For many years I have evaded purchasing a chainsaw as I never thought I'd need one.
But recent travel and the removal of an old fence prompted me to purchase a small chainsaw.
My son owns a property of some 150 acres and has chainsaws ranging from small to huge (scary) ones that can rip through a 3 foot thick tree in 30 seconds.

I didn't want one that has a petrol smell so I looked at battery operated ones.
Research and examination led me to the DeWalt 300mm chainsaw.
Could not be happier.
Ripped through the old hardwood fence in seconds.
Chopped up the planks and uprights like butter and all on one charge of the 5 ah battery.

Yes it's messy, chain oil everywhere and the wife headed all the shavings on the grass.
But even my son was impressed, he had a go and said it would be a great carry in his truck for branches across tracks on his heavily wooded property.

I decided to have a go with a "real" chainsaw at his property.
It was a 4 foot Husqvarna petrol chainsaw.
Makes my little one look quite sad, but way too heavy, way too noisy and wayyyyy too powerful for my needs.

But for anyone needing a small capable chainsaw FOR THE cutting up firewood or taking down small trees and fences.
I'd recommend the DEWALT 300 Mm chainsaw.

That is interesting, I thought that battery operated don't have enough grant, now may try it myself.

How long it takes to recharge battery?

Hi Valkie,
chainsaws are very dangerous tools -
is there any health and safety course you can do to help you?

I had a chainsaw many years ago, it was really good.
Sharpening the chain pretty often made all the difference.

Think it was a 240V one, albeit a small one.
A battery one would be better
In the end I think I gave it away.

tallowood wrote on Apr 6^th, 2026 at 7:20pm:

That is interesting, I thought that battery operated don't have enough grant, now may try it myself. How long it takes to recharge battery?

It has a 5ah battery, takes about two hours for my other than DeWalt batteries to charge.
This one has never been fully depleted.

Bobby. wrote on Apr 6^th, 2026 at 7:39pm:

Hi Valkie, chainsaws are very dangerous tools - is there any health and safety course you can do to help you?

As a qualified tradesman, comfortable with just about ANY TOOL, I'm confident that I'll be ok.

But I give every tool the respect it deserves, I vae seen too many injuries as an OHS manager to take chances.

U
Sprintcyclist wrote on Apr 6^th, 2026 at 9:34pm:

I had a chainsaw many years ago, it was really good. Sharpening the chain pretty often made all the difference. Think it was a 240V one, albeit a small one. A battery one would be better In the end I think I gave it away.

My next purchase is a chainsaw sharpener.
My son uses an electric one with a grinding disc.
He says it's the easiest and shapens all his saws perfectly.

I have hand sharpened and reset the teeth on wood saws for years.
It's a time consuming job, but makes quite a difference.

My chainsaw chain has very little wear after the work I have done.
I expect a bit more wear after more use, but sharpening should solve that.

Valkie wrote on Apr 7^th, 2026 at 3:10pm:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 6th, 2026 at 7:39pm: Hi Valkie, chainsaws are very dangerous tools - is there any health and safety course you can do to help you? As a qualified tradesman, comfortable with just about ANY TOOL, I'm confident that I'll be ok. But I give every tool the respect it deserves, I vae seen too many injuries as an OHS manager to take chances.

I have a friend who was crippled for life from a chainsaw -
it somehow got stuck then jumped out from a tree and
cut deeply into his knee.

I won't have anything to do with chainsaws after hearing that.
They guy was also very smart - solidly built - very strong -
and extremely careful and still got badly injured.

Valkie wrote on Apr 7^th, 2026 at 3:14pm:

U Sprintcyclist wrote on Apr 6th, 2026 at 9:34pm: I had a chainsaw many years ago, it was really good. Sharpening the chain pretty often made all the difference. Think it was a 240V one, albeit a small one. A battery one would be better In the end I think I gave it away. My next purchase is a chainsaw sharpener. My son uses an electric one with a grinding disc. He says it's the easiest and shapens all his saws perfectly. I have hand sharpened and reset the teeth on wood saws for years. It's a time consuming job, but makes quite a difference. My chainsaw chain has very little wear after the work I have done. I expect a bit more wear after more use, but sharpening should solve that.

