One battery platform for all my cordless tools: is sticking to one brand actually cheaper long-term?
I own a drill, an impact driver, and a circular saw. Three brands, three chargers, three piles of batteries that don't talk to each other. Thinking about selling the odd ones out and going all-in on one 18V platform. Is the 'one battery ecosystem' thing real savings, or do you just end up paying a premium for that one brand's overpriced tools? Anyone actually done the math on batteries + tools over 5 years?
3 answers
- Milwaukee M18 system
I ran the numbers for my shop: five M18 tools sharing two XC5.0 batteries. Milwaukee publishes torque and runtime specs per tool, and the packs use the same 21700-cell layout across the line, so you're buying cells once instead of three half-used proprietary packs. There is a brand premium, but it evaporates around tool number four. I sold my odd-brand tools used and recouped about 70% of what I paid for them.
- M18, but buy the tools used
M18 is the right platform call — the lineup depth is the moat. But buy the tools used and the batteries new. Batteries are the wear item; everything else is a motor in a housing. Checkable: used M18 drills go for 40-50% of retail on Marketplace and the brushless motors don't degrade. Batteries: check the date code stamped on them, anything over 3 years old is suspect.
- One platform saves money — if you commit past three tools
I'm team one-battery-platform, with one condition: it only pays off once you're past three tools. I started mixed brands and ended up with four chargers and batteries that die in drawers because each only fits one tool. Consolidating to one platform meant two batteries I actually cycle, which is also better for battery lifespan — lithium cells that sit unused degrade faster. So: if you'll own 3+ cordless tools, one platform (M18 is a fine pick, deep lineup) saves real money on batteries alone. If you just need a drill, buy whatever's on sale.