MM 18V Tool Set

This turned from a good idea for buying local to not so good but still functioning.  I chose Master Mechanic 18V Tool set because they were being sold by my local True Value Hardware store under their "House" brand name Master Mechanic and the price was slightly less than named brands.   I was wrong to assume they would continue to support the tools with batteries or offer an adapter when batteries upgraded.  

Reciprocating Saw

The 18V saw (model no. 134456) was made in August 2015 and purchased in 2016.  Speed ranged from 0 to 2700 strokes per minute.  

Variable Speed  3/8" Drill

The 2 speed 18V drill (model no. 134453) was made in January 2011 and purchased in 2011.  it has a force ranging from 0 to 350 lb/inch and a speed ranging from 0 to 1,400 rpm.  

Flashlight

The flashlight used traditional bulbs (model no 134460) was made January 2011 and purchased in 2011.  The light gets warm and I have burned out two bulbs since I have owned it. 

Circular Saw

The 5 1/2" left handed saw (model no. 134455) was made January 2011 and purchased in 2011.  The saw develops 3,800 RPM.  The left hand saw is difficult to use give my corded circular saw is a right hand saw.  New batteries allows the saw to cut a 2x6", but as the batteries age the saw lost power.  

In 2015, the battery that came with the drill died.  In search for a replacement I discovered True Value no longer sold Master Mechanic 18V batteries and their warehouse was out.  After searching the web I found the Jinding Group manufacture in China was still selling the 18v tools and batteries.   In 2018 I purchased one through Amazon.com.  In 2019, the battery was not available on Amazon but was listed Power Tools Plus of Pickering, Canada was a parts supplier for Master Mechanic.  In 2020, I purchased my latest battery from Power Tool Plus.  It took 2 months for delivery from Canada.  When I opened the box I noticed both the battery listed October 2016 as date of manufacture for both the 2018 and 2020 orders.  This suggests they were selling off what was in the warehouse and not to expect more once the shelves were empty.  

Thought and Hacks 

1. In 2021, I discovered an adapter for Black+Decker 20V made for Power Wheels products.  It has a fuse and switch.  When the next 18V battery dies I will attach the adapter to the 18V battery shell and use the 20V battery to power the tools.