When I was doing trim carpentry in 05 and 06 and bought the big Dewalt cordless set. When the 20v new style battery came out I started slowly buying them even though my old stuff still worked. I dropped both my drill and circular saw off a 2nd story balcony and to this day they still work. I have mostly Dewalt and makita, but also have Hercules and Milwaukee, but I used the Dewalt stuff more than anything. I've steered many towards Dewalt because of quality and availability. I've had 2 Milwaukee impacts go bad, but never had a Dewalt tool go bad, including my old brushed stuff from 05
Agreed. Only thing ever broke on my DeWalt impact was the anvil. 5 minute repair and it was back in action. The cordless drill, tho... absolutely horrible.
Yep, used Dewalt for DIY stuff for over 20 years now. Recently I needed a grinder, was in Harbor Freight for my free bucket and saw the Hercules branded one. It was like 90 bucks VS Dewalt wanting 250. Ended up trying out the Hercules and got one 5AH battery, charger, 1/4 inch impact driver and the grinder for just under 200. With the 5 year waranty on the tool and 3 on the battery, Hercules was hard to beat. So far I am impressed by the brand.
And not only batteries, when you have a dozen tools in one system, changing to another brand seems kinda fanboyfoolish to me. No reason and no chance in hockeysticks. I like my M12's (homeowner, not pro) and retired. I don't want to heft a heavy 18V (or 20V). And I also have many batteries.
@@JohnW118 M12's are better than some 18/20V's. Weight being one of them. I have M12 and M18 drills - everything else is corded - and use them according to the job requirement.
I bought a DeWalt electric push mower. It came with two 10Ah, 20V batteries. I wound up buying a bunch of DeWalt battery tools so I could use those batteries for more than just mowing. I bought a drill, a jigsaw, a sawzall, a circular saw, and one of those short throw rotary saws, I want to buy a DeWalt string trimmer, and a blower.
I started buying tools to work on my motorcycles in July 2023 and it's now July 2024. That Dewalt 192 piece socket set was amazing for me. ALL 6 point sockets, deeps and shallows and very few skips plus ratchets for all 3 driver sizes (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch). PLUS you get 3 extensions for each driver size and universal joints for those hard to reach nuts. Then you get 3 sizes of spark plug sockets and then you get all kinds of torx and allen sockets. The filler is just the allen keys that most people have. BUT everything else is AWESOME!! It's like the perfect set for home and DIYers that are just getting started. Seriously it has SO MANY helpful tools that I never knew I needed and have used extensively since buying the set. I honestly can't think of any tool purchase that has been more satisfying for me. I feel like I can take on any project and succeed....I know, I know that's not actually true but having this complete of a socket set is deeply satisfying.
@@petebusch9069 - not true. Everyone sells tool sets yes but they're not at all like this one. I've done the research. YOU clearly have not. OR you don't make important distinctions between 6 point sockets and 12 point sockets and other significant differences. You simply see tools and think "That's just like any other tool set" and lack the knowledge to understand the differences. That's on you, not me.
@@petebusch9069 who else sells six point sockets in everything. I am asking, because I would like to compare prices, and MOST have a combination of six and 12 point sockets including my old Craftsman. I don't care about the ratchets or extensions.
I’m a plumbing contractor and worked with my late dad has I first started out. Well he bought a Black and Decker Timberwolf angle drill with dual speed and even has a clutch in case a Auger bit catches it won’t throw you off a ladder. My dad has been gone for over 24 years and I’m still using that drill. It still works just like new. By far the best tool I’ve ever used
B&D used to be great industrial tools back in the day. The Timberwolf with the clutch was head and shoulders above Milwaukee’s Hole Hawg. Many plumbers have been injured using Hole Hawg’s with self feed bits. Now all power tool manufacturers are more interested in the bottom line and 9:20 taking care of investors than the end user. I retired last year after selling professional industrial and construction tools for 44 years. Been there, done that, made the video.
As a prosumer woodworker I highly recommend the DeWalt XR trim router. Plenty of power in a compact and ergonomic size. One of those tools I should have bought way sooner.
I've been using DeWalt tools for 20+ years. Loved them then and I still do. As an electrician I use a lot of the 12V tools that work great on delicate items like terminal blocks. Then I have the 20V and 60V when pure power is necessary. They're just awesome.
I like the 20v impact. Set it to setting 1 and it works great for delicate stuff, but bump it up to 2 or 3 and it drives lag bolts like they're nothing.
Amazing, in August my drill will be 20 years old (replacement batteries are like 12 now) and been flawless in both an industrial and and ranch setting. Back then it all came in a hard case but the soft bag is great as well - use them both everyday. No problems to report with any of the dozen or so tools I use.
You need a scorecard to buy Dewalt. The play model change so often you do not if you are buying top of the line or not. I do not bother with them. Ridgid kind of quit and now are trying to come back. I hope HD starts carrying Makita full line. Ryobi might be good but again like Dewalt they have so convoluted their line you do not know what your buying good bad or in between. Truthfully as the manufactures try to bleed you with battery prices it is getting hard to pass up corded tools. It is the old Gillette syndrome give you razor and sell you blades. Give you the tool and make your money selling replacement batteries.
With ridgid, it depends on what you’re talking about. Their old plumbing tools were rockstar. When HD bought them, a lot of stuff went to complete crap except for the pipe wrenches and a couple solid metal tools. Then after some transition growing pains, it looks like ridgid is about where black and decker used to be 30 years ago
@@liquidrockaquatics3900 not sure HD bought Ridgid but you are right there are two distinct manufactures, one for plumbing and one for everything else. I understand the plumbing is top notch. I think their woodworking tools are good but they stopped producing anything new. Discontinued the 12 volt line without telling anyone. Now they seem to be comming out with new stuff. I think TTI owns Milwaukee, Ridge woodworking tools, and Ryobi. My opinion dump Ridgid, keep Milwaukee and clean up the Ryobi line. This idea of having three or more grades of tools in a product line is crazy.
not sure why chasing top of the line is needed. if the tool is good and it does it job, stick with it till it dies. my oldest dewalt drill is like 2014, brushed, and it still works
@@edblough4134 Gillette was the first safety razor to be issued to the military and it was an innovation that probably saved lives (or at least helped get a lot of guys laid) by taking straight razor shaving (and sharpening) where it required a level of skill and time investment to a small money investment with minimal safety concerns. THAT is groundbreaking. That’s not like yellow or orange tools, that’s like sawstop or no sawstop
@@liquidrockaquatics3900 point is they gave you the razor so you bought their blades. They made their money on blades. Cordless tools often sell you the tool and battery and charger at the same price or less than they sale the battery. They then got you hooked and they make their money on batteries, which they “change” all the time and always for a higher price.
I just got the dcf923 ½ impact with the dcf513 ⅜ ratchet kit. I'm wanting the dcf961 an the dcf891 both are ½ ones 800 ft ibs an the 961 is 1400 ft ibs so they say. I like dewalt I use them over most brands I have dewalt,craftsman an kobalt 24v tools
I did a little digging myself, and I found out that Raymond E. DeWalt invented the radial arm saw and founded his company to manufacture them in 1924. The company was reorganized in 1947, which makes sense to me because I remember that my Grandpa had a set of DeWalt power tools from about 1950 in his workshop. When he passed, I wanted that set real bad, but my Uncle did, too, and he outranked me. In fact, the only tool I inherited from my Grandpa was a claw hammer with a split handle and handful of mismatched screwdrivers that no one else wanted. I made up for it when Grandma passed a couple of years later, and I got almost her entire kitchen. I love to cook almost as much as I love working with garage tools, so that was great. And I get to think of her with every meal I prepare for my family. EDIT: I should have mentioned that all my power tools are Ryobi. I am aware that they are not the greatest, but they fill my needs well enough. I have a bunch of them and a handful of batteries, like a half dozen of them, so I am leery of switching to a better brand because of how much I already have invested in them.
Quite aside from the tool issues, that's a wonderful story about your grandmother's utensils, and the way they can transmit memory. I hope your family will have the same memories of your kitchen to pass along to the next generation. Have a wonderful weekend!
@@williamemerson1799check Am.azon for adapters. I have some old 18v nicad Dewalt and bought adapters to use with my newer Flexvolt stuff. Pretty sure you can find adapters for most major brands.
This is so funny. My dad was a mason and fell off a roof and became a general contractor in the early 90’s. He bought a B&D router at the start and then Dewalt came on the scene and it was like overnight, they were absolutely everywhere. You wouldn’t see any framer with anything but Dewalt where we were.
You are correct, back in the early 90's, the Black and Decker professionals line was rebadged/colored yellow and renamed dewalt. We had angle grinders pieced together by mixing both brands. Same exact parts.
I have a Black & Decker Professional 1/2” Dual range hammerdrill similar to the one shown at 4:34 and the label states: Made In Italy. Was Dewalt ever made in Italy?
Most tools are this way now, most people would be shocked to learn that certain brands charging 3x the price are made in the same factories as the no-name on Amazon. The only thing companies care about anymore is marketing and branding because they know how egotistical people have become, the days of a tool lasting decades are long gone. It's a psychological game, I have several "Black & Decker" tools from the 80's/90's that still work perfectly.. meanwhile I'm having to replace my "Milwaukee" battery power tools every 18 months with regular use.
I was a DeWalt guy for 20 years. I changed over to Milwaukee over the past few years. They offer more tools and they label and market everything so you know what you are buying.
As a DeWalt consumer in the electrical construction field, I appreciate this very much. I appreciate the highs and lows that you shared about the company's history. I love my XR line of construction tools, Bandsaw, Drill, rotary hammer, impact driver, high and mid torque wrenches, saw, sawzall, one hand saw, battery system, flashlights, and even their electrical threader, wire stripper, etc. DeWalt is still an American company. Most electricians I know use Milwaukee, but Dewalt has always been a great tool company for me. They need to do more advertising and reach a new generation. Milwaukee has reps for electrical line of tools, plumbing line, but DeWalt just has one rep (from what I've heard from my local tool distributor).
