The hidden cost of buying professional tools
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- We are going to do a deep dive into the cost breakdown of buying professional-level power tools vs prosumer or even basic DIY power tools and expose the hiddle costs of going Pro.
Check out our spreadsheet: tinyurl.com/yez...
Please do not request editorial access. We can’t have everyone changing the spreadsheet to suit their own needs. When you open the spreadsheet, you can click on file and then make a copy and create your own copy of the spreadsheet to edit.
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I love the Hercules line, they're very solid tools, can take abuse, and have one of the best warranties in the industry, the only downside is their tool line is rather limited, I would love to see them really expand it.
I am sure they are working on it. There is something great about going to a local store and swapping it out the same day.
I agree, good quality and none broke on my in the shop
I've been giving HF feedback requesting tools (primarily a non-benchtop jointer for woodworking to go with their planer
That's the problem, all other brand other than Milwaukee and DeWalt make only a few tools.
I’ve honestly been loving the Hercules line. That and some other Harbor Freight tools have been serving me well as a homeowner.
I think this is the line that was really missed in this video. I would've appreciated to see where Hercules landed on the price tier. That said, Jeff had to cut it off somewhere after putting a bunch of time into this.
I agree. I'm in the Herc line and everything (except one) I've bought has done well
I have as well. The warranty sold me over the Bauer line. I have the 1/2" impact, 3/8" impact, and the 1/4" impact driver. Next will probably be the hammer drill.
I’m in the hercules line too, I’m a mechanic and they have served me well!
I have bought into Skil’s 12V system and have zero regrets
Fun fact, my girlfriend in high school, her parents had a Ferrari F40 and her mother took it grocery shopping all the time. Nothing like driving by Kroger and seeing a red F40 in the parking lot. lol
I would like you to do the same with hand tools- Quinn, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Pro, Tekton, Kobalt, Craftsman, Husky, Gearwrench, Icon, etc.
I watch your videos while working and when you pop up an Excel sheet I question which monitor I'm looking at! Such a good job really going through everything and showing numbers to justify.
I've been using Ryobi since I got a blue 5-tool kit 20 years ago, cause that's all I could afford. The blue recip saw finally gave up the ghost last year. Over time, I've bought a lot of other Ryobi One+ tools, and it's worked great for me.
I get the hate/dislike of the battery form factor, but I LOVE that all my tools for the last 20 years have been able to use the same batteries, and I don't think that's possible (or AS possible) with other product lines.
Perhaps an adaptor is available.
I used to work framing houses. Most of what i saw was DeWalt and Milwaukee. Crazy as it seems, I've seen a few builders have gone to Hercules.
I'm in a group now of small shop woodworkers as post retirement and guys use mostly either Ryobi or Bauer.
Big size shop corded tools for all of us range from DeWalt, Hercules, Metabo, Bosch, etc.....basically, no allegiance, its whats on sale.
Almost everyone that’s done work for me seems to have Milwaukee. I like Dewalt colors so I buy Dewalt though. Milwaukee is kind of ugly, but not puke 🤢 ugly like Ryobi.
Love my Ryobi. Plenty of choices from everything from a drill to a floor scrubber. Perfect fit for DIY.
You could have included the Hercules line and compared the grease gun. Great video.
Thank you for the comparison Jeff. The way you laid it out was very helpful. I enjoy all of your videos because you do such a thorough job of testing and I know I can trust your input. Thanks again! 😊😊😊❤❤❤
Prefect timing! I am looking to get into some cordless tools. I am DIYer and all of my tools are corded, except of a drill/drivers (even have a corded drill). My biggest question is do I really need 18/24 v tools? I was doing some overhead drilling when my small cordless drill gave out after 20 years, so I went looking for a replacement. Lucked into a one day special and got a Skil 1/2 Pwrcore drill/driver 12v kit for $42. My Skil circ saw is probable older than you, so I had no problem with the Skil brand. I am beginning to think as a DIYer that maybe all I need is a 12v system. Watching a lot of Norm on You Tube and noticed that used a 12v 90% of the time. What do you think?
