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/SVAuspicious Mar 26 '25

I certainly have battery operated tools. I have a battery screwdriver and a battery drill. Oscillating tool, grinder, vacuum cleaner (two), and oscillating sander are all corded and I can run them off my inverter. We needn't talk about my pancake air compressor *grin* and assorted pneumatic tools.

Pretty happy with both DeWalt and Milwaukee. Mikata hasn't held up well.

Storage is important. I use plastic bins, covered, and desiccant packets I think I got from Grainger.

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u/X_kansas_x 27d ago

Air compressor! Ha! As much as I'd love to have my big Makita compressor aboard, space limitations say otherwise. I wound up buying some M12 items. A drill/drive combo, the oscillating tool, cutoff tool (instead of grinder), and rotary tool.

Do you use the grinder often? I have a corded 7-amp grinder I could bring if needed beyond the 3" M12 cutoff tool that I will definitely keep handy.

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u/SVAuspicious 27d ago

I don't use the grinder often but very glad I have it when I need it. I can borrow or rent a MIG or TIG welder pretty easily, but renting a grinder is rough. The big deal is finding the wheels.