Buy Into *THIS* Power Tool Battery Platform in 2022

Buying into a cordless platform can be a decision that lasts up to 25 years in some cases, in both good ways and bad ways. There are many facets to consider when purchasing these tools, price, warranty, ergonomics, and so on. None of these are quite as important as the compatibility of the battery platform you're buying into. If you're a plumber, you'll need to make sure you have access to niche plumbing tools and accessories, the same goes for contractors, electricians, welders, you name it. If you're in a trade-focused field, buying into a reliable battery-powered platform may be the difference between a check in your pocket and an unfinished project. Kenny, Tom, and Clint deep-dive into the nuances of purchasing, owning, and maintaining your tools in this episode of PTR Punchlist.
#PowerTools #ProTools #DoItYourself
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[@deckape2423]

All that time and I feel like no one was willing to say what system they liked and why.

[@phillipmoody710]

Because they all probably have the money to buy the best pieces out of each line. The best tool line is the one that feels comfortable to you and is in your price point.

[@westleywest7259]

All of these types of vids should be half as long! I listen at higher speeds. Sooooo much filler.

[@JamesBond-py8xs]

No real answer seems to be the main answer when trying to compare anything anymore. I paid $90 for Milwaukee M18 red lithium 2.0 battery for my grinder. Takes 30 minutes to charge and runs down in less than 4 minutes constant use so not that thrilled about it. I have a Dewalt hedge trimmer and the battery for it charges within 5 minutes using a Dewalt high speed charger and lasts much longer..just don't have a Dewalt grinder

[@stevethea5250]

@@westleywest7259 and they didnt even answer the title "Buy Into *THIS* Power Tool Battery Platform in 2022" ??? WHICH PLATFORM ?

[@John5.56]

@@JamesBond-py8xsI got some dewalt tools that were my fathers, but the batteries are so expensive it’s crazy to me. I’m probably going to end up buying a corded grinder and then probably start buying tools which batteries aren’t $100+ a piece lol.

[@Tammacazi10]

I started with the Ryobi platform and i've been very happy with the performance from all of my tools. I'm a DIY'er and don't use my tools too often, but when I do they always come ready to work and get the jobs done without any issue! This is for both the brushed and brushless lines of Ryobi. Everything taking the same battery was a big thing for me so that is probably the main reason with cost being second in making my decision. No doubt Milwaukee is my favorite brand of tools, but since i'm not making money with my tools I have no reason to spend twice the price to do the same job around the house. The best tool brand is the one that suites you the best. Love the conversation!

[@yarkobroda]

Not having watched the video, this is what I told people when I sold power tools. And I continue to tell people this. I used to work at Home Depot so I'll try to give you some unbiased insight. there isn't a huge difference between the brands. The difference between Milwaukee and dewalt is small. Unless you're driving 2000 deck screws every day building decks or something the slight performance difference between them won't be realized. Ryobi gets a lot of crap from people but they have a decent brushless line too. I have all ryobi tools and they get you where you need to go. Ridgid has a lifetime service agreement. That covers batteries too if you bought them in a kit. Mind you, it has to be registered within 90 days of purchase to be covered for life. Don't get caught up on 20v vs 18v. They are all 18 volt and use the same 18650 cells in the battery. Dewalt measures the voltage in a particular way that gives 20, the same goes for mastercraft, porter cable, B&D. The exception is Kobalt from Lowe's their 24 volt system is actually different and apparently pretty stout. Each brand has a Variety of lines. Milwaukee has entry level, brushless, fuel brushless. Dewalt has entry level, brushless, atomic compact brushless and XR. Same with ridgid, ryobi, Makita. They all have different lines. The difference between an entry level Milwaukee and a ryobi is negligible. In fact, ryobi, Ridgid, Milwaukee and Hart are all made by the same company TTI. Dewalt, Black & Decker, Porter Cable, Craftsman are all the same company. Some brands have a wider range of tools. So consider the whole line up, Milwaukee has a staggering line up of tools including a bunch of really niche trade-specific tools. Their M12 line up is a serious set of tools in a smaller form a factor, it's worth considering. The other brands of 12 volt are kinda junk and have hardly any tools. Everyone except ridgid has a lawn and garden tools. If you think you'll want a trimmer or hedge clippers or even a chainsaw ridgid may not be for you. My advice to people (homeowners, diy, hobbyists, woodworkers etc) who were looking to get into a new set of tools from scratch was to buy the one that is on sale that day. Best bang for your buck.

[@scopapaful]

I need to correct your comment regarding Ridgid LSA. All Ridgid Max Output batteries carry the LSA.

[@ice4142]

regarding 12v tools I think Bosch have a good offering and have been happy with mine but I don't think they are widely available in the US. I'm from the UK.

[@Chris.Rhodes]

So, I'm a service tech for profession, and DIY'er when I clock out. I use Milwaukee M12 religiously, with the 6.0 batteries, and I use Hart. My wife got me the Drill/Impact comvo Hart 20v, and honestly, they get used almost daily, and still going strong after almost two years. I'm quite impressed with the quality and durability of the Hart brand. I have a few Hart tools and am happy with all.

[@verygoodboy2688]

This is all good advice. Only thing I will say is, yes, Stanley-Black&Decker owns DeWalt, porter cable and Craftsman, but they all differ in quality substantially. More so, Stanley and Craftsman make some decent stuff, DeWalt makes a lot of great stuff, the other brands make garbage

[@affliction1979]

@@verygoodboy2688, my 20v B&D cheap ass drill that came in a pack of a lot of other, mostly trash tools is a beast though. That damn thing has been to hell and back for the past 8 years, and it's still going strong. I mostly just keep a 3/8" pocket hole bit on it anymore, but just the other day I ran a 16" long 3/4" spade bit through the side of my house, through a stud to run a security camera wire, and my house was built in 1946, those studs are petrified. It's just a damn good, reliable drill.

