As I continue to focus on efficiency, it’s time to once again downsize my access to cordless power tools and pick just one brand to stick with.
Okay, maybe three brands.
This past weekend I donated most of my purchased collection of Dewalt 20V Max and 12V Max cordless power tools, and I still have Metabo HPT 18V and Makita XGT that were purchased for test consideration, as well as Bosch and Milwaukee.
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I have test samples from many of the same brands, and also Hilti and Ryobi.
Off the top of my head, that’s… 11 different cordless power tool platforms. Counting Dremel 12V and Ryobi’s USB line, and that’s 13. 14 if we also count Milwaukee MX Fuel test samples. EGO makes 15, but I’m down to just their excellent 2-stage snowblower.
I haven’t touched Flex, Skil, or Ridgid in years. They all make good tools, but they didn’t offer enough to justify space in my long-term tool box.
I have come to the realization that it is unnecessary for me to have my own copies of cordless power tools. I like the idea of relying on purchased tools for personal or business use.
However, this produces an enormous number of duplicates. Do I need my own miter saw plus however many I am testing right now? Multiple dust extractors?
I’m excited to test the new Milwaukee M12 Fuel cordless ratchets. Do really need to hold onto the Dewalt Atomic model that I purchased on sale a few years ago?
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I have gained a lot of experience over the years, and the way reader trends have evolved over the years, I don’t need to have a full range of competitive models available for comparison.
So… once I’m done with remaining evaluations for formal or contextual review (meaning deal recommendations, buying etc), what should I keep?
I prefer compact tools. But I also need power. And specialty tools and offerings.
Some brands have multi-platform chargers, which helps. For example, most Milwaukee M18 chargers also have M12 battery charging slots.
I have just one Makita 18V cordless power tool – a track saw, and that’s probably going to go. The same with the Makita XGT track saw I purchased (it still has a wobbly base, I never sent it in).
I’m testing Bosch’s cordless router. Do I keep my Makita XGT?
Leaf blowers?! I still haven’t passed along my Bosch sample, and I have a Makita XGT that I like in theory but not in practice, and Milwaukee M18 blowers that I have grown attached to.
Dewalt has some very nice tools. But as I donated all of my purchased tools, this might just be a brand I test for review rather than use day to day. I love the tools, but when it comes to platforms, I’ve been leaning more towards Milwaukee.
Bosch has been expanding a lot lately.
There’s no equal to Milwaukee M12.
Hilti sent over some samples, and I really like their approach to specific product categories, such as vacuums. But Milwaukee also has great cordless vacuum choices.
Metabo HPT is going to be the first to go. I have few remaining Ryobi 18V offerings. Ryobi makes great tools, and I wouldn’t hesitate to buy certain ones for DIY or casual use. But it’s not on-par with what you get from pro brands.
A few years ago a retailer’s Makita sales rep said they’d help me get my hands on XGT test samples. I asked for their flagship cordless drill, and they sent the compact one. It’s been a good experience. I also like my XGT router, although it doesn’t see enough use, and have mixed feelings (but leanings towards positive) about the XGT vacuum I bought. Oh, and the XGT duster – it’s awesome, especially with the expanded accessories kit.
I will continue testing all brands of cordless power tools, at least where there’s the opportunity to do so. But juggling different brands has gotten tiring long-term.
There’s zero chance of me parting with Milwaukee M12 and M18, they’re simply too good and I like the specialty tool selection.
What about beyond that. Makita XGT for some woodworking tools? Bosch 12V for compact everyday?
I’m parting with my Festool dust extractor and am testing out Milwaukee’s in its place. My purchased Makita XGT is too small for everyday use – and that’s part of why I bought it. Hilti’s vacuums are also impressively versatile.
I have a big project coming up where I’ll be putting the Bosch cordless multi-material saw to good use. Milwaukee and Makita have abrasive saws, Bosch has a toothed blade saw.
