Basic power tools - battery or plug in?

[pete6032]

I need to buy some basic power tools for home improvement. I already have an impact driver and drill from Ryobi using the Ryobi ONE platform. I was thinking about buying a jigsaw, sawzall, circular saw. Should I buy these as battery powered or get plug in versions? I need these tools for some basic tasks like framing a small part of drywall, putting up some shelves, cutting trim, etc.

 

[iRONic]

I live in a 1500 square-foot house on a half acre piece of property.

The lions share of my tools are all Makita lithium LXT18 V battery powered. 2 are 3amp, 2 are 5amp:

Drill
Impact
Circular saw
Weed eater
Sawzall
Hedge trimmer
Flashlight
Mini blower

The corded tools are:

Oscillating multi tool
Pancake compressor
Shop vac

Edit : Here’s a pic

 

[Greenman]

Cordless tools are the way to go. I have a respectable collection of them.

 

[[DHT]Osiris]

Generally, cordless. I will say that having an inexpensive/weaker powered hand drill will give you some limitations when it comes to larger-scale stuff, like decking. I have a plug-in drill for dealing with stuff like that.

 

[pete6032]

Thanks. I need to do some tiling in the kitchen, reframe a small amount of drywall, and install some new trim on some walls. What tools would you recommend of these tasks? Should I get a combination mitre saw? What else?

 

[Greenman]

Thanks. I need to do some tiling in the kitchen, reframe a small amount of drywall, and install some new trim on some walls. What tools would you recommend of these tasks? Should I get a combination mitre saw? What else?

Tile requires a snap cutter at the very least, wet saw is a better option.
I have no idea how one would "reframe drywall", so I have no idea what equipment would be used to accomplish the task.
Easy way to cut trim is a miter saw.

 

[mindless1]

Get cordless if you will use it often enough, where you need to be more mobile, that the price premium for same build quality is worthwhile.

Impact driver and drill are two frequently used items where it makes a lot of sense. I would not get a Ryobi cordless circular saw for home use, the sawzall only if you would also use it for garden/pruning (which is a great use BTW), and jigsaw, I never saw the need to add a cordless with my corded working well. I mean this in context, I do have a few Ryobi 18V tools.

Doing drywall, I imagine a rotary tool like their P531 (if they don't have a newer version now) could be handy but for a one-time event, I don't see the real benefit to spend more for a lighter duty tool in order to avoid a cord where you don't have a hassle using one.

It also depends on the specifics, of which Ryobi cordless tier you're talking about, versus what the corded option would be. I have no problem using Ryobi's low end impact driver but I wouldn't get their lower tier drill, sawzall, or much else over their higher model # offerings of same type tool. That doesn't necessarily mean brushed versus brushless, that is a different conversation... though with each passing day it is more and more about brushless since their newer high end models are now mostly brushless. Ignoring internet sales, you get what you pay for.

 

[Greenman]

I had no idea Ryobi had different tiers of tools.

 

[mindless1]

You often find the lower tier stuff in their multi-tool bundles, though they now have some bundles with their higher tier too, and now so many models that it's getting hard to keep track of them all, not even counting the old blue models.

Here's a lower tier bundle:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-O...-1-5-Ah-Battery-and-Charger-PCK100K/313581566


In that bundle, this is their current generation, lower tier recip saw:

RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool-Only) P519 - The Home Depot

RYOBI introduces the 18-Volt ONE+ Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool-Only). This saw delivers better productivity with up to 3,400 SPM and 60% faster cutting. An easy blade change lever and a lock-off button

www.homedepot.com

Here is what looks like their current gen higher tier recip saw:

RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless Reciprocating Saw (Tool Only) PBLRS01B - The Home Depot

The RYOBI 18V ONE+ HP Brushless line of products is redefining power and performance. The 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Reciprocating Saw features a brushless motor, which provides 64% faster cutting and delivers

www.homedepot.com

I got mine a couple generations ago, at the time their higher tier was the P517:

18V ONE+™ brushless reciprocating saw - RYOBI Tools

18V ONE+™ brushless reciprocating saw

www.ryobitools.com

Low tier impact driver: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-1-4-in-Impact-Driver-Tool-Only-P235AB/315424286

