Quote:
Originally Posted by jmk
I don't know why I came in this thread, but I stumbled across this thread at it was interesting.
On the battery tools: didn't quite understand how DeWalt doesn't support older tool batteries. My at least 15 year old hammer drill had the original battery on Amazon.
Another option is to go to a battery store that rebuilds the batteries. If you shell and contacts are in good shape, you should be able to get almost anything rebuilt. Batteries + is a chain that rebuilds batteries. There are usually independents that do that service also.
Now, DeWalt is owned by Stanley Black and Decker. They have DeWalt tabled tools that are consumer quality. If the tool seems cheap for a DeWalt, that is probably because it is a consumer grade tool.
I own Bosch, Makita, DeWalt, Metabo, Milwaukee, Fein, and some other hand tools. As long as you get the professional version, they are all quite good. The key is to avoid consumer grade tools. My Fein stuff is the best.
Be careful of the name! I saw some Metabo branded grinders in Lowes that weren't nearly as good as my Metabo grinder. They have a consumer version now.
Now when it comes to leaf blowers: forget the batteries and get a Stihl. I got this:
https://www.stihlusa.com/products/blowers-and-shredder-vacs/professional-blowers/br450/
Now, I have been a hater of two cycle engines all of my life. Hard to start, finicky, need a lot of service. I borrowed a friend's, and I was shocked how easy it was to start and maintain. (I borrowed it for a couple of weeks. I have a forest for a yard.) Stihl has worked out all the bugs in two-cycles.
(Maybe Still learned something from Trabant engines!)
I am thinking of buying one of their chainsaws. I never thought I would actually buy stuff with two cycle motors! (I currently have an electric, corded chainsaw since I hated two cycles so much!) |
We should for a 2-Cycle Haters Club!
I’ve owned several chainsaws. I use them to cut firewood mostly. A few times I have used them to clear tornado/hurricane debris. In my opinion, those should be two different chainsaws but I just own one at a time.
For debris clearing you’re better off with a shorter cutting bar. Debris is freaking dangerous. Jammed branches can spring, trees roll. Positioning yourself for safety and comfort and cutting can be sporting.
Firewood cutting I like a long cutting bar. Cutting firewood can be dangerous — chainsaws are inherently dangerous a a couple tons of tree coming down sure adds to the thrill.
The best chainsaws I have owned were the professional grade Stihl. They are heavier due mainly to a larger engine.
I’m too old for the Stihl. It wears me out too fast. So I gave it away and bought a Kobalt 80v chainsaw, two chargers, three batteries and an inverter for my tractor so I can run the charger where I’m cutting wood. It is not as good as the Stihl 2-cycles in any way except it is very light and very quiet. It’s maybe not as good, but it’s good enough.