Power Supplies Reviews

Bot 3 sets Lechmere closeout 10 years ago. Use sporadically and have experience that batteries last 4 years plus/minus. Buy a new one each year, keep 3-4 going. Inside batt are two industrial "C" Ni-Cads - older ones develop memory. To utilize best, discharge to 5% remain, then full. Not user replaceable. The torgue is enough to twist the unit out of a strong grip, but they are best for light/medium assembling, not all day heavy duty
unless a few charged batteries on hand. 1-10 Torque settings are useful with more delicate materials. Unit will turn to torque then click to prevent over tightening. High voltage drills are for all day house-building. 10 years use, units built to industrial strength, built to last. Package is good deal as retail batts are $30 and charger $40+.

I have no idea when Milwaukee first came out with this cordless screwdrive. I may have had one of the first made. All I know for sure is that, 10 years later, the darn thing still works great. The batteries have held up just fine; I've never had to replace one. It has great torque, and does everything you'd want a cordless screwdriver to do. If this thing every gives up the ghost, you can be sure I'll buy another. It's been a tremendous value.

First, let me state that I don't work for Milwaukee or any of their competitors. I'm just a consumer like you are. I couldn't decide if I wanted this Milwaukee cordless screwdriver or the Panasonic. When you compare what you get for your money and what you want to use your cordless screwdriver for, well, it's a no brainer. Unless you need a cordless screwdriver to drive hundreds of 4 inch screws into 2x6's, stay away from the Panasonic. You only get one battery and a charger with the Panasonic. With this red beauty you get not 1, but two 2.4volt batteries, a one hour charger, a package of bits for drilling and driving, a keyed chuck which is something I'm always needing (especially when I need to drive small pilot holes) and a beautiful red carry case embossed with the name Milwaukee on it. It's a very impressive package and it works. It also bends into a pistol type driver so you can get into those hard to reach areas. It is also very powerful at 26in./lbs of torque. This is the little red engine that works and works and works and.....Buy it. You won't be sorry and it will quickly become your favorite tool...

Simple is always better. Works flawlessly, easy clean, easy adjust and you can have as many jars of glue or color as you want.

I just found the original paperwork for my first CRITTER purchase, dated 9-27-95. So, I've had YEARS to see how this puppy works and holds up. It's extraordinary - period. I can't think of another tool of ANY sort that can compare with its intended use to cost to performance ratio. I have 3 units, currently, and have orderd others as gifts for family and friends. I'm kinda' retired, now, but, in my business years...if I couldn't have INVENTED this gem...I woulda' LOVED to have been involved with its marketing and sales - WITH - a piece of the "action," of course! Buy it...and LOVE it!

I can't believe how great this spray gun works I brought extra mason jars, and all you have to do to change paints or stains is change jars. There isn't anything it won't spray. I keep a large paper clip on hand to clean the nozzle I've been using the Critter for over a year and saw the price at Amazon.com and decided to buy a spare one. You never know...

This has become one of my favorite tools in the 6 months or so I have owned it. Yes it's a little heavy, but you get used to that. It does make a strange, unexpected sound when the safety is pressed against your workpiece as the flywheel is engaged. This too you get used to, just warn unsuspecting first time users. It drives the nails just as well as my Bostitch 16g air nailer, just not as light weight. Sure beats having to lug out the compressor and airhose on those smaller jobs or up on a scaffold.

I work in Palm Beach County, Florida and the company that I work is high end trim company that works on the millionaire estates of the area. The trim work is endless and this gun has not let me down a single day... one battery keep me going for a day and half, setting crown and base board...
It has a very good grip, fits in almost every corner, and never jams or misfire, and the best it doesnt have the bad smell like the Paslode and doesnt need gas cans...
The bad part it is a bit heavy...but you'll get used to it... but not to have to drag the compressor and hose around and now I have much more room in the tool box of my truck this is truelly priceless...

very good tool, saved me a lot of time, worked perfectly for every need I had around the house such as trimwork, baseboards and molding.

A word of warning before you spend your hard earned money on DeWalt tools. Black and Decker (they actually make DeWalt) recently moved the manufacturing of DeWalt tools from Easton, Maryland to Mexico. Most of the DeWalt tools being sold now were either manufactured in Easton after layoffs were announced or were made in the new Mexico facility. The facility has been riddled with problems from day one and may never produce the same quality tools as the Easton plant. Yes, every tool maker now manufactures outside the US, but DeWalt admittedly priced their tools higher because they could stamp "Made in America" on them. Now all they have is higher prices, a bright yellow case stamped "Made in Mexico". I am not telling anyone not to buy DeWalt, just sharing the truth.