High tier impact driver: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-O...de-Impact-Driver-Tool-Only-PBLID02B/314109535

Then the lines blur because they've got older models still in the market and a new compact driver: https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-O...in-Impact-Driver-Tool-Only-PSBID01B/313699030

I'm using the term higher tier loosely, relative only to Ryobi, as they are often better than a contractor grade brand's lower tier but not as good as contractor grade high tier... as would be expected since TTI also makes Milwaukee. There's a lot of info on Ryobi's tools on this site but unfortunately does not include release or production dates:

toolboy's Corner: Ryobi 18v Tools

 

[BoomerD]

I stumbled onto a sale at Home Depot ~20 years back. I got 2 multi-tool sets of the blue Ni-Cd Ryobi tools for less than $100 per set. Turns out...that was overpriced for the quality. (to the best of my rememberance) each set had a drill/driver, reciprocating saw, 5" circular saw, saber saw, and chain saw...plus the usual worthless flashlight, charger, and 2 batteries.
Within 1 year, both circular saws had exploded while cutting 3/4" plywood, one of the recip saws had fallen apart, the other was in its way, neither of the saber saws could cut a straight line due to poor quality parts...and I'm just a home owner, not a contractor. IME, their stuff is junk...

Never again. Ridgid is the cheapest cordless tools I'll buy after that. I LIKE Dewalt...but I only have a cordless weed whacker and 20v chain saw for beach use. Milwaukee is good as well, but having two separate platforms is enough. (Ridgid and Dewalt)

 

[mindless1]

^ Things have changed since then. Most if not all Ridgid cordless tools are also made by TTI, are similar in construction and performance to Ryobi's mid to higher tier tools. Ryobi didn't really have as much tier difference back in the blue color era.

If you're getting a combo pack of any brand for $100 or less, or even a single tool with battery & charger, it's not going to handle the same jobs.

I like Dewalt too but for about the same price point, Dewalt's aren't much different than Ryobi's. You have to about double the cost for a significantly better Dewalt, which is then above any tier that Ryobi makes. For example a $160 Ryobi P251 brushless hammer drill kit vs $300 DCD996/998/etc from Dewalt.

Edit: I think Ryobi may now have a newer HP hammer drill with more performance than their P251, but still can't match Dewalt's high end.

 

[iRONic]

Porter Cable-Dewalt-Wen woot Sale

 

[iRONic]

More battery & corded tools @ woot

 

[iRONic]

Oooh, Porter Cable Sale

 

[evident]

Ryobi 18V brushless tools are great. If you want to step up one level, Milwaukee is excellent. I suspect Ryobi will fit your needs 100%

 

[NutBucket]

Since you're really buying into a battery system the key is variety and availability.

Porter Cable and Ryobi (brushed) are about equal however Ryobi obviously has a huge model lineup and is readily available at The Depot. Lowe's used to to carry P-C (I bought a set about 8 years ago). For homeowner use I'd go with Ryobi.

 

[Motostu]

I bought a set of Ryobi almost 20 years ago that I still use; it's great they've maintained support for the same battery interface for so long. For perspective, when I bought the set, it came with NiCad batteries...lithium ion batteries were essentially a drop-in replacement (along with a new charger). The only tool that has failed on me in that time is the drill, but I used/abused it for years before it died.

As others have said, Ryobi has a big selection of tools that use that One+ battery now. I've recently added an impact driver, an impact wrench, and hedge trimmers. The impact wrench has really impressed me so far.

Depending on how much you'd use it, I would consider a corded circular saw over a battery powered one.

 

[mindless1]

The thing about Porter Cable is they may not be around much longer. I'd add to an existing PC set already owned, to get more batteries while available but they are showing up at fewer stores, and SB&D (owner of both PC and Craftsman among others) doesn't really have a place in their lineup for PC after they bought Craftsman.

 

[NutBucket]

They definitely seem redundant at this point. Sad they used to make such great tools before being bought out and heading overseas.