@Jeff-
Thanks! This was such a great breakdown of real costs vs. value. I'm grateful for all your videos!
Many thanks,
M-
I love your content and style. You obviously know enough to talk to us regular people and you can talk over our heads if needed. I have a mixture of flex , Bauer, Ryobi , 12 v Milwaukee and some free tools from dewalt as my uncle works for SB&D . Love the simplicity of your videos. You should have a segment where you go to peoples shops around the country . Call it the Bears Dens . Also maybe have some videos when you buy and abuse tools to there limits ( Amazon tools vs temu vs HF etc.) also a segment where we see yard sale tool finds and guess what the price was. Or a segment where we guess the tool and what it was used for. Another segment maybe dumpster dive and fix some returns to bring them back to life and give them away to blue collar guys.
I have the Ryobi at home but work buys DeWalt. I love the DeWalt stuff and wish it was in here. Not complaining. This was a great video, as always!!
I know you were focusing on the tools, but with the full collection listed there was only 2 batteries. What about battery cost. How much would that affect the overall cost if we added a 4Ah or a 6Ah for each line?
I know you are trying to compare apples to apples. But I think it “bears” note of the Milwaukee M12 Fuel. It is 12v unlike all the rest, it is a very good line of tools, is professional. This is what I use as a woodworker. I don’t do construction so The M18 line isn’t needed, like you said. But you can get into Milwaukee quality at a lower price. I also have Bosch corded tools, had to mention this and a couple of Makita.
M12. Dewalt Extreme and Bosch 12v are all pro grade 12v. Really Good Sweet Spots and Bosch shares m12's Battery form factor.
Got into ryobi brushless because they had an insane deal last fall, I think I got (all brushless) drill, driver, circ saw, jigsaw, and 2 2Ahr batteries for $200. Plus I get the military discount at Orange Store. Been LOVING the value and performance so far.
Ahhh yes this is a great topic! I went with Ryobi HP and they’ve been outstanding
WOW,, there was a LOT of work (research) that went into this video. Impressive, for sure. I ended up most impressed with Craftsman, for the value vs quality. Bauer really stood out, more than I expected (overall price/value). There's a lot of interest in cordless nailers nowadays, it seems. I'd love to have seen them included. That's the route I will be going soon. I like the idea of no air hose and avoiding the compressor noise constantly. Thanks for the hard work. Much appreciated.
I need the best most expensive tools with German engineering behind it. . . . . . and a wife who will let me buy them.
most accurate answer! 😆
Went Dewalt 10 years ago, no regrets. Was Craftssman b4 now use adapters for Dewalt battery to the old Craftsman
Pros get tax deductions.
What about when LiON goes solid state?: Will the tool mfrs. will make your old tools backwards-compatible?: No!
Head over to KCtool or Chad's Toolbox. Also Haus of Tools. I really have no time for badly made tools. There are American and other brands that are super good. Wilde, Lang, Channellock, and Nupla are pretty affordable. I like Swiss and Swedish tools too like PB Swiss and Lindstrom. Japan also makes great tools.
Hey boss, just wanted to drop a comment. Thank you for doing this video -- I'm in the market for buying a set of tools as a home owner once again and this really helped!
That being said, I think your spreadsheet could use some work. Mostly it has to do with the fact that you're adding totals, but some of the brands are missing items. Some of them are missing a LOT of items (like Masterforce) which is missing 4 out of the 17 total tools. So it looks like a complete package costs you $1661, and the best value, even better than the Harbor Freight line - but only because they are missing tools. Not sure what would be best (maybe getting an average price per tool and then multiplying that times 17 to show average cost?).
While it's good to show gaps (and important to highlight product lines) I think people that just fast forward to look at totals are gonna be a little misled. I think that's a plus for Ryobi - they've got one of everything, even if not in the + HP line.
Not trying to be a hater, just providing constructive criticism. A lot of your data points are extremely useful! And I appreciate the videos, just didn't' see anyone else in the comments mentioning it so I wanted to bring it up so you might make corrections (or at least incorporate the feedback into future videos). Yut!
