Shop Tools Thread

[j.mccreight@hotmail.com]

Originally Posted by Kyle

XTwentyNot that's real good info. Thank you


Sounds like you use the tools a lot and they can withstand the abuse of daily work, wear n tear, etc.

The makitas lxt have held up very well for my daily use, like XTwentyNot said get the larger 3.0 ah batteries not the 1.5 ah batteries, I can go several days with heavy use on a single charge.

[Rockman]

I switched from Dewalt to Milwaukee and will never go back...

[fstaslp]

I know it is a lower spectrum than what you are looking at, but I have the Lithium Porter kit and it has been great. If someone is looking for a more cost effective solution, I have been very happy with this:

http://www.lowes.com/pd_39443-79992-...t_avg_rating|1

I also got the shop light and the angle grinder.

[Sodar]

A little secret I use for the Dewalts. It probably works for any brand, but I have never looked.

When you go to Lowe's or Home Depot, check out the battery recycle bin for old battery packs matching your tools. I always look for the 18v XRP, since they are larger.

Then, go onto amazon and buy the rebuild kits. For $35, you can have a new battery.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S0CY8G?psc=1

I went from having 2 batteries that came with my combo kit to 6 batteries. Then, I just buy the $89 bare tools when they go on special at the local lumber yard. Some day, I would like to switch to the li-ion, but for now the Ni-cad will do.

[76S&S]

If you're not going to be using them daily, then I would take a hard look at the porter cable. I've had their kit for a few years now with no issues.

Recently I needed a drill and was out of town. I picked up another complete kit (drill, impact, saw, sawzall, light,bag, 2 batteries and charger) for $129 at lowes. Just a drill with batteries and charger was $99 so I went for the whole kit.

[cbryan70]

Originally Posted by 76S&S

If you're not going to be using them daily, then I would take a hard look at the porter cable. I've had their kit for a few years now with no issues.

Recently I needed a drill and was out of town. I picked up another complete kit (drill, impact, saw, sawzall, light,bag, 2 batteries and charger) for $129 at lowes. Just a drill with batteries and charger was $99 so I went for the whole kit.

Porter or Ryobi for not daily use IMO. I have ryobi impact, drill, saw, light, and sawzaw and they have all worked great for what I need.

[JohnE]

Originally Posted by Sodar

A little secret I use for the Dewalts. It probably works for any brand, but I have never looked.

When you go to Lowe's or Home Depot, check out the battery recycle bin for old battery packs matching your tools. I always look for the 18v XRP, since they are larger.

Then, go onto amazon and buy the rebuild kits. For $35, you can have a new battery.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007S0CY8G?psc=1

I went from having 2 batteries that came with my combo kit to 6 batteries. Then, I just buy the $89 bare tools when they go on special at the local lumber yard. Some day, I would like to switch to the li-ion, but for now the Ni-cad will do.

$43.50. I just bought a 2 pack or replacement batteriesat HD for $99. Not a lot of savings.

[pmkkdx]

I recently went with Ridgid from a recommendation from my bro in law who uses them in his business. They even have a lifetime warranty (if you sign up within 90 days of purchase) on the batteries. He has never had any issues with warranty on the tools nor battery replacement.

[Ben]

+1 on Makita lxt. They are balanced very nice IMO.

Big battery is good for all day use. Small battery is nice to keep on the drill or if you are using quickly for a small task. They charge quick too.

They also make a nice little vacuum my wife really likes for the wood floor. Justification for more batteries -- yay.

[Lars]

What's the warranty on the milwaukee? Ridgid's warranty for non professionals is a lifetime warranty. Can't beat that.
Used to work a job which where i would drill 14-20 1/4" holes at a time in aluminum angle iron and would blast right through them. Some bosch drills we had would start smoking.