity, but surprised me when 3 out of 4 still charged and made the car move (one of those “working” packs didn’t last more than a few minutes though).
DC
What about Flex? I’m not an owner or fanboy but on Torque Test Channel they score pretty high amongst Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita.
Jared
My impression is that Flex is playing with the big boys in terms of battery tech and they have good “mainline” tools. They still have a relatively narrow portfolio compared to Red or Yellow though and aren’t as widely available.
I.e. they’re competitive provided they make the tools you want – but is there a strong case to choose Flex over Dewalt and Milwaukee? I’m not sure about that.
That’s not a dig against them. They were a strong entrant into the cordless tool space.
Rich Shee
It’s a fair question. I have chosen Flex, you can call me a fan boy, I guess, but I believe they have been very innovative. I believe also their platform is growing very quickly. Of course, it may not be quick enough. For carpenters/woodworkers they are just about there. They need to add a power plane, another sander or two and probably a full-size router. Otherwise, when the rest of their nail guns hit the market later this year, they will just about there. Naturally, plumbers, electricians and other trades may still find them lacking. I stayed away from cordless tools for decades. Now that I’m in my 50s I’m investing because they are viable. I hope Flex keeps their head above water long enough to introduce the products they need to secure their place in the market.
kent_skinner
It dawned on me just how good the cordless tools have become when the Torque Test Channel was testing circular saws, and some were able to put out 1800 Watts – which is 15 amps at 120v. The fact that cordless saws are now able to draw more wattage than corded saws is impressive.
MM
When you think about it today’s cordless tools are even more impressive than being able to draw more power than a corded tool. No tool is 100% efficient. A corded tool which draws 1800 watts from a wall socket will output much less because of its own inefficiencies: the motor isn’t perfect, friction in the gears, etc. When those cordless tools output 1800 watts on a dyno that isn’t just matching a corded tool, it is far exceeding it.
And those kind of tools have been around for a few years now. I remember when the first Flexvolt “worm style” saw came out there were several youtubers who tested them vs. traditional corded saws like the Mag 77 and the Flexvolt absolutely dominated the corded saws, and this would have been about 5 years ago.
Tom
I work on power tools every day. I have yet to find a single cooked Flexvolt circ saw motor, in the way that a brushed motor cooks off: melted windings etc. The higher voltage is really meaningful in terms of current and heat.
Electronic components are another story, but Ohms law still applies: I would never choose an 18/20V high drain tool over a higher voltage equivalent. Looking at you Milwaukee!
Dave
I am out of the professional industry now but do Handyman tasks and of course DIYer stuff mostly. I have my Dewalt cordless 20v, Milwaukee 12v and a growing lineup of Ryobi 18v cordless. I enjoy Ryobi’s innovative products and they always have new stuff coming out. Yeah some don’t quite cut it and may have been premature in release but overall I like the lineup and will continue to purchase. Regarding article info I believe it all comes down to dollars and how confident a company is to spend the research money to capture a larger share of the market. Milwaukee has the 12v wrapped up and has for a long time. For consumer’s “Skil” has a good 12v lineup that is cost friendly. I am not impressed with Ryobi’s 12v stuff as they seem to jump in and out of the market with various 12v stuff along with lower voltage cordless tools but they definitely remain committed to their 18v cordless lineup. The only thing that hinders them is the old style post batteries but the fact all their 18v tools can still use the same battery even going back to the blue is impressive. I also see a lot a Chinese non name products show up on Amazon and it irritates me how Amazon pushes them. Type in a name brand model cordless tool and Amazon will show you Chinese alternatives before it shows you the name brand tool you are searching for. I
Jeff
I remember in the 90s getting my first cordless power tool, a 12v DeWalt drill, for basic home use. Had to keep the corded drill around for the bigger jobs. About 5 years ago I bought my first home and started buying cordless after finally thinking that cordless might be ready.
