Every cordless power tool, at all levels from budget-priced to super-premium, has design compromises.
If you want more speed, you sometimes have to give up torque. More torque? You might need to put up with heavier weight.
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Let’s take a l0ok at some of the major factors that guide or are guided by a cordless power tool’s design.
Which of these aspects are most important to you, for your most-used tools?
Torque
If there’s one on-paper spec that most people look at more than anything, it’s torque. Heavy duty tasks and larger power tool accessories require more powerful motors and gearing.
Cordless drills benefit from having two or sometimes three gear settings. In other tools, the speed and torque are fixed. Many tools have a variable speed trigger switch, but you can only gain torque if the gearing is changed. Simply slowing down a motor won’t increase its torque or power.
Application Speed or Performance
A perfect tool would be fast and powerful. But for most tools, torque has to be traded for faster speeds.
Application performance is usually dependent on both speed and torque, but it can sometimes be considered separately.
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Let’s say you have two identical cordless circular saws. One has a 6-1/2″ blade, the other has a 7-1/4″ blade. Which cuts faster?
Ignoring torque considerations for a moment, if both saws have the same speed rating, the saw with the larger blade should cut faster. Why? The larger blade has a larger circumference, which means that for the same RPMs, more “cutting edge” is passing through the work material in the same amount of time.
To gain a sense of application performance, you have to look a lot closer at the details. That’s where blade size, stroke length, oscillation angle, and other such factors come into play.
Size & Weight
Think about a bench vise, or an anvil, or even just a workbench. If you want greater strength and stability, you need more mass.
If you want more power in a cordless tool, you need a bigger motor. If you have more power, you need a longer handle (or handles). More power, in an electrical sense, often means greater cooling by means of a bigger fan and careful vent placement.
See Also: Why Powerful Drills Must have Aux Handles
If you want a powerful tool that can speed through work, you’re probably going to have to make do with a larger and heavier tool. And if not, then faster application performance, such as stepping to a larger blade size – that will surely do it.
Cost
What are you willing to pay for?
With some tools you can “have it all” – power, performance, and small size and weight – although only brushless impact drivers come to mind. For other tools, more power or performance is only delivered alongside a bigger price tag.
Smaller Stuff
There are some other smaller factors, such as unique features. But are things like LED afterglow customizations ever a primary deciding factor?
What Matters to Me Most
Drill: Size, and torque. I prefer a smaller cordless drill, and as long as it has the torque to do what I need it to, I can live with slower speeds, if it doesn’t affect performance too much. I’m willing to spend more, which can often bump application performance up a little, and without increasing the tool size.
Impact Driver and Wrenches: Size and torque. Again, I prefer a more compact impact driver and impact wrench. I don’t need record-breaking power, but if I can get greater torque in a small package, I’ll take it.
Circular Saw: Size and application performance. 6-1/2″ saws can often handle my tool-to-work cross-cutting needs with ease, but 7-1/4″ saws often have more power and faster application speeds. If shopping for one today, cost would also be a consideration, likely leading more more towards a 6-1/2″ saw than the current breed of can-do-anything premium brushless 7-1/4″ saws.
Reciprocating Saw: Generally, I want the fastest application speed for the money, at least most of the time. Other times, I want the smallest and lightest tool, and without a deep hit to my wallet. That might mean something like an M12 Hackzall and 18V-class full-sized saw.
What Matters to You the Most?
Torque? Performance? Size and weight? Cost?
Something else?
Chris
Battery platform/Brand name.(Dewalt 20v Max or Milwaukee m12) Preferably brushless.
jec6613
Yep, battery platform first, then I look at my need and likely future needs for the tool. Buying into a second platform is so expensive that I could often buy two or three bare tools for the cost of getting started in a second platform.
Jared
Yeah exactly. You can’t separate these considerations from the battery platform in my opinion because that’s not how most of us buy tools. You pick a platform and try to stick to it because there’s a price and logistical cost to buying into multiple battery types.
Not that the considerations don’t matter at all – e.g. I justified my decision to buy into the Dewalt platform vs. Ryobi because the specs on the tools are generally better (and I have greater trust in their reliability). But I also choose Dewalt over Milwaukee because the Milwaukee tools are more expensive on average.
In certain product ranges Milwaukee’s offerings might be better, but not enough to be worth the premium.
All that to say, for example, when shopping for a oscillating multi-tool I didn’t compare the specs across multiple brands, I just price-shopped for a good deal on the Dewalt.
However, if the same brand has multiple options in the same category (e.g. there’s lots of different Dewalt impact drivers/drills), I usually first consider how much I will use the tool and what tasks I need it for before deciding how much to spend chasing the best specs.
So, when I purchased an impact driver, I choose the budget option. I already owned a monster DCF899 impact wrench; I didn’t need an impact driver that could double as a wrench for lug nuts and suspension bolts – I could bust out the big gun for that.
Tim E.