[@dkd1228]

One aspect that's important to me is how trustworthy a manufacturer is in maintaining support for their line, particularly the batteries. I've had the rug pulled out from under me more than once where the battery needed was EOLed by the manufacturer, even though the tool using it was in good condition.

[@mattmeyers8167]

Absolutely love these videos. Thanks for taking the time to put these together!!

[@creepycrawlything]

Enjoyable video. A long-term DIY thought. If most of your cordless power tools are on one brand-platform, then you have a lot of interchangeable bits; batteries and chargers first, but components also. As your tools age and you upgrade to another technology-platform: your previous platform can become less-critical-work backup; even as particular items in the package fail. Similarly the package can be passed on to someone whose work-use is less-critical. The original package of tools can go on being used, in some form, for a very long time. That aspect of things can allow you to ease yourself into the purchase-costs of buying into a new platform: using what is becoming a back-up platform; you don't have to rush into buying a rake of tools on the new platform.

[@likeaboss882]

As a “cost of doing business” type thing, i completely understand. You can’t afford to Have a tool go down. I had a dcf899 for 5ish years and it finally died. It was $190 to fix it locally but parts were out for a long while. So i tracked down another and bought it. Can’t be without my big impact to make money in an auto shop.

[@fz671]

My personal list of requirements breaks down like this in order of importance. 1. Availability, can I go to any hardware store and get/replace a tool. 2. Power/durability 3. comprehensive tool line up 4. Cost over the tool line up 5. Warranty, actual useful warranty. (I refuse to ever allow another Ridgid in my tool collection for this reason)

[@ddegn]

Thanks for the discussion. Besides enjoying the video, I've also enjoyed reading many of the comments. I've got a but of old NiCd powered tools which need to be upgraded. This video and the comments have given me a lot to think about.

[@joshvarney]

I went with all dewalt for my main tools. I'm not a huge yard guy yet and i wanted to start with some simple stuff and i went with some Ryobi weed eater and blower. Since i had the battery platform for Ryobi for OPE and needed a brad nailer i bought a ryobi nailer mostly because the dewalt was 3x the price of the ryobi. Im a union carpenter but i don't/won't use the nail gun nearly as often as my main dewalt tools so for me having a cheaper "sometimes" tool made more sense.

[@FyrFytr998]

On the newest episode of “It depends on the application and setting…..”, lol. Good video. One thing a DIYer might also consider is whether or not to roll the dice on new brands. There was a time where Ryobi was openly mocked. Now it’s one of the most stable and copious brands out there even if you can only get them at HD. This is what customers at Lowe’s are deciding right now with Kobalt and Flex. Kobalt is slowly coming around now with a total lifestyle brand after being in limbo for a bit. And Flex is still too new to determine. And I disagree, I am a home garage DIYer that is not happy with having three brands in the garage. I crave uniformity, lol.

[@VulturousStuff]

I used to make fun of this guys hart impact he was using it out did the old DeWalt they loaned me one day and then I shut up about it

[@interman7715]

Love my Flexvolt platform ,soooo much power for high demand tools and batteries can run 18 volt tools also .

[@timpearson4040]

My battery platform revolves around specialty tools, it started many years ago when I got tired of fighting the pasload gas framing gun. At that point the dewalt was the only one out so I got it, then it was the converter that I put batteries on and I can run small power tools. Then the gun that shoots pins into concrete instead of the hilti. And fortunately dewalt hit most of my sweet spots. With one exception I just had to buy the Metabo teco nail gun!! But most of what I have is because of the specialized tools then I built around that.

[@thebassclef007]

I have about 5 different chargers in my garage, but I just tinker and fix. I gotta say, the next tool I want to buy isn’t always the same brand as the last one I bought though. If I was a pro, I’d certainly go one battery to rule them all. But as a dude just trying to keep the house from falling apart and the yard alive, I like being able to choose to buy the top of the line tool or a mid grade cheaper option, and not be locked into either line.

[@Griffinwoodworks]

As a guy that is in his garage and workshop after my regular job 6-7 days a week but not pounding the tools 7-8 hours a day, I can say I benefit from multiple platforms. My most used tools or those that if it fails, I’m in a bad way, (like an impact wrench) are Milwaukee. Mostly m12 but some m18. Others that I may use once or twice a year like hedge trimmers are craftsman and Ryobi. One of my impact drivers that I call my junk yard dog is a brushless 3 speed Ryobi that has the same specs as the m18 impact driver, and it is strictly for trips to the junkyard and under hood work. My other is a m12 fuel that I’ll use for woodworking and car interior work so it stays clean and has a less chance of stripping out screws. All were bought on sale, so I have never paid full price for any of them that I can think of.

[@active4delta]

I started out with Hitachi 18V brushed tools (drill and impact drivers) when I got my first apartment. Once I got my career rolling and had some extra cash I bought my first brushless tool: Hitachi’s 6 1/2” circular saw. Loved it. Then found a great deal on the Metabo HPT Multivolt hammer drill and triple hammer impact. Then they ran a crazy deal: but a bare tool and get a free 36V 4 ah battery... picked up their 7 1/4 inch circ saw, recip saw, miter saw, 1/2” impact wrench... Then I wanted some cordless lights, and bought into Milwaukee’s M18 system on sale last year. Then I bought into their M12 line. Then last month I picked up DeWalts 5 inch deep cut brushless bandsaw with a 6 ah, 4 ah, and charger for two hundred dollars!! So yes... I’m now at four different battery platforms, and I love it. I love tools.

[@Naomipaisley]

In investing, many times, risk is high at higher prices and low at lower prices. I often disliked a stock at 100, liked at 50, loved at 20. If data improvement has led to lower prices, your risk have actually decreased.

