Was dead set against lithium cutoff tools until I borrowed one on a job

Been using a corded grinder with a cutoff wheel for years because I figured batteries just couldn't handle that kind of work. Last month I was on a resi job in Somerville and my buddy handed me his Milwaukee M18 cutoff tool to cut some threaded rod. That thing ate through 30 pieces of 3/8 rod on one charge without slowing down. Anyone else have a tool they swore off and then got proven wrong?

2 comments

2 Comments

michael_bennett111mo agoMost Upvoted

Oh man, is it weird that I get a little embarrassed thinking about how long I argued against battery-powered saws? I used to be that guy huffing and puffing about how "real tools plug into the wall" while dragging an extension cord through three rooms. Then I tried a buddy's Makita 36V circular saw and felt like a total goofball, it cut through pressure-treated lumber like butter without me tripping over cords every five seconds. Now I'm the guy with three different battery platforms in my basement (don't ask about the financial hole that is). It's a humbling experience, you know, admitting you were wrong about something you were so loud about.

ellis.robert1mo ago

Those battery platforms multiplying in the basement hits way too close to home. Started with just one brand for a drill and now I've got chargers and batteries for three different systems scattered all over the garage. It's like they breed when you're not looking.