Power tool questions

Non_State_Actor

Non_State_Actor

Active member
Hello ladies and gentlemen,

I have a question mostly directed toward those in the trades but looking for helpful info wherever I can get it.

I'm currently shopping for a new cordless drill as my 15+ year old 14.4v Dewalt unit has developed a ton of slop over the last 15+ years of abuse.

I'm looking at new models and tool bundles and have a couple questions:

-Do I want/need brushless motors?

-Is there any real difference between the 20v Max, XR, Atomic

I'm a relatively experienced DIY guy and use my tools sometimes for random odd jobs at work but I don't run them all day so the 1.3Ah to 1.5Ah differences in battery life are of little consequence.

I'm looking at kits that include circular saws, reciprocating saws, multi-touch saw things, angle grinders which would just serve to replace old kit I already own in corded form as well as impact drivers.

Any other recommendations are appreciated.
 
I run all brushless tools and would highly suggest it. More run time, power and a longer life span. As far as the difference in the names the 20v max is dewalts standard 20v line, the xr is extended run time, and stay away from the atomic series it is just smaller form factor tools that are not as good. The way I've always seen it is tools are an investment and I usually spend more money on something like power tools because its usually worth it.

Most of my tools are 20v XR and would highly suggest that line of tools. I've dropped my impact driver (DCF887) off of countless roofs and ladders and never had issues with it and I would never purchase a different impact. Dewalts tools are tough, powerful and worth the money.
 
I have tried numerous manufactures for cordless tools and Dewalt seems to hold up the best. I have 12 mechanics that work for me and they will say the same. Best bang for your buck, best warranty, seem to hold up the best in all elements of weather. I will say, we buy our tools from an actual tool distributor locally instead of Home Depot or Lowes and that helps too. All the tools sold at those mass stores are kind of the rejects in a way(so I have been told by tool reps). The brushless ones are nice for just standard use around the house, if you were using the tool daily I would recommend the brushed ones so you have the option to rebuild them simple enough. Makita is my second go to, they work well but dont seem to take a beating like the Dewalts.
 
I just bought a new 20v brushless impact driver from DeWalt, but if I were a contractor I would probably do a Milwaukee or Mikita, but the DeWalt was a little cheaper and fits my needs great.

The only thing about it that I miss from my old 18v DeWalt XRP is the variable clutch setting for more delicate applications. Probably should buy both at some point but whatever.
 
For light stuff my all time favorite is the older 12v black and decker with the battery that is roundish. Well balanced and light and I always use long bits for better control and have extra batteries charged up.

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topic:mystery3 said:
Hello ladies and gentlemen,

I have a question mostly directed toward those in the trades but looking for helpful info wherever I can get it.

I'm currently shopping for a new cordless drill as my 15+ year old 14.4v Dewalt unit has developed a ton of slop over the last 15+ years of abuse.

I'm looking at new models and tool bundles and have a couple questions:

-Do I want/need brushless motors?

-Is there any real difference between the 20v Max, XR, Atomic

I'm a relatively experienced DIY guy and use my tools sometimes for random odd jobs at work but I don't run them all day so the 1.3Ah to 1.5Ah differences in battery life are of little consequence.

I'm looking at kits that include circular saws, reciprocating saws, multi-touch saw things, angle grinders which would just serve to replace old kit I already own in corded form as well as impact drivers.

Any other recommendations are appreciated.
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If you want the best bang for your buck, Makita.

If you want the tool that lasts as long as you'd expect for how much you pay, Dewalt. Not a fan of how they build their cordless grinders though.

If you want the Tesla of powertools with the best batteries, Milwaukee.

Stay away from any of the store brands like ryobi or kobalt. Their names aren't even worth capitalizing and they're made for peasants. I've also had some great experience with corded Bosch tools but I've never really messed with their cordless lineup.

If you really wanna dig in and figure out what makes a good tool good, check this guy's channel out. He's sooper Canadian and funny as frigg.

https://www.youtube.com/user/arduinoversusevil/videos

 
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