Tool Brand Loyalty: Does it Even Matter?
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- čas přidán 14. 05. 2024
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I used to work as an engineer for DEWALT. I HATED our super fans for one and only one reason: even if we built a subpar tool, they loved it and would buy it. This means that management wouldn't let us improve the product. Squeeky wheels get the grease, and super fans shout over the squeeking of the wheel. Essentially, when people are blindly loyal, marketing wins out over engineering. Super fans KILL the brands they love. The fans who make lengthy CZcams videos detailing why my tools sucks makes me happy. This means management will give me the budget to fix the issue. My favorite customers are always on the verge of jumping to Milwaukee. Management should always be nervous about quality. The customers are a crucial part of a healthy product.
And that's why I love watching channels The Torque Test Channel, it lets us consumers see those tools squeaky wheels without the annoying fan bois noise.
@@TheUncleRuckus Also AvE, when he tears down brand new tools and talks mad smack about their build quality if he finds them wanting.
@@chaseweeks2708 and he's funny as hell.
I only own one DeWalt tool - a cordless 12V impact driver. It is not the the "top end" that DeWalt offered, but it's been a highly reliable and effective tool for over 10 years and I use it still today. I would never tell anyone not to get DeWalt.
I personally avoided DeWalt for political reasons (They support Trump) when I needed a new drill and went with Makita (Japanese made in China alas - it was also on sale that day!).
As I look at getting something else I could go with any of them - the whole "battery" base thing is more important for a tradesman, but is not as important for a DIYer. As such - get the same if possible but don't obsess over it.
CZcams influencers have a lot of effect on the weak minded, alas.
I was a huge DeWalt fan, untill my cordless framing nailer broke down. It lasted just the warranty time, and cost to get it fixed was same than buying a new one. Never abused it an serviced it as instructed. It just decided not to sink nails anymore. Then i bought Milwaukee framing nailer. Warranty went out long ago and still rocking. Every other tool i have is Makita. Will never buy another DeWalt.
We need to hear the 44 magnum story
That's the same comment I was going to make. I love listening to a good story teller telling a good story.
oh yeah.
The other person was Inspector Harold Francis Callahan
yeah what the hell? how do you just gloss over that!
Definitely gotta hear that story! Pray maintain speed and course!
My "loyalty" is to quality, not to some brand name that is bought and sold like any other commodity.
When the quality is no longer there, neither is my loyalty. It really is as simple as that.
Came here to say this. The purpose of a tool is to get the job done. Now we as humans like heuristics and shortcuts that reduce the amount of decisions and research we need to do. Brands take advantage of that. But yeah look at the ownership history of most tool brands and its a multinational corporation that is mining the brand for all the good will it has built up previously.
I 100% agree, but with the additional caveat of buying into a battery system for cordless tools. One can't deny that carries SOME weight in the decision-making process.
Why be loyal to them when they are not loyal to us?
I’m 22 years old and I work as a concrete laborer for a heavy highway construction company. I absolutely love your videos. A instructor in trade school used a couple of your videos for lecture. And I can’t stop watching them. The knowledge and wisdom that you provide is not just useful it’s helpful. It makes me love my work when I think back on it. I hope that as years pass I can become successful in the industry and be able to become as knowledgeable as you are to me for someone else.
I mean, with cordless tools it’s more about how much money have you put in the ecosystem. I started with a dewalt impact and then I thought: “man I need a jobsite fan, why not a dewalt fan since I have already have dewalt batteries” and then I jumped into that rabbit hole without realizing and havent come out of it since. But loyalty…….. not really.
Backing this up. I own a collection of Ridgid tools because I have a collection of Ridgid batteries from tools I bought 20 years ago, not because I have any loyalty to them. I should just invest in a set of battery adapters so I can just pick up the tools and batteries I want regardless of brand.
Same, especially after buying a bunch of the dewalt 5 and 6 AMP hour batteries. It’s cheaper to just buy another drill driver set than Replace those, now I have the hand held bandsaw, the multi tool, a few sets of drill, drivers, the 1/2” impact, I’m not brand loyal I m just too far down the rabbit hole
Yeah, battery compatibility is one BIG reason to stick with a brand.
Good episode
Same.
