Hi Guys,
Interested in getting some feedback on cordless tools (18V). I currently have the Makita 18V line, but am fed up with the batteries. I have been through 10 batteries so far this year, some of them dying after less than 40 charge cycles. Makita has been pretty good about replacing them under warranty, but its just not worth the hassle anymore. I'm sure I am partly to blame for the short battery life, but this has only started happening in the past year and a half (had the tools since they came out in 2006). So I am beginning to wonder if Makita's battery quality has slipped. My original batteries from 2006 are still going strong. Also, Makita was one of the first to release Li-on tools and they have not updated their technology, so now it is getting a bit old.
So, I am looking for something that is COMMERCIAL grade. Festool is nice, but I doubt it would stand up to the abuse. I swore never to by a Dewalt tool (bad ergonomics and nasty plastic) and I'm done with Makita, so that only leaves Milwaukee and Hilti. I briefly considered Metabo, but after having ALL of my Metabo grinders fail and the parts not being serviceable I have ruled them out as well.
I use my tools daily and they are not babied. They get dropped off roofs, used to hammer in nails and generally thrown about. The Makita tools have never failed me in this aspect.
So what is your real world experience with the Hilti and Milwaukee 18V cordless tools? Specifically the impact, drill, skillsaw and sawzall? I realize that none of them have as nice ergonomics as the Makita, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make.
Interested in getting some feedback on cordless tools (18V). I currently have the Makita 18V line, but am fed up with the batteries. I have been through 10 batteries so far this year, some of them dying after less than 40 charge cycles. Makita has been pretty good about replacing them under warranty, but its just not worth the hassle anymore. I'm sure I am partly to blame for the short battery life, but this has only started happening in the past year and a half (had the tools since they came out in 2006). So I am beginning to wonder if Makita's battery quality has slipped. My original batteries from 2006 are still going strong. Also, Makita was one of the first to release Li-on tools and they have not updated their technology, so now it is getting a bit old.
So, I am looking for something that is COMMERCIAL grade. Festool is nice, but I doubt it would stand up to the abuse. I swore never to by a Dewalt tool (bad ergonomics and nasty plastic) and I'm done with Makita, so that only leaves Milwaukee and Hilti. I briefly considered Metabo, but after having ALL of my Metabo grinders fail and the parts not being serviceable I have ruled them out as well.
I use my tools daily and they are not babied. They get dropped off roofs, used to hammer in nails and generally thrown about. The Makita tools have never failed me in this aspect.
So what is your real world experience with the Hilti and Milwaukee 18V cordless tools? Specifically the impact, drill, skillsaw and sawzall? I realize that none of them have as nice ergonomics as the Makita, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make.
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