the brand you should NEVER buy

Big thank you to Ethos for partnering with me. You can get a personalized insurance quote in 10 minutes for as low as $10/mo by using my code here: bit.ly/ethos-spencley
👉 All My Plans - rebrand.ly/66hppxg
👉 Merch - rebrand.ly/d52ph5d
👉 Patreon - rebrand.ly/txql2ur
👉 Instagram - rebrand.ly/6mpey28
👉 Leave a Tip - rebrand.ly/5sjl536
👉 Podcast - anchor.fm/offthecutpodcast
👉 Tiktok - rebrand.ly/wpwjyk3
👉 Website - rebrand.ly/99iwzqj
👉 Subscribe to My Channel - rebrand.ly/tqb7gxt
👉 Join My Monthly Newsletter - rebrand.ly/b87qe17
💰 Exclusive Viewer Discounts 💰
SEE ALL DISCOUNTS - rebrand.ly/tfppzes
Bits & Bits Router/CNC Bits (10% off Code "SDC")
rebrand.ly/njveuj3
Starbond CA Glue (15% off Code “SDC15”)
rebrand.ly/97osl75
RZ Masks (10% off Code "SPENCLEY10")
rebrand.ly/mtv0j8t
Elgin Bluetooth Hearing Protection (10% off Code “SDC10”)
rebrand.ly/o8v4x9k
Serious Grit Sandpaper (10% off Code “SPENCLEY”)
rebrand.ly/z1cdlc0
Arbortech Tools (10% off Using Code “ACP10”)
rebrand.ly/9ptbqc6
TotalBoat Epoxy + Finishes (5% off Code "60C7XF2XQQAS")
rebrand.ly/r6yxcaf
🛠 Tools & Supplies 🛠
All My Tools and Gear - rebrand.ly/il7o6my
Bluetooth Hearing Protection (10% off Code “SDC10”) - rebrand.ly/o8v4x9k
🍿 Related Videos 🎥
TOOLS YOU SHOULDN'T BUY - • whatever you do, don't...
How to Get FREE TOOLS - • Video
First 5 Tools You Should Buy - • Video
🔎 Shop Tours 🔍
• Shop Tours
🎸 Where I Get My Music 🥁
rebrand.ly/evks4o6
*DISCLAIMERS: Some of the above links are affiliate links.
Mailing Address:
Spencley Design Co
1747 Olentangy River Rd #1330
Columbus, OH 43212

[@SpencleyDesignCo]

👉 All My Plans - rebrand.ly/66hppxg 👉 Merch - rebrand.ly/d52ph5d 👉 Patreon - rebrand.ly/txql2ur 👉 Leave a Tip - rebrand.ly/5sjl536 👉 Podcast - anchor.fm/offthecutpodcast 👉 Join My Monthly Newsletter - rebrand.ly/b87qe17

[@fartfart7488]

Metabo HPT ?

[@GruntPa101]

Don't discount the usefulness of corded tools. For example, battery powered sanders are great for smaller projects, but good luck staying in batteries if you plan on sanding for hours. Depending on your specific needs, a corded tool may be the better/cheaper option.

[@Billy_bSLAYER]

Imagine using a battery powered Festool Rotex, lmao...

[@johnnyb95678]

Congratulations on the engagement! And thank you for the common sense approach to tool selection.

[@KyleBruns]

I've had my Milwaukee track saw for months at this point, and it's awesome. You must have recorded this in the winter and just now got around to posting it.

[@user-ip5zs2if5e]

This has to be the best 'advice-video' when it comes to tools

[@danluongo1423]

Totally agree that sticking with one battery platform is key. I got started with 18v Ryobi and have stuck with it for years. With that platform I can go grab a bare tool for a single project on the cheap that works well enough for that job. For example I bought the Ryobi trim router to mortise some door hinges 10 years ago. It was cheap and has come off the shelf maybe three more times since. When I needed to hog out some big holes in 6x6 timbers I went to Harbor freight and got a big cheap corded drill. Worked great for that job. Have not used it since! If I was a Pro and not a DIYer maybe I'd have a different PoV.

[@z06doc86]

I’m a DIY hobbyist and automotive enthusiast with good skills and I buy Milwaukee primarily because of the great battery system. Have multiple batteries and have only had one go bad in 5 years. Sure, you can by cheaper tools, but usually get what you pay for.

