I need:

- a sawzall
- an impact screwdriver (for deck assembly work)
- hammer drill
- perhaps later, an impact driver for lug nuts
- and maybe some more later ... (BTW I already have a 19.2V Nicd drill/driver)

Use will be light duty home renovation.

I think it's logical to buy the same brand that use the same batteries and charger. I'd like to have 2 batteries and a charger.

So...

Porter Cable OK? Craftsman? Or should I step up to Makita or Dewalt?
__________________

 

I have a "Green" Makita 18V lithium set with 1/2", drill 3/8" impact and 1/2" impact and love them! The batteries last way longer then anything I've ever used and the tools just feel and work great. I can't speak for the "White" stuff but have heard they are still great tools. I'm supplied Dewalt XRP at work and the tools just aren't on the same level as far as I'm concerned.

 

Check out the Craftsman C3 line-up. They even have battery powered leaf blowers.

 

Dewalt XRP and actual contractor level Dewalt are different from what I learned.

That said... I think my Dewalt stuff works great and a buddy uses it for his job everyday with success.

 

I have all of the tools you're looking for from Hitachi in 18v Li-ion, as well as a circular saw. I like them very much, not much more than PC but much better quality imo. I use them for general homeowner/DIY stuff like you're planning and they're plenty for me.

 

I have all Ryobi stuff. I really like them. Edit: My friend has two small makita's and they're awesome. Very handy.

 

I have owned Dewalt and Rigid in the past. My current tools are Makita (after using Makita tools at the shop). Love em, best cordless tools I've used.

 

I also have the Hitachi Lion set. I remember reading somewhere about Lion batteries among tools having different chemistries. You want the lithium manganese. I believe Hitachi and Dewalt use it. It is supposed to allow more charge cycles.

 

Milwaukee are amazing jumped to them for their cordless 1/2" impact then the other tools followed. Makita is a close second use them in the shop at work just seem to go through a set of batteries a year.

 

How much do you want to spend? There is a wide price range between Milwaukee and Ryobi...

 

I'm very happy with my new rigid impact and drill set. I chose rigid for the price and the lifetime service agreement. It was a great deal IMO.

 

DeWalt. It's what I have and love it. Sawzall, grinder, flashlight, impact gun, drill. I had a snap on before, but like the DeWalt better, much better. I have 6 batteries but only 4 chargers lol

 

No consensus.

Is Porter-Cable any good?

 

Asks about good brands.

Gets six suggestions.

Wants to know about seventh brand.

 

I was in the market a few months ago for a Li ion set. I ended up going with the Nicad porter cable set at lowes for $129. I could not be happier. Yes, they are heavier, but replacement batteries are cheap, and the tools work awesome

Drill, reciprocating saw, circular saw, and flashlight. I've used the drill and reciprocating saw a bunch and I'm impressed with the battery life. It replaced my Craftsman 18V Nicad drill.

If I used it every day for work, I'd go for Li ion for the weight savings. My occasional used made this kit a steal.

 

I bought the same kit as djp, and added an impact screwdriver. I've been satisfied with it, it's great for around the house jobs. If I had to make a living with my tools, I'd buy something else.

 

I rock this:



M18 Red Lithium 18-Volt Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit - Compact Drill / Impact Driver-2691-22 at The Home Depot

Worth every penny. Lithium batteries that charge from dead to full in like 15 minutes. Super super effing light.

Had one of these:



Which is a makita version of the Milwaukee. Piece of ****. Bought brand new, used six months and the charger died. Still have it, not willing to drop money on a new charger so it collects dust.

 

I've never found any thread, comparison, or review that could demonstrate any real difference by brand for this stuff. Maybe 20 years ago, but these days I expect they're all made in the same 2 or 3 factories anyway. Decide what features are important to you, narrow it down to specific sets, then look for the best deal. Fill out your warranty card.

 

I beat the hell out of two Milwaukee 1/2 " impacts.. I also have a big hammer drill and a rotary.

 

I have a 14v Skil drill and I've gone through 4 batteries. They dont hold a charge worth crap. it makes me flaccid.

I like deWalt.