https://www.walmart.com/ip/BLACK-DECKER ... /268673918

Is this one any good for beginner/minor home repairs? Not looking for anything fancy.

The price is right for occasional use BUT:

If you are really only going to use these things once or twice a year, then a CORDED tool might be the way to go. Batteries hate sitting idle. Corded will, in most cases, give you a stronger tool.

As for Black and Decker: they used to be THE name in power tools (like in the 60's and 70's) and then they fell off into cheaper (production/quality) is better. I haven't picked up anything of theirs in a long time... but if they're still producing tools, you can infer that they are at least a serviceable option.

I've had a DeWalt set (drills, impact driver, 6" panel saw) that's been in use professionally for over ten 16 years! I've cycled through (replaced) a complete set of batteries in that time. Once. The tools are still going.

DeWalt went through some convulsions recently as they changed their battery format about three times in as many years. (I bet that frustrated some who invested in the early iterations of that effort.)
They still offer the old original, behemoth, 18v batteries my set uses, and some lithium ones that fit the tool as well (thankfully). Their newest batteries are completely different so if/when I outlast the tools and I have to replace them.. I will probably revisit them for consideration, but I will also give Makita a hard look. Smoother operating tools... it seems to me, anyway.

Brushless is the newest motor technology. Speaking of smooth. And supposedly longer-lived. Milwaukee, I think, led the way into that technology and their tools had great reviews when it came out. I think the other players are embracing brushless tech, now, too.

+1 on the Makita

My grandpa was a very talented builder and swore by Makita. So I’m a little biased that way. I got a small lithium drill for Christmas a few years back and absolutely love it.

It’s small, lightweight, strong enough for stuff around the house, and the batteries last forever.

Makita FD02W 12V max Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8-Inch Driver-Drill Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004EYI18G/re ... mBbDPE8GQN

If you’re a more hardcore builder, you’ll probably want the 18v. But for around the house stuff the 12v has been fine.


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Seriously, you can't go wrong with the Ryobi... especially if you are going to get a 'bunch' of different tools to run off the same battery set -- their price point is unbeatable and everyone that I know that uses them loves them with very little complaint. They have such a vast assortment of compatible tools -- very important, and alot of them are being upgraded to brushless motors if you want to get into 'contractor' grade tools --- the regular motors are just fine for most of us who aren't snobbish. They had some great prices on sets over fathers day -- wait for the 4th sales to come out - there should be some killer deals next week. Sure.... the kits come with 1.5Ahr paks, but over fathers day, they had 2x 4Ahr sets with charger for $100 --- I was tempted, but have yet to run the 1.5 Ahr paks dead on a project yet with the drill/driver set --- if you get circular saw/sawzall - you will need the bigger paks.

Ryobi is the HiPoint of the tool world.

Just wait until you get there then have fun cruising the pawn shops.

not true. Ryobi is lighter than HiPoint.

I disagree.... I would say that Ryobi is the "glock' of the tool world.... I would put the sets from HF as the 'hipoints'.
For the homeowner/weekend warrior, they are more than adequate. If you are using them all day everyday, you could argue otherwise... maybe.... I love my old Makita and wanted to upgrade to 18v with them --- but the price point was just too hi.... AND you have to stay in the 'series' - LXT/CXT/MXT --- choose wisely.... Ryobi --- one series - batteries fit everything.

Makita 18v is a good choice. They last a long time for a homeowner. I use my drill, impact driver and circular saw all the time

Tough as nails, and guaranteed for life?

In my experience with one of their cordless drills, Ryobi is cheap shit

I was trying to be charitable.

Glock, hipoint, whats the difference?

About a pound.

Back in the day when I actually lifted a finger at work, Hilti was the king.
Milwaukee was queen.
Used the Hilti for hammer drilling through 1+ foot thick concrete to run communication lines.