My Dad had a Cordless Drill/Screwgun by Dewalt in the 90s a true professional tool. I have a XR 1/4" Apex Driver Impact from them it is 10 years old, have gotten water and transmission fluid in it numerous occaisions and it still works properly, both batteries still charge and barely lose power, and this thing has been beaten up. Impressive.
DeWalt is paying for the shelf space at Home Depot, as they also do at Lowes. These retailers often play games where they threaten to raise the costs or demand special merchansing if the vendor wants to stay. Both sides play poker with this stuff, weighing how valuable they are to each other, leaving shelves empty, spreading rumors. Just the sad state of retail these days.
I love the dewalt stuff! Never had a problem with a y of it. While installing new bleacher planks,I dropped my drill,about three stories or so,I climed down and got it. It had a few scars from the dropout still worked fine and is still working many years later. I stick with DeWalt because it works and is still an American company, where as Milwaukee is 100% Chinese.
Better check your sources, I've even visited the factory where my Hole-Shooters were built. Didn't know N. J. had been annexed by China? Anyone know for certain?
This is why I love my xr tools....no fall damage. I've accidentally dropped a few of them from a couple stories to straight concrete...still work like new.
so in 94 as i was getting into the trades ( HVAC ) i was getting cheap drills. i had a bonus so i wanted better. knowing i had to hold it all day i went to H-D ( not Harley Davidson just saying ) and held all the $200 drills. Bosch felt best with Makita next. my wife thought said get the Bosch and i have that drill still. the batteries are aftermarket now but it still works great. it is the house drill and Bosch 18v is my work set. yellow felt bad in the hand then and still does now. the power and other numbers matter less than the feel in your hand of something you have to hold all day.
IMHO end of the day the tool you LIKE the best is likely the best I used to have AEG tools and they are not available anymore and mostly run the Milwaukee tools and DO have some of the 12V MAX stuff and find the Milwaukee takes a beating in ways DeWalt dont - heavy truck mechanic for 25 years
This is the greatest channel on RUclips. If you are a young man who grew up without a father or a father, who doesn’t know how to do anything this is the channel for you. When I say this channel is over 90% non-biased when tools are being reviewed. I mean it. I have more Harbor freight tools Than any other type. I use them daily for my trade and at home I use them for my car projects. Some people bash me for not buying American and I tell them you show me an American tool and I will buy it. Using this transitory language of, assembled here, parts sourced, and all of that is just a Chinese tool put together here in the United States. Then there is the whole cost issue. I’m not going to buy a wrench for $65 that I can get from Harbor freight for two dollars, because it says made in America
I have both DeWalt and Milwaukee drills, the Milwaukees are about 60% as fast rpm as Dewalt in both speeds. The Milwaukee is strictly used as a backup drill or a 2nd drill if I'm changing between 2 different bits a lot. Recently one of my dewalt drills is stuck in gear 1 and one of the milwaukees the motor started smoking under very light use.
I just went through some upgrades on my drill, impact driver, impact wrench, and cordless ratchet. For every tool I purchased, HD either didn't carry the item or wasn't priced competitively. Lowes and Amazon happily took all my power tool money. Basically, if you're shopping for Dewalt, HD is the last place I'd look. I did notice HD is looking rather red these days.
I’m some where between an IT contractor and Low Voltage guy - I build out networks and data centers across the Upper Midwest, and often work directly with local electricians. I’ve asked them why they always use Milwaukee.. and they being hundreds of different electricians across several states. They all return the same answer - Milwaukee offers kit deals at very cheap rates to trade shops. I was told that the shops by these kits for about half the price if all purchased separately, and each tool comes with a second battery. So a kit of 40 tools comes with 80 batteries for the price of only 20 tools.. so this is one way in which Milwaukee has the market presence they do. When they guys buy their own tools though, they buy Dewalt, for whatever that is worth.
I have a B&D corded drill. Have had it for well over 25 years. It’s a beast. It just does the job without failing. Still use it when I need a heavy duty drill to get the job done.
I think for cordless tools for mechanics milwaukee is top but for constuction I would go makita. Dewalt is a solid all around platform. Its honestly amazing to see how far cordless tools have come in the last 20 years. Can't wait to see how they keep evolving.
I bought the Dewalt cordless hammer drill and impact driver with two batteries and charger as a combo from Home Depot. To be clear, this is a budget friendly package. They work well enough for home projects, but if I want professional grade tools, I would expect to pay at least three times the price. When I reframed the wall of my storage room, both tools were working pretty hard. I could feel the cases flexing and twisting under the load. I also had to take breaks to let the motors cool. Just recognize that the brand doesn't mean a whole lot. What does matter is the construction, materials and quality of the tools. A professional is going to make the tools work harder. They need stronger tools. That makes them more expensive.
My dad also had one from the 60's. Last year he passed, and mom wanted to move. We tried to sell it, but finally had to offer it for free. Made us all sad, because it was dad's favorite. It was mint condition.
I still have that old Black and Decker drill and it is very good. It was my favorite drill for at least 30 years until I bought a modern DeWalt cordless drill.
I bought my wife a 20v DeWalt leaf blower she could use to dry her car off. When I happened to use a 60v battery on it, game changer. I too use it for blowing off the driveway. My 40V anchor blower is destined for the shed.
I'm a Bosch guy. I've never been let down buy any of their tools yet. I have an old cordless drill, 18 years old I think, that I have let the smoke out of a couple of times and it is still my daily go to drill despite having a newer ones in the mix now. This one just refuses to die so now it has become a challenge to try and kill it, lol. It's fallen off a few roofs and taken several drops off ladders and still it soldiers on like it was new yesterday. My heavy duty corded Bosch drill had the smoke let out of it twice on the first day I bought and used it and it still runs like new 3 years on now. I've never owned Hilti brand tools but I think Bosch stands right up there with them for quality and reliability.
Growing up in the late 80s and 90s, sure, I remember black and decker tools but I also remember them mostly for household goods…the coffee makers, toasters and the other things you mentioned as well as some other things. Milwaukee may be breaking into the subcompact line as well. They have the new brushless drill and impact driver. Time will tell if they expand to other tools in the lineup
As a retired kitchen remodeler, I bought a DeWalt portable table saw for my business, before they became full of themselves, that was about 30 yrs ago... I'm still using it.
I have that 9 inch B&D power miter saw for many years, it still works great. Not using it professionally though, but fine for DYI use. 9 inch blades aren't too common, but available.
Still have my original two piece DeWalt combo from 20 years ago drill chuck wobbly both items still work well. Now 14 batteries, 18 tools and 4 chargers. Had Makita, prefer DeWalt. Plumber son has Milwaukee but will use my DeWalt when working together.
The first electric hand saw I actually purchased was an 8 inch Super Saw Cat. Little heavy, but great balance. Indestructible. Still picking Saw Cats up at garage sales. Best ever, for me. Dewalt cordless, definitely best bang for dollar.
Recently (last week) we built a set at Aloha Theatre. Comparing only jigsaws the DeWalt batteries outlasted the Rigid batteries three to one and the job was finished with the DeWalt because all Rigid batteries were being charged.
Home Depot still sells Dewalt stuff, but they’ve dramatically scaled down from a few years ago in favor of Milwaukee and Ryobi. And lately they’ve really been swinging hard on Ryobi’s balls. I’m far beyond the beginner DIYer now and only consider buying maybe a Ryobi shop vac or something like that, but no power tools anymore. Lowes is really the go-to store for Dewalt stuff now. Dewalt needs to come out with a zero clearance miter saw. Competitors like Makita and others are eating their lunch by offering this.
I totally agree that Dewalt needs to come out with a zero clearance miter saw like Makita and Bosch and start to assert themselves in the garage/DIY and pro shop space. I think they look at their current sliders as being used 90% in the construction space and they're fine with that unfortunately. However, they have a huge presence in that garage/DIY/pro shop market not only with their cordless tools but their 13" planer is a market leader and they just came out with a cordless 1/2" collet router. They could be eating Makita's and Milwaukee's lunch by expanding into this market more but who knows if they will. With that being said, I can't stand Lowes. Their deals are never as good as Home Depot and for me personally, they don't carry the Atomic line.
In the 1960's my neighbor was a Black and Decker professional sales rep. He was passionate about there pro line. It was very handy to have him as a neighbor everyone in the neighbor wandered into his garage to borrow tools for all our projects.
Got that same flexvolt advantage grinder for $99 during a dewalt days at my local north 40 shop. Love it. More compact than the full blown flexvolt model.
I remember well working as a welder when the grinders went from Black and Decker to DeWalt..basically.the same grinders in yellow. Most of these Power tool brands make their cheap home and pro lines. If you're getting a good deal on it, it's most likely the home line. Power tools are trendy and everyone loves to jump on the latest cool brand.
I have Dewalt for one main reason. It is the batteries. I dont mix brands because I can use my batteries on every Dewalt Tool I have. Now I only buy 5AMPhour batteries and up. I have bought 3rd party batteries that fit Dewalt but if you drop one of them they go all to pieces. I have 3 drills, 1 impact, reciprocating, side grinder, fan, radio and all work perfectly. So for me it is not brand but staying with something that works and all my batteries work together. I even got an off brand small blower that uses Dewalt batteries.
Black & Decker bought the GE small appliances division that got them started into the home appliances business. Black & Decker right up to the transition to Dewalt made some serious industrial tools. They had their Masters series that took all the aluminum cast parts and polished them to a mirror finish and all the tools came in very sturdy metal cases. Part of the reason they went with Dewalt was their solid name had gotten so diluted by the home grade B&D tools and home appliances they basically had to start over.
