Bosch Compact 18V Drill Price Drop
Last week I talked about the best $100 cordless drill kit options, and mentioned that I liked the Bosch DDB181 the best out of the bunch. I just checked, and it dropped back down in price to $100 on Amazon. (Buy it Now). In the past it hasn’t been eligible for Bosch’s holiday discount offers, so if you want this drill for this price, you might as well buy it now.
5 Minutes with Metabo 18V Cordless Power Tools
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I got my hands on a couple of Metabo 18V cordless power tools today, but could only spin them up for a couple of minutes. I’ll have to charge up the batteries and find some holes to drill, screws to drive, and large fasteners to loosen or tighten tomorrow or this weekend.
But in those 5 minutes… wow!
No joke, I think these tools are disrupting everything I knew about the brand. So much about them is just different than what I’m used to.
Here’s my recent preview of Metabo’s compact 18V drill/driver.
Milwaukee LED Stand Light and Floodlight Are Almost Here!
Milwaukee’s M18 LED stand light popped up on Home Depot, with a $249 price tag. Honestly, I’m not too surprised by this price, although I had anticipated that Milwaukee would try to get a little more under Pelican’s RALS tripod-stand LED light, which is as low as $242 and comes with a carrying case.
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Sneak a Peek(via Home Depot)
Their new M18 floodlight worklight also recently made an appearance. Its price is $149.
Sneak a Peek(via Home Depot)
I put a lot of work into my Milwaukee M18 and M12 LED lighting products preview, so please check that out. Out of all the products I saw, handled, or tested at Milwaukee’s 2015 media event (see full ToolGuyd coverage here), the M18 LED stand light is one of the top 5, maybe even top 3, new tools that I am most excited about.
ToolGuyd Should Review a…
Okay, so you guys do NOT want to see a review of Nepros’ adjustable wrench. Phew, that was a close one!
Can you think of a more interesting hand tool that you’d like to see reviewed here on ToolGuyd? Bonus points if it’s an offbeat brand!
Deal Reminder
That Fein $169 brushless drill/driver kit deal is still going strong. Supplies are limited so… buy now or forever regret your hesitation. Okay, so maybe that’s a little harsh, but I really was told that supplies are limited. This is something like a 1-time deal meant to reduce inventory.
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Drew M
I’ve LOVED my Metabo variable speed angle grinder for many years. It’s just been better than anything else on the market until maybe recently. I suspect their other products are similarly nice.
tim
I want to see a review of metabo’s 6 inch random orbit sander (600129420) from a reputable source, maybe even a comparison to a similar festool unit.
Also wouldn’t mind some of their other sanders, or just sanding equipment in general, sheets random orbits ect. Could be a long and interesting product run/comparison like you did with the Bosch multitool blades.
Stuart
That OMT blade testing required a huge time, effort, and cost commitment. I was only able to do it because Bosch paid for the work (but not the results or content or anything like that).
Testing sanders in a controlled manner? I haven’t a clue where I’d begin. Drill bits and saw blades are easy in comparison.
As for a Metabo sander – it looks interesting and I won’t rule it out. Maybe down the line?
tim
Sounds awesome, I only mention the Bosch testing as even though I knew it was expensive and labor intensive and fininanced by Bosch I found the content and delivery supremely interesting.
I also find small sanders and abrasives as a whole to be something largely ignored by people like you (no offense cause it’s kind of a boring subject) who do such a thorough and eloquent job with their content.
Its hard to rely on amazon reviews when it comes to these things and it’s an area I’m rapidly expanding my interest in.
Also thanks for the reply.
Stuart
Abrasives are tough to review because their performance and suitability can vary widely depending on application, but also individual use. It’s also really hard to show differences.
For my personal use, I developed preferences and stuck with them. When I bought my Festool sander, I still spent way too much time figuring out which abrasives to buy.
I don’t even want to talk about how much time and effort it took me to order proper abrasives for an 8-inch sander back when I worked in a research lab.
tim
I can totally relate. Abrasives are pretty much subjective to everyone’s oppinion. I ran a sanding company that did bowling centers for quite a few years and known how tough it can be. Lol.
Tom
I ‘d like to see Mayhew featured. It’s the only tool company from my adopted home state of Massachusetts that I can think of. It would also be fun to watch you test how strong a prybar could be.
I also really like my Enderes 6 in 1 screwdrivers, but their availability is difficult (ebay is the best bet for most people).
It would also be fun to see some of the former and soon to be former Craftsman source brands to be seen. As Sears redirects more of their work offshore, it would be nice to see the USA manufacturers featured. I’m thinking about companies like Mayhew, Western Forge (who recently announced layoffs), and Wilde.
