"In the days of my youth, I was told what it means to be a man. And now I've reached that age, I've tried to do all those things the best I can"
I use Milwaukee M12 for the more commonly used tools like driver, drill, and flashlight. 12V is more than enough power for those tools and the more compact sizes is nice. Then have Ryobi 18v for everything else because their tools are so much cheaper than Milwaukee's.
I'm a Ryobi guy for handheld tools as well as trimmer. I like the variety--I even have a little cordless blower which is great for sweeping out the garage or clearing the sidewalk after mowing the front lawn. We went the DIY route and replaced a lot of carpet with wood floors a couple of years ago, so I bought a 12-inch Kobalt miter saw with stand and a Harbor Freight cheap-o table saw. Both have met my needs just fine. Still use the miter on occasion, but may sell the table saw shortly.
I have primarily used Milwaukee because of the Impact wrenches. I replaced the front-end suspensions with that M18 1/2 inch and the M12 Stubby. The power over Ryobi tools is Noticeable.
Ryobi for around the house weekend warrior stuff. We use Milwaukee at work for more everyday use. I honestly don't see much of a noticeable difference but a again I don't use Ryobi everyday.
ryobi's 18V line has so many options. HD has good tool+battery deals. i know its not a pro-line, but its priced well and has worked nicely for me
Count me in the Ryobi camp. I bought a few tool when I was just getting into my home and then decided I'd just stick to that whole ecosystem, because no real need in having multiple kinds of batteries and chargers. None of the tools have broken, but I'm not a professional using tools everyday. I do some DIY stuff and that's proven to be enough. I even got their electric lawnmower and leaf blower (although that's on their 40v system). They're "good enough", but I don't brag about them when I'm around my buddies that do contractor type work. My brother is an electrician and poo poo's my tools every time I bring them out, lol.
need a bench grinder to replace an ancient Craftsman 6" inherited from my father. Anyone have advice, favorites to recommend, etc? need at least an 8" wheel
I have a Ridgid table saw, a Porter Cable sawzall but most everything else I have is Ryobi including my mitre saw. I was going to splurge and get a DeWalt mire saw but my daughter surprised me with the Ryobi and for my projects it is works well enough.
