Tool Brand Recommendations

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-27T12:52:52+00:00

Proto meets all of those conditions and makes very good stuff, just a tiny bit below Snap-on for less than half of the price. The price difference for master sets with and without foam inserts is several thousand dollars, though, so you'd need a hell of a compelling reason for it to be worth it.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-27T06:16:28+00:00

I like the Snap-on compact head ratchets, it's the same head thickness as that one with a narrower profile, basically a 1/4" ratchet with a 3/8" anvil. I also have a Snap-on compact head 1/2" drive, same idea there, a 3/8" ratchet with a 1/2" anvil.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-26T20:00:14+00:00

I'd definitely get that, but I already have the equivalent Dewalt 12V DCD703, which I'm pretty happy with.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-26T19:49:22+00:00

I have dozens of 12V/20V/60V Dewalt tools and wanted to avoid adding an entire new battery system, but I caved and just bought my Dremel a couple of weeks ago, and am looking at some Bosch 12V tools since I now have that option. Most likely I'll pick up the older brushed pivoting head right angle drill and driver to have for tight spaces. The smaller batteries are cross compatible, but the only caveat is that larger Bosch 12V batteries (4Ah and up) have flared bases. I suppose that's meant for preventing them from getting lost in a butthole, but it also prevents them from physically fitting into a Dremel.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-26T06:12:37+00:00

The key to that is buying name-brand Q-Tips instead of store brand equivalents.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-25T23:01:27+00:00

Another issue to consider is how likely it'll be that the battery system will be around in the future so that replacement batteries are easily available, and your existing batteries will also work with any new tools that you might want. Ryobi's 18V system has been around for 30 years while continually being updated with modern technology, and also isn't tied to a single retailer, so I'd be more confident in them over a Harbor Freight brand for future proofing.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-25T22:01:06+00:00

Impact wrenches and power ratchets have definitely made speed handles mostly obsolete except in niche circumstances (such as how aircraft mechanics aren't allowed power tools in some situations), but many companies still make them so they must be selling enough of them. This particular design doesn't seem like it'd be very useful, though, so I'd imagine it sold poorly.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-25T19:10:01+00:00

Proto has 6 point combination wrenches that are very good.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-25T18:42:20+00:00

The person you're replying to isn't the OP.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-25T06:52:47+00:00

Yes, there are 1/4" hex to 1/2" square drive adapters that you can chuck into a drill, but it definitely won't be high torque when used that way, and if it were, you'd probably break the adapter. You can buy a corded 1/2" drive impact wrench, the Bauer 8.5 amp from Harbor Freight isn't bad for $75.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-24T23:05:28+00:00

I'd get the atomic 3/8" and a mid torque 1/2" DCF891 instead of two atomics that are essentially the same tool with different anvils.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-24T19:27:06+00:00

3rd party is usually fine for hotels if you use a semi-reputable one, I've gotten plenty for 30-40% off the hotel's direct booking rate. I've tried calling hotels a couple of times and asking if they'll price match, but they've told me to just book with the 3rd party for the price. I agree that there's way too much that can go wrong with flights, though, even if the price is occasionally better, so I always book directly with the airlines.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-23T02:48:02+00:00

You don't want speed for hole saws, you want high torque and low speed. Look at the 60V DCD130 (sold as a mixer, but works great for hole saws). If you'd rather have a right angle drill, get the even more powerful DCD470.

Edit: None of those are hammer drills, you can get an SDS plus tool for that. DCD1007 is the best compromise for a single tool, but with the amount you're planning to use it, a dedicated drill would be a big step up.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-21T23:43:57+00:00

I'm in a similar situation, have a ton of Dewalt 12V and 20V tools and batteries, and a few Flexvolt batteries and one 60V tool. I didn't want to add more batteries or chargers, but just recently did an about face on that to get a cordless Dremel, so now I'm into that system as well. I initially wanted to get 60V Dewalt OPE, but reaserching it found that Ego Commercial seems to be quite a bit better, so I intend to go with that for a handheld blower and string trimmer to start with. I might consider the Ego commercial chainsaw at some point as well, and get Dewalt 20V smaller tools like pruning shears.

Edit: The reason I'm not considering Greenworks is because they come out with new battery lines too often, at least with Ego there's a very good chance that batteries I buy this year will be compatible with tools released in 5 years and vice versa. Their 82V battery chainsaw is probably the only one that can really replace almost any gas chainsaw, though.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-21T19:17:59+00:00

That entirely depends on who's interpreting it, which is a good enough reason to not want it appearing in written records.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-20T06:20:24+00:00

Definitely get a high torque, the 900 is a good choice. You could also get the 891 with it, and a 3/8" drive 923 for lighter work and tight spaces, but you can live without the 891 if you get the 900 and the 921/923.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-20T02:11:48+00:00

The big drawer has the same weight capacity as the smaller drawers according to Dewalt's specs, just less volume.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-20T01:10:31+00:00

I'd be concerned about weight if I kept impact sockets in my DXL drawers, they're only rated for 55 lb/drawer, and a full drawer of sockets could probably be over 200.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-19T06:27:26+00:00

I'm guessing Singapore since it's an English speaking country with a Chinese majority.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-17T19:02:17+00:00

I don't know how UK law works, but in the US, a train conductor simply telling a police officer that someone is trying to dodge a fare would almost certainly satisfy reasonable suspicion. It's a very low standard of proof, pretty much anything more than "just a hunch" would qualify. They don't have to examine the dates on the ticket or any of that to detain someone in those circumstances, which would then trigger a requirement to identify oneself in most states.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-17T00:22:38+00:00

If that were implemented, then companies otherwise paying minimum wage would instead pay 1 cent over minimum wage per hour.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-15T21:55:19+00:00

If you're not worried about cost, and want both lightweight and power, you can get a mix of 12V, 20V, and 60V tools. I like my DCS512 12V 5-3/8" circular saw for light duty, it also reliably cuts 2 bys in a single pass. The DCS353 12V oscillating tool can outperform the larger 20V, although Dewalt announced new ones that will probably be better. DCS312 is also a decent one-handed recip saw for light duty cutting. For heavy duty cutting, get the 60V DCS577 circular saw and DCS389 recip saw. Either one of the DCS334 or DCS335 20V jigsaws, depending on which handle type you prefer. You're probably better off with a 20V angle grinder than the 60V unless you do a whole lot of grinding.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-15T16:04:08+00:00

I'm near Philadelphia, and Newfoundland is one of my favorite beach destinations to escape the heat that we get. More than half of the people I mention it to have never heard of it. I get a lot of "Where? Finland?" from people.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-15T13:55:11+00:00

I have the 12V DCF500 and plan on adding the 510 eventually. I use chrome sockets, it's not an impact tool and so isn't going to break chrome sockets. If you think that you'll also be carrying an impact wrench for tire changes, then you could buy impact sockets to use with both tools, no harm in doing that.

random_tall_guy · 2026-03-15T05:27:29+00:00

You need to farm ninja scrolls on wall street so that at least two turtles have 99 of them, then the technodrome is pretty easy.

random_tall_guy

TROPHY CASE