Finally, former Craftsman identical products….. such as the Craftsman Professional Screwdrivers that have been discontinued. There are a couple of brands selling rebranded versions of these, including SK and someone else I think. It may help people out to see where they could fill in some gaps.
Stuart
Anything in particular from Mayhew? I own some of their tools and posted about the brand before. I was going to buy a bunch set that I saw at the local big box a few months back, but every single package had a bent punch or two.
Does Western Forge sell any tools under their own branding? I’ve reviewed a few Wilde tools, but they also don’t really do any marketing. I’d rather buy or request Wilde-made Tekton tools than Wilde, since as Tekton seems to hold greater reader interest.
As soon as I have a chance I’ll try to come up with some ideas, but please try to be specific. I have Craftsman Professional screwdrivers, but haven’t reviewed them yet because they’re among my least favorite drivers.
Tom
I took some time to think about this a little bit more, so this response may go a bit off topic.
Mayhew-Love to see their pry bars, chisels and punches featured. But that is really because of the local connection for me. More useful would probably be a little write up on chisels and punches themselves. As in basics on metal working. It’s something that I really know nothing about, so a review telling me that the tool is good or bad isn’t too terribly useful. A featured article on how to get started in metal working may be way more useful.
Wilde-I think that you are right, focusing on the new Tekton-branded Wilde tools may be wise. Tekton in general is making an effort to source USA made tools (including their new screwdrivers that look fairly nice). That might be a better use of your time. But with either of these, you may be headed into too obscure of topics to be appealing to a large group of people.
New idea-Love to see the holiday gift guide updated. I have used it in the past to add items to my amazon wishlist that people draw from for Christmas presents. But the list is two years old and I have acquired most of the tools that I like on it. The guide was great originally because it listed some tools that I had never even heard of (including the Gearwrench Gimbal Ratchets and Knipex Pliers Wrench). Adding new, clever tools may be appealing.
Many of us tool addicts wind up getting whatever the new gimmick tool is from Home Depot or Sears every Christmas. I’m sure that many people google “tool gift ideas” around the holidays. Having a list of more obscure tools may get you some traffic.
Yadda
Off brand tool review request — I keep seeing this gadget and I’m interested in knowing if it is worthwhile as a travel tool for emergencies,.
http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/wrenches/universal-grip-wrench-60435.html
Stuart
I’m not a big HF fan, but that does look strangely appealing, at least as a bottom-of-the-glovebox tool.
Mark S.
Yeah, about those…
They work best as nutdrivers rather than a true socket and ratchet set. They are pretty nice and they hold up well.
Yadda
Rennsteig screw extractors
Stuart
Thanks, those definitely look fun to test. There’s little chance I can get around to it before the end of the year, though, but I’ll add them to my list.
Yadda
Felo torque screw driver sets:
http://german-hand-tools.com/Felo-torque.html
Mnoswad
I’d like to know why some makita cordless tools Are the “old” teal green and some are more blue.
Seriously. If I’m going all in on a new platform, I want my new gear to to be on point, at least until that new tool sheen gets covered in dirt.
Anthony Ridder
I’d like to see an article regarding warranties and general PR, what companies really stand behind their products and go the extra mile to ensure their customers are taken care of and satisfied should a tool fail in some way. I know the word “warranty” seems to have a different definition from company to company, where as I’ve heard and read tons of gripes and complaints regarding Ridgid’s warranties, especially the “lifetime” warranty. I’ve heard more than a few people say they’ll never buy another Ridgid brand power tool after dealing with their customer service, or complete lack thereof. At the other end of the spectrum I have personal experience with how fantastic Sears is(or was, it’s been a few years) and the Craftsman line of hand tools. I’ve had a few ratchets and other Craftsman hand tools fail me in the past and upon returning to my local Sears they didn’t so much as even ask how it failed or broke, they literally just told me to go grab a new one and they’d swap it out for me. I’ve heard several people talk about how much of a nightmare it is to get something warrantied from the tool truck brands, especially Snap-On and Matco. Just an idea, thanks for doing the awesome job and writing great articles Stuart, keep it up ?
J Cayce
I recently corresponded with Stuart on a DeWalt Tough System case warranty and think this would be an excellent idea. Amazon is flooded with too many questionable ratings and posts to be taken seriously and I rarely credit the company in question’s website during online research.
Stuart
Not a bad idea, but a lot of companies’ warranty experiences can change on a case by case basis.
I might test Ridgid’s warranty service and have a great experience, which does nothing to help a reader whose circumstances might be different.
When I come across a company with stellar service, I try to post about it. Amazon’s is great, as is Lee Valley’s, and Leatherman has among the best warranty and service depts I ever contacted.
Sears’ in-store customer service can vary greatly, depending on the experience, mood, and familiarity of the associate. I’ve had good experiences, but have heard of some pretty bad ones.
