Best Power Tool Company?

[Mighty Eyebrows]

Most of the major brands are pretty decent. If you ever had to use battery-driven tools back in the 1980s, the modern ones are damn near miraculous.

One other factor is tool availability. For example, sometimes there is something unusual (like my grease gun) that DeWalt makes but Bosch doesn't (which most of the rest of my tools are). So, I now get to juggle two brands of 18/20v batteries.

Oh, and I forgot my DeWalt cordless framing nailer. Not many companies make them, either.

[lthenderson]

Ryobi

Fight me!

Probably the hardest thing for me is to not compare tools of the past with tools of the present by the same manufacturer. I'm old enough to remember when Black and Decker was the cream of the crop and now not so much. I am also old enough to remember when Ryobi was practically disposable stuff. I remember when anything Japanese built meant junk. But times change and I'm sure they have improved tremendously as many power tool companies have.  If I didn't have so much invested in DeWalt gear and could start over, I would certainly be open to try a different brand.

[nereo]

Craftsman routers and drills (corded) used to be serious Pro tools several decades ago. Then they went into the gutter for a while. Now they are ok for light duty.
Guess what I’m saying is don’t get married into a brand.

Also I’d like to point out that “Made in _____”
Doesn’t mean good/bad. If a tool produced overseas is crap it is because the company specified cheap and permitted interior materials. Quality tools can be made almost anywhere. So can crap.

[Papa bear]

Ryobi

Fight me!


For the casual user or even hard core DIY-er I think cordless Ryobi tools are dang near perfect.

Price -  they are cheap, tools are cheap, batteries are cheap, accessories are cheap. I feel the batteries have also come down in the price since I started buying them.
Customization -  I think they have many different versions of the same tool depending on needs. Drills and drivers they might have 6 versions of each. This is also very true with their batteries. IN a drill you might not need a huge battery, and lighter is better. But in a saw or yard equipment you will want the bigger battery. You can also find great combo packs online with a little snooping. Sometimes you can basically snag a free tool or battery when you buy one they throw in the other for free.
Flexible - all the tools work with the same battery. All chargers work with the same battery. I can keep 2 on the job-site, 2 at home and 1 in the car at all times and never miss a beat. They make everything from tire inflators, to bluetooth speakers to lights. Can' beat the selection.

I get that dewalt is likely a "better" tool but the price is a huge hindrance to me. I would hardly want to use a $400 dewalt drill. Id worry id break it our get it stolen, if someone rips off my $50 ryobi impact driver NBD.  I feel the higher brands are kind of the F150 Larient edition of tools. Sure you can tow 50,000 pounds through a mountain pass in the snow, but why would you?

Your Ryobi tools were so bad, the guy that stole them gave them back! Boom!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Jon Bon]

Ryobi in a way are kind of disposable. I tend to need multiple copies of important tools (drills saw etc) So being able to buy 4 ryobi drivers for the price of a single dewalt is worth it to me.  Again I am talking all cordless tools here.

But yeah to be fair. A guy DID steal my ryobi tools, and I DID get most of them back, but that is because the cops caught the guy!

[BDWW]

Ryobi Chop saw.

This is a solid cast piece with no adjustment, it was either milled poorly or warped post milling. The straight edge is pressed against the castings. Gap is at least a millimetre in the center.

[Wrenchturner]

Looks to be within tolerances!

[lthenderson]

Perfect support for those slightly warped pieces of wood!

[Jon Bon]

Nice longevity too on a 15 year old saw!

[BDWW]

I do use it for the crudest of chop cuts, especially on reclaimed wood that I'd cringe cutting with my good saw.
But as you might imagine it's impossible to get a clean cut or good angle with.
It's probably actually a bit dangerous as the the wood collapses inward when you complete a cut that stretches across the fence.

And it's only 7 years old, it was purchased in 2013.

[lthenderson]

I do use it for the crudest of chop cuts, especially on reclaimed wood that I'd cringe cutting with my good saw.
But as you might imagine it's impossible to get a clean cut or good angle with.
It's probably actually a bit dangerous as the the wood collapses inward when you complete a cut that stretches across the fence.

And it's only 7 years old, it was purchased in 2013.

