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07-22-2017, 09:37 AM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Lithium Battery Tools
We are ready for a general upgrade to our cordless tools, and it seems like Lithium batteries are the way to go.
What brand do you have and are you happy with it?
Is the same battery able to work with a variety of tools from the same manufacturer's line-up, and who has the best range of other tools?
Using cordless drills as an example, this selection from Amazon reveals a range of options:
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...ithium+battery
I see some 20-volt DeWalts vs. 18-volts on others. Worth it for better performance?
Thanks for your thoughts!
Peter
PS -- Popular Mechanics recent review:
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...a3793/4292657/
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07-22-2017, 09:57 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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Peter,
I always buy Porter Cable when it counts and Black and Decker when it doesn't. Over my long life of buying battery tools, I found that the batteries die before the tool and you may or may not be able to buy replacement batteries with many brands. Forced upgrades. I have not owned Lithium tools long enough to test this problem. I tended to stay away from battery tools for anything other than drill/drivers and the like. Having said that, got a Lithium chain saw last year. Works well, battery charges fine. That is a 40v tool, most of my others are 18v.
Larry
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07-22-2017, 10:11 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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07-22-2017, 11:24 AM
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#4
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Rivet Master
1973 27' Overlander
Currently Looking...
Jupiter
, Florida
Join Date: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,060
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Look closely at warranties - some man'f provide LIFETIME warranties on the lithium power batteries IF you register with them in a timely fashion... I've found when seasons and years start flicking by like 30-minute TeeVee shows used to, it's nice to know the battery can be renewed without more money going out.
Hmnn, just checked, new fine print for RIDGID:
"Note: The RIDGID Lifetime Service Agreement is only available for eligible RIDGID tools purchased at THE HOME DEPOT."
And Milwaukee has gone to 2 or 3 years time period from date code of unit.
I have Milwaukee and RIDGID drills and drivers, very happy with them.
I also have the 20V B&D 'Matrix' drill system, bought a fast charger... and ended up with their 20V string trimmer and 20V leaf blower electric broom, four battery packs and use the blower to clear nuisance snow all winter by pocketing the extra batteries and can get paths, driveways and public sidewalks clean w/o hassle. The drill itself is kind of cheesy but is sure a good 'run it like you stole it' low cost general purpose drill... EDIT: Oh - and haven't lost a battery yet (knock on wood) in 5-ish years?
__________________
The days are short and the night is long and the stars go tumbling by.. . ~Airstream~
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07-22-2017, 11:41 AM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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Yes the B&D 40v, you already found the link for the other available tools. But, as I said I am not a big fan of rechargeable tools because you need a spare battery or you run out when you do not want to. Oh, you have to buy a fast charger or wait hours for the recharge.
Larry
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07-22-2017, 11:41 AM
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#6
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2 Rivet Member
2010 28' International
2005 30' Land Yacht 30 SL
Moose Jaw
, Saskatchewan
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 36
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Lithium batteries
Hi ; Higher the voltage the better if possible for the tool available with as many included batteries as offered in the kit, because yes the batteries still die defore the tool.
I have been purchasing new battery tech for 20 years, the lithium are currently the best...surprise .. surprise .
When we moved from farm into town the change from gas to battery began in earnest. Currently have a lawn mower - 2 batteries ; string trimer - 1 bat ; chain saw - 2 bat ; 2 drill/drivers - 1 each ; & multiple toy, kitchen applications , but will never get a vehicle - our northern climate would kill them . I bring everyone of them into the house in November - sigh !
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07-22-2017, 11:56 AM
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#7
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Ligonier
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 11
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Hi all,
I actually review tools for Fine Homebuilding magazine. Lithium ion is king. Ni cad is obsolete technology. I would stay away from any "homeowner" grade tools. They are garbage and the price difference to upgrade to pro tools is shrinking by the day. Black n decker is junk and although porter cable was great at one time it has sadly fallen to homeowner grade as well. I would recommend this kit
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee...2460/301547271
They are light and comfortable to use. The m12 fuel platform offers fantastic performance. I know the batteries seem small but they are more than adequate. I have 5 of these drills, two impacts and 12 batteries that we use to install clips for standing seam roofing. We get 12 hrs/charge with intense use and they have dropped them from the roof at least a 1/2 dozen times. The 18 and 20 volt stuff is only necessary for running larger tools like hammer drills and sawzalls where you need to approximate 15amps. Milwaukee also offers heated clothing for our northern climates. I wore the heated jacket ice fishing in Minnesota for 4 days in February. I was warm as toast. And no, I am not sponsored by Milwaukee, I just appreciate a fine tool that does what i need.