[@dan260140]

Agree with what you said

[@gcoffey223]

Agreed. Milwaukee is the best, but I don't need the best. I remodel homes and abuse tools, just not enough to spend the dough. Kobalt XTR works great and are criminally underrated, but I am jealous of tge red team

[@PandorasFolly]

​@@gcoffey223kobalt is also almost one of the only tool brands I would buy used on craigslist or facebook. Because its mostly home owners using them and not a 4 year old dewalt that has been used 45 hours a week by a contractor

[@garulusglandarius6126]

As a tradesman I totally agree, brand name tools are definitely not always the best ( especially compared to cost ). I have a vast range of tools, different makes and I’ve realised that many brand name tools are only more expensive because of the name. It irritates me that many products from brand names have for example excellent motors, batteries ( at a cost ) but also have relatively nasty cheap guides, blades , casings etc. Tool companies exist to make money and not necessarily sell a good product and in my experience if they don’t honour their warranties I NEVER buy their product again . Having to register my purchase for full term warranty also pxxses me off , a warranty should be a warranty not a requirement to register your personal information ! Tools have become ridiculously expensive and so I only buy new when a particular tool breaks down whereas before I was intent on buying multiple to expand my collection. I use many less brand name tools these days and achieve the same results, much happier. Excellent video 👍

[@cuebj]

Agreed except... tools are massively cheaper compared to income and cost of living than they were 30+ years ago. Same with computing. Vastly higher quality and capacity at a fraction of adjusted prices. Result - back then, I used mostly hand tools. Now I use machines which pay for themselves with one or two jobs for ourselves, family, or friends

[@markjohns4651]

Radish. Congratulations on your engagement. I use primarily Ryobi, but I started out with the plan of I just need tools that will do the job and won't kill my wallet. I have some tools that are other brands because I bought them from a friend who was downsizing their shop but I have never been disappointed with the selection of tools available from Ryobi.

[@TheJLMDT]

Hope you weren't expecting a reply! He's a busy man now!

[@wittworks]

1: my fav tool brand is a split between Chicago Electric and Drill Master. 2: why are you wearing a coat in the summer? 3: already get rid of your bronze Harvey table saw? 4: this entire comment is a sarcastic joke. Everyone knows my fav brand is

[@sixtyfourVT]

The thumbnail got me this time, sir 😂

[@kylebenton458]

Radish - Congrats on the engagement! My first power tools were a gift from my parents, and they were the little Milwaukee drill / driver set that I use all the time. I love them, primarily because they're smaller than most drills and do what I need them to. Since I've been buying my own tools, I started building up a Ryobi collection because they had a huge selection of tools that use the same battery family, work well enough for my purposes, and are more affordable than many other brands. Any corded power tools are strictly on a "best review to cost ratio" through far too many hours of googling.

[@tonysworkshop3379]

Radish-congrats on the engagement! The only tool brand I've had that I'm not a fan of is Craftsman. I'm a diehard fan of their hand tools, but their power tools have let me down. I told my wife I wouldn't buy a new drill/driver until the Craftsman crapped out. They did a week later. I replaced them with Ryobi, and have been extremely happy. It does help that a direct tools outlet is across the street from where I work. Great video and advice as always!

[@richardwadsworth4259]

Radish!!! I do get your point and agree. I am in several battery platforms myself. And it can get very pricey. And yes and some brands I notice slight differences in speed or something I like a little better. But is it worth the expense, not really in most cases. Now if you're in a production situation. Sometimes upgrading saves time and money. But that is mostly on larger or getting automated equipment. And you really need to "cruch numbers " in those cases. 👍

[@dustinhollis]

My most used tools are a pair of Bosch 12V mini drill and impact driver. The battery seems to last forever and they are small and easy to use. I love these and you can get the combo for around $100.

[@swiftxrapid919]

correct I have the brushless pair, battery last like three days and charges in 30 minutes never had a drill like that but they where 180 I think

[@bruceregittko7068]

I started using Ryobi 6 years ago when I rebuilt my deck from the ground up. Figured they just had to last for the one project. Decided building the deck was fun and got into woodworking semi-professionally. Those tools are still going strong. I also love all the yard tools that work with the battery platform. I really lucked out choosing Ryobi. I even have the hot glue gun. Use it to hold my RADISH in place.

[@gcoffey223]

My weedwacker broke twice, after doing the $35 to analyze, I got a new one sent out and Mt $35 refunded

[@Trapper_Creek_2024]

“ … buy more and more RIDGID … “ 😂😂 The whole video is great advice and smart advice!

[@sargent_tv8850]

It’s just the same with cars, clothes, phones, etc, everyone just has a preference on what they like. So go out get whatever tool works or feels better for you. Really enjoyed the video! And finally someone who’s honest and not sold out.