Edit: You used Milwaukee's total price when comparing the speculative prices to see savings - I'd have added a Milwaukee column and then guestimated on the ratchet price for Milwaukee
so it would be fair across the board and get a little more differentiation.
Love the spread sheet! I have a couple Craftsman tools that do ok though I kind of want to upgrade (the circ saw didnt impress me). Appriciate the write up!
I've got about 40 of the Bauer 20v tools and I've had zero issues. I'm just a DIY'er but I've used them extensively to convert a 40x14 bare shed into a fully built mother-in-law suite, a 40x16 lean-to for my storage shed, multiple large fence jobs and tons of other projects. They've paid for themselves a million times over.
I used to have DIY-grade cordless tools- Crapsman. Preparing to upgrade I also got to try out some Ryobi and Porter Cable[shudder] stuff. One day while at a machine shop where I was having something done, I got to use their DeWalt impact. That was the turning point for me- I waited for some sales/combo deals, and bought a bunch of DeWalt XR stuff...and have been infinitely happy with them. I'll only do a major project once in a while, but the difference it makes having nice, accurate, powerful tools is truly game changing. Even for the smallest little everyday jobs....just having tools that you don't have to make any excuses for; that give you no trouble and make the job faster and easier, and that are a pleasure to use, is just so worth the few extra bucks (And it is truly just a few extra bucks if you shop the deals, sales and online offers). In the days of corded tools, it really didn't make much sense to go pro-grade if you aren't a pro...there wasn't enough difference...but with these cordless tools there are many MAJOR differences between pro and non-pro. Night and day.
I have Dewalt 20v max tools, but Craftsman makes some outdoor tools with no Dewalt equivalent like a lopper saw and hand trimer. For a minimal amount you can get a battery adapter to use Dewalt 20v max batteries on Craftsman tools
Craftsman's new brushless line is excellent and i normally run Milwaukie.
I’ve had great luck with the craftsman. I used their tools daily with no issues and i am hard on them. Especially my backpack sprayer and push mower. But no issues with drills and saws.
Tertiary? Damn! I learnt me a new word today too!
Do you think harbor freight will expand the Hercules line more than what they already have? Specially with more construction focused tools like a cordless jigsaw, cordless rotary hammer drill etc?
Without a doubt
The MasterForce warranty is an exchange at the store. Years ago I purchased the 14.4 V combo kit with a drill/driver and an impact driver. The impact driver went bad. By that time they had changed to the 18/20 V line. I took everything back and walked out with the equivalent 18V tools. I did pay the price difference, which wasn't much. I have been very happy with the MasterForce cordless tools. I do wish the lineup was larger. I recently purchased the impact driver. Rated for 1200 ft/lbs. It is a beast.
This video helped me feel more comfortable with my Kobalt. I took advantage of the buy more save more one several years ago. I would love some Bauer as a back up!
I'm still rockin' some blue Ryobi but trying to go to the HP line as I replace tools. There's a lot of tools on your list I like corded tools though.
I'm a retired contractor and I've used most of the tool brands over the years. Though retired, I have been doing major building and remodeling projects around the house for some time. Most of my current tools are Ryobi, and frankly, they have been great. I realize the battery design is dated, but the batteries themselves are quite strong. I've picked up most of these over the years at TTIs factory store at substantial discounts. Yeah, the "premium" tools are more powerful, but the Ryobi's have gotten pretty close, and at far less money. Ryobi has come a long way. In my last couple of years before retiring, I saw more and more Ryobi tools on jobsites, and they were doing just fine. A big plus is that they have so many different tools that work off that same battery.
I have a few of the 12 volt Skil, which I know you're a fan of. And I agree with you, they are excellent ProSumer grade tools.
Having said...if I was to become a field tech again and money was no object, I would probably be toting all Milwaukee. All in all, they are probably the king.
Great content Bear! I'm currently using Ryobi tools for DIY tasks and love them ( i don't have the ratchet lol). I think it might be a good idea to add a high capacity (4 Ah or higher) battery to tier 2 because you start getting into the more power hungry tools that will benefit from more capacity. This is just my opinion, but a multi-tool would definitely be a tier 2 tool for me, over a cordless miter saw.