The cheap fix for that would be to put a straight piece of wood against the fence, shim behind it and fasten it to the fence on both sides so once you cut through it, it will remain in place as your new fence. Another probably more expensive alternative is to find a machinist who might true up the cast fence for you. Although you didn't say, if you have a crosscut sled for your tablesaw, you can just use it as is for rough sizing and do the final cuts on the tablesaw. I find myself doing this more and more often these days since my tablesaw blade generally leaves a better finish than my miter saw.

[BDWW]

I do use it for the crudest of chop cuts, especially on reclaimed wood that I'd cringe cutting with my good saw.
But as you might imagine it's impossible to get a clean cut or good angle with.
It's probably actually a bit dangerous as the the wood collapses inward when you complete a cut that stretches across the fence.

And it's only 7 years old, it was purchased in 2013.

The cheap fix for that would be to put a straight piece of wood against the fence, shim behind it and fasten it to the fence on both sides so once you cut through it, it will remain in place as your new fence. Another probably more expensive alternative is to find a machinist who might true up the cast fence for you. Although you didn't say, if you have a crosscut sled for your tablesaw, you can just use it as is for rough sizing and do the final cuts on the tablesaw. I find myself doing this more and more often these days since my tablesaw blade generally leaves a better finish than my miter saw.

I have 3hp cabinet show (shop fox w1820), a jobsite craftsman table saw and a half a dozen different crosscut sleds. I have (almost*) all the tools I could ever need. This post was merely to represent one of my experiences with Ryobi tools, and why I would be very hesitant to give them another shot.

*Saving up for a Hammer A41 jointer planer combo, as I'm getting sick of the dw735 lunchbox planer I currently use.

[nereo]

I do use it for the crudest of chop cuts, especially on reclaimed wood that I'd cringe cutting with my good saw.
But as you might imagine it's impossible to get a clean cut or good angle with.
It's probably actually a bit dangerous as the the wood collapses inward when you complete a cut that stretches across the fence.

And it's only 7 years old, it was purchased in 2013.

The cheap fix for that would be to put a straight piece of wood against the fence, shim behind it and fasten it to the fence on both sides so once you cut through it, it will remain in place as your new fence. Another probably more expensive alternative is to find a machinist who might true up the cast fence for you. Although you didn't say, if you have a crosscut sled for your tablesaw, you can just use it as is for rough sizing and do the final cuts on the tablesaw. I find myself doing this more and more often these days since my tablesaw blade generally leaves a better finish than my miter saw.

I have 3hp cabinet show (shop fox w1820), a jobsite craftsman table saw and a half a dozen different crosscut sleds. I have (almost*) all the tools I could ever need. This post was merely to represent one of my experiences with Ryobi tools, and why I would be very hesitant to give them another shot.

*Saving up for a Hammer A41 jointer planer combo, as I'm getting sick of the dw735 lunchbox planer I currently use.

I have never in my life meet a woodworker who claimed to have all the tools s/he wanted
:-P

[Alternatepriorities]

I do use it for the crudest of chop cuts, especially on reclaimed wood that I'd cringe cutting with my good saw.
But as you might imagine it's impossible to get a clean cut or good angle with.
It's probably actually a bit dangerous as the the wood collapses inward when you complete a cut that stretches across the fence.

And it's only 7 years old, it was purchased in 2013.

The cheap fix for that would be to put a straight piece of wood against the fence, shim behind it and fasten it to the fence on both sides so once you cut through it, it will remain in place as your new fence. Another probably more expensive alternative is to find a machinist who might true up the cast fence for you. Although you didn't say, if you have a crosscut sled for your tablesaw, you can just use it as is for rough sizing and do the final cuts on the tablesaw. I find myself doing this more and more often these days since my tablesaw blade generally leaves a better finish than my miter saw.

I have 3hp cabinet show (shop fox w1820), a jobsite craftsman table saw and a half a dozen different crosscut sleds. I have (almost*) all the tools I could ever need. This post was merely to represent one of my experiences with Ryobi tools, and why I would be very hesitant to give them another shot.

*Saving up for a Hammer A41 jointer planer combo, as I'm getting sick of the dw735 lunchbox planer I currently use.