 

[Greenman]

I'll toss in a vote for Ryobi as well. While I generally buy the best of the prosumer tools, I have four Ryobi tools that I purchased because I needed the tool right now and they were available. I didn't expect much, and was pleasantly surprised at how well they worked.

Sometimes there is one or two tools that force you into a particular system. For me that would be DeWalt electric finish nailers and their cordless sawsall. The sawsall is cheap, durable beyond any reasonable expectation, and the four way blade is so useful it should be the industry standard.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Cordless is way to go now days, the batteries have come a long way since nicad days, and once you have several batteries it's great as you can just buy more tools that all work with the same batteries. Since you already have Ryobi I'd probably stick with that but does not hurt to look at the higher end brands too like Milwaukee and Dewalt.

Whatever you go with though, you kind of want to look at their entire lineup to see what other tools you may want and which ones are better. I'm with Ryobi myself I must have a good 10 batteries now. I have an odd addiction to buying more when on sale even though I probably dont need anymore... lol.

Lot of platforms are also starting to have multiple voltage classes now too, so that's something to check on before you invest. Ryobi has their 18v line which is probably the most popular, but they also have a 40v line now.

For lawn and garden stuff I've started to get into the Greenworks 80v platform. I'm hoping they come out with a 2 stage snowblower, as I will get it. I already have the electric snow shovel and I used that more than my snowblower last year.

 

[Scarpozzi]

Ryobi tools are pretty good if you get a 3 or 4 amp/hr battery pack to run them. Adds to weight, but it makes the tools last on real jobs. I like having a cordless drill and an impact driver. Impact driver is hands down the most commonly used tool I own. I also own a Ryobi right angle drill for running cable through studs.

I read about the rotary tools for drywall. I bought a corded rotary tool and honestly, while it did work, it tries to run....must take a lot of practice to get good at that. I do much better with a keyhole saw.

Many tools just aren't needed....but these are the ones I think should be corded...I think you should have a corded circular saw. I bought a Kobalt compound mitre for cheap with a stand. My table saw is a compact DeWalt. I also have a corded hammer drill. I also have a Milwaukee reciprocating saw that's corded.

If you ever need to drill a hole using a hole saw in solid wood OR a masonry bit through concrete or block.....cordless will die.

 

[qiufavourite4]

Get cordless if you will use it often enough, where you need to be more mobile, that the price premium for same build quality is worthwhile.

Impact driver and drill are two frequently used items where it makes a lot of sense. I would not get a Ryobi cordless circular saw for home use, the sawzall only if you would also use it for garden/pruning (which is a great use BTW), and jigsaw, I never saw the need to add a cordless with my corded working well. I mean this in context, I do have a few Ryobi 18V tools.

Doing drywall, I imagine a rotary tool like their P531 (if they don't have a newer version now) could be handy but for a one-time event, I don't see the real benefit to spend more for a lighter duty tool in order to avoid a cord where you don't have a hassle using one.

It also depends on the specifics, of which Ryobi cordless tier you're talking about, versus what the corded option would be. I have no problem using Ryobi's low end impact driver but I wouldn't get their lower tier drill, sawzall, or much else over their higher model # offerings of same type tool. That doesn't necessarily mean brushed versus brushless, that is a different conversation... though with each passing day it is more and more about brushless since their newer high end models are now mostly brushless. Ignoring internet sales, you get what you pay for.

As you are not bound by the length of attached cords or depend on a secondary power source, a cordless tool offers much more flexibility. It is also convenient to use as you can run it in any direction without tangling cords or having restricted motion. So, these tools are much easier to manoeuvre. I am using the electric cordless tools with the https://www.amazon.com/smart-plug-wifi-plugs-alexa/dp/B09KTYH3MJ. I like that I can always keep them in the plug and activate the plug from my mobile phone when I need to work with the tools.

 

[pete6032]

I bought into the Ryobi system. Been very impressed with their cordless power tools. Cordless miter saw cuts through 2x4s like a hot knife through butter and the 4 AH batteries are great.

 

[mindless1]

^ I don't have their miter saw but (can't remember where...) saw some complaints that it had too much slop. Then again that could have been a few generations ago version of it.