I’ve moved past battery platform being the most important now, for home use, but I definitely agree it might be the top consideration for many other home users and pro users.
So often the kits are what go on sale for tool brands, I haven’t found it significantly more expensive to get a kit tool from each brand I plan to use, then I have batteries for whatever. Some tools don’t even come in non-kit form, at least when semi new, sometimes by the time I buy them, sometimes not at all (flexvolt compressor as an example).
As a home user, I think durability is one of my main concerns, but more from a longevity perspective than stands up to hard use sense. That encompasses a lot of aspects, including the battery platform as well. I bought into ryobi for their random specialty tools because they don’t change battery form factors. If the (non-hybrid) shop vac still works in 10 years, I’m going to need new batteries likely. Their hybrid tools like some of the lights are good because when the batteries either are deprecated or shot, they still work as tools, just not cordlessly. Same with Milwaukee, they seem committed to M18 sticking around, and staying compatible. I’m not sure if they’ll eventually move M12 to a slide pack in order to make larger batteries, or if they’re just going to kind of hold steady until breakthroughs in 18650 batteries. I’d rather buy a more expensive tool with the expectation that it not only performs better, but will last longer without any major issues over a long timeframe.
Koko the Talking Ape
You are right, it isn’t more expensive to buy kits from whatever brand than to stick to a battery system and buy bare tools.
But:
– Many of the more specialized tools are not available in kits. Or the ones in the kits suck.
– Even when you buy kits, it might still make sense to stick to one brand. That way you get more batteries that you can interchange among all your tools. Of course, that need might not arise for you.
Frampton
That sums it up for me.
1. Platform – I’m a Milwaukee M-18 guy
2. Brushless – whenever possible
KenZ
Battery platform for sure. I chose Makita. Then I made a Makita battery adapter for Ryobi tools, and buy the tools I don’t need great function from ryobi.
Jash
I just got the Dewalt DCK280C2 (20V made in USA drill/driver kit) because its made in USA. Also I specifically picked Dewalt because their battery religion allows for battery bare tool purchases like the LED flash light I got.
Chip
Battery system/cost. I bought into HD Rigid line because they offered free replacement batteries, for life. Already swapped two. Of course, now I am stuck with the relatively sparse Rigid line. I constantly eye all those cool Milwaukee tools in their system, but won’t ever bite as I don’t want two different batteries to deal with.
Jason
You’re interchanging torque and power. They aren’t the same thing. Example, you said “you can only gain power if the gearing is changed”, but that’s not true. By changing gearing you change speed and torque, power stays the same. Increasing the gear ratio gives more torque and slower speed. Decreasing gear ratio increases speed, but decreases torque. The power is the same.
“A perfect tool would be fast and powerful. But for most tools, power has to be traded for faster speeds.” Again, it’s torque in this case that is traded for speed, not power.
This was the whole idea behind max watts out, but it never caught on. Max watts out is power and gives a better understanding of whether the tool is fast and has lots of torque (especially when comparing two tools). When only the torque value is given, we don’t know if that’s at 5000 rpm (pretty powerful tool) or 50 rpm (pretty wimpy tool).
Stuart
True. I thought it worked out better to use them interchangeably, which isn’t entirely unfair, to help simplify things.
I made a few tweaks, thanks for bringing it up!
Matt
Specifically, power = torque x RPM.
Stuart
Only if those values are test measurements. Most tools are rated at no-load RPMs.
Jehremy
When I was looking to hop onto a new battery platform about a year or so ago I was looking mostly at size since this would be a DIYer around-the-house set for me. I ended up going with Makita’s 18V platform due to the flexibility offered with their medium-class subcompact line of tools which allows me to have small tools more akin to 12V sizes, but also be able to get a larger 18V or 18Vx2 (36V) tool if the need should ever arise. Milwaukee’s 12V platform was a close second for me, but Makita won out.
Rick
I run multi platform and it kinda sucks. The only reason I run it is because there were certain deals that occurred that got me into the platform. It works for me, though somewhat annoying at times.
But I won’t pickup yet another platform. Just one too many. So within the platform, I’ll justify cost with performance.
Rick
And of course, I forgot. Warranty….and service. DeWalt has been pretty good to me, although somewhat slow. Rigid is somewhat ok, but they have hoops to jump through. Bosch I have not used yet.
Other annoyances; USA models often do not include dust extraction. Aeg models of the same saws that rigid carries have dust ports.
I had to buy a Bosch just to have dust collection, for those times I just need it.
Tim E.
Yes, dust collection! I wish that wasn’t so isolated to the European market. I have to use the tools indoors a lot, or in my garage, so efficient cleanup and preferably less dust in the air is a must. Maybe we’ll see more tools like the new Milwaukee circular where it’s just a little adapter thing that snaps in, so you can have the option or not easily, and at a minimum of extra cost.
