Which cordless tool will you upgrade this year? Or perhaps buy for the first time?
My thought process when planning out my tool purchases often comes down to 2 things. One: Does it offer capabilities my current tools lack? Two: Does it do something a LOT better?
Cost is also a factor, but I roll it into the other 2 considerations. I don’t shop for new tools unless I have the budget for new equipment.
I think that, if I didn’t already have a few samples on the test bench, a brushless impact driver would be at the top of my list. Or, if I used an impact wrench more often, that would be my top pick.
Why brushless?
Having multiple speed settings have spoiled me. It means fewer stripped screws and more control. I know, seasoned users rely on the trigger as their speed control. But I’m the kind of user that prefers having hard limits.
One day, maybe we’ll have a dial with more speed and torque modes, perhaps as many as a cordless drill has clutch settings.
Or maybe there will be more models like Milwaukee’s One-Key, which offers customizable presets.
Right now, these are my 2 favorite impacts:
Milwaukee Surge Hydraulic Impulse Driver
Hitachi Triple Anvil Impact Driver
That Hitachi is AMAZING!
If you have a 10-year old drill, or even a 5-year old model, a new cordless drill will be leaps and bounds better. Well, depending on what you choose.
Today’s compact cordless drills, and brushless models especially, are very, very good. And heavy duty models are pushing the torque and performance ceiling higher and higher.
I can’t use Makita’s new sub-compact 18V brushless drill without letting a few expletives fly. My only complaint so far is the sometimes hard to adjust clutch dial. Aside from that, the user experience is simply beautiful.
After that, I’m not sure.
WAIT! Let’s not forget about cordless miter saws!
I’m glad I’m not in the market for a cordless miter saw – which would I pick? Dewalt’s FlexVolt 12″ sliding miter saw is spectacular. Their 20V Max 7-1/4″ miter saw is quite nice too. There’s also a Milwaukee 10″ saw, and a smaller Ridgid saw.
The Dewalt options are my 2 favorites from the list.
With the FlexVolt, you can power the saw via a wall adapter, or connect 2 FlexVolt battery packs for 120V Max power. It’s a great sliding miter saw, and it features Dewalt’s shadow-casting LED guiding worklight system.
I need to pick up some dimensional lumber next weekend for a project. I can’t fit 8-foot boards in my SUV, and the max dimension I’ll need will be 4′, maybe 5′. If I don’t ask the store to cut the boards, I make some quick cuts in the parking lot with a cordless circular saw and simple support. But the Dewalt 20V Max miter saw is compact enough to use instead.
So those are the 3 cordless tools I’d upgrade to. What about you?