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07-22-2017, 11:59 AM
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#8
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Ligonier
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 11
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FYI, lithium ion batteries work best in cold temperatures and aren't affected by freezing. The old ni cads would freeze and be ruined.
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07-22-2017, 12:03 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2002 30' Classic S/O
Fleming Island
, Florida
Join Date: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,667
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My experience is varied:
My first cordless drill was a Makita, probably 15 or more years ago. The original battery (NiCd) is still working. If I take it out of the drill it will still be charged enough to do some work several months later. The contractor working on my house uses Makita and Bosch. Time is money to them; when a tool quits working on a job it is expensive downtime.
I bought a Dewalt cordless drill for my daughter to have when I go up there and have Daddy work to do. I'm not impressed with the battery life or its ability to hold a charge when not in use.
Several years ago I bought some of the early Ryobi tools - a kit with a Sawsall, a drill, a small circular saw, etc. It had NiMH batteries. They were awful. After a year or so I had to buy replacement batteries. They didn't last either. I recently got a Ryobi Lithium drill and it works well, so well that I bought another one to carry on the trailer. The batteries hold a charge well.
For quality I'd go with Makita or Bosch. For price I'd go with Ryobl. Depending on what's on sale, pick the better value.
Al
__________________
“You cannot reason someone out of a position they have not been reasoned into"
Al, K5TAN and Missy, N4RGO WBCCI 1322
2002 Classic 30 Slideout -S/OS #004
2013 Dodge 2500 Laramie 4x4 Megacab Cummins
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07-23-2017, 04:33 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Thanks for the replies. I will have time next week to do another round of research. Wondering if any manufacturer is going to start adding other functions/tools which can use the new lithium batteries, like table top lamps, spot lights, radios, phone/computer charging, and so forth.
Remember that other thread about the lithium battery jump start units?
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f449...rs-166767.html
What I am picturing here, about tools, is a core lithium battery which has a variety of functions, all-in-one. Will we see the batteries get larger and support a variety of uses, including jump starting a dead battery and vehicle? Of course they get heavier and less portable as the capacity increases, but there could be a range of sizes and longevity, letting the user pick the right ones for the right jobs.
Thanks for any further thoughts,
Peter
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07-23-2017, 04:51 AM
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#11
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.-. -...
2017 25' International
Niagara-on-the-Lake
, ON Canada
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,836
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You may want to look at Milwaukee M18 tools. They have a wide range of accessories that run from the 18v lithium batteries, from wet/dry vac, to work place flood lights, to radios, to hand-held flashlights and of course power tools. There is even heated jackets that operate from the battery.
There is a dual charger that will charge your battery from 12v cigarette port in your car and also from a 120v wall outlet. I use the right-angle drill with a socket adapter and 3/4" socket for operating the stabilizer jacks. (It is easier to hold than the regular style drill and can also drill a hole in a confined space.) I have other power tools that I use with the M18 battery but don't take camping with me. For accessories I have the led flashlight and an adapter that fits onto the battery with a USB port for charging my iPhone.
__________________
Ray B.
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07-23-2017, 05:45 AM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member
2010 28' International
2005 30' Land Yacht 30 SL
Moose Jaw
, Saskatchewan
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deezelcaddy
FYI, lithium ion batteries work best in cold temperatures and aren't affected by freezing. The old ni cads would freeze and be ruined.
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I'm assuming you didn't notice where I live?
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07-23-2017, 09:48 AM
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#13
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Thanks Ray for that great reference! Your link did not work for me so here is another one:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/system/m18
I have always been a big fan of Milwaukee, so will definitely look into this line. I still have 4 or so corded tools from decades ago, including a small jig saw that runs so smoothly that it feels like a little Singer sewing machine at work.
