Best Beginner Power Tools?

Thread Tools
 
Old 09-11-2017, 08:01 PM
  #41  
Safety Car
iTrader: (7)
 
thisaznboi88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: San Jose, CA/ Charleston, WV
Posts: 4,045
Received 619 Likes on 459 Posts
Ltake your pick
Old 09-12-2017, 12:53 PM
  #42  
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (2)
 
NSXNEXT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: where the weather suits my clothes
Age: 55
Posts: 27,921
Received 1,080 Likes on 661 Posts
18 volt Dewalt combo kit for $100.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-18...235C/100647068

Last edited by NSXNEXT; 09-12-2017 at 12:56 PM.
Old 09-28-2017, 06:02 PM
  #43  
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
 
NBP04TL4ME's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: SE Mass --- > Central VA --- > SE Mass
Age: 57
Posts: 8,953
Received 1,236 Likes on 1,023 Posts
Here is an interesting info-graphic on tools and parent companies:

And here is the story - Four Companies Sell 48 Percent of Power Tools
Old 09-28-2017, 11:18 PM
  #44  
Moderator
 
Costco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Received 3,489 Likes on 2,089 Posts
Harbor Freight - made from the best Chinesium money can buy!
Old 09-29-2017, 01:00 AM
  #45  
Senior Moderator
 
oo7spy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 31,897
Received 7,244 Likes on 4,855 Posts
My last two purchases have been Hitachi, a compound miter saw and belt sander. No complaints.


At work we have a DeWALT battery drill and an impact driver that are super compact, light weight, and have 4 LEDs that point on the screw when you pull the trigger. Those things kick ass, but I have no idea how much they cost.

Last edited by oo7spy; 09-29-2017 at 01:03 AM.
Old 09-29-2017, 06:41 AM
  #46  
Safety Car
 
brian2's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: NJ
Posts: 3,963
Received 811 Likes on 532 Posts
probably even fewer companies actually make the tools that these companies sell


CHANG TYPE Industrial Co., Ltd.
Old 07-26-2018, 09:14 AM
  #47  
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (2)
 
NSXNEXT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: where the weather suits my clothes
Age: 55
Posts: 27,921
Received 1,080 Likes on 661 Posts
https://m.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-2-Tool...nr_dotd_teaser

Nice deal. Cooler looks decent too.
Old 10-04-2018, 05:56 PM
  #48  
Needs more Lemon Pledge
 
stogie1020's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Age: 51
Posts: 52,768
Received 2,000 Likes on 1,173 Posts
Currently have a cheapo corded string trimmer. Honestly , I never use it because I dread the cord.

Lawn is small and usage is mild to moderate at most.

Any recommendations on a decent cordless? I would like to be able to ALWAYS leave the battery onthe charger when not in use, as I hate dead batteries (hence buying a corded one initially). Is this OK to do?
Old 10-04-2018, 06:05 PM
  #49  
Team Owner
iTrader: (15)
 
Flipster23's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 35,747
Received 2,334 Likes on 1,962 Posts
Following because I would like a new cordless string trimmer.

I have gas and electric currently, but tired of the both of them.
Old 10-04-2018, 06:46 PM
  #50  
Team Owner
 
svtmike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Chicago
Age: 59
Posts: 37,663
Received 3,863 Likes on 2,030 Posts
Originally Posted by stogie1020
Currently have a cheapo corded string trimmer. Honestly , I never use it because I dread the cord.

Lawn is small and usage is mild to moderate at most.

Any recommendations on a decent cordless? I would like to be able to ALWAYS leave the battery onthe charger when not in use, as I hate dead batteries (hence buying a corded one initially). Is this OK to do?
A couple years ago I sprung for a Stihl. Pretty expensive, but man does that battery last. Every previous one I had it seemed would run out of juice with about 20 ft of edging left. They have different batteries for different run times.
The following users liked this post:
stogie1020 (10-04-2018)
Old 10-04-2018, 07:30 PM
  #51  
Sanest Florida Man
 
#1 STUNNA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 43,380
Received 10,119 Likes on 6,108 Posts
I've recently gotten the Ego electric mower, blower and trimmer. They work great, I've actually started taking care of the lawns for my next door neighbors so the houses around me look good, plus they pay me so I'll get my money back. The batteries are interchangeable so I can take the 5aH battery that came with the mower and use it on the blower or trimmer. Though in my experience the 2.5ah battery that came with my blower can run the mower but it would get overloaded with tall grass.

Last edited by #1 STUNNA; 10-04-2018 at 07:33 PM.
Old 10-04-2018, 08:10 PM
  #52  
Team Owner
 
doopstr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Jersey
Age: 52
Posts: 25,330
Received 2,049 Likes on 1,135 Posts
Originally Posted by Costco
Harbor Freight - made from the best Chinesium money can buy!
I bought this variable speed oscillating tool when they had a tent sale ($25!) The blade that it came with is shit but the tool itself is badass for the money. I put a Dremel blade on it and was good to go. Highly recommend. Don't be temped to get the cheaper one that doesn't have variable speed. Variable speed is a needed feature.
https://www.harborfreight.com/variab...ool-63111.html

Last edited by doopstr; 10-04-2018 at 08:15 PM.
Old 10-05-2018, 07:59 AM
  #53  
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (2)
 
NSXNEXT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2000
Location: where the weather suits my clothes
Age: 55
Posts: 27,921
Received 1,080 Likes on 661 Posts
I've had a HF sawsall for over 5 years. It's been dropped off a roof, left outside in the rain, cut out tree roots burried in dirt and it still keeps kicking.