I keep wanting to go overseas just to buy tools to bring back that have dust collection (M12 circular saw being a big one). Plus things they just don’t release here for whatever reason – engelbert strauss workwear, the Ryobi pressure washer, …
aerodawg
I’m in a quasi-fortune multi-platform situation. I was given quite a few Ryobi tools and batteries at one point and later bought into DeWalt. The stuff I use most often I buy DeWalt. Lesser used stuff I buy Ryobi and save a few dollars. Works out fairly well for me…
fred
Some things that I considered over the years:
Was I buying for myself or for a business?
What work/tasks were part of that business or personal use?
If for me – what tools fit best in my hands?
If for a business – did I have any input from the crews from a test of a few “samples” ?
What else was available on the same battery platform – and what were those added options really worth to me – or the business?
What did I think about the staying-power of the tool manufacturer or a particular tool line? Were they likely to continue and expand that line? What battery options were available?
Johann
Interesting, all the prior comments echo mine. Now that I’ve chosen a battery platform, it’s VERY difficult to justify a purchase outside it.
I’m just a home owner with very modest DIY and the $279 price point on the Ryobi One set (drill, hammer drill, 7 1/4 saw, recip saw, occiliating saw, worthless light) from HD a couple years ago was a no-brainer. But I’ve since expanded that to a cordless trimmer and leaf blower – both of those were directly because they either came with a better battery I could use with my existing tools (blower), or because I got it cheaper without a battery (trimmer).
For my use I’ve been pleased with the cost/performance.
Johann
Woah there, sorry it was a 5 1/2 circular saw. More coffee needed.
Rob
In addition to a good reputation and price point, I would also say that variety of tools really makes a difference too. I like that both DeWalt and Milwaukee have a cordless band saw, and I really like the variety of tools in the M12 platform. I’m currently fully invested in DeWalt, and I would love to make the change to Milwaukee, but I can’t afford to pick up a second platform right away. I would probably have to find someone to buy all of my current DeWalt gear first to fund the changeover
David
I care about battery platform quite a bit, as well as breath of the set of tools, and the price to buy new tools. I’ve used Ryobi tools for years because they’ve kept the same battery format, which means I’ve never had to replace a tool because the batteries weren’t available anymore. As a homeowner and hobbyist, that fits my needs and budget well. I tend to recommend Ryobi to hobbyist/homeowners because of the broad, inexpensive tool portfolio with long term battery compatibility.
I’ve since started acquiring M12 tools because they’re nicely sized and handy for a lot of tasks, and along the way I ended up with a DeWalt port-a-band that now has me in that ecosystem as well. I’m not entirely thrilled to be in 3 battery ecosystems, but wanted the specific tool and got a good enough price to make it ok.
Jared
Even though I commented earlier about choosing Dewalt over Ryobi because I perceive Dewalt to have higher quality and better specs, if I were doing it over again I think I would struggle with the choice even more now. Ryobi seems “good enough” for most purposes and has a tempting array of unique tools and low prices.
Especially for tools I would like to own but know I wouldn’t use all that often, its sore tempting to buy into the Ryobi platform.
Jerry
Don’t discount the Ryobi brushless tools. I have their brushless hammer drill and it has all the performance of the DeWalt 18V DEL drill i used before. It is a more basic tool with only 2 speeds and 2 positions for the side handle but was on sale for 1/2 of the DeWalt brushless 20V Max hammer drill on the next shelf. Doubt it would hold up to heavy everyday use as well but has a 3 year warranty.
Addison
Battery and SKUs. I picked M12/M18. At this point I would likely pick Dewalt because of the table saw and chopper. The M18 multi-tool is embarrassing, the jigsaw would be amazing 20 years ago (not today) but all other tools are very good to great. My back up tools are Marita: amazing build quality and battery, not enough tools for me but I still love these.
Tim E.
Both of those tools (M18 OMT and jigsaw) are a bit long in the tooth, but the jigsaw at least is getting upgraded, and the new D handle looks nice, though I’m holding out for the barrel grip. Maybe with Milwaukee buying Imperial blades they’ll have incentive to update the OMT.
I like Milwaukee’s 7.25” miter, maybe with the 12Ah battery we’ll see a 10” to compete with DeWalt better, but I think deWalt will hold the upper hand for a while on the 12” just because of their willingness to do double batteries. I do think the Milwaukee table saw beats out the current flexvolt one, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see DeWalt leapfrog back ahead with a dual battery table saw sometime soon. I think eventually All the big tool companies will do x2 tools as a norm for super-high-power tools, just because that’s the easiest (seemingly) to get double the power delivery potential. Even as battery technology improves and advances, it would take a few good leaps to get to twice the potential of “yesterday’s” batteries. And from a compatibility perspective, x2 regular batteries I think maintains continuity better, any battery on any tool, you just need two of them instead of one.
Nathan
I have a hierarchy of what I look for.
1) performance at task. for drills something like speeds and torque or I even refactor the power output when looking at a dewalt. or sanders – RO/min with look at amps draw if corded. again will it have the gumption to do the job easily.