J.Cayce
I agree that many companies have a case by case scenario when dealing with warranties, but a lot of companies also have a blanket response to returns and warranty work. Maybe we can get a personal narrative type account of a warranty experience to at least be able to make a comparison.
i.e.
My personal experience with Ridgid was rather neutral. I sent in the warranty card for their lifetime warranty but they do not have record of it. They sent me parts no charge to get me going again as a one time deal but will not offer a lifetime warranty due to lack of documentation on their part (doesn’t matter that I have the receipt and a copy of the warranty card I sent in). The tool itself has been rather effective so this experience does not end my relationship with Ridgid.
Maybe more accounts like this just to see how others are being treated?
Glenn
How about testing cordless tools rpm and torque specs to see who is telling the truth, of lies as may be?
Glenn
‘or lies’ I meant.
Stuart
RPM: easy, but there’s a reason brands always give no-load ratings.
Torque: testing equipment costs big bucks, and they you need different soft torque and hard torque adapters. Driving large fasteners is different than drilling shallow holes.
And testing max power of current heavy duty drills requires mega bucks.
I wanted to test motor efficiency and runtime, and looked into DIY options and then magnetic brakes that can apply a constant and repeatable load on a motor. WHOA are they pricey.
The largest passively brake can be used with 12V-class drills and compact 18V ones. Mid-level, brushless, and heavy duty 18V drills would require multiple brakes, or larger actively-cooled ones. Add an inline speed sensor and you’re talking about big, big bucks.
If you look at this post – https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m18-6ah-9ah-batteries/ – and scroll down to see the Super Hawgs connected to a torquemeter and brake or dynamometer – that’s what would be needed for accurately testing torque and speed simultaneously.
It’s possible to use a smaller torque brake and belt system to apply higher loads on a tool, but that complicates things further since different tools have different speeds.
Long story short, it’s a good idea, but would require too great of an investment (money, time, and effort) for what it would accomplish.
Glenn
I didn’t think of the machinery/electronics involved.
What I had in mind was something simpler like doing up a large nut and bolt with said tool and then using a torque wrench to check it, but as you pointed out above this would not be accurate enough given the supplied specs.
Thanks anyhow for taking it under consideration!
will
hmm maybe a longevity test for drilling and driving, maybe test the hammer functions in concrete. I’m particularly interested in the Milwaukee Gen 2 vs the Makita vs the new Hilti. All over 1000 in lbs of torque. Maybe review the Fein Drill that’s on sale and the Supercut which is also on sale (with 4 batteries btw!!) . Sorry being selfish with that last one since I just bought both :).
Mike
This isn’t a specific tool request, but I’d like to see more coverage of tool pouches, belts, and bags. It’s hard to know what is out there and what is new. Mainly I’m interested in pouches for the electrical trade but I’m sure others have their own specific requests.
Feel free to skip anything from Occidental Leather. If I want overpriced, overly heavy leather products I’ll hit the local Renaissance Festival.
Jerry
How about cutting tools? Not just saw blades, but also drill bits, etc.
Cost wouldn’t be all that bad, a single drill bit is only a couple bucks, common saw blades not much more. The big thing would be the time required to do the testing.
Selfishly, I’m looking for good durable twist drill bits for drilling metal, as well as a reasonably priced replacement for the old Pirahna circular saw blades. They were the best I found for the money, until they changed the teeth from the curved hook shape. I do a LOT of sawing in green softwoods, and the curved shape of the teeth cut fast, clean, and do not build up sap the way a straight ground tooth profile is prone to. (or if anyone can direct me to a stash of the old style, I’d be grateful).
Brian
I’d like to see you review the Tekton USA-made screwdrivers. I have a set and I think a lot of your followers would be interested them for the cost and being made in the USA.
Diplomatic Immunity
NWS precision screwdrivers and AC Delco’s cordless lineup. I would also like to see a revision of your “if you lost all your tools and had to start over what would you buy” list. More so to see if there’s anything you would change to that list nowadays vs when you originally wrote it. Maybe a post on nail, screw, bolt selection and application. How about a post on Kraftwerk Tools?
Stuart
NWS precision screwdrivers? Haven’t seen them. I did buy an NWS bit-holding screwdrivers, and I think I have a second of their screwdrivers somewhere, but don’t think I’ve ever seen precision drivers.
Kraftwerk Tools looks interesting, but I haven’t a clue as to where I’d get them. There don’t seem to be any current USA distributors I can find.
Diplomatic Immunity
Sorry. I meant these. Didn’t realize they weren’t called precision screwdrivers. http://chadstoolbox.com/nws-0101-0-8-60-electronic-screwdriver-145-mm/
jet_tech
Can you think of a more interesting hand tool that you’d like to see reviewed here on ToolGuyd?