I have a benchtop metal bandsaw, and a small multi-material saw, and can always pick up an AC-powered 14″ saw, and so I’m not yet convinced Bosch 18V is a “keeper” platform for me anymore.
I LOVE that this is such a hard decision today, as it means cordless power tool brands have truly achieved their vision of a “cordless jobsite.”
Even when I don’t have easy access to test or review samples, I sometimes treat ToolGuyd’s credit card as if someone else were paying the bill.
In other words, I can change my mind in the future. I still prefer air nailers for lengthy workshop projects, and have no preference when it comes to cordless.
Cordless jig saws are relatively interchangeable these days, and the same with circular saws.
The difficulty is in choosing just one brand where I do have preferences. Every brand has a cordless drill, but I have my favorites. The same is true for impact drivers. I’m not sure if I have favorites when it comes to reciprocating saws, but some have delivered better experiences than others.
Dewalt has a non-sliding cordless 10″ miter saw. Is that what I need, vs a 7-1/4″ slider? I already know that 12″ sliders are not ideal for my needs. I still don’t have a miter saw station – I grab whatever is suitable and take it outdoors for cutting long boards, or any empty spot indoors when cutting aluminum with the appropriate blade.
I still have the Dewalt 20V Max brushless jig saw I purchased a few years ago. That one’s going to hurt a little to donate.
I still prefer corded sanders, but the new Milwaukee M18 Fuel might convince me otherwise. Bosch launched a new 6″ model overseas, and if it’s any good maybe that’ll replace my Festool.
Milwaukee’s recent cordless rotary hammers are just perfect. That’s a seldom-use tool for me, but I like the features (even the M12 has chipping-only mode).
It seems there is no perfect cordless power tool platform that is best at everything.
If I had to stick with just one brand, it would be M12 for compact tools and M18 for performance and breadth.
They just sent over an inspection camera for review consideration, and competing brands don’t have anything close. Dewalt? They launched a single model 15 years ago. Makita? Bosch? I had to look it up – they do have some handheld inspection cameras.
I really thought I would be able to think this through. Let me try a different approach.
If I had to start over, and buy everything I needed, which brand would I buy first? Milwaukee M12 and M18. Second? That’s where I’m stuck. There are gems and category leaders in every cordless system.
I think I concluded the Milwaukee’s cordless systems are best overall, but they’re bested in specific product categories.
For example, if I had to buy a cordless table saw today, it’d be the Bosch 18V with a Profactor battery. Milwaukee’s was great, but I liked Bosch’s better.
Milwaukee has a cordless dusting blower on the way, and so it’s not crucial for me to keep my purchased Makita. I barely used my purchased Bosch 12V rotary tool or mini circular saw. Milwaukee now has a brushless rotary tool, and I wouldn’t miss my Bosch mini saw too much.
What about Milwaukee M12, M18, and Makita XGT?
But then I think about oscillating multi-tools. I’ve come to prefer Starlock accessories. I donated my corded Fein tools and am testing Bosch’s newer models. The Milwaukee M12 Fuel is fantastic, and so is the M18. I might be convinced to swapping all 3 for the Makita XGT. Maybe the Makita 6″ sander could replace my corded Festool, but I can’t find info online about whether the sandpaper hole patterns are compatible.
You’d think that with all of the tools I’ve used, tested, or had exposure to, that this would be an easy decision. That I’m having a tough decision is a good thing, in theory.
I’ll give it some more thought. Whatever choice I make, it’ll be easier to walk into knowing that 1) it’s not permanent, and 2) it’s going to let me reclaim a whole lot of drawer and cabinet space from chargers and spare batteries.
All modern cordless power tool systems have merit, or at least most of them.
If you could eat for free at most restaurants, or use your boss’s business credit card anywhere else of your choosing, where would you go?
This is a very lucky problem to have, and I recognize that. But duplicate-purpose tools, extra chargers, and batteries take up a whole lot of space, and I’ve been on a mission to change that.