2) ergonomics – how does it fit me – does it seem to make sense to how I plan on working.
3) accessories or consumables. – IE sander does it use a normal size/hole pattern? Can I get pieces without crazy expense? OMT – one thing that lead me to the dewalt other than cordless and I have that platform – it has a edge follow guide that’s removable. It takes nearly any other blade – and it fit my hand. the guide pushed it ahead of the bosch I was leaning toward and ahead of the fein that was on sale. (yes I know the bosch has a guide but it costs more and it’s as useful)
4) Other factors – example drills again I had in my hand the dewalt compact driver and the milwaukee – Country of origin and country of incorporation pushed me toward the dewalt even though milwaukee has other tools in system I like.
Table saw – easy fold stand put me towards the Dewalt 7490 vs the 91 or because the stand made more sense for me.
I should explain I consult on purchasing aircraft for a living so I can’t help but make up lists on what I need and how I will use something I buy. you should see me shop for a vehicle.
William
I just discovered your feed. Really awesome! I think i ran into it on instagram and then looked it up somehow. Very cool. Thanks!
John S
First battery platform for me was Ryobi 20+ years ago. I still have those tools, don’t use them much but they served a purpose.
Since then my primary platforms are Makita 18V and Bosch 12V. Very good tools, serve me well, no faults ever. The Makita cordless track saw to me beats everything out for capability, price, compatibility with my existing Festool rails. Even sold my Festool TS75 track saw.
Over the past two years I have added 4 Hitachi cordless nail guns, because they are excellent and very convenient. Easily the best cordless nail gun lineup of anybody. I purchased all refurbished from Big Sky Tool when they had sales and paid barely over half of new cost for all of them. Having that battery platform, I added the Hitachi triple hammer, damn near the best impact around.
The biggest fault of the casual user is that they only shop at HD or Lowes and blindly buy tools to the battery they have when there can be better tools on other platforms, but that does require adding another battery to the mix and also shopping elsewhere.
I bought the newer Graco cordless handheld airless sprayer which is only on Dewalt battery platform. No big deal. It does allow me to add Dewalt cordless tools in the future if they have something I don’t have and that tool appears to be as good or better than the other platforms.
If you limit yourself to one battery platform, you are missing out by not having access to some types of tools or just better tools.
Seeing will-not-name influencers on Instagram and youtube with an entire lineup of Ridgid tools WILL NOT influence me to buy their products. All it says to me is that woodworker/builder/maker sold out to pimp one brand, which I just don’t care for. Seeing someone with a garage full of only Dewalt tools tells me they have no clue what they are doing. Every brand has some inferior tools, so diversifying is necessary.
Quality, price, uniqueness, do I have their batteries yet, sales, cost of additional batteries, tool availability and so much more go into tool purchases. I buy very few tools ever at HD and Lowes. Better prices through so many other channels.
Tim E.
As a user of 9 different battery platforms now (not counting anything under 12V), I completely agree with the statement about getting the best of all possible worlds. Makita’s 12V rotary cutter, Ryobi’s 6 gallon vac, the M12 band saw, the flexvolt compressor and miter, the M18 rocket lights, these were (or still are in some cases) tools you can only get on those respective lines. I’d be missing out on most of them if I stayed in one line, which is why I’ve diversified.
However, for “core” tools, I think sticking to one line is the right thing to do. M12/M18 are my main lines, so any core tools I buy are from them. That’s because most major players are close enough in their core tools it doesn’t really matter what you choose. Good as they are, you won’t find me buying Hitachi’s excellent triple hammer impact, or a DeWalt hammer drill, just because that’s where annoyance starts to creep in. If I’m taking tools somewhere, I’m likely taking several core tools, so it’s nice to have that all from one line, and only need one set of batteries and charger. For specialty stuff, that’s where I think diversifying the lines makes more sense, which I think is what you allude to. The paint sprayer is a specialty tool. The cordless compressor is still a somewhat specialty tool. The larger shop vac and even the rocket light are specialty tools, because they have semi-equivalents in all the major lines. If I need to take a specialty tool with me, I can take the extra batteries and charger, but at least I’m still usually not carrying 5 different battery lines, like if I actually bought the absolute best of every different tool.
fred
The first batch of cordless tools that I bought were Porter Cable (pre B&D days) 12V Magnequench drills. I thought that these were the only professional level cordless back then (early days of NiCad) for our plumbing business. When we acquired the remodeling business – they had a batch of Makita 9.6V cordless tools that they like well enough. We morphed them into Makita 18V li-Ion tools as they became available. That decision was based on how many more tools Makita had introduced at that time – compared to fewer by Milwaukee, Porter Cable or Dewalt. Meanwhile for our installers (another business entity) – we started buying Milwaukee M12. Then the plumbers started looking at M12 – and M18 next – based on some trade-specific tools that Milwaukee introduced. When I retired – we were phasing in some M18 tools into the remodeling business.
