Thread: going cordless - which brand is best for me?

Another vote for Ryobi 18V. Started with a chainsaw 7 years ago when doing half a big lap. Fantastic for firewood, and the new brushless version I demoed in Bunnings looks much faster and probably more efficient. Lost count of all the other tools I have, but non have failed and seem to be good bang for buck. The range of tools is amazing.

Bought the small single-battery 18V mower recently, on the proviso I could take it back if not satisfied. It does our small suburban yard just fine, and the best thing the wife loves it because she can start it!. Only a narrow cutting deck, but on a small yard, who cares? Plus it weighs about 10kg. Inherited the single line trimmer, and it's rubbish. Replaced it with the new brushless version, and it works a treat!

I reckon virtually all brands are probably good value in this day and age.

We have a bunch of Ryobi electric tools including a chain saw, edger, blower, drills, sander etc, all running off a collection of Ryobi batteries and they are great. The chain saw is just like a circular saw with a long blade and rips through. Very happy.

I have had AEG and Milwaukee m12. I love the Milwaukee. A good mate is moving from a large Ryobi One Plus 18v to M12 Milwaukee. The power of the M12 Fuel (ie Brushless motors) is out of control. 12v that's like 18v of only a few short years ago. I also love the range of lights they do - camping and spots etc. But most high end stuff is good now. Lots of choice.

Cheers

I think that a lot of responses to the OP have gone a bit OT (including mine to some extent).

Domestic use means different things to different people. People who use their domestic tools for commercial purposes at times have higher expectations and maybe require a bit more reliable grunt.

I bought a Ryobi sander polisher the other day for $159 to essentially replace an AEG WPZ 1000 that has sanded and polished thousands of surfboards, etc, that parts can't be found for anymore, especially an armature. The RA gearhead is fine, armature has been rewound, commutator is worn out. It has switches that could be pulled apart and cleaned or replaced and had quite a few new sets of bearings.

The Ryobi is totally gutless, etc....... but hey I'm not doing commercial fibreglass stuff for the wider public anymore so it'll be just fine. Haven't even looked at the warranty and must remember to register online.

I'd pay a fair bit to get the AEG going again, just cause it was a beautiful tool to use and reliable in a harsh environment.

The opinions of all those using Ryobi cordless in domestic situations are very valid if they match the OP's expectations.

cheers, DL

Originally Posted by Ancient Mariner

My Dewalt mini line trimmer

Love it. Try it with the square section line.

As they used to say 'You'll be so glad you did".

DL

We have about 70 young trees planted in a double row along a fence line and to trim around them without damage with the big trimmer nearly impossible.With the mini and a piece of curved sheetmetal no probs then follow up with the bigger unit. I pinched the aftermarket head off the Honda witch just needed a 8mm grub screw to stop the left hand thread unscrewing.It uses square section line and I am really pleased how it performs but no idea of run time yet as i need to make some AC filter medium guards over the motor vents.The only Ryobi tool I have is a 3/8 ratchet impact with an adaptor and Dewalt battery .I think using a dewalt battery in a Ryobi would give more power and longer run time but only guessing


Noel

I use Bosch blue, Dewalt and now Hikoki (Hitachi) and they're all great, but that's really irrelevant to what you're after and they don't have all of what you're looking for anyway. I think if you stick with either Ryobi, AEG (if you want better quality) or even Ozito (if they have the range) for home use will be fine. They all have good replacement warranties, so if you burn them out, take them back and get them replaced. Most cordless stuff these days is 6 years, but you have to register the purchase with company and the 3 I've mentioned are all available at Bunnings which are easier to take tools back to and have either fixed or replaced. All the tools everyone has mentioned are good, but if it's only occasional/recreational use you just have to work out whether you want to spend the extra money. Good luck.

Vinnie

Originally Posted by Gullible

Hi,
Some of my old electric hand tools are getting old and I am looking to get cordless replacements.

Thinking long term I will also want to replace my hedge trimmer and lawn mower and it would be good if they could use the same batteries.

I do not need full professional gear, but I'd like to get some quality brushless that will last.

So before I end up committing to a brand. What experience do people have with their cordless and what brands would you recommend?

It all depends on what your budget is and what you want to use them for
I bought a set of cheap Ozito cordless tools and 4x batteries, These consist of drill, teck gun, rattle gun, chainsaw, grinder, and a sander.
Since buying them I have been using the rattle gun to undo the wheel nuts on my D2a easily and various other stubborn nuts and bolts including the Boat trailer springs, I have built a 4m x 6m shed and have renovated my bathroom using these tools, I have also used the little chainsaw to cut wood when away on trips.
Not to mention various other repairs around the house ( the house is over 100 years old) and they haven't missed a beat or have let me down so far.
I would say that by now these tools have already paid for themselves But If I had decided to go the Dewalt or other top line brand choice I would have to do a hell of a lot more work with them before I broke even with them.

If you expect to get 10+ years out of your tools and will be using them "Hard Core" then I advise getting the best money can buy (Bloody Expensive) But If you are only going to be doing occasional work with these and don't want to spend a fortune the Ozito gear packs a punch way above its "Pay Grade"