I have a Stihl MS271 with an 18 inch bar. Very useful for all my needs, which is mostly cutting up firewood and bringing down the occasional dead tree. When I was last in the Stihl shop the bloke was very enthusiastic about electric chainsaws and from the little asking around I have done they seem to do the job very well.
When the time comes to replace my current saw I will have a good look at the electric option.

As for sharpening, I find hand sharpening is very therapeutic after a busy firewood cutting and splitting session.

Valkie wrote on Apr 7^th, 2026 at 3:14pm:

U Sprintcyclist wrote on Apr 6th, 2026 at 9:34pm: I had a chainsaw many years ago, it was really good. Sharpening the chain pretty often made all the difference. Think it was a 240V one, albeit a small one. A battery one would be better In the end I think I gave it away. My next purchase is a chainsaw sharpener. My son uses an electric one with a grinding disc. He says it's the easiest and shapens all his saws perfectly. I have hand sharpened and reset the teeth on wood saws for years. It's a time consuming job, but makes quite a difference. My chainsaw chain has very little wear after the work I have done. I expect a bit more wear after more use, but sharpening should solve that.

A little time spent on cleaning firewood with wirebrush saves a lot of time  on sharpening especially if wood was in floodwater, it is full of sand. 

Bobby. wrote on Apr 7^th, 2026 at 3:21pm:

Valkie wrote on Apr 7th, 2026 at 3:10pm: Bobby. wrote on Apr 6th, 2026 at 7:39pm: Hi Valkie, chainsaws are very dangerous tools - is there any health and safety course you can do to help you? As a qualified tradesman, comfortable with just about ANY TOOL, I'm confident that I'll be ok. But I give every tool the respect it deserves, I vae seen too many injuries as an OHS manager to take chances. I have a friend who was crippled for life from a chainsaw - it somehow got stuck then jumped out from a tree and cut deeply into his knee. I won't have anything to do with chainsaws after hearing that. They guy was also very smart - solidly built - very strong - and extremely careful and still got badly injured.

I am hearing you
think that is why I gave mine away

Bobby. wrote on Apr 7^th, 2026 at 3:21pm:

Valkie wrote on Apr 7th, 2026 at 3:10pm: Bobby. wrote on Apr 6th, 2026 at 7:39pm: Hi Valkie, chainsaws are very dangerous tools - is there any health and safety course you can do to help you? As a qualified tradesman, comfortable with just about ANY TOOL, I'm confident that I'll be ok. But I give every tool the respect it deserves, I vae seen too many injuries as an OHS manager to take chances. I have a friend who was crippled for life from a chainsaw - it somehow got stuck then jumped out from a tree and cut deeply into his knee. I won't have anything to do with chainsaws after hearing that. They guy was also very smart - solidly built - very strong - and extremely careful and still got badly injured.

When my son cuts up stuff on his farm, with his monster chainsaws, he wears these special spats.
They don't stop injury, but they do seriously limit the severity.
He also wears a helmet with faceguard and heavy duty gloves.

But he is adamant that careful prep and watching what you are doing is crucial.
He has only had the chainsaw kick back once, and the kill switch killed the chain instantly.
He admits he was trying to cut with the tip, a NO NO.
HE DID HAVE ONE SERIOUS, POTENTIALLY DANGEROOUS INCIDENT.
When some idiot had put some nails in a tree and he didn't adequately check before attacking the tree.
Destroyed the chain and it whipped back and hit his spats.
Bloody Greenies thought they were going to log that area several years ago.

My toy hasn't the power to truely kick back, it just stalls.
Safer for me, and I always make sure BOTH hands are on the tool, never one handed...EVER.

