need some new tools

[AMcCormick]

I need a die grinder, 1/2" drill, sander/polisher, and a 90* drill, maybe an angle grinder. I'm looking at the newer Makita stuff. Cordless works better for me. Any body out there have any opionons. I am going to retire the ten year old DeWalt 14v 3/8 cordless to be the house hold drill. The batteries just dont last long enough any more.

 

[Dl5treez]

Spend the extra money and get lithium ion batteries.

 

[Hoefler]

I use Dewalt cordless with the Lithium Ion Nano batteries. They hold up very well, I use them on a daily basis in my business. I have the circular saw, reciprocating saw, 1/2 hammer drill, impact driver, 90* 3/8 drill, side grinder, fluorescent and snake light, laser level, and their 3 gal shop vac.

 

[THess]

You won't be sorry with Makita. We have several lithium ion 18 volt tools and they do really well.

 

[Jerky]

I know some electricians that the new makita, newer stuff, just don't hold up especially in the drill dept. Most use dewalt. For me I have been using two older dewalts 14. 4v for many years and get the ni-cad battery's rebuilt for about half the price. I also have a makita set and use it for medium duty stuff. (They just don't feel as tough) Don't know how the new dewalt lithium-ion batteries will be. So far we all use the ni-cads both 14. 4 & 18V. Maybe Makita has made some changes in the last couple of years?

 

[seafish]

The new Makitas Li-ion series are powerful, relatively lightweight, and extremely well designed tools.

Haven't had a problem with mine in almost daily use for 2 years so far!!

Have the impact drill, 1/2" drill, sidewinder saw, sawzall, and grinder. The grinder DOES use alot of battery, but it has a cut-off/reset switch that works well to prevent motor damage if you are bearing hard down on soemthing. Definitely want to get the cordless jigsaw... I love my corded Bosch barrel handle, but the Makita cordless looks extremly well designed also.

 

[AMcCormick]

I got the Makita combo pack of 1/2 drill, smaller impact driver, angle grinder, sawsall, circular saw, and light with two batteries. An extra battery and sawsall is on its way from the mail in rebate. I swapped one of the sawsall for a 90* drill and also purchased a variable speed sander/buffer. Holding off on the die grinder. The 90* drill is really nice and has already has lots of use. More with the 3m roll lock sanding discs than anything else.

 

[THess]

Makita tools are tough. I have a cousin that helped me put a metal roof on my house today, and he had a 4 year old makita drill. I noticed the chuck was sort of caved in and he said it was ran over by a small dozer. Probably just sank in the ground but a lot of lesser tools still would have broke.

 

[sarj]

a 28v Milwaukee Drill (plus the extra tools as well) can not be beat, period. Very pricey, and very worth it if you work your tools. If it's just for occasional use, it probably isn't worth the extra money to you, but I use them exclusively and would hesitate on the extra money for the extra performance, for the home or work

 

[FDavid]

I have tried them all and after using Hilti the rest don't even compare.

 

[Grizzly]

I've had about every brand of cordless tools made. The last set I purchased, which was 2. 5 years ago is a HD Makita 18V Lithium ion. The tools include a Hammer Drill, Drill Driver, 7. 25 Circular Saw, Reciprocating Saw, Grinder, Flashlight, Charger and AM/FM Radio with Ipod Port. This set is excellent and very powerful. The charge on the Lithium batteries last much longer than any other cordless tool I've had.



I like the combo set so well that I sold all the other cordless tools I had on craigslist.org.



george

 

[Dieselnut59]

I have been very happy with my DeWalt 18 volt tools and 120 volt corded tools. I have the battery powered circular saw, reciprocating saw, jug saw, die grinder, hammer drill, angle drill, angle grinder, 1/4" impact "screw shooter", 1/2" impact gun and the light. I have a total of 11 batteries and 5 chargers. I have a corded circular saw and reciprocating saw. All them have been flawless. The battery tools and their chargers are made in Mexico, batteries are made in Japan and the corded tools are made in USA. I would stay away from any "brand's" made in China lines. They are cheaper made than the more premium quality tools.

 

[ILIANBG]

From my experience in remodeling, and using different cordless brands every day, here is my opinion:
1. Do not buy Bosch and Metabo cordless. Big waist of money and batteries are crappy. The Metabo was the biggest waist of money for me. Their top of the line 15. 6 hammer drill lasted less then 1 year. The first dead battery was there in less then 2 months.
2. Buy DeWalt, Millwaukee, and Makita, and probably in that order. The first two have taken abuse that no other brand has survived in our hands. I'm talking about 18v DeWalt and Millwaukee with NiCad batteries. Most of my friends- plumbers, electricians, carpenters use these two brands and nothing but those. Can not go wrong.
I bought the new Makita 18v LiIon hammer drill and impact driver combo. I like it. Seems well made, tough. Strong performers. Batteries last longer then older NiCad, which is expected. I hope it lasts as the other two. Time will show.
2. The best drill/driver for all day work for me- Panasonic 15. 6 3ahMH batterries. I've had it for 7~8 years, and it's still a dream to use. Incredible balance, amazing batteries, good weight, the best drill for a carpenter. Not a heavy duty, workhorse as the above two, but if you do not need the extra girth, the Panasonic is in a league of its own. Now they have 3. 5 Ah batteries if not better. Panasonic makes the best batteries hands down. I have never replaced a single battery on it, yet. And I use it pretty much daily. You can drive screws for hours, and your arm will appreciate the low weight.
I hope you get what works for you.
Ilian