I have never in my life meet a woodworker who claimed to have all the tools s/he wanted
:-P

Is that even theoretically possible?

[BDWW]

Is that even theoretically possible?

I said need...  not want.   And really to get further down the spiral, I really need a bigger shop.

Also, do clamps count as tools? Cause I do probably need more of those.

[Alternatepriorities]

Is that even theoretically possible?

I said need...  not want.   And really to get further down the spiral, I really need a bigger shop.

Also, do clamps count as tools? Cause I do probably need more of those.

I spent most my life without a garage or shop, even working on vehicles outside at -20. Now that I have one I want a bigger one. It would be difficult to go back to life without one unless i were just traveling full time... Pretty sure this is what hedonic adaptation looks like.

[Jon Bon]

I was just waiting for the hard core wood-workers to arrive to yell at us all.

God bless you and your $5,000 table saw! Someday I will join your ranks.

[nereo]

I was just waiting for the hard core wood-workers to arrive to yell at us all.

God bless you and your $5,000 table saw! Someday I will join your ranks.

I'm waiting for the hand-tool mafia to start trolling this thread.  'Real woodworkers don't CHEAT with powertools!" 
Yeah... and each Lie Nielsen chisel is f$%king $80 a pop.

[lthenderson]

I'm waiting for the hand-tool mafia to start trolling this thread.  'Real woodworkers don't CHEAT with powertools!" 
Yeah... and each Lie Nielsen chisel is f$%king $80 a pop.

I'll admit I have I think five Lie Nielsen chisels but I certainly didn't pay $80 each for them. I also use powertools whenever I can but those chisels do have a place in my shop and are a joy to work with, as is my router.

[nereo]

I'm waiting for the hand-tool mafia to start trolling this thread.  'Real woodworkers don't CHEAT with powertools!" 
Yeah... and each Lie Nielsen chisel is f$%king $80 a pop.

I'll admit I have I think five Lie Nielsen chisels but I certainly didn't pay $80 each for them. I also use powertools whenever I can but those chisels do have a place in my shop and are a joy to work with, as is my router.

Five is too many.  I'll send you my shipping address so you can have a more reasonable number.

FWIW I just looked at their website - $55-75 depending on the type and size. Must have been thinking of Blue Spruce (which does have chisels in the $80-100 range)  I'm near their HQ and was both impressed by their tools and blown away at the prices.  A few block planes, a set of chisels and a couple saws and suddenly full retail is >$2k.

Non-woodworkers seem to think that hand tools must be far less expensive than power tools.  Simply not true (though super-hard to compare apples to apples)

[BDWW]

I have a set of Narex chisels I use for joinery that I've been happy with. I think it was $80 for the set.

[nereo]

I have a set of Narex chisels I use for joinery that I've been happy with. I think it was $80 for the set.

I've heard really good things about Narex (Czech, no?).  In all likelihood my next tool purchase will be a set of their chisels.

[BDWW]

I have a set of Narex chisels I use for joinery that I've been happy with. I think it was $80 for the set.

I've heard really good things about Narex (Czech, no?).  In all likelihood my next tool purchase will be a set of their chisels.

They work well. Though I have another set of no-name chisels that seem to work about as well. Really not sure why chisels of all things are so discussed.  It's really just a metal wedge with a handle.  As long as the steel isn't terrible, they all function the same. A cheaper set generally just means a little more work initially fettling them.

I prefer a softer (not too soft) steel, as its easier to touch up the edge. Too hard of steels fracture, and it takes a lot of work to reset.  The only other preference I have is tang > socket. I've had issues with socketed heads falling off, never had a problem with tang chisel.

One more thing, bite the bullet and get a good set of large diamond plates, it's not worth it to mess with other fussier systems, and it saves you time and money in the long run imo. Oh yeah, and a good leather strop.

[Wrenchturner]

I was just waiting for the hard core wood-workers to arrive to yell at us all.

God bless you and your $5,000 table saw! Someday I will join your ranks.

I'm waiting for the hand-tool mafia to start trolling this thread.  'Real woodworkers don't CHEAT with powertools!" 
Yeah... and each Lie Nielsen chisel is f$%king $80 a pop.

They're busy sending their rebuttals in via carrier pigeon.