Those are the prices with only purchasing two batteries! I would have liked to see you add more batteries, and not just the cheapest batteries either.
Excellent video. Really puts prices into perspective
Kobalt does have a 3/8 impact wrench. It’s just a right angle stubby like a ratchet. TTC tested it and it’s a decent impact for that design.
The Craftsman results are pretty interesting. I'd like to see a deep dive on the V20-RP line.
I've used all corded tools for decades, but have recently migrated to cordless for quite a few core, secondary, and tertiary tools.
I bought a Craftsman Drill-Driver / Impact kit for $99 on a Christmas sale 3 years ago when I started a total house remodel. I thought they would be dead by now, but they keep going. They are not brushless nor overly powerful; however, they have endured 3 plus years of heavy use. Those 2 tools are what convinced me that cordless is worth some investment, at least for select tools.
I have since upgraded to a Metabo HPT as my primary line. But since I have the Craftsman batteries I might revisit the RP tools if they prove to be worth it.
I ended up landing on Dewalt for the “every week” kind of use stuff. But I bought the brushless XR stuff that had been out for a couple years and got brushless impact, drill/hammer drill, multi tool and a brushed circular saw that Home Depot sells or sold as a kit for 350. I had black and decker matrix which was surprisingly good for being something from 12 years ago but when I was putting up my fence pickets the thing started smoking. I may still use black and decker for different things like lawn edging or hedge trimming.
My thinking was this:
1) it will probably last a long long time and batteries won’t change for a while most likely.
2) hand the widest selection of tools
3) if I only need a tool for a little bit it has good resale value. Yes craftsman might be 30 percent cheaper, but can you sell a lightly used craftsman tool for 70-80 percent of its retail price? Definitely can’t say that about Bauer.
Kobalt XTR is next level from regular kobalt however they don’t have a big line so you have supplement with regular Kobalt.
Amazing analysis. Thank you!
Hey Bear, find me a sale on the Skil 10" rolling table saw? I have an older Dewalt that needs to retire and I just don't like the new Bosch even thought Lowes was trying to unload them for $499. Also, I would love to see you do a review or that saw. I like the worm drive, I think the fence could be better but the stand is the best on the market in my opinion. Would love to hear your opinion on this table saw?
I would have done the circ saw in the core kit instead of the impact driver. But the impact is a valid choice and definitely a very nice, valuable comparison, thanks!
I thought this was really informative. I enjoy these kinds of videos.
I am a DIY'er and have bought into Ryobi but have Milwaukee M12, Bosch 12v and Metabo 18v. I would like to get into HF products but my concern is that they might discontinue support in a few years.
Thanks for the spreadsheet! amaze! cant open at work locked down will look ayt home. Thanks i needed this badly. About to buy into all my adault tools, and need to make right decision. Value pro is for me DIY-homeowner, hobbiest.
This was a fantastic comparison, but I'm surprised that the Hercules line wasn't included.
Unless you were saving that for more of a pro comparison. Maybe Hercules, Flex, Makita, etc..
That is gonna be in the pro versus value, pro comparison
Yeah I've been very deep in dewalt for a long time as a master sparky, I've mentioned this before. Although now semi retired doing home remodels, farm stuff, and side jobs ive went deep into the Bauer line. Battery adapters have changed everything.
As a home remodeler, have my own company, i use whatever tool gets the job done at a good price. With that being said, I have some corded Milwaukee, skil , Makita. As for our cordless, we have 4 battery platforms.
We have Milwaukee m18 for drill, impact driver and circ saw as those we use daily. For the once in a while tools we have Ryobi, Bauer & which did impress me is the hyper tough 12v brushless, i only have a stubby impact wrench & a compact impact driver for the hyper tough 12v brushless to install cabinets but all the tools have done the job and paid for themselves and still making me money. I still have some of the blue Ryobi set still kicking i bought in the early 2000's when i was working for a small window installation company.
This is great info! WIsh it included a few more brands though.