Wow, what an amazing range of tools and gadgets! Even a liquid transfer pump which could come in very handy for grey water disposal in the boondocks (as permitted).
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/2771-20
How long have they had this M18 lithium system on the market, and do you think it will "stay current" with the developing new battery technologies?
Thanks again,
Peter
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07-23-2017, 10:31 AM
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#14
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.-. -...
2017 25' International
Niagara-on-the-Lake
, ON Canada
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,836
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Milwaukee M18 Battery Tools
Quote:
Originally Posted by OTRA15
Thanks Ray for that great reference! Your link did not work for me so here is another one:
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/system/m18
I have always been a big fan of Milwaukee, so will definitely look into this line. I still have 4 or so corded tools from decades ago, including a small jig saw that runs so smoothly that it feels like a little Singer sewing machine at work.
Wow, what an amazing range of tools and gadgets! Even a liquid transfer pump which could come in very handy for grey water disposal in the boondocks (as permitted).
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/2771-20
How long have they had this M18 lithium system on the market, and do you think it will "stay current" with the developing new battery technologies?
Thanks again,
Peter
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I have been using this line of tools since about 2012. They have greatly expanded the tool selection that work with the M18 since I started with the wet/dry shop vac, circular saw, jig saw, sawmill, multi-tool, two drills and an impact driver. They are all powerful enough for anything I do and are contractor/mechanic quality. I went with Milwaukee at the time as they were the only one that had the dual 12v/120v charger and I needed to be able to charge the batteries on the sailboat while under way.
Because of the large customer base for this tool, I don't see them changing any time soon.
__________________
Ray B.
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07-23-2017, 12:09 PM
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#15
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB International
Trent Woods
, North Carolina
Join Date: May 2013
Posts: 3,120
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I was wrong. My shop cordless is a Milwaukee M18 drill/driver. I do not remember when I replaced my Porter Cable.
Larry
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07-23-2017, 12:27 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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I guess that seals the deal! Thanks Ray and Larry. I will check with our local tool store to see if they still carry Milwaukee. In the old days, they came pretty close to matching mail order prices, although some of you may not be old enough to have ordered things like this -- before the Internet . . . "mail order" . . . . ???
The range of M18 tools is really impressive.
Thanks again,
Peter
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07-23-2017, 12:32 PM
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#17
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Adventure.AS
I have been using this line of tools since about 2012.
. . .
Because of the large customer base for this tool, I don't see them changing any time soon.
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Just curious whether you recall them improving the battery since 2012, with a new chemistry or larger capacity maybe. I am hoping that any future changes would work with the same tools, even if the battery changes a bit.
Thanks again for the M18 lead.
Peter
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07-23-2017, 05:34 PM
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#18
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1 Rivet Member
Currently Looking...
Ligonier
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Popcornkid
I'm assuming you didn't notice where I live?
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Sorry, I posted a comment before this reply that would have set a tone that didn't make me sound like a dismissive jagoff. It never showed up for some reason.
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07-23-2017, 05:52 PM
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#19
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.-. -...
2017 25' International
Niagara-on-the-Lake
, ON Canada
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,836
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Quote:
Originally Posted by OTRA15
Just curious whether you recall them improving the battery since 2012, with a new chemistry or larger capacity maybe. I am hoping that any future changes would work with the same tools, even if the battery changes a bit.
Thanks again for the M18 lead.
Peter
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I don't think things have changed. I have the 2 of the RedLithium 2.0 and 1 of the XC 4.0. I see they have a photo on the website of a High Demand 9.0 (which I don't have.) I prefer to use the 2.0 for light jobs as it weighs less and charges quickly. I use the 4.0 in the circular saw and sawzall and shop vac.
__________________
Ray B.
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07-23-2017, 06:02 PM
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#20
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3 Rivet Member
2007 20' Safari SE
Camano Island
, Washington
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 103
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For what it is forth I have been using Makita or Bosch tools for a number of years and have found them very reliable, first the 9 volt nicad Makita and now the 18 volt Lith. Bosch. The Makita are still going and I still use them at times. The 18 volt Bosch have more power and the batteries last longer.
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