My dad was a journeymen carpenter and worked in the trades his entire life. His cordless tools were always Makita. They last. I ended up going the same direction probably due to his influence, but also because Makita is the last independent company that makes and sells power tools under its own brand. The rest are conglomerates with multiple brands, and companies. Corporate consolidation has created an oligopoly with most brands being made by just a few companies.
Same. When my grinder developed a rattle after years of use, the Makita service center replaced the broken bushing and power cord at no charge. I have to have a very good reason to buy a non-Makita power tool.
My first battery drill was a 9.6V Metabo from the eighties. Lasted a good 20 years. Replaced it with a set (drill and driver) of Makita tools. Lasted about five minutes. Absolute crap. The red batteries were the problem. Replaced with a set of lithium battery tools. The drill won't engage in second gear. My old Makita sabre saw, however, lasted about 30 years.
My dad gave me his old cordless Makita drill from the 80's - still worked until the old NiCad battery finally gave up the ghost.
Don't forget festool is still family owned.
Exact reason I chose Makita
It's worth knowing that most brands have a very wide array of versions of everything. You might think that buying Makita or Dewalt or whatever gets a certain quality, but they make 20 different cordless drills that all look similar, with varying levels of quality for different retailers.
They rely on the reputation generated by their high-end tools to help sell the cheap ones that aren't nearly as good.
Yeah, I learned that a few years ago. I kind of hate it too. Now you have to do research to know the quality even with in the same brand!
I'm a DIY weekend warrior. In my opinion, for cordless tools, the darn battery platforms hold more people "captive" than "loyal." I stubbornly held onto my old 18V XRP Dewalts for 10+ years because I didn't want to buy new tools + batteries + chargers. However, that all changed last year when I finally bit the bullet and bought a full set of Milwaukee Fuel. The power and speed that these new tools put out versus my old Dewalts is amazing. It's also incredible that I can now work for all or most of a day on a single battery per tool, which is something I haven't done since my old Dewalts were new.
Cords on tools are like an anti-theft device.
So true. IMHO, you also can’t beat the reliable, consistent power that a corded (or pneumatic) tool provides.
i get it, but you dont make any money running air and cord out day after day unless you have lacky$$$, Australian here! we are NOT winning at building houses, infarct %30 of builders are going under.....
@@mike_onevia6465 Cords are certainly an obstacle but I think we have bought into the mentality of a completely cordless job site. Stationary tools like a chop saw or table saw are not moving around a lot. Even specialty tools that are limited in their use might be better corded because of cost savings. Homeowners in their garage really don't need the portability and yet many replace good tools with cordless ones. The tools companies have made all of us feel that we need to replace everything to cordless and they are laughing all the way to the bank. I do like cordless for a lot of tools. Just not everything.
@@G.I.JeffsWorkbench Yes, consistently low power.
You haven't worked with higher end cordless tools lately if you think the corded tools have anywhere near as much power as the brushless cordless tools.
Honestly there is no comparison. That goes for most pneumatic tools too.
The pneumatic framing nailer and corded angle grinder reign supreme for prolonged use and dogging on all day @@davidparker9676
I always wipe or blow off the saw dust from my tools and put them away , my Dad and brothers taught me that when I was growing up watching them work and then they would have me clean the tools before putting them away
I don't know about all that, but running air into the motor intake and exhaust will absolutely extend the life of the motor otherwise covered in sawdust.
@@josephdestaubin7426 I still have my skill saw 15 years, craftsman 10 in miter saw 1998 and Craftsman 1996 10 in Radial arm saw still running and my other and power hand tools and air tools. even after I am done for the day and tired I clean my tools then take my shower. as we would say in the military " you take care of your equipment the equipment will take care of you"
Your Dad and brothers taught you a great lesson. When you’re done using your tools, clean them off and put them away and the next time you need one you’ll know where it’s at and that it’s ready to go.
@@Hoaxer51 I even clean my safety glasses and put them away.
The more pertinent question may be, how much loyalty does the tool brand I use or favor, have towards me the customer. "Right to Repair", after sales Service & Repair, Warranty, Battery Platform stability and accessibility, Accessories and Parts availability and price. Brand Loyalty appears to exist in only one direction these days.
So true
Old Porter Cable tools are bomb proof. You can rely on them. When all these companies started merging the quality of previous quality tools went South.
Interesting to watch aVe BOLTR videos on some of these brands of tools. From injection molding quality to the internal components such as bearings, switches, etc . He really gets in there and figures out just how cheap (or expensive) these tool brands are.