[Uturn]

When I started woodworking around 2006, I bought a bunch of power tools.  Started out going cheap because I could not see the difference between no-name brands such as what you get at Harbor Freight and well known brands.  I soon learned what arbor runout is, why cast iron trunions are superior to stamped aluminum, and why I should buy a single router bit for $20 instead of the whole 30 piece kit for $35.

I replaced all the crap with quality.  Delta cabinet saw, Grizzly 8" jointer, Porter Cable 2 1/4hp router, gotta have the 2hp dust collector too!

Then my skills progressed beyond everything being 90*.  Table legs started getting tapers and curves, aprons started getting curves, chair arms no where near flat and square.  Once you come off 90* in any plane on most power tools, you are going to need a jig.  In order to make that jig, you are probably going to be doing hand work.  Since I am not running a production shop, I do 2-3 big projects a year, these jigs often are one project use.  I also found out that I absolutely hate the sound of a power router, to the point that I will even mute the TV if I'm watching someone else use one. 

Then I built a Morris Chair.  The seat is lower in the back than the front, which means the tenon shoulders are off 90* from the edges.  The bottom apron is too wide to fit in my mortiser, so I had to chop them all by hand.  Since the arms are bowed, the top apron has to be from fit to the underside of the arms.  Other than milling, this chair was all hand tools.  I learned that I really enjoy working the wood more than working the machine. 

I sold the table saw, jointer, router, and mortiser after that.  I still have a Dewalt 13" planer and a sweet 14" Rikon bandsaw.  Other than that, I have no desire to go back to power.  Now if I were to try to make a living at it, yes, the power tools would find their way back.  They are just more efficient for repeatable cuts, but my shop produces a bunch of one-offs.

As for hand tool cost, there is a whole lot between the orange handled junk chisels at HF and Lie Nielsen.  I do have some Lie Nielsen tools, but some of my favorites are over 100 years old and working awesome. 

[nereo]

Would love to see pics of the Morris chair

[KarefulKactus15]

I am using Hitachi. You may try this.

The women I know prefer Hitachi tools also. Really helps with those sore spots. I find it ironic that a neck massage wand was such a huge seller in their portfolio.

On a more serious note - I prefer Dewalt for the following reasons in order.

1.) I can find yellow tools faster
2.) Dewalt works good with craigslist. Its basically like renting tools from the internet when you need them for projects. Buy it used.. use it.. sell it back to craigslist if its an infrequently used item.
3.) Several family members already have Dewalt so we can share batteries and such if we end up in the same location at the same time working.
4.) Ive NEVER had one fail me in use. I cant say that for the entry level products. (I tried some other brands, cause why did I need the mid grade item ill only use once?... Id MUCH rather have a used quality tool than a brand new consumer grade)

For reason 1 above - I prefer the stanley fatmax brand of hand tools. (yellow)

In regards to item 2.) - How to buy used tools? ALWAYS look at the power cords. Thats how you know the condition of the item. Tool looks okay but battery charge cable has nicks and is beat to shit? ... Thats how that person takes care of stuff. The cord is the give away for how well an item was taken care of.

[KarefulKactus15]

I am using Hitachi. You may try this.

The women I know prefer Hitachi tools also. Really helps with those sore spots. I find it ironic that a neck massage wand was such a huge seller in their portfolio.

On a more serious note - I prefer Dewalt for the following reasons in order.

1.) I can find yellow tools faster
2.) Dewalt works good with craigslist. Its basically like renting tools from the internet when you need them for projects. Buy it used.. use it.. sell it back to craigslist if its an infrequently used item.
3.) Several family members already have Dewalt so we can share batteries and such if we end up in the same location at the same time working.
4.) Ive NEVER had one fail me in use. I cant say that for the entry level products. (I tried some other brands, cause why did I need the mid grade item ill only use once?... Id MUCH rather have a used quality tool than a brand new consumer grade)

For reason 1 above - I prefer the stanley fatmax brand of hand tools. (yellow)

In regards to item 2.) - How to buy used power tools? ALWAYS look at the power cords. Thats how you know the condition of the item. Tool looks okay but battery charge cable has nicks and is beat to shit? ... Thats how that person takes care of stuff. The cord is the give away for how well an item was taken care of.