[@TheCapnchronick]

RADISH - congrats on the engagement! Luckily, I watched a video from another woodworker a year or two ago that recommended the same thing. I’d already invested in ryobi stuff and it gets the job done. Only other battery powered thing I bought outside the ryobi brand was a makita track saw and that was right before ryobi came out with their track saw

[@dh7139]

radish, thanks so much for the advice well done!

[@davidhughes4121]

Radish. This information really is going to help with my decision on " which brand do I choose?" And I never thought about it before. But you are correct sir. They all do basically the same thing, so there's no sense in spending bookoo bucks for something you don't need.

[@WoodworkingWarrior]

I started with Black and Decker, then got some Porter Cable tools because the batteries were interchangeable with slight modification. Now I am into the Bosch 18v and the 12v line which I like a lot.

[@monteglover4133]

The M12 compact drill and impact driver are what I use the most. I’m somewhat a radish Red fan boy. However I have 4 different battery platforms because of an item wanted, price, … Routers, sanders, circular saws, are all corded for size, weight, price, and run time

[@andreasbentz6106]

Radish - Thanks for that video. I absolutely support your messages. Being around in the DiY "profession" for more than 50 years now (dad supervised, I started at the age of 6), I am still a die hard cable power-tool fanboy. Not that I do not like battery powered tools, but I still have practically everything I need, already with a cable. My first experience with chordless drills was in the old days with the NiCd cells, that were always empty when I needed them - so my still all time favourite tool for drilling and screwing is a cabled drill from Skil (not sure, if that brand is known at all in the U.S. - I am from Germany). It was the first tool I bought myself, when I moved out for University. And what was the reason? Function! It was the only affordable drill at that time, that came with a 1/4" hex receptacle in the spindle. So for screwing, you could take off the chuck and had a slim tool for screwing. So you are damn right with lesson 1: brand follows function. A second lesson would be: If its too good to be true, possibly it is... In those 50 years I have seen a lot of tools and developed a good judgement what is garbage, cheap, a bargain, worth the money and overpriced. Too bad, that a beginner doesn't have this from day one, because it comes with experience. So grab your buddie, ask your neighbour, even your dad - do whatever you can, to tap into other people's experience. And in the end: Take risks. What do I mean? My second take on chordless drills - because I do see the advantages - was when one of our local dicounters (is ALDI present in the U.S.?) came up with a chordless drill with Lithium Ion technology in their weekly non-food offering. It came with battery and charger for around 50 $. So a reasonable risk to give battery another shot. Guess what - it lasted about 10 years and served it's purpose. drilling holes in wood and metal and screwing screws (for concrete I have dedicated percussion drill). I only took it out of service, because after 10 years the battery became weak and the demand grew (we moved from appartment into our house in the mean). Surprisingly replacement batteries were still available, but for an unbelievable price tag. The D-day came four years ago when ALDI had another offer: Brushless drill with metal chuck, battery and charger for 59.99 - the replacement battery for the old one was 75 bucks! This time it was already a battery ecosystem, but I only needed a drill (famous last words). I got two drills (the two drill principle: one for drilling and one for screwing). Later they came up with an LED worklight and some other useful things. All of that not premium, but decent quality (comparable to Ryoby), made by an OEM manufacturer that sells also under its own brand (Scheppach). But still most of my power tools are cable - if you need dust extraction, chordless makes much less sense. Keep up your good work, subscription you have! Cheers from over the pond! Andreas

[@kevanstreeter2431]

My favourite tool brand is 12v Milwaukee. Love the drill and impact driver combo. I have an AEG sliding compound mitre saw, corded, brilliant. I have a Metabo table saw, excellent, except for the naff fence. Agree, have reviewed EVERYTHING before I buy it and research EVERYTHING that will suit my needs, not a pro or u-tuber. I'm happy with my choices. Also love using hand planes/chisels.

[@stelsteller5636]

I love my Radish battery platform! LOL

[@dougmiller4567]

Love this video, The best advice I got years ago was for each tool, buy the cheapest one you can (within reason) and when you break it then do your research and buy the tool you want. Generally I over estimate how much l'll use a tool. I also got a free air compressor and now air tools at harbor freight are so inexpensive. I'm still waiting for my Bauer Demolition rotary hammer to break, I've had it for 10+ years and it works everytime I need it

[@madspenril3638]

Radish. Great points you made. Almost all of my tools are Ryobi, but I also have brands. It's funny how divisive the tool brand issue can become.