My first power drill was a B&D, handed down to me by my dad when he was upgrading stuff .. this was back in the 60's. I also remember when my dad said he was buying a "Dewalt", yep a radial arm saw :) Over the last few decades I've been through flavours. I went through a strong Hitachi and Rupes era and then into Festool (over priced for DIY class but when you look at it from a time, cost and systems perspective it makes sense ... though these days track saws, sanders, dust collection, etc are catching up by many brands). To supplement the massive holes in the Festool range I started to supplement it with Metabo, Senco, Bosch - EEEK! I'd always avoided yellow (the colour made me feel they looked like kid's toys) but a desire to go cordless and dump the compressor for framing and bradding gave me reason to look at a Dewalt combo kit and give it a go. It was good. This led to more Dewalt tools but I found some were good and some weren't particularly good. A need for a metal nibbler steered me to a Makita and this was an issue .. another battery system and I already had so many! I also had an issue with Makita, remembering the horrible ergonomics of their early tools, even though my dad raved about them. Anyway I bought the Makita nibbler and that's at least 20 Makita tools ago. At this very moment I would say Dewalt are on a down slope. Some of their tools are great, some average and some I rate as junk. There will always be tools that a brand does so well that you can't go elsewhere .. examples as far as I'm concerned are the Mafell Dual Doweller, Lamello Zeta P2 and the Festool Domino. My son who works at a local hardware chain recently gifted me with a monster Milwaukee job site radio. I think he did it just to be cruel as he knows how much I agitate over having multiple cordless battery systems :( A long way round the houses I suppose but you got me asking myself what tool does Dewalt make now that doesn't have at least an equal peer from another brand. I can't think of one! In fact when Makita finally release their cordless framer down here in Oz (and if it cuts the mustard) I may even move away from yellow entirely.
Picked up some cheap DeWalt kits at Home Depot. 20V ratchet with bag, power stack batteries 1.7AHr, and charger for $100; the ratchets are more than that bare tool. Also picked up the 1-hand reciprocal saw, compact drill, bag, 2AHr batteries, and charger also for $100; north the compact drill and 1-hand recip saw are over $100 each as bare tools. Not sure why the deals were so good but couldn’t afford not to buy them.
That's actually a really good deal with the powerstack (even without it would be pretty decent). In most cases those great starter pack deals have the most barebones of everything as a way to move stock that I'm sure doesn't go as quickly as their brushless (I think their cheaper stuff is sort of in a gulf where the dewalt people who like the brand go for the more premium models and their base stuff is definitely usually a price tier away from the other budget lines)
I used to have more B&D tools years ago when they were still quality tools. I still have a Sawcat circular saw and a "professional" model 3/8 in drill, corded tools of course. They still work and are high-quality tools. As I recall B&D bought DeWalt. And then the B&D line changed to more of a homeowner quality tool with DeWalt taking up the slack as the professional quality tool. After that, a craftsman would not consider a B&D tool for professional work. I always featured DeWalt brand as a replacement for the old B&D professional line. Maybe it is nostalgia but I still consider the old B&D professional line superior to DeWalt, except no batteries.
I am not a De Walt fan boy at all I mainly have Makita and Hikoki but I have bought the De Walt DCD703 drill which has the 4 heads that allow right angle drilling. I love it.
I have a Sears Craftsman Circular saw in hard case that is 38 years old, yes it's plastic. It works great I'm so proud to show people that once, a long time ago tools were made well.
I have some very old Black & Decker - a circular saw and a reciprocating saw - loud, heavy but built like tanks - even been through a flood and still working - I save them for old dirty muddy jobs!
Right from the beginning I bought both Milwaukee and Dewalt so I would never have to worry about choosing the brand that matched my batteries.I have considered getting Makita too,but never found a tool that made me want to.Lately though I am really considering adding Hercules...Their tools consistently rank right near the top on TTC...and boy I love the looks of their 12 volt"assembly"gun or electric screwdriver for the lightweight stuff..
Black and deckers industrial line had some great tools. As you say it switched to dewalt name and they remained the same for a while. Then they dropped some of their legends and re designed the entire line. Their old grinders and drills were some of the best.
With respect to the 780 saw, get the 779.. .essentially the same saw at $300 on sale. Same crosscut, same bevels., slightly different angle adjustment lock, and no laser. Although 67 v 56 lbs, for most, it's a better deal. Save your money and get the stand.
I remember wayyy back when you could tell the best power tools by driving by any construction site. When I first got into tools all the construction tools were blue (Makita) and I owned quite a few, then Makita sold and went down hill and the construction sites all went Yellow (Dewalt) and I changed myself (still use them today) and then awhile later the construction sites went red... Now, I have a friend that just swore off big red (too expensive and nothing he has lasts) and I know someone that has a repair RUclips channel that happens to buy, fix and sell Milwaukee tools and he loves it because most of them fail in the same fashion and since he knows the secret it's easy for him to buy a $30 tool, fix it and sell for $200 with $5 worth of parts and 20 minutes in time. Personally I have always seen big red as having too big a rep than their tools deserve. I like my Dewalt and even my Ryobi.
I went Makita. After being stung by the StanleyBlackandDecker shell game over Porter and Cable, I decided to go to the tool company that uses one brand name and nothing else - Makita. I also get my stuff from a tool only store.
I’m a younger guy finally being able to afford my own tools and went dewalt as it was readily available and Milwaukee seemed just a little too much. I have a good amount of power tools by them now and they work awesome as well as the mobile tough system toolboxes. Haven’t had any issues but if I change ecosystems I’d go Milwaukee or Makita. Been really happy and enjoy using the tools each time I use them. They just work for me. Battery compatibility is awesome
The best tool advise ever, “don’t be a fan-boi”. Was a Festool fan for many years . They let me down big time in the cordless drill arena. Buy the best tool for whatever the job. Now I do “over buy” on Ryobi but I don’t over spend
Dewalt was so huge after WW2.There was a huge housing boom after the war...tons of GI'S were looking to buy a new home and start a family.Huge housing projects went up...hundreds of houses in huge developments everywhere.Dewalt was right there pre cutting studs and floor joists and such...sometimes 8 or 10 pieces of lumber in one cut...at complex angles,they just had beautiful workhorse radial arm saws....They literally helped rebuilt America.The dewalt name will always be loved for that..
I’ve had two DeWalt 20V Flex batteries (6Ahr) fail within a couple months of purchase…that being said, DeWalt made good on both replacing them with upgraded Flex batteries.
I was on the DeWalt 18v platform for a long time. When the 20v line came out, I purchased a drill and driver set. It sucked. Switched to Makita and never looked back - better quality, lighter, more ergo dynamic, more power.
UK DiYer here. I love DeWalt gear for its quality build and high spec. I have ONE battery and 13 serious brushless tools, so I’m committed to the platform. That’s not to say Makita or Milwaukee might not have a better planer or die grinder etc, but nothing in the DeWalt line up makes me want to pay out for an alternative or regret any purchase. Remember the world is bigger than the US, so losing the Home Depot retail outlet (which we don’t have) is not a show stopper for DeWalt which markets across all Europe. Milwaukee in particular is not big here…so what’s available doesn’t cover all your needs and for a non-pro not working every day, it doesn’t make sense to run a separate battery platform just to get a slightly faster drill etc. What matters most is longevity and reliability - which is true also for pro users where down time costs money; DeWalt gear lives upto the expectation.
My dad worked in an electro-rewind shop in the early 2000's. Even then they turned away any tools with Black and Decker motors because they were considered cheap garbage that wasn't meant to be serviced.
I have a shop full of Porter Cable power tools, a few Craftsman And a few new Skill. Use at my ranch and rental homes and on many types of vehicles from bikes up to tractors. Never a issue whatsoever.
I love the 12v series they kick ass! I worked in a diesel shop with a MAC dealer so I invested in the MAC and dewalt tools since the batteries interchange
When I got my first job working construction in '97 almost every tool on our site was Dewalt. I also liked Milwaukee right up until Chinese TTI bought it. You forgot to mention that TTI also makes Hart. I'm pretty well invested in the DeWalt lineup now. I also happen to really like my 12v extreme tools as well.
Purchased my DeWalt electric lawn mower at Lowes. Rear wheel snapped off axle my second season and was told at Lowe’s tuff luck and had to buy my part on evil bay (EBay). I doubt DeWalt will ever be found in my bear den anytime soon after that fiasco!
its not actually made by DeWalt, MTD who owns and manufactures Yard Machine bought a lisence to put Dewalt's name on their dooky lawn equipment. one of the worst reputation moves Dewalt has done cause MTD has done them no favors. just thought id throw it out there that the lawn equipment isnt actually a true Dewalt tool. also if you can afford to swing the extra 50 to 75 dollars, never, never never ever buy lawn equipment unless you want something cheap and ok with it breaking after a handful of uses from a big box store. Always go to a dealership. The warrenties from both the company and inhouse make it well worth the extra drive time to buy from them. My Hydro motor on my Wright died after 90 hours, shouldnt of failed till around 2500 hours. Wright said "no way this died this early, you do something bad with it we;re not warrenting it" dealer took care of it on their dime cause it would of been a really bad look and they stood by their name. never buy expensive lawn equipment from lowes/ home depot. same with john deere mowers, yes lowes sells them, but take the extra time to go to a john deere dealership, the dealership warrenties will save you so much headache. ~signed a landscaper.
Why do people insist on buying the electric outdoor lawn/power equipment!? It’s COMPLETE 🗑️!! Like Outlaw over at 731 Woodworks was pushing some battery🪫powered Ryobi weed eater!! Like go buy a Stihl (their gas lines) for weed-eaters, blowers & chainsaws. For push mowers go buy a Honda or Toro (gas) & if it’s a riding mower go buy a BadBoy (preferably the Maverick, but whatever). The tried and true is that way for a reason! 🤨
@@PiercesPerfectPieces Honda has bailed out of the lawnmower business - completely!! Some electric mowers have a plastic turbine plate that the blade locks on. If the nubs on the plate break off your mower is garbage. The electric mowers sold at Lowes cannot have the plate replaced. They are not available as a part so the mower is trash.
@@nunnaurbzznzzz1734 What?! Really?! Since this year or when?? I can still go buy a brand new Honda GCV 170 push mower (which is the exact same one I have & have used for years now) off the shelf at Home Depot right now (TODAY)! Granted you maybe right, this maybe their last year for them but who knows! 🤷♂️ But I’ll agree with you though the electric plastic mowers are trash (same goes for weed-eaters, blowers & chainsaws) 🗑️!
Last time I looked, Milwaukee was still topping the charts over at the torque test channel. As far as Home Depot goes, there's a new one that just opened near me. It's got some yellow, but mostly red and teal. Truth be told, just as much teal as red if not more. They have a huge Makita display front and center in the tool section. Milwaukee display is to the side, and DeWalt is sort of scattered throughout.
