I run RYBOI 18v and work great use them pretty much commercially at least the drills and brushless grinder. The batteries I get usually 1-2 years out of then will usually buy a new tool of some kind just to get the extra battery, I have the large 8 battery charger as well which is nice.
If your trying to run a larger tool like a large saw then max voltage helps but most tools 18v is nominal.
I LOVE my Milwaukee M18 Fuel stuff. I'm not a good barometer on battery life, as I'm just a hobbyist, and don't use them daily to earn a living...but I've seen comments from others who do, and haven't seen any real complaints other than the pricepoint.
The tools at this point.
They have served well but I think it is time to replace rather then rebuild again.
What specific tools do you need and may want? Most tools as stated run fine on 18v its the larger stuff like full size saws that like the extra voltage.
And if you spend little more for brushless units they are better as well. Also what box stores are close effects it to IMO as yu can see what they have and get a feel for them, like Ryobi at home depot. Milwaukee I noticed Northern tools carries.
Again I run Ryobi and they have a shit ton of option for different tools online (which like others do as well) but they serve me well.
Having been accused of being old skewel
I really only need the equivalent of the Dewalt Drill motor and
I really could get by reaching for the Pneumatic drills
that I have; the way I do with my impacts and ratchets. There is something about a "Cordless" Drill motor.
Having been accused of being old skewel
I really only need the equivalent of the Dewalt Drill motor and
I really could get by reaching for the Pneumatic drills
that I have; the way I do with my impacts and ratchets. There is something about a "Cordless" Drill motor.
I run Ryobi. It was the first line of tools where you didn't have to buy a kit for each tool you wanted. The drill and impact driver are good. The older skill saw and grinder are not good. The 2.0Ah battery is garbage. The 4.0Ah battery is good. They have a wide range of tools. A lot I own, many I do not. Its a good value for the home-owner and not bad for a contractor. I do exterior renovations and have been using them for close to 20 years. I'm too invested in them to switch. But if they are coming out with brushless then I don't feel bad. Also they still use the exact same battery shape as the beginning, so you can buy old tools and still use them with the new battery technology.
Since your tools are failing, this won't help, but if it was the Ni-Cad batteries giving up Dewalt makes an adapter to run the new 20V Lithium Ion batteries on the older 18V tools. I thought it was a pretty cool move by them to give people a cheap-ish option to upgrade the batteries instead of replacing the tools.
I have been buying Dewalt since I get a deal. If I was paying full price for stuff, I would also include Makita in your search. I just got a corded Makita right angle drill that I love...seems much better built than my Dewalt and Milwaukee stuff.
I have milwaukee cordless impact,sawzal,grinder,rachet. Larger amphour makes a world of difference in performance. The Fuel are stronger? than the ones with brushes. The chainsaw is nice for trail riding.