Have you chosen one brand's power-tools platform?
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I always found the quality, build, and performance of DeWalt to be my favorite. Have a similar collection.
I like Dewalt.
I picked up a fairly beat up Dewalt 16 gauge, 20 degree angled, finish nailer from a DIYer at a garage sale for $40.
I picked up a Hercules Oscillating Multi-tool for $60.
I picked up a Bauer Angle Grinder with 2 year warranty for $35 + $10.
I went into Lowes and they had some stuff on clearance.
I got a Kobalt 1/2" impact wrench for $26.
I got a Metabo HPT imact driver for $42.
Those nails aren't easy to find. I had to order them from Amazon.
I picked up a fairly beat up Dewalt 16 gauge, 20 degree angled, finish nailer from a DIYer at a garage sale for $40.
I picked up a Hercules Oscillating Multi-tool for $60.
I picked up a Bauer Angle Grinder with 2 year warranty for $35 + $10.
I went into Lowes and they had some stuff on clearance.
I got a Kobalt 1/2" impact wrench for $26.
I got a Metabo HPT imact driver for $42.
Those nails aren't easy to find. I had to order them from Amazon.
That's interesting. I think both are good brands.
I think the highlight of Kobalt is that they are 24 volts, a little higher voltage than most power tools.
Hate to say it, but it's not about an increase in power.
When it comes to power-tool batteries in the 18v. or 20v. range, well; that in and of itself is marketing BS. It's all 18v., actually. Turn on a power-tool with a battery installed, they all start at 20v. and then immediately drop down to 18v. for however long the power-tool is used. Some brands choose to be honest and say 18v. while others want to trick consumers into thinking their batteries are slightly more powerful, so go with 20v. in their advertising.
Milwaukee created the 18v. battery technology. Every other brand has to pay Milwaukee a royalty for using that technology. (Not sure if HART, Ryobi, and RIDGID are excluded from having to pay since they and Milwaukee are all owned by the same Parent company.) Kobalt on the other hand, is owned by a different company. There's a huge misconception going around that Kobalt is directly owned by Lowes Hardware. Parent company is actually Chervon. But with an exclusive deal to supply Lowes, and ONLY Lowes, with Kobalt. (Just as Wal-Mart has a similar exclusivity deal with TTi to be supplied with HART brand tools.)
Someone at Chervon decided they didn't want to pay Milwaukee any money. So, they found a way to put literally one extra 18650 battery inside their battery packs, and make them work. Added benefit? They can claim their battery packs are more powerful since they are 24v. while every other competitive brand is using 18v. or 20v. for their most powerful tools.
Again, marketing BS. Pros use certain brands on the job, for a living. And, the seemingly more powerful Kobalt brand, definitely not one of them. There are certain brands that Pros rely on that cost insane amounts of money. But the least expensive brands that get instant respect among them are Makita, Milwaukee, and the higher-end lines of DeWALT (such as their XR line).
Kobalt does have some excellent cordless power-tools in its line. Thing is, you go to Lowes and you see a massive sea of red (Craftsman) and a few drops of blue (Kobalt). Made in China, lower-quality than what your grand-dad used when he was a younger man Craftsman apparently sells very well for Stanley Black & Decker, the Parent company. As good as Kobalt is, apparently it's just not selling well at all with the Public. However FLEX (also owned by Chervon, just like Kobalt) is apparently gaining in popularity with the masses. Lowes it seems has lost interest in Kobalt, unfortunately.
When it comes to power-tool batteries in the 18v. or 20v. range, well; that in and of itself is marketing BS. It's all 18v., actually. Turn on a power-tool with a battery installed, they all start at 20v. and then immediately drop down to 18v. for however long the power-tool is used. Some brands choose to be honest and say 18v. while others want to trick consumers into thinking their batteries are slightly more powerful, so go with 20v. in their advertising.
Milwaukee created the 18v. battery technology. Every other brand has to pay Milwaukee a royalty for using that technology. (Not sure if HART, Ryobi, and RIDGID are excluded from having to pay since they and Milwaukee are all owned by the same Parent company.) Kobalt on the other hand, is owned by a different company. There's a huge misconception going around that Kobalt is directly owned by Lowes Hardware. Parent company is actually Chervon. But with an exclusive deal to supply Lowes, and ONLY Lowes, with Kobalt. (Just as Wal-Mart has a similar exclusivity deal with TTi to be supplied with HART brand tools.)
Someone at Chervon decided they didn't want to pay Milwaukee any money. So, they found a way to put literally one extra 18650 battery inside their battery packs, and make them work. Added benefit? They can claim their battery packs are more powerful since they are 24v. while every other competitive brand is using 18v. or 20v. for their most powerful tools.
