I'm looking at buying my own set of power tools, and it seems that Ryobi and Bauer are both pretty good at entry-level power tools that stand up to actual use. Plus, they 're the only good ones in my budget wheelhouse.
I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience with the tools I plan to buy.
I'd like to check them out first--which I can't do with Ryobi as my nearest HD is over an hour away (closer to an hour and a half). Bauer I can as my nearest Harbor Freight is not even a half-hour away. Another note I'd like to make is that ordering the set from Home Depot is a no-go right now, as we've had some issues involving right-of-ways and receiving oversize packages. So, I may end up having to have a neighbor accept the package for me; or will end up traveling with relatives next time they to go Christiansburg or Bristol on a shopping trip so I can buy the set in person.
I've been looking at this set from Home Depot for $220 (plus sales tax, which will be either 5 or 9 percent depending on which HD I go to--as one is in TN, I think). Strangely enough, there's like 3 variants with the same tools, and the one with the bits is cheaper than those without.
The problem I have with the combi is all the extra hassle I have to get to get my hands on it.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-ONE-18V-Cordless-6-Tool-Combo-Kit-with-1-5-Ah-and-4-0-Ah-Batteries-Charger-and-65-Piece-Drill-and-Impact-Drive-Kit-PCL1600K2-A986501/320243671Harbor Freight currently has a coupon for their 20V Bauer Drill/Driver combo bringing it down to $47 that includes the charger and battery; and another coupon for 2 1.5AH batteries for $40
Here is the Bauer combo I have in mind. My math puts it at $203 plus sales tax of 7% (WV). $243 if I count the impact, or $268 counting the inflator.
The driver:
https://www.harborfreight.com/brands/bauer/drills/20v-cordless-12-in-hammer-drilldriver-kit-64756.htmlOscillating Tool
Sawzall
https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-brushless-cordless-reciprocating-saw-tool-only-58075.htmlhttps://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/9fc4a8332f9638515cd199dd0f9238da/6/4/64756_W3.jpgThe impact is an extra $40, but something I'm thinking about buying along with these.
https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-brushless-cordless-14-in-hex-3-speed-impact-driver-tool-only-58847.htmlI talked with my grandfather, and he said he'd buy the inflator if I bought the rest of the set. That will save a lot of swear words; either in dealing with the slow inflator on the jump starter, or having to drag out air hoses.
https://www.harborfreight.com/20v-cordless-0-160-psi-inflator-tool-only-56546.htmlIn my opinion, the Ryobi set alone as a package deal is a better value for the money, but a pain in the rear to get my hands on. Seems that each of the Bauer tools I selected specs out a little better than their counterparts in the Ryobi se, and seem heavier duty. Bauer batteries are a little cheaper, and of course, it's MUCH easier for me to buy everything in store; and I can piece it together over time (currently, going with just the driver and batteries, which are the ones on sale, is easily affordable right now; and will save me hassle on some upcoming projects); which means a lot less cash at one go. Ryobi and Bauer both seem to have comparable selections of things like chainsaws, inflators, vacuums, and blowers that run on the same batteries as well.
I also noticed that adding an inflator and extra 1.5Ah battery to the Ryobi set up made it MUCH more expensive than Harbor Freight; bringing to $370.