@@brent57
Agreed. Uncle Bumble is a rich resource of information.
@@Alpha-ro8sc, And he’s always good for a couple good laughs!
Another Dutch saying: Trust comes in on foot but leaves on horse.
I have to say, I bought my worm drive skilsaw in 1977, my very first power toll, I still have it, it still works, I've used it nearly every day.
I was a cut man for a framing crew for over 10 years, the red mag 77 was the only saw I ever used. Still got the first one I ever bought and used all them years. Never have checked grease in it. Have only put new cords on it.
Lol this is like bragging about never changing the oil in your car.
But I have owned it for over 20 years now and the motor doesn't even knock....
Dewalt is my go to, mainly due to not needing different batteries/chargers for the different tools. Started with Dewalt many years ago and so far have had no problems with anything I have bought . Thanks for your insight!
I have been a carpenter/ contractor for 43 years. My skill saws model 77 are my go to framing tools are will always be in my tool box
Early on in my career I used to use the high powered M18 fuel Milwaukee tools for every single job just because I always wanted the best. I have since realized that those overpowered heavy tools are not necessary for 90% of the work I do. I've since switched to the little light and compact M12 tools and my wrist have thanked me
I’m mostly Milwaukee but also own Bosch, dewalt, makita, a corded skill aluminum worm drive etc. they’re all fine. I started 30 years ago with lower quality tools then upgraded. Through the years I would have a new young laborer working for me and they would ask to borrow a tool to use at home over the weekend. If they’re a good hand I would find one of those older tools that still works just fine and give it to them to keep. An old black and decker corded saw or recip saw was a fine tool and will get a young person started, plus they’ll get to feel the real power of a good corded tool.😉
PorterCable stopped making every tool that worked from bullet-proof belt sanders to industry standard routers...
What a shame.
I have A old Porter Cable 350A Framing Nailer. Just replaced the Collar and it is back to work again. Built like a tank. USA
I have an old US made Porter Cable 3 inch belt sander that I bought at a yard sale 10 years ago for $5.
The cord was dry rot, so I replaced it, and it still works great.
Sometimes when I push it too hard it will start smoking, but it hasn't given up on me yet.
You can blame Stanley Black & Decker for that. Couldn't have PC competing with DeWalt
We have a 250lb porter cable belt grinder still in use at the machine shop. Complete cast steel construction. It takes 10x72 belts.
Porter Cable was bought by DeWalt, and their quality was immediately reduced to a homeowner/DIY quality tool so they wouldn't have two brands competing against each other. That's the way it goes, people might be individually good but corporations are greedy and scummy at every opportunity they have.
I've got a Left hand and a Right hand Mag77.. i'm a switch hitter that's prepared for anything !
They make a blade right worm drive?
Or you mean sidewinder skills brand?
Ski saw is still the only one to have plug in left blade sidewinder (called southpaw) which is awesome
I was not aware there was a left hand version? This could really come into play, on certain locations. Cool.
Double sawing action!
@@sleblanc, One for each hand! Lol
Good old wisdom. Thank you for being you and sharing your thoughts with us.
Love using my vintage hand and electric tools.
I have an old (probably 70s or 80s) Sears Jigsaw that will probably pass on to my kids when my time comes. So many electric tools, gadgets, entertainment and computer equipment are built for planned obsolescence. At least we still have eBay and local Marketplace sites to buy the old stuff that lasts.
Yes sir...great way to put every thing....
Thanks for the awesome content and all the amazing videos!
Great information. I like the direction of this topic and manipulating power and hand tools in general.
I bought a worm drive skill saw because of your videos and absolutely love it!!!
I just found your channel new to the trades as an hvac apprentice. Everything I’ve watched so far has been spot on and the way you articulate your opinions and the information you give is outstanding sir definitely gained a new subscriber.
I worked at a lumber yard in 1992 as a young 20s year old. It taught me a couple things about tools. Porter Cable at the time was the best tool available at the time with Bosch right with it. Bosch is still a top brand and Dewalt exploded from the B&D Professional line. I totally agree about brand loyalty, best tool you can afford and treat it good, you have a jobber friend for life. I purchased a 6” left blade Porter cable corded circ saw in 1994 and I still use it at home over a battery version. It just works. Thanks for the video!