Again, marketing BS. Pros use certain brands on the job, for a living. And, the seemingly more powerful Kobalt brand, definitely not one of them. There are certain brands that Pros rely on that cost insane amounts of money. But the least expensive brands that get instant respect among them are Makita, Milwaukee, and the higher-end lines of DeWALT (such as their XR line).
Kobalt does have some excellent cordless power-tools in its line. Thing is, you go to Lowes and you see a massive sea of red (Craftsman) and a few drops of blue (Kobalt). Made in China, lower-quality than what your grand-dad used when he was a younger man Craftsman apparently sells very well for Stanley Black & Decker, the Parent company. As good as Kobalt is, apparently it's just not selling well at all with the Public. However FLEX (also owned by Chervon, just like Kobalt) is apparently gaining in popularity with the masses. Lowes it seems has lost interest in Kobalt, unfortunately.
Voltage is potential energy for electricity. "Electromotive force."
I think what I've read is that everyone is 18/20 volt except Kobalt.
I have read that some Kobalt tools don't perform super great, but most do really well. I would say above average ranked with the top brands.
My Metabo/HPT impact driver came with a 18/36 volt battery, but the tool only uses 18 volts. A few brands might be making tools that use the higher voltage from the dual voltage batteries.
I think what I've read is that everyone is 18/20 volt except Kobalt.
I have read that some Kobalt tools don't perform super great, but most do really well. I would say above average ranked with the top brands.
My Metabo/HPT impact driver came with a 18/36 volt battery, but the tool only uses 18 volts. A few brands might be making tools that use the higher voltage from the dual voltage batteries.
Well, with winter well on the way (already 10 cm of snow in the back yard), we opted for a grass trimmer. Of course, the web shops NOW decide to throw a sale on them...
I was initially looking at either the DeWalt DCMST561 or the DCM561 18V XR (difference being the DCMST is foldable), but with a 40 % discount we settled on the 54V FlexVolt DCM5713 instead.
www.dewalt.co.uk
Checked out a few reviews, and the TL;DR (or TL;DW) was "get DCM5713" - with the long version being "DCM5713 is better than DCM561 in every way". DCM5713 also seem to support multiple attachments, like various cutting blades, which was an unexpected bonus.
And I finally got rid of the used one time Bosch GSA120 reciprocating saw! I just had to throw in more things than I expected to get a good friend of mine to finally accept the deal. So he got about $600 (instead of $500) worth of things for $400... Most of the stuff I threw in were either old, but in good condition (various hand tools), or things I couldn't or didn't want to use, like several pairs of brand new quality work gloves too large for my hands (which I knew was either better than what he had or didn't have at all). Still, he sure got the better part of that deal.
So the DeWalt DCS386 18V/54V FlexVolt Advantage reciprocating saw has been ordered, and is expected to arrive on Monday. ❤️
www.dewalt.co.uk
EDIT:
Just noticed the 40 % discount on the trimmers apparently had to be a mistake. Got a price adjustment notification yesterday - and completed the order yesterday - but today, there is no discount at all on most of the models (including the one I bought), and only 20 % on some. I have received the receipt, so I guess I lucked out.
EDIT 2:
Seems it's the DCM571 that supports additional attachments. Whereas the the DCM5713 (the one I got) does not. I didn't even notice this with the names being so similar. The difference is the DCM5713 is foldable, and the DCM571 has a fixed shaft.
I was initially looking at either the DeWalt DCMST561 or the DCM561 18V XR (difference being the DCMST is foldable), but with a 40 % discount we settled on the 54V FlexVolt DCM5713 instead.
54V XR FLEXVOLT 38cm String Trimmer - Tool Only | DEWALT
Offering all the power of a petrol driven tool without the inconvenience of having to carry / mix fuel. The DCM5713N String Trimmer also benefits from a 38cm Swathe allowing it to be used for simple ...
www.dewalt.co.uk
Checked out a few reviews, and the TL;DR (or TL;DW) was "get DCM5713" - with the long version being "DCM5713 is better than DCM561 in every way". DCM5713 also seem to support multiple attachments, like various cutting blades, which was an unexpected bonus.
And I finally got rid of the used one time Bosch GSA120 reciprocating saw! I just had to throw in more things than I expected to get a good friend of mine to finally accept the deal. So he got about $600 (instead of $500) worth of things for $400... Most of the stuff I threw in were either old, but in good condition (various hand tools), or things I couldn't or didn't want to use, like several pairs of brand new quality work gloves too large for my hands (which I knew was either better than what he had or didn't have at all). Still, he sure got the better part of that deal.