Valkie wrote on Apr 7^th, 2026 at 6:23pm:

When my son cuts up stuff on his farm, with his monster chainsaws, he wears these special spats. They don't stop injury, but they do seriously limit the severity. He also wears a helmet with faceguard and heavy duty gloves. But he is adamant that careful prep and watching what you are doing is crucial. He has only had the chainsaw kick back once, and the kill switch killed the chain instantly. He admits he was trying to cut with the tip, a NO NO. HE DID HAVE ONE SERIOUS, POTENTIALLY DANGEROOUS INCIDENT. When some idiot had put some nails in a tree and he didn't adequately check before attacking the tree. Destroyed the chain and it whipped back and hit his spats. Bloody Greenies thought they were going to log that area several years ago. My toy hasn't the power to truely kick back, it just stalls. Safer for me, and I always make sure BOTH hands are on the tool, never one handed...EVER.

Sounds like you know what you're doing.   :)

0
Bobby. wrote on Apr 7^th, 2026 at 7:57pm:

Valkie wrote on Apr 7th, 2026 at 6:23pm: When my son cuts up stuff on his farm, with his monster chainsaws, he wears these special spats. They don't stop injury, but they do seriously limit the severity. He also wears a helmet with faceguard and heavy duty gloves. But he is adamant that careful prep and watching what you are doing is crucial. He has only had the chainsaw kick back once, and the kill switch killed the chain instantly. He admits he was trying to cut with the tip, a NO NO. HE DID HAVE ONE SERIOUS, POTENTIALLY DANGEROOUS INCIDENT. When some idiot had put some nails in a tree and he didn't adequately check before attacking the tree. Destroyed the chain and it whipped back and hit his spats. Bloody Greenies thought they were going to log that area several years ago. My toy hasn't the power to truely kick back, it just stalls. Safer for me, and I always make sure BOTH hands are on the tool, never one handed...EVER. Sounds like you know what you're doing.   :)

More like I'm a coward who hates being unnecessarily injured.
My trade was originally as a TOOLMAKER
Those who know what that is, will know that removal of fingers was fairly common in the 50s to 80s.
You used to work with open machines, guarding was virtually impossible, and milling machines and lathes are never forgiving.
Nearly all the tradesmen I worked with in the early 70s were missing at least part of a finger, one was down to 2 fingers on one hand.

With newer machining centres these days, injuries are far less frequent.

When I was working as a maintenance contractor, I saw the result of a careless man working on a fairly innocuous task.
Removal of a blower fan on an aluminium soaking pit.
He was carried out in two pieces when the machine fell on him.
To a young man, it was quite a wake up call.

Fast forward 10 years, I became an engineer and later a OHS manager included in the role.
The stupidity and amazingly carelessness of those injured was a constant bane to me.
I could tell you stories.
From the day that poor man was crushed, my entire attitude changed.
I now never mow without steel capped work boots, check the yard before and even wear my safety glasses throughout the exercise.
I never shortcut, care taken saves time going to hospital.
But.....even the best of us make mistakes.
I was removing the waterproof sealer from the base of my shower as it was going mouldy, ( used the wrong stuff)
I was very careful to keep my free hand away from the sharp blade.
But it got stuck, I braced myself with my free hand on the floor and the blade snapped.
I cut a 2 inch cut on the side of my thumb, cutting a vein and cutting to the bone, the only thing stopping it going further was it lodged in the bone.
Trip to hospital, microsurgery to reconnect the vein and six weeks recuperation later before it was healed enough to be fully functional again.
I cut nerves and now (several years later) the back of my thumb is still numb to touch.
A moments stupidiy.......

So yes, I try to be very careful.
I do my best and at nearly 70 have few scars to show.
But I don't want any more.

Thanks Valkie for that.

I remember at work once I wanted to use the large 3 phase lathe
to make something for home use.
OH&S rules said that only a qualified fitter and turner could use it
which I'm not - so it probably saved me from being injured -
lathes are not forgiving of any errors.

