Flex Tools Finally Gives In! 

MILWAUKEE and FLEX Tool TEST (We PROVE Them WRONG) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-f54bwctyW5o.html

I apologize ahead of time. This is a really long post. Wanted to share my experience so far and elaborate a little more about what was touched on in the video. I've been a plumber/pipe fitter since February 2007 and I specialize in commercial/industrial HVAC/R. I've been using Dewalt power tools professionally since the very beginning of my career without any problem. I've been detailing cars for quite a few years as a hobby and Flex was always known for their quality polishers. I couldn't ever justify spending that kind of money on a polisher for a hobby, but I've never shied-away from investing in quality tools for work. So as soon as I was in the market for new power tools, I decided to give Flex a try. I started with the $650 combo kit from Lowe's in the spring of 2022. I was immediately blown away. The batteries charged in no time. The tools felt more powerful and more comfortable than my 20volt Dewalt set. The amount of use you get between charges is insane. I continued to add to my arsenal over the last year or so. Every other tech I've had tryout my Flex tools have been impressed and blown away. The lifetime warranty is second to none. When you call their call customer support, you're immediately on the phone with a real live customer service rep who actually listens, works with you, and offers realistic advice and solutions. They even take suggestions and constructive criticism seriously and send it up the chain of command to help themselves improve. World class customer service is becoming more and more rare these days and it's a breath of fresh air. I would confidently put the Flex company and their tools up against any other brand any day of the week. I've personally only ever heard two major complaints about Flex tools. Well, it's really one complaint and one major concern. One buddy of mine complained about the weight of the tools, otherwise he was impressed. I'm glad Flex is addressing this and starting to add some compact models to their lineup. The biggest concern I've heard, however, is about the Flex tool line being very limited in their selection. Flex gets compared to the likes of Dewalt and Milwaukee, which is very much deserved, but Flex hasn't been around long enough to develop a comprehensive tool line like Dewalt and Milwaukee. I don't think it's too little too late, yet, but they do need to step it up and start offering more variety sooner than later. I would argue that lack of variety is the biggest downside of Flex. Their Achilles heel if you will. I believe it's the biggest reason more people aren't buying Flex tools. If Joe Homeowner needs a drill, he can buy a hammer drill and impact combo kit and be perfectly content with that purchase. He may not ever need another power tool, but if he does, Flex offers every power tool a DIY homeowner would ever need. However, as a professional service tech or contractor, there is much more to consider than just needing a new drill set. Our needs go beyond what a DIY homeowner would need. We need a variety of different tools for a variety of different jobs. We look at which brands offer the tools we need that will reliably get the job done efficiently. But we don't only invest into the tools we need, we invest into an entire battery platform. It's a huge investment to dedicate yourself to a battery platform. We not only invest our hard earned money into the cost of the tools and the batteries, we invest our time into the same. The time we save from fumbling around with different batteries and chargers on the job directly translates to efficiency and time saved; which in turn directly impacts profits for the company and money in my pocket at the end of the week. The variety, efficiency, and reliability is what creates rabid brand loyalty that is quite difficult to break. It's a monumental task to convince someone to question that loyalty and seriously consider Flex when they only offer a fraction of the tools the other guys offer. This is only one aspect that is considered when choosing a power tool brand, and it's just little ol' me. Imagine what it takes to convince an entire company to invest into a platform with a fraction of the offerings. The lifetime warranty on the tools is a great incentive, but is it the only incentive? There are plumbers, electricians, HVAC, refrigeration, roofers, framers, carpenters, masons, drywallers, finishers, automotive, general handymen, and the list goes on. Then each trade can be further divided into residential and commercial/industrial flavors. Even though there is some overlap, each are unique trades with unique power tool needs. Who does Flex want to appeal to? Why should I invest in Flex Power Tools if they only offer a fraction of what I need, but Dewalt has everything, including all the unique specialty power tools I need? (These are all rhetorical questions, but important things for Flex to consider if they want to appeal to professionals and directly compete with Dewalt and Milwaukee ) With all that being said, I'm extremely happy with the Flex tools that I've bought over the last 2 years. I needed new power tools and Flex was offering what I needed at the time. I knew going in that it would take time for Flex to build out their catalog. I was impressed enough to still to invest in the platform and bank on the presumption that there would be even more tools offered in the future. I was right. These new offerings look incredible and I can't wait to try them out. I really like the direction they're going and can't wait to see what's in store in the future. Flex has earned my respect and a loyal fan out of me. I hope they continue to grow and succeed so I can continue to grow and succeed along with them. If you're in the market for new power tools, I highly recommend that you consider Flex if they offer what you need. Better yet, call them up on the phone and ask them the questions directly. Allow them an opportunity to address any of your concerns. Give them an honest shake. I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised and if you're as impressed as I was, you won't regret it.

