Cordless power tools

[napanutt]

Looking to delve into cordless power tools: blower, weed whacker etc. Any brands to stay a way from?
Looks like 40V is the way to go now. The depot has a Ryobi 40V whacker/ blower combo for 350ish. I know Milwaukee is pretty stout.

 

[Mike Honcho]

I have the wacker and blower from Ryobi and I can say the wacker is great the blower has a turbo button that kinda hangs up second one now. The batteries seem to fool me where I think they are dead and wont charge then they will charge after a day or so. As for other brands I just bought the Rigid for the work truck thinking it has higher wind speed but it doesnt seem to be as strong as the ryobi even though it claims higher CFM and wind MPH.

I dont have a huge yard but they seem to work well for me maybe three to four uses then they need a charge. Ohh also that Ryobi 40v is heavy my wife wont use them since I also have the Ryobi yard vac to suck leaves and crap off the waterfalls of the pool. So just be aware that they are lighter without that heavy battery.

 

[pronstar]

I’ve got Dewalt stuff, mower, weedeater, 16” chain saw. It’s been good.

There’s gonna be some super sales in this stuff upcoming, methinks. Home Depot missed earnings in a big way and are sitting on a ton of inventory.

 

[X Hoser]

I went Milwaukee, no regrets so far. I was kind of upset with dewalt when the stopped making the 18V batteries so I switched.

 

[satellitemike]

Ill sell you my dewalt blower and whacker, they have been great but I want to get the Rigid stuff that has a lifetime guarantee for both the tool and the batteries!

 

[napanutt]

I have an 18V Dewalt drill. Love it. Was thinking of sticking with Dewalt as long as batteries are the same. If not, I’ll go with something else.

 

[napanutt]

I’ll sell you my dewalt blower and whacker, they have been great but I want to get the Rigid stuff that has a lifetime guarantee for both the tool and the batteries!

I’d possibly take you up on that offer but pretty sure delivery to New Hampshire isn’t included.

 

[satellitemike]

I’d possibly take you up on that offer but pretty sure delivery to New Hampshire isn’t included.

You would most likely be correct. If I was you I would give the Rigid a hard look!

 

[WYRD]

Ive got all dewalt and happy with them. They have the 60v flex battery that holds up well but it's still wouldn't handle a big yard. I'm only on an 11000 Sq foot lot with plenty of concrete and batteries get low after edging, mowing, blowing. Might need multiple batteries for anything larger

 

[Xtrmwakeboarder]

Milwaukee power tools and Ego gardening for me. Love them.

 

[SoCalDave]

Makita fan here, they cost more than the other brands but still made in Japan rather than China.

 

[JFMFG]

Ill sell you my dewalt blower and whacker, they have been great but I want to get the Rigid stuff that has a lifetime guarantee for both the tool and the batteries!

Rigid doesn’t honor that guarantee I’ll tell you first hand

 

[Gramps]

I went with Milwaukee M18 at the fire station for all of our scene lighting....hand held lanterns and tripod lights. Other stations in the are were so impressed they did the same. At home the M18 system again for a drill motor, 1/4" and 1/2" impacts, palm sander, angle grinder, lead blower and small chain saw. No issues nor any problems with any of them.

 

[dspracing]

I’ve got Milwaukee. Pretty amazing what they can do now. M18 skilsaw, so much better and safer than corded. The M18 stuff has replaced most of my corded and pneumatic tools.

 

[LargeOrangeFont]

I went with Milwaukee M18 at the fire station for all of our scene lighting....hand held lanterns and tripod lights. Other stations in the are were so impressed they did the same. At home the M18 system again for a drill motor, 1/4" and 1/2" impacts, palm sander, angle grinder, lead blower and small chain saw. No issues nor any problems with any of them.

Are there standards or certs that type of gear has to pass for your station use, or can you just get what you like?

 

[JDKRXW]

If I was starting fresh with battery powered yard tools, I'd be looking pretty hard at Toro stuff.
It's what they do.

 

[YeahYeah01]

For yard stuff I've been a fan of Ego, they have a few other items like a bad ass misting fan and some portable power stuff that works well too.

 

[Nordie]

Makita fan here, they cost more than the other brands but still made in Japan rather than China.

That's not necessarily true, most of their stuff is China, they have Japan stuff too but it's $$$$$.

I'm also a Makita guy, and will always tell anyone to buy Makita.

That being said. I would stick to one of the big three

Makita, Dewalt, or Milwaukee for your cordless tools.

 

[bonesfab]

I have the milwaukee stuff. mower is pretty badass. and the weedeater and blower are just as good.

 

[lbhsbz]

Ill sell you my dewalt blower and whacker, they have been great but I want to get the Rigid stuff that has a lifetime guarantee for both the tool and the batteries!

Careful with that….

 

[lbhsbz]

Rigid doesn’t honor that guarantee I’ll tell you first hand

They do if you blow up the CEO’s email….lol.

