And above all, I don't want to be out-smurfed in the battery department. That is, I don't want to find the batteries smurfing out on me after minimal use.
Ryobi makes a big deal of all their tools running the same battery so whatever tool you have will take the same battery so they don't always include batteries with their tools.
I am generally happy with Black and Decker
My partner picked me up a Ryobi circular saw and drill/driver which have been very nice to use. I appreciate the battery can be used across their line of tools. If you can get them on sale which she did I find them good for the occasional DIY home use.
The Toolguyd website has a lot of great info.
Quite a few cordless tools are now coming out with brushless motors. These are supposed to be more efficient (last longer for same battery) and/or more powerful. If it is a tool that I'm going to be using for multiple hours at a time then ergonomics and robust reliability becomes more important than price and perceived "prestige".
Another vote for Ryobi. Love that their batteries can be used on anything Ryobi. I have a cordless drill, a reciprocating saw, a leaf blower, and a weed eater. I never run out of batteries, just make sure each tool you buy comes with its own battery. I have noticed they now sell some of the tools without, necessitating a separate purchase for the batteries...which sucks.
I might be alone in this, but I actually want a corded connection that fits in the battery bay. That way the tools can be corded for work where mobility is less of a concern, and one can use batteries when mobility is needed - without wearing down the batteries when it is not. Bosch, do you listen?
That isn't too common but seems like a good idea (but there are probably good reasons why it isn't done much, such as the whole tool would need to be made to mains voltage safety standards).
The tool wouldn't need to (or be able to) receive more than normal battery power. The converter could either be in the space normally occupied by the battery, or less elegant, in a box by the power outlet. (Like so many other things powered by mains but using low voltage DC).Maybe I should just make one myself instead of waiting for Bosch. They sure have provided me with lots of spent batteries over the years.
I'm sure I've seen quite a few frankenstein mains to low voltage setups by various people over the years. You might have to dismantle an old battery pack to get the right connection for your tool/s, but plug in the output from a low voltage DC source and you're away. Just make sure the DC source can provide enough current (some tools use a surprising high amperage when working hard).
Right up my alley. Worked in a tool store for 3 years. Absolutely nothing wrong with Ryobi, they are a powerhouse in the home tool market and even some contractors favor their lineup, cheaper to replace when stolen or burned up. Their selection, availability, and price point have dominanted the market. Marketing geniuses as well, much stronger Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram presence for sure. Stanley black and decker owns DeWalt, Craftsman, and Porter Cable power tools. They are discontinuing Porter Cable and revamping Craftsman since Lowe's now owns the name, and people live the name. I went with DeWalt, as they tend to favor carpentry tools, while Milwaukee's M12 line can't be beat for electrical, plumbing, and mechanic tools, the battery is just too convenient.Lowe's has also released "Flex", which will replace the Kobalt electrical tools. Which ever brand you go with, be sure to pick up a 1/4" impact driver. You'll never drive a screw with a drill again. (Image removed from quote.)