m12 fuel size/power combination is perfect for almost every chore a homeowner can do

I swear by Flex Vince. Can't imagine doing all the flip houses and so on without them. They are tough as anything and the vibration dampening is unbelievable. My old arms can use a sawzaw or oscillating tool for hours and not feel it.

Im a plumber doing new residential construction so i be drilling 1 1/2 in ,2in and 3 in holes for drains and the Flex drill its the best one in my opinion way faster and sturdy i dont mind the weight which it really helps drilling through 2x4s like nothing. Like i said if you think they too heavy for you just go on a smaller platform. Flex is literally mostly for professionals out in the field all day not homeowners.

I’m happy to see the more compact line. I still think there is an opportunity for Flex in the 12V platform. My M12 tools are my go to. I still have M18 when the job requires it. But for the majority of the jobs I need to get done, 12V has enough power. Great video as always, have an awesome night! 👍🏻

Thank You Vince! For All The Tools You Test. And Letting Us Know What's Best For Are Aplications👍

I’m glad that Flex is being flexible by listening to the consumers. I don’t need one, but watching this video, I’m very tempting to go to Lowe’s & buy one.

I just got a purple Makita TD 173 and I couldnt be happier with it. Small, light, controls on the back and a nice ring of light making the work area very bright in deed. It might not be as powerful as the flex, but god damn, it's a loverly little impact driver. Had I not just imported it from Japan, I could be tempted by that little flex. Very nice piece of kit, and the looks the perfect size.

I am using Flex 18V for 5 years now. Impact and drill + angle grinder+ saw (all brush). For repairs has spent like ~80€ for all. Through this time, I have only replaced impact drive to newer model (brush-less), and totally happy with it. Was looking to change into Makita, but cant leave because tools just not broke...

Just bought into Flex compact line. Got the 2tool kit.$199 from Lowe’s. Love em.

Flex has been my go to when I need something new. Very impressed with this brand.

Love it, Flex should expand that compact line. I like the Milwaukee 12v line for the size but they are uncomfortable after pro long use. Flex seems to have a better grip and vibration.

Great review as usual vince ! I'm interested in the flex platform and this new driver has peaked my interest.

I just bought there 24v set and it’s amazing it’s a little bulky but the power you get makes it worth it, I’m more than satisfied

Flex is what is next! Some people just don’t get it thx for letting us know

Too invested in Milwaukee m18/12. But always happy to see competition to drive Milwaukee to do even better.

I been using flex for a while now their tools are powerful an don’t feel heavy to me at all

Vince, GREAT video! I’ve honestly got to get this new compact set!

I am a an owner/operator home improvement contractor and not once have I held any of my Flex tools and thought it was too heavy. I thought they were appropriately sized. When I want something small due to space I just reach for my M12 tools. However, my everyday are the Flex. I do have a sizable Ridgid collection that I started in ‘04, but that usually stays in the garage unless I’m setting up on multiple jobs.

