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fm2176

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Posts posted by fm2176

  1. I decided to put a box together for my brother.  So far, a lightly used Kobalt 20v Max impact wrench with five batteries (four-4.0 and one 2.0), a new DCD985, and a few other tools are in it, so I'm not sure if I'll buy anything.  I am considering a tough box of some sort to give him more storage but have to see how my finances look.

    • Like 1
  2. On 12/3/2017 at 1:33 PM, BK13 said:

    I see a couple of 3/4” rats in there... I wish I could justify 3/4” stuff, but seriously the only time I’ve touched any of my 1/2” stuff is when I torque lug nuts, thanks to Mr. Milwaukee battery impacts.

     

    I used to use my 3/4" impact a fair amount as a forklift mechanic.  Since then, I've used my sockets (the impact was stolen) very little.  I inherited a couple of sets, along with Proto and other ratchets, which will likely sit idle until one of my kids get them.

  3. Anyone have one?  If l so, what are your thoughts?  

     

    I plan to get a few tools over the next year or two, such as a planer, jointer, band saw, and drill press.  Obviously, some of these will require a larger dust collection system, and though I might look at the smaller DeWalt models for my miter and table saws, the Harbor Freight or a similar machine may work better for stationary use.

     

    A quick search shows a Grizzly model for around the same price, and a Delta for about $100 more.  Any thoughts on those?  

  4. 2 hours ago, Yannis said:

    Though it seems i must have caught some sort of tool-bug... i am looking at other power tools now :).

     

    It's addictive.  Buying some of the latest and greatest cordless tools can easily lead us down a path we never thought we'd take.  I'd argue that we live in an age that is only rivaled (in terms of tools) by the transition from hand-powered tools to corded and pneumatic tools.  Modern battery and tool technology have cut the cord for most portable jobsite tools.  Let's face it, cords can be hazardous and annoying.  While not perfect for every application, cordless tools permit relative freedom.

    • Thanks 1
  5. In three weeks, 2017 will be gone, and given that Christmas is only two weeks away, many of us have probably stopped buying (major) tools for ourselves.  What tools do you plan to buy next year?  I know all of the manufacturers continue to innovate, and 2018 will surely see some new tools some of us simply have to add.  Are any of you planning to invest in a battery platform different than the one(s) you already have?

     

    Like some of you, my initial 2018 tools plans involve the post-holiday clearance deals at Lowe's and Home Depot.  The latter store is especially known for its hit or miss post-holiday deals, such as $100 ToughSystem radios and even penny deals for a lucky few.  After that, we'll see where need and desire take me.  I want to get the DeWalt fan along with the portable power station.  On the Milwaukee front, I'm sure some more M18 Fuel will be added, as might some M12.  Ridgid doesn't offer much else I don't already have, but their tripod and some lighting may be in order.  If I have disposable income and find the "right" deals, I'll probably buy some things to give to others. 

     

    Overall, I think that the second half of 2018 will be when I slow down on tool buying and begin ramping up my tool use.  My time as a Drill Sergeant, with the associated 80-100 hour work weeks, comes to a close in May, and I'll be going to a unit I spent some time in previously, which stays much busier than other Infantry units (when they are stateside) but which will also see me spending most nights at home, unlike most Infantry units.  May will also mark the end of my undergraduate studies, and though I plan to start a graduate program, I'm thinking about going for a post-baccalaureate certificate first.  The reduced hours spent at work and doing online coursework, along with my proximity to family and friends, will hopefully see me spending less time browsing the aisles at local stores and more time in the shop or helping others out. 

     

    I hope all of you are looking forward to 2018.  Like every year, it will present some unique challenges, but overall I have to admit that we live in some great times!  Just don't listen to the media...  :D

    • Like 2
  6. I honestly can't say; I've made so many purchases this year.  It's hard to believe that a year ago I didn't own any Milwaukee and much less DeWalt.  If I had to answer, I'd probably choose the following:

     

    Cordless Tool:  FlexVolt miter saw.  I haven't used it yet, but it got me into the FlexVolt system, and the AC adapter guarantees that it will be the last 12" miter saw I ever buy (barring unforeseen circumstances).

     

    Corded Tool:  They still exist?  Seriously, though, I don't think I bought any this year.  So by default, the FV miter saw wins this category as well.

     

    Hand Tool:  Irwin Power Slot diagonal cutters.  I've bought a number of these and use them quite often.  They've cut everything I've used them on, with minimal effort on my part.  The NWS-sourced pistol grip needle nose and linesman pliers are also rather nice.  I was hoping to score the last two linesman pliers at my local Lowe's for cheap, but the price went back up to $42.98.  They did still have a sticker showing $24.07, though.

     

    Cordless Accessory:  Either the Ridgid 18v vacuum or the M18 stand light.  The latter impresses me enough that I'm tempted to get the actual Rocket version.  Cash is short right now, but my local HD has that light on clearance for $288 at the moment.  Given how slowly some more pricey items move around here (it seems that most things go unsold until marked down to about 50% of their original price), I'm hoping to find one for around $200 after Christmas.

