I'm starting an apprenticeship in deck building and need some advice. I'm considering two options on a budget: the Milwaukee M18 brushed combo kit and the Bauer brushless kit. Given that I'm beginning my journey, which of these tools should I go for? Any insight would be helpful!
3 Answers
If you're tight on cash, I'd suggest checking out Rigid tools. They have a solid warranty and I used them for nearly 10 years without any issues before upgrading to M18 fuel. They're reliable for budget-conscious builders.
In my opinion, you should probably go for the Milwaukee option. Bauer tools have let me down during projects, which can waste valuable time. A brushless drill is essential for consistent performance, especially for something as demanding as deck building. Don't risk it with Bauer.
I’ve seen mixed reviews on the brushed combo, but it's still sturdy enough if budget constraints are an issue.
Brushed drills have been the backbone of construction for ages. They don’t randomly fail but can be slower, so weigh your options!
I might catch some heat for this, but I would recommend Ryobi. I used their tools for about five years and they worked fine for home use. When I had a bigger budget, I switched to Milwaukee, and that was a nice upgrade. Just know what you're getting into!
No shame in using Ryobi for homeowners! They’re decent for light to moderate tasks.
Many reviews back up Ryobi's reliability, despite some friends advising against them. I'm definitely giving them serious thought.
I've had a good experience with Rigid too, but right now their prices seem a bit high without any sales.