Unless something has recently changed, most people should just walk into Harbor Freight & buy Hercules. They have outstanding performance, price & availability. Plus, they essentially have the best warranty in the business. Walk in with something broken, walk out with a replacement. They even warranty the stinking batteries! Hercules bailed me out last year during a huge retaining wall project. I killed 2 mid-tier DeWalt drills & decided to try Hercules mainly because I couldn't find *ANY* of the "good" DeWalt stuff in stock near me. Like I said, until something changes, Hercules made a lifelong customer out of me.
Being a DeWalt user for years I’ve invested in the system and try to avoid adding tools from a different platform. This has risks if the platform isn’t of good quality but I have never had any issue whatsoever with my XR gear while guys around me have broken their Milwaukee and Makita gear. Part of that is the way I treat my stuff, i look after it, don’t knock it around and keep it clean and that probably helps but it’s good gear.
I have a handyman business and use my tools every day for work. I stick with Dewalt. Because I’m colorblind and if I set a red tool down on grass or near shrubbery I won’t see it as well. I’ve lost many Milwaukee tape measures this way. So I’m kinda stuck with Dewalt
I still like dewalt my 20v brushless impact driver has gone through hell for 5 or 6 years and it still works strong as hell, im happy with all my 20v dewalt stuff. its been my experience at most job sites here in Texas you will see mostly Dewalt sometimes a guy with Milwaukee but usually the builder is the only one that can afford that ... good video i like the history part 👍
Excellent video, Jeff! Thank you for setting everyone straight on this. Rumors are just that, rumors. Until you see a closeout sale, just don't put any stock in what you hear. Have a super weekend with your family! 😃😃😃😃😃❤❤❤❤❤
The hell with Home Depot. Not to “fan boy” I’ve owned most other brands and have had a chance to work/try the rest, but DeWalt isn’t going away anytime soon. They’re presently teamed up with the Germans and making some really impressive cordless concrete hammers/drills.
Majority of my power tools are DeWalt, all purchased at HD. The last one I bought is the XR 1/2 in. Impact Wrench. Never had issues with their towers. But I didn't know it was owned by Black and Decker, not overly fond of their cheaply made China tools.
Actually, Milwaukee does make a compact brushless line, they just don’t put a ton of marketing behind it. I have the compact drill, and if I’m being honest, I grab it before I grab my fuel drill. I’m actually considering a switch to Dewalt though because of the atomic line.
Never been a fanboy. I started buying Milwaukee tools because of the warranty on the tools and the batteries. But I fully recognize there are other good brands as well.
I am a DeWalt guy. Not sure about professional use but for home DYI they still last after all these years. I still have the batteries that came with my tools.
I spent 750 doll hairs on a stupid lawnmower that constantly overheated died in less than 1 year. The trimmer lasted 3 years. Heck my 18 year old (ice) Echo trimmer only replaced the trimmer head bearings and head. Still starts like new!! I’m not even going after the warranty. I don’t want another piece of junk to get rid of.
I gave up on Dewalt when they abandoned the 28 Volt line of tools. They were not cheap during that time but they stopped making the batteries and their was no after market replacements creating that line of doom.
I have one of those B&D industrial drills mentioned in your vintage ad. It turns 400 rpm and will spin you right around if the bit stalls. I use it for mixing mortar and grout.
I still say Ryobi is King, haven’t changed the battery style, prices are still good for what you get, and you can always find what you’re looking for at any Home Depot.
My local Home Depot close to me sucks. The bagged concrete is usually lumpy. It does not matter if is concrete, mortar, the topcoat, the portland. Usually, any bagged cement concrete is already full of lumps. The brands my local carries often times proves to be more small rock and less cement. I am not a concrete man. I buy what they have and mix according to the instructions on the bag, and it seems it works better if I add portland cement. The mortar proves the same. Its not sticky. Its grainy. It does not bond well for me. It could be user error. I am not saying it is not. It's what I have ran into. Lumber? Its warped. Its checked. Lots of eyes. They have the different types and sizes in a mess. You can find 2x6 mixed in with 2x8. That sort of thing. Maybe they are out of a size. One time they had only treated lumber all over. In the untreated racks. They now keep lumber outside. In the weather. I ask about it when I saw this. Treated or untreated is kept outside. Waiting to be moved inside. Winter or summer. Rain or shine its in the weather. I am not a carpenter. I do small projects for myself. I built a shed for myself. Thinks like that. Its just what I see when I go. They had a sprinkler leak. A bad one. It sprayed on the concrete bags. They cleaned up the water. The bags got damp. They did not go back and change the bags out. They left them as is. The hardware bins are often times unorganized. Same for the plumbing. They carry mainly Kobalt or Craftsman tools now. It's not all they carry, but it is the bulk of them. I don't know if Craftsman improved since Sears went out of business around here. Maybe Craftsmen is okay. I do wish I had a better selection. The aisles are packed with all kinds of carts loaded up with different material. I ask about that. I wanted a flat cart. Could not find one. The store had just opened so people using the carts was not the problem. I was told that they hire contractors to inventory the store at night. They just leave the cart and whatever is on the cart when they stop work. Lowes does it to. In fact, they do pretty much the same thing as the Home Depot. I will say that a local Lowes is a bit better at cleaning it up. Lowes is a bit better over all but not all that much. Aisles full of carts full of material. Wood stored outside in the weather. Messy bins. Concrete products full of lumps. They are out of the thing you want to buy. People that work there can't answer questions. Appliances not actually in the store for you to take home. Only the floor models. You have to wait. And wait. And wait. Overall, the box stores have really gone downhill, with Home Depot being the worst experience for me.
You got some of the early story about Black & Decker sorta right. B&D had 4 product lines - home owner, tradesman, commercial and industrial. In the 70's and 80's there was a lot of work site theft such that builders started buying the $49 saws instead of the $129 commercial / industrial models. Of course they were called junk - they weren't built for continuous use. But the contractors don't want to pay $129 only to see it stolen. Nolan Archibald took the reins from Alonzo Decker and Frank Lucier in the 80's. The appliances came about after the purchase of GE small appliance division, a separate operation from tools. The "big mistake" that resurrected DeWalt was B&D paying too much to acquire Emhart (Kwik-set, True Temper, Price Pfister, etc.). B&D was barely able to make payments on the financing. So they narrowed their product line to a low end B&D labelled tools and a compression of tradesman, commercial and industrial to one line - DeWalt. The new DeWalt line tools had some significant cost reductions - 3/8 triple gear reduction corded drills as an example ended up with double gear reduction and a heavier motor (that ran hotter than the original). DeWalt was a novelty - many folks remembered the brand from a father or grandfather, so they bought them. Historically, B&D would buy a product line from a competitor, take cost out of the manufacturing and inflate the price. A good example is routers - Porter-Cable and Stanley (acquired by Bosch in the 80's) had terrific routers. So B&D bought the very respected European brand Elu, went through the costing process and reintroduced it. Never did well, just a shadow of its former Elu self. Today, many of the DeWalt products come directly from the Stanley line - including storage, hand tools and wrench sets (when Stanley acquired Proto and MAC). Growing up about 10 minutes from B&D's former corporate headquarters (and knowing a number of B&D managers), the saying 'friends don't let friend's buy DeWalt is heard often!
After 3 (different) DeWalt tool failures, I am forever done with that brand. After Porter-Cable dropped their 18V Ni-Cad batteries, I am done with that brand. I now have a large collection of Kobalt 24 Volt cordless, with only (so far) one battery failure.
Brother, I am 12 minutes into your video and you have YET to mention anything relating to your headline. Cut. To. The. Chase. Already!!!!!
Just another clickbait dewalt-paid marketing ploy
I fell asleep during this video. Don't even know if he ever got to his point.
He started talking about this at 17min
I clicked on it, saw it was den of tools, hit pause, and went straight to the comment section.
This is truly a dewalt promotion
Skip to the 17 minute mark for the answer, which is no, they are not.
I hate rambling nonsense bullshit videos. THANK YOU!
Thx
When I was doing trim carpentry in 05 and 06 and bought the big Dewalt cordless set. When the 20v new style battery came out I started slowly buying them even though my old stuff still worked. I dropped both my drill and circular saw off a 2nd story balcony and to this day they still work. I have mostly Dewalt and makita, but also have Hercules and Milwaukee, but I used the Dewalt stuff more than anything. I've steered many towards Dewalt because of quality and availability. I've had 2 Milwaukee impacts go bad, but never had a Dewalt tool go bad, including my old brushed stuff from 05
My Ridgid set, lasted for years 2014. The new stuff is not nearly as good..
Agreed.
Only thing ever broke on my DeWalt impact was the anvil. 5 minute repair and it was back in action.
The cordless drill, tho... absolutely horrible.
Yep, used Dewalt for DIY stuff for over 20 years now. Recently I needed a grinder, was in Harbor Freight for my free bucket and saw the Hercules branded one. It was like 90 bucks VS Dewalt wanting 250. Ended up trying out the Hercules and got one 5AH battery, charger, 1/4 inch impact driver and the grinder for just under 200. With the 5 year waranty on the tool and 3 on the battery, Hercules was hard to beat. So far I am impressed by the brand.
DeWalt is crap, still B&D at heart🙄
DeWalt, Skill, Ryobi, rigid, Hercules, all are second tier homeowner use quality
By the time you have two dozen batteries it’s no longer fanboyism it’s simple logistics.
Nah, buy battery adapter. I use my much better Milwaukee nailers
And not only batteries, when you have a dozen tools in one system, changing to another brand seems kinda fanboyfoolish to me. No reason and no chance in hockeysticks.
I like my M12's (homeowner, not pro) and retired. I don't want to heft a heavy 18V (or 20V). And I also have many batteries.
@@JohnW118 M12's are better than some 18/20V's. Weight being one of them. I have M12 and M18 drills - everything else is corded - and use them according to the job requirement.
@@Alphasig336 Milwaukee is Chicom garbage though. Just like Ridgid and Ryobi. I wouldn't buy any of their stuff.