​​​​​​
Old 10-05-2018, 08:52 AM
  #54  
Sanest Florida Man
 
#1 STUNNA's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Florida
Posts: 43,380
Received 10,119 Likes on 6,108 Posts
while we're on the subject what's a good brand of wrenches, and sockets? It seems everything is made with Chinesium nowadays, respected brands like Craftsman and Snap-on now aren't what they used to be. Maybe Trump's trade war will fix this

This is why Trump won LOL
Old 10-05-2018, 09:42 AM
  #55  
Team Owner
 
svtmike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Chicago
Age: 59
Posts: 37,663
Received 3,863 Likes on 2,030 Posts
I have been happy with Kobalt sockets from Lowes. I will probably replacd my old ratchets soon and will take a look at the Kobalts for that.
Old 10-05-2018, 10:23 AM
  #56  
Ex-OEM King
 
SamDoe1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesnowta
Posts: 15,896
Received 5,832 Likes on 3,853 Posts
Originally Posted by stogie1020
Currently have a cheapo corded string trimmer. Honestly , I never use it because I dread the cord.

Lawn is small and usage is mild to moderate at most.

Any recommendations on a decent cordless? I would like to be able to ALWAYS leave the battery onthe charger when not in use, as I hate dead batteries (hence buying a corded one initially). Is this OK to do?
Mine is a Stihl cordless. However, instead of a battery pack it has a gas tank. I'd still recommend Stihl for anything over anything else.

Originally Posted by doopstr
I bought this variable speed oscillating tool when they had a tent sale ($25!) The blade that it came with is shit but the tool itself is badass for the money. I put a Dremel blade on it and was good to go. Highly recommend. Don't be temped to get the cheaper one that doesn't have variable speed. Variable speed is a needed feature.
https://www.harborfreight.com/variab...ool-63111.html
HF stuff doesn't get the credit it deserves. A lot of my woodworking stuff (clamps in specific) come from HF and they work awesome for what they are and are FAR cheaper than the alternatives.

Originally Posted by #1 STUNNA
while we're on the subject what's a good brand of wrenches, and sockets? It seems everything is made with Chinesium nowadays, respected brands like Craftsman and Snap-on now aren't what they used to be. Maybe Trump's trade war will fix this

This is why Trump won LOL
Kobalt, Husky, HF...etc. It doesn't really matter if you're just a garage mechanic who does this off and on a couple times a year. Most of the bigger names will do fine and come with lifetime warranty. All of my socket stuff is Craftsman and it's been just fine. If I'm adding stuff these days, I go with Kobalt or Husky.
Old 10-05-2018, 10:54 AM
  #57  
Needs more Lemon Pledge
 
stogie1020's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Age: 51
Posts: 52,768
Received 2,000 Likes on 1,173 Posts
So, is it OK to leave these batteries on the charger for long periods of time when not in use?
Old 10-05-2018, 10:58 AM
  #58  
Ex-OEM King
 
SamDoe1's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Minnesnowta
Posts: 15,896
Received 5,832 Likes on 3,853 Posts
Originally Posted by stogie1020
So, is it OK to leave these batteries on the charger for long periods of time when not in use?
The vast majority (guessing all actually) of battery chargers these days will just switch to a trickle charge once the battery is full. Should be fine to leave on charger for extended periods of time.
Old 10-05-2018, 11:18 AM
  #59  
Team Owner
 
doopstr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Jersey
Age: 52
Posts: 25,330
Received 2,049 Likes on 1,135 Posts
Originally Posted by #1 STUNNA
while we're on the subject what's a good brand of wrenches, and sockets?
I've had no problem with Husky. They have forever guarantee.
Old 10-05-2018, 11:39 AM
  #60  
Team Owner
 
svtmike's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Chicago
Age: 59
Posts: 37,663
Received 3,863 Likes on 2,030 Posts
Originally Posted by stogie1020
So, is it OK to leave these batteries on the charger for long periods of time when not in use?
Yes. My Stihl charger allows that. But I only charge it a couple times per year. I may have overbought for my current house. It charges the battery so fast that it is fan-cooled.
The following users liked this post:
stogie1020 (10-05-2018)
Old 10-06-2018, 12:59 PM
  #61  
AZ Community Team
 
Bearcat94's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Posts: 32,488
Received 7,770 Likes on 4,341 Posts
Originally Posted by #1 STUNNA
while we're on the subject what's a good brand of wrenches, and sockets? It seems everything is made with Chinesium nowadays, respected brands like Craftsman and Snap-on now aren't what they used to be. Maybe Trump's trade war will fix this