I lost a mate from TAFE back in the 70s to a lathe.
He had too much rod hanging outvthe back of the lathe which eas unsupported.
You should never do this, but he was an apprentice and cut corners bu not cutting off the amout he needed.
He was hit bu thevrod as it bent and spun around smashing into his skull.
It took him months to pass, i keep a small Garfield toy to remind me of him to this day.
Our entire year at TAFE were made aware of the dangers in our trade.
We were never allowed to visit him in hospital.

If you dont know tools.
Learn them, know the dangers and respect the fact that they have ZERO COMPASSION.

I used to lecture my employees almost monthly, after every incident or near miss.
Some listened, some didnt.

Bobby. wrote on Apr 8^th, 2026 at 7:32am:

Thanks Valkie for that. I remember at work once I wanted to use the large 3 phase lathe to make something for home use. OH&S rules said that only a qualified fitter and turner could use it which I'm not - so it probably saved me from being injured - lathes are not forgiving of any errors.

Valkie wrote on Apr 8^th, 2026 at 8:03am:

I lost a mate from TAFE back in the 70s to a lathe. He had too much rod hanging outvthe back of the lathe which eas unsupported. You should never do this, but he was an apprentice and cut corners bu not cutting off the amout he needed. He was hit bu thevrod as it bent and spun around smashing into his skull. It took him months to pass, i keep a small Garfield toy to remind me of him to this day. Our entire year at TAFE were made aware of the dangers in our trade. We were never allowed to visit him in hospital. If you dont know tools. Learn them, know the dangers and respect the fact that they have ZERO COMPASSION. I used to lecture my employees almost monthly, after every incident or near miss. Some listened, some didnt.

Lathes are very dangerous machines.

I have never used one and I suppose I never will.

Bobby. wrote on Apr 8^th, 2026 at 7:11pm:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 8th, 2026 at 7:32am: Thanks Valkie for that. I remember at work once I wanted to use the large 3 phase lathe to make something for home use. OH&S rules said that only a qualified fitter and turner could use it which I'm not - so it probably saved me from being injured - lathes are not forgiving of any errors. Valkie wrote on Apr 8th, 2026 at 8:03am: I lost a mate from TAFE back in the 70s to a lathe. He had too much rod hanging outvthe back of the lathe which eas unsupported. You should never do this, but he was an apprentice and cut corners bu not cutting off the amout he needed. He was hit bu thevrod as it bent and spun around smashing into his skull. It took him months to pass, i keep a small Garfield toy to remind me of him to this day. Our entire year at TAFE were made aware of the dangers in our trade. We were never allowed to visit him in hospital. If you dont know tools. Learn them, know the dangers and respect the fact that they have ZERO COMPASSION. I used to lecture my employees almost monthly, after every incident or near miss. Some listened, some didnt. Lathes are very dangerous machines. I have never used one and I suppose I never will.

Honestly,
All tools are DANGEROOUS if used incorrectly or without sufficient knowledge.
I have used every type of metal machining tool that was manufactured  up until the 1980s.
I give them the respect they deserve.
They have no compassion nor consideration for humans.
They will bite, crush and remove limbs with absolutely zero conscience.

As an apprentice, I was taught to ask if I didn't know
Stop if I was unsure and refuse if I thought something was DANGEROOUS.

But.......
Used correctly, tools are wonderful things.
They make jobs easier and sometimes impossible without them.
They are what the human race excels in, we have been using tools since we climbed down from the trees.
I wouldn't be without my collection of power tools, air tools and cordless tools.
Many I use every week, some rarely, but which are invaluable when needed.

And one very important and often neglected part of tool used must be mentioned.
Maintenance of the tool, it's attachments and associated cutting tools is critical.
A blunt tool, is a DANGEROOUS tool.
Just as a blunt knife cuts more people than a sharp one.