I bought a DeWalt electric push mower. It came with two 10Ah, 20V batteries. I wound up buying a bunch of DeWalt battery tools so I could use those batteries for more than just mowing.
I bought a drill, a jigsaw, a sawzall, a circular saw, and one of those short throw rotary saws, I want to buy a DeWalt string trimmer, and a blower.
I started buying tools to work on my motorcycles in July 2023 and it's now July 2024. That Dewalt 192 piece socket set was amazing for me. ALL 6 point sockets, deeps and shallows and very few skips plus ratchets for all 3 driver sizes (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 inch). PLUS you get 3 extensions for each driver size and universal joints for those hard to reach nuts. Then you get 3 sizes of spark plug sockets and then you get all kinds of torx and allen sockets. The filler is just the allen keys that most people have. BUT everything else is AWESOME!! It's like the perfect set for home and DIYers that are just getting started. Seriously it has SO MANY helpful tools that I never knew I needed and have used extensively since buying the set. I honestly can't think of any tool purchase that has been more satisfying for me. I feel like I can take on any project and succeed....I know, I know that's not actually true but having this complete of a socket set is deeply satisfying.
Everyone sells sets like this LOL.
@@petebusch9069 - not true. Everyone sells tool sets yes but they're not at all like this one. I've done the research. YOU clearly have not. OR you don't make important distinctions between 6 point sockets and 12 point sockets and other significant differences. You simply see tools and think "That's just like any other tool set" and lack the knowledge to understand the differences. That's on you, not me.
@@jontnoneya3404 Triggered, you typed a lot of words for no reason.
@@petebusch9069 nope not triggered at all - you continue to show a complete lack of intelligence.
@@petebusch9069 who else sells six point sockets in everything. I am asking, because I would like to compare prices, and MOST have a combination of six and 12 point sockets including my old Craftsman. I don't care about the ratchets or extensions.
I’m a plumbing contractor and worked with my late dad has I first started out. Well he bought a Black and Decker Timberwolf angle drill with dual speed and even has a clutch in case a Auger bit catches it won’t throw you off a ladder. My dad has been gone for over 24 years and I’m still using that drill. It still works just like new. By far the best tool I’ve ever used
B&D used to be great industrial tools back in the day. The Timberwolf with the clutch was head and shoulders above Milwaukee’s Hole Hawg. Many plumbers have been injured using Hole Hawg’s with self feed bits. Now all power tool manufacturers are more interested in the bottom line and 9:20 taking care of investors than the end user. I retired last year after selling professional industrial and construction tools for 44 years. Been there, done that, made the video.
As a prosumer woodworker I highly recommend the DeWalt XR trim router. Plenty of power in a compact and ergonomic size. One of those tools I should have bought way sooner.
I've been using DeWalt tools for 20+ years. Loved them then and I still do. As an electrician I use a lot of the 12V tools that work great on delicate items like terminal blocks. Then I have the 20V and 60V when pure power is necessary. They're just awesome.
I like the 20v impact. Set it to setting 1 and it works great for delicate stuff, but bump it up to 2 or 3 and it drives lag bolts like they're nothing.
Amazing, in August my drill will be 20 years old (replacement batteries are like 12 now) and been flawless in both an industrial and and ranch setting. Back then it all came in a hard case but the soft bag is great as well - use them both everyday. No problems to report with any of the dozen or so tools I use.
You need a scorecard to buy Dewalt. The play model change so often you do not if you are buying top of the line or not. I do not bother with them. Ridgid kind of quit and now are trying to come back. I hope HD starts carrying Makita full line. Ryobi might be good but again like Dewalt they have so convoluted their line you do not know what your buying good bad or in between. Truthfully as the manufactures try to bleed you with battery prices it is getting hard to pass up corded tools. It is the old Gillette syndrome give you razor and sell you blades. Give you the tool and make your money selling replacement batteries.
With ridgid, it depends on what you’re talking about. Their old plumbing tools were rockstar. When HD bought them, a lot of stuff went to complete crap except for the pipe wrenches and a couple solid metal tools. Then after some transition growing pains, it looks like ridgid is about where black and decker used to be 30 years ago
@@liquidrockaquatics3900 not sure HD bought Ridgid but you are right there are two distinct manufactures, one for plumbing and one for everything else. I understand the plumbing is top notch. I think their woodworking tools are good but they stopped producing anything new. Discontinued the 12 volt line without telling anyone. Now they seem to be comming out with new stuff.
I think TTI owns Milwaukee, Ridge woodworking tools, and Ryobi. My opinion dump Ridgid, keep Milwaukee and clean up the Ryobi line. This idea of having three or more grades of tools in a product line is crazy.
not sure why chasing top of the line is needed. if the tool is good and it does it job, stick with it till it dies. my oldest dewalt drill is like 2014, brushed, and it still works
@@edblough4134 Gillette was the first safety razor to be issued to the military and it was an innovation that probably saved lives (or at least helped get a lot of guys laid) by taking straight razor shaving (and sharpening) where it required a level of skill and time investment to a small money investment with minimal safety concerns. THAT is groundbreaking. That’s not like yellow or orange tools, that’s like sawstop or no sawstop
@@liquidrockaquatics3900 point is they gave you the razor so you bought their blades. They made their money on blades. Cordless tools often sell you the tool and battery and charger at the same price or less than they sale the battery. They then got you hooked and they make their money on batteries, which they “change” all the time and always for a higher price.
3/8 DeWalt XR impact is the most underrated tool ever. If you get one your 3/8 rachet and 1/2 impact will start to gather dust.
Agreed!!
Love my 923!
IDK my brother just got the monster 9xx 1/2 impact it's unbelievable.
Depends on what you do. 3/8 isn't enough for lots of what I do. I definitely still need a 1/2.
I just got the dcf923 ½ impact with the dcf513 ⅜ ratchet kit. I'm wanting the dcf961 an the dcf891 both are ½ ones 800 ft ibs an the 961 is 1400 ft ibs so they say. I like dewalt I use them over most brands I have dewalt,craftsman an kobalt 24v tools
I did a little digging myself, and I found out that Raymond E. DeWalt invented the radial arm saw and founded his company to manufacture them in 1924. The company was reorganized in 1947, which makes sense to me because I remember that my Grandpa had a set of DeWalt power tools from about 1950 in his workshop. When he passed, I wanted that set real bad, but my Uncle did, too, and he outranked me. In fact, the only tool I inherited from my Grandpa was a claw hammer with a split handle and handful of mismatched screwdrivers that no one else wanted.
I made up for it when Grandma passed a couple of years later, and I got almost her entire kitchen. I love to cook almost as much as I love working with garage tools, so that was great. And I get to think of her with every meal I prepare for my family.
EDIT: I should have mentioned that all my power tools are Ryobi. I am aware that they are not the greatest, but they fill my needs well enough. I have a bunch of them and a handful of batteries, like a half dozen of them, so I am leery of switching to a better brand because of how much I already have invested in them.
Quite aside from the tool issues, that's a wonderful story about your grandmother's utensils, and the way they can transmit memory. I hope your family will have the same memories of your kitchen to pass along to the next generation. Have a wonderful weekend!
Be aware you can get adapters from ryobi batteries to any brand's 18/20V tool at the cost of a few percent power
Radial Arm saw dewalt, sawzall milwaukee, angle grinder flex
@@TheRealPlato Can you provide a link? I've got some old Porter Cable tools that use 18V Ni-cad batteries that I'd like to upgrade if possible. 👍🍻
@@williamemerson1799check Am.azon for adapters. I have some old 18v nicad Dewalt and bought adapters to use with my newer Flexvolt stuff. Pretty sure you can find adapters for most major brands.
This is so funny. My dad was a mason and fell off a roof and became a general contractor in the early 90’s. He bought a B&D router at the start and then Dewalt came on the scene and it was like overnight, they were absolutely everywhere. You wouldn’t see any framer with anything but Dewalt where we were.
32 or 33?! 🤔
You are correct, back in the early 90's, the Black and Decker professionals line was rebadged/colored yellow and renamed dewalt. We had angle grinders pieced together by mixing both brands. Same exact parts.
😅
I have a Black & Decker Professional 1/2” Dual range hammerdrill similar to the one shown at 4:34 and the label states: Made In Italy. Was Dewalt ever made in Italy?
That's wild cause regular black & decker is most charitably described as disposable.
Most tools are this way now, most people would be shocked to learn that certain brands charging 3x the price are made in the same factories as the no-name on Amazon. The only thing companies care about anymore is marketing and branding because they know how egotistical people have become, the days of a tool lasting decades are long gone. It's a psychological game, I have several "Black & Decker" tools from the 80's/90's that still work perfectly.. meanwhile I'm having to replace my "Milwaukee" battery power tools every 18 months with regular use.
I was a DeWalt guy for 20 years. I changed over to Milwaukee over the past few years. They offer more tools and they label and market everything so you know what you are buying.
Yeah milwaukee makes nice tools less reliable batteries though
I wouldn't touch Milwaukee even if they paid me to astroturf for them.
My Milwaukee drills are a little over half the rpm of my comparable DeWalts in low and high gear, both 2 speed versions.
@@mrbmp09 I miss the three speed dewalts
As a DeWalt consumer in the electrical construction field, I appreciate this very much. I appreciate the highs and lows that you shared about the company's history. I love my XR line of construction tools, Bandsaw, Drill, rotary hammer, impact driver, high and mid torque wrenches, saw, sawzall, one hand saw, battery system, flashlights, and even their electrical threader, wire stripper, etc. DeWalt is still an American company. Most electricians I know use Milwaukee, but Dewalt has always been a great tool company for me. They need to do more advertising and reach a new generation. Milwaukee has reps for electrical line of tools, plumbing line, but DeWalt just has one rep (from what I've heard from my local tool distributor).
My Dad had a Cordless Drill/Screwgun by Dewalt in the 90s a true professional tool. I have a XR 1/4" Apex Driver Impact from them it is 10 years old, have gotten water and transmission fluid in it numerous occaisions and it still works properly, both batteries still charge and barely lose power, and this thing has been beaten up. Impressive.