[@WoodshopMike]

Great approach to the topic Eric! 👊

[@Funknwanker]

Best way to choose is to watch KZbin channels that do measurable testing of the tools and decide which has the highest value to you. I decided on ridgid drill driver set because of that. They performed very well against the more expensive competitors and did not have a break the bank price point. I am now stoked they just came out with a ridgid track saw now.

[@WoodworkingWarrior]

The Milwaukee track saw is pretty nice and cuts great. Coworker has it and we use it all the time doing instals and building cabinets. We also use the festool in the shop but i prefer the Milwaukee.

[@jasonwight2609]

Thanks for the video, Radish!

[@johnmccann1234]

Radish - Totally agree up to a point... I've got several of the different brands, all registered at some point soon after purchasing. In my experience, none of them pester me more or less than the other. But what I do put a major emphasis on is tool longevity and the potential to repair / replace at a minimal cost. Having to buy a new battery when the current one finally stops functioning is a major expense. Or the wheels crumble off my table saw (it's happened...) and needing repairs. Being able to get low or no cost repairs is key. So warranty is brand "bonus" for me. Also, for tools that I seldom use (Your example of the hammer drill), why not take a look at a "Corded" tool. They are typically much more affordable and since I'm not using it day to day, batteries are not usually an issue. Just found your channel, kind of like it!

[@festival3rocker]

QQ: what is the metal clamp rack in the background? I havent seen you talk about it and am very curious, thanks!

[@dougwhite8394]

Ryobi drills and drivers have served me well. The brushless line is a great improvement. And not having to deal with four or five chargers is a plus. But whatever floats your boat.

[@davidm2645]

Enjoyed the video as I always do. You made some good points. I personally like Festool - my tool of choice. Although if you were to offer me, say a radish, I might be inclined to eat it, but not my Fes-tools.

[@officialtree5245]

The only tool i've ever replaced was a jigsaw that was literally twice as old as me. the blade kept falling out, and the vibration was actually crazy. I went for a dewalt jig saw, because I've had experience with dewalt before, I've liked it, and I think it's the battery platform I'd like to invest in, since i already have the 12v ones.

[@officialtree5245]

also it was on sale.

[@stevewitt5559]

Loved the not so subtle trashing of Rigid! (Yes I know the back story) years ago as a tradesman, all of my power tools were corded Milwaukee. You just couldn’t kill them, they were used 5-6 days a week all day. In todays world I would likely go the same way. Having said that, and being out of construction for more than 30 years, I buy tools as needed and usually task specific. If something I feel like will get modest cuter use, I search for the best mid- range value. If it’s a one off, I hit harbor freight. Many years ago, like 19, I was working on an irrigation system for a friend and needed a reciprocal saw. Ran to harbor freight and purchased an $18 Chicago electric as a throw away. Sometimes you get surprised, I not only got the 6 cuts I needed to make done, but 19 years of random abusive cutting. I still have it today, it still works. No it is definitely not a Milwaukee, but none the less surprising. And oh, RADDISH 😃BTW, I am a fan of the Milwaukee fuel battery system.

[@Tinkery]

I think Ryobi’s are rad-ish. They have always served me well and helped me get started into woodworking in a budget. I eventually upgraded to Makita because of the quality of the batteries & chargers and I very much enjoy using them in my shop. When I take my tools on the road though, it’s the Ryobi’s that I put in the go-bag every time. They get the job done well and I’m much less nervous about them going walk-about on me while I’m on location.

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

Radis Thank you for this - it needs to be said!

[@MJLWoodWorks]

My favorite tool brand is whatever one I currently own and works and I will only replace that tool when it breaks. That being said, my second favorite tool brand is the one that is "on sale", in my budget and is replacing the old one that broke. BTW, when are you going to get a new "E" for the Spencley D-sign sign?

[@gregmacewen6330]

I do agree they do the same job, however there is allot to be said for the comfort of the tool. I find I like the feel of Makita and Milwaukee the best especially their drill and driver sets.

[@HoneyHollowHomestead]

I have Ryobi. Why? Because when I was looking for tools they fit better in my small hands and they had a sale on. Since I had the batteries for them, I stuck with them. But then I moved to an area where Lowes is half and hour away, but Home Depot is an hour and a half away.

[@robstrawn9170]

Radish, great video, and congratulations on the engagement

[@markweiss3451]

Great realistic advice. Enjoyed watching while I was cooking up a tasty radish

[@JohnathanBach]

As someone who burned up my Makita cordless drill hammering holes in an old concrete porch for one day, I’d suggest buying an actual hammer driver. Another point is that corded tools can be better. Just because a cordless option is available doesn’t mean you should spend 2X the corded option. Table saw, router, large angle grinder, heavy duty hammer drill, these are best corded, IMO

[@PMichaels]

Yes! I made this comment on another post before I read what you posted. This is such a good and important point.