I think its good to mention that battery adapters are readily available if you wanna try a particular tool. I forget the brand, but theres also a universal battery, that comes with different adapters that you can use for every tool.
Ive been watching your channel for a few years now and I've bought tools based on your opinions and experiences with them. Occidental leather bags, buckaroo belt, Stiletto hammer, rigging axe, skilsaw mag 77 and paslode Pneumatic Framing Nailers will never change. I love them. I use them every day to feed my family. All I can say is thank you Scott and everyone on the essential craftsman channel! Keep up the good work!
Great Video - I have a 37 year old Bosch jigsaw used 99% for contour cutting 1/4" steel plate - still going strong. I bought another well respected brand - just in case - and even brand new doesn't work anywhere near as well as the old Bosch - So I found a not too used Bosch and bought it.
Thank you so much for this video. It means a lot. Honesty is so hard to find as a newbie to the trades.
I’ve worn a few hats by now. As a carpenter, I loved makita and their lineup. Their construction tools just last so long! However as a mechanic you can’t beat Milwaukee, especially with their m12 lineup.
Good video, thanks for sharing.
as long as it gets the job done, isnt overpriced, and doesnt just break after a few times using it then it really doesnt matter what name is stamped or printed on the tool
I've been a makita guy since I got my first job that required cordless drill back in 2000
I’ve seen your earlier episode on the topic. About 2 weeks ago my 32 year old Porter Cable saw finally bit the dust. I paid a pretty penny for it in 1992 and it served me well for those long years on a couple dozen robust DIY projects, including a barn and a well house. I have a battery powered DeWalt that I use occasionally, but I like a corded saw. I took your advice and bought a Skilsaw. I have used it on one project so far and really love it. If I can get 32 years out of it, I will see 100 years old and will be completely satisfied.
I mostly use DeWalt battery tools: saws, drills, impact drivers, impact wrenches, etc. In the 90s I wore out a Makita battery operated drill and I do have a corded Makita hammer drill. I’ve also got some battery operated tools from Ryobi, Milwaukee, and Hitachi. It’s all in what works for you in your situation.
Thanks for your good work and all you do.
We’ve got very similar tastes Scott, I make my living with a couple old f350’s, Makita tools and a kubota skid steer. It’s all personal preference and what your comfortable with. Keep up the good work!
Been at for a bit, framed for a couple of decades, a large portion of that with gentleman named Tom Bricky that you remind me of, he was fast, efficient and we were always trying new techniques, one of my favorites was taking a Skil 6-1/2” worm drive removing the blade guard and using 7-1/4” blade, we would also remove cord at boot and install a twist lock, the saw was very well balanced and a bit lighter, I always wished they made that saw in a 5-1/2” just for 90 degree cuts in 2x stock, later switched to the mag 77, and then mag 77LT, now my go to is the makita 36v, I only use corded if there is extensive ripping to save battery life, I couldn’t imagine using corded tools for much of anything anymore (except table saw).
For context this is my 44th year as a carpenter, thank you the videos, they make me think of younger times.
back in 1986 I bought the Gold painted Skil 50th Anniversary Mag 77 with the blue metal carrying case !
many have asked WHY I painted it GOLD ? I told them it was sold this way .. and Yes it still works like brand new .
My buddy still has his
Totally Agree on Skill Worm Drive and Makita battery-powered tools.😊 I use Ryobi around the house. Thanks for your comments. I learn so much from your channel.
That porter cable router you pulled out is all we have in my shop. They’re incredibly well built and very reliable. If they need fixed we have a guy in Indianapolis that always comes through for us.
I started my GC career with a hand full of hand me down tools and a new harbor freight reciprocating saw which cost me something like 39 dollars in '99. That saw worked hard for a year and a half doing mostly dry rot repair. I had made and saved some money and could replace it with a Makita which was eventually stolen, which has been the fate of all the tools I have had to replace since then.
