Community Discussions
Explore the latest discussions and community conversations related to this domain.
Moved to the USA, which power tool platform should I buy into as a non-pro?
Main Post:
Back in England I had the Bosch 12V system and I loved it, so light and powerful enough for everything I needed. When I moved to the USA last year, I sold them and currently have no power tools at all.
I'll start by buying a brushless drill/impact and go from there, but if you were starting from scratch today as a non-professional DIYer, which system would you choose? I don't foresee wanting much more than a multi tool, circular saw, and maybe a jigsaw in the future.
I'm drawn to:
- Ryobi for the value, battery interoperability and big selection of tools (most of which I don't think I'd ever buy but it's nice to know they exist)
- Craftsman V20 for the value and... this may be silly but I much prefer Lowe's to Home Depot
- DeWalt 12V Max system (I like the lightness although the range isn't that big)
What would you buy into? Thanks!
Top Comment: homeowner and weekend warrior: ryobi is great. rigid has really stepped up their game too. pro: makita, dewalt, milwaukee. doesn't really matter.
Power tool brand thoughts / suggestions?
Main Post:
From what I gather from reddit and what people have been telling me from user experience, what I've gathered is:
Good : Ryobi
Better : Bosch / Dewalt
Slightly Better : Milwaukee / Makita
Best : Festool and other high-price tag brands (Mirka for ROS, Sawstop table saws and the like)
I'm finally settling down and plan on buying a house sometime in the next 1 or 2 years... hopefully the interest rates take a bit of a dip. I'm trying to keep an eye on deals for power tools, but can't seem to make my mind up about which battery platform I want to go with. I've been a part of a makerspace for the last ~5 years using a pretty wide assortment of tools (mostly Bosch, Ryobi, Makita, Craftsman, Porter Cable) and have to say I'm currently partial towards Makita for ease of use and not being part of a Chinese-owned umbrella company. When it comes to corded tools, I don't really have a preference in brand, it'll just be what I think suits my needs the best. With Makita's weak deals, is it worth the money? Milwaukee seems to offer much better sales, but like I said, I just prefer buying from independent companies not based out of China. I haven't had a bad experience with Bosch either, but their woodworking tool lineup seems weaker than makita for cordless options - Router and Sliding miter saw will both be corded.
Another thing to consider is basic car maintenance and minor repairs. I think just about every brand will be good enough for this though
Sorry that my post is scatterbrained, I'm just trying to narrow my search down to a brand I can have confidence in. I feel like all of the arrows point toward makita for me. Are there other brands I should strongly consider?
Top Comment: You should check this thread: https://www.reddit.com/r/ConsumerAdvice/comments/1jqvbji/power_tools_options/
What are the "must have: power tools for home ownership
Main Post:
Will be owning my first house after a lifetime of renting. Have always had a very basic toolbox (screwdrivers/wrench/sockets/pliers) for random small things, but anything major would always just be a call to the landlord.
Now that I will be owning, I need to prepare for repairs or other small projects. Some of the things im for sure getting are
- Impact driver
- Orbital Sander
- Oscillating Tool
- Dremmel
Which I think can take care of a good portion of small, around the house stuff thats needed. But is there anything important im missing?
Top Comment: I use a laser level/tripod way more than I ever imagined. Pictures, shelves, decorations, etc. Best gift ever. Need a drill too, impact driver/drill are not interchangeable for tasks. Other advice would be to buy stuff as you need it, and not just for the heck of it.
If you had to start from scratch, what power tool platform would you buy into?
Main Post:
I have always bought tools when I need them for a specific project, so I have a hodgepodge of different tools...all quite old and not cutting it any longer. I'm looking to buy some new tools and want to stick to a single platform so I can use same batteries for multiple tools.
Looking at Makita, Milwaukee, Dewalt.
Is there any benefit to going with the Dewalt 20V batteries, versus 18V for the other platforms?
Looking at this Dewalt bundle at homedepot, seems like a great deal for $499? https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-MAX-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Combo-Kit-7-Tool-with-1-4Ah-and-2-2Ah-Batteries-in-a-Rolling-ToughSystem-Toolbox-DCKTS780D2M1/304958991
Top Comment: I’m pretty sure the 20v battery thing is really just a 18v battery with some gimmick about active volts or something like that. But personally I use dewalt stuff.
New to power tools, where to start?
Main Post:
Just like the title says, my husband and I are starting our DIY journey on our home and want to start collecting power tools. What brands are best across the board? Do you guys have a favorite brand or do you buy different brands for different jobs? I’m looking to get him a drill for his upcoming bday but I want it to be the start of a collection you know? Anything to avoid, from experience?