[@danishprince2760]

Partial to Makita myself because I get some of the tools very cheaply and it's easier for me to stick to one brand and use the same battery type for everything

[@nicholasbates1502]

Glad someone said it! I like the tool that works and fits my budget.

[@ExpensiveLShit]

Actually, Ryobi cam out with a cordless 1/2" x 18 cordless file and it is something I use EVERY day. As my DeWalt stuff wore out I switched everything but my Gyro screwdriver over to Ryobi.

[@MWAWoodworks]

all good points! Great thought process.

[@marksrs69]

Radish: I’m invested in the Ryobi One+ set and battery platform (18v). It’s more than exceeded my needed and works very well. Most of the tools I got were refurbs and were less expensive. I got a really good deal!!! I have wood working tools and outdoor tools like string trimmer and edger. I’m not sure about their track saw but I haven’t any experience in other brands.

[@ZacBuilds]

Wait, howd you get a photo of my truck?

[@DavidBird-uu8km]

I like the information I agree the the basic tools are all right. I stick to two tool brands because Over time I have accursed multitude of battery's for each brand.

[@kevinmeachem2138]

Radish. Appreciate the honesty.

[@sammeyers7103]

Radish, I agree mostly. Sticking to a battery platform is the best option for most folks out there. I will say that their are tiers though. I wouldn’t lump festool into the pool of common name brands. They tend to serve a more specialized purpose and are more difficult to come by. Your box store brands though, this video I feel is very fitting. Congrats on the engagement!

[@jmelchiori85]

Radish: One thing I'd say if you're starting with nothing, it's probably beneficial to make sure you get a brushless drill/driver combo of whichever brand you settle on. The power output tends to be much more stable so your drill will have less tendency to get bogged down and your holes will be more precise. You can also get generic glue guns for pretty much any platform now and they're pretty cheap so don't let it sway you to ryobi if it's not the best fit for other reasons.

[@toejah]

I would put forward that when looking to get a first set of cordless tools that you plan on using for longer than just the life span of the original battery(s) to get one of the brands that have a good track record of not changing the battery from factor every other year (or feels like they do). For myself I got in to the makita 18v line when they were the only ones doing lithium batteries and have just recently picked up a set of Milwaukee 12v (wanted something smaller and lighter for in the shop and liked the battery shape better than the others of that size range)

[@kotqrka]

Festool are making reciprocating saw RSC 18 nowadays. And it even connects to the vacuum, unlike the others.

[@essexbarnworkshop8578]

Good advice, subscribed on the strength of this video (a Bosch Pro fan!)

[@TomHaley-cy4cc]

I'm with you. Pick a system by the tools you need and don't look back. Also, very importantly, when you need a new tool, ask if it must be cordless.

[@TomHaley-cy4cc]

I forgot the word of the day: radish. Also, I have Dewalt and firestorm. I needed a tool they didn't have, so got a kit that had what I needed that was on sale. Turns out that I still use both sets. However they are 14.4v & 18v nicad, so eventually I may need to replace them due to lack of replacement batteries, thus to comment about asking yourself if the tool needs to be cordless.

[@jaypepper1453]

For my mechanic job it’s Milwaukee and for how stuff to build and fix stuff around the house is dewalt

[@johnleonard5857]

I lived off of the Craftsman C3 tools for years until the replacement batteries were no longer made and it became cheaper to replace that system with a new one. By sheer chance this occurred when Lowe’s had an amazing sale on DeWalt tools and they would let me use my Vet Discount on top of the sale price. So I replaced them with DeWalt. My only goal was I wanted to stay on the same battery platform. I like the fact that any battery I have can work any tool I have. That was my main criteria for the platform I went. DeWalt was the victor by a well timed sale.

[@jongreen9250]

Bought Ridgid 8 years ago since it was affordable when I started doing construction on my own. Added more when I needed it or their stuff was on sale or clearance. Made hundreds of thousands with them so can't complain. All the brands make good and bad tools. I'll buy different brands as needed for jobs and the price of the tools are included in the cost of the contracts.

[@tiladx]

Radish I had a cordless drill many years ago, but I don't remember the brand. I do remember that I didn't have to use it very often because I only used it for fixit projects, and the battery ended up dying after a few years. I now have a corded drill because I don't want the continued added expense of a battery every couple years when I don't use it often enough to justify the cost. If I start doing more projects than just fixing stuff, I will probably invest in cordless equipment, but I absolutely agree with figuring out what I NEED and finding a brand that has the most tools.