One of them was the DeWalt 60v circular saw, that sold me and now I’m all in. Even have away my 13A corded milwaukees. The power was only confirmed by TTCs ranking sheet where they estimated it to a 25A corded version. There’s more in play with the actual circuits and parts, but that kind of amperage isn’t normally feasible with home wiring.
It has gotten so good that even though I’m typically yellow, 8 can’t stop buying m12. M12 is what I normally reach for for everyday diy tasks. 12v is leagues above the 12v nice of the past.
It really is the golden age.
JJ
I feel like one professional cordless tool brand that got left out has already answered this question:
> How can modern cordless circular saws be made better? Most pro models have ample power and runtime.
Big Richard
The FLEX inline saw?
Chris
I think we’re pretty close to maxed out in terms of power output from tools. I would like to see battery improvements though. Even longer runtimes with quick charging times, and less weight. Preferably at a reasonable price point. Oh, and more recharge cycles.
vipkl
Though there have been regrets about skipping Milwaukee and other brands, I’m invested in all Dewalt 12V Xtreme and 20V Atomic and some XR. Got a bunch of the Dewalt 12V 3Ah/5Ah and 20V 5Ah/PS1.7Ah/PS5Ah (and some 21700-cell) batts keeping me locked in.
I’m hobby DIY and really prioritize small or lightweight lol… And now I’m buying up the Ryobi 4V USB Lithium arts/craft tools (started when my wife recently needed a hot wire foam cutter and glue gun).
P.S. Had the worst timing though, didn’t realize HD had a huge Ryobi 4V promo for 3 months that ended Jan 28 (missed by a couple days)! Most of the line was discounted including the 3Ah battery twin packs and the 3-port charger. Not only did I miss the discounts, those 2 items are out of stock as well.
The new Ryobi promo offers a free 2Ah battery (FVB02 that charges USB-C gadgets) with a select few 4V tools. So I ended up with almost ten of the FVB02, plus all the bundled FVB01, when what I wanted was the FVB03 batts…
vipkl
What’s funny, I went with Walmart’s Hart Stack storage system for my Dewalt tools! Cheap, lightweight, not too big and not too small for my trunk, front connecting latches, sufficient assortment including drawers, bags, half bins (some with IP54 seal).
I researched and tried most others in stores — even made a chart — but the Hart modules are much, much lighter than the heavy duty Packout, ToughSystem 2.0, ToughBuilt, ModBox, Flex, Kobalt, Ridgid 2.0, Craftsman Tradestack, Husky Buildout etc (haven’t checked out Harbor Freight or Systainer)… They may carry a lot of weight and have IP65 and accessory rails/mounts, but they’re also huge and space inefficient with all the support structures.
The old Versastack/Tstak and Husky Connect are variously smaller and have outdated designs.
The Ryobi Link is interesting, priced as a top tier with modular toolbox and garage mounting, but our garage walls are already covered with Gladiator’s GearWall panels (which also work with Craftsman VersaTrack and I think Husky hooks). The Link seems made of some unique rubbery material that can handle more weight while also being very lightweight if I read the specs correctly (?), but the modules are too big for my trunk. And some people think the flexible material feels too flimsy.
Jim Felt
To use a phrase a Texas boot seller once used in trying to educate me on their wares “it’s the hand”… Meaning how the thing feels.
I like our Milwaukee horde but occasionally reach for Bosch because specific tools feel better in hand while using them. Both 12v and 18v.
Dunno why they just do. (Yeah many purchased overseas “because”)…
Rog
This is why I stick with a majority of my Makita tools. I know they’re lagging behind in a lot of areas but their finesse and hand-feel cant’ be beat.
Bill
Are you looking at the USA only or Globally. This article seems to be very US biased. Look outside the US and discover that Bosch is #2 and TTI (Milwaukee) is #3. The Market share between #1 through #4 are not that far apart. What will determine the winner will be how well the companies run their business, right now Stanley and TTI stock is at a three year low, and Bosch is privately owned. Which do you think will be around in five years?
Stuart
It’s the golden age for cordless power tool users globally.
