Are 20v rechargeables on the way?

[trish2]

Hi Everyone:
Heard that Craftsman has a 20V rechargeable saw/drill/etc coming out. While not a Craftsman fan, it does make me wonder if DeWalt and some of the other brands are planning 20v also.  It would account for some of the special sales I've seen on DeWalt and other products; clearing out existing inventory before the new technology is announced?

Anyone have any ideas or thoughts on this matter?

[glenn kangiser]

It is my opinion that the various battery voltages, brands and sizes are very much a marketing and customer retention tool.

The higher voltages allow smaller windings for more power.

The 18v Makita tools I use are strong enough to twist my wrist when drilling large holes.  I have a pretty extensive collection of the XLT tools so would not switch for any voltage change reasons.

Craftsman dropped a lot of their quality a few years back so I don't use them as much as I used to.  If I was a general consumer or homeowner I would consider Craftsman but for the abuse I give my tools, I went to Makita.

18v is a consideration and factor to me along with the number and type of tools I can get for that voltage.  I even have a good sized SDS rotary hammer for it.  Versatility and ability to use my $1000 or so worth of batteries and chargers is the key for me.  I do not buy lower voltage Makita's either - seems a waste to me that they also make some of their tools in other voltages.

It is also a bit of a pain that I have to watch voltages to be sure I do not buy an incompatable tool.

[davidj]

DeWalt already does 28V and 36V Lithium tools.  I guess for folks with bigger wrists than Glenn (who are clearly rich as well as strong, 'cos they're not cheap - $170 for one battery!).  Given they've got at least 4 different types of compatible 18V battery (they now have undersized Lithium batteries in they Home Depot 18V Lithium kits, as well as the XRPs, regular 18V and 18V XRP Nano), they seem to keeping the one voltage but playing with the price points.

I'm guessing a 20V tool is probably an 18V tool with an extra cell in the battery and is more marketing one-upmanship than a step forward in technology.

[glenn kangiser]

Dang it David... I really am not a weeny... I am pretty tough...I really think it is all marketing...

[Okie_Bob]

Hey Glenn, you ain't no weenie, just OLD!
I luv u man!!!
Okie Bob

[glenn kangiser]

You are way too cool, BoB.

BoB, I did the Beat the Director Health Fair at the Veterans Hospital in Fresno.  I had the strongest grip of anybody there.  I guess it comes from squeezing Sassy.....

[Okie_Bob]

Glenn, I'm glad to know you have a 'grip' on her!!! My guess is she is the best thing ever
happened to you!!! U B super people.
Okie Bob

[Redoverfarm]

You are way too cool, BoB.

BoB, I did the Beat the Director Health Fair at the Veterans Hospital in Fresno.  I had the strongest grip of anybody there.  I guess it comes from squeezing Sassy.....

Or opening Ice cream containers. Come to think of it  

[glenn kangiser]

Awww garsh, you guys....