When I bought my power tools, Milwaukee, porter cable, Bosch, Skillsaw, they all came in metal boxes, still got them, can’t kill them
I started in carpentry/remodeling 36 years ago. I would buy whatever brand made the best tool of that type, in my opinion, I was needing/looking for. i.e. I bought Milwaukee Sawzalls (I mean, they invented the name), Porter Cable 21" belt sanders, Senco nailers, etc. I never did care much for DeWalt, too big n heavy. My father, who taught me most of what I know, was a Makita man. He hated buying non-American, but they lasted. As the years went by, I've noticed I favored Makita more and more. Its my cordless platform. And Makita just seems to consistently have the best combination of durability, useability, and price. So, as I've replaced the worn or stolen tools, I've bought Makita. And as I buy a new tool, I don't expect to buy a new one for the rest of my life.
Not so much brand, as battery platform. Several years ago I was helping roof a house (basically just supplying labor). The guy running the job had a variety of cordless tool brands. The battery for his circular saw ran out with us having only 5' of sheathing to cut to finish the job. He didn't have any other batteries in that platform, so we had to kill a bunch of time waiting for his saw to get enough of a charge to finish up. I kept that in mind as I was adding to my cordless tools, and kept with the same platform for everything I take out on a job, if possible.
I buy based on which tool has the features that make the quality of life on the job a bit easier. Started w/ Dewalt, my all time favorite impact driver from them, then recently switched over to Milwaukee's cordless b/c of the oscillating tool, grinder, and stubby impact/mid torque. Very thankful for the tools I have as they have kept my family mobile through fixing the car, built our kitchen and renovated our bathrooms DIY, saving thousands upon thousands of dollars.
Thank you for the video.
Biggest reason I keep with Makita is their focus on battery life/longevity, and tool efficiency. Milwaukee seems to gear towards raw power, which can easily be seen as the better measurement, but not for me. I have multiple Milwaukee tools and tons of their packout containers, and I would not go back on my choices with them. I just wish they would respect my dollar a bit better by protecting my batteries like Makita does. I have had absolutely no troubles EVER with a makita battery. Dropped from roofs 30 ft in the air, labels torn off, buttons smashed to pieces. Still plugs in, still stays attached, still holds a charge and gets the job done.
Milwaukee on the other hand, seems like I did nothing to them and already have a 12v and 18v batter that are permanently damaged. Tried buying new cells online and replacing them only to find it's a bit trickier than you would think. I love battle red, and the selection of specific tools they carry (example the NM cable stapler) but they just don't seem to stand up to abuse compared to my makita. Even my co-worker has had to send in his milwaukee saw and drill to be refurbished only 3yrs into using it, as they locked up or overheated before being able to do a simple job.
Makes me wish makita was more mechanical trades focused, and not concrete trades focused. Would love staplers, pipe cutters, and press tools from makita!
I have the Makita hypoid drive and feel it's the right saw for me. I did put a 50 ft cord on it.
I have all the tools more or less in a battery and corded version. Outside of the drill and impact driver, I would say my favorite tool in a battery version is the sawzall. So handy for pipe fitting in the yard or cutting a small branch etc. granted I rarely use my corded tools anyway, but you would have to put up the biggest fight to take away my cordless sawzall.
I suggested this on your last anniversary video and I think now more than ever, it would help you diversify a bit and gain a larger audience. You should consider doing videos on iconic people in these businesses. The classic ones being Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, among others but also lesser known people. Sam Altman, Kent Taylor, and so many more people that deserve to be celebrated for their contributions to businesses that span the globe!
Congrats on another great year and I hope this suggestion helps :)
I still have the Skill 77 I bought in the seventies and it still works, I bought the Mag one when it came out because it was a bit lighter, the old Porter Cable stuff is fantastic. But like a bunch of brands they have sold out and care more about profits than making a quality tool for the professional.
Like you I used to be very loyal to a certain brand. But now so many tools are so good I just look for the best deal with the best warranty.
Carpenter here. When i started working i had cordless makitas (5year old ones) at the company and we used them alot and of course some people mistreated them alot cuz "eh company tool" but that got me thinking "what if i get my own full kit and only i maintain and use them?". In the end still have them after 8 years and served me well even to this day ❤ (all i had to do untill this day is replace 3x batteries wich is like 150€ in 8 years and charcoal and trigger for the drill 40€ + a shit ton of blades for the skillsaw but that i asked from the company always so never had to buy them myself)
I worked at Porter Cable in the late 90’s. I worked in the Engineering department and luckily bought several tools. Everything was so well built. We had belt sander and routers there that were decades old. It’s so sad to see what Porter Cable has turned into, but I still treasure my corded tools from then. Now I use Dewalt, Makita, and Milwaukee cordless platforms. I love them all.