Maybe If I were starting from scratch today – I might pick Dewalt – but Milwaukee and Makita – would probably be on my list to compare as well.
I agree with other’s comments – that for a business – once you buy into a battery platform there is an incentive to stick with it to reduce battery and charger inventory.
Jerry
Number one to me now is matching battery platforms. I had multiple platforms in the past and seemed like more often than not my frustrations were battery related. Either i needed one more of one battery than I had or had to pack extra weight up a ladder because of needing extra batteries or chargers. I was DeWalt 18V mostly, plus a few tools on other platforms, until I needed a few new tools to replace soon out 18V DeWalts soon after the 20V Max really took off. At the time they had no adapter and was told by a factory rep they had no plan to introduce one so I decided to go all to one battery platform. Knew a guy who gave me a fair price for my working tools and switched over to Ryobi. I think the DW tools are built a bit better but Ryobi had by far the widest variety of tools I might want in the future on that platform. Even now, I don’t think anyone else offers more tools on one platform.
Adam
I’ve so far managed to stick with M12/M18 for all of my cordless stuff. I spent 25 years working with older Milwaukee corded and cordless tools, so I guess I’m biased towards the brand, but they seem to have all the tools I need.
I’m still tempted by the Makita cordless track saw, but I haven’t had a huge need for it recently, so I’ve managed to resist.
Framer joe
In a nutshell, Cordless tools; Milwaukee is for plumbing , mechanics and HVAC, Dewalt is for construction, Makita is more construction oriented, Bosch makes great tools but not enough of them,all the rest of the brands are DIY at best.
Construction Companies don’t care about cost (to a point) the job needs to get done fast ,on time, and quality…one platform would be great,but not practical.
We run 3 framing crews, outfitted with the latest cordless tools from Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita….
Power and performance is most important , size is not an issue,nor costs. The tool must be able to do the job at hand ,quickly or it’s worthless. Thankfully, Dewalt Flexvolt rules all (most) catagories of construction tools ,so that makes it easier for batteries.
Makita has some great tools, as does Milwaukee, so drills and impacts are all about equal.
The majority of the big 3 cordless tool brands are bought by construction, remodeling, companies, and are made primarily for them, not DIY people. They (diy) have a multitude of brands to choose from ,all about the same level of quality and performance.
Buying a truck is subjective, Chevy is better,Ford is better, Dodge is better. With cordless tools not really. The tool either can do the job the fastest and doesn’t break and lasts years or not….
For Construction, ..Power and Performance !!!
Tim E.
Yep, Hilti is DIY at best. 😀
fred
I can see Framer Joe’s point about the big 3 – as far as the US market is concerned. But to Tim’s point Hilti is a big company. Hilti makes lots of professional grade tools. Hilti is- bigger than Makita in terms of sales. But Hilti doesn’t sell a lot of cordless tools in the US market compared to Makita or Dewalt or Milwaukee. Other professional grade brands like Fein and Mafell also make some cordless tools – but don’t offer the wide range of other brands. Bosch – with worldwide sales almost as much as SBD – seems to sell selectively in the US – so it can be hard to put them into the “hunt” if you want to pick a battery platform that has breadth and depth. When we bought only corded tools and pneumatics – it was easier to cherry-pick: maybe a Bosch rotohammer, a Metabo grinder, a Porter Cable router, a Milwaukee Sawzall, a Dewalt miter saw, a Hilti nail gun, a Mafell or Makita power plane, a Skil 77 circular saw etc.
Thom
The color is the only thing that matters :p
Steve
Started decades ago with Makita 12v, then upgraded to Bosch 18v, but DeWalt has a lot more availability in my area and is on sale frequently so I gave my Bosch to one of the sons and went with DeWalt 20v. Don’t plan on looking back. I own dozens of shop and garden tools on the DeWalt platform now haven’t had a bad one so I’m happy . . . until something way more better comes out.
garrick
Given the rough equivalency of power in most of the major brands, I put ergonomics at the top of the list. How they feel in the hand(s), how well are they balanced when doing their function, and even the sound and vibration they make. Festools are my favourite, but nowhere near my price range unfortunately. I like, and have for about a decade, the 12 volt Bosches and the 18 volt Makitas. For tools I am unlikely to use enough to wear out, I will go with Craftsman (at least I used to), or something even cheaper.
But for regular use, the tool has to feel good.
