GrassBurner
Well-Known Member
I run a Milwaukee M18 1/4" impact, and it's an absolute beast. I've used Dewalt and Hitachi drivers, as well as the Ridgid brand from Home Depot. I would definitely recommend the DeWalt over Porter Cable, you'll notice the difference immediately. DeWalt is basically the industry standard. They perform great, are reliable, and decently priced.Do you have overdue bills to pay? Are you planning on making a purchase? Saving it? Investing it? Forfeiting it?
I am torn. I've been waiting for Porter Cable to make a cordless blower to add to their cordless lineup. But with the acquisition of Craftsman it appears Porter Cable is now dead in the water. So I was thinking of investing in a new power tool suite. But I can't decide if I want to join the camps of Dewalt or Makita. I like Makita tools better for reliability but I think Dewalt for longevity. I'm worried Makita being their own brand will eventually maybe be bought and fazed out. Just like my Porter Cable and my Hitachi before that. I do feel lucky that these are the tough decisions I have to make in regards to my stimulus. I realize to some this is just a bandaid on a bullet hole.
That being said I'm all Milwaukee when it comes to electric hand tools. I've got a drill called the Boss Hog or something, its older than dirt and still runs like a dream. My M18 has a couple extended batteries, and it's a rare day when I go through more than 1 battery on a jobsite during the day. Milwaukee to me seems to be brute power. When I built my cabin, I was running 12" long screws through 2 true 6x6 posts, no hesitation. But so much torque will snap a screw if you arent paying attention.
When you're looking at new tools, look for repair parts. Higher quality tools are meant to be repaired, not discarded. I just put new brushes in my M18 a couple months ago. I've been using and abusing this driver for 7 or 8 years now, still works like the first time I used it. Good luck in your choice, it's always exciting to get new tools!!
I'm planning on using my stimulus to build a bedroom/bath addition onto my cabin for my Mom.