The great power tools debate - What is the best brand?

[JoshRaf]

Hi All, I wanted to know what everyones opinions are on what  you think the best brands of power tools are for professionals, the at home DIYer and the one time users.

My personal preferences are as follows: 

Professional (top of the range):

1. DeWalt

2. Makita 

3. AEG

4. Bosche Blue

DIYer:

1. Ryobi

2. Bosche Green

3. Ozito Power Xchange (red)

One time user:

1. Ozito

2. XU1

[Nailbag]

Hi @DanFine 

Unlike brushless tools, corded and brushed cordless tools, there are no electronics in them other than speed control within the triggers and/or small PCB.

The "Fusion" model AEG tools have all in one motors and control electronics to keep them more compact, reliable and power. But in your case, also put the electronics though sealed in a coating near the air vents.

The only common denominator to so many failures is that constant damp environment. If you were to stay in that area moving forward, and knowing powertool internals well across most brands, then swapping brands out won't eliminate future issues. I wonder if having a set of cheaper tools (perhaps some AC) for outside and better ones for inside projects would work?  

Lithium batteries in most brands are electronically controlled. so no need to always discharge them. Every couple of months can extend life cycle as your cycling their use. So you're on the money there. As well as your testing of the tools.

AEG has a 3yr warranty and if you register online, then it's 6yrs. Having them repaired under warranty for one would mean no out of pocket, and secondly highlight the cause. Working in a damp climate environment is not abuse.

Hitachi some years back when sold off to Hikoki Ltd they changed the name to Hikoki. They are now along with Metabo are owned by the same parent set of companies and have had another name change to Metabo HPT. It's confusing the industry, as they are completely seperate companies otherwise and in manufacture and don't share any technologies. The full range of Hikoki thats currently in Aust will brand change to Metabo HPT.

Nailbag

[AlanM52]

September 2017

January 2026

Nine years later still using the XU1 garden tools.

How come I ended up with that lot, undergoing quality acceptance inspection - right place at the right time.

With Bunnings 'Father's Day' gift cards tucked into top pocket was wandering down that aisle and came across a nice staff guy clearing XU1 stuff off the shelves so stopped to have chat. Ended up checking out with 3 x blowers, 2 x blade trimmers (one already nicked lol) and a hedge trimmer no battery/no box but another found a battery for that (stored in one of the other boxes).

One reason for the long service life is that like many DIY's I can repair stuff.

.

A common fault is that one of the cells (batteries) will die and needs replacement.

A battery pack usually has 5 x 18680 Li-ion batteries each with a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts (5 x 3.7 = 18.5 volts).

Another fault which effected both the blade trimmers due to vibration was a broken motor connection.

Anyway... time to replace everything.

Cheers