Questions about Northern Tool
 

I'm in the market for a cordless impact wrench. What do you know about Northern Tool brand? Nothern Tool's is $140 vs. the Dewalt which is $300. The Milwaukee is even more. What makes the Dewalt $160 better or is it?

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

I think they may be comparable to harbor freight. As far a HF I have been disappointed in 90% of my purchases. Its the lure of cheap prices. I've had good luck with a item or two.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

I have the 28 volt Lithium Milwaukee and it works very well. I got it "free" from Milwaukee after my wife bought me the 28 volt set for Christmas 2006. The set was on sale at Northern and the Milwaukee factory was giving buyers a free tool with proof of purchase. Smart money would have taken another reciprocating saw or drill but, I wanted the impact. I'm glad I got it. Would I pay $475 for it, no way!

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

I have a (corded) HF impact. It has done everything Ive asked it to do for the $40 I paid for it...

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

HF doesn't "make" anything.Their stuff is knock offs built by others.Most of it is the "all options deleted" version.Much is made with lower quality materials.I use some HF stuff because it is less expensive and I don't use it daily in making a living.I do almost exclusively use HF wire brushes,utility knife blades and other consumables.You just need to find someone with a HF impact and feel it to see if "you" think it's worth the money.
BTW I have HF and NT both near the house and I think for the mostt part NT is slightly better quality.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

I don't have the DeWalt impact but I do have several of their other tools. I would not think twice about buying another DeWalt tool. They are awesome.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

There is a northern tool warehouse right by my shop,,we have had good luck with some of their tools however all my techs use makita,snap on, mac or matco...

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

I also have NT and HF close by to me. In my experience with HF electric tools, they aren't has strong or as fast as the brand name one's. I have purchased some of there air tools with success.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

I went today and looked at them up close. The NT just didn't seem built as tough. Of course, I didn't get to actually use them, but that was my first impression. Looks like I'm leaning back toward a name brand. Guess I'll have to save up a little more or sell a kidney or something. How do you have any money to work on your truck after you buy all the tools you need to do it? Sheesh.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

buy quality the first time, you should never have to do it again

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

Agreed. I always lose money trying to save money.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

I know. I've always been the one to say that the right tools are worth the money. I guess I was just hoping to save a little here so I could actually spend it on my truck.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

You guys know DeWalt is Black & Decker, right?

And Milwaukee is now owned by Hong Kong based Techtronic Industriers.

Sadly, quality today is not what it once was. (edit: neither is my spelling :hh: )

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

Isnt Craftsman also B&D?

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

Craftsman is whoever gives the cheapest bid.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

Back in my youth, there was a saying, "Only a rich man can afford cheap furniture."

IMHO the same goes for tools. Buying it twice isn't a money saver.

I've had good service from all the DeWalt stuff I've bought.

I've only had to buy one tool twice; some busturd walked off with my cordless drill; left the spare battery & charger, only took the drill, which made it virtually useless after the battery went dead.
That is, unless he had another charger, but I doubt he did.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

So, Shane, what would you suggest? I was leaning toward the Dewalt.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

DeWalt and Milwaukee both are still quality tools, just wanted to point out that names aren't always what they appear.

I'm confident either one will give you great service. I have a Craftsman, a Ryobi and a DeWalt cordless screw driver and to be quite honest I can't tell a nickels worth a difference in any of them.

Re: Questions about Northern Tool
 

Wow! You must have a lot of screws to drive for three cordless screwdrivers. :) Hopefully the quality won't go to pot just because they are owned by another company. I saw that happen a lot in the lawn mower world when I was in landscaping.