DIY Tools - Battery considerations ...

worded

Hi,

I do DIY and to date have gone cabled 240V

Is it worth considering going the battery direction ?

BUT before I start …

Q1 - Are the battery tools more expensive that 240 elec for same spec?

Q2 - If not used often do the batteries degrade quickly?

Q3 - Are makita battery tool range way over priced compared to bosch etc?

Would like a battery skill saw for those occassional journeys to chadwicks etc where the wood size needs to be sliced in two to fit in the hatch back. Also its my most used took I think

Your thoughts?

The Continental Op

Basic brand name tools aren't that much more expensive if you by bare tools. Its good batteries that are expensive. I bought into the DeWalt XR system a few years back and my first battery is still in daily use and my first 4Amp battery bought in 2016 is still good and in daily use albeit in a low usage in a lantern each night. In most cases battery tools have less power but thats made up for in convenience. Just come in now after getting an angle grinder out to sharpen a slash hook. Grab tool grab charged battery job done.

Good brand name batteries don't degrade as already mentioned.

Personally not that keen on Makita of Bosh but no real reason for that.

I have the cheapest DeWalt XR "Skill Saw" and I take it with me to the builders merchants and timber yard. Its far less powerful than a similar mains machine but a hell of a lot more useful. With less power you tend to get into better habits after a while rather than just powering through.

DC999

Lidl range is perfect for DIY. 1 battery type. I use them and they are perfect. And inexpensive.

More expensive ones are beyond my ability or frequency of use

Stigura

Anyone ever tried a Parkside / Lidl battery in an Einhell tool? Just curious. Only, I heard ~ anecdotally, but from a good source ~ Makita and Einhell are interchangeable. Be end game, wouldn't it, if … 😁

OP: I've started buying Einhell gear, lately. (I've no argument with Parkside. My mitre saw's Parky! I love it! I just don't have access to a shop. That's all) But, yeah; Oddly enough, I have their power saw on my wish list, as we speak.

£137. I've got my batteries. I think I could say that batteries act as tool magnets! 😂 Especially at this end of the markets prices!

Lumen

Q1 - Are the battery tools more expensive that 240 elec for same spec?

Yes

Q2 - If not used often do the batteries degrade quickly?

No, mine are fine after years. Just don't store them completely full or completely empty.

Q3 - Are makita battery tool range way over priced compared to bosch etc?

It's more an issue of availability, as you can't shop around as much for Makita in Ireland. I used to buy all my stuff from the UK but Brexit mostly ruined that. Now I tend to use amazon.de but the prices aren't amazing and shipping can be awkward.

I love my Makita stuff but if I was starting again I'd probably go Dewalt just because they're easier to pick up in Ireland at short notice. Dewalt do supposedly make very good saws, too.

All brands have **** stuff at the cheap end, and Makita is no exception.

drury..

I don't notice much reduced battery life on the lithium ions. Not doing much serious work with them though

I don't bother with the storing and charging to less than 100% either