[Alternatepriorities]

Has anyone used a battery powered string trimmer? I need to get one and I've been debating a battery powered one vs a gas. The previous owners of this house preferred style to simplicity when it came to laying out the yard so there is a decent amount that can't be reached with my mower. Are the battery powered units really powerful enough for a rural yard?  As mentioned above, I already have a lot of DeWalt 20v tools so if went that route I could get one without a battery for less than the price of a new quality gas powered one. Alternately, I could probably find a a gas machine on craig's for less than the electric...   

[BDWW]

Has anyone used a battery powered string trimmer? I need to get one and I've been debating a battery powered one vs a gas. The previous owners of this house preferred style to simplicity when it came to laying out the yard so there is a decent amount that can't be reached with my mower. Are the battery powered units really powerful enough for a rural yard?  As mentioned above, I already have a lot of DeWalt 20v tools so if went that route I could get one without a battery for less than the price of a new quality gas powered one. Alternately, I could probably find a a gas machine on craig's for less than the electric...

I have the 40v Black and decker string trimmer (plus hedge trimmer, and chainsaw). Works pretty well, but it'll bog down in heavy/thick weeds. I have a 1/2 acre lot, with a dozen trees and fair bit of landscaping. It takes 2 batteries to do the whole thing. But I'm up to 3 batteries, so it's not much of burden to just swap it out half way through.

If I had to do it over, I'd probably bite the bullet and go for a higher quality set. And that's my general sentiment towards this thread. I use my tools often, and it's always varying degrees of regret when I go for the cheap stuff.

[YttriumNitrate]

Has anyone used a battery powered string trimmer? I need to get one and I've been debating a battery powered one vs a gas. The previous owners of this house preferred style to simplicity when it came to laying out the yard so there is a decent amount that can't be reached with my mower. Are the battery powered units really powerful enough for a rural yard?  As mentioned above, I already have a lot of DeWalt 20v tools so if went that route I could get one without a battery for less than the price of a new quality gas powered one. Alternately, I could probably find a a gas machine on craig's for less than the electric...

Just this past weekend I bought a Jonsered 58V string trimmer on clearance. In terms of string trimmer functionality, it's comparable to my 25cc Ryobi. It doesn't look like there's a way to stick a brush cutting blade on the electric one, so the Ryobi will probably now be a dedicated brush cutter.

[Alternatepriorities]

Has anyone used a battery powered string trimmer? I need to get one and I've been debating a battery powered one vs a gas. The previous owners of this house preferred style to simplicity when it came to laying out the yard so there is a decent amount that can't be reached with my mower. Are the battery powered units really powerful enough for a rural yard?  As mentioned above, I already have a lot of DeWalt 20v tools so if went that route I could get one without a battery for less than the price of a new quality gas powered one. Alternately, I could probably find a a gas machine on craig's for less than the electric...

Just this past weekend I bought a Jonsered 58V string trimmer on clearance. In terms of string trimmer functionality, it's comparable to my 25cc Ryobi. It doesn't look like there's a way to stick a brush cutting blade on the electric one, so the Ryobi will probably now be a dedicated brush cutter.

i was looking at the Husky gas powered trimmers and it does seem useful to swap other tool ends onto it.

[Jon Bon]

I have the 18V ryobi model. It gets the job done and I have no complaints so far. but I also have a very small yard so YMMV.

I have had horrible luck with the 2 stroke gas versions. Never again, they are perpetually a pain in the ass for me.

[nereo]

Interesting this popped up again (though maybe not surprising since the N. Hemisphere is coming into spring).

 - About to get my first battery-powered lawnmower — cant continue “borrowing” our neighbors. Looking at reviews it seems to come down to Ryobi and EGO.  I don’t have any other lawn tools (yet) from either so I’m not locked into either system. EGO has a 56v battery and scored highest on CR; Ryobi uses 40v and generally gets good reviews, but some saying it has a harder time with thicker grass and weeds (and TBH I’m one who lets their lawn go too long between mowings).  Run time isn’t a concern as our lawn is ~2,000 sqft.

Eventually I might add a leaf blower nad possibly a string trimmer (though I have a cheap-o corded version that gets the job done... sorta)

Any recommendations/thoughts/personal experience from the forum.

