New drill/driver

[clare]

I think it's been a few decades since B&D put their name on a decent tool - might have been the odd "accident" that I'm not aware of. And their small appliances don't fare much better.

[Ed Pawlowski]

They got into the appliance business by buying the GE division back in the 70's. They were moving most tools to high volume consumer instead of the pro lines.

[Morgans]

wrote

VERy interesting, indeed. Worth checking out. I have to wonder if the same engineering and quality material goes into the Ridgid as the Milwaukee. I would be pretty confident they are significantly different, but perhaps the Ridgid is still worth an extra look.

[Morgans]

wrote

I used to think that. Then I was given a firestorm B&D drill for a gift. It was pretty tough, and since I had the battery, I bought a couple more tools, and a couple more, until I had the whole lineup, I think. I used them every day, professionally, and tough. Other than batteries, they have been up to the task. Other wear items, like switches, and bushings for a sawzall, no problems. In the same kind of use I have worn out bushings for a Milwaukee sawzall, too, so bushings and a new switch here and there is not out of my expectations.

DeWalt, made by B&D, another story. Had those at school, and used my own Firestorm stuff much of the time, cause the DeWalt was broken.

I am looking to buy another Firestorm hammer drill, just now. Mine is my go to drill, and is starting to get long in the tooth. I want to get another one, while they are still being sold used. Not made any more, in the NiCad version, I think. I converted my NiCad packs, filling them with lithium ion guts. I will likely be using my firestorms for the next 15 or 20 years.

[Morgans]

wrote

Don't need to buy new circular saws. I bought two Milwaukee circular saws in 82 and 87 and both are still running strong, with only one greasing because I felt guilty, and a few switches and cords.

They may be heavy, but they are heavy duty. I can't see these saws ever conking out.