I’m a 20v Dewalt guy. Buying new tools without requiring batteries or charger is good and bad at the same time.
I bought a dewalt set a long time ago. I recently bought a Milwaukee cordless nailer and a few extra batteries because it was so much better than the dewalt. I thought I would pick up a few more Milwaukee tools later on. Every time I have looked at a Milwaukee tool I thought might be nice to have, it uses a different type of battery than the Milwaukee batteries I have. That soured me on Milwaukee real fast.
@@MAGAMAN
Sometimes I see brands other than Dewalt on Marketplace or Kijiji at low prices but since I am locked in with Dewalt I just pass.
I'm not a professional construction guy. I have been using the Bauer cordless tool 20V line of tools for my little projects for about three years now, and I can't complain. They do what I need to do and haven't given me any trouble.
25 years self employed bought every brand run 20v DeWalt since they came out.never use a cord or generation again. I work sometimes 60 feet up.love all tools and brands!
100% agree about the skilsaw. I started working as a carpenter around 1978 and was a journeyman for many years. First skilsaw was all metal (no mag back then) but have stuck with them all the way. Still have a porter cable router made in Jackson, Tennessee. If you look at most tools sold anywhere in America practically all are made in china. Most are affordable and disposable. Not any good ole goid ones anymore. Still have my first set of leather nail bags almost 50 years old!
I love dewalt. When I was a Carpenter's helper I used his makita tools. I liked makita but when I learned about different brands and the fact that dewalt just brought out the flexvolt system I immediately went for those. My christmas gift when i first started my apprenticeship was 2 dewalt tool bags, an 18v Dewalt SDS and a 54v 9ah battery. Ever since then I buy dewalt. I know that the cordless nail guns arent as good as milwaukee or hikoki but apart from that they always do the job for me. Whatever suits you go for. Whether that be by using the one brand or using a mix and match as long as the work is quality
My dad was an independent contractor/builder when I was a kid, back in the 80s, I was a helper on the job site. I remember he acquired a deck&blacker (that's what we called it, blacker than the Pit of Despair!) wormdrive saw, it was broke more than it worked! The motor ate brushes for breakfast, it growled at you like a bear when you pulled the trigger, the cord came out of the back and was hanging by the wires, the motor threw enough blue Sparks that you thought it was going to start a fire! That was the worst tool on the job!! We finally gave its dead carcass a spot in a box in the shop because we never wanted to throw anything away, but we finally quit using the miserable thing, after it would dump you in the middle of the day on a job. The mighty wormdrive Skillsaw was our stand by that never ever failed us even once! I think he still has it to this day
40 years later mine still works great. my favorite worm drive. LOL.
I watch your videos for your ability to relate traditional knowledge to modern topics, and above all your articulation. If or when you write a book, I will buy it. You’d be the Eric Sloane of a generation on.
Decades ago, I was a Craftsman fan, and they were my only brand. That ended more than 30 years ago when their quality went down the toilet. I now own whatever brand seems like the best. I own one of the old Porter Cable routers you love, and I love it as well. I also own DeWalt, Makita, Hitachi(Metabo), Milwaukee, Festool, Jet, and Delta, and a very few off-brand tools. Just depends on the tool. One exception is my battery-powered tools. I started with Makita, then quickly switched to DeWalt, and am now heavily invested in the Dewalt battery platform. I drives me crazy that batteries are not interchangeable, but it clearly works for the manufacturers. If I had to start over with cordless tools, I would go with Milwaukee, mainly because of the much broader range of cordless tools they have available - more than anyone else.
As a weekend warrior, I've been happy with Ryobi- impact driver, drill, finish nailer all decently priced.
As a DIY guy and weekend woodworker, I have also purchased a variety of things-- mostly based on what I could afford. My Ryobi cordless tools have never failed me, and I love my CORDED Skil circular saw and router!
I have for the most part been loyal to Kobalt. My wife has bought a couple of smalls of Snap-On’s and Matco (see worked in a mechanic shop at the time). My Fire Marshal office is all Milwaukee; they’re a great midway line. We have beat them on fire scene and they keep on going. And now she bought me a bunch of no name tools from across the pacific (we’ll see how long they last). As my Kobalts start to wear out, I’ll but Milwaukee.