If you could pick 3 cordless power tool platforms today, which would you pick?
As for the image at the top of the post and front page, my local Home Depot was discounting the Makita XGT cordless blower earlier in the season. Acme Tools facilitated a review sample, and when I start getting rid of extra blowers, this might be one of the last 2 or 3 that I keep.
Jay
M12, M18, Ryobi (for its expansive line)
Patrick
This is the answer
Luke
Nailed it. This is it exactly
Tim B.
That’s what I pretty much settled on…
Nate
Agree here! I added Ryobi 40v for OPE too
Eric
Go red. Many tool offerings. They have a more extensive lineup than other brands.
JJ
M12, M18, and Ryobi. I like Bosch 12v but M12 line has way more breadth. I like my FLEX and Makita tools, but M18 has plenty of power as well as new compact tools. And when I need a tool for occasional use and don’t want to spend too much, Ryobi has an incredibly extensive line of decent power tools, yard tools, and lifestyle products (bug zappers, fans, lanterns, glue guns, etc). If money were no object I might prefer all M18 or EGO for yard tools and OPE but realistically there would be tools that I would only pay Ryobi/Kobalt/Craftsman prices to own or I’d just go without.
That said I’d still get a lot of corded woodworking tools including router, track saw, miter saw, probably mix of Makita and Bosch.
Rog
As a DIYer, if money was no issue and I was guaranteed of their continued US presence, Makita. For a second line, Ryobi due to their range.
Third, maybe Metabo HPT if they changed their stupid name.
Stuart
About your third point, they are about to double down on the Metabo HPT name.
Rog
NOOO. Insider intel?
Matt_T
If you’re looking to simplify I guess you really mean cutting down to three battery platforms rather than three brands? 3 brands is probably gonna be 6 battery platforms which hardly simplifies things even if some of them offer multi-volt chargers.
Also can you realistically ditch all the batteries and chargers you don’t use personally? That would limit you to reviewing tool sample and purchased kits.
Stuart
Ideally no more than 3 types of batteries. Maybe 4.
A lot of test samples or groupings come with batteries. Or I can request a starter kit.
Sometimes they don’t and I don’t have a suitable battery, and that’s less than ideal. If a vacuum is bundled with a 2Ah battery, and I only have 8Ah, I can’t test for runtime as users can expect to see from a kit.
Samples provided with a battery and charger are a lot easier to donate, otherwise I have to hunt down existing users who can accept a tool-only product.
Short-term samples and review activities are unlikely to be negatively impacted, and I think there will even be benefits.
James
1. M18 – industrial, electrical, and plumbing specialty tools that we can’t live without combined with a wide range of everything else in generally decent quality (occasional duds).
2. M12 – specialty plumbing tools we use every day plus amazing lightweight tools (my M12 impact is probably my favourite power tool of all time, and there’s a lot more gems).
3. Bosch 18V – we like (love?) every single one of our Bosch tools and it’s great to be able to choose between Bosch and Milwaukee when buying a “normal” tool so that we get the “best in class” or “best for us” on a particular tool.
4. I know you said 3, but our OPE is Ego (with a bit of M18 mixed in) and their snowblower, lawnmower, and chainsaw sent me off 2 stroke for good.
Around the house, I bought my wife a set of M12 tools to replace her terrible old Ryobi gear and it’s perfect for 95% of DIY.
Stuart
I’m not interested in EGO OPE outside of the snow blower I am highly reluctant to get rid of. I like the ergonomics of M18 outdoor tools, and the standard power tool battery form factor, but can use whatever’s convenient.
James
The Ego snowblower is awesome, although, ironically it regularly freezes in moderately cold weather (-20C maybe) so word to the wise….lugging it downstairs into my basement to warm it up (we don’t have a garage) is a PITA although I’ve now bought a heated blanket for it so hoping to avoid that rigamarole this winter…. Thankfully once it’s warmed up and thawed, climbing the stairs is done under power, but the thud thud thud down the stairs is not fun.
