Best Value Power Tool Range / Kits @ Bunnings?

LCitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 00:43

I'm gearing up to buy a power tool kit in the post christmas sales.
Max budget is $1k, preferably more like $600 if possible.
I want something that is BIFL or will at least last me a bloody long time, providing the price is somewhat competitive. Brushless is also preferable.

It's only going to be for occasional general DIY / cabinet making so I don't need a lot of batteries or ones that will last all day, and batteries are getting cheaper/better every year anyway, so I don't mind replacing them in the future if I need to.

I have to buy it at Bunnings so can't get Hitachi / Milwaukee.

You hear the most recommendations for Makita, but recently I've been hearing bad reports about their build quality, I'm sure the 10 year old + Makita's were great but I'm not convinced they are now.
I've had recommendations for DeWALT and AEG, and for a midrange alternative Ryobi.

I need a Driver, Hammer Drill, Jigsaw and Circular Saw, and I'd also be happy with an Angle Grinder if it came in a kit.

The best value offer I can find, by far, is only $399 but not brushless:
This Ryobi kit (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-2-5ah-4-piece-kit_…) it has everything I need except the jigsaw.

For Brushless this DeWALT kit (https://www.bunnings.com.au/dewalt-18v-3-piece-xr-brushless-…) for $584 and this AEG kit (https://www.bunnings.com.au/aeg-18v-5-0ah-3-piece-brushless-…) for $499 both look good but I'll be forced for fork out for a Jigsaw skin and Circular saw too.

I'm really tempted by the Ryobi kit, it might not be the best quality but it has a 6 year warranty so I can't get burnt too badly.

Any recommendations or words of advice would be much appreciated.

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Comments

  • Richardc on 16/12/2019 - 01:01
    +5

    If you are not in the trade, just get ozito, 5 year replacement warranty on tools should be enough, also price matching with ALDI.

    • Euphemistic on 16/12/2019 - 06:58

      Where do you get the idea that ozito is price matched at Aldi? Different brand and AFAIK different batteries that aren’t compatible.

      The ozito circ saw and impact driver I tried didn’t have the power of ryobi.

      • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 07:24
        +2

        "If you are not in the trade, just get ozito, 5 year replacement warranty on tools should be enough, also price matching with ALDI."
        I took that to mean Bunnings will price match their Ozito range with Aldi?

        • hawkeye on 16/12/2019 - 08:30
          +5

          Aldi ran their powertool brand some weeks ago and Bunnings dropped the Ozito 4 A/Hr battery to $40 and some other things. It happens every time Aldi do it.

    • pinchies on 16/12/2019 - 08:28
      +3

      While I'm not sure about bunnings price matching Aldi, both Aldi and Ozito tools are made by the same OEM, Einhell (since 2013). It's a shame they made the batteries physically incompatible, but some of the products between bunnings and aldi (e.g. cheap drop saw on stand) are literally identical except for branding.

      I've been very happy with Ozito tools, and I think they are better value than Cryobi in most cases. Get the brushless ones specifically, and you'll generally be happy.

      However, don't buy the cheapest Ozito and expect gold nuggest out of it - most of their products have a range, and the top end is usually still well worth the price.

  • p1 ama on 16/12/2019 - 01:41
    +1

    I think you'd be fine with any of the major brands - DeWalt, Makita or AEG. I would personally avoid Ryobi unless it's something that you'd only use once in a while.

  • apsilon on 16/12/2019 - 06:11

    For occasional home DIY I'd say Ryobi. Impossible to beat the range of tools and warranty. The downside is the only time they go on sale is to run out a particular model because a new version is coming.

    • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 06:27

      Yeah as much as I want the very best it's hard to beat Ryobi on value for money, but I'll see what deals are on on the others post Xmas.

  • Euphemistic on 16/12/2019 - 06:58
    +2

    I’ve had good experience with Ryobi. Have had a drill for about 8 years and up to around 15 skins now, most bought second hand. given then a hiding during some serious renovations. I have had two 2013 batteries die, but the oldest batteries I had have been sold. Others still going well.

    In direct comparison ozito, side by side, didn’t have the grunt. The ozito circular saw struggles with 20mm pine longitudinal cut. The ryobi cut 19mm hardwood longitudinal ok, it worked hard but did it. Makita has even more grunt back to back, but the ryobi is good for the price.

    Brushless for DIY isn’t really necessary. If you are doing a lot of work a corded circular saw is still a good idea as the cordless ones don’t have as much grunt.

    Edit: if I had my time again I’m not sure I would pick Ryobi. Being Bunnings exclusive means it is never on sale, except run out models. Then again, I would behave the range of tools I currently do because Ryobi is so much cheaper. It is also easier to pick up second hand because plenty of people upgrade to premium brands. I’ve bought three groups of gear from tradies who have upgraded.

    • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 07:22

      Didn't realise Ryobi was a Bunnings exclusive product. That puts me off them a bit as i almost never buy a big ticket item at Bunnings without the 'price match -10%'. It's often the best way to get good gear super cheap / below cost.

      • Euphemistic on 16/12/2019 - 07:38
        +1

        It’s swings and roundabouts. Lose on competition of pricing and only place to get spare parts. Gain on lower price to start with and availability of second hand items.

        I know I couldn’t have got anywhere near the range of tools for the same price in a premium brand.

        • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 07:41

          Yeah that $399 Ryobi kit I linked is the best bang for ya buck, even without any competition from other stores.

          • Euphemistic on 16/12/2019 - 08:00
            +1

            @CitizenCane: They do have kits like that at good value from time to time. Gets you suckered in to buy the brand, then they’ve got you because you already have the batteries, so you buy their skins. Worked with me! Bought a drill, then a hedge trimmer, then whipper snipper, then a planer then discovered gumtree.

  • Austaurean on 16/12/2019 - 08:19
    +3

    I bought the 5 piece Ozito kit at $199 a while back (no 1k budget for me), and while its been ok and im happy enough (due to the price)
    if I had that time again I would look at the power of each item, Nm, torque etc as the Ozito stuff cuts out too early, even with a fully charged 4ah.
    There is some huge variances, need more Nm than Ozito but not as much as the pro gear. SO spend more and get mid range, i.e. your $600 mark.

    • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 09:03

      Yeah cheers that's why I don't wanna go too budget (besides longevity) caus if it cant handle the tough jobs it'll probably just end up collecting dust. If something is a joy to use then you end up looking for reasons to use it.

    • ESEMCE on 16/12/2019 - 09:06
      +1

      And get at least 4Ah batteries to ensure you're actually getting the rated output of the tool.
      The cells in the small capacity batteries are in series only, so their output is limited by the max current of the cells.

      4Ah and larger batteries have strings of cells in Parallel, same overall voltage, but the current load is split across each string of cells, so the cells don't have to work as hard to produce the same amount of current at the battery terminals.

      End result is that not only do you get more useful power from a 4Ah+ battery, you also reduce the load on the individual cells, thereby extending the lifespan of the battery.

  • hawkeye on 16/12/2019 - 09:11
    +1

    Ryobi charge times a way to slow 2.5 A/Hr battery in under 2 hours. Battery design of the old NiCds from 20 years ago.
    Power X Ozito 3 A/Hr in 1 Hr
    Makita 3 A/Hr in 20 minutes

    Whoever told you Makita are getting worse is wrong The old 9.6V NiCd impact drill trigger switches made by Omron where notorious for failing after a year or so. Repair costs to replace was about $120. The 18v series I've never had a problem with any of the 20 or so drills grinders saws Bought. They only get retired when Makita release a faster or more powerful drill.

    Most tradies are using Milwaukee now I've got 4 12v skins and think they're a little over stated but have a wider range of different skins/tools that other companies don't make.

  • abb on 16/12/2019 - 10:11
    +4

    Do you need cordless?

    Tools with power cables generally have more power, are cheaper & lighter, and no batteries to degrade/replace/recharge/lose.

    Cordless drills are handy for the occasional repair job, but I've never had a need to use a circular saw, jigsaw, or angle grinder without being near a power point.

    • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 10:15

      "Do you need cordless?"

      No, in fact the first thing I said when I had a chat with the guy at the Bunnings tool desk was "I don't need cordless".
      But all the kits offer better value for money, all come with batteries and chargers. I assume because they are trying to lock you into their brand for all future purchases (stealing Apple's business model?).
      The Bunnings bloke said there is no problem with power, with even a battery Circular Saw, but I'm not convinced.

      Both the brushless DeWALT and AEG kits I linked don't include the Circular Saw or Jigsaw so I'll definitely be looking at corded if I purchase them separately.

      • abb on 16/12/2019 - 10:25
        +1

        Apple's business model?

        Indeed, vendor lock-in is so hot right now. I wish someone would make a law mandating that the batteries be interchangeable, it's so wasteful.

        Mains-powered circular saws advertise 1500W+, there's no way a battery can keep that kind of power up for long. I'm sure they're fine for chopping pine 2x4s to length, but personally I'd be looking at a table saw. I'm not steady/skilled enough to cut straight by hand!

        • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 11:00
          +1

          I was just planning on getting a separate Saw Stand that I can mount the Circular Saw and Jigsaw on.
          I don't have a shed or a great deal of space, so something I can hang on the wall when I'm not using it is probably the best way to go, but I'm open to buying a Table Saw instead of the Circular Saw if I can pack it up when I'm not using it.

    • Euphemistic on 16/12/2019 - 11:01
      +1

      Tend to agree that corded is more powerful. However, for me the convenience of cordless easily outweighs the limits of their power in most circumstances. I even have an older blue ryobi 18v drop saw and because it is so light and easy to use I’ll pick that over the corded drop/slide saw most of the time. Patience and a sharp blade is the key.

      I completed a major renovation including removing and installing walls and supporting frames and the only thing I used the corded gear was the big drop saw, an air nail gun and a corded hammer drill once - before I got my cordless one. Used cordless drills impact driver, recip saw, circ saw, multitool, planer and others regularly.

  • onetwothreefour on 16/12/2019 - 11:15
    +2

    Why do you need to get a whole kit? Just start out with the basics like a circular saw, mitre saw and a drill then only buy stuff when you realise you need to make a lot of cuts or screw a lot of screws that the tools you already have won't be up to the job.

    • Euphemistic on 16/12/2019 - 11:25
      +1

      ‘The whole kit’ in this instance is pretty much a drill(essential) an impact driver (very handy) a circ saw and a grinder (both handy).

      As for ‘lots of screws’ I’ve put hundreds of screws, probably closer to thousands, with two second hand impact drivers. Still have one and it isn’t quitting yet.

    • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 11:29
      +2

      Also these kits are deliberately cheap to try and lock you into their product line.
      For example with the Ryobi kit I linked (https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-18v-one-2-5ah-4-piece-kit_…) you get the Circular Saw for half price and the Grinder for free compared to buying them all individually. Considering I need to buy them all anyway there's no reason to not get the kit.

  • HardlyCharly on 16/12/2019 - 12:57
    +1

    I recently did a fair bit of research on this myself for a home workshop. I came to the conclusion of going for the black series corded Makita options.

  • jallen89 on 16/12/2019 - 14:16
    +1

    I struggled with the same dilemma. I was originally with aldi’s 20v range but sold it out and brought into Milwaukee. Quickly realised I couldn’t afford or even need top quality tools so I’ve since brought into Ozito (great for the price). I found a great deal on a Ryobi chainsaw kit so brought that. Then Sydney Tools had a great Dewalt hammer drill/impact driver kit on sale so I brought that and sold off the impact. Im also in the Ego ecosystem for OPE.
    I wasn’t planning on having so many different brands but now I have a choice of almost every tool and being able to look at reviews and decide which manufacturer has the right tool for what I need.

    • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 14:48

      Doesn't the need for all the different Battery Packs and Chargers kind of kill the savings of shopping around?
      That's one of the reasons they push the cordless stuff so much, so you get suck in their product line.

      • jallen89 on 16/12/2019 - 15:05
        +1

        Maybe in some ways. But I brought into most of them when they were on sale or clearance. Getting the battery and charger for a little more than the cost of the skin.
        I originally wanted to stay with all Milwaukee but it wasn’t worth it for tools that I only occasionally use. So for a rarely used tool I can buy the Ozito for 1/4 of the Milwaukee, or buy midrange Ryobi which is still generally around half the price of the equivalent Milwaukee.
        If you’re stuck in one ecosystem, you don’t really have much choice between tool features or choice.
        I reckon I’ve saved money by being in several different ecosystems.

        • hawkeye on 16/12/2019 - 15:30
          +1

          I'd be worried about battery deterioration if your not using them all the time it's going to cost a lot more to replace several types of batteries rather than 1.

          • jallen89 on 16/12/2019 - 17:24
            +1

            @hawkeye: I’m not to concerned. I still find reasons to use them quite often. Even if they do die in a couple of years there would be new tools out I would want to get or upgrade to. Lithium ion technology just keeps getting better and longer lasting. I’ve never had a battery die yet. My 20v Aldi batteries were 5-6 years old and still going strong.

            • whooah1979 on 16/12/2019 - 17:32
              +1

              @jallen89:

              My 20v Aldi batteries were 5-6 years old and still going strong.

              Lithium batteries are designed to last two or three years or 300 to 500 charges. Your batteries are not performing as strong as you think.

              • jallen89 on 16/12/2019 - 18:17
                +1

                @whooah1979: Technically you’re correct. But it had no noticeable loss of performance for me.

      • ESEMCE on 16/12/2019 - 15:22
        +1

        For home use, battery compatibility doesn't really matter like it does for professionals.. It's incredibly rare that you'll drain a battery in one session at home, unless you're using high power devices like a Mower, Grinder or Circular Saw.

