Cordless power tools, Anyone use em on a regular basis? Options

[ZRT]

Long story short... My mom wants a weed whacker for around her place that's lite, so I started researching cordless ones. I came across an 18v Ryobi that uses the same batteries from their One+ tools that has pretty good reviews. (battery/charger doesn't come with it)

Well, now I want one too and in my search for a battery/charger I started taking a serious look at some other cordless tools like their skill saws (circular), and saw zalls (reciprocating) and was wondering if anyone uses them on a regular basis and how they like em? These would only be for lite to moderate use, and I already have all the saws I need but the cords are a pain... Also is it worth the extra money for the lithium batteries over the regular ones?

Here's one of the combo kits I was looking at. It's reconditioned, but comes with the Ryobi warranty and is a 100+ plus cheaper than new from Home Depot.

[F7 Possum]

Thats a steal. I have Rigid and it sucks. I started out with 3 batteris and I only have one now, I only use it around the house though. In the constuction feild we always used dewalt, ridgid and milwakee but they all broke within a short time. So is there a good one ?? the only thing that really breaks is the batteries. The tools themselves work for along time without repairing. The referbished onoes will probably last longer than the new ones because they fixed what already broke.

[polaris bob]

I have the New Makita Li-ion drill/ impact driver combo and so far love the thing. Lite as all get out, weights less than my 12v Dewalt drill and has more drilling power than a 18v drill. 15 minute charge time is really nice for when it runs dry out in the field.

[ZRT]

I ended up buying the Ryobi Lithium combo...


They're no Makita, but so far with the little I've used em and the price, I'm impressed.

[polaris bob]

I ended up buying the Ryobi Lithium combo...


They're no Makita, but so far with the little I've used em and the price, I'm impressed.

Thats a nice set up. I'm sure your gonna love them.

[mxzeatr]

My Dad and I beat the living shit out of stuff like this. It's hard to beat the reliability and dependability of Dewalt's stuff. We have some Makitas but they can't take the abuse the Dewalts do...He's going to try some Ryobi stuff next go around just because of the price, he said he won't feel as bad when the drill hits the ground off the ladder or roof....We try not too, but if it's the drill or you...well the drill goes!

I have a 14.4 dewalt drill XRP and it's been used and abused for 7 years or so now, and yep both batteries were replaced about two years ago, but never a hiccup!!!!

They make a kick ass 8 1/4" circular saw and 12" compound miter saw too....

[Arcticrider]

My Dad and I beat the living shit out of stuff like this. It's hard to beat the reliability and dependability of Dewalt's stuff. We have some Makitas but they can't take the abuse the Dewalts do...He's going to try some Ryobi stuff next go around just because of the price, he said he won't feel as bad when the drill hits the ground off the ladder or roof....We try not too, but if it's the drill or you...well the drill goes!

I have a 14.4 dewalt drill XRP and it's been used and abused for 7 years or so now, and yep both batteries were replaced about two years ago, but never a hiccup!!!!

They make a kick ass 8 1/4" circular saw and 12" compound miter saw too....

I agree, DeWalt does make the best cordless tools, I also use these tools very reguraly and guy's that I work with have the ryobi sets and more often than not he is grabbing my tools to work because his does not last! I have had the same drill and he is on his third set. I have had the batteries rebuilt and I have purchased several new ones, but they all work still and last longer than expected. The drill is still running and I have many of the 18 volt tools for a large arrangement of tools. Thats why I have so many batteries. I hope this helps!

[IndianRvrShiver]

Expect to replace batteries every 3 years......that's been the case on my Ryobi drill/driver.
Batts will never replace my Bosch hammer drill, Dewalt jigsaw, Milwaukee die grinder, etc....I'll deal with cords!!

[Hellbilly]

Ridgid offers lifetime warranty on there batteries. Owning a remodeling company i have used ridgid tools for the last 3 years and they have out performed my bosch tools. I only buy ridgid now. Ryobi tools are only a step up from black and decker. Not saying there bad, if you only use it once a month then you could justify it.

[dillon2]

I bought the ryobi kit 5 years ago and its still going strong. I do hvac for a living and these tools get used/abused daily. Have yet to have a problem.