[@user-jv4jh9mu5o]

Hitachi. I have regularly use them. The circular saw, hammer drill, 1/2 drill and angle grinder were purchased in 1974! Yep, nearly 50 yrs ago. Saw and grinder have had new bearings over the years but thats it. Second choice is Makita. Mike. Western Australia

[@DThunder85]

Radish -- I actually had this exact conversation with myself when I first looked into expanding my 'tool box' as it were. I inherited a collection of Ryobi power tools from my older brother after he passed away, so now that's my brand. Because like you said, I don't want to spend extra money on batteries. Similar with my various wrenches, they're mostly craftsman that I got from my wife's grandparents. In the end, they're all the same. After all, multiple tool brands come from the same factory anyway. P.S. Why do you hate Rigid and can you do a video about your shop? I noticed you have a new table saw (why is it gold) and outfeed/assembly table. I'd love to hear about them. Keep up the good work.

[@tomglass1219]

Favorite brand LOL. I've got a hodgepodge of everything. Sawstop table saw, Festool Kapex, Festool Domino, Festool Midi Dust extractor, Dewalt cordless drill and impact driver (because that's the battery platform I've always used), 3 corded Dewalt routers, Powermatic jointer, Dewalt planer, Rikon bandsaw, Jet dust collector, Triton Oscillating sander, Jet drill press and a Shaper Origin somewhere in transit between Fremont California and Cincinnati Ohio. So I guess what you could say is ... I'm not really brand loyal.

[@cmiller5553]

I've had a milwaukee Track saw for months, I typically buy the best tool on sale with the broadest line for battery interchangeability since batteries cost $$

[@mcdee8140]

Quality RADISHES are magic in the hands of a craftsperson. I enjoy your channel. Your method of presenting, and owning up to, your woodworking journey and trevails are educational and pertinent to your audience. Your recognition of alternate methods of accomplishing a given task are great way to be inclusive rather than exclusive. Tools, tools, tools. Not just power tools but, all tools, glorious tools. The evolution of what we expect of the cost/value equation of tools will change as needs and demands of tool performance increases with increases in skills, competency, and complexity of projects. I bought my first power tool when I was 13. It was a corded B&D 1/4" drill. The next tool I bought, I was about 16, was a Craftsman 7-1/4" circular saw. I think that saw cost ~$25. I wore both those tools out when I was in my mid 20's. The gears on the drill and the bearings on the saw went. Through the 1980's I had a succession of B&D and Craftsman drills with each new version seeing a drop in quality. When I was in my late 20's I bought a house, heavy remodeling, and started helping my friends with their projects on houses they were buying. In the late 80's, I bought a Milwaukee drywall screw gun, a Milwaukee circ saw & Sawzall; I still have both. My first table saw a contractor style, and a router were Craftsman; I still have the router, it's my beater. The table saw was underpowered but, the 800# gorilla was the fence. I could get it to cut accurately but, it was always a chore. My next table saw was a 1999 DeWalt Unisaw. What a difference! No way I'd buy a DeWalt cabinet saw with the quality they offer now. The first cordless I bought was a drill. I think it was B&D 9v. Those early nicad batteries were awful. Needless to say, it wasn't around long. I switched to DeWalt 12v, sticking with the brand over the years, moving into new battery platforms as they've come out. I do own a Milwaukee 12v impact because it's small size fits my tool pack nicely. I feel bad for the buyers of any lower cost tool who struggle to get good results because of poor tool performance or design. Buying a jig that flips your circ saw upside down with the expectation it will give any sort of table-saw-like performance is a colossal waste of money. I wonder how many frustrated people have been put off from taking on a project because of poorly designed "tools"? As I started buying higher quality tools, I thumbed my nose at the lower end power tool offerings from brands such as Craftsman or Ryobi. Walking through Sears in the early 2000's I had an epiphany. I noticed a Craftsman circ saw for $29! I'd paid $150 for my Milwaukee perhaps 10 years earlier. The opportunity cost of buying the higher quality tool simply doesn't add up for the person who expects to get light use out of it. Think of your average homeowner. There is a place for tools at the lower end of the spectrum as long as expectations of quality and performance are realistic. I'm now a 65 yo union tradesman that simply cannot have undependable tools. I've gotten good service from DeWalt cordless and now have a variety of their 20v products. Even though I've got an abundance of batteries, I still prefer using corded tools for heavy work, think Milwaukee hammer drill, or when working in one spot, I still have my corded Milwaukee circ saw etc. In the past few years I've noticed apprentices using Ryobi and Rigid, sometimes even Harbor Freight tools. Cost, opportunity cost, is usually the driving factor. When they wear them out, often in short order, they usually switch to DeWalt or Milwaukee. The Harbor Freight guys seem to keep replacing them in kind; I don't get it. Yup, a drill may be a drill when punching out holes but, when a lower price, lower quality drill wears out sooner than a higher priced, higher quality drill, value is the bottom line. If I were to offer advice it would be this: buy the highest quality power tools you can afford for the type of work you can see yourself doing in 5-8 years. Brand loyalty is less an important than understanding you do get what you pay for. Pick 1 battery platform that contains the range of tools you will need and stick to it whenever possible. Choosing 1 manufacturer allows one to expand their stable of tools by buying bare, without battery, tools. Work hard at learning how to use the tools you have in creative ways.