[@Luciaoakley]

That's funny though because, in the last 4 months I have lost more than $47,000 in stock market which is the biggest I have lost since I ventured into the stock market.

[@Open001]

You could be right or wrong depending on your expertise, I once made such a loss when I invested thinking I've garnered enough trading skill from Tens of KZbin but now is a whole different thing for me. l was fortunate to meet "Grace anna Thompson broker" a financial manager and a stock expert. I have made more than 75,000 in 6 months under her professional supervision.

[@Mariamshug]

Impressive! People cashing in on the stock market and frankly speaking it's comforting seeing someone admit to seeking assistance from professionals. Will love to work with her. Any help

[@Open001]

look her name up online and connected with her on g00gle.

[@michaellee8815]

Wtf is this scam garbage

[@ultraspeed7625]

We've had Ryobi, then DeWalt, then Milwaukee, then Dewalt. Completely switched out to Milwaukee in the last couple years. But just now adding some more new release Dewalt to the Milwaukee lineup. Mostly for auto and transmission repair, but also for any DIY building or remodeling projects.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great discussion and Points guys @ProToolReviews

[@emarr3720]

Nice discussion. Very insightful, full of the little esoteric tidbits that come w/ experience. I especially like the Q&A on lawn equipment. It made me regret my decision not to buy EGO products when I saw them deeply discount at Home Depot about 3 months back. Ur right. It doesn't matter bc those tools r in their universe. I thought & thought about it, even went back several times & just started trying to decide if I wanted yet another battery platform!!! In the end, I decided against. Big mistake!

[@kirbyspencer538]

I hear you but I lucked out. I hemmed and haw'd to the point that all of the EGO was gone at my Home Depot. I regretted that for a couple months then a friend who lives in a different part of the state mentioned that he was considering the EGO 18" chainsaw as it was being clearanced. Bang! I sent him back to his Home Depot and now I have the chainsaw, self propelled mower, hedge trimmer, string trimmer, 530 leaf blower, the inverter, 3 regular chargers, a fast charger, one 7.5Ah, a 5.0 Ah, and two 2.5Ah batteries for just under $900. (those four batteries alone now list at $900+). Feels like I won something. :)

[@Solutions820]

Hi Pro Tool, I'm on milwaukee and dewalt. Love both and have all different types of tools and batteries. :)

[@Redfour5]

With the exception of the FlexVolt weedwhacker and blower, my outdoor tools are Ryobi. One, now days I don't do a whole lot of yard stuff. I use their pole saw, light duty weed whacker and blower, hand trimmers, hedge trimmer etc and they work fine.

[@WolvesHart79]

As a DIYer I sill don't see much need for going all in on cordless tools. When I'm doing most all of my work in and around the house, outside of a drill/driver combo, most everything can be corded and are way cheaper.

[@78tag]

You got it!

[@NPAMike]

Depends on the size of your property and what your doing. I use to get annoyed pulling out the 50ft extension cord to use the blower. But now i just got the 60v tools.

[@btkramer]

But once you have your batteries and chargers, you can just buy bare tools without the batteries, and it's not that expensive

[@jrhunt414]

Have you ever used a cordless circular saw or a cordless sawzall. If you have you will never use a corded one. No outlets in the field. No outlets in your truck.

[@MustardMade]

U cray.

[@TheSirPotato]

I was in the DeWalt platform, recently started picking up metabo hpt tools because the the prices on their tools and batteries, I got the multi tool and the 36v recip saw for 110$ shipped to my door from acme a while back

[@ryane6719]

Makita has been the most consistent for us over the last 18 years. We decided on Xgt and am super impressed so far.

[@pflaffik]

Same here, as a selfemployed business owner. I recommend everyone to go 40v Makita XGT now or regret later. The difference is noticeable in all tools but like a different world in angle grinders and saws, will be even more so in chainsaws. In 7-8 years the 18v tools are where the 10.2volts are today, Makita always made good tools but this time they redefined power tools and sets a new standard, this is the way other brands has to go as well. The 2x18v tools got the power but are clumsy and inconvenient, plus they lack the improved protection in challenging environments.

[@cardo1111]

Good topic and points as a DIYer mostly home auto repairs, some drilling etc. I expect my Milwaukee Fuel cordless tools (impact wrenches, drill) to last well beyond their 5 year warranty or I spent too much money on them for the amount of use I put on them 😎

[@toolinhand]

I'm a DIYer ,and like having only one battery type. I had black and decker before, but transitioned into Craftsman. My wife found it confusing when she tried charging the Craftsman batteries on the Black and Decker chargers!

[@GregBrecker]

I have Makita,Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ryobi, and some Rigid in the 18/20 volt range in my basement, garage, and love them for certain specific tasks. I just picked up some Skil 12 volt cordless as well that I’m loving. Can’t help it.

[@thebuff7271]

My Skil 12v impact quit working

[@kencooper2059]

I'm a professional contractor, but mostly behind a desk these days. If I was still in the field today, I would probably be all Milwaukee. I think all in all it's probably the best line. Most of my powertool usage these days is at home, I'm doing major remodeling at the house and using the heck out of my tools. Most of what I have here at home is the Ryobi line; just can't beat it for the price and the sheer number of tools they make, all using the same battery. As you have noted on your show, they have really gotten serious about their newer tools, they are really quite good. I also have a smattering of the Skill 12 volt stuff. It's amazingly good for the price!

[@jo9732]

How are you liking those skil 12 volt? I’m basically all corded because all I do is mess around the garage but I’d like to chose a decent drill/driver for random stuff around the house. Don’t need a $200 drill and I’m not building a deck or house.

