We recently have been needing a lot of cordless power tools to do Help Cause projects in remote areas. I began researching the most recent options and here are my notes so far.
Our main needs include a chainsaw, circular saw, weed eater and high torque/impact drill.
WEED EATER (trimmer) <$150
*Important features to look for?
-removable shaft to attach a brush cutter
-removable head to attach blade cutter
-rapid charging dual 20v 4ah batteries included
-quality braided string
-variable length shaft design
B&D LST136 has the best reviews for a sub $100 model so far.
Includes 1 40v battery and 1-3 hour rapid charger.
Brushless motor should last longer but this model has battery life complaints. Only comes with 1 battery. Battery get’s hot and needs 15 minutes to cool down before re-charging. The B&D brand of trim line breaks often and it is likely that you will empty a spool in 30 minutes unless you upgrade your line. Includes a variable length shaft design.
$150 Worx GT2 has the best reviews for a price over $100 so far. You can get the upgraded 32v for $140 shipped or go with a 30 minute rapid charger and TWO 20 volt batteries with ability for continuous use for $150.
https://worxgt.primetimetools.com/?cid=PF002&leadsource=PF002&CA_6C15C=1911218890
CHAINSAW
The Kabota 12 inch; 40 volt; 2 amp hour at Lowes for $99 plus tax is the most reasonable deal I have found so far. I still need to read more reviews about it though. It also needs a $50 charger bought separate.
http://www.lowes.com/pd_651249-95404-KCS+120_0Z2z8vmZ2z8vn__?productId=50333365&Ns=p_product_price|1&pl=1&Ntt=lithium+cordless
CIRCULAR SAW
The Porter Cable division is part of Black and Decker and DeWalt. It is the middle range in quality. The home brand products of Black and Decker are poor quality but still WalMart refuses to drop them and replace with the mid range Porter line. I’m not sold on Porter Cable being the best mid price range choice for us but it is what I am leaning towards buying very soon. There is a 20% purchases over $100 on Amazon right now for Fathers Day PLUS they have a rare cordless grinder which comes in very handy often.
Porter Cable also has an upgraded 4 amp hour 20 volt battery option for $80. I recommend having TWO 1.5ah batteries and rotating for continuous use but if you have no field charging options, the 4ah is a life saver.
IMPACT DRILL
I have not gotten to this one yet. 😦
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