Here in the USA, a lot of brands’ energies are very different than 10 years ago when everyone was hungry for market share. I thought it was just a years-long readjustment to social media, but that’s not it.
I see announcements, demos, and content produced by second-tier brands for overseas end users and markets, and we don’t get a fraction of that here.
Alton
So, just how soon will the power tools have a built in, compact, high output solar cell that keeps your attached battery charged from ambient light when you aren’t using the tools?
Scott K
I was recently thinking about all of the advances in battery capacity coupled with the capabilities of current tools.
I can’t see much logic in buying into Rigid, Makita, or Bosch anymore. If I were starting from scratch today, I think it would be between DeWalt and Ryobi. Milwaukee makes phenomenal tools and is heavily focused on innovation and customer experience, but DeWalt’s availability on Amazon adds a convenience factor.
My Bosch drill and impact have been going strong for almost 10 years, but I haven’t expanded my Bosch lineup due to cost and lack of options. I have several Ryobi tools and batteries and they haven’t let me down yet. I also have a DeWalt circular saw and hammer/drill/driver that share one battery. Any new tools I buy will be DeWalt or Ryobi.
Jp
Interesting article, but I find my milwaukee and ryobi combo works the best. No need to avoid lesser brands. Spend wisely and embrace them. Unless you’re rich, you know when 3rd tier will do.
Rx9
My opinion is that the period from 2005-2019 was the golden age for proprietary li-ion battery systems. The next 10 years will herald a switch to a universal battery standard or two. It will likely be defined by tti or sbd. Once that happens, it will be like a return to the corded era, where a variety of manufacturers find their way into a single consumer’s toolbox.
Scott K
Maybe. Ryobi seems committed to battery/tool compatibility, so a shift to a new form factor would negate that. If Milwaukee and Ryobi (and Hart and Ridgid) could share batteries, it would muddy the waters. Why buy the higher priced Milwaukee batteries when Ryobi and Hart offer cheaper alternatives? There’s more to a battery nowadays than the form factor, too – there is a lot of technology that allows tools to operate effectively when paired with the proper battery.
Chip
It is the golden age for me professionally.
M12 for daily use,12v Bosch shaping wood,m18 lighting/ vacuums,Makita for sawing,Metabo general,Paslode nailers,and even have specialty tools from Ridgid and Ryobi using adaptors.
Hikoki/Metabo hpt,Flex,Hilti and Dewalt are the only professional brands I don’t use.
Currently I rate Milwaukee #1 because of m12.
#2 Dewalt
#3 Makita
#4Flex rising fast but not enough of a current lineup.
#5 Hilti.
If Tough built can bring tools to market,they could be a player in the “I want all my tools to match”.
TB is already close to being 2nd in the modular toolbox wars.
Dominic S
Milwaukee has been out in front for a LONG time. Dewalt a close second. Nobody else has had such a strong commitment to one good battery type and has the range of tools and innovative solutions they have. They’re investing heavily into R&D and it shows.
I haven’t seen a compelling reason to use anything but red tools in years.
Rog
I’m both glad and surpised to see no comments complaining about “git that dadgum rainbow off muh tool site!!!!!1!!”
I would say Ryobi has the strongest “unwavering commitment” to end users based off them sticking with their battery style.
scott
Everyone keeps talking about common batteries. This will NEVER EVER happen. The big two have way too much to lose. If batteries were the same you could buy tools based on price and features. The difference between the top cordless drills from the top providers is minimal at best, most likely a ergonomics issue for most users, i.e. my hands are really large so brand X works best. If not locked into a platform most folks would have the triple impact from HPT, etc. Some will chose the the HPT impact but most wil not want another battery platform. Ryobi is most folks second battery brand for all of the one off tools they have, might need the battery transfer pump three times a year so for $75 bucks im there ……….
Also my battery platform of choice is Ridgid, cant beat the battery warranty. One phone call and new battery send out UPS, I have a new one in 3 days. I have had 4 3AH batteries die but they were 15 years old so I guess that works.
