To: "homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org" <homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [Homestead] Cordless tools followup
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2004 08:53:29 -0700
The December 2004 Consumer Reports has a report titled: Cordless Kits: More
Tools for Less. It's about 18v drill/circular saw/reciprocating
saw/flashlight kits ranging in price from $190 to $520. Here's an excerpt
pertinent to our discussion:
"Beefier batteries with larger-capacity cells are the major reason why
cordless kits with the most capable, longest-running tools also tend to
cost and weigh the most. But as with most products, you'll find some
notable exceptions.
"Nickle-metal-hydride batteries, rather than conventional nickel-cadmium
cells, explain why the tools in the Makita kit [$480] are among the
lightest in weight and were the longest by far on run time per charge. At
the other end of the price spectrum, solid performance and endurance for
less than $200 make the Ryobi, a CR Best Buy, a standout compared with the
similarly priced Craftsman and Skil.
"Warranties are yet another exception to the higher-price,
higher-performance hierarchy. Except for the Milwaukee, Ridgid, Ryobi, and
Skil, even the priciest of these cordless tool kits are warranted for just
one year."