YMMV, but our Ego lawnmower has been very good to us, although granted there’s nothing special about our grass cutting needs.
The Ego rancher chainsaw is fully a beast, although side by side with a big M18 Fuel model there’s probably not a lot of difference.
Stuart – your snowblower choice makes sense, and you probably don’t have to deal with the cold that we do which renders the freezing problem moot, but then, does that count as one of your systems, even for only one tool? 😉
James
I made that sound like Ryobi is terrible, which isn’t what I meant to say…
My wife’s old drill and driver ARE/WERE [pretty sure they’re still stashed somewhere] terrible, but I’m a big fan of Ryobi and where it fits in the market although it isn’t for us at this point given our access and availability to “pro” tools.
Brad Justinen
M12, Dewalt 20v & 60v, Ryobi.
Matt
Agreed.
Andy
I love my Ego OPE, but that’s obviously a narrower focus that can be done (not as well imo) by other battery ranges like M18 or XGT.
I have M12, M18, and Ego. I also have 2 Dewalt 20V tools that I got a SBD employee discount on and couldn’t pass up.
For you, it seems like XGT or Bosch are the right fit. I’d vote XGT because of the new 6” sander with the off-tool battery
Old Suburban Dad
Fun topic
I’d start my evaluation by first narrowing scope of brands that are even on the table. And I would do that by assessing the intersection between: broad tool offering; ready accessibility ; performance . And in my opinion, in the US that narrows down to Milwaukee, DeWalt and Makita.
I think if someone is outfitting a mutil-person construction company where a very broad spectrum of tools could be needed, Milwaukee (m18 + m12) or DeWalt is probably the way to go. There is essentially no tool ground they don’t cover.
If plumber…. Milwaukee.
If heaviest duty is required…. DeWalt.
Otherwise then choose whichever of those two you like best.
But…
If you’re not running a construction company and instead buying them as a professional homeowner, then get the brand with whom you feel a personal connection – because choosing tools you want, simply because you want them is a big part of the enjoyment of using them. You can’t wrong with Milwaukee DeWalt or Makita.
FWIW, I have a bunch of m12 tools I love and that are ideal for 80% of what I do.
But my serious tools are all LXT and XGT. So that’s my three battery platform spread.
I haven’t done tool for tool compare on this, but I think the Makita OPE spread is better than the other two. And Makita tools feel more ergonomic to me. And it’s been said that their battery technology has some technical advantages. But I’m far from objective…. I just like teal. I have to acknowledge that DeWalt and Milwaukee usually best Makita in “max power ” type comparisons, but only by a small margin.
Honorable mention:
Ryobi today is not the “cheap” Ryobi they used to be. Decent performance, decent durability….very broad tool offering, and unbeatable prices….make them a must-consider for anyone not needing max performance and durability.
Old Suburban Dad
…I forgot to add: I like that Makita is still owned by Makita. Can’t say that it makes a material difference…. I just like it.
Jim
M12. M18. Ryobi for lights, light duty yard tool, household stuff (thanks direct tools)
Oh and 12v Bosch. Opps I’m starting to sound like Stuart.😉
Seriously, the deal I just got from Acme on the 12v Bosch 4 in 1 installation tool will keep me in the Bosch camp for years to come.
My drill in this platform is so old it’s labeled 10.8v!
Jim
Edit: Is my Bosch impact driver that’s marked 10.8. It was my intro to lithium ion batteries and came with a free 13v screwdriver that I use more than I ever would have thought.
Bill
First sentence, “downside” maybe should be downsize.
Stuart
Thanks – *fixed*!
Terry S
I guess it depends on what you want.
I have largely Makita 18V tools because there was a smoking deal 15 years ago on a drill and driver kit from the big orange store. I have largely expanded my tools in the Makita family in order to keep the battery situation down to two chargers and perhaps six total batterie that I constantly cycle through on the most used tools (angle grinder for power carving, drill, jigsaw and inflator–kids bikes!).