[lthenderson]

Not really a power tool company, but I own several things made by Kreg that I really like. I started off with their pocket hole jig of course but also use some of their clamps and an adapter plate that attaches to nearly any circular saw that makes repeated straight cuts pretty easy. Well several years ago, I bought two of their mobile work centers that are like sawhorses with fold-up wings and slots and accessories for holding down things. Prior to that for many years, I had a butcher block slab out of douglas fir for a workbench but ended up buying a metal base for it that was too high for comfortably working on, especially during furniture glue-ups. With the Kreg mobile work centers, that problem went away plus they fold up and store along the wall when not in use. Well this winter while laying some subflooring, I laid the last sheet I had to cut on the mobile center and cracked one of the wings. Actually I probably let it free fall onto the table from from a vertical position and at 4 x 8 feet in dimension and 3/4" thick, it hit just right and with enough force that it broke the wing.

I was disappointed in my actions because I could have set it down much more gentle had I not been in a hurry and just plain lazy. So while thinking of things to do during the Covid-19 break, I wrote Kreg asking if they were still under warrant or if they sold replacement parts. The emailed me back saying one was in the mail. One? The way it was written made is sound like a brand new table but I figured what they meant was just a replacement wing. Sure enough though, a couple weeks later a box shows up at my door with a brand new mobile work center complete with all the clamps and accessories. There was no bill. It certainly brightened up my day and made me a loyal return customer.

[nereo]

Awesome. Similar experience with Kreg ( though not a high dollar) one of the drills for my pocket hole has it’s collar jam on me. Sent them an email and they mailed a replacement. All they asked for was the serial number “for QC”. No bill, not even for shipping, and I didn’t (couldn’t) prove I had actually bought it since it was a gift.

[Wrenchturner]

Not really a power tool company, but I own several things made by Kreg that I really like. I started off with their pocket hole jig of course but also use some of their clamps and an adapter plate that attaches to nearly any circular saw that makes repeated straight cuts pretty easy. Well several years ago, I bought two of their mobile work centers that are like sawhorses with fold-up wings and slots and accessories for holding down things. Prior to that for many years, I had a butcher block slab out of douglas fir for a workbench but ended up buying a metal base for it that was too high for comfortably working on, especially during furniture glue-ups. With the Kreg mobile work centers, that problem went away plus they fold up and store along the wall when not in use. Well this winter while laying some subflooring, I laid the last sheet I had to cut on the mobile center and cracked one of the wings. Actually I probably let it free fall onto the table from from a vertical position and at 4 x 8 feet in dimension and 3/4" thick, it hit just right and with enough force that it broke the wing.

I was disappointed in my actions because I could have set it down much more gentle had I not been in a hurry and just plain lazy. So while thinking of things to do during the Covid-19 break, I wrote Kreg asking if they were still under warrant or if they sold replacement parts. The emailed me back saying one was in the mail. One? The way it was written made is sound like a brand new table but I figured what they meant was just a replacement wing. Sure enough though, a couple weeks later a box shows up at my door with a brand new mobile work center complete with all the clamps and accessories. There was no bill. It certainly brightened up my day and made me a loyal return customer.

Sometimes it pays to get the good shit.  Especially if you make your living with those tools, like it sounds like you do.  I am a big fan of Knipex hand tools.  I've spent a tidy sum on them.  But they can grab things other tools can't, and they're easier on the hands which makes a big difference by the end of the week.  Plus they are simply a pleasure to use.

[Goldielocks]

I had an earlier lawn care set that used a common battery.  When the battery started to swell (note - significant safety concern). we have to throw out all our parts, becuase 8 years later, replacement batteries are not available, and they are not interchangable.  AND this is despite my DH having experience in MAKING battery banks for electric bicycles (a business he used to run).

So.

My two cents - get an electric lawnmower (I just did).  Do not get something where one battery is used for multiple items, get an extension cord for the other items (edge trimmer, hedge trimmer) where it will work.

Second thought - We got nearly the lowest cost battery operated lawn mower, and I am exceptionally happy with it, compared to the very good gas mower.  It is slightly less power (compensated by using a blade sharpened each year), but very quiet and light.