I write this review from the perspective of an aggressive hobbyist. My first power tool purchase was a DeWalt compact 12 volt drill/driver. My primary use for this tool was fixing small things in the nightclub at which I worked during my college years. As my skills gradually increased I began to take on more demanding tasks. It was clear to me that I needed some other tools and a little more power also. Frankly I didn't do much market research as I was satisfied with my DeWalt drill. Having said that, I will not compare this tool set with others on the market.

The price tag for the combo had me second guessing myself so I asked a contractor if I actually needed a $500 tool set. He advised me that I had to make my decision based on my projected frequency and intensity of usage. According to him, the cheaper tools often have weaker motor housings. In other words, the tool will break if it is pushed too hard and will, generally, have a much shorter life span. Not to mention diminished accuracy and power.

So if your usage is going to be: (1) Light and infrequent, consider an alternative to this combo. (2) Heavy and/or frequent, purchase a high-performance combo.

A word of caution, err on the side of purchasing the high-performance combo if you are not sure if your usage over time will increase.

After two years my combo still functions flawlessly.

Hammerdrill/drill/driver: This tool does what it states. It is nice having a light duty drill/driver as the 18-volt version can get heavy after a couple hours of work. For light duty work, a compact 12-volt drill/driver is ideal. Even in general, having two drill/drivers with you can save you a lot of time as you can place two different accessories in each drill. i.e. a drill bit in one and a screw tip in another. As a note, the hammerdrill feature works well, but within reason. This tool is not primarily designed for such use.
I have used this combination of drill/drivers to complete these two major tasks:
Extend a deck. Including anchoring posts into concrete footings and attaching ledgerboard into concrete.
Complete a rough framed room. As helpful info, there is a cheap depth setting drywall bit DeWalt makes that's a great time saver for setting screws in drywall.

Reciprocation Saw: There are a million uses for this saw, just pop in the appropriate blade and cut away. The only major drawback is that the saw vibrates a lot as it is relatively light weight. This makes clean plunge cuts difficult and while recip saws are made for rough cutting, it is a little more difficult to cut a straight line compared to some other recip's I have seen. Do not let me discourage you, I could list a hundred positives, but that would encompass more space than allowed.

As I truly enjoy the functionality of this saw, I purchased the 24-volt version. The 24-volt is a monster tool, but in retrospect my decision was not a good one. I already had a cordless recip; I did not need another one. I would have been better suited with a top of the line Milwaukee corded sawzall. This saw is a powerhouse, half the cost of my 24-volt DeWalt as it is corded, and an industry leader. If you ever need a more powerful recip saw, this would be my recommendation.

A final note. All of the tools in this package have been upgraded. The new 18-volt recip is a little heaver and has a 1 inch stroke (mine has � inch). This may have corrected the flaw mentioned earlier.

Circular saw: This is a very functional saw. It cuts very well and comes with a rip cutting extension. I have only one complaint: The base is flimsy. It works, but a stronger base would have been a benefit.

After using this saw for 2 years, I decided it was time for me to move on to a more powerful saw. I was debating the DeWalt lightweight, high-strength base model with the DeWalt 364K which is the heavy duty version (and very heavy). I paid the extra $20 for the heavy duty model based on the reasoning that I already have a good light weight circular saw (my 18-volt). Also I may, in the future need powerful cutting power for lvl, concrete, brick, etc... Not to mention running my 18-volt through a lot of pressure treated wood is an abuse in my eyes. The 18-volt will take it, but that really is the place of a corded saw. I would recommend the DW364K if you need corded power to add to your tool set. However, I did not do any market research on corded circular saws so it may be worth your while to research some other brands for a corded circular saw (consider Skil and Bosche).

In the upgraded version of the 18-volt circular saw now available, the base plate is solid. This resolves my major drawback.

Also, buy a 24 tooth carbide blade, the 16 tooth blade included is a very rough cutting blade.

Flashlight: Works well, nice to be able to hang it on things.

