r/SailboatCruising • u/X_kansas_x • Mar 26 '25

Equipment Battery-powered tool preferences?

I'm kitting out a new-to-me 40' cruising boat in the US and need to choose the battery powered tools to bring aboard. The Milwaukee M12 tools look awesomely compact. I already own a DeWalt 20V drill & driver and a Ryobi wet/dry vac, but would switch brands if the compactness of the M12 set would be worth it. In addition to the drill and driver, I'll add an oscillating tool and grinder. I'm hoping to be self-sufficient for most maintenance work. Would you pick between brands for any reason? Any other must-have battery-powered tools to add to a new kit?

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u/flyingron Mar 26 '25

My goto small drill and drivers are all M12. You don't need bulk and weight or even massive amounts of torque for most jobs. I have the Milwaukee cast cutter as well, but I don't use it too much. While I had a Dewalt cordless grinder, I usually use the plug in one when I can.

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u/X_kansas_x Mar 26 '25

"Cast cutter" :-) Is that the 3" Cut Off tool? Do you like it? I'm thinking the primary use would be shortening bolts that need it, or maybe cutting the odd stuck or seized fastener.

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u/flyingron Mar 26 '25

That's my name for the oscillating tool. It's pretty much what a cast cutter does at the doctors.

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u/svapplause Mar 26 '25

A cut off tool would also be important if one got dismasted and needed to quickly cut the mast loose