Cordless power tool advice.

**waynep** · 13th August 2008, 09:25 AM

Now I am involved in these Hut maintenance projects I was thinking of getting a few more cordless power tools. If I'm just fixing a couple of things I don't want to cart a genny around everywhere. But also for small projects around home.

I had a Ryobi 18V drill and got given the matching reciprocating saw and stapler/bradder for my birthday. They're OK but only "domestic" quality and struggle a bit. I don't think they'll last long.

I've seen a few of the guys using the DeWalt tools but those things are expensive. I don't really need trade quality for the times I use them.

The advantage of the Ryobi 18V range is there's plenty of tools to fit the batteries and you can pick up replacement batteries anywhere. ( eg Bunnings )They also have a 12V car charger which would be handy in the bush. But they do seem like toys compared to the other brands.

So what's a good medium priced brand that will handle the occasional heavy work? I was looking at Bosch.

Also which tools would be that best to cover most work needed (other than hammer drill/driver ) : maybe a recip/sabre saw, 100mm grinder and impact driver ?? Are those cordless circular saws ( any brand) any good ??

Thanks

**Landy110** · 13th August 2008, 09:31 AM

All I will say is that we sell DeWalt and as a tool that is priced at about one quater of what they cost they wouldn't be bad value but for what they cost DON'T TOUCH THEM!!

Rayngie · 13th August 2008, 09:31 AM

I have an office furniture manufacturing company, my installers all use Ryobi 18v for ther installations, screwing stuff together etc, they are very hard on the drills so the Ryobi's are 'expendable' items, they last o.k but are cheap enough to replace if they get killed, i don't bother to get them serviced.
I'd rather have them on Dewalt, but at the rate the guys go through them!, i'll stick with Ryobi.

I also have a few 'emergency Black and Deckers that just keep on going..

Ray,

**weeds** · 13th August 2008, 09:50 AM

i use gmc cordless.....i do a bit of handyman work on a mates block of flats

good thing about gmc is you get a new replacement one every two years, well 22 months to be on the safe side for free/nothing

**Fusion** · 13th August 2008, 09:58 AM

Makita are in the middle of the range i think . I have had drills and grinders and all have done a great deal of work and lasted well ..... Father-in-law just bought an icon grinder and it is a ripper and comes with a 2 year warranty ... can't go wrong

.

**bblaze** · 13th August 2008, 10:00 AM

I have used a lot of battery stuff over the years commercially, had a good run with gmc but now using makita. What I have found is the cheaper the power tool the poorer quality the battery. Often thought of buy 12 volt and putting a lead on them and using a motorbike/small car battery
cheers
blaze.
ps
there seems to be some good buys on ebay with makita

**waynep** · 13th August 2008, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by bblaze

I have used a lot of battery stuff over the years commercially, had a good run with gmc but now using makita. What I have found is the cheaper the power tool the poorer quality the battery. Often thought of buy 12 volt and putting a lead on them and using a motorbike/small car battery
cheers
blaze.
ps
there seems to be some good buys on ebay with makita

Yes a few of the guys here have done that with their old drills - don't need to be 12V tools either. I've seen from 7.5 volt to 18 volt tools running off a 12 V car battery.

**Corgie Carrier** · 13th August 2008, 10:09 AM

I had a gmc drill and it was great for soft wood and stuff, but my house is all hard wood (98 yrs old) and the gmc can only put in about 10 roofing screws before it drains the battery.

At the advice of a mate I bought a Makita impact driver and some adapter bits, man what a machine, I can now put in about 50-60 roofing screws and a lot quicker than the gmc.

Can't drill with it, but I just use a tech screw to make small holes.

My 02c worth.

Neale

**discomuzz** · 13th August 2008, 10:09 AM

I have used Ryobi, Makita, Bosch and Black and Decker over the years and they are all O.K. when new but seem to degrade fairly quickly under pressure.

I now have Black and Decker 'Firestorm' 18v stuff that you can buy additional tools for. So far, I am very impressed with this gear. Seems to be a class up on the standard B&D stuff. Medium price range.

However, I really like the GMC warranty/replacement policy. Bunnings will replace anything on the spot no questions asked.

DeWalt is well out of my consideration.

I would NEVER buy Bosch again! Pack of wan***s!

**stuee** · 13th August 2008, 10:19 AM

Originally Posted by discomuzz

However, I really like the GMC warranty/replacement policy. Bunnings will replace anything on the spot no questions asked.

I thought GMC canned the instant replacement policy. You can still get a free replacement but they have to have it inspected or something along those lines.

I used to work for a builder and they used GMC to lend to tradies and if they stuffed up they'd take them to bunnings and replace them. Bunnings then said nope one day they have to be sent away or someone come see the tools and they stopped buying gmc. Fine if its for home use but when time is money its no good.

My preference for middle range stuff is makita. Used plenty of that stuff and its all gone pretty well.

Thread: Cordless power tool advice.

Thread Tools

Cordless power tool advice.

Bookmarks

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions