Power Tools

EVT

EVT

Member
Member
May 24, 2010
622
Midwest
Forgive me if this is already posted, but I could not find it on search.


What kind of power tools is everyone using?


I'm in the market for a combo kit of cordless drills/tools. At the shop I used to work at we used all DeWALT, both right angle and normal. I don't really have anything against DeWALT but was looking at Milwaukee because of their 5 year warranty.


Also, what type is best for vehicle installations? I've never used these new cordless impacts but they look like they might be good. Right angle is a must for me. Any insight would be greatly appreciated! :D
 
Bosch and DeWalt, with the random Porter-Cable. If I was starting from scratch, I'd probably go all Bosch. Their compact drivers are my most-used power tools. I don't have any, but the Milwaukee brand is extremely well-thought of locally.


I just started using an impact driver a couple months ago, and it's "different." For mechanical fasteners it's the beans, but I haven't managed to drive a screw without murdering it.
 
Go Makita!!! I have been selling Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita for years now and here are my opinions.


Milwaukee- good warranty, decent service but you more than likely will need it.


DeWalt- excellent quality and durability but dragging behind a bit in technology. They now do have Li-Ion but I have not personally used it, nice thing about there Li-Ion is that the batteries are interchangeable with the NiMh Makita does not have that


Makita- Best service out there, awesome quality, best ergonomics and best batterys and chargers on the market.


This is the set I have and absolutely love it. I went with it for the size, when your working on vehicles you dont want the drill to be big, and you dont need it to be usually either. The batteries have amazing battery life for the size.


http://www.makita.com/en-us/Modules/Tools/ToolDetails.aspx?ID=24067
 
I've got a Makita drill and a driver and love them. 18 volt Li-Ion with the fast charger. I had a problem with a battery, they gave me a new battery, no questions asked. They are well made and solid, yet lightweight.
 
Well after looking into those Makitas I was convinced and bought a combo set. I like the compact size, that should do well inside a car. Thanks for the info guys!
 
I also have the Makita drill and impact combo. Its light, small, and batterys last forever and the battery recharges in less than a half hour. I used to have a 14.4v Dewalt. That was a beast compared to this
 
usdemt said:
Go Makita!!! I have been selling Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita for years now and here are my opinions.

Makita- Best service out there, awesome quality, best ergonomics and best batterys and chargers on the market.
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+1 on that, i've been using em for years, probably about 8-10 years!
 
Dewalt and Craftsman mostly other than that a couple off brand tools made their way into my tool chest/box
 
I've been using Makita from the very first day I was an installer. The ability to use smaller battery packs on larger tools in a pinch always helped. I noticed recently that my contractor on a job that I hired for had a DeWalt impact that would literally not work if the battery level drops past a certain point, giving no warning to change batteries!


A must have for installers:


- 14.4v impact driver and dedicated one piece 1/4" hex bits (7mm, 10mm, 13mm, 1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 1/2", various 3/8" adapters to accommodate deep 7/16" - 9/16", 15mm - 18mm sockets. Socket drivers that accommodate only sockets are best for mechanics. Don't get this unless you have extra $$$.


- 14.4v drill with hands free Jacob 1/2" chuck


- 14.4v circular saw


- 14.4v jig saw


- 7.2v drill with hands free Jacob 3/8" chuck (for light work, always with a magnetic bit holder)


- 4.8v hand cordless (looks like a small pistol) that I got from Costco, neat little sucker to have on the bench in a pinch. Offers plenty of low torque power!


Yes, there are bigger tools out there but I choose the 14.4v series because of the balance of power & weight to do the job. I could easily remove the hardiest seat belt bolts (which are often the most stubborn fasteners in a vehicle) with my 14.4v impact just fine.
 
EVModules said:
My bad, I meant keyless chuck. I got caught up with "hands free" sayings lately!
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Haha that was my guess but I wasnt positive.


And do you really use a jigsaw and circular saw that much while working on vehicles? With the exception of building a wood console I have never needed a circular saw, and I have had an 1970s model jigsaw hanging in my shop that I dont think I have used in years. Then again, I have a body saw and I use that ALL the time, its kind of the same thing.
 
Well, since I work on many installation jobs in the past which included working with wood, I liked the fact that I can quickly cut plywood to serve as mounting bases (covered with speaker carpet) and jigsaws for cutting / trimming brackets in a pinch (with the right blade of course).


Body saws I have, just not mentioned in respect for this topic.
 
I started out with a 12v Makita set about 20 years ago. I upgraded to the Makita 18v Li-Ion about 8 years ago. I use them on a daily basis and have yet to need a repair or replacement. Even the batteries have lasted all this time. I just bought a second driver kit which came with two batteries and another charger. I love my Makita gear and won't buy anything else at this point.
 
Heres what i use and i wouldnt trade any of them for thw world..well maybe...ill think about it..


These are all used for carpentry/building/ and small light installs.


I guarentee i will forget some of them lol but heres as many as i can remember:


DEWALT:


18v Drill Driver


18v 5" blade Skill saw


7" large skill saw with cord


drywall screw gun with cord


18v sawzall


18v flashlight


14.4v drill driver


...i think thats it for dewalt





RYOBI


18v drill driver


18v sawzall


18v 5" skill saw


18v flashlight


now for the mis matches


black and decker 18v flashlight


Porter Cable cordless pneumatic nail gun


Paslone gas cartrage powered nail gun


Black and decker drill driver


SKILL jigsaw


Skill Chop Saw with a movable stand


Porter cable ocsilating sander with cord


i really dont remember any more HAHAHAHA i think theres a few more but what i have listed is the main power tools i use. Now, if you want my list of non power tools, the list will be a few miles long :D :D


Hope this helps


OH!!!!! ONE MORE THING!!!!!!!! If you are going to get a new battery or battery charger pack for a dewalt or any other tool company you are ALWAYS better off buying a new tool that comes with TWO batteries AND a CHARGER!


Example....Dewalt 2 18v batteries and charger=$110-120 ish.....Dewalt new drill driver 18v (COMES WITH: 2 batteries and a charger) usually about $120-$130......you tell me what's the better deal


Hope this all helped


KP
 
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