Best Time to Buy Powertools at a Bargain?

Hi Cheapies team,

I'm wanting to buy cordless drill and impact driver combo. When usually will they have sales? I.e redemption for free battery, or trade in old one for xx$$ off etc?

Thinking of something from Mitre10 so I can spend my airpoint dollars there.

Something like this or other reliable brands.
https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/stanley-fatmax-v20-2-piece-co…

Budget up to $2xx for the combo.

Thanks.

Comments

  • +1

    I would seriously think about the brand you want to go with before you make your choice, it is very important.

    • Thanks, i have used Black and Decker and smoked the motor after building my deck, pergola and fence.. didn't give me enough kick and need something more powerful.

      Tried XU1, broke the shaft when trying to remove a bugle screw from fence..:( I'm not that rough by the way..

      Was shortlisting Stanley cos DeWalt is too expensive.. and also i quite like Ozito, i see them being abused by the boys in our work's chippy shop and factory… I felt they are pretty good..

      Was thinking of shopping at Mitre10 is cos I have 150 airpoint dollar to spend and can use at Mitre10.

      What do you use?

      • I can talk about power tools for way too long, I'll see if I have some time later tonight to give my opinion. Possibly instead of watching a show or something.

        • Thanks Bill, enjoy your time for now :)

          • +4

            @BennyBoy878787: First, the most important choice you have to make is what brand you are going to buy. The reason this is the most important is that generally, that is the brand you are going to have to buy all your skins for as it is inefficient and expensive to use more than one brand. To choose a tool brand, you need to consider how much performance you require.

            The more performance you require, the more expensive the tool is going to be, but budget and DIY options have massively improved and the premium for the extra performance is increasing. There are approximately 3 different categories of tools, professional, DIY, and budget. Higher performance means more power but also a reduction in weight and size.

            Professional eg are Makita, Milwaukee and DeWalt
            less common(Hilti, Festool, Hitachi, Metabo)

            DIY Ryobi

            Budget XU1

            I only listed these as they are the ones I am most familiar with since I do all my hardware shopping at Bunnings.

            When you choose a brand, you are stuck in that category for all your tools. Therefore, all the skins you buy are going to be in the category you choose. This can mean you either have to buy unnecessarily expensive tools or underpowered tools because there are no better options.

            It is also important to consider the range of tools from the brand. Some brands have a more developed range than others, most often the more expensive ones do. If you are not needing the best performance and are looking for value for money, consider DIY grade as it gives the best balance of performance to cost. Currently, I use Ryobi and I have DeWalt, but that decision was made a long time ago. The market has since changed.

            One of the most important things, when you buy a battery, is the amp hours it is, as this greatly affects the performance you will be getting. Contrary to popular belief, amp-hour does not just mean the capacity, but a higher amp hour battery also delivers substantially more power to the tool. Cheaper kits often have very small batteries to cut costs, which results in very poor performance. For 18v, I would not consider anything below 4ah. 4ah - 5ah is the sweet spot. Brushless models offer a performance increase and increased battery life but sometimes it is not worth it depending on your usage. A brushless impact driver = not so important, brushless line trimmer = very important.

            I would be very wary about a brand that is exclusive to a particular store. The popularity of the brand is important in predicting future development.

            In my experience, the perceived quality and durability of a tool does not matter as much as the warranty it comes with. Just make sure the warranties are replacement warranties. Stanley has subpar 3 years.

            If I were to buy tools starting from scratch, I would probably choose Ozito. Ozito used to be a budget brand but their 18v PXC is like the new Ryobi. As long as you are using the right tool for the job, performance is most likely going to be very capable. I.e. use a driver for screws rather than a drill. I have had no issues in performance with Ryobi. Ozito’s main points of interest to me are their very low prices and very good warranty. Their brushless tools can be cheaper than brushed models from other brands. Currently, their selection of tools isn’t that great, but I expect it to improve because of their popularity. Ozito's $59 4ah batteries are very competitive. Was thinking a while back about an adaptor to convert to Ryobi. If you choose either Ryobi or Ozito, they don't go on special, they only increase in price.

            While budget brands can be great for a one-off corded tools, I would not consider investing in the battery line.

            My recommendations out of all brands are Ozito, Ryobi, DeWalt and Makita.

            This opinion is not educated but I think Stanley, Blackndecker and Bosch are all junk

            Very, very disappointingly when I was writing this, I had an accidental shut down during editing and lost my near completed work. I had to start again from my unedited version.

            • @Bill: Not OP, but thanks for typing that out - this will come in handy for me later.

            • @Bill: Thank you so much @Bill, such a concise and experienced based comments… And sorry that you had to type this twice…
              I am now leaning towards Ozito for now.. will go Bunnings and check them out…
              Thanks again..