     

     

     

     

    • Like 1
  7. 1 hour ago, Stercorarius said:

    Yeah thinking about going all Ruger or S&W tools at this point ;) Applied for a job working on windmills and another working on forklifts and another doing industrial wiring so if any of them call back I'll see what tools I'll actually even need. I have to move to find work anyway so I'm just pushing my search radius out a hundred miles at a time. If it starts to get too far I'll probably not take a whole lotta of tools with me.

     

    I used to be a forklift mechanic.  Kept only my six-drawer top box on the truck and basic hand tools along with a multimeter were my most used tools.  Cordless wasn't prevalent back then, but looking back I'd have loved an impact driver, high torque impact wrench, and maybe a drill and reciprocating saw.  The last tool would have come in handy for worn out load wheel replacement on pallet jacks and such.

  8. I havea number of cordless platforms.  DeWalt 12v Max and 20v Max, Milwaukee M18, and Ridgid 18v are my primary, but I also have tools in the Bosch 12v Max, Hitachi 12v Peak and 18v, Kobalt 20v Max, Porter Cable 12v Max and 18v, and B&D 14.4v systems.  My main three brands are consisted of tools that either competitors don't offer or which I found for prices I couldn't pass on.  

     

    Similar to other posters, my biggest regret is that I lack the time to really give the batteries a workout.  Ridgid is the system which I own the least of, and with four 4Ah and three 2Ah batteries to run little a used router, ROS sander, compressor, vacuum, and fans, you can imagine that the batteries sit idle quite often. 

  9. 4 hours ago, JMG said:

    5a2ac73dbc463_IMG_05121.thumb.JPG.9ae9bce0e6460659b04f2ecfdf81f582.JPG

     

    This showed up on my front porch this morning. Too awesome... Excellent hard case, much better protection over a tool bag. Thanks again, Dan, Eric, and Milwaukee Tool for the new kit!!

     

    Received mine as well, I live in an apartment and deliveries are often made to the office without notice, so thanks for the heads up.  Many thanks to everyone behind the giveaway!  

    • Like 4
  10. Looks nice.  When it comes to clamps, I'm not particular, so if these have the "right" price point I'll buy some.  I mostly have trigger, bar, and squeeze clamps now, with DeWalt, Milwaukee, Irwin, and Bessey brand representation.

  11. I'll probably give my brother a few.  I have a spare DCD985 and was hoping to score a 20v Max miter saw kit for $140, primarily to give him a larger battery than the four 1.5 Ah ones he currently has.  I sent him two of those batteries, a TS radio, DCL040 light, 18v to 20v Max adapter, and some other stuff earlier this year.

     

    My son is at the perfect age to gift him tools, but he's not the best at keeping things organized.  I may get him a basic mechanic's set for his car, but don't plan to splurge.

    • Like 1
  12. On ‎12‎/‎5‎/‎2017 at 12:55 PM, Framer joe said:

    Stupid but I’m in on the Tstak radio also

     

    I have zero Tstak boxes and three ToughSystem radios, but depending on reviews and pricing I may be onboard as well.  Lowe's offers FatMax branded Tstak combos, so if I can score one of those for cheap that will only increase the temptation.

  13. 3 hours ago, Yannis said:

    Hello everyone,

     

    I have been doing some market research recently about getting a new cordless drill for woodworking mainly and especially for drilling pocket holes using a kreg (pocket) jig.

    So far i have an old Makita 12v 6270D. It feels underpowered and the batteries are very weak after years of use. I also have an old B&D corded hammer/drill from the 70s / 80s (Made in England) which i tried to use but it is too bulky/heavy and might have some wobble since i felt vibrations on low rpm while trying it out for some pocket holes. The Makita is without any vibrations, wobbles etc, perfectly happy with it during all these years , it is just that i need more power and new batteries :). I ll keep it though as a screwdriver.

     

    So to cut a long story short i am looking for something compact, light, powerful and reliable for the above tasks (+ everyday DIY at home). Hammer action is not essential (i got the corded one for this). I am after precise construction (of the tool) with minimum chuck wobble worries. Tasks... model railroad benchwork, furniture etc...

     

    So far after doing some online (specs, reviews, discussions) research i narrowed down my list to the following models. Bear in mind that i am in Europe (Greece), so local availability/prices led me to these.

     

    Dewalt 796D2 (2x 2Ah, 2000rpm / 70Nm, 1.64kg)

    Dewalt 790D2 (2x 2Ah, 2000rpm / 60Nm, 1.62kg)

    Metabo SB 18 LT Compact (2x 2Ah, 1600rpm / 60Nm, 1.7kg)

    Bosch (Blue) 18-2-Li Plus (3x1.5Ah , 1900rpm / 63Nm, 1.5kg)

    Makita DHP482 (2x 3Ah, 1900rpm / 62Nm, 1.8kg)

     

    I did read about flagship models such as Dewalt 996 and similar but they do seem a bit of an overkill (weight / power) for what i am after. Anyhow, i am looking forward to your input/feedback since i do not have any hands-on experience with any of the above tools. I am very happy with my Makita corded tools (sanders, jigsaws, routers) but they are from another era and my experience with them is irrelevant for choosing a drill today :).