Stu any chance you guys could do a post about Tappet wrenches?
Stuart
Is there a chance? Yes, but it’s not a very good chance. I don’t own a single tappet wrench, and probably wouldn’t use one naturally in the way someone might want to buy one for, and so that wouldn’t make for a very good review.
I could post about them no problem, but in what capacity? I’ve looked at tappet wrenches before, but never really came across any clear “these are great tools I must post about them now” brands, styles, or models.
Or did you just want me to set the tone for a general discussion?
Mike
How about the Crescent nail pulling pliers for a review? Gimmicky junk or useful tool?
Pablo
Cool! What cordless Metabo did you pick up/what should we be looking forward to for a thorough review?
Whoever got promoted/poached in the last few years has really made a difference in their cordless product development, everything 2012 and newer seems to be built to a higher standard and they’ve gone from mediocre products to something worth writing about. The early Li-Power Extreme stuff seems to be carryovers from the old Li-Power stuff with a just new battery interface slapped on, the tools themselves had bulky ergos, and overall lower quality fit and finish. The new ones are top kit, comparable to the best in the market.
Of the remaining tools from that era that haven’t been replaced, there are two that I’m desperately waiting for, the 18v recip saw, and the 18v circ saw. The recip saw ergos aren’t great, though they just revamped their corded one, the cordless version must be coming soon. Also, Monte on GarageJournal has mentioned the 18v circular saw should be here soon, built in collaboration w/ Mafell, I’m pretty excited.
Diplomatic Immunity
Damn that’s what is really lacking from their cordless lineup. I’ve been looking to buy into an 18V system and was looking at them but I noticed their cordless circular saw got released 4 years ago. In other countries they have cordless miter saws and they also offer an oscillating tool as well. I would imagine both could easily end up released here if they are trying to up their US presence. Any details on that Mafell collaboration?
Pablo
There’s really no concrete details unfortunately, just hearsay. That said, Metabo is building all my Mafell’s drills, and Mafell’s has even adopted the Metabo battery system as their own.
The new KSS 40 18 M bl is the the new cordless replacement for the KSS300, and is compatible with the Metabo LiHD batteries. Unfortunately Mafell is sticking to Bosch batteries for their 36v tools, perhaps because of a prior agreement? Either way, the LiHD should really be able to perk up what should already be a very strong brushless crosscut saw.
Stuart
It was a drill and impact wrench that initially WOWed me. I didn’t pick them up on my dime.
I had a 30-minute call scheduled with a Metabo product manager, and it turned into 100 minutes. There was a lot to talk about, and I’m glad to say that I am much more familiar with the brand, their philosophies, and also how and why they do things they way they do.
Metabo has its roots in metalworking, but we’re going to see a big push into other areas. They’re not so interested in expanding and offering every type of tool that other brands do, but they do have plenty of exciting stuff on the near-future roadmap.
I’d say that this is perfect timing for me to have gotten up to speed with the brand.
Sorry, I didn’t ask specifically about circular saws.
Pablo
Cool, please share with us what you’re able to in another post. The brushless impact and the brushless drill is what drew me to Metabo initially, and I’ve sold most of my Milwaukee in the past year or so to embrace their cordless lineup (well between Metabo and Bosch) and so far have only been disappointed by the two saws I previously mentioned.
They’re not inexpensive, but they’re not unreasonably expensive either. When I compare my brushless drill to a Milwaukee Fuel, I can see where my extra $50 went. However, comparing the Festool PDC18/4, its hard for me to see where they spent the extra $300 (especially when Fein has largely the same drill for hundreds less).
I spoke to my local dealer about their relationship with Metabo, which is as you mentioned, a metalworking and welding shop, and while he’s excited about their new offerings, I can’t say he’s particularly well versed in much of their lineup with his core business with Metabo focused on weld prep.
I personally believe it would behoove them to establish other distribution channels and invest more dollars in marketing (even though their core customer doesn’t overlap with big-box stores, a sale every now and then to go head-to-head would be nice since they still are competing for the same dollars), but my dealer said they were quite committed to their current business model. Whether that means maintaining a tight metalworking focused dealer network and holding back on marketing support, or perhaps one and not the other, he didn’t feel the need to clarify. I’d love to see they trade off a little profit margin for some extra sales volume, but perhaps that’s not the key to their success here in the US.
Oh, and a few more bucks into review and test samples for bloggers/YouTubers would go a long way in raising awareness. I’m basically flying blind when I’m considering my next Metabo tool, I’m buying solely based on hearsay from forum chatter and previous reputation.
Anyways, I’m glad you took notice, having another resource to draw off of would benefit me greatly since there is so little information out there. I’m glad to share what I’ve learned over the past year as well.