But then I got their 1/2-inch impact and was massively disappointed. It was…a poor effort on Makita’s part. Enter the Dewalt 1/2-inch impact tool and a second battery system.
I did have to stray from a single system, so, now, if there is a superior Dewalt tool (currently comparing compact routers), I can choose based on the tool, not being locked into a system, as much as I wanted that to be the case.
MFC
I mean, M12 and M18 are pretty good for almost everything. Having everything red is also kind of nice (with Packout).
However, as a contractor I’ve stuck with M12, DeWalt 20v and Flexvolt.
The M18 large batteries kept overheating when paired with large tools. That hasn’t happened with my flexvolt batteries, though the batteries have died just like the M18 batteries, but I just jump them and place them back on a charger and they’re good to go again. But for the average diyer or professional that doesn’t need heavy-duty tools like a Table saw, Chainsaw, Concrete Saw, SDS Max, etc. Milwaukee has you covered.
I do have to say that the Makita impact I have is the smoothest I’ve used besides the surge, but the surge died after a few months of use…
fred
One thing to think about is whether most of your projects are of the home remodeling sort – or are you likely to want to build things like furniture.
I find that in furniture building that I will set up several routers (corded and cordless of different sizes/capacities) – all at the ready with different bits. I may do the same with drills and drivers and set up sanders in the same way to help expedite moving through finishing tasks. On the other hand, I seldom want or need several versions of saws or other tools to be at the ready all at the same time. Nor do I bring multiples of the same tool to typical projects around the house or garden.
MM
What you do with your tools really determines what you might need. I’ve owned “a” router for 30 years but I didn’t use it all that often, sometimes it would sit for months without being used. Now that I’m doing a lot more woodworking I am up to three, and I’m looking around for more: I want a second DCW600, I’m just waiting for a deal. If the deal is good enough I might buy two. I’m also thinking about a solution for a tiny router optimized for doing small inlays. A lot of people use a dremel tool with a router base attachment, I find that to be clumsy and top-heavy, so I’m researching alternatives. I did think up something that would work incredibly well–mounting an electric CNC spindle from a screw machine in a MicroFence mini base–but that would be much too expensive.
Matt C
My current main 3 are M12, Ryobi 18V and DeWalt 20v
Here’s my reasoning:
M12- metalworking and automotive specialty tools with an adequate brushless hand drill. It covers my mainline tools well, the size is good and I’ve been able to have success buying specialty tools second hand if I’m patient and on sale when I’m not.
Ryobi 18V- OPE and specialty tools. I use the tire inflators a lot and my leaf blower is great. I have the high torque impact as well which has worked great. The tools are cheap and work well for homeowner grade use.
DeWalt 20V – higher power tools, such as my circle saw, angle grinder and so forth. The performance is great and price is good enough on sale. I like the M12 better for day to day use, but the power is certainly better on a 20V platform.
That’s my current balance and I’m happy with it. I’ve found the balance to be good for me as a metalworker and car guy while still letting me help with all the other projects that come up. An underated thing about M12 tools is easier of transport, I can fit a drill, impact and OMT into a Milwaukee bag with the batteries and tooling I need, which is really nice for helping friends
w00dy
Fun exersize, pfiew! The options are so many!
As a European the options and availability are different.
For most woodworking and construction and DIY I would stick with CAS batteries (Metabo, Mafell, Novus, Scangrip, Starmix, etc) as a second brand I would add Hikoki (called Metabo HPT in the US) for their nailers and some more demanding building tasks. And third option if needed Milwaukee M18 for specific tools of needed.
ColeTrain
Can you donate your HPT to me? I am accepting donations.