 

[Ziggy]

Looking to delve into cordless power tools: blower, weed whacker etc. Any brands to stay a way from?
Looks like 40V is the way to go now. The depot has a Ryobi 40V whacker/ blower combo for 350ish. I know Milwaukee is pretty stout.

You drinking more of that eastern coast koolaide? sheesh!!
.
My gardener seems to have switched over to his e-weedwhacker but all his other equipment he still uses gas. I asked him about it all & says he's required to use the electric stuff in certain "communities". Most of the heavy workload e-stuff didn't last(batteries) or quit functioning all together so he uses those tools sparingly where it's required.

 

[RiverCruiser]

I have a Mikita mower, wacker, & blower. They work great. My son has the same in
Ryobi. His work just as good if not better for half the price.

 

[73mandella]

Ryobi: We have the mower, edger, weed wacker, and blower. The only tool I'm not satisfied with is the edger. It doesn't have the power I'd like and stalls.

 

[28Eliminator]

I bought one of the Ryobi 40v blowers last year.. it’s bad ass. No complaints.

 

[napanutt]

You drinking more of that eastern coast koolaide? sheesh!!

I like gas powered motors as much as the next person but I’m getting tired of the constant tune-ups needed especially on the two stroke stuff.
The water does taste a little different here though.

 

[DWC]

I’d always suggest staying on whatever platform you have. It rarely makes sense to switchover and is a pain in the ass to have multiple.
TTI makes Milwaukee, Ridgid and Ryobi. They’re the best in the business IMO. Their R&D is best in class as is the number of tools available The new tech starts in Milwaukee and works its way quickly to Ryobi.
I’d stick with a brand that specializes in cordless tech. They’re not fast followers and/or having someone else make their product.

 

[Gripside80]

I owned the 60v toro stuff at the last house we had. Their electric mower is top notch. It is a real mower with metal body unlike all the plastic junk that’s out. You cannot go wrong their electric landscaping line. Blower, string trimmer etc. But there is a price that comes with quality.

 

[DWC]

I dont have a huge yard but they seem to work well for me maybe three to four uses then they need a charge. Ohh also that Ryobi 40v is heavy my wife wont use them since I also have the Ryobi yard vac to suck leaves and crap off the waterfalls of the pool. So just be aware that they are lighter without that heavy battery.

The yard vac is the coolest tool right behind the pole saw. The vac gets rid of the bougainvillea leaves that gather at the door rather than blowing them away and coming back. The pole saw is badass for palms. Way better than the manual saw.

 

[FreeBird236]

I bought one of the Ryobi 40v blowers last year.. it’s bad ass. No complaints.

If I needed a complete set I may have bought another brand, but I only needed a blower, and have been really impressed with the Ryobi 40v blower.

 

[jetboatperformance]

I dont know what "brand" they are but they work ... every Sunday err .....His Name is Jake

 

[Gramps]

Are there standards or certs that type of gear has to pass for your station use, or can you just get what you like?

yes and no.....hose, ppe and that type of stuff yes, NFPA standards. hand tools, lighting not really

 

[Nordie]

I’d always suggest staying on whatever platform you have. It rarely makes sense to switchover and is a pain in the ass to have multiple.
TTI makes Milwaukee, Ridgid and Ryobi. They’re the best in the business IMO. Their R&D is best in class as is the number of tools available The new tech starts in Milwaukee and works its way quickly to Ryobi.
I’d stick with a brand that specializes in cordless tech. They’re not fast followers and/or having someone else make their product.

And this is why I stick with Makita, because Makita makes Makita, so they do their own QC. Only two companies left that manufacturer their own tools. Hilti and Makita.

That being said I think Milwaukee has the top tier from TTI as far as QC, then it trickles down to the lesser and not as great tools. Also it seems Milwaukee is more geared towards electricians and plumbers. Makita is more geared towards carpentry and industrial. Hilti is straight up industrial, you want ugly tools that will literally last forever you get Hilti.

Sorry about the ford vs chevy deal.

If you already have a battery platform that you're using, just stick with it. The tools will work as expected.

 

[rrrr]

I went Milwaukee, no regrets so far. I was kind of upset with dewalt when the stopped making the 18V batteries so I switched.

I have an 18V Dewalt drill. Love it. Was thinking of sticking with Dewalt as long as batteries are the same. If not, I’ll go with something else.

DeWalt sells an adapter that plugs into old 18V stuff and allows the use of the newer 20V lithium batteries. You can buy combo packs with the adapter, batteries, and a charger. I have about fifteen assorted 18V tools, so buying the newer stuff made good economic sense.

 

[DWC]

And this is why I stick with Makita, because Makita makes Makita, so they do their own QC. Only two companies left that manufacturer their own tools. Hilti and Makita.

That being said I think Milwaukee has the top tier from TTI as far as QC, then it trickles down to the lesser and not as great tools. Also it seems Milwaukee is more geared towards electricians and plumbers. Makita is more geared towards carpentry and industrial. Hilti is straight up industrial, you want ugly tools that will literally last forever you get Hilti.