[@kencooper2059]

@@jo9732 They are actually quite good. More than enough power for driving small to medium screws and the drill is plenty for most normal applications. The jigsaw is very good, the LED lights are excellent! The circular saw is fine for plywood, but struggles with 2x material. It's probably the only tool I haven't been happy with. Their batteries are priced right, and it was brilliant that they included a USB charger port in them. You can charge your phone directly from the batteries. I think you'd be happy with either the Skil or the newer Ryobi tools.

[@dennisranck1613]

I personally use 18V Ridgid. What sold me was the LSA. I've used Ridgid for 10-15 years or so with no problems. I don't use the daily, but when I break them out, they are ready.

[@westmanjoel]

As a DIYer, when my older Black&Decker brushed drill bit the dust, I knew it was time to jump to a more broad brand. I knew the big three (Dewalt, Makita, and Milwaukee) all had the core tools AND the OPE I would eventually be able to work my way into, so ergonomics was my primary decision maker. My thumb knuckle sticks out weird so I wanted a tool line that didn't hurt to hold. Dewalt won me over simply because of how the plastic moulding on the handle hit my hand. I literally spent time at my big box store just holding the displays to see how stuff hit my hand.

[@ddegn]

Have you purchased any Dewalt OPE gear? I recently purchased a Dewalt cordless drill to replace an old NiCd powered one. The drill is great but I'm not sure if I should go all in on Dewalt or not. Thanks for sharing your experience here.

[@westmanjoel]

@@ddegn ha. I started small with a drill and impact driver. Now I have the 20v lawn mower, chain saw, leaf blower, and string trimmer from the OPE stuff. I also have the orbital sander and 6.5in circular saw from the 20v lineup. The only complaint I have about the OPE stuff is the mower deck paint started coming off the steel deck after only a couple of weeks and I had to hit it with some paint to make sure it didn't rust. The 20v chainsaw is a great little saw that hits way above its weight class.

[@79champions]

20 year carpenter here. If you're a homeowner diy person, those ryobi tools are just fine. Plenty of options and they'll hold up at home. If you have the cash though, you will not find finer tools than milwaukee, makita, and dewalt. I personally use milwaukee and really put them through their paces. They just keep on going like a pre-emission diesel truck.

[@bobbyhempel1513]

I work for a few different contractors one doing seamless gutters and vinyl siding, one doing roofs and decks and another doing general interior remodeling such as sheetrock replacement/repair, trim work, painting and the like. I have a combination of DeWalt and Milwaukee battery tools with a little bit of Ryobi and Black & Decker thrown in as my light duty stuff my Ryobi drill is just a screwdriver Ryobi circular saw is just for cutting thin paneling, out of my two higher end drills the DeWalt is the lighter and i use that when i'm going to be up on a steep roof or have it hanging from my hip for a long period of time the milwaukee is heavier and has far more torque and i use that for more brutal jobs because it can take a beating.

[@bripost]

That wall of charging units made me inexplicably happy.

[@stevenhobson2292]

I love and own all platforms. I find joy in tools

[@pflaffik]

The 40v Makita series has excellent protection for both tools and batteries and now some lower end 40v tools has arrived, i already got the lower end smaller drill and i actually prefer it over the bigger (got the bigger one in the hammer drill version). The circular saws in 40v are awesome, the sawzall is mighty, and the impact wrenches are insane (got all 3, juist wow), and finally, for angle grinder 18-24v just will not do, you need at least the old Makita 2x18v to get a real angle grinder, the 40v one is obviously lighter and more agile due to the single battery. As for chainsaw the 2x40v Makita is the way to go, even 36 is low for doing some serious logs. I couldnt imagine going back to 18v, and with the poor impact wrenches from DewaltAndDecker the 20-60v is out of the question, tbh i havent seen any Dewalt tools that can compare to Makita, only Milwaukee is close. But now its almost 2022, i will be surprised if Milwaukee doesnt announces a new platform to challenge the Makita 40v superiority, if Milwaukee will follow up is another question but i believe they will announce it anyway.

[@Fictitious_Character]

I'm on Makita 18v, Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20 and 60, and Kobalt 80v.

[@JDGonzalezjr]

What are your thoughts on adapters that allow you to use a battery from one manufacturer into a tool from another manufacturer?

[@ome6931]

I started with Ridgid and have been slowly transitioning into Milwaukee m18 platform

[@legallyfree2955]

I'm on 5 different battery platforms (Makita 18, Makita 12, Milwaukee 18, EGO and Ryobi), but if I really wanted to I could probably get it down to 3 (Makita 18, Milwaukee 18 and EGO). I don't see me going any less than 3 without starting to have issues with not having certain tools I want though.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I agree its hard to keep track of which brand and what batteries are charged for each brand but some times you need the features on a makita impact driver compared to the brute power of say the Milwaukee gen 3 impact driver I have all these brands and voltages Dewalt 8v, 12v, 20v, 60v, 120v Milwaukee 12v, 18v Makita 7.2v, 9v 12v 18v 36v X2, 40v, 80v Ryobi 18v, 40v ridgid 18v Metabo 12v, 18v Metabo HPT 18v, 36v multivolt Bosch 12v, 18v Ego 56v Earthquake Xt 12v, 20v @ProToolReviews

[@Maverick7538]

Makita for reliability all day long

[@boothbrave]

As a diy, I’ve got multiple brands too. Why should you reviewers get all the fun 🤩 .

[@jronmanbuilds]

Multiple platforms are awesome. You aren’t limited to only what a brand offers. If my main brand doesn’t offer a tool I need but my secondary brand does, I can just buy the tool in my secondary brand. In many cases the 12v and 18v platforms of each brand can be charged in the same charger. In many cases you will have less types of chargers than battery platforms.

