Tool advice needed. Are these good? Which set?

[djheater]

I'm in a new house and it needs some work we plan on doing a lot of it ourselves and since I've always rented I need to lay down for some tools. I've already got a light use drill but that's it. Could some of yo utool savvy folks take a look at these two packages and tell me if they're a waste? Thanks.

DeWalt DW5KIT-2 18-Volt XRP 1/2" Drill/Driver/Hammerdrill, Reciprocating Saw, Circular Saw, Jig Saw, and Flexible Floodlight Kit

Bosch 93618HDCRF-J 18V Brute Tough Combo Kit with Bonus Jigsaw

I do realize the inherent limitations of cordless. I know I won't be framing any additions with this toolset, but for basic work I think these will fit the bill. I'll probably have to wait till next year, but I'd like to pick up a medium quality table saw and compound mitre saw for a potential future deck.

Thanks for looking let me know what you think, or if I'm way off base and should get something entirely different.

 

[djheater]

{{bump}}
to counteract the forum quicksand

 

[wetobasura]

Ive always been a Makita fan for the cordless stuff, but DeWalt is definetly a close second. Dunno anything about the Bosch tools, but generally Bosch is a good name.

 

[DrPizza]

Two fine brands... I would bet that you could get non-cordless tools for less money, of equal or better quality. BTW, just a thought for you.... When you're using the floodlight to illuminate your work area, uh, what are you going to use as a tool? Okay, 2 batteries... but on a lengthy projects, you'd normally have one charging while you were using the other.

As far as cordless goes, however, definitely get a cordless drill. As far as circular saw, reciprocating saw, jig saw, you probably won't use them enough for cordless to be worth it. I haven't used a cordless circular saw before, but it seems that they'd wipe out a battery pretty quickly on a larger project.

And, lastly, don't skimp on the quality of the accesories... get good quality drill bits, saw blades, etc. They're usually worth it in the long run. (ie, don't get the 20 drill bits for a dollar deals.. they'll wear out before you finish 3 holes.)

 

[djheater]

any other opinions?

 

[tomwolfman]

i'd agree with the last poster ,there's quite a lot of charging with that stuff ,i'm an electrician myself and most carpenters i know use all electric except the battery drill.not enough power in a battery circular saw to do any worthwhile work.bosch make great stuff.i would recommend a professional 24v drill(gre/vre models 15 min charge)they are so handy for masonry working off ladders etc and also a small drill/driver thats comfortable in the hand for fixing screws

 

[raptor13]

Since I work for Bosch, I have to be loyal. Plus, Bosch makes awesome power tools. I, personally, would buy Bosch over any other brand if possible. As others mentioned, though, you might want to consider getting corded versions of everything but the drill. You'll get more power and won't rip through batteries with your saws. Or just buy 30 batteries and chargers. Whatever.






Did I mention I get a 50+% discount on Bosch tools and appliances?

 

[T2T III]

$600 will buy a nice assortment of corded tools. It's not every day that someone needs a reciprocating saw (unless you truly need it) - and you might consider just renting one as needed.

I have a Makita circular saw with an aluminum plate that rocks. Craftsman mitre saw w/laser tracking, etc. The only cordless tool that I have is my Craftsman 16.8V drill - which also works great. I've used and abused this thing for the past 2+ years and it still keeps on chugging along.

 

[tomwolfman]

24v drill
i have one and it's the most useful tool i ever bought

 

[Barrak]

Have to agree with getting corded instead of battery. We have 19v cordless tools (circular and recipricating) at work and they just don't have much power to them. They choke on anything bigger than a 2x4. Even the drill I would consider getting corded since you already have a cordless drill. If your using it as a hammerdrill and trying to go through concrete, I am not sure how well it will do. The Jig saw might be ok cordless, I dunno

As far as brand, I always go Dewalt for my power tools, never had problems and I abuse the hell out of them.

Good luck

 

[compudog]

Yep, everyone said it. Cordless tools are convenient, but just don't stand the test of time (regardless of brand.) Go with corded saws and get a cordless drill/light kit with 2 batteries and charger. I have used Bosch (excellent), Makita (Very good), Milwaukee (very good if German made), Dewalt (very good) and Porter-Cable (fair) cordless drills. Good luck with the new home djheater!