In my opinion, Flex has the most advanced batteries, and having the extra cell helps with power, but compact tools dont really mean anything if the battery is still very large. They could use to make a compact stacked lithium battery to go with the compact tools. Like how a Dewalt 1.7 power stack pairs perfectly with their compact tools. Im sure they'll expand in that direction soon though Their biggest flaws, from my perspective, are the number of tools they make, they havent been in the cordless tool market very long so the reliability is unproven, and the closest Lowes to me is an hour and a half away. The power looks to come at a cost of reliability and useability. Torque Test channel recently tested their drill against others. It made the most power at 1020 watts, but got very hot very quick. The Makita xgt however made 1000 watts, but with minimao heat. It can run like that all day. And being a Makita, you know it can run like that all day every day for many years. How long will the Flex hold up to that kind of abuse? Probably not very long since heat is the number one killer of electrical components. 2% more power isnt worth what looks to be a lot of sacrificed reliability. The newest Bosch also makes more power than the Flex and doesnt need a special mode to do it either. Plus the fact that Bosch has been making cordless tools for a very long time Maybe ill be singing a different tune in 5 years, but tine will tell. If Flex can expand their tool line and prove to be as reliable as Makita or DeWalt, maybe I'll make the 3 hour drive to give them a try. But until then, I'll keep an eye on them while using the ones with proven reliability Good video. I just like to have conversations about Flex tools with the big splash they made for themselves

Definitely interested in exploring flex and possibly switching over

I've had this exact impact driver for good 6 months now and I never knew about the self tapping mode

2 years with my flex tools n no issues what so ever

M12 is my “compact” line of tools that use. Two things, kinda do wish had the m18 slide style batteries; buts it’s all good and the belt clip location isn’t the best and usually will take off or make own so can use like an m18 belt clip having the tool hanging balanced on belt. Cheers guys ✌🏻

Love my flex tools. Zero complaints.

Flex stuff is cool and interesting but I love my m12 lineup. I don’t even really go m18 unless I either have to or the value is their for me to buy the bigger tool.

I have been on the platform since they launched, and haven’t had any complaints. I like the fact that they aren’t putting the smaller, more compact line behind another battery voltage/ paywall. You can tell Flex is listening to the customers with these new tools (just an example would be the placement of the light on the impact). They could have made the impact even smaller and put the quick eject feature on it but they decided to go standard and allow the light to be where the button would have been.

I purchased the Flex Hammer Drill w/ Stacker battery a couple months ago when I needed a drill that had more balls to ship a 7/8" 17.5" long auger bits through 3x wet pressure treated 6x6's. My existing drill just didn't have the gusto to make it through one hole from a full battery. I looked for the tool w/ the most power, flex seemed to be it. Bought it, and it crushed the job. It's a bit heavy for around the house small tasks. When my "every day household Makita drill dies, I'll replace it with the Flex Compact"

What you fail to mention is that the performance, features, and weight comes a distant second to its lower cost brother, the Kobalt 24V Max. The stack lithium battery is not included in this kit, instead it uses a 2.5 amp version of the Kobalt, but no compatibility.

Description is incorrect. This is model FX1331 with Speeds. It goes for $149 (as of summer 2023). Model FX1351 is $99 with no speeds and is not considered part of their new compact line.

I stick with the 18/20V architecture because I can buy tools from all these different brands, add an adapter for my Dewalt batteries and I'm good to go. If I own Flex tools then I'm completely stuck in its ecosystem. Then of course I'm just a weekend warrior and my time isn't that precious for driving in screws a few seconds faster.

I’ll stick with m12 fuel causes although these compact 18,20and 24 volt to get decent power out of them you’ll have to stick bigger batteries on the only exception I’ve seen would be dewalt atomic with there 1.7 stack lithium battery

I have Flex and can't complain! Vince you mind find a little edge here or there from another platform but just hard to beat for the price and quality!

What i like about the different vontage is something like milwaukee with the Compact batteries

I am a farmer,, and it was easily five years since I bought any new tools. My Porter Cable, Dewalt, Makita, and Ryobi stuff served me well for years. Since it was time to get some new stuff, the FLEX lifetime warranty convinced me to give it a try. I am a total flex fan boy now. The first test was building a new chicken house. Those three inch lags went in like nothing. The recip saw was no joke. The impact wrench was faster and easier to use than any of my air impact. I really tried to overload it, but I was not able to. FLEX NEEDS TO EXPAND THIER PLATFORM!

