Wanting to get some new Li-ion cordless power tools

**laconic1** · 10-05-2011, 03:53 PM

So I'm in the market for new cordless power tools. Currently I own a 15 year old Makita 9.6v 3/8 drill that still functions, but doesn't have enough power for what I need, an ancient 7.2v Makita flashlight that I no longer have a working battery for, and a 13 year old Snap-on 3/8 cordless drill that I have no working batteries for.
I want to update to at least 18 volt Li-ion power. I want to get on the same battery system for everything, and I want to have a 1/2" drill, 1/2" impact wrench, circular saw, reciprocating saw, flashlight, and either a 3/8" impact, an impact driver, or both when I'm done. I had been convinced I was going to buy DeWalt, but now I'm a little confused with the new 20V Max line. Will that eventually phase out the current 18v lineup? Will it eventually include all the tools I am looking for? I've had the opportunity to use a friends Makita 18v Li-ion drill and thought it was pretty good. I've also used some Craftsman cordless stuff and was thoroughly unimpressed. So what do you guys have experience with and what are your thoughts? I know Makita's LXT line has all the tools I'm looking for, as does DeWalt's 18v line. Any other brands that would work well?

**M80** · 10-05-2011, 04:19 PM

I have a Makita LXT set and I am very happy with it.

**_JP_** · 10-05-2011, 04:28 PM

The Ryobi brand is well liked by some contractor friends of mine. Their lithium tools have a lifetime warranty.

**xraygun** · 10-05-2011, 04:42 PM

I'm very happy with my recently purchased Milwaukee 18V stuff. I did quite a bit of comparison shopping first.

IIRC, the real HD 1/2 and 3/8 stuff is different batteries. M28 and M18 respectively. Big jump in price.

I have M18 stuff (impact, drill, circular saw) and my contractor friends are pretty impressed when they use them. Amazing battery life. Useful battery meter on each battery. Miles above my old 12V and 14V stuff from a few years ago.

I figure when it's time to break out the 1/2 drill it's time to get a cord. The old school Milwaukee 0234-6 Magnum can't be beat.

Whatever you decide on, shop around for the combo deals. I saved a TON.

The warranty was a little better than the Makita and my drill/impact combo came with a nice case instead of a bag.

**tommyguns** · 10-05-2011, 04:57 PM

i use power tools every day at work and dewalts can take a beating. if you are not doing industrial building Milwaukee makes a great drill set makita used to be amazing but they really have gone down hill in my eyes. don't go lower then 18v just for torque and battery strength you wont need any more then that and if you do go with a corded or impact. i know rigid has a line out of multi packs i never used them but i love the brand so thats worth checking out but i would say a great buy for your buck is dewalt or Milwaukee my choice is dewalt when you drop one off a 45 foot lift pick it up and keep working its a solid tool.