     

    Many thanks in advance for your time/replies/help.

    Yannis

    I have both of the DeWalt models you are considering, as well as the DCD795, DCD996, and DCD985.  While I will not preclude to know what pricing and availability look like in Greece, DeWalt's offerings offer excellent value here in the U.S.  If you feel that a cordless hammer drill is not essential, I'd recommend the DCD790 over the DCD796.  It is noticeably smaller and offers plenty of power.  In fact, I prefer using it over any of the other DeWalts when possible.  Coupled with a 2Ah battery, it should be enough for nearly any small or mid-size project.  The second battery is just insurance, unless you choose another DeWalt product to use it for.

     

    I passed on the chance to buy a Metabo drill last year, despite Lowe's clearing them out for as much as 75% off.  At the time, Lowe's was the only local place that sold them (now they are unavailable anywhere locally), and though the store also carried the grinder, impact, miter saw, and a couple of other tools, I didn't see any point in investing money into that system.  I purchased my first Bosch tool (12v Max drill) a couple of months ago.  Its quality seems outstanding, and the 18-volt drills I picked up feel solid.  As for Makita, while I hear great things, I just don't see the point in buying the brand.  Last weekend my local Home Depot had single 3Ah kits for $65, or half off their original price.  Maybe a few years ago, but not now.

     

    So, in short, I don't think you can go wrong with any of the drills you mention, though I'd personally recommend the DCD790.  If you were in the States, I recommend a look at Milwaukee, Ridgid, or even Ryobi, but since you didn't mention any of those brands, I won't waste the time.

    • Like 1
  14. When I laid rebar for a footer business, I wore cheap jersey style gloves, usually layering them (especially in winter) as they wore out.  I recall Mechanix brand gloves becoming popular when I was an automotive technician in the late-90s, but I never wore them back then.  Now, I usually forget or misplace my gloves when at work--a cookoff on an M249 light machine gun last year found me picking gunpowder out of my hand for a few days--but I almost always wear them when doing most things.  The Black Widow brand disposable gloves that Lowe's carries in the paint department work well for messy auto work, though Harbor Freight's gloves are not bad.  I keep a box of disposable gloves along with a couple of pairs of Mechanix-style gloves in the truck.  

  15. 1 hour ago, Tug said:

     

    I got fifteen years still to serve, I mean pay off. 

     

    I just refinanced mine, so I've technically got 30.  I built an amortization table, though, and if I can keep making the payments I've been making it'll be closer to 17 years.  By that time I'll either have every tool known to man or the technology will change and I'll have to start over. 😄

    • Like 1
    • Haha 1
  16. There seem to be a number of us who have our own justifications for buying tools.  It is easy to imagine the effects that income and cash outflows have on our habits.  Right now I'm paying rent as well as my mortgage, but don't have a vehicle payment.  I should be promoted in February, though, and my next assignment will see me gross around $1500 more each month than I make now, even after losing my special duty pay.  That coupled with the opportunity to stay busy when off duty might motivate me to buy the few DeWalt tools I don't already own.

    • Like 2
  17. I grabbed the last DeWalt folding table at my local HD earlier; it doesn't seem super sturdy but that should be expected given its design.  It is rated for 1000 pounds.  I also grabbed one of the 18-piece Bosch Daredevil bit sets, as well as the last three Husky magnetic can holders which were on clearance.  The price on the latter was $1.87 each, down from almost $8, and since 187th Infantry Regiment was my first assignment I figured it worth the cost.  I paid under $90 out the door...the additional discount more than offsets sales tax.

  18. Recently I've thought about volunteering with Habitat for Humanity or a similar organization as I find the time.  I figure it will provide a means to hone my skills while using some of my tools for the betterment of others, which leads to my questions.

     

    I can imagine that most volunteers bring basic hand tools such as hammers and tape measures, but would a volunteer jobsite welcome power tools?  If so, would the risk be worth it to bring my own cordless tools; namely saws and stuff that I would not keep on my person as I would a drill or driving tool?

     

    I know theft and "accidental" acquisition take place on normal jobsites, and I can imagine that some volunteer organizations utilize people fulfilling community service, so I don't want to offer temptation in the form of expensive batteries and tools.  Nor do I want to commit myself to a volunteer project only to find excessively prohibitive rules as to what can be used on the jobsite (i.e. no personal tools of any sort).

     

    Please pardon my ignorance, and eventually I'll contact Habitat firsthand, but has anyone here volunteered in the past?  Besides the above questions, and perhaps most importantly, what were your experiences?  Thanks in advance for input!

  19. 3 hours ago, JakeDewalt said:

    Using it today doing Fascia

     

    I could have brought an extension cord did I? No way 

    IMG_0620.JPG

     

    That stand is going to be one of my next purchases, as will the rolling table saw stand.  

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