For sustained work involving two or more of your tools you really need a third battery and a second charger. I would suggest purchasing another 18-volt tool you need as the cost of an extra battery and charger is significant. Do not buy the 18-volt jigsaw. It is my only DeWalt tool I am not satisfied with. The bevel lock comes loose while cutting every now and then; ruining the piece you are working on. If you need a jigsaw, purchase a Bosche; they apparently make the best jigsaws.

I sincerely hope this review helps.

Theses four tools are the greatest, The drill is the best you can buy, strong enough to drill through anything. The reciprocating saw is wonderful for anything, even a quick prune of a low tree branch. The Circular Saw comes with the framing blade, cuts quick and the blade doesnt dull if you hit a nail or two, and the light is great for when you need an extra hand to hold a light, just adjust it and set on a flat surface and you have light to work by. I have had these tools for a few months now. I even try to find an excuse to use them.

I was a little skeptical but I am a believer now - this buffer the best. The cheap < $100 buffers aren't even in the same league, i.e. they are a waste of time an money. The Porter-Cable 7424 produces brilliant results with little effort. I feel stupid for taking so long to finally pick one up. Don't be a dummy like I was - you need one too!

This machine is light weight and easy to use. The orbital action does not leave swirl marks, and will not burn the paint. The best friend a show car owner could have!

The Porter Cable 7424 orbital polisher is all it is advertised to be. The PC 7424 started out over ten years ago as a random orbit sander, but is now used extensively as an automobile polisher. I have taken my PC 7424 on a first use shakedown cruise and it has done a fantastic job with bringing the black paint on my ten year old car back to showroom condition. I had used one of those cheap plastic two-fisted machines I bought in an auto supply store with little success.

The Porter Cable polisher is an affordable device that gives professional detailing results. It won't burn paint and accommodates a variety of cleaning, polishing and waxing pads. The PC 7424 makes detailing a car fun to do. I wish I would have had this little giant years ago when I was cleaning up my cars with a rag.

I am not a professional detailer and I started using the polisher with little knowledge of how it should be operated. The Porter Cable 7424 comes with a foam applicator pad, a wrench and a very minimal instruction manual. I had to rely on my basic understanding of caring for automobile finishes and the directions on a bottle of Meguiar's car polish to get me started. Since the PC 7424's random orbit action just about eliminates damaging a painted surface it is very forgiving of trial and error use. This machine has a speed control in the form of a thumbwheel on the rear end so it is possible to go from 2,500 to 6,000 operations per minute (OPM). It seems to operate best somewhere between those two speeds.

After my first experimental experience with the Porter Cable 7424 I found an excellent article on the Internet that provided me with an extensive explanation of how the polisher works, how to use it and lots of understandable advice. It would have been nice to have this information before I plugged in the 7424 for the first time. The article has polishing hints, pad cleaning instructions and many interesting photographs.

The twenty-five page article by David Bynon (How to use the Porter Cable 7424 6" Orbital Polisher) can be found among others by going to this web site: http://www.bettercarcare.com You can find the Bynon article(s) by clicking on Detailing Enthusiast from the list on the left side of the Web page.

After buying the Porter Cable 7424 based on my own research, I discovered this machine was widely recommended by makers of car polishes and professional detailers. It is always good to know that a machine like this has a positive track record.

90% of the work I do is installing doors and windows in older homes. I use this saw to cut siding back and interior trim to allow for the new windows or doors to fit properly. This saw is perfect for this. It is light weight and the right size to get into those tight spaces. It hasn't lacked in power to do any of this. The one disappointing shortcoming of this saw however is it will not cut all the way through a 1 3/4" door. It lacks an 1/8" at the most to be able to do it. I have to pull my 7 1/4" saw out for that. You should also be careful of the base. My saw fell from 3 feet onto carpet and the base bent on the corner. I was able to bend it back but be careful.

I got this saw to replace my 18v DeWalt 5-3/8" cordless trim saw, which is underpowered and can't handle much more than thin plywood and short cuts on 2x4s. The Skil saw completely blows it away in terms of power. I did like the fit and feel of the DeWalt better, but that was probably due more to the fact that it was cordless than anything else. The Skil saw is a terrific alternative to bulkier and heavier 7-1/4" circular saws. I almost never need to cut wood that thick except on my table saw anyway. I have a feeling my 7-1/4" circular saw is going to collect a lot of dust now that I have added this smaller Skil saw to my shop.