One thing Menards does have is knipex pliers. They also have malco tools, which are generally a specialty tool maker, but what they do make is honestly snapon level in quality and performance.
great job, Red. I like it when you do these type of videos. Bauer is definitely tempting for the price - I agree with you and I wish they would just add a standard 2 year warranty on their tools with the same terms and conditions as the Hercules brushless line, and if you want to opt out of that, get it for less.
Good comparison! I’d be interested to see this same video with another group of brands/platforms - notably Skil, Worx (Nitro) and Hercules would be my picks.
Fantastic video. Relevant and informative content. Thank you! 👍🏽
You did a great job and I appreciate all the research and planning you did in this video jeff. However, I wouldn't list the hammer drill as a separate purchase from the kit.
It's always a very small increase in price to get the kit with the hammer drill instead, and really nobody needs both the non hammer drill and the hammer drill. They're 95% redundant.
Do you have an opinion on Worx?
Or at least a categorization?
I like them because of the huge variety. I started with a hedge trimmer and string trimmer/edger, but have been buying more tools as the uses come up. Just barely beginning to duplicate some of my Bauer tools. I'd probably be considered a homeowner level user, or maybe just slightly toward "pro."
I picked Bauer when I was working for HFT. I still like them, but I may buy a pack converter so they can use my Worx packs if my Bauer packs are both recharging. If they remake their porta-band saw in cordless, I might replace mine. The Hercules stand is awesome.
Solid tools for the home owner. The new Nitro line is a nice step up from what they offered before. Only real drawbacks is a limited line of tools, limited battery selection, and can be hard to find at retail.
I got into the Dewalt early on, love their line, and the Dewalt orbital sander is brushless. i have it, but anyway, i have started getting into some lower end brands for certain things that I just don't need professional grade tools for. I have also got a few Flex as well
Thanks Jeff. Very informative!
Is a battery orbital sander really useful? I have never bought one, used one a couple times and it ate batteries like they candy. Why not get a hammer drill in the first place instead of having a regular and hammer drills?
My work buys my Milwaukee tools, at home I use Makita but I'm recent weeks have been buying up Bauer tools because of the price since Makita is so expensive. So far I have been impressed with the Bauer stuff.
I know you're not comparing sale prices, but I would be interested in knowing how the Ryobi prices differ if you got everything (or as much as possible) from Direct Tools. (Hell, you could even throw Ridgid in there.)
Granted, your warranty now drops to like, ~1 year at most, but what would the savings actually be, even without the sales.
I bought DeWalt as that’s what my dad used and it seemed like I could tackle anything I needed to. I could grow my abilities and not be limited by the tool and wouldn’t have to worry about it breaking or anything like that. Been super happy with the ecosystem and the only thing I would swap it out for may be Milwaukee but not for a very looooong time.
Is there info or consideration on tools used in door versus outdoor use. Example: I have a 12v skil great drill but the batteries do not last in the Texas summer and start to leak black plastic from the USB port. Then they ⚰️
I'd love to see a Metabo column on this sheet. I've been really happy with my HTPs from them. Really nice stuff IMO.
Curious why DeWalt was left off. They're very popular.
Dewalt and all the other professional level tools would’ve fallen in the same price range as Milwaukee. This was really a comparison of the different levels of consumer tools, and showing how they relate to professional level tools
@@denoftools fair point. There's so much noise in that space that I can understand why DIYers who have cash just jump to the top of the food chain to cut through it all. Tell me, where would you put Metabo, prosumer or value pro? I know Lowe's is cutting ties with them for whatever reason but they are German tools and the track record on those types of tools is very good. Still scratching my head as to why they're doing that.
@@PatrickHealyI've used HPT professionally when it was Hitachi. They do the trick, but we used them only for tools we weren't quite so hard on. The rest was all DeWalt, Milwaukee, and old school Porter Cable (not the modern stuff). Don't think the new Metabo HPT is any different.
The just plain Metabo is the German stuff. Never had the opportunity to try it, but I hear it's fully pro.
Solid insights. I'm obviously a DIYer so I've not used some of the big boys. I will say, these Metabo HPT tools feel incredible in my hand. So much better than Ryobi to me
@@Cjinglaterraunless it's a grinder or roto-hammer, or some of their sanders, Metabo isn't that spectacular. They're basically exactly like Bosch. They have some nice drills as well, like their 3 speed LTX.