This is why Trump won LOL
I still buy mostly Craftsman hand tools. And, afaik, they still come with a lifetime replacement warranty. Although, I do have a set of GearWrench ratcheting combo wrenches that I like a lot. They have a lifetime warranty as well.
Old 10-10-2018, 11:07 AM
  #62  
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (5)
 
KaMLuNg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Age: 41
Posts: 15,510
Received 1,090 Likes on 767 Posts
i am switching over to Milwaukee brand tools... i just bought the battery powered ratchet which helped me on a recent maintenance work i just did on the camry... and i am impressed with how far along battery technology has come...
Old 04-15-2019, 05:20 PM
  #63  
Needs more Lemon Pledge
 
stogie1020's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Age: 51
Posts: 52,768
Received 2,000 Likes on 1,173 Posts
Thoughts on this 40v Ryobi string trimmer? $129 with 4.0ah battery and charger.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-40...0250/307663070
Old 04-15-2019, 07:31 PM
  #64  
Moderator
 
Costco's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 29,869
Received 3,489 Likes on 2,089 Posts
Sorry, reply but I have bought a decent amount of stuff from HF. I have used their jack stands and various other stuff (C-clamps, as mentioned) and they work. Originally thought their power tools were junk, but it depends I suppose. I've seen pics of their drill bits turned into spaghetti.

anyways, free bump
Old 04-16-2019, 12:07 PM
  #65  
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
justnspace's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,295
Received 16,260 Likes on 11,971 Posts
I did it!
I joined the RED team! THE 9.0Ah Battery kicks ass!!!

Great Job Milwaukee!!!!!!!

I picked up the 2nd gen Leaf blower because I got tired of raking oak leaves, every fuckin' day.

this thing kicks ass!!!!
My streets are lined with oak trees that for three months, the leaves and acorns fall.
some serious leave piles!!!

previously; my brother has always found old leaf blowers and lawn equipment in the trash...fix em up and use them.
recently; because of misuse....fuel going bad, clogging up the lines, accidentally using gasoline instead of oil mixture, etc. etc...

the lawn equipment just wouldnt work.

With how impressed i am with the leaf blower, I went ahead and got the string trimmer + edger attachment on Milwaukee's 2nd gen "quik-lok" power head, as they call it.

you can quickly switch out between attachments on the power head, via the quick lok system. that comes in tomorrow..


Since our lawn equipment hasnt worked for a while, the side of the house needs to be whacked and I can finally edge up the lawn pro style!

Now, I am fully invested into the eco system, that is Milwaukee, which I wouldnt mind picking up some of their power tools, like the impact gun, etc.





the 9.0Ah battery has enough power and can last long enough to blow mountains of piles of leaves and make the lawn look tidy!

Can't wait to edge the yard tomorrow!

Last edited by justnspace; 04-16-2019 at 12:18 PM.
The following users liked this post:
stogie1020 (04-16-2019)
Old 04-16-2019, 01:06 PM
  #66  
Needs more Lemon Pledge
 
stogie1020's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Age: 51
Posts: 52,768
Received 2,000 Likes on 1,173 Posts
How heavy is the 9Ah battery to lug around?
Old 04-16-2019, 02:07 PM
  #67  
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
justnspace's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,295
Received 16,260 Likes on 11,971 Posts
the battery powered blower is lighter than a gas powered blower.
bonus, intake fan is located to the rear instead of to the side, like a conventional blower...gone are the days where your pant leg gets sucked up and hinders pump
Old 04-16-2019, 02:11 PM
  #68  
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
justnspace's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,295
Received 16,260 Likes on 11,971 Posts
the plastic blower doesnt even register on a scale...
the battery is like 2lbs.
Old 04-16-2019, 02:23 PM
  #69  
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
justnspace's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,295
Received 16,260 Likes on 11,971 Posts
interesting to note; both Ryobi and milwaukee are owned by the same parent company; TTI
Old 04-16-2019, 02:45 PM
  #70  
Moderator
iTrader: (1)
 
justnspace's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 86,295
Received 16,260 Likes on 11,971 Posts
the one thing that pushed me towards the Milwaukee eco system...is just that...with the new 2nd gen quick lok power head, it's one tool with many attachments.. An edger, string trimmer,a pole saw,a hedge trimmer. A big plus is that the M18 battery easily switches over to any other of the existing m18 products.
one battery and charger for multiple tools!

but of course; this is my first foray into power tools...it would be hard to switch over if over the years have accumulated various brands.
if current tools are dying, make the switch to Red!

Last edited by justnspace; 04-16-2019 at 02:49 PM.
Old 04-28-2019, 09:45 PM
  #71  
Needs more Lemon Pledge
 
stogie1020's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Age: 51
Posts: 52,768
Received 2,000 Likes on 1,173 Posts
I missed the sale on that Ryobi 40v but I offered the store manager the sale price and he said ok. Woot.
Old 02-16-2020, 07:24 PM
  #72  
Team Owner
 
doopstr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Jersey
Age: 52
Posts: 25,330
Received 2,049 Likes on 1,135 Posts
For when you need to replace your battery...




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:59 AM.