BurbMan wrote:
... not had good experiences with their cordless stuff. Batteries don't last, don't hold a charge, and you need more than two because battery #2 will drain before battery #1 is done charging.
This has been my experience, through others. Working in residential remodeling, you come across all kinds of guys using all kinds of brands. The Harbor Freight tools I see that have any kind of durability are some of their corded tools. If you see a HF cordless, it's not in use or already in the dumpster. My only HF tool (that hasn't broken and been tossed) is a corded 1/2" impact gun that works well on deck bolts and my trailer's lug nuts (for removal only, using a 4-way for tightening). Presently, I have five cordless drills (1/2" and 3/8") and four cordless drivers (1/4"), all of which see frequent use. In the past, I really liked Porter Cable cordless tools, but they've become very cheaply constructed. I've used Ridgid with a bit of satisfaction, going through batteries about every 3 years while never having a Ridgid 12V, 14.4V, 18V Ridgid drill/driver or 18V cordless sawzall actually break. Replacement batteries are easy to find. My latest cordless drill & driver purchase was a Makita Li-Ion kit, about two years ago. I've been very happy with it. For some reason or another, I've never liked DeWalt cordless tools (although, my green DeWalt radial-arm saw from the 1950's can't be killed).
That's a great price for an 18V impact gun, particularly with a 20% Super Coupon, but I'd rather spend the dough, once, and get something I believe to be more durable and
reliable. Like my Dad says, "If you're not here when I need you, then I don't need you." JM2C