Quote:
Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver
18 and 20v lithium ion are the same, there is no real difference between the two. That's why Dewalt calls them 20v max.
|
Correct. 18 and 20 volt are the same. Companies became aware they could call 18v "20v" due to a way voltage is measured, and used the opportunity to create an entire new line of tools (each brand with their own proprietary battery) to get consumers to "upgrade" their entire set of tools. Pretty deceptive and very annoying.
Quote:
Originally Posted by HiJoeSilver
Little known and done intentionally by the company, Black and Decker owns Dewalt. You will never see the two names together on advertising or marketing.
|
Black and Decker also owns Porter Cable. Some say the quality of both both Dewalt and Porter Cable diminished when they were purchased by B&D. Others insist that nothing changed.
I took apart all my old Black and Decker and Porter Cable NiCad batteries and made adapters (the top part of the battery that attaches to the tool) that allow using Porter Cable lithium ion batteries on all my tools (even the Black and Decker ones). To sort of "prove" the whole 18v/20v thing, I can use either version with any tool.
I also have Milwaukee and Hitachi (now Metabo). It's a pain in the keester having so many batteries and chargers.
In the end, the mileage I get out of any of the "top" brands (Dewalt, Porter Cable, Milwaukee) seems to be better than the next tier down (B&D, Ryobi, etc.) Things are different when you start talking about "bigger" (not battery) tools, however, and I would say that Dewalt and Milwaukee are more "contractor grade" in that category.
My dad used to have all Makita cordless, but they are out of my price range, and don't seem *as* superior to the new 18v tools from other brands.
Also, remember when Craftsman was the *best?* Those days are long gone.