 

[Ornery]

I prefer the Milwaukee tools, but there's quite a deal available on Ridgid cordless tools. They'll give you a lifetime warranty on the tools INCLUDING BATTERY, if you purchase before December 30th.

More info in this topic.

A free battery for life is hard to top, but it will only work with the Ridgid tools. I really don't care for their reciprocating saw, compared to Milwaukee's Sawzalls.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: djheater

Bosch 93618HDCRF-J 18V Brute Tough Combo Kit with Bonus Jigsaw

Ok. update. I went with the bosch, they're giving away a free corded circular saw (Christmas present or ebay maybe) and 15 minute charger.

I read a lot of reviews and talked to a couple of guys who've worked with them in professional environments and they're happy with them for what they are. They all agree that corded deliver more bang for the buck with more consistency, but I'm stuck on cordless. Again I'm not putting on any additions just basic remodeling I can afford to take my time with.

Kinda makes you wonder why I even asked doesn't it?

 

[Pepsi90919]

start with Undertow, then Aenima. then i'd recommend picking up Opiate if you're adverturous, and of course Lateralus. check out A Perfect Circle as well.

 

[compudog]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
start with Undertow, then Aenima. then i'd recommend picking up Opiate if you're adverturous, and of course Lateralus. check out A Perfect Circle as well.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot??????

 

[NogginBoink]

Originally posted by: djheater
any other opinions?

As a matter of fact, yes.

I'll agree that cordless just sounds wrong for stuff like circular saws. Get a corded one.

I disagree that it's necessary to buy "Good" tools. Sometimes, a cheap piece of junk is perfectly sufficient for the job at hand. If you're a homebuilder, of course you want high quality, durable tools. But if you're doing a one-off project, Chaiwanese tools will do the job for you at a lot less cost.

 

[Lvis]

Either of those is good choice. I probably would have gone with dewalt, though.

The cordless saws work very well. Just don't use them for two by fours. Light weight stuff, like doing trim work, they do a very good job at.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: compudog

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
start with Undertow, then Aenima. then i'd recommend picking up Opiate if you're adverturous, and of course Lateralus. check out A Perfect Circle as well.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot??????

He's talking about the band "Tool".

 

[compudog]

Originally posted by: Howard

Originally posted by: compudog

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
start with Undertow, then Aenima. then i'd recommend picking up Opiate if you're adverturous, and of course Lateralus. check out A Perfect Circle as well.

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot??????

He's talking about the band "Tool".

Thank you Howard for pointing that out. I guess I am a "tool" for not making the connection...

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: L vis
Either of those is good choice. I probably would have gone with dewalt, though.

The cordless saws work very well. Just don't use them for two by fours. Light weight stuff, like doing trim work, they do a very good job at.

I've heard this often. A number of reviews I've read state that the tools and specifically these tools CAN do the job the worst problem they exhibit is becoming underpowered as the charge drops.

I'm putting a roof vent for a range hood in as soon as I get them, I have to go through two ceilings a floor and a roof with that reciprocating saw so I'll update the thread and let you know the 411.

 

[Ornery]

Originally posted by: djheater

Originally posted by: djheater

Bosch 93618HDCRF-J 18V Brute Tough Combo Kit with Bonus Jigsaw

Ok. update. I went with the bosch, they're giving away a free corded circular saw (Christmas present or ebay maybe) and 15 minute charger.

I read a lot of reviews and talked to a couple of guys who've worked with them in professional environments and they're happy with them for what they are. They all agree that corded deliver more bang for the buck with more consistency, but I'm stuck on cordless. Again I'm not putting on any additions just basic remodeling I can afford to take my time with.

Kinda makes you wonder why I even asked doesn't it?

Since you're not inclined to take Ridgid up on their lifetime warranty offer, you might want to consider the Milwaukee stuff. That Ridgid deal is hard to pass up, because those batteries are EXPENSIVE! To have them replaced for life is quite the hot deal. The down side is that you'd be using Ridgid's flaky recipricating saw, instead of the slickest one on the planet!

If you change your mind (these tools will be with you for decades), you can get Milwaukee's 0923-25 Combo Kit for $529.00 +$29.00 shipping, from Northwest Power Tools. I would suggest taking that price to Jim & Slim's Tool Supply, where they will not only match that price, but ship it for free! It's a LOT of money to spend, but these are no compromise tools, and they will be with you for a LONG time.