Rechargeable Power Tools - Recommendation?

[California]

I need to get a new rechargeable drill/screwdriver and should probably start on a broad set of tools all powered from a common battery type.

This is for maintenance, not all-day construction work.

Can anyone recommend the cheap sets from HF or Ebay? What's the next step up in quality and cost?

And what tools are useful (or not useful) to include in the set?

 

[flwiii]

Not sure what you can get on Ebay or Harbor Freight, but I prefer for home maintenance use Ryobi power tools. I use the 18-volt variety and the hold up pretty well for home maintenance tasks.

 

[Dallas_Lilly]

I have a 18 volt Ryobi Drill, Sawzall and Flashlight. I like all three tools but use the drill the most. Installed a metal roof on my house and screwed down 3,500 screws. Batteries still hold a charge. Really like Ryobi tools.

 

[Bob_Skurka]

I've got 18 volt Ryobi. Decent price and decent performance. Maybe not up to the standards as some of the commercial grade stuff, but it has not let me down.

 

[gordon21]

I am addicted to the 18 volt Ryobi 1+ system. I have 2 drills, impact driver, chainsaw, circular saw, router, 2 flashlights, vacuum and the compound miter saw. The only item I was disappointed in is the vacuum. They have been extremely useful working outside, in the attic and on my land I am clearing. The skil saw will make dozens of cuts in a 2x4 on one charge. Recharging can be done at home or from your vehicle. I believe they are only available from Home Depot and the internet. Unless you just love storage cases, get the big combo pack and add extra items as needed.

For small pruning/cutting, the chainsaw is very quiet. I have used it at 7AM on a Sunday and the neighbors never heard it.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Ryobi. My neighbor used the drill, circ saw and recip saw for 3 years as a cabinet installer. They still worked fine but the batteries were wearing out. He gave them to me and bought a new set for himself. That was a year ago and they're still working hard for me.

 

[Bedlam]

I agree. I have a Ryobi 18 volt. The battery lasted almost three years. I kept it charged most of the time. It can with a flashlight, that I thought Id never use. but found I use it alot more than I thought.
The drill was used mostly for dry screws etc. Not alot of prolonged drilling.It does drill well. But I tend to be cheap and use almost dull bits.
The drill holds up well to being dropped from the roof, It did develope a switch problem, and unfortunately, it was more to fix it than to buy a new drill.
I bought a drill that came with two batteries,case and charger.It worked out good, as the batteries were slowing quite a bit.It was cheaper to but the set than to just buy the batteries and charger.
I have a friend who had dewalt. he is happy with it.No problems so far.
Whichever you buy, you'll have to live with, and if not abused I'm sure most will work well.
I did use a Milwaukee once, and I think because the grip was different, I ended up seeing it slide down the metal roof and hitting the asphalt. broke the battery catch that holds it in. (luckily it wasn't mine) My friend has forgiven me.
One more thought.the small circular saw is great . Just dont push it to replace a full size one.It has limits. but sure can rip the flesh..(as they say here, dont ask me how I know)
LOL

 

[RobertN]

I have a DeWalt setup. It's about a 5 year old Fat Pack with circular saw, recip saw, light, and drill. I got a car charger a while back too. It has been great! I have worn out a set of batteries. They are expensive from Home Depot or Lowes at $80/ea. I found them on the web for $105 for two...

I recently got a one of the radio chargers too. Nice to have tunes and charge at the same time. It also can run the radio from a battery.

I like the flashlite; I use it all the time. It's great having the rechargable battery.

Otherwise, I have a 9v and 12v Makita drills, and a 9v makita flashlite.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

My employer buys DeWalt 18V tools for all our crews. They buy several extra batteries for spares. They don't seem to mind me "borrowing" a few, so I have plenty of cause to buy the DeWalt tools for home use. Prior to the Drill/sawzall/circular saw/flashlight set I have now, I had a Porter Cable 14V drill. (It got stolen out of my truck last summer) I don't have any complaints with either set-up. 20 years ago, there were issues with about every brand on the market. Today's technology (both battery and tool) lends itself to some fine products. I'd say that the typical homeowner ALMOST can't go wrong with any of todays tools.

Buy the one that feels most comfortable.

 

[browns40]

Hi California,

I can't believe these guys all recommended the 18v Ryobi..... before I got a chance to!

I've had the drill, sawzall, chopsaw, circ saw, flashlight, "rotozip" and wet/dry vac confused for 4 years and they're great...

The saws and rotozip tool will eat batteries fast...big projects you just have to have a plug available...

But for trim/cabinet work, sheetrock, and minor home stuff for the homeowner they are a good brand for less money.

IF I were a contractor, and pounding these things on a daily basis, I would probably look at DeWalt, Milwaukee, Porter Cable or Makita... and would likely go with DeWalt... but why spend 150-200% more if you aren't making a living with them?