Great video today!!!

Hope Flex will make a compact 5-3/8” trim saw. I rarely cut deeper than 2x material and one of those running 24v would dominate anything in that size.

Great video Vinny.👍🏻🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

I love my Flex tools. I like being the oddball where i work, lol. In a year i can say u had Flex tools before it was cool 😄. My only issue is that even though i really like the grey colors, sometimes they seem to blend in and are easy to miss when looking for them

SHE'S A BEAST VINCE 🏁 FLEX's introductory tools actually were/are not that big. They were good compact tools...lol... a lot of Dewalt's tools that were out when FLEX came into the market were bigger.

I for one have actually been trying to make the flex jump and just haven't been able to put enough back. Life just keeps happening it is what it is ill get there eventually

Here's my issue: my DeWalt has plenty of power to drive 3" GRKs into framing- but on speed 3 the screw tends to accelerate and pull away from me and then the bit slips out. I wish the "speed settings" were more like torque settings, so that "speed 1" would not only begin the impact motion right away, but also have the power to finish. Anyone know of an impact that fixes this?

Well good thing I choose Milwaukee. I really like my M12 drill and Impact and Surge Impact. If need the more power ill grab the M18 tools.

Everyone i work with uses Milwaukee but i dont like to go with the crowd, so i chose FLEX. The name is the only thing that i dont really like, but besides that theres just something about these tools that i love. They just feel good in my hands and they get the job done. I got the Impact and Drill driver set at Lowes for $200. Very pleased with the pair. It never dawned on me that theyre not hammer drivers though which bummed me out since i didn't discover that until after i fell in love with them. Makes sense why its a $200 combo kit. Super happy.

I'll be sticking with my Dewalt XR 805 Drill, Atomic DCF 850B impact driver, and the Atomic 3/8 Impact wrench with Powerstack batteries. Flex still has some work to do to compete with Milwaukee and Dewalt.

I am not loyal to any one tool brand, I work by the motto that a tool company has to earn my purchase, and I could care less with everything being of 'one color'. That being said, I have tried a few flex tools. And I do like them, I am happy to hear about the compact drill and would like to try it. Yet, all brands (Flex not withstanding) need to continually update their tools to improve ergonomics, power management, longevity, and simply better ways to get the job done. I love competition among tool brands, and want to see robust and competent tools available. What I can't stand are the 'fanboys'/'fangirls', that denigrate a tool just because it's not their brand. If you are considering Flex, I don't think you'll be dissappointed, but before jumping all in, just try one or two tools for a while and see what you think! Thanks for the Video Vince!

Sticking with he surge as an industrial electrician. Power for conduit, tapcons, control for mounting 40 limit switches for a baseline like an electric screwdriver.

Hey Vince, I have been watching your videos for sometime now and love the way you portray brands to the public, I think its a nice fair way to show how tools compare to consumers like myself. I wanted to ask you, I currently have a large array of Ryobi tools, and have been considering making a change to another brand. However, Ryobi has an immense of amount of tools variety wise. So I am torn between making a decision to change brands. Please do not get me wrong Ryobi has been a very reliable tool to me and none of them have failed me, but I am considering Flex or Kobalt, but both brands do not offer the tools Ryobi does. Any Suggestions? Please advise thank you.

Honest with todays tech you can’t go wrong with any I just get what’s cheaper and good warranty everything breaks I’ve burn a bunch of high end Milwaukee tools

If this would have torch/ speed setting increase and decrease with the more you squeeze the trigger this would have been godly.