[@cassandramckinney2638]

As a mobile mechanic I find it best to carry one brand with one charger for all of my tools on the truck and Milwaukee carries everything I need and yes I use both the m12 and m18

[@justaguynamedmax8207]

Dewalt, because it's the only company that doesnt constantly change battery design leaving you always buying new tools to match batteries

[@huejanus5505]

I’ve been on the milwaukee 18v system for about 10 years now. The batteries haven’t changed and work with the new tools.

[@Fly2kill1]

Do you all have any videos using Kreg accessories? I’m on 2. 99.9% is Kobalt 24v including OPE with their 24x2 mower. The rest is Bosch 12v.

[@preparedlife3114]

I'm on milwaukee and dewalt. Love both and have all different types of tools and batteries.

[@scottgiet1835]

But if you had to pick one???

[@preparedlife3114]

@@scottgiet1835depends on what you do. Milwaukee has more practical tools out there but the quality has been coming down hard lately while dewalt has been going up. If you need variety I’d go for Milwaukee.

[@scottgiet1835]

@@preparedlife3114 I do contract work but don’t need “every little tool”. Mostly the basics. I’d prefer a cordless skillsaw but don’t mind cords for things I don’t use often.

[@alangolez2282]

When I was in the trades, Hilti. Now Milwaukee with all the sales at HD. Still red though.

[@philiplimerick2794]

I need good tools not top of the range but definitely better than diy tools. I liked Makita & DeWalt. However I was in the market for a new Drill and impact driver. My local store had a really good deal on Milwaukee kits, 40% discount. Just to good to pass up! I then needed a cordless multi tool for a project, and I needed it that day in the morning. I found out then, I had accidently been locked into the Milwaukee battery platform. Brilliant tools but at a premium price. They are premium tools too. So that initial deal was not so much of a deal in the end, as I now have all Milwaukee 18v Fuel tools.

[@Quinn37]

I'm a contractor, and it's gotten to the point where I would consider an oscillating tool, more of a core tool than the recip saw. That may be due to what we do (kitchens and baths, and I sub out heavy framing so that may affect what I am saying), but I don't know how we'd get along without the oscillator (or as we call it "the zipper") and we don't often use the recip.

[@boejiden1065]

Right there with you, I use my zipper everyday and basically never need a recip.

[@whitechris720]

Another talking point for me would have been some manufacturers make great tools but that next tool you need your platform doesn't make the tool as well as other manufacturers. For me I run primarily makita when I needed nail guns I did my research and makita nail guns had a poor reputation. So do I stay loyal to the platform and have a subpar tool or do I get the better rated tool and have a addition platform. I ended up choosing dewalt nail guns. So every dewalt bag has a gun 2 batteries and a charger. As opposed to a big tool box full of several makita tools and a big box of chargers and batteries. I also run 12v milwaukee the installation drill driver and the pex expansion tool were musts for me.

[@404Matt]

I mix and match. Milwaukee m12 for my small tools and Dewalt 20/60v for my big tools.

[@tgsgardenmaintenance4627]

Not an expert but but listen to you chaps talk about tools all day, when it comes to Landscaping tools, as a gardener, it's petrol all the way for me. HUSQVARNA & STIHL are the nuts in my opinion!

[@opensourcedev22]

I'm an above active home owner with a large homestead. I'm into DeWalt because I can easily find the right tool and often for good discount. Also, Milwaukee, because some of their tools are just better. That's all

[@doalex2085]

As a diyer I love my Kobalt tools ! Almost have them all! Waiting for my Kobalt bansaw to come out and I need the belt sander , I can go mechanic 🧑‍🔧 to wood 🪵 worker like that man ! It’s amazing 🤩!!!!!

[@ToolHombre]

Once cordless nailers entered the mix, it really narrowed down what I would consider as my 'one and only' brand. My Metabo HPT framing nailer is by far my favorite tool.

[@MetaboHPT]

We appreciate you! We've got 2 new 36V cordless framing nailers coming out next week. Stay tuned!

[@Steve-id5qx]

@@MetaboHPT I just bought your 5 tool brushless kit this week to replace some Ryobi stuff for some DIY projects coming up. I spent a lot of time researching the options, and one thing that really jumped out to me is that you actually read the comments and engage with your customers on here. The fact that you listen to your customers was a big factor in my decision to buy into the Metabo HPT line.

[@cleanmikeandtheboys3165]

@@Steve-id5qx now that you mention it, I will be keeping an eye out for these guys as well

[@CTMKD]

Hitachi/Metabo HPT tools are the best because of the batteries, price and quality also color

[@justaguynamedmax8207]

I used to work for a guy framing, and we used cordless matabo 30 degree framing nailers and they work awesome. If I had the choice I woukd never used an air nailer again

[@benjocaz45]

My dad used to use dewalt tools because his company would buy dewalt cordless 18v (the old nihm or lead acid ones) for every job and then would throw them out at the end of the job. So he’d take them home. And we had ENDLESS batteries.

[@philipdove1705]

I'm in Milwaukee but am thinking of getting a few egos because of the solar charging nexus power inverter and 18" chainsaw.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I know people that still use the dewalt nicad and they hold up for them even some youtubers still use them on there videos @ProToolReviews

[@verygoodboy2688]

I'm a DIY/homeowner not pro. I started with Bosch 12v tools and started getting milwuakee M18 stuff. M12 would've been very similar but it's way more expensive and I don't mind the extra charger. I like having 12v for stuff that I use less or need something smaller

[@Lmzip2]

There are several excellent brands. I use DeWalt because the brand has strong selection and availability in my area. I also like how theDeWalt grip fits my hands. So a lot of it boils down to availability and personal preference.