MacLean Flood
One downside to the cheap and plentiful availability of cordless power tools is theft. Would we have had a rash of catalytic converter thefts if sawzalls were more expensive? Around here gates get cut open, locks ground off.
But at the same time it’s really easy to dismantle illegal dumped and burned RVs in the woods…and cameras and recording technology has benefited. I love documenting my work on my Trash and Trail YouTube channel!
JR Ramos
I had to think about this for a minute, but I think “golden age of” is probably pretty accurate. I don’t think most of the important aspects are optimized, however, and if the interest is there from engineers and manufacturers, it’ll still be a bit before the golden age reaches an apex.
It’s REALLY impressive what they have been able to milk out of power sources and motor design, but I wonder if we were to start from scratch today with all of what we’ve learned, if we’d design the same way. As is usual and expected, the industry has tweaked and modified from previous standards and iterations to reach the point where we are today.
Power source: Ignoring any arguments about universal compatibility and such, we started with round cells and kept that mentality, were slow to adopt important advancements there, and are/were still mostly limited by some practical considerations to where many tools are limited in performance just by that alone. Slightly improved now with 21700, tabless, pouches, but still anchored to old history and those practical but arbitrary voltage categories (less so now, obviously). The fact that 18V or 36V can now accomplish, in many examples, what 120V could deliver – at least for a workable time period – is impressive and nice to enjoy as a user, but voltage being as important as it is, I think we could get a lot more by upping that part of design.
Ergonomics: Challenging but many cordless tools are poorly balanced now and that requires some serious adjustment in use (especially for those old enough to have developed their skills with electric tools), and sometimes those poor ergonomics make it more difficult to achieve good work results simply due to extra bulk or poor balance. This is of course a result of being tied to a history of round cells and tweaking new housings to use bulky batteries on mostly the same designs of old electric tools. The routers do ok here, as do circular saws and drills for the most part, but grinders and sanders and planers and several other tools are kind of a bear now with so much batter bulk and weight in the “wrong” places for the tool. Could that be improved if “they” put the cost/engineering into it?
Run time: always could be better but for most items now it’s really good. Grinders suffer a lot there, as do vacuums, but at least the performance for many models has reached a point of being professionally usable for “real” work. Rotary hammers are another example. The best advantage with those high drain demanding tools in cordless is simply portability (or easier portability), imho, but they still necessitate the use of a generator for areas without power where the work isn’t just brief, and in that case electric is still a very viable option that will deliver better performance at a MUCH lower cost and lifetime. Pneumatics to a degree as well.
I’ve been most impressed with some of the OPE and concrete cordless tools lately…never thought some of those would end up as viable cordless options. I think it’s great that nailers have come so far, also, including the newer concrete nailers.
There are several tools that I just haven’t bought, either because the performance (or Other) isn’t there yet, or because of my hesitancy to add yet another battery platform for one or two attractive tools. So the “optimization” is really spread around, but it’s safe to say that nearly everything these days is quite adequate for most DIY/hobby/maintenance use and most also for typical professional use…still a ways to go, however. I look back to what I was using and how I was working with it throughout the 90s and aughts, and it really is nice to have such power and function available now in cordless.
fm2176
I think we are in a Golden Age of sorts. My first experience with cordless tools was nearly 20 years ago, when I worked for a gutter crew. We had B&D and DeWalt UniVolt drills with 7.2v and 8.4v batteries. The “heavy hitter” for drilling anchor holes for downspouts was a 12v hammer drill. Otherwise, we used hand tools or found an outlet to plug our saws into. A couple of years later I worked for a framing crew, where the gas air compressor and generator were essential. Hard to believe that both are barely necessary for many crews nowadays. In the early 2000s I bought a B&D retro 14.4v drill. It worked for things around the house, but otherwise my tools were all corded or pneumatic.