            • @Bill: It wasn't until I had posted it that I saw it was so much. I used voice type and then ProWritingAid for editing.

              I just had a look at Ozito again and wanted to reiterate how limited their lineup is still.

              If you're just wanting drills, that's ok, but I looked again at their line trimmers and they only have two types.

              1.
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-pxc-2-x-18v-cordless-line-t…
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-18v-grass-trimmer-kit_p0325…

              I would avoid this at all costs. This is complete garbage.

              2.
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-pxc-2-x-18v-cordless-line-t…

              This is edging into garbage territory but may be fine for very light work.

              They don't have a brushless model yet which I consider the best for everyone, while pretty much all other better brands do.

              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ryobi-18v-one-38cm-hp-brushless-l…
              I have something similar to this, a previous model. I got mine for $250 so they have been increasing their prices.

              DeWalt for the same thing more expensive
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/dewalt-18v-line-trimmer-skin-only…

              Makita for the same thing more expensive
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/makita-lxt-18v-cordless-line-trim…

              AEG is crazy expensive for no reason
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/aeg-18v-brushless-line-trimmer-sk…

              Makita is pretty much completely dominant on job sites, occasionally you see DeWalt. Have never seen AEG though.

              For Ozito drill kits to get started with.
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-pxc-18v-drill-and-impact-dr…
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-pxc-18v-compact-drill-and-i…
              Both of these are not good, they come with bad batteries

              The one I highly recommend is called "Ozito PXC 18V Brushless Drill And Impact Driver Kit"

              Not because it's brushless but because it comes with one 4ah rather than 2 x 1.5ah or 1x 2.5ah.
              For some reason, when you open it, it turns into a page not found. Hopefully, they come out with a good replacement.

              They do have some extremely impressive tools that I think are a great deal.

              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-pxc-18v-x-2-brushless-jet-b…
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-pxc-2-x-18v-brushless-chain…
              https://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-pxc-18v-125mm-brushless-ang…

              By the way, a hammer drill is a normal drill with a masonry drill function, it is not an impact driver.

              A lot of Ozito drills on the website seem to be not sold anymore.

            • @Bill: "This opinion is not educated but I think Stanley, Blackndecker and Bosch are all junk"

              I'm assuming you mean Bosch Green (DIY)? Bosch Blue is at the same level as DeWalt, Makita etc quality and performance wise, range not as expansive however.

              • @rizzle27: I didn't go into detail but Bosch, which once was flagship quality tools, has gone downhill for far too long.

                Bosch blue is obviously high end, but their market share is too low. When that is the case, there is not the level of development that the bigger players have. Because of this, I just don't think they're competitive with the other brands. While they are suitable for a lot of people and would be a good option, there is just always a better option. I just don't think Bosch is a battery family most people should join.

                They are also just poorly planned, such as the Bosch blue and Bosch green batteries not being interchangeable.

                • @Bill: I understand where you're coming from, however In terms of development I think Bosch leads the way in a lot of areas tool wise, for example SDS drill bits, starlock multitool blades(which Makita are now licensing) and now X-Lock grinder blades(other companies licensing also). You wouldn't want to underestimate the size of Bosch as a company in regards to any of the other tool brands.

                  The Pro Core batteries Bosch have brought out are on par with any off the other tool companies, and exceed them in some test reviews I've seen.

                  The issue of the blue batteries not fitting the green is a non issue as far I'm concerned, they're 2 very different lines of tools - I doubt you'd see a tradie using the Green range, and the Blue is out of spec/budget for most homeowners.

                  The real area Bosch falls behind is the range of tools, especially in niche areas - for example Milwaukee has specific tools for Plumbers, Electricians etc. However when I've compared Bosch tool manufacture specs quality to Milwaukee they are miles ahead that the cheap plastic and fitment Milwaukee put out! Read any tool thread and you'll quickly see how many people have had issues with the Red over other brands!

                  That's just my two cents, If I was to buy a "Pro" line of tools I'd probably go Makita, but realise could be out of budget justification for some DIY homeowners.

  • Stanley are part of the group that make black and decker and dewalt too, all of which will go well depending on your intended use. If this is home DIY, then most of the drills on offer in the price range will be 'okay', with your biggest issue being power/battery life.
    But dont rule out some cheaper options as well (Bunnings Ozito range are generally okay for DIY).
    As for specials etc, its really hit and miss, but most of them (typically Dewalt) will usually run a promo in Nov/Dec that runs through Christmas to get that christmas present market. Your better bet is to get hold of some old stock/previous models at heavy discounts.

    • I'm quite a hardcore DIYer when I do my stuffs.

      I smoked the motor of my Black & Decker after building my deck, pergola and fence, and changed all my roof nails to proper roofing screws.. didn't give me enough kick and need something more powerful.
      Best $80 ever spent and used it for 5 solid years.