[@mdlyonn0035]

I thought I’d stay purely Dewalt but the framer and finisher are awful so I went with Paslode. DeWalts electric planer also felt a bit cheap to me so I went with Makita and likewise for a radio. I just go with what’s best I’m not bothered about being on multiple platforms

[@johnboy731]

Most match ups only include which battery last the longest l have had problems with the dewalt 9 A battery and its a 300 battry with tax

[@Atum_Ra]

One platform makes life so much easier when a tool dies & you can just steal the battery off another tool to get the job done while the first one charges back up. I love that Milwaukees charger covers the M18 and the M12, I started off in the M18 for all my main stuff and now I'm starting to realize that the 12v tools are plenty powerful for certain things & I'm going to start into that platform next but the cool thing is its still just one charger.

[@benjytheframer2781]

Am on dewalt and milwaukee platform, and probably some makita on the near future!

[@d.r.keeler2804]

As a handyman a wide variety of tools on one platform is essential. I'm with Makita and they've served me well. But I have to say if I was a plumber you almost have to go with Milwaukee. They have the best plumbing tools by far.

[@channelwanderer7010]

so many good systems out there. I love Makita and dewalt but Milwaukee 12V is so light and usable it leads me to go red. what I own is very mixed. JCB 20V, Makita 18V, dewalt 18V, Milwaukee 12V. all are perfect for the purpose that they were bought for.

[@audigex]

As a DIYer I'm less fussed about multiple platforms simply because I don't need to take the tools anywhere - I can't forget a charger/battery and I'm never more than 100 ft from it - I never find myeslf 20 miles away on a jobsite. It's true that it can be less cost efficient if done wrong, but if done right it's pretty cost efficient. I use DeWalt for tools that I use a lot, and Ryobi for stuff I use less - the Ryobi stuff is cheap enough that I more than save the cost of the batteries, and has a huge range of tools, and the DeWalt gives me more power/durability for the tools I use most

[@baseballdude8491]

Originally switched from late DeWalt ni-cads to mostly Milwaukee 18V Lith-Ion and some Makita-Still use my Milwaukees and Makita's for many applications but Metabo HPT/Hitachi with my nail gun go to for years was the start of using their 18V guns corded Mitre and table saws-then they upped their game with it's 36V offerings-especially the high end tools cordless 10" table saw, mitre saw, grinder, SDS hammer drill, now the first full size cordless router which also can all be plugged in for unlimited runtime with the AC adapter(these tools will be able to be used much further into the future than all of the "battery only" supported systems, plus Metabo HPT has a lifetime warranty on tool and battery Makita made a mistake in not making their 40V batteries backwards compatible like Metabo HPT did with their 36V Multivolt batteries I don't mind having 3-4 battery systems in the shop and a couple in the jobsite, especially if the tool is better for the job

[@MetaboHPT]

We appreciate you. Glad you see the value in the versatility of our MultiVolt platform and the 36V tools that can run on the MultiVolt battery or the AC adapter. Stay tuned- we've got more coming!

[@majorburns3680]

I’m all about my Milwaukee tools and was all team red in my barn. But the price of some of that stuff really turns me off sometimes so I’ve bought some low use tools in ryobi. My solution to the problem of multiple brands of batteries was I bought battery adapters to run Milwaukee batteries on my other tools 😅

[@mattfowler1244]

My Hitachi nickel metal hydride batteries I still going and my lithium lasted 16 to 18 months and when I'm using them in the drill they last 5 seconds. My 14v go for 3.5 hrs on till dead.

[@jamesnichols2535]

Was all dewalt then jumped into m12 Milwaukee specialty tools now I’m loading up on Milwaukee

[@rickkern5785]

They missed another important issue. If the tool you are using breaks and you need to replace it today, is it available locally? Nobody stocks any variety of Makikta locally for me. If I was desperate for another impact drill I would probably have to buy a kit. Dewalt and Milwaukee have both bare tools and kits available locally.

[@cb2000a]

Battery platforms can become a bigger issue than the tools. I'm a pro (mostly maint. these days) and use Milwaukee 18v and 12v. Lately I have been gravitating towards Bosch for 12V because their 12 volt batteries are really good. I wish Bosch and Milwaukee would come out with a 12 volt brushless motor jig saw with a sawdust blower. That would be awesome.

[@trenton7]

Problem is a lot of the cool tools does not come in corded form for both technical and business reasons. Good luck finding a decent corded impact wrench or driver that compares with the cordless ones.

[@notsure7874]

The problem with buying that one different brand tool, is a lot of them it's pretty hard to find that's not tool only - so now you have to buy batteries and chargers ...

[@hutchrt0596]

I really think this becomes much more difficult when you're not necessarily a DIYer a professional contractor! You're really that prosumer and either you're wanting something that you can invest in and will last like a lower-end pro product. Or you're looking at a higher end consumer product. The options are crazy! And then there's certain tools that you know you would use quite a bit, because you do quite a few side jobs here and there with your tools. But you may not use that tool again for a few months. Months. So you really have to decide. Is brushless that big of a deal on that one piece? Or is this something, like others have mentioned here, that you're always going to have an outlet next to when you're using it? I really think the biggest thing to do is figure out what tool you're going to use most of the time, maybe two tools. Just start looking at the company as future options. Because if you're investing now and you do plan on really building it out, you need to look at who's innovating tools. And notice which ones haven't came up with anything new in a while. I'm also dealing with the same issue on deciding which stack system to go with. I really can't justify Milwaukee set, no matter how much I like it. But I'm not going to get a husky set because that's just going to break probably in the first month of using it. I'm not putting this in a truck everyday, but I'm probably putting it in a truck every weekend. So many things to consider.

