Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Skil- ?
 

Sure there are many more brands so what do you prefer?

In terms of durability, reliability, battery life, and tool variety/lineup.

Disregard price.

I'd love to hear from anyone. Share experiences please.

:2738: :drum: :waving: :guitarris:sumbrero: :2729: :2741: :bananarow: :2781: :2766:

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

Please realize that among "Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Skil" there are only 4 manufacturers.

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

haha yes, BUT do they all use the same Battery???

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

Has Ridgid in the past... crappy batteries. I then bought Dewalt, 12 volts, and I love it. More control, more power and way better batteries. I also tried Bosch but still prefer Dewalt. Plus, Dewalt is easy to find due to its color. For the price...

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

I've had 18v Dewalt tools since 2006 Christmas gift (drill,cir saw,light, sawzall). They are still going strong - have to replace the batteries after about 3-4 yrs.
only con is the weight but great tools.

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

I have had a porters cable for along time and I run it hard. Never had a problem with it an love it.

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

I have porter cable air tools but none with a cord or battery - a friend likes his Makita - his is nicad and waay lighter than my old 18v.

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

I use with acceptable results Craftsman lithium ion battery powered tools.
I have the set circularsaw, drills, impact driver, flashlight.
This seems to be a good choice for the casual user.


But......If you notice on the job site the colors of the tools you see are yellow, blue, green, respectively.

And if if the tool is not one of those colors and it breaks down on the job you will here a resounding "I told you so" from your co workers.

Lithium ion batteries are a good choice.
Always buy an extra battery or two....you will be glad you did.

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

Absolutely, an extra battery is a must. You never want to be stuck waiting while it's recharging.

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

Batteries... Gotta love and hate them at the same time.
Personally I must closely rate all the different brands because all can have faults. This thread title though: I label my fav from left to right...

It seems like many small companies prefer Ridgid (lifetime battery replacement), Hilti and DeWalt for the heavy-dutiness.

I see a lot of blue-collar workers personal tools are Makita and Milwaukee.

Rarely Kobalt, And even less, I see Ryobi Bosch.

I don't want to make this too long but I inherited some Makita drill drivers from my Dad a few years ago (still haven't used them 5+ years) and every time I looked at them... made me seriously ReConsidered my tool collection.

My "ol' Ni-Cad keep around the house set" Mini <12v Craftsman on ground. 18v Skil on bumper. Of course I have a few other randoms unseen.


My "daily Kitas" have had all batteries (Lithium-Ion 3x4Ah 3x3Ah) for more than two years and all seem good (I alternate them). I'm greatly happy with my Makita tools.

The 2 drill drivers at the bottom (got from dad) are 12V and have not been run in many many years... But I remember doing some great work with them so I pulled them from my museum to snap this photo. ;)

I have awesome respect for craftsman hand tools.

I am DIEING to get a multi-tool.

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

If you ever decide to buy a multi-tool, don't go for Ridgid. I've had it in the past and it was not good. It broke the first time I used it and don't get me started on the batteries...

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

My newest toy. KEYless! $89 HD rocks. It purrs mean like a kitten with rabies. :)

Re: Preference 18V ? Makita-Ridgid-Milwaukee-Dewalt-Ryobi-Bosch-Craftsman-Hitachi-Ski
 

Makita are used a lot down here, hey last a few years but all battery tools dont last long here because of the salt air and coral dust. The old ridged tools were real decent but they have gone down hill lately. dewalts are not used much here.