To All,
I don’t know, so I’m asking.
There seems to be a lot of tool brand loyalties out here. Such as some guys love DeWalt (name the tool) while others wouldn’t keep one if given to them, etc. for other brands. Specifically, I’m interested in knowing the difference between battery-operated drill/drivers in the same voltage range with similar features. Why does a Bosch 12v cost more than a DeWalt 12v which cost more than a Makita 12v … Hardware wise they all seem about the same in that they’ll all outlast a couple of sets of batteries. So why does a Bosch cost upwards of $250 while a Ryobi costs $100 or more, less? How can Rigid demand top dollar when they don’t even have a history yet? The only conclusion I can come to is the batteries are a higher quality and last longer. But then again the batts. in the DeWalt I have don’t seem to last any longer than the Ryobi. (I mark the install date on them when initially put into use for comparison purposes) Also, is (are) the new metal hydride (?) much better than the NiCad’s? Is this where the difference is? I’m asking because my old Ryobi 12v gave up the ghost and I need to replace it. (I know, I know, Ryobi is considered a pos, but it worked as well as the Makita it replaced for over 10 years). I’ll spend the extra money for a good replacement but I’d like to know if there is a difference besides brand loyalty.
Dan
Replies
This is such a good question, and we all ask it when we stand there, comparing price to performance, I am responding because I want to see some of the wiser ones chime in.
Some of the cost has to do with the quality of the parts, the bearings etc....but then, look at Panasonic, hands down one of the better cordless drills, and it is competitively priced.
I use dewalt, I'm not a huge dewalt fan but I have to admit they are tough. Throw it..Drop it..leave it out in the rain..still works. I take pretty good care of my tools personally..but go thru a good bit of help and they can be hard on drivers.
Some of the difference in price can be from comparing one model which has just come out with another which is being phased out. Also, if merchant is pushing one brand, they may put another higher priced right beside it to make it look like a better deal than it really is.
BTW, Bosch just came out with a jobsite radio.
Now when will Makita get with the program?
Is the Bosch radio available yet? I've heard about it, but I haven't seen it in any stores or even on their website. Also, do you use any other Bosch tools? I'm curious especially about their cordless tools compared to others, like Dewalt or Milwaukee.
I think there's a TREMENDOUS amount of difference between different brans.
One of the main differences is batteries. The higher the amp-hours, the more expensive they are. This probably makes more difference than anything.
Another is the clutch. Some only have a few settings, some have up to 20.
Speeds is another Some only have one speed, others have 2 or 3.
Another is quality. The guts of some are made better than others. I've steered away from Makita, for instance, because my Brother's makita locked up on him before the batteries were shot.
Service is yet one more. Established companies that stand behind their stuff are worth something. It costs the company more so they charge more for their tools to make up for it.
At least that's my 2 cent's worth...
Exaggeration is a million times worse than understatement
"I think there's a TREMENDOUS amount of difference between different brans. "
I agree, Raisin Bran just does not do a much as All-bran<G>.
Kidding aside, all good points!
I dunno if there is all that much difference between brands or not. I thik some companies built their reps on some items such as mak for the cordless and milwaukie for the sawlzall and corded drills.
Darkworksite4:
Estamos ganando detrás el estado de Calif. Derrotando a un #### a la vez. DESEA VIVO LA REVOLUCIÓN
Last summer I was doing a deck.
My carp ran Ryobi cordless. I had a DeWalt electric and 2 Milwaukees, a 14.4 and a 18. I could swear my batteries lasted longer between charges than his did.
That being said ...
I have a hard time going way out of my way for a Panansonic, and I've never seen great service out here with the brand's other stuff, so when I started getting tools, I did not even consider them.
I started with Milwaukee and just stay with them. I've just ordered a new impact driver, 14.4, bare unit because I have Miluakee batteries and chargers. Why go to another brand, especially since I get good service and the repair facilities are close by me.
Mind you, I DETEST the lousy, horrible, disgusting keyless chucks on both the cordless drills - but not enough to trade in the drills on the new tork-loc units.Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
Good point. Quality and price are not the only considerations in a tool choice. Availability for both purchase and service are others.
Partial to Makita for cordless.
I have a decent selection of cordless tools in various voltages and vintages. I have never had a Makita tool fail yet (corded or cordless). In terms of drill/drivers, I have 3 Makita cordless drills, and an impact driver. The impact driver is probably the tool I use the most.
The main thing I have against Dewalt is that they are owned by Black and Decker. IMO, B&D manufactures products of miserable quality, from tools to household appliances. My personal B&D death count: 2 circular saws, 2 drills, 2 sanders, 1 jigsaw, 3 hedgetrimmers. I won't get into the appliances like those 'dustmakers'... Guilty by association!
OTOH, I own 2 very old B&D tools that are 30+ years old and going strong. They used to make good stuff!
Edited 2/6/2004 11:27:18 AM ET by csnow
I was at the international home show in Vegas about 2 weeks ago and after spending a good 2 hours at the Dewalt booth. I have determined that the Dewalt reps know nothing and there R&D guys are all about making a quick buck. Especially after seeing an article ranking Dewalt the #1 tool manufacturer but #12 in quality. I spent along time debating the NiCad/metal hydride batteries. The Dewalt R&D guy told me that metal hydride batteries are terrible for the environment and don't last as long as NiCad does. Tucking this little nugget away I visited the Panasonic booth (all major cordless tool manufacturers have there batteries supplied by Panasonic) I talked to a rep there and he told me that NiCad environmentally unfriendly substance. Four ounces of Cadmium is enough to kill a ten acre lake nothing survives which is why the European Union have Banned all NiCad batteries from being sold in any of the Union's countries. Metal hydride batteries are the front runner in amp hour ratings and number of screws driven. Panasonic and Makita are the only major cordless tool vendors selling Metal hydride batteries with there newer tools. It must be noted however that Panasonic is obviously going to keep the highest performing batteries for themselves and dole out last generation stuff to everyone else. Panasonic tools have come along way in the past 10 years and are very competitively priced. I have a bunch of Makita drills so it just made sense that I keep buying Makita but I may soon change my tune.
In the 2004 Tool Guide from Taunton Press has a good review on alot of drills.
Other things to consider....
Service-
What happens when it breaks? I have a Bosch, and I registered for their service program (free). Then while driving a screw, I smelled smoke and the drill/driver no longer had variable speed. (You don't know how much you actually use it til it's gone!).
I was disappointed, and dug out my 1993 Bosch to ready it for back up duty. I called Bosch, wasn't put on hold, and a HUMAN (!) talked with me. They sent a new one, and included a label to ship back the defective one. I had the UPS guy wait for a minute while I swapped units in and out. And they sent it 2 day. To me, that is worth something. No BS about going to a store or being without it.
System: What does the maunfacter offer that uses the same batteries and charger? No sense having 8 different battery systems!
Finally, I saw and played with the Bosch radio at the Vegas show. Neat unit. Includes a CD, tuner, aux input, (For my soon to get Sirrius Satelite receiver!) as well as a batt charger that will charge anything in their lineup, and will run the unit off the same battery if it isn't plugged in. Add a rugged case ot tubing, and a covered quad GFCI outlet setup, and it looks like they have a winner.Jake Gulick
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CarriageHouse Design
Black Rock, CT