So the DeWalt DCS386 18V/54V FlexVolt Advantage reciprocating saw has been ordered, and is expected to arrive on Monday. ❤️
18V XR Reciprocating Saw With FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE - Bare Unit | DEWALT
Take advantage of more power using 18V XR tools with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE technology. A unique electronic module with pack identification technology enables the tool to recognise when an XR FLEXVOLT ...
www.dewalt.co.uk
EDIT:
Just noticed the 40 % discount on the trimmers apparently had to be a mistake. Got a price adjustment notification yesterday - and completed the order yesterday - but today, there is no discount at all on most of the models (including the one I bought), and only 20 % on some. I have received the receipt, so I guess I lucked out.
EDIT 2:
Seems it's the DCM571 that supports additional attachments. Whereas the the DCM5713 (the one I got) does not. I didn't even notice this with the names being so similar. The difference is the DCM5713 is foldable, and the DCM571 has a fixed shaft.
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Makita, because I was so tired of using a hand me down 18v Dewalt that weighed 20lbs and wanted the small subcompact black drill and impact driver. Plus they had every tool that I could possibly want and I liked the 18v/36v setup where if a tool needed more voltage they just used 2 batteries instead of having other voltage batteries
Sounds like you and your friend both lucked out, in different ways. 👍👍Well, with winter well on the way (already 10 cm of snow in the back yard), we opted for a grass trimmer. Of course, the web shops NOW decide to throw a sale on them...
I was initially looking at either the DeWalt DCMST561 or the DCM561 18V XR (difference being the DCMST is foldable), but with a 40 % discount we settled on the 54V FlexVolt DCM5713 instead.
54V XR FLEXVOLT 38cm String Trimmer - Tool Only | DEWALT
Offering all the power of a petrol driven tool without the inconvenience of having to carry / mix fuel. The DCM5713N String Trimmer also benefits from a 38cm Swathe allowing it to be used for simple ...
Checked out a few reviews, and the TL;DR (or TL;DW) was "get DCM5713" - with the long version being "DCM5713 is better than DCM561 in every way". DCM5713 also seem to support multiple attachments, like various cutting blades, which was an unexpected bonus.
And I finally got rid of the used one time Bosch GSA120 reciprocating saw! I just had to throw in more things than I expected to get a good friend of mine to finally accept the deal. So he got about $600 worth of things for $400... Most of the stuff I threw in were either old, but in good condition (various hand tools), or things I couldn't or didn't want to use, like several pairs of brand new quality work gloves too large for my hands (which I knew he either could use or didn't have at all). Still, he sure got the better part of that deal.
So the DeWalt DCS386 18V/54V FlexVolt Advantage reciprocating saw has been ordered, and is expected to arrive on Monday. ❤️
18V XR Reciprocating Saw With FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE - Bare Unit | DEWALT
Take advantage of more power using 18V XR tools with FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE technology. A unique electronic module with pack identification technology enables the tool to recognise when an XR FLEXVOLT ...
EDIT:
Just noticed the 40 % discount on the trimmers apparently had to be a mistake. Got a price adjustment notification yesterday - and completed the order yesterday - but today, there is no discount at all on most of the models, and only 20 % on some. I have received the receipt, so I guess I lucked out.
Metabo HPT Cordless 18V MultiVolt™ Framing Nailer Kit | 21 Degree Magazine | Round Head Nails from 2-Inch up to 3-1/2-Inch | 1-18V 4.0Ah Li-Ion Battery w/Fuel Gauge | NR1890DRST https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C17KV4MQ?tag=cpf0b6-20
$279 for one of these is a particularly good deal, if anyone is in the market
$279 for one of these is a particularly good deal, if anyone is in the market
True dat.
After we had finally agreed: "and so I said unto him...'you, my good friend...you *******...making me lose even more money on this.'" ^^
Seriously though, part of what I sold him was several Hultafors measuring tapes (bought several Milwaukee Wide Blade 5M and Stanley Fatmax Extreme 8M/10M), 2x Bahco 808050, 2x 808050S (regular and stubby ratcheting drivers - the racheting slack often makes them too imprecise for my use), Granberg EX 4330 vibration dampening gloves, 2 pairs of Granberg EX 8112 winter work gloves (too large for me), 3 pairs of Granberg general work gloves (too small for me), some quality plastic boxes to store and carry everything in, 3x DeWalt DT7969 XR bit sets, 3x DeWalt hex/socket adapter (neither of which were impact rated, and I only use impact or hammer tools now), ear protectors (have already bought better ones), brand new protective glasses, hi-visibility vests (too small for me), 15 Meters IP44 extension cord reel (already bought new 25M and 50M) and more.