[@laneetherington614]

Amazon and Temu have glue guns that will match the major tool brands they are called for Dewalt or for Milwaukee I have the Dewalt as I have had Dewalt tools since they came out with the 14.4 volt tool line. I still have several of the 14.4v tool that I use daily and the 18 v tools also. I have adapted both to use the 20v dewalt batteries. I have many other tool named battery tools and the adapters that allow me to use the dewalt batteries with them. I am a tool nut and spend way to much on them.

[@p.whitehouse5260]

Radish, congratulations on your engagement. I purchase my tools based on a cost benefit analysis. aka can I afford it and does it benefit me... I try to stick to two brands so I have interchangeable batteries. But I'm up to 3 brands now. My plan is now laid waste.

[@billydonovan6193]

I use milwaukee because I got and impact driver for Christmas one year and I like being on 1 battery platform and congratulations on your engagement

[@JackKirbyFan]

I've used Flex for a while and I love them. A few things I wanted. (1) vibration. My arms were really have a hard time with the higher vibration tools. So, the recip saw and the oscillating tool saved my arms. ( I did rentals and flips) Durability. I build furniture and am tough on tools since I use them ALL The time. The flex sander is a beast. I had a Dewalt and it busted. Went through Rigid. Set two Makita grinders (well, that was construction) on fire. So far, Flex takes the punishment. I've had good success with Dewalt (minus their orbital sander). Milwaukee's been very tough. Makita, I keep busting their tools so I gave up. Bottom line: I picked the things I wanted and went from there. For me, durability, low vibration and a warranty that backs up the tools.

[@paulbanks8583]

RADISH yep fully agree with you I have tools on multiple platforms. These are these that fit a certain need not just a color. I also use corded tools for certain things like my track saw as buying a cordless one would be double the cost. There is no one brand that covers everything so why worry about it use the one that does what you want at a price and quality your happy with.

[@jonathanporto7612]

Big DeWalt guy. Started with that as my platform years ago and it's been solid!

[@markhicks8377]

the cheap ones are fine in a woodworking shop but when you do industrial work in power plants they just dont hold up i know this from my own experience

[@turningwiththewoods]

To me I’d purchase based on the battery platform and the ergonomics of the tool and the warranty.

[@tijohar]

Radish. I absolutely agree with your premise. I'm in the DeWalt battery system because... I happened to buy DeWalt. No need to change. Also, Congrats on your engagement.

[@douglasbrown3493]

I agree with sticking with 1 battery platform is key. However, once in a while you will find a tool worth buying that requires a second battery platform. The Festool Jig saw comes to mind. Way better IMO than the other brands. But it can also be had in a corded version. So stick to one battery platform and buy corded versions of other tools.

[@shanesmith9936]

Great video Eric sir

[@OtterBeSwimming]

Radish - good video. I agree 100% with what you say. As I plan to expand next year deciding on a platform is very important. The other thing is do I go batter or keep the cord. I have enough outlets and if I go corded I can have it hooked up with a vacuum system which is what I currently plan to do. Your input on this would be welcome. Cheers

[@jonathanlambeth3464]

I have small radish hands. The Makita drill was the smallest when I went to buy. So that’s what I bought. Most of my tools are Makita because those are the batteries I have. But I do have a smattering of others as well.

[@CNKXU1]

RADISH. I agree completely with your advice of using the most appropriate tool i.e. the one you need. I would also recommend that there is a place for corded tools. I do most work in my garage or around the house where I have power everywhere and there is a definite advantage when drilling brick or cutting tough timber.

[@leaguefixesyourmatches8259]

How come only the Rigid gets thrown in the trash.. LOL.