Valkie wrote on Apr 9^th, 2026 at 6:46pm:

Honestly, All tools are DANGEROUS if used incorrectly or without sufficient knowledge. I have used every type of metal machining tool that was manufactured  up until the 1980s. I give them the respect they deserve. They have no compassion nor consideration for humans. They will bite, crush and remove limbs with absolutely zero conscience. As an apprentice, I was taught to ask if I didn't know Stop if I was unsure and refuse if I thought something was DANGEROOUS. But....... Used correctly, tools are wonderful things. They make jobs easier and sometimes impossible without them. They are what the human race excels in, we have been using tools since we climbed down from the trees. I wouldn't be without my collection of power tools, air tools and cordless tools. Many I use every week, some rarely, but which are invaluable when needed. And one very important and often neglected part of tool used must be mentioned. Maintenance of the tool, it's attachments and associated cutting tools is critical. A blunt tool, is a DANGEROOUS tool. Just as a blunt knife cuts more people than a sharp one.

OH&S -

People need to do a - JHA -  Job Hazard Analysis -
before using any new tool.

Bobby. wrote on Apr 9^th, 2026 at 8:04pm:

Valkie wrote on Apr 9th, 2026 at 6:46pm: Honestly, All tools are DANGEROUS if used incorrectly or without sufficient knowledge. I have used every type of metal machining tool that was manufactured  up until the 1980s. I give them the respect they deserve. They have no compassion nor consideration for humans. They will bite, crush and remove limbs with absolutely zero conscience. As an apprentice, I was taught to ask if I didn't know Stop if I was unsure and refuse if I thought something was DANGEROOUS. But....... Used correctly, tools are wonderful things. They make jobs easier and sometimes impossible without them. They are what the human race excels in, we have been using tools since we climbed down from the trees. I wouldn't be without my collection of power tools, air tools and cordless tools. Many I use every week, some rarely, but which are invaluable when needed. And one very important and often neglected part of tool used must be mentioned. Maintenance of the tool, it's attachments and associated cutting tools is critical. A blunt tool, is a DANGEROOUS tool. Just as a blunt knife cuts more people than a sharp one. OH&S - People need to do a - JHA -  Job Hazard Analysis - before using any new tool.

Have you had any new tools recently, Bobby?

thanks Valkie.

Yes, scars are good to avoid

greggerypeccary wrote on Apr 9^th, 2026 at 8:20pm:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 9th, 2026 at 8:04pm: Valkie wrote on Apr 9th, 2026 at 6:46pm: Honestly, All tools are DANGEROUS if used incorrectly or without sufficient knowledge. I have used every type of metal machining tool that was manufactured  up until the 1980s. I give them the respect they deserve. They have no compassion nor consideration for humans. They will bite, crush and remove limbs with absolutely zero conscience. As an apprentice, I was taught to ask if I didn't know Stop if I was unsure and refuse if I thought something was DANGEROOUS. But....... Used correctly, tools are wonderful things. They make jobs easier and sometimes impossible without them. They are what the human race excels in, we have been using tools since we climbed down from the trees. I wouldn't be without my collection of power tools, air tools and cordless tools. Many I use every week, some rarely, but which are invaluable when needed. And one very important and often neglected part of tool used must be mentioned. Maintenance of the tool, it's attachments and associated cutting tools is critical. A blunt tool, is a DANGEROOUS tool. Just as a blunt knife cuts more people than a sharp one. OH&S - People need to do a - JHA -  Job Hazard Analysis - before using any new tool. Have you had any new tools recently, Bobby?

yes - the last 6 months:

an oscillating saw,
a multi tool,
and a Dremel type tool.

Bobby. wrote on Apr 9^th, 2026 at 8:23pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Apr 9th, 2026 at 8:20pm: Bobby. wrote on Apr 9th, 2026 at 8:04pm: Valkie wrote on Apr 9th, 2026 at 6:46pm: Honestly, All tools are DANGEROUS if used incorrectly or without sufficient knowledge. I have used every type of metal machining tool that was manufactured  up until the 1980s. I give them the respect they deserve. They have no compassion nor consideration for humans. They will bite, crush and remove limbs with absolutely zero conscience. As an apprentice, I was taught to ask if I didn't know Stop if I was unsure and refuse if I thought something was DANGEROOUS. But....... Used correctly, tools are wonderful things. They make jobs easier and sometimes impossible without them. They are what the human race excels in, we have been using tools since we climbed down from the trees. I wouldn't be without my collection of power tools, air tools and cordless tools. Many I use every week, some rarely, but which are invaluable when needed. And one very important and often neglected part of tool used must be mentioned. Maintenance of the tool, it's attachments and associated cutting tools is critical. A blunt tool, is a DANGEROOUS tool. Just as a blunt knife cuts more people than a sharp one. OH&S - People need to do a - JHA -  Job Hazard Analysis - before using any new tool. Have you had any new tools recently, Bobby? yes - the last 6 months: an oscillating saw, a multi tool, and a Dremel type tool.