Homeowner-level here. For many years I bought almost all my tools second hand. Got a lot of good ones. Started buying new with drill/driver and progressed from Ryobi to Ridgid and now Bosch. Love my Bosch tools! I have some Dewalt corded that I love too. Still always look for second hand tools at estate sales. Latest was a Wen bandsaw. Does the job! No brand loyalty from me just looking for the best I can get at a good price.
Yes to the Skill worm drive.
Nowadays btw, Hitachi is Metabo in the US and Hikoki most other places. I don't know why.
Anyone of a certain age remembers when Porter-Cable were pro tools and DeWalt was a hobby brand.
25 years ago my DeWalt 14.4 drill that my dad gave me was stolen out of my bag. It still pissed me off when I think about it. That was a true made in USA drill and could bury a 4” screw as far as your bit. 😢
Having the right tools matters most =)
Indeed. For starting my company, it's just me. I bought some low cost tools but I will buy more of American Made tools to get the job done.
I stick to the one I've got, don't worry about what I haven't. I changed drill drivers to Bosch, more comfortable to hold than Makitas and I had two Makitas that did not run
true from the start. Newest tool to me,a Fein multitool because I needed it for one thing, saved a little time.
A brand has you until they lose you. DeWalt had me until they switched to 20v. Milwaukee still has me but some issues caused me to start with Makita's XGT line.
The best tool is the one in you hand. They all can do the job. It comes down to what you're willing to pay and if the platform can give you most of what you need. Comfort is a big factor too. I watch all these videos on which drive can do it faster. Ok but in reality that is small potato's. Price is what you pay and value is what you get. All brands have lemon's and true with most products you buy these days. What's important is how the brand supports the product and the consumers. I personally have been working with Skil tools, and their performance has been strong, but I am sure thats the case with most brands.
I’m out of the trades now, however you’re spot on!
Older Porter cable were fantastic and I still cherish them. Cordless, I’m still running 18v Makita impact drivers and drill’s that are from 2004, batteries are now a bit weak but I’m still using them and are performing flawlessly.
Mag77 or the older heavier version “the perfect saws” and built like an American tool should be!
Not a fan of Bosch however! Here in Montana it seems as though the cold is hard on their plastics.
Ohh and go “BLUE”
Love my Skilsaw. Mine is 40 yrs strong. Other brands I like, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Paslode and Senco.
Nice talk i just about feel exactly like you on the subject
I'm still using my Porter Cable saber saw that looks a lot like the one of yours I got a gimps of in this presentation. I bought it back in the 70's and was so impressed with its grunt. I've got the original grey steel carrying case that is quite scuffed and spotted with occasional drops of a foam glue or insulation from some job. It has one fault that has irritated me to no end. It has a set screw that presses against the blade but too often does not hold and throws out blade as well as the surrounding sleeve. That motor acts no differently than when new as near as I can tell. My dad, a carpenter and occasional jr. high shop instructor had a really dated, all metal Skill 6 1/2" worm drive. When I went self-employed I went with a late model of this same saw. I tried the Milwaukee 7 1/4" some time afterward and found it so heavy out front. Eventually I settled on a Skill Magnesium 7 1/4" and that was a sweet spot.
I work in the garage door business and a carpenter i wouldn't say I'm brand loyal but I also don't have alot of different brands in my tool box. I have mainly dewalt and rigid tools as I didn't want a pile of different battery charges around. I also have a Eastwing framing hammer and run with what I can afford, feels comfortable and gets the job done efficiently.
Very wise words. Personally, I have a lot of Makita tools because, like you, I'm invested in the battery platform and they hit the right price to performance balance for me. The most disappointing tools have probably been the Festools I've bought. They feel good in the hand but their performance is about the same as all the other leading brands now but they cost twice as much.
I have 5 worm drives and would never use anything different…for one reason is the safety!
I got 61/2, 71/2, 10”, 16” and the newer table saw…great investments
I have a Makita 18v kit that I got when they first came out. Still has two of the original batteries. I have Milwaukee and DeWalt as well I think you buy the tool that suits the job. Batteries and chargers aren't hard to come by if you keep your eyes open. My sons are young adults now just getting into the trade I think their kids will be amazed to hear that they remember Grandpa using tools that you had to plug in to a cord running to an outlet in the wall. Between hand tools and cordless tools there are often days we never plug anything in. The new batteries last long enough the chargers stay in the trailer and only run over night.
