DeWalt Tools

DeWalt is the way to go, I have a fair number of their power tools and I've always had great luck with them.

 

I work for Grainger and my DeWalt rep is amazing. Here’s my newest addition. Portable inflator which works AWESOME for airing up and down and fits behind the back seats.

 

Want:

 

I wasn't planning on asking TW, but this thread popped up so why not?

I have 2 DeWalt drills and a 1/4" impact driver + 3 batteries (18v Ni-Cd) that I picked up second hand about 6 years ago. They have been great for me for weekend warrior home use, but I have noticed a sharp decline in battery life in the last few months. One battery doesn't even seem to charge fully anymore.

Question is: does it make any sense to get the adapters and 20v Li batteries or should I just scrap 'em and get a whole new 20v drill and driver kit?

 

Maybe just total the price up first.

I have never needed or used the adapters, so while they look bulky and awkward I cannot speak to the function.

If you can score an adapter, and a couple batteries at a super sale, might be the sweet way to go. If the 18V work and maybe the tools die, then keep the batteries and get 20V tools..........which you can get now because you have 20V batteries. Seems like that is your answer..........PLUS maybe at some point, you outgrow or outlast the 18V tools, then I bet you could sell the adapter for a few bucks.

 

Yeah you're right, I'll have to do some price comparisons and see if any sales come up on either option. That does kind of make sense to get the adapters and continue using the tools until the tools themselves die. Unless a whole new set doesn't that much more than the adapters + batteries + charger. I don't really need 2 drills, that's just what it came with since it was a used set.

I've just been ignoring the situation for a while now and using my corded drill for all my drilling needs recently. But that one is a Craftsman and also second hand, so who knows how much longer that will last either

 

Also, if I get a new drill/driver kit I could switch to a different brand...
But usually when I find a brand that works well and I like it, I tend to stick with it.

 

I picked up the 20v adapter and 2 batteries for $139, I think, for my kids to give their Grandpa for Xmas a while back. He had the same issues with his 18v tools - batteries dying. Tools are all still in great shape and work fine, so no reason to get new ones.

 

You can also get

VINIDA 2 Packs 4.8Ah DC9096 Battery Replacement for Dewalt 18V Battery DC9096 DC9099 DC9098 DW9099 DW9098 DE9039 DE9095 DE9096 DE9098 DW9096 DW9095 18 Volt Cordless Power Tools

nimh 18v batteries without the need for an adapter. You would need to get a charger to go along with it.

 

I'll check that out too, I was not aware of that.

 

I’ve got a lot of DeWalt stuff. This is why, the ergonomics and weight balance CAN NOT be beat. Sure Milwaukee stuff is nice, but it’s unbalanced, cumbersome and heavy for me. DeWalt is balanced and feels so good in the hand.

 

Are you looking at the flexvolts for the higher amps? 6amp or 9amp? The voltage will still be 20v on your regular tools so you don't get extra oomph only maybe more run time if you buy the 9amp one. Really big and heavy though, to the point of clumsy so really only good for your 1/2 impact or other large cordless. On an impact or multi tool it'd be awkward.

If you are looking at 6amp units then the regular 20v 6amp are generally a little cheaper and slightly less bulky.

I have all of them and my flexvolt battery has the least cycles through it and my 2amp flat pack is used almost daily. Love the small size and it lasts forever on a single charge.

 

And as long as we're sharing pictures...
Here is my "work drill" that I keep in a drawer in my desk and use ~once a month and the battery is never charged when I need it*




*not blaming the battery on this one. I just never know when I'll need it so I don't stay on top of keeping it charged.

 

Father in law had bought the 'knock off' brand ones, but they don't last or keep a good charge, which is why I picked up the DeWalt adapter/batteries for him.

 

Yes all the knock offs are terrible, IMHO.

 

Here’s a snapshot of about 1/2 my Dewalt tool collection. I also have the 20v and 60v chainsaws and the lawn mower. I also have the 12” Flexvolt miter saw. And the 20v pole saw. Believe it or not, I found most of this stuff in the trash.

 

Wow!!?!! Is there a story?

 

Not really. I work at Dewalt. A lot of these were test units or returns that ended up in the recycle bin.

I also made a mini bike from a 60v chainsaw. Goes about 35mph.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dewalt-powered-mini-dirt-bike.626233/

 

It’s a great tool. But it’s big and heavy. If you do a lot of metal finishing or need to use the grinder one-handed, it can be hard with the flexvolt. The new 20v grinders are pretty killer too.

 

This is an odd tool. 60v sliding miter saw. It’s only available in Europe. Has a funky blade guard that’s operated by the black lever in the handle.