Sorry about the ford vs chevy deal.

If you already have a battery platform that you're using, just stick with it. The tools will work as expected.

Makita’s new XGT platform is impressive. As good as it gets. They needed something to replace their gas concrete saws and hit a home run. Pricey but really good.
TTI makes all of their own tools as does Chervon (Ego/Flex). The others.. Not so much.

 

[Nordie]

Makita’s new XGT platform is impressive. As good as it gets. They needed something to replace their gas concrete saws and hit a home run. Pricey but really good.
TTI makes all of their own tools as does Chervon (Ego/Flex). The others.. Not so much.

What I was saying is those brands are made by TTI, Makita makes Makita.

What else is cool is I can take my broken tools to a makita repair shop here in Vegas, and a few days later they call me and the tool is fixed. I took an old drill to them, they did a 100% rebuild on it, even replaced the cases and didn't charge me for them. They charged me $47 that was labor and a new motor and trigger. Pretty tough to beat.

With TTI, you would probably have to send the tool off, or get a replacement. I guess I'm old school and don't believe in the throw away deal. Don't get me wrong I still love Milwaukee tools, actually I love all tools!

 

[boatnam2]

I got craftsman yard stuff, mower, edger, blower, clippers, works good. I still got the Sthil gasser when I need my tool time Tim Taylor fix.

 

[Nordie]

I got craftsman yard stuff, mower, edger, blower, clippers, works good. I still got the Sthil gasser when I need my tool time Tim Taylor fix.

You can never go wrong with Sthil.

 

[satellitemike]

Rigid doesn’t honor that guarantee I’ll tell you first hand

They did for me multiple times w the batteries, and they swapped out the entire set of tools when the batteries were no longer available.

 

[MPHSystems]

I’d always suggest staying on whatever platform you have. It rarely makes sense to switchover and is a pain in the ass to have multiple.
TTI makes Milwaukee, Ridgid and Ryobi. They’re the best in the business IMO. Their R&D is best in class as is the number of tools available The new tech starts in Milwaukee and works its way quickly to Ryobi.
I’d stick with a brand that specializes in cordless tech. They’re not fast followers and/or having someone else make their product.

Yep, I use Milwaukee for everything else so our yard tools are in Milwaukee as well. Don’t get too caught up in the voltages it’s all about the Watts And amp hours. The real key is what is the most efficient use of the watts and amp hours. There is no free lunch.

 

[AEA]

I’ve got Milwaukee. Pretty amazing what they can do now. M18 skilsaw, so much better and safer than corded. The M18 stuff has replaced most of my corded and pneumatic tools.

Why is it safer?

 

[MPHSystems]

Why is it safer?

Not sure about the skill saws but the top of the line sawzall can be programmed to stop the blade once it finishes the cut. It does this by calculating the load on the motor. Pretty slick.

 

[dspracing]

Why is it safer?

When you release the trigger the blade stops right away instead of spinning forever. You can cut all the way through before releasing instead of trying to use the last few inches of cut to slow the blade down.

 

[Deltarat]

I use Ego and love them.

 

[MooreMoney]

I have EGO for my blower. The thing works really good. On sale below too

EGO Power+ 615 CFM Battery Handheld Leaf Blower Kit Mfr# LB6153 - Ace Hardware

The 615 CFM EGO POWER+ Battery Handheld Leaf Blower Kit combines unprecedented power and performance and includes a 4 AH battery. Get yours at Ace.

www.acehardware.com

 

[bilz]

DeWalt sells an adapter that plugs into old 18V stuff and allows the use of the newer 20V lithium batteries. You can buy combo packs with the adapter, batteries, and a charger. I have about fifteen assorted 18V tools, so buying the newer stuff made good economic sense.

The old 18v tool work great with the 20v batteries. Haven't smoked one yet.
I really like the Milwaukee M12 tools and I have a small collection now.

 

[X Hoser]

DeWalt sells an adapter that plugs into old 18V stuff and allows the use of the newer 20V lithium batteries. You can buy combo packs with the adapter, batteries, and a charger. I have about fifteen assorted 18V tools, so buying the newer stuff made good economic sense.

Yea, I saw that but my tools were used and abused! I bought the Milwaukee leaf blower and was really impressed. That is what got me headed that way. Also bought a RIDGID drill set and blower. Drills are great but the blower is nowhere close to the Milwaukee. Someone along the way said the RIDGID batteries had a lifetime replacement warranty but they are 5 Yeats old and still just as good as new. We’ll see someday, not holding my breath.

 

[dread Pirate]

Hand tools are Milwaukee. My lawn tools are gas and preferably 2 stroke. Homie don't play that electric garden tool crap,,,,

 

[D19]

 

[jet496]

Milwaukie. We use the blowers, shop vacs, sawsalls, etc. at work, no problems & you can get 5.0 & 6.0 batteries that last a long ass time.

I've had plenty of dewalts in the past & not impressed. I do like their small screw guns for my tool bag though.