OldDominionDIYer
Hmmm, for me there were lots considerations, when I did my research into the cordless world my main concern was platform stability but it didn’t end there. I also considered tool size and weight, variety, tool performance, and availability (especially locally). Unlike corded options which I don’t tend to have a particular favorite, I knew that when I bought into a cordless platform I would basically be stuck (not completely but financially favorable) it was going to be better for me to remain within one brand platform. So when I compared brands I looked at the span or variety of tools offered and then the performance and reliability of the products from each company. After a good bit of reading and in store handling, plenty of reviews and comparison testing articles I figured out that DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita were all excellent choices and Bosch was also a very good choice as well. Then I looked at what was available locally that I could reach out a buy when needed on a moments notice to see what was being carried and offered at my local brick and mortar stores to determine accessibility. After all that I decided (for better or worse) on Milwaukee. I’m happy to say I have been very happy with that decision and that’s not to say I haven’t had my share of “tool envy” when one of the other brands I also liked brings out a tool Milwaukee doesn’t currently offer like a cordless router, or framing nailer, neither of which Milwaukee has even hinted yet at making. I also at times feel fortified in my decision when I see brands switching battery platforms or not always allowing forwards and backwards compatibility as Milwaukee seems so committed to doing and I appreciate that. When it came down to the individual tools I first looked for the highest capacity (torque, etc..) then size (smaller) I got the 1st generation Fuel 2704 1/2 in hammer drill (1200in/lbs) and later because I knew I wouldn’t often need the extra power I bought the current (at the time) M12 Fuel Drill/driver (2403) which offered the 1/2 inch chuck and 350in/lbs of torque in a much smaller and lighter package. I find I use it much more that the M18 version simply because it can do so much and is much easier to handle. I have expanded into OPE now and only lack the new Chainsaw but it’s on my list. I am also about to buy into a mobile tool storage option and have settled again on Milwaukee’s Packout system, and part of this is because I’m hoping to see more integration in the future between the tools and storage and even like Dewalt has done maybe even a radio that can mount and be carried with the system.
TonyT
I don’t have a strict hierarchy, but consider the following:
1. Price and value – I’m not using my tools everyday, DIY at home and a bit at work (mostly hand tools – Wiha & Bondhus, but starting to use my Bosch pocket driver), so I can’t justify spending a lot
2. Battery system – although no one battery system has all the tools or the best tools, sticking to a few systems (3 in my case) really helps so I can build up the number of batteries. When buying into a system, I consider the range of tools, longevity, what individual tools I really like, and the typical cost.
3. Can the tool do the job? I don’t care about paper specs, but if the tool won’t work well, I just wasted my money.
4. Ergonomics, so good feel and light weight / good weight distribution.
I originally had some cheap B&D and one-off NiCad toosl, but never liked them because the batteries sucked. ANY of the mainstream Li-On systems is MUCH better than any NiCd/NiMH!
Anyway, I initially went Ryobi because, I’ll admit it, HD had the Ryobi 6-piece set for $200. But Ryobi has served me well, with good affordability, and a number of excellent or unique tools, such as their hybrid LED lights, the drain auger, and the 22″ hedge trimmer. I’ve also picked up some absolute steals, such as the router ($33), glue gun ($16), and 3-gal vac (free with battery purchase).
This excellent site & its commentators have caused me to spend more money – so now I’m into Bosch 12V max; these tools have been working great for everyday use, and I appreciate their smaller size and weight. I also looked at M12 (really wide range of tools) and Makita CXT, but went with Bosch because I really like several of the tools (pocket driver, barrel grip jigsaw, Flexi-Click) and felt the overall quality was better.
I’ve been thinking about adding a 3rd system for a while, but nothing was compelling until recently I checked out the HD clearance isle on a whim and saw the Makita track saw kit with battery and charger on clearance for $250 – great saw, great price, and LXT is a good system with a wide range of tools, including many that aren’t available in my current systems.
Now I feel I’m set with 3 systems complement each other.
Thomas Dang
Kind of different approach for me, I went for Dewalt because I can readily find (lightly) used tools, chargers, and batteries in my area. This has been particularly useful for tools I might want but can’t justify retail for the amount of use it will get. In particular a heated jacket, light, and 1/2″ impact, couple extra batteries and a charger are all things I’ve found at significant discount.
JoeM
I’m a little odd. All purchases must pass this process:
1. Do I need one right now? (If Unknown, RESEARCH)
2. Can I see myself ever needing one? (being serious about my needs and space.)
3. Okay, fine… Is it DeWALT, Dremel, Stanley, or Veritas? (I’m not investing in a whole new system, just for one tool.)
4. Can I afford one? (I’m not wealthy. Every purchase gets scrutinized.)
5. Buy it.
Craig Tate
For me its battery compatibility. I have gone to great lengths to power all my cordless tools with ryobi batteries with 1 exception. My dewault cordless framing nailer carries too much electronics to risk converting them. And shame on the other brands for changing there configuration s over the years
Jeremiah D
Warranty(and ease of using), durability(especially battery longevity), toughness ( holding up to drops and abuse), weight, functional quality(how well it does its job), cost. Those are a few factors important to me that I haven’t seen mentioned much or enough in other comments.
Kent
Since all of the cordless tools in the same price range are going to be very similar, I standardized on batteries.
I bough M12 tools for my ex-wife because she has small hands. I liked them enough that when my DeWalt 18v batteries went south, I replaced most of those tools with M12. I eventually bought a few M18 tools as well.
