Value for money tools

[gasmanrob]

Every now and again someone pops in asking for drill advice on a tight budget or apprentices looking to grow a tool collection trawling through the clearance sections on a few websites and noticed 18v 4ah li on Bosch drill and impact driver kits going for reasonable rates.

ok it's not makita or Milwaukee but you're still getting a good tool for a price that won't break the bank.

 

[Gray0689]

Makita not bad Milwaukee are crap

 

[gasmanrob]

What has made you're mind up on that?

I'm a makita man at present but the new fuel nitro has really been geared towards the hvac industry so really looking closely at it, people rave about it but I'm also aware of many complaints over reliability my next door neighbour has sent his impact wrench back 3 times in12 months and received a brand new one each time..

Dewalt isn't all that my 4 year old makita still out performs their latest high power offering but they are priced competitively.

 

[joni os]

Used to always go for Makita, but if they don't improve their 18volt batteries I will be looking elsewhere.

 

[gasmanrob]

Used to always go for Makita, but if they don't improve their 18volt batteries I will be looking elsewhere.

Very true

 

[hammers4spanner]

Transferred from dewalt then to makita now milwaukee the latest from the latter imo blasts away anything the others have to offer.

My only gripe is the battery charge time.

If you skint pop down lidls on tool day .

 

[Fallon1982]

I've used Makita for years and always been happy with there gear. Want to get a little 10v drill driver and thinking about trying out the Milwaukee version as its meant to be mustard.

 

[plumben]

Personally I'm a Dewalt fan, although I find once you've got one set of batteries your not going to go with a different brand,
But when it doesn't matter as in corded tools ill just go for best performance and price before buying,

But theres some good deals on used gear if your on a tight budget

 

[SimonG]

On the cordless I had bosch, twice, only lasted just over 12 months each. Then dewalt, lasted well, in the garage somewhere. Now milwaukee, about 4 years old, impact driver takes a load of hammer, but the combi drill is on its way out. Speeds varying and a distinct electrical burning smell.
Also have a little pistol grip bosch screwdriver, handy for boards or removing screws from cabinets etc.

On the coring side I have a makita 8406, apart from the screw I had to melt into the trigger to get it to run, its old but keeps on ticking.

Corded I currently have a bosch sds, it was on special 3 years ago. Runs well. Before that I bought a cheap one that lasted about 4 years before it dropped to bits.

 

[AWheating]

I tend to circle between manufacturers but I have 3 decent sets of cordless tools. A fullish set of dewalt 18v XR, a set of milwaukee v/m28, a set of milwaukee M12.

I also have makita, bosch and porter cable stuff amount others.

I believe bosch power tools have the least returns under warranty.