[@lukas______]

I haven't heard of husky power tools but I do hear that brand has lifetime warranty. This brings me to Ridgid... Really middle of the road in terms of pricing and performance and comes with a lifetime service agreement which is basically the same thing we all think, a lifetime warranty if it is registered within 90 days after purchasing. Batteries, power tools are all FREE to repair and or replace. Lately Ryobi has been better performing than Ridgid in some categories and they are cheaper than Ridgid but they also don't have a lifetime replacement of batteries or the tools themselves so you really can't go wrong with Ridgid

[@POSSUM3K3]

Milwaukee Fuels for everything other than cordless drills. I know how much of a beating they can take after falling off 789 haul trucks and they have plenty of power, it make Dewalts look weak. But for the home Dewalt is plenty for most jobs and they will also take a hell of a beating before they fail. Either way it's nice to have just one brand and swap batteries whenever needed. My favorite and most used tool as a heavy equipment mechanic is the Milwaukee Fuel M12 3/8" impact. It's small it can get into some tight areas and has alot of power to get most jobs done. I know one thing I'll never buy another Snap-On 1/2" drive cordless impact wrench after going through two within a year.....

[@vampirejesus8170]

Hell I still use my Craftsman 19.2v C3 system. Just bought new lithium batteries for them. But I will admit I like the Milwaukee impact driver and saw I found on the side of the road.

[@victrith1]

Emm.. but you now you can just use a adapter for batery ? I have makita tols and batery and adapter for ryobi.... its work fine.

[@chrisvaiuso6010]

I would like to hear what you think about battery adapters. If you need a particular tool that is outside of your chosen platform, why not just get an adapter?

[@apollovelazquez7158]

I've got an adapter for makita 18v batteries to run my three 20v dewalt tools (so far). Its works great and I don't have any dewalt batteries or chargers. I know an adapter for makita 18v batteries to run 18v Milwaukee tools but I haven't found a milwaukee tool I need not currently covered by my brands yet. Metabo HPT, Makita or Dewalt

[@stevebabiak6997]

You just have to be careful when using Ryobi tools with other branded batteries, because Ryobi builds the “battery management system” into the battery, whereas other brands build the BMS into the tool and charger. That could lead to damage to the non-Ryobi battery when running on Ryobi tools (unless the adapter builds in a low voltage cutoff to save the battery from being drawn to too low of a voltage).

[@mikect05]

DeWalt is on a mission to win every head to head matchup. Switching everything over including lawn equipment. The 60 volt trimmer will take any of the other brand attachments and with a 9 or 12 amp battery they all last a decent amount of time, except a blower which I will keep gas for now

[@HalaciousCharters]

Good discussion but I would have liked if you had touched on the actual battery technology. What brands are leading the way and new innovation for more powerful and smaller batteries. And the best scenario.... universal batteries that work on all new tools platforms manufactured!

[@jackt6112]

1. One thing that is overlooked is not how many different chargers you need to plug in. The problem is one day you are framing, the next day you are ripping, the next day you are are doing a lot of drilling and you don't need to have all of the extra batteries with you that are charged up and with you. You simply grab a battery of which there is one pile. You get more for your money because we all know that the bare tool costs a lot less than with all of the accessories, and when you replace batteries, you can use them anywhere. 2. The next thing that WAS mentioned is you never trade down. The reason for that is efficiency and ease of use. That might be driven by time is money, or you simply want to make things easier, take less time, do a better job, image, longevity, repairability, consistency in how things work, or pride in your chosen brand like you always buy a Ford or Chevy pickup because they work for you and it's not a new learning experience or, "Oh that's right, this is a ??? so on these you have to...." There is self-image that plays into it too such as you feel more professional about yourself, and all of this plays into being able to be more professional in what you do. Nikes will not make you play basketball like Michael Jordan, but they might up your game in ways that have nothing to do with the shoes. 3. For a DIYer it's a little easier because he doesn't use his tools enough to wear things out and waiting for a battery to charge is no big deal.

[@DanielGomez-cf6vk]

I’m in Milwaukee ridgid and kobalts line and masterforce tools I bought all those with mail in rebates at menards for the masterforce line

[@Nonameguzzi]

A friend of mine got the problem of switching systems now... he bought several Ryobi Tools and i own Milwaukee M18...... we often work together on Stuff and every time he had someting to do he realised that he often wants to grab my Milwaukee tools becouse its easyer to work with them becouse u ont have to be afraid of the tool being not powerfull enough. And the Thing with the Multivolt Chargers is right i started out with the Milwaukee M18 and than i got a Free M12 Battery in a M18 Battery Pack..... and than i thought "I have the Charger, i got a "free" Battery so i cud buy a M12 Tool Only Drill...... And that how Mlwaukee cought me in both Systems^^

[@szargos]

Is the mic on the dude on the right not working?

[@christopherbeddoe406]

Be careful how you store Lithium batteries. There are instances of them lighting up on a charger in a garage. Keep them away from flammables. Preferably in a metal cabinet or shelf or something so if they light up it doesn't take your whole garage with it.

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

We are lucky to have so many viable options when it comes to tool brands. No one brand a clear edge in all categories. Good for us.

[@briankleinschmidt3664]

Rigid does well in the reveiws. I got stuck on DeWalt when it was the only drill available. It's good, but overpriced. If you're rich, get the nap-on. If you're poor, go with Craftsman. If you're regular, I'd go with Rigid.

[@satoristeve]

I'm the kind of guy who spends weeks researching to make sure I make the best value purchase, and I just bought my first house with a ton of DIY projects and woodworking aspirations lined up. Determining the "best" platform to buy into feels pretty weighty given knowledge of how much money I'm likely to drop in the next six months. My rational brain realizes I'll likely be ok with any of the top 3 (Dewalt, Milwaukee, and Makita, as far as I can tell), but my obsessive due-diligence brain has spent a week now trying to narrow down, "Should I get 18V 'just in case,' or will the 12V be powerful enough I have no potential regrets? Should I go with Milwaukee because of the top-shelf performance, clear approval of professionals, and variety of tools, or will I be happier (as 'happier' as I think I will be) with what I *think* are the better features, ergonomics, and hearing/vibration/(other health concerns) designs from Makita (based purely on reading reviews and watching youtube videos)?" This is one of those things that feels like it's probably super-easy for everyone who's got even a bit of experience with all this and a pretty big hurdle for those of us just getting started. Really appreciate your channel for all the information you offer.

