There is NOTHING like the right tool for the right job. Last updated 2008
Typically when I buy a tool - I either buy the cheapest (throw-a-way) one or one that is very good quality (usually one of the most expensive.) I find that that works well for me.
Here are some of my favorites:
- 18V Ridgid Hammer Drill. Perfect as an all round drill as well as OK as a hammer drill. They even have a lifetime warrantee on the BATTERIES - that is how good they are -yet I've never had to send the batteries in for replacement. I have previously owned several (about 10) other 12 to 18V drills from a variety of makers including Makita. I used them when I built my own house (as a learning and cost saving project) several years ago. I burned up all 10. Then I bought Ridgid, personally and for companies I've worked for. Not one of them has ever needed to take advantage of the warrantee. I really like them. It has 2 speed ranges, a wide range of speeds and the batteries charge faster than I can use them - so with 2 batteries you can run all day long. For using the Hammer part of the Hammer drill though, unless it is light duty, I still use a corded tool. 18V isn't enough and it makes a HUGE difference using a more powerful tool with a good quality bit. If you are just doing a small hammer job, fine, otherwise, use this for almost all your other drilling and screwing. Again, if I have a really tough job that takes a lot of tork, for example, a 12" long 1" drill bit - I switch to a corded drill, in particular an old METAL Black and Decker - a real old bruser of a drill - one speed, no reverse but nothing I can hold stops it. But despite these two exceptions, I use my 18V Ridgid Drills for 99.9% of my drilling needs.
- Sawzall - actually, though I own a Sawzall, the saw in this class I like the best is my 18V cordless Ridgid. It is more powerful and more convenient than the Sawzall - really! The only disadvantage is it does weigh more because of the battery. Having said that - I've never bothered with my Sawzall since I got the Ridgid. The sawzall just sits there waiting for a day when 1. I'm going to be using it for so many hours that the lighter weight is more important and 2. The lighter weight overcomes the headache of routing the power cord - and making sure I don't accidentally saw through the power cord. Hmm.... anyone want to buy a perfectly good, working sawzall? I don't think I'll ever use it again. Oh, and btw, the Ridgid comes with a lifetime warrantee - even on the batteries. So the only way I'm going to need a new one is if I drop it and smash it. It also has a "quick" blade replacement. No allan key necessary. I've never tested using it full time, so I don't know whether 2 batteries are enough if you use it all day long. You might need 3 batteries, 2 charging and 1 in use depending on your application. But - who cares, it is less work to change batteries than to drag a power cord all over creation.
- Battery powered circular saw - I use these mostly for cutting off 2x4's. The ones I've tried (including a Ridgid a few years ago) don't have enough power to be worth the effort. I still use a corded one. Well, I finally found a case where I bought one (a Ridgid 18V) - doing laminate flooring in our trailer and my kids house - the light weight and no cord is worth it for cutting through the about 3/16ths inch thick planks.
- Panel saw. I bought this about 20 years ago and still use it. It is only good for 90 degree cuts of plywood and 2x4's, but it does that job perfectly. It sits up against the wall, it is the perfect job for cutting panels (metal, wood, plastic) down to size. I have only used one brand so I have no comments on brand preference. Mine might be the best, or there may be better ones. One of the best tools I ever bought.
- More tools to follow when I have time!