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/zUcAAOSw5TZiM8n~/s-l1200.jpg

Come on Pecca -

stop your poofter stuff - this is a thread for real men.   ::)

Bobby. wrote on Apr 9^th, 2026 at 8:23pm:

yes - the last 6 months: an oscillating saw, a multi tool, and a Dremel type tool.

dremels are really good. best small dc motors around

i've used a few and have a much used dremel electric screwdriver downstairs . it's a bit broken now

Sprintcyclist wrote on Apr 9^th, 2026 at 10:40pm:

Bobby. wrote on Apr 9th, 2026 at 8:23pm: yes - the last 6 months: an oscillating saw, a multi tool, and a Dremel type tool. dremels are really good. best small dc motors around i've used a few and have a much used dremel electric screwdriver downstairs . it's a bit broken now

I bought the Ozito equilivent.
Works well for me, i find with this type of tool its more about the actual tool bits than the tool.
The Ozito does the job, has adequate power and has been working for me for about 5 years now.

I use Dewalt where i need rugged reliability.
But in all honesty, i whish i had gone with the Millwaki platform.
Im now stuck with Dewalt because i jave so many batteries and tools, its not worth starting over.

I have Ryobi -  Dremel type tool:


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlwzYDDZ7fc

Bobby. wrote on Apr 10^th, 2026 at 10:02am:

I have Ryobi -  Dremel type tool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlwzYDDZ7fc

My son in law swears by Ryobi.

I have not had a good run with them and now don't even consider them.
I had Ryobi drills, circular saw and angle grinder, all corded.

But the angle grinder contacts were gone in less than 2 years, had a mongrel of a job getting replacements, which also wore out in 2 years
The drill switch died on my first drill in less than 3 uses.
Was replaced under warranty, but then some capacitor or something inside died and it smoked up like a smoke grenade.
The circular saw worked well for a while, then stopped.
Being over Ryobi by now, I didn't even check it, just tossed it.

My DeWalt haven't given me a perfect run either.
One drill chuck committed suicide and had tobe replaced.
The charges are notorious for failure and the batteries go nova and refuse to charge ( there is a simple fix which seems to work)

The only tools that have given my almost flawless performance are the ozito.
I have given the tools I have absolute hell.
Soaking them in water on the side of the road.
Working them to overheat shutdown.
Dropping them from great heights.
But they just keep going.

Accuracy is not their strong point, the circular saw is mostly plastic ad any cuts you wat more accurate than plus or minus 5mm is impossible.
Likewise for the angular accuracy, varies with each cut.
Their jug saw ist any better, accuracy is only a dream.

My DeWalt circular saw and jig saw are my go to for accuracy.
But....my mates Milwaukee circular saw and jig saws are even better than my DeWalt.

So I have learned that there are tools for different purposes.
In my 4x4 I have a set of Ozito drill, torque driver and rattle gun.
There is also a ozito reciprocating saw ad angle grinder, all cordless.
Why?
Because they are cheap, reasonably reliable and if the car is broken into and the tools stoked, no big worry.
All my spanners and sockets are Toledo, cheap, but functional, I keep my Sidchrome at home.
But I have enough tools to do "most" repairs on the side of the road.

In the boat, I wet even cheaper, basically single use bunnings specials.
They rusted up every 12 months and if dropped overboard, it was not a major issue,.
I replaced them at the same time I did my trailer bearings, every 12 months and for often less cost than the damn bearings.