Nowadays, Metabo and Hitachi are turning into one brand on two battery lines with all the cloning and reskinning of each other's tools
I use Ryobi tools. They are great for me, I use them for some big projects but most of the time I really don’t use them so they work pretty well for me. Ryobi is a great value brand.
Budget wise I feel it's hard to beat Bauer. You can pick up a drill or impact kit for $60, then add another battery plus the drill/impact for a total of $143. that's how it started for me when I went shopping for a new battery (nicad) for my old Craftsman drill. The replacement Craftsman battery was the same price as the whole new kit from HF. Also as you pointed out, not everybody needs to spend 3 time the cost for a 1000 ft.lb. impact when 500 ft.lb. will do .....
Bosch imo is the best to get into. They have cheap entry level drill/drivers but they also have proffessional grade very high end ones you can get once you build up your batteries. They also have some of the best corded tools- saws alls, skill saws, hammer drills, chop saws, and table saws. And great electronic tools. Good blades and drill bits.
i have 6 Bauer cordless tolls and like them all. The vacuum however seems to be marginal at best. I have 6 Kobalt cordless tools and I like them but the 1/2 drill in the Kobalt is a disappointment, it requires a constant disconnect/reconnect of the battery, even a fully charged battery.
I use the Milwaukee M12 drill & impact driver for size and cost in my shop have the M18s and use the M12 90%+ of the time
Any comments on the Flex line of tools
As we speak (type), the Hercules brushed 1/4" impact is selling for $24.97, clearance. A few in stock locally. That's UA-cam Marketplace pricing...
With the Harbor Freight 2 yerar warranty, you may return a tool and upgrade then just pay the difference. So if you obtain the hammer drill (brushed), then if within that 2 year period they come out with the brushless, you could return it and pay the difference.
I buy Milwaukee but I ONLY buy them when they are 40-50% off or more, never pay full price! Now Hercules have come a long way and I jumped on board with them as well, they are great!
I read a comment that said they're all so similar it might as well come down to color choice. I love grey, so I got Flex, and so far, I dont regret it 😂
I'm just starting a took collection after years of borrowing her and there or buying second had one-offs or whatnot, but so far Bauer is the tool line in aiming for. Good pricing for what they have. I'm just a weekend warrior, is that, just bought my first house and going to renovate it over time. Didn't need a billion dollar tool for a single wide trailer in the woods.
Why did you leave out Dewalt?
Good video! Skil would have been a solid addition to this video. Great value imo.
Great YT! But how do I access this the spreadsheet?
I've been looking at some of the DIY/Prosumer tool lines for tools that I won't use much or the power and/or precision doesn't matter much. Bauer is nearing the top of the list. I just don't find RYOBI to be that great of a bargain over the Pro lines. But that's just me. We all have our reasons for choosing what we do.
Did you factor the cost of the two year warranty from Bauer into your "forecast for additional tools"?
Yes
Very helpful comparison video. Thank you! The bear still has no love for Metabo-HPT though. 😉
No love, I’ve been recommending Maba HPT since they were still Hitachi. But they don’t have a wide assortment of tools and Lowe’s just dropped them so we’re not sure about the future of those tools in North America
Have you ever reviewed a Masterforce tool? I've been curious about them, but not curious enough to actually pay money to just find out if they'll meet my needs and desires.
I don’t think I’ve done a video testing a master force tool. I do have a few of the tools and I think they’re well-made.
Wow! Definitely need to take a much more serious look at Craftsman.
Ryobi sells a combo kit of their most tier 1 brushless as a kit. Plus later this month.. brushless sander comes out
That's a smart break down.
I'm a carpenter, so all my stuff is Makita 18v, and I probably have 15 batteries, so if i want a radio, or any other type of thing that I would just like to have, but it isn't making me money, I have to buy Makita, because I 'm never going to have a battery issue.
Their batteries NEVER go on sale, but I have bought a drill will a case, plus 2 batteries and a character TWICE for $219.