Top Comment: Decide on a project. Watch plenty of videos on how to do it. Buy the tools you need for the project. Unless you need battery powered, get corded, a 25-foot extension cord, and a 50+-foot extension cord, with a three-outlet dongle attachment. Harbor Freight tools are usually just fine for occasional use. I use a corded power drill on pretty much every project. It drills holes, drives screws, and spins abrasive tools. I also use a palm sander quite a lot. Multi tools are useful. A set of hand tools, screwdrivers, ratchet and sockets, wrenches, clamps, etc. Finally, you'll need screws, sandpaper, glue, tape, etc. Remember, it always takes longer and costs more than you expect. And, you'll end up making several trips to the store for each project, especially when you first start out. Store anything liquid, like paint, glue, caulk, etc. inside, because heat and cold will ruin those things.
Which power tool should I buy first?
Main Post:
I'm starting my investment in power tools (18v Ridgid if you were wondering). They have a deal right now that essentially puts a few nice tools I want at $88 a piece. I'm only going to get one and I'm wondering which one you think I should get first?
Jigsaw 7 1⁄4 circular saw Oscillating Reciprocating saw.
I wouldn't normally want the sawzall but it's normal price is $169 so I feel like it's a great deal.
Edit: I realized I forgot to say what I'm doing with any of these tools. My wife and I are planning on buying our first house soon so I'm expecting to do remodeling and renovations/repairs. I also do woodworking for a hobby (but live in an apartment so I don't have a "space" yet).
I won't be using them for work. But I plan on using them in the future.
Top Comment: My order is drill impact driver sawzall circular saw oscillating tool whatever need you have but the order can vary based on what you need to do. And for home use, most of these could have a cord. I'm also not really a fan of buying tools just because they're on sale. This is how you end up with a bunch of tools you don't need and have never used, but don't have something you do need, and can't afford to buy when you need it. (ask me how I know that...) Buy tools when you need them. (or, at the very least, when you know you're going to need them. )
Best Cheap Power Tool Brand?
Main Post:
For context, I am a university student with little funds to spend on tools and I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT invest in brands such as Milwaukee, Makita, or anything that people swear by even though its more expensive. With that out of the way, I'm essentially looking for the cheapest tools possible that will get the job done well. I don't mind if I have to put extra effort or care into using them or if they may have to be replaced after a couple years of minimal use. I am currently looking towards a circular saw, jig saw, router, and possibly belt sander and/or miter saw. My use case is small personal projects such as subwoofer enclosures, small furniture pieces, and decorative project panels. I assume corded is the way to go for value and I'm fine with that so I've been looking at Bauer and Skill recently, but wanted some more input.
Top Comment: Ryobi Look for used tools on facebook marketplace and whatnot also. IMO its really not worth getting the cheap cheap brands that are less expensive than Ryobi... like "Warrior" brand tools from Harbor Freight or the Amazon tools from China that are like 5 random capital letters as a brand name. You run into the risk of them being so bad that they don't really work. Ryobi is cheap, but everything you get will work, and its easy to return/exchange/etc at Home Depot if something happens.
Brand picks if you could only invest in 2 power tool ecosystems?
Main Post:
I'm a new homeowner interested in general maintenance and repair, and eventually I want to do basic woodworking / carpentry (e.g. building staircases). I know know every power tool ecosystem has strengths and weaknesses when it comes to quality, selection, and value, so I figure I'll be invested in at least two eventually. Given my use case, which two would you go for? Furthermore, which two do you think are the best overall when paired together? For my use case Makita / Ryobi looks like a great combo, especially since the former's batteries can be adapted to the latter.
Top Comment: I only use one battery system, dewalt, and then everything else I get corded.
What are some basic power tools to have?
Main Post:
I have pretty much all basic hand tools and a drill, impact, and a cric. Saw but what are some other power tools to have around for basic home maintenance/ more advanced repairs and remodels
Top Comment: I see what you've listed but I'll list my order for others who may read and have nothing. My order would be a impact / drill driver kit to start, that way you get a couple batteries and a charger to get you started off. Next would be a circular saw. It's the most cost effective and reliable way to cut any dimensional lumber or trim you need for a DIY home repairs / upgrade. Pair this with a 12" speed square and you can square and 45° with no problem. My 4th tool would be a multi / oscillating tool. If your trying to fix the odd piece of whatever around the house this tool makes it super easy to make decent enough cuts in something that is fastened in place. Much quicker to do this then pull off an entire piece of trim and mess with tearing up paint from caulking ect. It's super versatile and should be in everyone's tool kit. Next I would go with a grinder, being able to grind down and cut metal is something else you will run into at some point. My 5th would be a reciprocating saw, you could get this instead of a grinder, as it does give you the ability to cut metal as well as literally anything else in your way. After this you'll want to identify what projects you are likely to tackle in the future. Maybe you will do a lot of sanding, so an Orbital would be a good purchase. Maybe you won't sand anything in your life, but will be drilling larger anchors into concrete a fair amount. A dedicated SDS would be more beneficial at this point.