Bobby. wrote on Apr 10^th, 2026 at 10:02am:

I have Ryobi -  Dremel type tool: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlwzYDDZ7fc

My son in law swears by Ryobi.

I have not had a good run with them and now don't even consider them.
I had Ryobi drills, circular saw and angle grinder, all corded.

But the angle grinder contacts were gone in less than 2 years, had a mongrel of a job getting replacements, which also wore out in 2 years
The drill switch died on my first drill in less than 3 uses.
Was replaced under warranty, but then some capacitor or something inside died and it smoked up like a smoke grenade.
The circular saw worked well for a while, then stopped.
Being over Ryobi by now, I didn't even check it, just tossed it.

My DeWalt haven't given me a perfect run either.
One drill chuck committed suicide and had tobe replaced.
The charges are notorious for failure and the batteries go nova and refuse to charge ( there is a simple fix which seems to work)

The only tools that have given my almost flawless performance are the ozito.
I have given the tools I have absolute hell.
Soaking them in water on the side of the road.
Working them to overheat shutdown.
Dropping them from great heights.
But they just keep going.

Accuracy is not their strong point, the circular saw is mostly plastic ad any cuts you wat more accurate than plus or minus 5mm is impossible.
Likewise for the angular accuracy, varies with each cut.
Their jug saw ist any better, accuracy is only a dream.

My DeWalt circular saw and jig saw are my go to for accuracy.
But....my mates Milwaukee circular saw and jig saws are even better than my DeWalt.

So I have learned that there are tools for different purposes.
In my 4x4 I have a set of Ozito drill, torque driver and rattle gun.
There is also a ozito reciprocating saw ad angle grinder, all cordless.
Why?
Because they are cheap, reasonably reliable and if the car is broken into and the tools stoked, no big worry.
All my spanners and sockets are Toledo, cheap, but functional, I keep my Sidchrome at home.
But I have enough tools to do "most" repairs on the side of the road.

In the boat, I wet even cheaper, basically single use bunnings specials.
They rusted up every 12 months and if dropped overboard, it was not a major issue,.
I replaced them at the same time I did my trailer bearings, every 12 months and for often less cost than the damn bearings.

Valkie,

Quote:

My son in law swears by Ryobi. I have not had a good run with them and now don't even consider them. I had Ryobi drills, circular saw and angle grinder, all corded.

I find Ryobi OK for the home handyman - for the cheap price.

They would not be suitable for a professional tradesman who uses them every day.

Bobby. wrote on Apr 10^th, 2026 at 4:12pm:

Valkie, Quote: My son in law swears by Ryobi. I have not had a good run with them and now don't even consider them. I had Ryobi drills, circular saw and angle grinder, all corded. I find Ryobi OK for the home handyman - for the cheap price. They would not be suitable for a professional tradesman who uses them every day.

As I said.
My son in law swears by them.
Everything from torches to lawn mowers.

He is not really a handyman by any sense of the word.
And all of his tools( except the mower and whipper snipper) look brand New .
But to each their own.

My son is DeWalt, but he treats his tools very badly.
Leaves them in the rain, mud and I even found a drill under his house once fixing some plumbing.
He said he lost it months before and it was laying in the mud where the leak was.

It actually worked, but the contacts of the battery were stuffed and the chuck was rusted solid.
He is very hard on tools.

Valkie wrote on Apr 10^th, 2026 at 4:44pm:

As I said. My son in law swears by them. Everything from torches to lawn mowers. He is not really a handyman by any sense of the word. And all of his tools( except the mower and whipper snipper) look brand New . But to each their own. My son is DeWalt, but he treats his tools very badly. Leaves them in the rain, mud and I even found a drill under his house once fixing some plumbing. He said he lost it months before and it was laying in the mud where the leak was. It actually worked, but the contacts of the battery were stuffed and the chuck was rusted solid. He is very hard on tools.

Your son doesn't deserve nice tools.  ::)