      Tried XU1, broke the shaft when trying to remove a bugle screw from fence..:(
      I'm not that rough by the way..

      Was shortlisting Stanley cos DeWalt is too expensive.. and also i quite like Ozito, i see them being abused by the boys in our work's chippy shop and factory every day… I tried both their hammer drill and impact driver.. felt they are pretty good..
      Was thinking of shopping at Mitre10 is cos I have 150 airpoint dollar to spend and can use at Mitre10 to get big savings.

  • Never had an issue with my ozito impact driver and hammer drill. Cheap but quality 4ah batteries, $59.
    Brushless angle grinder works well also.

    Keep an eye out for product range changes, the tools will go on clearance but it's not very often.

    Probably most consistent deals I've seen is ryobi days or mitre ten spend x dollars to get gift vouchers

    • Yes i agree with your comment about ozito. See them being heavily abused on daily basis by the boys in the factory and chippy shop..personally I tried them both impact driver and hammer drill and they're pretty solid, and as you said, battery is cheap.
      Will keep an eye on here and their web sites for promo.
      👍 Thanks

  • I've gone Ryobi, they generally don't go on sale.
    what they do is
    -release Limited kits that are decent value with a battery.
    -have ryobi 'events" where they have a bonus offer. although the last one was just random merchandise (bottle, hat etc)
    -Bonus offers normally at the Auckland home show, but shows been postponed multiple times due to covid. (free tool, battery etc depend on amount spent)

    I have a few wants that I have been waiting for the home show for, hoping they do what they did last time (9ah battery for a decent spend)

    • I was waiting for cordless drill to be part of Ryobi Black Friday combo but it's not on special unfortunately…
      Will keep an eye on any deals or promo if I can, unless i need to buy for some emergency use.. will see.

  • For $2xx for a combo I presume you are looking at a DIY range of tools?
    I can’t speak for Mitre 10 but as far as Bunnings go, the Ozito range is really good bang for buck.
    Having worked there in the past I can tell you a number if tradies use these - cheaper than buying a Dewalt or Makita and if it’s stolen it’s easier to stomach.
    For example this kit for $169 is pretty good value. Only one battery but you can buy another for $99.
    It’s brushless and has a 4.0Ah battery which should be more than enough for most needs.
    Also a really good warranty - 5 years on the tools and 3 years on the battery.

  • Yes bigcheese, im looking for DIY option.
    My workplace uses that combo. Really solid and bang for the buck. They can survive brutal abuse from what I see..

    What drives me to shortlist that Stanley is cos I believe it's good brand and can also can use my $150 Airpoint Dollar. The kit is $269 and i only pay $119 after using airpoint.

    Hurmm.. tough considerations.. maybe i should just grab that Ozito when they have deal, and save my airpoint to fly home when I'm able to do so..

    • Keep an eye out for $59, 4.0ah batteries for ozito.
      They don't have them online but I've seen them in multiple stores. They are black vs the red $99 ones.
      I've had a look and I couldn't see any real difference in specs, supposedly they are left overs from a special deal but sometimes I go in and they aren't there, then week later there are heaps.
      I picked up 4 of them so I don't have to swap batteries very often.

  • Bunnings operate an EDLP price strategy - they don’t have sales and as Ozito is exclusive you are unlikely to see it reduced unless end of line as there is no one to price match.
    Using your airpoint dollars means $119 is pretty cheap and if your happy with that then go for it.
    Just make sure you get the best quality you can afford particularly if you’re a hardcore DIYer.

  • Would go for Ryobi in that budget. They have a battery range that shouldn't change anytime soon. Unlike random brands that seem to change battery models each refresh.

    The tool range is large too, I have a whole bunch of garden tools now on the Ryobi One+ range. Mower, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, grinder. I already had a drill with another brand otherwise i'd have a Ryobi drill too.

    Depends what you need the impact driver for, I don't own one and have very very rarely even considered it would be a better tool for the job over a drill driver.

    • Impact driver is a treat to use over a drill to screw in long thicker gauge screws, a lot more torque. If you are doing cabinetry work I wouldn't suggest it.

  • facebook market has good deals on branded tools at time

  • +1

    Honestly I find nowadays Makita is the best to go for if you want constant deals and quality tools. The main reason being is everyone stocks Makita so you can constantly price-beat as well as Makita having probably the largest 18/36v tool collection. There is also some places in NZ that sell overseas Makita models for quite a lot cheaper than the local version.

    The cheaper brands have slowly been creeping up in price and end up being only slightly cheaper or similar price to the "tradie" brands.

    I originally bought a bunch of AEG stuff which is quality and was cheaper and had a 6 year warranty, but most of the time Makita is cheaper when buying additional skins, so the last 5 purchases have been Makita instead.

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