DeWalt is paying for the shelf space at Home Depot, as they also do at Lowes. These retailers often play games where they threaten to raise the costs or demand special merchansing if the vendor wants to stay. Both sides play poker with this stuff, weighing how valuable they are to each other, leaving shelves empty, spreading rumors. Just the sad state of retail these days.
Blackrock, vanguard etc. Are the ones calling the shots
in Canada Rona/Lowes has largely adopted Craftsman as there "house" brand and Craftsman is NOW owned by Stanley tools ....
@@RUM123 @mrnius11 ISN’T WRONG & I WOULDN’T BE L0L!! 🤨
Yes, DeWalt isn't leaving Home Depot's Stores .
Click Bait.
The first drill I bought was in about 1973. Built solid, still works like new. K-Mart house brand.
That's when the store brands were pretty good tools & appliances back in the 70s, early 80s.
I love the dewalt stuff! Never had a problem with a y of it. While installing new bleacher planks,I dropped my drill,about three stories or so,I climed down and got it. It had a few scars from the dropout still worked fine and is still working many years later. I stick with DeWalt because it works and is still an American company, where as Milwaukee is 100% Chinese.
Better check your sources, I've even visited the factory where my Hole-Shooters were built. Didn't know N. J. had been annexed by China? Anyone know for certain?
This is why I love my xr tools....no fall damage. I've accidentally dropped a few of them from a couple stories to straight concrete...still work like new.
so in 94 as i was getting into the trades ( HVAC ) i was getting cheap drills. i had a bonus so i wanted better. knowing i had to hold it all day i went to H-D ( not Harley Davidson just saying ) and held all the $200 drills. Bosch felt best with Makita next. my wife thought said get the Bosch and i have that drill still. the batteries are aftermarket now but it still works great. it is the house drill and Bosch 18v is my work set. yellow felt bad in the hand then and still does now. the power and other numbers matter less than the feel in your hand of something you have to hold all day.
IMHO end of the day the tool you LIKE the best is likely the best
I used to have AEG tools and they are not available anymore and mostly run the Milwaukee tools and DO have some of the 12V MAX stuff and find the Milwaukee takes a beating in ways DeWalt dont - heavy truck mechanic for 25 years
I have an old black & decker drill since 1990. It is still going strong.
This is the greatest channel on RUclips. If you are a young man who grew up without a father or a father, who doesn’t know how to do anything this is the channel for you. When I say this channel is over 90% non-biased when tools are being reviewed. I mean it. I have more Harbor freight tools Than any other type. I use them daily for my trade and at home I use them for my car projects. Some people bash me for not buying American and I tell them you show me an American tool and I will buy it. Using this transitory language of, assembled here, parts sourced, and all of that is just a Chinese tool put together here in the United States. Then there is the whole cost issue. I’m not going to buy a wrench for $65 that I can get from Harbor freight for two dollars, because it says made in America
I have both DeWalt and Milwaukee drills, the Milwaukees are about 60% as fast rpm as Dewalt in both speeds.
The Milwaukee is strictly used as a backup drill or a 2nd drill if I'm changing between 2 different bits a lot.
Recently one of my dewalt drills is stuck in gear 1 and one of the milwaukees the motor started smoking under very light use.
I just went through some upgrades on my drill, impact driver, impact wrench, and cordless ratchet. For every tool I purchased, HD either didn't carry the item or wasn't priced competitively. Lowes and Amazon happily took all my power tool money. Basically, if you're shopping for Dewalt, HD is the last place I'd look. I did notice HD is looking rather red these days.
I’m some where between an IT contractor and Low Voltage guy - I build out networks and data centers across the Upper Midwest, and often work directly with local electricians.
I’ve asked them why they always use Milwaukee.. and they being hundreds of different electricians across several states. They all return the same answer - Milwaukee offers kit deals at very cheap rates to trade shops. I was told that the shops by these kits for about half the price if all purchased separately, and each tool comes with a second battery. So a kit of 40 tools comes with 80 batteries for the price of only 20 tools.. so this is one way in which Milwaukee has the market presence they do.
When they guys buy their own tools though, they buy Dewalt, for whatever that is worth.
I have a B&D corded drill. Have had it for well over 25 years. It’s a beast. It just does the job without failing. Still use it when I need a heavy duty drill to get the job done.
I think for cordless tools for mechanics milwaukee is top but for constuction I would go makita. Dewalt is a solid all around platform. Its honestly amazing to see how far cordless tools have come in the last 20 years. Can't wait to see how they keep evolving.
I bought the Dewalt cordless hammer drill and impact driver with two batteries and charger as a combo from Home Depot. To be clear, this is a budget friendly package. They work well enough for home projects, but if I want professional grade tools, I would expect to pay at least three times the price. When I reframed the wall of my storage room, both tools were working pretty hard. I could feel the cases flexing and twisting under the load. I also had to take breaks to let the motors cool.
Just recognize that the brand doesn't mean a whole lot. What does matter is the construction, materials and quality of the tools. A professional is going to make the tools work harder. They need stronger tools. That makes them more expensive.
I have a Dewalt radial arm saw that was my dad's. I researched the serial number and it's from the early '60s and still works great
My dad also had one from the 60's. Last year he passed, and mom wanted to move. We tried to sell it, but finally had to offer it for free. Made us all sad, because it was dad's favorite. It was mint condition.
I still have that old Black and Decker drill and it is very good. It was my favorite drill for at least 30 years until I bought a modern DeWalt cordless drill.
I bought my wife a 20v DeWalt leaf blower she could use to dry her car off. When I happened to use a 60v battery on it, game changer. I too use it for blowing off the driveway. My 40V anchor blower is destined for the shed.
I'm a Bosch guy. I've never been let down buy any of their tools yet. I have an old cordless drill, 18 years old I think, that I have let the smoke out of a couple of times and it is still my daily go to drill despite having a newer ones in the mix now. This one just refuses to die so now it has become a challenge to try and kill it, lol. It's fallen off a few roofs and taken several drops off ladders and still it soldiers on like it was new yesterday. My heavy duty corded Bosch drill had the smoke let out of it twice on the first day I bought and used it and it still runs like new 3 years on now. I've never owned Hilti brand tools but I think Bosch stands right up there with them for quality and reliability.
Growing up in the late 80s and 90s, sure, I remember black and decker tools but I also remember them mostly for household goods…the coffee makers, toasters and the other things you mentioned as well as some other things. Milwaukee may be breaking into the subcompact line as well. They have the new brushless drill and impact driver. Time will tell if they expand to other tools in the lineup
As a retired kitchen remodeler, I bought a DeWalt portable table saw for my business, before they became full of themselves, that was about 30 yrs ago... I'm still using it.
I have that 9 inch B&D power miter saw for many years, it still works great. Not using it professionally though, but fine for DYI use. 9 inch blades aren't too common, but available.
Still have my original two piece DeWalt combo from 20 years ago drill chuck wobbly both items still work well. Now 14 batteries, 18 tools and 4 chargers. Had Makita, prefer DeWalt. Plumber son has Milwaukee but will use my DeWalt when working together.
The first electric hand saw I actually purchased was an 8 inch Super Saw Cat. Little heavy, but great balance. Indestructible. Still picking Saw Cats up at garage sales. Best ever, for me. Dewalt cordless, definitely best bang for dollar.
Recently (last week) we built a set at Aloha Theatre. Comparing only jigsaws the DeWalt batteries outlasted the Rigid batteries three to one and the job was finished with the DeWalt because all Rigid batteries were being charged.
Home Depot still sells Dewalt stuff, but they’ve dramatically scaled down from a few years ago in favor of Milwaukee and Ryobi. And lately they’ve really been swinging hard on Ryobi’s balls. I’m far beyond the beginner DIYer now and only consider buying maybe a Ryobi shop vac or something like that, but no power tools anymore. Lowes is really the go-to store for Dewalt stuff now.
Dewalt needs to come out with a zero clearance miter saw. Competitors like Makita and others are eating their lunch by offering this.
Because they're in bed with China 🇨🇳 don't go to Home Depot they support China Milwaukee and Ryobi are owned by China
I totally agree that Dewalt needs to come out with a zero clearance miter saw like Makita and Bosch and start to assert themselves in the garage/DIY and pro shop space. I think they look at their current sliders as being used 90% in the construction space and they're fine with that unfortunately. However, they have a huge presence in that garage/DIY/pro shop market not only with their cordless tools but their 13" planer is a market leader and they just came out with a cordless 1/2" collet router. They could be eating Makita's and Milwaukee's lunch by expanding into this market more but who knows if they will. With that being said, I can't stand Lowes. Their deals are never as good as Home Depot and for me personally, they don't carry the Atomic line.
@@evanmetz1740the atomic line is a home depot exclusive.
In the 1960's my neighbor was a Black and Decker professional sales rep. He was passionate about there pro line. It was very handy to have him as a neighbor everyone in the neighbor wandered into his garage to borrow tools for all our projects.
Got that same flexvolt advantage grinder for $99 during a dewalt days at my local north 40 shop. Love it. More compact than the full blown flexvolt model.
It's great to hear from someone who knows the history behind what's going on. Thanks for an informative video.
I remember well working as a welder when the grinders went from Black and Decker to DeWalt..basically.the same grinders in yellow.
Most of these Power tool brands make their cheap home and pro lines. If you're getting a good deal on it, it's most likely the home line.
Power tools are trendy and everyone loves to jump on the latest cool brand.
The two DeWalt drills I own are awesome. One of them is decades old. Doesn't matter to me if they change their catalog. I like what I have.
I have Dewalt for one main reason. It is the batteries. I dont mix brands because I can use my batteries on every Dewalt Tool I have. Now I only buy 5AMPhour batteries and up. I have bought 3rd party batteries that fit Dewalt but if you drop one of them they go all to pieces. I have 3 drills, 1 impact, reciprocating, side grinder, fan, radio and all work perfectly. So for me it is not brand but staying with something that works and all my batteries work together. I even got an off brand small blower that uses Dewalt batteries.