Bill K
Also important considerations: Brand/reliability, chuck size, chuck locking ability, expected longevity of battery platform utilized (don’t expect obsolescence)
ktash
One thing not yet mentioned about buying a specific tool is how quickly it depletes batteries. Cordless routers and circular saws can do this very quickly. I like the smaller batteries for routers because of balance. Makita chargers charge very quickly and I’m happy that I won’t have to wait for the charger for these items, because I have enough batteries for decent turnover.
Also, ergonomics. I love the subcompact 18v Makita drill and driver. I think of these as nimble tools, and enough power for my woodworking needs. Makita is my main tool platform for these reasons.
I also have Ryobi for all kinds of gardening stuff and for their unique tools especially the airstrike nailers. For tools I don’t use a lot like a reciprocating saw, I have Ryobi, too. The price is right, with all the coupons and sales, I’ve rarely paid full price for any Ryobi tool or battery.
Some Bosch 12v stuff, I got their small drill and driver kit and then a few other things.
I have some others brands, mainly tools not made by any other company. But I’ll first look to either Makita or Ryobi for new tools.
Also, in some cases I use a corded tool. For instance when I use pocketholes I use a corded drill. Much better experience and results than a corded drill. A Makita 8 1/2″ corded circular saw is often better, and better depth of cut than any cordless. But then, I mostly do things in a shop.
ktash
Should be “Much better experience and results than a cordless drill”
CT
If battery platform is #1, it’s hard to argue against DeWalt. Especially with battery compatibility with MAC, Graco , Klein and Stanley Industrial tools.
Matthew Carpenter
Compatibility with existing cordless tools.
D
Ergonomics are something that appeals to me very strongly. It’s the reason I got into Dewalt 20V, and now Hitachi 18V (I’d rate even better than Dewalt). It’s also the reason I got rid of all my Metabo 18V; I just couldn’t tolerate the grips.
I’d love to see the Hitachi grip on the Metabo tools!
Andrew Forsmark
For me it was the Pex Expander, first available on Milwaukee platform. That tool alone has saved me a ton of money and time running Pex instead of copper on jobs. I built up everything else around the M18 Platform after using the Milwaukee Pex Tool.
Most m18 tools do the job, the Makita does a better job on the drills but whatever.
Thanks Milwaukee/China!
NZ Tom
Power when I need it, finesse when I need it. Some tools offer both (variable speed/torque impacts for example). This, to me, is one of the big advantages of brushless motors.
That said, my most used tool is a little brushed DeWalt 12V screwdriver. I repair power tools for a living. Have never stripped a plastic screw hole since getting the little driver.
Altan
I am fed up of rubbish tools, so for me cost is the last thing I think of…
I don’t understand why DeWALT does not make more better tools with higher prices, if Festool can sell for higher prices why not DeWALT?!!!
I would buy a DeWALT Vacuum Cleaner which works with two 60V battery so I can use it with 110V or 240V AC adapter also. A vacuum cleaner which can collect the wire in with pressing a button like Miele vacuum cleaners, 2500W, variable speed, heavy duty as Miele vacuum cleaners, has a place inside for all little accessories and different size adapters, with less noise, then I would definitely not care about the price, 1000 USD would be fine for this tool, I like tools with less plastic in them, old DeWALT die grinders were made of more metal than new ones, the more time passes the more plastic in tools we see, battery platform is very important but they should have the adapter for AC as well, even for 20V and 60V tools, Most of the brands have not developed good organisers for tool accessories, this is something they should work on it.
I don’t want to look for the nozzle in the site for half an hour or look for 2mm hex screwdriver bit, everything should have a place to be placed in….
JoeM
I can answer SOME of that… Festool is a foreign import system in most places. DeWALT is semi-localized worldwide. So, while Festool is sitting at home, and casting out fishing line style connections with retailers worldwide to supply their product to, nothing is stopping them from just producing everything they produce, and then jacking up the price for shipping so far from their home base. If one region orders more of something, fine, no change in numbers made, only power supplies and regional compatibility on those products. Easy-Peasy for them.
Now, DeWALT, much like Milwaukee, have masters to answer to. Global companies SBD and TTI have assembly plants, manufacturing plants, and most importantly REGIONAL offices located in multiple places. They speak multiple languages, and it takes quite a bit more time to gather sales and popularity feedback about any given product, and report that back to the Home Office for analysis. A tool fails? (Infamously the DCT418 Radar Scanner, and its revision the DCT419 Wall Scanner) Home Office has to stop everything WORLD WIDE on that failure, and issue recalls, out to the Regional Offices, who then translate and issue details according to their Regional laws.
It’s a case of more chefs in the kitchen, sticking their fingers where they shouldn’t be. With more human error happening along the way, rollout gets really slow. In the case of Milwaukee, they seem to have significantly more leeway and independence from TTI than DeWALT does from SBD. While Milwaukee tools are unique to Milwaukee, and other tool brands under TTI don’t appear to have copies of their designs, DeWALT shares its designs with its sibling companies under SBD in the hopes that SBD can make a profit on some of the failures in some way.
