Have you chosen one brand's power-tools platform?

๐Ÿ˜ ๐ŸŽ… Merry Christmas to me. ๐ŸŽ… ๐Ÿ˜

1734482386268.jpeg
 
Good choice! There's a Craftsman version with a more traditional handle shape, and 2-inch shorter blade. (Makes sense, both brands owned by the same Parent company.)
 
Choosing a power tools platform can definitely feel like a big commitment since batteries and tools are often brand-specific.
Amen to that. For all the talk about "industry standards", regardless of what it is, I get the sense the only thing the industry can agree on is NOT making a standard. And power tools are no different.

I had initially settled on Makita (when my Bosch Green drills no longer could do what I needed them to do), but I quickly switched to DeWalt (...that parts of me regret due to lack in their tool lineup) due to local availability. I could buy DeWalt at almost all of the local tool shops, but Makita was only at one place, with serious mark-ups.

But as for batteries, I am not really worried. I now have a lot of (DeWalt) tools (see earlier posts in this thread), but I am not using them full-time as if it was my job. And as an above-average hobbyist who also understands battery storage and maintenance, the batteries I have will last me several years. If an OEM DeWalt DCB184 5 Ah 18 V XR lasts me 4 years, I consider that to be decent value.

I chose Ryobi. 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.
I think you made a good choice there. I am personally opposed to the brand due to 100 % failure rate with the Ryobi tools that I have bought (jigsaw and an orbital sander, both corded tools), but if I am going to be completely unbiased, I have no problems with recommending the brand to others.

Their cordless lineup is nothing short of impressive, they are trying to get their share of the semi-professional market - and that shows simply from their persistence to make all of their tools compatible with all of their batteries - and as you say, their tools are "good enough" for most people for most tasks, and their overall pricing is reasonable.
 
Last edited:
๐Ÿ˜ ๐ŸŽ… Merry Christmas to me. ๐ŸŽ… ๐Ÿ˜
Congrats!

I have been looking - like, really looking - at the 18 V XR equivalent, the DCMPS520.
Though I ultimately settled on the DCS386 reciprocating saw. For my needs, a reciprocating saw is more flexible.

I am, however, still looking at the Dewalt DCM565N 18 V chainsaw. In case I should meet branches the DCS386 cannot handle.
But that a consideration to be made next year, and I start putting the reciprocating saw through its paces. I have used a chainsaw 3 times in my life, and I don't expect to use it more than another 3 times for the rest of it.
 
+

Being on the DeWalt saw topic, I'v mentioned this tool several times for good reason.
= the only tool I have two of the exact same.
One in my garage* & one is in my kitchen at the moment,, for some reason.

DeWalt compact brushless recip saw, such a great tool!
1734538788641.jpeg



*my garage is about 70 feet from the house
 
+

Yesterday afternoon I finally got out my Echo 2-stoke brushcutter,, very medieval piece of equipment
anyway, when I was done heard some guys talking, couldn't figure out if it was my neighbor or not.

Minute later I saw a tree cutter guy in full safety gear up in a tree 60~70 yards from me.
Then heard an electric saw he was using to do some prep or something,
Didn't see the saw actually, but thought of Chances new DeWalt
 
Does anyone have any experience with a DeWalt cross line green laser?
Maybe I have asked this before, I don't remember. It's been an on-and-off consideration of mine.

I am looking at the DCE088 model. And debating whether I should get the 088NG (12 V and 18 V compatible), or the 088D (only 12 V).

Specific questions are:
- Are they reliable? Do they ever get out of alignment, and if / when they do, can I fix it myself?
- Can they be mounted to any standard tripod without the need for a "special" DeWalt tripod.
- Are there any benefits with a 18 V cross laser over a 12 V one? Both have 30-35m working range from what I can tell.

This will be a niche item for me, and not a priority.
Price wise, it's about the same for the 12 V / 18 V bare model, and the 12 V-only package. Price is ~$300 discounted / outlet.
List price is $500-700 depending on package contents.


 
Finally got that DeWalt 18 / 54 V FlexVolt battery on the way, that I need for the new DCM5713 string trimmer.
Been looking at the DCB547 9 Ah, but...we opted for the DCB548 12 Ah instead. Price was not that much more than the 9 Ah.

The string trimmer needs 54 V, but I also got a DCS386 FlexVolt Advantage reciprocating saw, and a DCD999 drill. Both of which are supposedly even more powerful with a 54 V battery (125 Nm (18 V) -> 143 Nm (54 V) on the drill, if I remember correctly).

...Just 4-5 months left before I can actually use the tools.

I am honestly looking at an outlet DCS388 reciprocating saw - pure 54 V - just to have as a backup, now that I will get a battery it can use.
~$196 equivalent.
 
Last edited:

Latest posts

Top