The first semi-modern tools I bought were Porter Cable 18v. Funny how PC cordless tools are basically a non-entity these days. Like many other brands’ systems of the late 2000s, these were the transitional platform between Ni-Cad and Li-Ion, with multi-chemistry chargers and slightly redesigned variants of previous Ni-Cad tools. Those tools worked, but with 1.5Ah batteries and it being a dying platform by 2014, I bought into DeWalt. Then Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi, EGO, Metabo HPT, and Bosch.
Each brand has some strengths and weaknesses, but for many, Big Red and Big Yellow are the two main competitors. To me, though, Ryobi is doing some great things. Sure, they aren’t able–nor are they intended–to compete against “professional” brands, but the casual tool user, or even the brand-new apprentice, can afford them. Ryobi Days hits in a few months, and I expect they’ll have the usual two-4Ah battery starter kit with free bare tool, along with the basic drill combo. For $99 plus tax, you can start your collection, and with a little luck at a yard sale or flea market, score some 20-year-old tools for next to nothing that work with the same batteries.
SteveP
Can you publish sales figures? Or link to sources?
As a “serious” DIYer (I built a 24X24′ double garage from the slab up almost singlehandedly) I used to buy Makita until I got tired of their failing 18V batteries and the “this warranty is not for you” non-backup
I switched to Ryobi and could not be happier. Ryobi has tons of interesting niche products (it seems every month they have a new inflator) plus just about anything I need. I do have some 12V Milwaukee (no dead batteries yet) since they go on sale often and they form factor is nice for small jobs. I have never had a Ryobi battery die on me (some now nearing 10 years)
And while I know most of the contractors I know are either Dewalt or Milwaukee, I suspect they are outnumbered 10 to 1 by the DIYer like myself, which should skew the sales numbers to the cheap amateurs. Is this a secret? Home Depot is a force to be reckoned with
What I find interesting is when (say) Milwaukee has a nice work lamp and Ryobi has 20-odd lamps but nothing quite as nice as the Milwaukee. Surely not rocket science or patents. I use a lot of Ryobi stuff (lamps, fans) when camping now as well. Small cheap lamps with USB chargers built in? No-brainer
fm2176
My most-used cordless tool is one of the Ryobi clamp fans. It’s probably followed (distantly) by the Ryobi power adapter and the Verse speakers. I bought out the clamp fans when they were released, probably about 15 in total, of which I gave away most. They are handy and put out enough of a breeze to take your mind off the heat.
NoDak Farming
It doesn’t matter which tool blog or forum I visit…. People are always saying nice things about Ryobi. It seems like they make good stuff. And just as importantly, they seem to do a good job of getting it out in front of people. I could see myself getting some of their niche tools to compliment what I already have. I guess it would be a third brand of tool for me to have. Unfortunately it would be a five hour round trip for me to visit a Home Depot. And I’m one of those people that like to handle a tool a little, before I buy them.
Mark
It’s really interesting reading this as an Australian tradesman. Very, very different picture over here.
From what I’ve seen on the jobsite and and joinery shops It’s a pretty even split between Milwaukee and Makita. You see some DeWalt but nowhere near as much. My guess would be one DeWalt for every 10 or 20 Makita or Milwaukee users. Bosch is almost invisible and Ryobi is almost entirely a DIY brand. Metabo is available but I’m not sure I’ve ever seen their cordless stuff. You can probably get it but it would be special order. Orange over here is AEG, and you don’t see it much either but more than Ryobi.
Interesting thing about Makita vs Milwaukee here is that a few salespeople have told me they get more Milwaukees back for defects and warranty claims than any other brand. That’s just word of mouth though although at one shop where I worked we had a cordless Milwaukee mitre saw whose fence just never sat right no matter what we did, and a guy I work with has had to return at least one 18V battery. All my power tools are Makita 18V and I’m very happy with them, but I prefer Milwaukee accessories like bit holders and extension bars, and a lot of their hand tools. They’re well made. Their cordless lighting is also unbeatable. All my laser levels are DeWalt because they’re much more competitively priced for what you get, at least over here.