Black & Decker bought the GE small appliances division that got them started into the home appliances business. Black & Decker right up to the transition to Dewalt made some serious industrial tools. They had their Masters series that took all the aluminum cast parts and polished them to a mirror finish and all the tools came in very sturdy metal cases. Part of the reason they went with Dewalt was their solid name had gotten so diluted by the home grade B&D tools and home appliances they basically had to start over.
I have one of those corded polished drills - case and all!! Never use it!! LOL
My grandfather's black and decker drill he bought in the mid 60s lasted (with me) until 2010s.
My first power drill was a B&D, handed down to me by my dad when he was upgrading stuff .. this was back in the 60's. I also remember when my dad said he was buying a "Dewalt", yep a radial arm saw :) Over the last few decades I've been through flavours. I went through a strong Hitachi and Rupes era and then into Festool (over priced for DIY class but when you look at it from a time, cost and systems perspective it makes sense ... though these days track saws, sanders, dust collection, etc are catching up by many brands). To supplement the massive holes in the Festool range I started to supplement it with Metabo, Senco, Bosch - EEEK!
I'd always avoided yellow (the colour made me feel they looked like kid's toys) but a desire to go cordless and dump the compressor for framing and bradding gave me reason to look at a Dewalt combo kit and give it a go. It was good. This led to more Dewalt tools but I found some were good and some weren't particularly good. A need for a metal nibbler steered me to a Makita and this was an issue .. another battery system and I already had so many! I also had an issue with Makita, remembering the horrible ergonomics of their early tools, even though my dad raved about them. Anyway I bought the Makita nibbler and that's at least 20 Makita tools ago.
At this very moment I would say Dewalt are on a down slope. Some of their tools are great, some average and some I rate as junk. There will always be tools that a brand does so well that you can't go elsewhere .. examples as far as I'm concerned are the Mafell Dual Doweller, Lamello Zeta P2 and the Festool Domino. My son who works at a local hardware chain recently gifted me with a monster Milwaukee job site radio. I think he did it just to be cruel as he knows how much I agitate over having multiple cordless battery systems :(
A long way round the houses I suppose but you got me asking myself what tool does Dewalt make now that doesn't have at least an equal peer from another brand. I can't think of one! In fact when Makita finally release their cordless framer down here in Oz (and if it cuts the mustard) I may even move away from yellow entirely.
Picked up some cheap DeWalt kits at Home Depot. 20V ratchet with bag, power stack batteries 1.7AHr, and charger for $100; the ratchets are more than that bare tool. Also picked up the 1-hand reciprocal saw, compact drill, bag, 2AHr batteries, and charger also for $100; north the compact drill and 1-hand recip saw are over $100 each as bare tools.
Not sure why the deals were so good but couldn’t afford not to buy them.
That's actually a really good deal with the powerstack (even without it would be pretty decent). In most cases those great starter pack deals have the most barebones of everything as a way to move stock that I'm sure doesn't go as quickly as their brushless (I think their cheaper stuff is sort of in a gulf where the dewalt people who like the brand go for the more premium models and their base stuff is definitely usually a price tier away from the other budget lines)
I used to have more B&D tools years ago when they were still quality tools. I still have a Sawcat circular saw and a "professional" model 3/8 in drill, corded tools of course. They still work and are high-quality tools. As I recall B&D bought DeWalt. And then the B&D line changed to more of a homeowner quality tool with DeWalt taking up the slack as the professional quality tool. After that, a craftsman would not consider a B&D tool for professional work. I always featured DeWalt brand as a replacement for the old B&D professional line. Maybe it is nostalgia but I still consider the old B&D professional line superior to DeWalt, except no batteries.
I am not a De Walt fan boy at all I mainly have Makita and Hikoki but I have bought the De Walt DCD703 drill which has the 4 heads that allow right angle drilling. I love it.
I have a Sears Craftsman Circular saw in hard case that is 38 years old, yes it's plastic. It works great I'm so proud to show people that once, a long time ago tools were made well.
Are you sure that tools arent sports teams? I know truck brands are
LOL... so true!
Brands, like trucks, are not sports teams!
...Then there are always those that never saw the memo.
I’ve been phasing out my dewalt tools for the new Lowe’s brand, “flex”.
I’ve been highly by impressed by everything flex has put out
I have some very old Black & Decker - a circular saw and a reciprocating saw - loud, heavy but built like tanks - even been through a flood and still working - I save them for old dirty muddy jobs!
Right from the beginning I bought both Milwaukee and Dewalt so I would never have to worry about choosing the brand that matched my batteries.I have considered getting Makita too,but never found a tool that made me want to.Lately though I am really considering adding Hercules...Their tools consistently rank right near the top on TTC...and boy I love the looks of their 12 volt"assembly"gun or electric screwdriver for the lightweight stuff..
Black and deckers industrial line had some great tools. As you say it switched to dewalt name and they remained the same for a while. Then they dropped some of their legends and re designed the entire line. Their old grinders and drills were some of the best.
I have Dewalt, Milwaukee, and makita
I find Dewalt to be the tools I use most often. And the Mac tools seem to be top notch.
With respect to the 780 saw, get the 779.. .essentially the same saw at $300 on sale. Same crosscut, same bevels., slightly different angle adjustment lock, and no laser. Although 67 v 56 lbs, for most, it's a better deal. Save your money and get the stand.
I remember wayyy back when you could tell the best power tools by driving by any construction site. When I first got into tools all the construction tools were blue (Makita) and I owned quite a few, then Makita sold and went down hill and the construction sites all went Yellow (Dewalt) and I changed myself (still use them today) and then awhile later the construction sites went red... Now, I have a friend that just swore off big red (too expensive and nothing he has lasts) and I know someone that has a repair RUclips channel that happens to buy, fix and sell Milwaukee tools and he loves it because most of them fail in the same fashion and since he knows the secret it's easy for him to buy a $30 tool, fix it and sell for $200 with $5 worth of parts and 20 minutes in time. Personally I have always seen big red as having too big a rep than their tools deserve. I like my Dewalt and even my Ryobi.
I went Makita. After being stung by the StanleyBlackandDecker shell game over Porter and Cable, I decided to go to the tool company that uses one brand name and nothing else - Makita. I also get my stuff from a tool only store.
I have the Atomic Drill/Driver and Impact tools and they are great! Also have almost every Phillips/Slot and torx bits DeWalt sells. ❤
I’m a younger guy finally being able to afford my own tools and went dewalt as it was readily available and Milwaukee seemed just a little too much. I have a good amount of power tools by them now and they work awesome as well as the mobile tough system toolboxes. Haven’t had any issues but if I change ecosystems I’d go Milwaukee or Makita. Been really happy and enjoy using the tools each time I use them. They just work for me. Battery compatibility is awesome
The best tool advise ever, “don’t be a fan-boi”. Was a Festool fan for many years . They let me down big time in the cordless drill arena. Buy the best tool for whatever the job. Now I do “over buy” on Ryobi but I don’t over spend
Dewalt was so huge after WW2.There was a huge housing boom after the war...tons of GI'S were looking to buy a new home and start a family.Huge housing projects went up...hundreds of houses in huge developments everywhere.Dewalt was right there pre cutting studs and floor joists and such...sometimes 8 or 10 pieces of lumber in one cut...at complex angles,they just had beautiful workhorse radial arm saws....They literally helped rebuilt America.The dewalt name will always be loved for that..
I’ve had two DeWalt 20V Flex batteries (6Ahr) fail within a couple months of purchase…that being said, DeWalt made good on both replacing them with upgraded Flex batteries.
I was on the DeWalt 18v platform for a long time. When the 20v line came out, I purchased a drill and driver set. It sucked. Switched to Makita and never looked back - better quality, lighter, more ergo dynamic, more power.
UK DiYer here. I love DeWalt gear for its quality build and high spec. I have ONE battery and 13 serious brushless tools, so I’m committed to the platform. That’s not to say Makita or Milwaukee might not have a better planer or die grinder etc, but nothing in the DeWalt line up makes me want to pay out for an alternative or regret any purchase. Remember the world is bigger than the US, so losing the Home Depot retail outlet (which we don’t have) is not a show stopper for DeWalt which markets across all Europe. Milwaukee in particular is not big here…so what’s available doesn’t cover all your needs and for a non-pro not working every day, it doesn’t make sense to run a separate battery platform just to get a slightly faster drill etc. What matters most is longevity and reliability - which is true also for pro users where down time costs money; DeWalt gear lives upto the expectation.
I’m sticking with Dewalt
The crew I work with is 110% Milwaukee. They’re beasts. Table saw. Chop saw. Router. Fein Saw. BEASTS.
My dad worked in an electro-rewind shop in the early 2000's. Even then they turned away any tools with Black and Decker motors because they were considered cheap garbage that wasn't meant to be serviced.
I have a shop full of Porter Cable power tools, a few Craftsman And a few new Skill. Use at my ranch and rental homes and on many types of vehicles from bikes up to tractors. Never a issue whatsoever.
I got DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ridgid,Ryobi … love em and gotta catch em all
I love the 12v series they kick ass! I worked in a diesel shop with a MAC dealer so I invested in the MAC and dewalt tools since the batteries interchange
When I got my first job working construction in '97 almost every tool on our site was Dewalt. I also liked Milwaukee right up until Chinese TTI bought it. You forgot to mention that TTI also makes Hart. I'm pretty well invested in the DeWalt lineup now. I also happen to really like my 12v extreme tools as well.
Purchased my DeWalt electric lawn mower at Lowes. Rear wheel snapped off axle my second season and was told at Lowe’s tuff luck and had to buy my part on evil bay (EBay).
I doubt DeWalt will ever be found in my bear den anytime soon after that fiasco!
its not actually made by DeWalt, MTD who owns and manufactures Yard Machine bought a lisence to put Dewalt's name on their dooky lawn equipment. one of the worst reputation moves Dewalt has done cause MTD has done them no favors. just thought id throw it out there that the lawn equipment isnt actually a true Dewalt tool. also if you can afford to swing the extra 50 to 75 dollars, never, never never ever buy lawn equipment unless you want something cheap and ok with it breaking after a handful of uses from a big box store. Always go to a dealership. The warrenties from both the company and inhouse make it well worth the extra drive time to buy from them. My Hydro motor on my Wright died after 90 hours, shouldnt of failed till around 2500 hours. Wright said "no way this died this early, you do something bad with it we;re not warrenting it" dealer took care of it on their dime cause it would of been a really bad look and they stood by their name. never buy expensive lawn equipment from lowes/ home depot. same with john deere mowers, yes lowes sells them, but take the extra time to go to a john deere dealership, the dealership warrenties will save you so much headache. ~signed a landscaper.