[@codacreator6162]

I bought a circular saw from a guy who bought a pallet from Home Depot. It was risky buying a return, but I only paid $50 for it, so no huge deal if it turned out bad. It didn’t. It turned out to be smooth, accurate, comfortable to use and plenty powerful. So, when Christmas came a few months later, I had my brand and could take advantage of the BOGO sales to accumulate batteries. Worked out well for me. I’m sticking with this brand because batteries are expensive (by design) and swapping tools more economical. Brands know this and market to it. Is what it is. I’m not buying 4 brands and ending up with a battery shortage.

[@bradboyer1381]

I own more Ryobi than any other power tool for the same reasons as you. As a DIYer who mostly does rough construction-remodeling type of work--and who may only one far-off day get into furniture making--what works now that fits my measly budget is what I go for. Some would go for the Harbor Freight brands, but I guess I've always thought that generally they were too cheap (as in quality). Occasionally I have branched out from Ryobi, especially into Ridgid, but I've made sure that all those tools were wired so I wouldn't get stuck having to buy into another battery system. The only exception to this is the Milwaukee Pex expansion tool I bought when I re-plumbed my entire house last year: they were the only one in the market AFAIK, and they sure charged $$$ for it, too. I didn't appreciate that, but the tool worked great and sure saved me a lot more than paying a plumber.

[@somebodypeculiar]

Lots of good stuff there. Great job... almost. So I have a really good Makita 3/8" drill that can't be beat at drilling holes. And a really good hand-held Makita circular saw that is as good as anything out there. And a nice D-handle router, and a jig saw, and a sawzall type saw, and a powered hand planer, and... you get the idea. Guess what? They all do the job. And they all have cords. Yes, I appreciate the advantages of cordless, and I eventually got a nice set of the basics, all the same brand because I only want one kind of battery. But guess what? I also am still buying tools with cords! When I wanted an oscillating multi tool to use once in a blue moon, I bought a really nice one that has to be plugged in. I have a cordless trim router, but the rest have cords. On my last project I used my old Makita skilsaw more than my cordless saw because it was right for the job. All my sanders are corded, and even if I upgrade one so will be the replacement. You packed this video with common sense advice about not wasting money, then ignored such a major factor. Sad.

[@jasonhayes2606]

Ok Ok… I’ll take all of those Dewalt ‘toys’ out of my basket 😂😜 Radish

[@MichaelBane-hv1rs]

Milwaukee has definitely had a track saw out for more than 3 weeks now. And FESTOOL most definitely has a reciprocating saw lol

[@TheDart64]

Radish, keep them coming!

[@continuousmoon]

Cordless tools I've largely standardized on Makita. Just because it was the first drill i acquired. I do like Bosch for jig saws because that was the first quality corded tool i ever bought. I have a Skil branded circular saw from sometime before the dawn of time. My benchtop belt sander is from harbor freight. Works ok. I use a cheap Wen dust collector which works pretty well. I guess I'm pretty tool agnostic, not counting battery powered stuff.

[@katherinecarroll3706]

I have gone with Milwaukee. And now I am contemplating buying the Milwaukee track saw, but it is so expensive.I have a Shopsmith and cutting sheet goods is impossible even small pieces. I am waiting until I need the track saw to buy and also watching for sales. I am also in a small single garage workshop.

[@janetbayford133]

I also started with Ryobi and I still use their mini circular saw, circular saw, jig saw and brad nailer ALL the time. But, I moved to a Milwaukee drill and impact driver because I use them so often and because I have arthritis and dodgy tendons in my hands. The Mili batteries are small and the tools are smaller and lighter. The impact driver is also much quieter, although I still get complaints from people in Hong Kong and I live in Manchester, UK…LOL). I spent a lot of money on a Hikoki battery driver recommended online and it really was a waste of money and nowhere near as good as the little Bosch palm driver it was bought to replace. I’m thinking of starting a tool library!!

[@chidrummer1]

Radish. Really great video. I think people should know to get what works for them. Not said enough.

[@cuebj]

If drilling in concrete, get SDS+ tool - corded or cordless. If drilling into brick, ordinary cordless drill will usually be enough - unless it's Victorian London sewer brick (both extremely hard and very brittle)

[@coreygrua3271]

RADISH. I’ve had this lesson in the back of my mind. You’ve told the truth in a way you do so well. Earth life just got better.

[@aulii11]

I NEED the newest, greatest radish!

[@MaddMaxxWoodWorks]

I like Makita for the vast amount of tools and super quiche battery chargers. I also have a couple from Harbor Freight as their warranty out last all others

[@timhalleran3514]

Radish ! I have corded tools and want to move over to battery. So this video was 💰thank you!

[@BravoCoWoodForge]

Does any brand still make corded drills?