So, although I have… begrudgingly… come to the point where I can accept DeWALT and Milwaukee as equals on a jobsite of a specific level of Tradesperson, I have to acknowledge the fact that SBD makes some horrible decisions that hold back DeWALT’s rollout of tools. There’s too much test-releasing going on, and then a whole lot of marketing-lingo, between DeWALT’s line getting added to, and when we can see some sort of innovation again.
But, I do share your frustration, AND pride, over being a DeWALT user. I WANT more, but they haven’t RELEASED more. I wish they would get into an Industrial Level Workshop level, and release versions of their shop tools with features meant for Workshops, rather than Worksites. A dust collector system in the Festool range of quality and price… though I will admit the Quality part is already there or better in my opinion… All those more advanced FlexVOLT tools! Yes! TOTALLY with you there! I want whole systems of them to be released, not one tiny sample to see if people want them! What we WANT are the bigger ones! And ones that engage their TWO carrier systems! They just release the wrong ones first, and then give up when they aren’t the ones we want!
And now I’m ranting… Altan, good sir… We have agreed on things in the past, and I agree again… There’s just a kind of… fire that gets into the blood when you see the product lines you’ve invested in make the wrong decisions, but continue to maintain their QUALITY levels enough that you’re still loyal to them…
Robert Masek
1. local service support.
2. quiet
3. product platform life cycle.
4.
glenn
I currently run mainly Makita CXT, then a fair few M12 tools and then about equal M18 and Ryobi 18v.
So I guess that the most important thing for me is who makes the tools that suit me best. My work and hobbies don’t require the biggest, baddest tools available and that reflects in my purchase choices.
Of course all the other factors come into it but not as much as having the tools I want/need. The ocd in me would prefer everything to be on one the battery platform, but as no single tool company manufactures everything I want, this is how it going to stay lol!
Philip John
Considering I have already chosen dewalt 20v – 60 – max and milwaukee 12v tools… I would have to go will overall ergonomics and easy off acquisition and warrant service.
Performance and tool line size and commitment to cordless was already evident when I first bought cordless from both milwaukee and dewalt! Now they are both top performers and creative!
I alway look and feel how it will perform in every situation and what access I have to the company for service. Dewalt top marks for service and handle comfort. Milwaukee every detail is almost top notch but service is lacking… IE. Milwaukee has no return email letting you know your e mail has been received and someone will be in touch from customer service
Kit
I’m a DIY and hobby woman with small hands so my priority is size and I’m just finding out about the different battery platforms and interchangeability options. I really liked seeing the Black & Decker Matrix and Craftsman Bolt On systems but I think the companies are being stupid by not expanding those systems instead of removing them from production.
JoeM
DeWALT has ergonomic handles, and are made by the same people. Or, rather, a lot of what you were looking for were made by DeWALT in some cases. DeWALT is pretty general in their handles. They’re gender neutral. They’re slightly thinner so a large hand can close tighter, and a smaller hand can reach comfortably.
I have Nieces and Nephews that have visited me while I’m working on something, and been able to pick up, and hand me my DeWALT tools one-handed. I think you’d be safe doing work with them, if my nieces and nephews can.
Technically though… No company’s tools are gender specific. None of their tools check to make sure you’re male to use them. There’s nothing stopping you from buying whatever you want. The tools are not going to check to see if you can bench press it, or wrap your hand around a basketball. I have relatively large hands, and the new, smaller grips that tools have come out with in the past 10 years are more comfortable to hold, with far less fatigue over time. Go somewhere like Home Depot, or some other place that sells the tools, and look at their open displays of the tools. You’ll find your hands aren’t as small as you think they are. A vast majority of tools will fit you now.
Kit
I have a DeWALT 18V hammerdrill driver that my partner bought at a yard sale and I find it’s a little large for me. I have actually gone to Home Depot and Lowes to look at the tools and for the most part, the tools are too large or too heavy for me. However, seeing the 12V tools does make me happy. I am considering DeWALT along with Dremel for my tool collection.
TonyT
If you want light and slim handles you should consider Makita’s CXT 12V lineup; the Home Depots around here all have a fairly good sized display where you can pick them up. Another possibility might be Makita’s 18V sub-compact lineup (again, my local HD’s all have decent displays of these).
Bosch 12V Max and Milwaukee M12 both use a stem battery (battery is in the handle), which makes for a thicker handle, while CXT uses a slide on battery.
(I went with Bosch because the larger handle is fine for me, and I wanted a shorter tool. I do like the 12V tools’ lighter weight)
Kit
Oh, just a FYI, I’m 5-foot 2 inch with a small bone structure. Also, I found part of a Black & Decker matrix set at a Value Village yesterday and bought it. Yeah, it looks like toys for kids in larger hands but they are perfect for my small hands.