Makita batteries are $100 each, so I paid $19 for a drill, a case and a charger. TWICE. Lol
I mean; I couldn't not buy it.
Dewalt found their way I between the teal and the red (big boys) and make a pretty good tool, time will tell hoe good, as I still have some old 12v Makita drills that are still working, so these things out live their version. I don't know how many Makita tools i have, but I have only had one wear out on me. EVER.
It was a Sawzall, but I worked that thing to death before it gave out.
I have a mix. Milwaukee for impact, heavy use in my shop DIY car repairs. You can't beat that. Ryob for garden, some cheaper Harbor Freight power tools for random use, and really cheap, $15 area, from Harbor Freight for once in a long while use, like grinder, corded drill for drilling metal or concrete once a year 😂.
I find for my needs, its hard to stick to one line. However, years ago I had several lines. Tons of different batteries. Tools dies, batteries died. Projects I needed battery tools for died. I am honestly, just down to a single line of tools and they are mostly drills, impacts, and few specialized woodworking tools. I went down to one maker. I'd love to have the money and ability to pick and chose the best of all lines.
Honestly I still recommend Milwaukee or Dewalt for people getting into the trades. I personally use Makita but have been switching to Dewalt as Makita hasent updated any of their lines in years. The other tools are can be great but if you watch the deals you can get great prices. Hercules are great but dont have as many options and Ryobi batteries just annoy me
I'm invested in 9 lines . . . used to be 11. 🤔 I think I may need professional help.
Craftsman’s coming out with some serious ryobi killer stuff. 14 inch brushless chainsaw, their brushless weedeater is just as nice and much cheaper as well. Bauer stuff just looks and feels cheap in your hands compared to any other brand I wouldn’t buy something in their line up unless I was planning to not have to use it after the project.
What would have been good if you included Hercules in this comparison chart.
Tractor Supply has Porter-Cable, they have a 20v ratchet
I got tired of having 5 dif charges so now I'm down to 2 milwaukee for power tools but they also power my string trimmer, blower and hedger, and toro for my lawn tools. If the milwaukee mower was as good as toro or ego i would switch just to have one battery platform.
I over spend on my electric drill as I use that the most. $129 sale price Milwaukee 12 volt made sense to me. Something I use not often, I buy cheaper. My $40 table saw blade was so much noicer than the cheap one the table say came from. My $99 Menard's chop saw worked well for me. Wood chisels I daily use, one step over the cheapest unbranded ones fit my need.
I hear ya. All of my tools are milwaukee. But ounce in awhile i need a 3/4 inch impact. Igot a harbor freight hercules. Hear they are up to milaukee standards but no more i need it ill probably never find out lol. Did save some bucks not forking over milwaukee price. 😅
I know ya said not to but man i had to.
I got a milwaukee brushless kit with the circular saw 2 years ago for 240 bucks on clearance 😂. I have been careful with sales and have built out an awesome collection for much less.
The Milwaukee 12V tools were insanely cheap. I bought the drill and driver for like $35 each tool only. I have a ton of top brand tools because that is what I want to spend my money on (along with guitars) rather than a $60k car or a $20k vacation..
Harbor Freight isn't no questions asked. They ask one question: show us your receipt.
Let's not forget the benefit of buying blemished or reconditioned tools on direct tools or tools direct on ebay for TTI. Ryobi and Ridgid mostly on direct tools but tools direct has milwakee and dewalt tools. I save money by doing this instead of buying it brand new at home depot.
One "hidden cost" of the cheap platforms IMO is that you would be more tempted to add a bunch of cordless crap tools that you don't need. In other words, having only expensive options might be helpful to your bottom line even if it means you don't get to buy four Ryobi cordless tools every time you go to home depot's special buys page. Get some M18 for the stuff you use a lot. Get some corded crap on sale of whatever brand for the stuff you need once a month.
Why wasDeWalt left out? Did I miss something on the intro?
I use Milwaukee because that’s what everyone here on UA-cam talks about, but it was just a placeholder for every professional tool, then comparing that versus the range of consumer tools