Posting here since this is very much Japan oriented and I’m not looking for a bunch of recommendations to run out to Home Depot and buy a bunch of DeWalt and Milwaukee.
SO… Many years ago I bought a bunch of Hitachi 18V tools and they were very good for a long time. I had the following (and more I can’t remember):
Hammer Drill
1/2″ impact
Screw gun
Circular saw
Blower
Reciprocating saw
Old school florescent lights
Etc.
Main point of the whole ecosystem was that I had 10x of the same battery and 3x chargers, so life was great.
For reasons I don’t want to get into, all of the above is gone and it’s time to start fresh.
Seems that the new HiKOKI stuff is not so great. So what’s a DIY guy to do? I was considering their MV 36V stuff, but figured I’d ask for advice since this is likely going to be > ¥30man buy in for everything I’m looking for.
Everything needs to be battery compatible and capable of being severely abused.
I do have the option to buy things from the USA, if that’s really the recommendation (and may, since it’s likely going to be less than 1/3 the cost of things in Japan).
9 comments
I have Makita stuff and it is rock solid. Their batteries work also with Makita USA tools.
My dad who was a carpenter until he recently retired always praised both Makita and Hitachi Koki; but was allergic to Ryobi and Bosch (too much breakdowns according to him).
>I do have the option to buy things from the USA, if that’s really the recommendation (and may, since it’s likely going to be less than 1/3 the cost of things in Japan).
Really? How does that work? Shipping anything from the US right now costs a fortune.
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Japan based. Then Makita 18v, but their new 40v looks interesting. Every time I use a Makita impact driver it’s a revelation compared to my cheap ass Ryobi stuff. From my little bit of research 18v tools might be cheaper US side, but the 40v tools look much closer in price JPN-US. The main problem is the shenanigans these brands get into with US models being different from the JP models. Also if you go Makita [this](https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/KT001GZ-Rechargeable-Battery-Charger-Separately/dp/B09TT2RXJ7/ref=sr_1_20?qid=1656831757&refinements=p_89%3A%E3%83%9E%E3%82%AD%E3%82%BF%28Makita%29&rnid=2321255051&s=diy&sr=1-20) is required.
I have a coupe of Hikoki things with the 36mv packs. They work fine, no issues. I also have the Black and Decker 18v multi tool, and 18v chainaw, both work well. The circular saw attachment and chainsaw are a bit weak, but are fine for my small projects.
Go for Makita.
+1 for Makita. Used them when I did construction. Still using their impact drivers in an auto factory.
In terms of abuse, lol… we use the drivers for driving screws(obviously), but they also are used as impromptu hammers and levers. The slot they sit in is just a metal ring and they basically get thrown into the holder constantly, batteries ran to nothing, but the charger is always on and charging something. Get a strong round magnet for when the chuck wears out in a few years(assuming you’ll be using it 250+ days per year, 16h+ per day), then you can just jam the bit in and the magnet will keep it there.
Makita. Not even a contest.
Going Makita 40V. Thanks all!