Why do people insist on buying the electric outdoor lawn/power equipment!? It’s COMPLETE 🗑️!! Like Outlaw over at 731 Woodworks was pushing some battery🪫powered Ryobi weed eater!! Like go buy a Stihl (their gas lines) for weed-eaters, blowers & chainsaws. For push mowers go buy a Honda or Toro (gas) & if it’s a riding mower go buy a BadBoy (preferably the Maverick, but whatever). The tried and true is that way for a reason! 🤨
@@PiercesPerfectPieces Honda has bailed out of the lawnmower business - completely!!
Some electric mowers have a plastic turbine plate that the blade locks on. If the nubs on the plate break off your mower is garbage. The electric mowers sold at Lowes cannot have the plate replaced. They are not available as a part so the mower is trash.
@@nunnaurbzznzzz1734 What?! Really?! Since this year or when?? I can still go buy a brand new Honda GCV 170 push mower (which is the exact same one I have & have used for years now) off the shelf at Home Depot right now (TODAY)! Granted you maybe right, this maybe their last year for them but who knows! 🤷♂️
But I’ll agree with you though the electric plastic mowers are trash (same goes for weed-eaters, blowers & chainsaws) 🗑️!
Last time I looked, Milwaukee was still topping the charts over at the torque test channel.
As far as Home Depot goes, there's a new one that just opened near me. It's got some yellow, but mostly red and teal. Truth be told, just as much teal as red if not more. They have a huge Makita display front and center in the tool section. Milwaukee display is to the side, and DeWalt is sort of scattered throughout.
All of dewalts impacts beat Milwaukee on the ttc.
961 impact hits 1065 with a 9 ah. The 891 mid beats everything. Now the 860 impact.
Unless something has recently changed, most people should just walk into Harbor Freight & buy Hercules. They have outstanding performance, price & availability. Plus, they essentially have the best warranty in the business. Walk in with something broken, walk out with a replacement. They even warranty the stinking batteries! Hercules bailed me out last year during a huge retaining wall project. I killed 2 mid-tier DeWalt drills & decided to try Hercules mainly because I couldn't find *ANY* of the "good" DeWalt stuff in stock near me. Like I said, until something changes, Hercules made a lifelong customer out of me.
I am a carpenter and cabinetmaker i prefer Dewalt for Circular Saws, Miter Saws, and cordless drills. I prefer Milwaukee for there cordless Sawzall
Being a DeWalt user for years I’ve invested in the system and try to avoid adding tools from a different platform. This has risks if the platform isn’t of good quality but I have never had any issue whatsoever with my XR gear while guys around me have broken their Milwaukee and Makita gear. Part of that is the way I treat my stuff, i look after it, don’t knock it around and keep it clean and that probably helps but it’s good gear.
I have a handyman business and use my tools every day for work. I stick with Dewalt.
Because I’m colorblind and if I set a red tool down on grass or near shrubbery I won’t see it as well. I’ve lost many Milwaukee tape measures this way. So I’m kinda stuck with Dewalt
Great video yes you tell a nice story. I am a journeyman carpenter and go back and forth dewalt Milwaukee, thanks for the video
I still like dewalt my 20v brushless impact driver has gone through hell for 5 or 6 years and it still works strong as hell, im happy with all my 20v dewalt stuff. its been my experience at most job sites here in Texas you will see mostly Dewalt sometimes a guy with Milwaukee but usually the builder is the only one that can afford that ... good video i like the history part 👍
Excellent video, Jeff! Thank you for setting everyone straight on this. Rumors are just that, rumors. Until you see a closeout sale, just don't put any stock in what you hear. Have a super weekend with your family! 😃😃😃😃😃❤❤❤❤❤
The hell with Home Depot. Not to “fan boy” I’ve owned most other brands and have had a chance to work/try the rest, but DeWalt isn’t going away anytime soon. They’re presently teamed up with the Germans and making some really impressive cordless concrete hammers/drills.
I love your take on this video. I don't know if I can let go of my fanboy'ing just yet, but I don't disagree with any of your points.
Majority of my power tools are DeWalt, all purchased at HD. The last one I bought is the XR 1/2 in. Impact Wrench. Never had issues with their towers. But I didn't know it was owned by Black and Decker, not overly fond of their cheaply made China tools.
Actually, Milwaukee does make a compact brushless line, they just don’t put a ton of marketing behind it. I have the compact drill, and if I’m being honest, I grab it before I grab my fuel drill. I’m actually considering a switch to Dewalt though because of the atomic line.
Never been a fanboy. I started buying Milwaukee tools because of the warranty on the tools and the batteries. But I fully recognize there are other good brands as well.
I am a DeWalt guy. Not sure about professional use but for home DYI they still last after all these years. I still have the batteries that came with my tools.
I spent 750 doll hairs on a stupid lawnmower that constantly overheated died in less than 1 year. The trimmer lasted 3 years. Heck my 18 year old (ice) Echo trimmer only replaced the trimmer head bearings and head. Still starts like new!!
I’m not even going after the warranty. I don’t want another piece of junk to get rid of.
I gave up on Dewalt when they abandoned the 28 Volt line of tools. They were not cheap during that time but they stopped making the batteries and their was no after market replacements creating that line of doom.
I have one of those B&D industrial drills mentioned in your vintage ad. It turns 400 rpm and will spin you right around if the bit stalls.
I use it for mixing mortar and grout.
I still say Ryobi is King, haven’t changed the battery style, prices are still good for what you get, and you can always find what you’re looking for at any Home Depot.
My local Home Depot close to me sucks. The bagged concrete is usually lumpy. It does not matter if is concrete, mortar, the topcoat, the portland. Usually, any bagged cement concrete is already full of lumps. The brands my local carries often times proves to be more small rock and less cement. I am not a concrete man. I buy what they have and mix according to the instructions on the bag, and it seems it works better if I add portland cement. The mortar proves the same. Its not sticky. Its grainy. It does not bond well for me. It could be user error. I am not saying it is not. It's what I have ran into. Lumber? Its warped. Its checked. Lots of eyes. They have the different types and sizes in a mess. You can find 2x6 mixed in with 2x8. That sort of thing. Maybe they are out of a size. One time they had only treated lumber all over. In the untreated racks. They now keep lumber outside. In the weather. I ask about it when I saw this. Treated or untreated is kept outside. Waiting to be moved inside. Winter or summer. Rain or shine its in the weather. I am not a carpenter. I do small projects for myself. I built a shed for myself. Thinks like that. Its just what I see when I go.
They had a sprinkler leak. A bad one. It sprayed on the concrete bags. They cleaned up the water. The bags got damp. They did not go back and change the bags out. They left them as is.
The hardware bins are often times unorganized. Same for the plumbing.
They carry mainly Kobalt or Craftsman tools now. It's not all they carry, but it is the bulk of them. I don't know if Craftsman improved since Sears went out of business around here. Maybe Craftsmen is okay. I do wish I had a better selection.
The aisles are packed with all kinds of carts loaded up with different material. I ask about that. I wanted a flat cart. Could not find one. The store had just opened so people using the carts was not the problem. I was told that they hire contractors to inventory the store at night. They just leave the cart and whatever is on the cart when they stop work. Lowes does it to. In fact, they do pretty much the same thing as the Home Depot. I will say that a local Lowes is a bit better at cleaning it up. Lowes is a bit better over all but not all that much.
Aisles full of carts full of material. Wood stored outside in the weather. Messy bins. Concrete products full of lumps. They are out of the thing you want to buy. People that work there can't answer questions. Appliances not actually in the store for you to take home. Only the floor models. You have to wait. And wait. And wait. Overall, the box stores have really gone downhill, with Home Depot being the worst experience for me.
You got some of the early story about Black & Decker sorta right. B&D had 4 product lines - home owner, tradesman, commercial and industrial. In the 70's and 80's there was a lot of work site theft such that builders started buying the $49 saws instead of the $129 commercial / industrial models. Of course they were called junk - they weren't built for continuous use. But the contractors don't want to pay $129 only to see it stolen.
Nolan Archibald took the reins from Alonzo Decker and Frank Lucier in the 80's. The appliances came about after the purchase of GE small appliance division, a separate operation from tools. The "big mistake" that resurrected DeWalt was B&D paying too much to acquire Emhart (Kwik-set, True Temper, Price Pfister, etc.). B&D was barely able to make payments on the financing. So they narrowed their product line to a low end B&D labelled tools and a compression of tradesman, commercial and industrial to one line - DeWalt. The new DeWalt line tools had some significant cost reductions - 3/8 triple gear reduction corded drills as an example ended up with double gear reduction and a heavier motor (that ran hotter than the original). DeWalt was a novelty - many folks remembered the brand from a father or grandfather, so they bought them.
Historically, B&D would buy a product line from a competitor, take cost out of the manufacturing and inflate the price. A good example is routers - Porter-Cable and Stanley (acquired by Bosch in the 80's) had terrific routers. So B&D bought the very respected European brand Elu, went through the costing process and reintroduced it. Never did well, just a shadow of its former Elu self.
Today, many of the DeWalt products come directly from the Stanley line - including storage, hand tools and wrench sets (when Stanley acquired Proto and MAC).
Growing up about 10 minutes from B&D's former corporate headquarters (and knowing a number of B&D managers), the saying 'friends don't let friend's buy DeWalt is heard often!
Hitachi/Metabo, They just don't seem to break. And for the specialty stuff, Hilti.
Didn't know this! Great information! I bought my first DeWaul tool. I had Ryobi mostly.
After 3 (different) DeWalt tool failures, I am forever done with that brand. After Porter-Cable dropped their 18V Ni-Cad batteries, I am done with that brand. I now have a large collection of Kobalt 24 Volt cordless, with only (so far) one battery failure.