I went with DeWalt 20 Volt system, they work good, huge selection and are easy to spot with that bright yellow,, however having said that, you can't go wrong with Milwaukee or Makita either. I will say though, DeWalt has a HUGE selection of the outdoor equipment for landscapers but I'm sure those other brands with come around to that as well, sooner of later.
Thanks for your informative reviews. They are right on the money. I took your advice and put a 50’ cord on my skilsaw, thank you, no more knot tying. Now I would like to trade a tip to you. The aftermarket rafter hook for the skilsaw wormdrives are still available online and they fit perfectly on the hitachi/Metabo nr83a, nr83a2, and nr83a5 framing nailers with the steel nail feeder. After promising that the Mikita 40v saw would always have a place in your tool box, you gave it to Nate. Hope the tip helps.
I'm a dewalt man. I bought my first drill/driver combo set about 10 years ago (Still going strong) and from then on, looked for any excuse to shell out some green to get some yellow. However, in the last few years, I've been slowly acquiring some red tools, (Milwaulkee) because doggone it, they make good stuff! Along with a vast variety of trade specific tools, that dewalt doesn't make. I also like their cordless nailers a lot better than dewalt. I also have one makita track saw, because it was a screaming deal. It works fine. seems a little "cheaper" in the hand, but does the job, and I take care of my tools, and so they last.
Porter Cable door planer in my opinion is the best on the market.
I’m an electrician that uses Dewalt mostly and some Milwaukee tools. They’re both great, but Milwaukee is more hip to what certain tradesmen need for plumbing or electrical.
I’m $2k deep in batteries. So I’m not planning on changing brands unless my work van gets broken into.
Look at a Skil tool today, consumer grade only. Back in the 70's I purchased a Skil 449 worm drive belt sander. In my opinion, it's the best belt sander ever made! A true workhorse.
The company making Skil tools also makes Skilsaw tools. Skilsaw is their professional grade line.
most of the major brands are pretty good just depends on what color you prefer. I do maintenance work for a big tool company and get a decent discount so i can afford stuff i might not normally get. The other cool thing is I get to play with stuff at work and decide if it is helpful enough to have around the ranch . The batteries are the expensive part because you have to have enough spares to keep working while the discharged batteries cool off and recharge .
Moved from Ryobi to DeWalt to Milwaukee to Makita.. each time a step up. Skilsaw for the win, but I run 7 1/4 blades on the 6 1/2 one.
- Quality is the main concern. You buy cheap, you get cheap.
- Most tools bought today are not near as good as they were 20 years ago.
- I have 3 PorterCable tools that I purchased 27 years ago [ 1/2 inch drill, SawsAll, & belt Sander ] all are still working great.
- My Milwaukee corded saw still works just like it did new. Great saw. Milwaukee has a great dependable product line. A wise investment.
- The Big Thing To Remember Is = Take Care Of Your Tools And The Tools Will Take Care Of You.
- Thank You for another great well-delivered video.
Makita # 5806b 7 1/4" blade right saw is my favourite saw ,framed more houses than I can remember.
There was a time around here when Porter-Cable, Delta, Milwaukee and DeWalt were only sold at professional tool suppliers. Skill and Black and Decker were in lumber yards and hardware stores. Then there was Craftsmen and PowerKraft. All good stuff. Now I try to pick the best tools in the category I need. I don’t think any brand has the best tool across their line. I have multiple brands now. I still use some corded as they perform the best for me. Nice router. I have one. And the metal cases, I miss those. I’m old and stubborn
One of the pieces of advice i would give to anyone looking at buying into a battery platform is: look at what tools are available on that battery platform. For what I do I wouldn't buy into a platform without a decent midsize portaband, and some brands cater more towards specific trades. Milwaukee offers a battery powered knockout set for electrical, for example.
I had that PC 690 router until last year when I replaced it with a Bosch. It worked like a champ but it was time to update. My dad has one of those Skilsaws like yours - a great saw. I'm in Makita's tool line for cordless, but I have other brands based on quality, price, weight, etc. Go with what works for you.
thank you
Agreed. New Tradesman should be buying cheap or used tools to get started. When you’re first starting out your tools don’t make any difference and you won’t appreciate them. And then as you get more experience you earn those high end tools