[@atnamesarelame]

Which brand did you choose?

[@satoristeve]

@@atnamesarelame I could write an essay on this. The tl;dr is that all of the three are going to be roughly in the same league a majority of the time. I personally went with Dewalt so far for 18V because they seem to have slightly more emphasis on ergonomics and user experience than Milwaukee, *slightly* cheaper than Milwaukee, fairly cheaper than Makita, and more tools on their platform than Makita. The final sell for me was that Dewalt seems to currently have the best battery technology and seem to continue to develop and make gains there. For anyone not doing professional work or some pretty substantial DIY, Milwaukee is unequivocally the best 12V line, and their gains there are making an increasingly strong case that 12V is all most people need for most tasks they're liable to take on.

[@atnamesarelame]

@@satoristeve thanks for sharing that

[@jhans3278]

As a homeowner, I only have Ridgid 18 volt cordless drill and impact driver. All my other tools are corded and I see no reason to change to cordless. If for some reason I had to buy a new cordless tool, I would look to Ridgid as my choice. My landscaping is contracted, however I do use gas-powered chainsaw, blower and snowblower in which I have no reason to convert to battery-powered.

[@iitzDiRTY]

In truth there is very Little need for cordless tools for most people. These are always marketed as Contractor/ Pro grade tools. I’ve never met any contractor/Professional who runs crews. Who doesn’t have a Generator & Air Compressor, extension cords & air hoses for running tools. These are marketed so Henry homeowner can brag to Joe Blow that his Milwaukee can hang a picture on the wall 0.5 secs faster than Joes dewalt can.

[@jhans3278]

@@iitzDiRTY I agree with 110%.

[@robk1310]

Ridgid is a solid cordless line for the non-pro, weekend warrior, plus the only cordless line that offers lifetime warranty on the tools.

[@robk1310]

@@iitzDiRTY Not true. As a homeowner, I prefer cordless tools ALWAYS over corded. Once you cut the cord, you never want to go back to a corded tool, so inconvenient. I standardized on the DeWalt 20vMax line, but that was several years ago. If I was starting fresh today, it would be the Milwaukee Fuel line.

[@iitzDiRTY]

@@robk1310 to each their own. Cordless tools have just as many if not more inconveniences compared to corded models. One they are more expensive & less rugged. Want to know what’s a inconvenience having a tool die on you & having to change the battery. Having to remember to charge batteries. A corded tool I can plug it up once & work all week long. What happens when your battery inevitably dies which all batteries do, I’m not talking died for the day I mean dies for good & you have to replace it. The amount of money it cost to replace the battery. I could of bought a whole separate tool. My statement was truthful there is no construction crew out there depending on battery powered tools to get them through their shift. They may use them but they’ve got there corded counter parts on site guaranteed. show me a roofing crew with a bunch of battery powered nail guns & I’ll show you the slowest roofing crew in the county. Corded tools will ALWAYS offer more torque than cordless tools, it will maintain that power all day long, all week long if need be & corded tools are lighter.

[@n.b.p.davenport7066]

Doesn't matter what you buy you buy a battery adapter for which ever battery you want to use and whatever tool I prefer to DeWalt flexvolt, runs my Ridgid and my Milwaukee

[@andrepoon]

It’s more important to have the right tool for the job than the best individual tool you can afford. Eg it’s better to have a decent drill and impact driver than the best drill/driver on the market.

[@paulbrittgarcia]

It would be nice if all batteries were a certain connection standard and fit all tools just like all extension cords work with all corded tools!

[@Robert-ug5hx]

If I was talking to a consultant regarding tool platforms and they said circ saw like an ignorant fool ,that would be a deal breaker

[@N.California]

Dewalt! Dependable, cost effective, lots to choose from, strong secondhand market, aftermarket batteries are dependable, and it's one of the brands the pro's use.

[@HangOnHangOff]

There are battery adaptors out there, so you can use 1 brand of battery on different brands of tools. However, you better not to be on Ryobi because that battery is impossible to fit on anything else.

[@bradyknowzbest1149]

Ive been in the trades for most my life and have years of experience with all the brands. At this point whats most important is that the tools that make me money must last as long as possible and be reliable. That being said most of my core tools are De Walt. You will get the highest quality and longevity out of them. Sure you will find a brand thats 1 sec. Faster. But that's not as important when your replacing or rebuilding tools more often. Also being said i go to milwaukee and ryobi for some specialty tools, these dont get used as much and dewalt doesnt offer them. So switching platforms here and there is no big deal specially if you have one main brand, and one or 2 seccondary.

[@TheCharleseye]

Exactly this. I started out in the trades about twenty years ago, working for a small remodel contractor. My father gave me a well used, previously refurbished, 18v DeWalt hammer drill (the long nose one that everyone hated for its terrible balance). My boss at the time swore by Milwaukee because "they have a good warranty and I don't want to keep buying tools that I know I'm going to break". He went through three hammer drills in the three years I worked for him. I still have that DeWalt to this day. It served me well on the job site for about ten years before I was making enough money to upgrade without feeling guilty about replacing functional tools. It then got relegated to home use for another few years before my last Ni-Mh battery died. It's in a drawer in my shop. It never died or wore out and I'm certain that I could go out there, slap a fresh battery on it and it would go right back to earning me money like it used to. I haven't managed to kill a DeWalt yet (when using them under sane conditions). I doubt I'll ever need to find out how good their warranty is.