So quality things, I just...wanted better ones for my use. And what he paid me to take it off my hands was about 1/3 of my cost to replace the things. Impact rated accessories are expensive! And I have rather fallen in love with most things labeled "DeWalt Extreme". But as we have have discussed earlier in this thread, it pays off to buy quality equipment. And with my overall light use and good care for my tools, I expect them to last me my lifetime.
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It seems I was a bit too quick regarding the grass trimmer. I was certain I ordered the DCM571, but at closer inspection I got the DCM5713 - with the difference being the DCM5713 is foldable (a feature I know I won't care about), but from what I can find does NOT support attachments. The DCM571 has a fixed shaft, and does support attachments.
So then I wonder (this is probably really obvious)...what is a brushcutter actually used for? Blades like the DT20653, DT20654 and DT20655.
Because I am now considering asking the e-tailer if I can change my order, and swap the DCM5713 for the DCM571.
I can't really see off the top of my head an actual need for such cutting gear (trimming small branches, I would assume), but it could be nice to have the option.
So then I wonder (this is probably really obvious)...what is a brushcutter actually used for? Blades like the DT20653, DT20654 and DT20655.
Because I am now considering asking the e-tailer if I can change my order, and swap the DCM5713 for the DCM571.
I can't really see off the top of my head an actual need for such cutting gear (trimming small branches, I would assume), but it could be nice to have the option.
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Update on my DeWalt DCM5713 grass trimmer: it does NOT support cutting blades (the DCM571 DOES support it). But I am keeping it anyway. Having given it a lot of thought, I can't ever see myself doing the hassle of switching to cutting gear, not when I have multiple branch shears / cutters / trimmers, various hand saws, a bow saw, a chain saw and a reciprocating saw.
But the DCM5713 DOES support the thicker (and apparently far better) DT20652 2,5 mm trimmer line.
Both the DCM5713 and DCM571 comes with a 2,0 mm line, and for some reason only the DCM571 is listed as supporting the thicker one, but I have it confirmed from a reliable source both models accept the 2,5 mm line (as damn well they should do).
EDIT:
My "reliable source" is the seller of the grass trimmer (and my DCS386 reciprocating saw), who is also the #1 DeWalt service center in the country.
But the DCM5713 DOES support the thicker (and apparently far better) DT20652 2,5 mm trimmer line.
Both the DCM5713 and DCM571 comes with a 2,0 mm line, and for some reason only the DCM571 is listed as supporting the thicker one, but I have it confirmed from a reliable source both models accept the 2,5 mm line (as damn well they should do).
EDIT:
My "reliable source" is the seller of the grass trimmer (and my DCS386 reciprocating saw), who is also the #1 DeWalt service center in the country.
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Choosing a power tools platform can definitely feel like a big commitment since batteries and tools are often brand-specific. For me, I've started using pdnation batteries, and it's been a game-changer. They're designed to work with multiple tool brands using compatible adapters, which means I'm no longer locked into just one platform.
For example, I can run my Milwaukee tools and DeWalt tools off the same pdnation battery setup. It's saved me a lot of money on batteries and opened up my options when picking the best tool for a specific job. If you're stuck choosing between brands, looking into cross-compatible solutions like this might be worth it.
For example, I can run my Milwaukee tools and DeWalt tools off the same pdnation battery setup. It's saved me a lot of money on batteries and opened up my options when picking the best tool for a specific job. If you're stuck choosing between brands, looking into cross-compatible solutions like this might be worth it.
Welcome to CPF.
I agree with you. Kobalt owners in particular are going to need battery adapters in the very near future since that brand is getting killed off in favor of FLEX at Lowe's Hardware. Porter Cable owners need that solution NOW since Stanley Black & Decker completely abandoned their mid-tier power-tool line in favor of buying Craftsman years ago for $900 Million (not a typo), and their lawyers were so moronically incompetent that THAT deal shockingly didn't even include any exclusivity rights! Nowadays you can only buy Porter Cable online or specifically at Woke-as-Hell Tractor Supply. There's like about 8 power-tools in the line all-together.
This holiday season, if a relative gives you a Porter Cable or Kobalt power-tool, hope it comes with a gift receipt. If not, get an adapter.
I chose Ryobi. The one brand that you can't use with an adapter from a 3rd party. But, knowing the company's history; that won't be an issue. Last cordless power-tool brand to switch battery styles, not remotely likely to get discontinued as a brand, massive selection of tools compatible with their batteries, and ridiculously easy availability are all why I went with Ryobi. Notice that "quality" wasn't one of my reasons. Their quality is good enough for the average guy who doesn't use his tools in order to make a living.
Ceenr has released Ryobi adapter, along with an 8.0Ah battery option (No listed price yet, though, so I guess we'll have to wait and see what the cost looks like.
Oh! Was not aware of THAT!
Thank you for the heads-up.