Would like to try flex out for my self but I’m too heavily invested in Hart and Hercules tools

No hate personally for flex i actually bought the turbo hammer drill and quick eject impact combo while it was on sale but... due to my extensive milwaukee m18 and m12 line up of tools made it really hard to use them over said m18/m12 alternatives. That being said i think thwy are cool i like the grey color the batterys were awesome with the cooled charger but damn cant beat big red

Hi Vince - Your show is great. I'm also a native Philly boy from G-town originally & currently living in the Raleigh, NC area. On subject, I got most of the Flex line last December with the founder's warranty. I was happy to see that warranty extended for 2023, but have yet to see any of their 2023 line (that you previewed) in Lowes stores. I know, you're not Lowes or Flex personnel, but have you heard anything about why as of 05 AUG 2023 there's no new flex tools (like those you previewed) in stores? I want to get those too under that lifetime warranty, otherwise the 2023 lifetime warranty extension is bogus in actuality except for what's already on the (mostly empty) Flex display shelves.

Flex looks great. Been really impressed with the stuff on the channel but for a platform that's made in europe, it's really hard to get hold of in the uk. For that reason. I'm gonna stick with milwaukee for the foreseeable future. But I love the look of flex, I love their version of the pack out, I'd love to get my hands on it, to give it ago.

If the Flex tools would use the Kobalt 24V batteries, They'd be selling a butt load more. Have 2 24V max and 2 XTR tools. Would step up tp Flex on my next tools I'd like to get if I could use my batteries and then upgrade to the Flex batteries as the Kobalt ones wear out.

I have Milwaukee and I plan on switching to the Flex Brand. Ive had bad luck with their batteries even buying upgraded one. I think its time to switch. Flex has had my eyes for awhile.

I sell tools at the blue store. So, I sell Flex. I got more information from these videos than at work. I think I will have more confidence pushing them now.

Im a milwakee guy in the uk and i wish we could get these flex tools here. Also the flex take on the pack out looks pretty dam impressive

I have been using Milwaukee tools for 25 plus years, furthermore I still have old school Milwaukee tools that are made here In the U. S. A. And still use them, love them. I refuse to switch to another tool brand. I bleed Milwaukee red, all the way. Also, I have a few old school Makita tools that I use from time to time...

Dang, Vince lost 20 years along with his beard… he’ll have to show ID now when he walks into a bar.

Am I the only one who would love to see flex utilize the ego connection and release ego powered table saw and 12 inch miter saw and dust extractor etc

Well I love my Milwaukee but my flex has more torque than my Milwaukee. I bought dealt,Kona let,Milwaukee & flex. The only one that doesn’t get used is my desalt. I like my kobalt for my basic stuff. I use my Milwaukee m12 for cutting wood ect & I use my flex for drilling in screws & bolt. It just does the job better in my opinion than my Milwaukee. Now I’m just your average guy doing stuff around my garage or working on cars ect… I’m not harping on these tools like most contractors would on a everyday use.

The base and battery are quite large still, and unfortunately that cannot be redesigned without redesigning batteries as well, I would assume. It operates good enough but I’m not sure I’d want such a bulky bottom on the tool. Maybe I’m being picky, I dunno. Im biased as I’m deep into Dewalt and Dewalt atomic’s for the compact tools. Milwaukee seems to have the best compact line available imo.

Nice job Vince! Do you have any plans to bring the brand new Ridgid High Torque Hammer Drill and 4-mode impact driver on to the channel?

Their original tools where just too heavy for the type of work I do? Ended up going M12, but would have preferred just 1 battery line, like what Flex just did with the compact line?

What model are you testing?

I wish I had known about this before I bought into Milwaukee ecosystems during Father’s Day weekend.

Never heard of flex Powertools because they aren’t here in New Zealand sadly I will buy some when i go to America

They can only reduce so much. You still have that gargantuan battery footprint. Biggest issue with slide on packs is the battery sits more forward thus restricts working depth. As an electrician I prefer M12 because the battery foot print is like a ballet slipper where M18 is like a work boot and Flex is like a work boot stuck in a bucket. So no compact tool Flex does will be compact because the battery

I've used their grinders a lot and the stack lithium gives a noticeable bump in run time and a tiny bump in power compared to the regular battery. Where I notice it is during moments where I bear down on it. The grinder doesn't chug or anything it just keeps at the same speeds

Greeeeat the new flex powerstack biter

IMO...They're very nice tools. VERY strong. But SO big & heavy. I personally have liked Kobalt 24v for a long time. They're big also, but they don't cost what FLEX costs. MHPT is my favorite line, but they don't make everything. Dewalt is great as long as you stay at the top of the range, same for M18. I find that a combination of MHPT, DW20/12, Kobalt and M12 takes care of everything I need lol, in that order.