        • Euphemistic on 16/12/2019 - 16:40
          +1

          Disagree. I regularly have a project which requires more than one tool, the sort of thing that takes upwards of half a day. Having a few batteries means I don’t need to swap them out, or that I don’t run out of power mid way through. Having several tools that can work without switching battery or plugging and unplugging cords is pretty handy. Having at least 3 batteries is good. One on charge and two for tools in use.

          Of course if all you are doing is hanging a shelf or simple diy stuff, half hour jobs etc you won’t use that much power that you need extra batteries.

          • ESEMCE on 17/12/2019 - 07:44

            @Euphemistic: I'm not denying it is useful if you are going to be using the tools consistently all day for days on end.
            But you seem to have missed the point that your home usage patterns is vastly different from the majority who need a drill to put a hole in a wall once every 6 months and a saw to trim something back once per year.

            • Euphemistic on 17/12/2019 - 07:54

              @ESEMCE: Of course there are levels of home use that vary, everyone is different. Yes, I’m probably above average for home workshop use. OP indicated cabinet making which I equated with more than occasionally drilling two holes. More similar to a project, sort of half day thing. Frustrating to make some cuts and then find out you need to charge the battery to use the drill to put it together.

              Having a bunch of tools with different batteries would be a pain. Not to mention that an under used battery is likely to die sooner than a regularly used one. Being able to charge one while using another is a good thing. Being able to swap batteries between tools is a good thing. Keeping 3-4 different batteries charged for different tools doesn’t sound efficient.

        • whooah1979 on 16/12/2019 - 16:43
          +1

          It's incredibly rare that you'll drain a battery in one session at home,

          You are not screwing enough wood if you can’t drain your batteries in one session.

  • whooah1979 on 16/12/2019 - 15:40
    +1

    I have to buy it at Bunnings so can't get Hitachi / Milwaukee.

    Why does it have to be Bunnings?

  • hawkeye on 16/12/2019 - 15:46
    +2

    Banggood are starting to pump out all these power tools that are made for Makita batteries don't know how good they are but I'd expect 1/2 the power they state if I ever bought one to avoid disappointment.
    They copied batteries and chargers can't do or take rapid charge.
    https://www.banggood.com/search/makita.html?from=nav

    Then get some good batteries rapid charger take advantage of the redemption's they run all the time https://www.tradetools.com/redemptions?utm_source=TradeTools…
    and you can slowly build your self up with cheap gear you don't use much real for high use and just wear out 2 5A/Hr batteries.

    • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 15:55

      Yeah they're pretty damn cheap. Gotta wonder how good the quality is though. If they were just rebranded Makita's they'd be a bargain.

    • Euphemistic on 16/12/2019 - 16:44
      +1

      That’s good to see. Means you can spring for a good item for regularly used tools and then get a cheapie for a one off or little used tool.

      I’ve also seen battery adaptors available. Sort of thing you could buy a makita drill and then get an ozito battery as a backup using the adaptor. After all the grunt comes from the tool design not the battery.

    • ESEMCE on 17/12/2019 - 07:45

      AvE on Youtube recently did a head to head with one of these and a real Makita… the fake didn't do nearly as bad as you'd expect!

    • pformag on 18/12/2019 - 11:30

      brah

  • iand on 16/12/2019 - 18:45

    just a reminder that there have been reports that if you use a Bunnings trade card to purchase Ryobi or any other non commercial rated equipment at Bunnings you run the risk of them saying sorry but it was brought for trade use so little or no warranty

    • hawkeye on 16/12/2019 - 19:37

      More like a rumour urban legend. Tell all the tradies that on your next job we all like a laugh.

    • CitizenCane on 16/12/2019 - 19:43

      Probably just an employee that was having a bad day and/or a tradie that was being a (profanity).
      One thing I've noticed on my price matching adventures is that the staff and managers will make up all sorts of new "policies" on the fly to get rid of you if they don't like you or don't want to lose profit.
      I got told that they will only match RRP and not items on sale. Also that anything that is reduced in price at all is a "liquidation" therefore they don't have to price match. It's just bullshit to get rid of you.

  • ksj 007 on 16/12/2019 - 18:49

    I bought my 10-tool DeWalt 18/20V kit from eBay USA last year (on a sale) for a total cost including delivery of about $900 AUD. Just had to get a voltage transformer ($30) for the charger as it is 120V (could've got an AU charger for $50 from Gumtree as well).

    Anyway, a similar kit would've costed me $1500+ here; BUT I don't think you don't get international warranty, so you kinda need to trust/hope that the brand won't fail you, and even if one or two tool fails, you are still ahead on the price.

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