Brad
If M12 and M18 are locks to make the cut, you’re really only deciding what your third platform should be. So what weaknesses or holes are in the Milwaukee lineup? Personally I like Bosch 12V a lot more than M12, but I also don’t see the point in keeping both Milwaukee platforms and another 12V or 18-24V. In my book, your decision should boil down to whether you want a platform outside those two classes or no third platform at all. You’ve also vetoed Ego as an option. I’d suggest you limit your decision to things like FLEXVOLT, PROFACTOR, etc. Are there multiple tools in those lineups you would want? For example, maybe you’d want FLEXVOLT for the SCMS, table saw, chainsaw, and mud mixer? If you ever have to plant things in the ground, the mud mixer (DCD130) is extremely useful for augering holes, and I haven’t seen a Milwaukee equivalent that has an eClutch or equivalent feature. Food for thought.
MM
Agreed.
I don’t really see the point in even thinking about another 12V or 18-24V system if you’ve already decided on M12 and M18. I can’t imagine getting much benefit from adding others. Sure, Bosch 12V is nice, and there are other excellent 18-24V platforms, but I don’t think any of them are really worth buying into if you are already set on M12 and M18. M12 is by far the biggest 12V platform out there. M18 is easily one of the top 3 in the ~18V space. Sure, sometimes Dewalt, Makita, or whomever else outperforms M18 but do they outperform it by enough to justify buying into a whole other system? Probably not. And if you’re that picky about having to have the absolute best in each and every tool you probably won’t be limited to just 3 platforms.
Beyond that it really comes down to what your specific needs are. Stuart mentioned above that he liked M18 outdoor tools, so it sounds like M18 might cover his OPE needs. He has the EGO snow blower. What else is there? The answer to that question should determine the 3rd brand. There might not be a need for a 3rd platform at all especially if Stuart also has misc. other tools on hand under evaluation. As others have mentioned Ryobi is always worth considering.
In my opinion M12 is the clear leader for 12V–it’s not even close. For 18-24V I think that most of the big brands suffice for most people. From what I know of the work that Stuart does I think that honestly pretty much any of the big brands would be fine: Milwaukee, Dewalt, Ridgid, Makita, Hilti, Metabo (either one), Flex, etc. I don’t recall Stuart ever mentioning needing niche tools that only a few of those companies have; it’s not like he’s buying sewer machines, 1″ impact wrenches, or big concrete tools. Yeah we can argue about specs or talk about what brand’s ergonomics we prefer but fact is a drill, circ saw, OMT, impact driver, etc, from any of those companies is going to work well. It’s really only niche applications that require more thought, but I don’t really see that applying here?
Ed
M12 for sure. I also have been using Kobalt outdoor tools for the last few years and all continue to work well. Blower, weedeater and hedge trimmer and chainsaw are all their 24V brushless models and they do fine for all my basic yard needs. I also have the Kobalt 80V brushless mower with manual push ( good exercise) and it works great as well. Given the volume of Kobalt 24V batteries and chargers I have I continue to look at their 24V tools but have pulled the trigger given how well my M12 tools work.
David
M12, Ryobi, and Dewalt 20v is what I’ve ended up with. M12 for sheer portability, Ryobi for all the things I use occasionally, want bang for the buck, or want specialized solutions for, and Dewalt just because I’m invested there.
I consider OPT a different category – and I think there’s a valid case for a gas replacement battery system. There I think the real coin flip is Ego vs. Greenworks, with Ego winning on ecosystem and Greenworks having some features in their 80v options that drove me there despite their overly complex ecosystem.
steve
As a ‘professional’ homeowner money being of no concern I would lean towards Dewalt for my core tools and Ryobi for the specialty pieces. For the longest time I wanted a set of M12, but the thicker grip, and inability to stand a driver up unless using a bigger battery turns me off. I find the Dewalt Atomic series with a smaller 1.5 or 2 amp battery fills that niche perfectly for me. That said my Ryobi impact driver (base model, no modes) has driven close to 1,000 6″-10″ Headlok screws building various retaining walls for gardens and raised patios and is still going strong!