The only reason I gave it four stars rather than five is that it didn't come with a rip fence and because the arbor hole in the saw blade that came with it is considerably larger than the arbor on the saw. The rip fence can be purchased separately, but it seems kind of chintzy that they wouldn't include it. As for the blade, well, I'm not sure what they were thinking.

I agree with these reviews. It is a very useful saw and I prefer it over the PC saw boss. I hardly evey have this saw out alone but it sees a fair amount of use. We treat it a little specail and make sure we don't through it around. I do wish it came with a case because like I said I think of it more of a precision tool. I have over the years bought hundreds of tools worth tens of thousands of dollars. I would rate this little saw in my top ten.

I've had my BO5010 for three years, and it hasn't seen a lot of work -- just handyman stuff every few months. Until now, it has been pretty useful, though the dust collection bag is poorly designed.

Yesterday in the middle of a job the sanding disc kept flying off. The rubber sanding pad on the base provides the hooks for the hook-and-loop system, and that pad somehow lost its hookiness. No new pad will stick to it.

I don't know what caused this: I was using a light touch, and my sanding disc storage organizer uses pegs to ensure the disc's holes line up with those in the pad. Whatever the cause, I now have to order a replacement pad which is nearly one-third the cost of a new sander and may take a week or more for delivery. I'm not sure whether I'd be throwing good money after bad -- I might be better off buying a brand new sander by a different manufacturer.

You might, too.

Quieter than my other four sanders. Very easy to handle. The dust collection bag is a little awkward as it must be rotated to one position to keep from hitting the work piece. Overall, I am very pleased with the machine.

GREAT sander, does the job wonderfully, rugged (I've dropped it _so_ many times...), but there's a BUT: the vibration causes my right arm to go numb. Vibrates my funnybone somehow, and the numbness takes days to go away. Maybe it's just me, or maybe that's just something this type of sander does, but as much as I use it, I HATE to use it for that reason.
Oh, also, be careful of the skitter. Good technique required.

This impact is great. I have a race car team and not having to use air impact wrench is great. We do not do hot pits. The impact wrench has loads of power. The batteries work great. I will get a few more for sure.

ya know, there are "toys" then there are TOOLS. This is a TOOL. I've already dropped it pretty far, it holds up like all dewalts. I've been impressed with its power - and I use this this thing as my primary impact. BTW, I repair brakes and axles on RVs so most things have rust, grime, and are well aged!! I bit more power would be nice but more power isd always better!! E

I use this cordles tool to pull wheels and cutting blades from my tractor and commercial mowers in the field. The Dewalt 300lb torque impact wrench is as advertised.

Nice saw with impressive power from the 18V batteries. Good ergonomics and handling with the following exception: Narrow blade opening in the table and the ample blade guard makes it a bit difficult to get a good view of the blade and your cut line while cutting. I thought a saw with the blade on the left would minimize this problem, yet with some adjustment from my usual cutting position, it still works pretty good.... its just in those situations when you don't have the 'ideal' position to make your cut that you really notice it. Charger recharges drained batteries fairly quickly, and as a bonus... the 18V batteries also fit my Milwaukee reciprocating sawzall.

After checking and trying several options including 3& 4 piece "package Deals" I decided I did not need the other items and this was the best saw for my purpose, it was also made in the USA. I am pleased with my decision.

You simply can't bog this guy down. I compared this to a Hitachi C6DC and although the Hitachi was slightly more comfortable, I couldn't get used to the blade on the right and the Milwaukee seemed to get through 2x8s effortlessly. The Hitachi could get the same job done, but it was worked harder than the Mil. Great tool.

Like his corded brother this saw is top notch as far as the mechanical aspects go. There is a definate problem though with the batteries. They do not stay charged for very long, and unfortunately for me I purchaced before I read the reviews of other customers explaining that the batteries are only good for about a year. Hopefully Milwaukee will design a better system soon.

one of the best saws for light demo , when your crawling through a tight space or a long run from an outlet.
I still carry a corded monster for big stuff.

I already have a super sawzall but there are places I need a sawzall where I can't get to electricity (like up in a tree). I bought this saw for the small stuff including pruning small branches, roots, etc.. This is a lot better than having to drag out the chain saw. If you don't need a sawzall very often, this is an excellent quality saw for the homeowner. I have other Milwaukee tools and am very satisfied with them also.