Vince or flex tools have good power ❤️ yeah me convinced when you let 🥰me try it out when I came down😊👍🏻😁

Let me start this off by saying I haven’t run into a flex tool I wasn’t impressed by. I’m an union electrician by day & do some residential service work off the clock. On the clock all of the contractors almost exclusively Milwaukee. And off the clock, I personally I own a majority of dewalt tools. Despite this, I have no loyalty to either brand. I’ve been slowly replacing my yellow tools for black/gray. eBay has been a great place for me to sell my dewalt tools I love how flex pushes the envelope with options, features, performance & designs.

I like to see them have a12v line of tools

Flex's OG tools are for professionals in the foundation and roughouts. My "overpowered" and "heavy" hammer drill smoked both of my buddies' drills (the newest DeWalt and Milwaukee) in power, speed of drilling, and battery life. I still love Milwaukee but there's no doubt Flex delivered to the pros. Now to just expand their tool lineup...

I’ve been a Auto detailer since 2012 and over the years I had many polishers and I can truly say FLEX 💪🏽 beat each one of them by far. I a big FLEX believer I bought there drill and impact and I am selling all my dewalt and Makita tools and replacing them with Flex tools. I wish they make hand tools and tool boxes as well power washers and compressors so I can replace my detailing tools for all FLEX tools. Just sold my ridged pack out box and working on get the flex one. It’s some good sht.

I like it but I already got my nice compact impact from milwaukee but if I wanted to go over to another brand idk I look in to it or maybe in the dewalt line to

Are these tools available in the UK?? Can only find in US. Can find flex tools in red but only 18v

Is your grey Flex tools stuff the same as the red german one?

Flex seems kinda dope not gonna lie. Only thing is I’m already a couple thousand dollars invested into Milwaukee so switching over wouldn’t be a good idea. Ain’t gonna do it! Wouldn’t be prudent!!

5:42 .... Amen to that, am I right?

I prefer the M12 line for compact

I’ve had my hammer drill for 2 years and love seeing my coworkers having to buy new dewalt shit every 3 months it’s awesome

Taking it apart see if it's all metal inside like the big brother

Vince do you think it’s worth buying??

Flex All the way!!!

The question now becomes how off-center is the weight balance between the weight of the and battery. Smaller head means less weight. But flex his batteries are freaking huge. So those compact smaller ones to keep the weight distribution even is going to be no better than a two and a half amp hour battery. Anything bigger and it throws off the weight distribution and makes it unwieldy to hold

I go through 2- DeWalt 887 every season, tried the flex impact, it’s much louder when impacting. Am I wrong?

As interested as I am in flex, I’m deep in dewalt and unless all my batteries fail at once, I probably won’t be leaving anytime soon. I have several friends on the same platform so when we help each other out, we can easily “help each other out”

I got me a set they are great still like the new Bosch better.

My Flex tools are awesome!

Hi Guys!!! Hey Vince, does the Compact Driver have one or two ball-bearings in the collet? Just curious? Have a good one everybody!!! 🙂

My pops bought the Flex impact with (2) 2.5ah with fast charger and the batteries were leaking black sludge. He returned the set and got another and the second one is currently doing the same thing.. any idea what it is?

i dont know why, but i just dont want to like flex.. yes the tests show how amazing they can perform and so on, but there is just something super offputting that makes me not care. Something that is super admirable about flex tho is their confidence with the warranty and that they´re listening to the consumers which is a big thumbs up. Maybe one day i lay big red aside and test them

If Flex is too heavy for you, you're an electrician.

Already having invested in an entire brand and battery set up nothing they have is worth making and complete makeover in brand, plus they still fairly new company and has not been fully put to test like others

Hay Vince, is the gen four stronger than dcf850?

Im here for the video vince..