Does everybody have to hate Ozito???

[ToothFairy]

More mixed results here. I bought an Ozito biscuit joiner some time back; the centre markings and scales on the movable bits are way out, so it's not a precision instrument, but at least once set it doesn't lose the setting so I can make consistent slots without much trouble. Adequate within its fairly severe limitations.

Someone said, though I can't find the post, that cheap tools are OK if all you are relying on is spinning something fast. On that basis, I have a dirt-cheap XU-1 angle grinder that is fine for trimming bolt ends sticking out of fence posts but not good for much else. On the same basis, I recently bought a cheap Ozito cordless screwdriver - with a 2-year replacement guarantee. So far, the battery appears to hold its charge and the thing has plenty of torque. Where it falls down is that the torque adjustment ring doesn't rotate as far as it's meant to, but it rotates far enough to meet all the demands I've placed on it.

As always, horses for courses . . .

- Michael

[pellcorp]

I have an ozito planer I use to clean up old wood before I run it over my jointer, cost 90 and I have used it quite a bit! I don't care much about hitting anything or a rough plane as it's supposed to be rough. I used it other day to remove burnt outer layer of redgum to get to the nice timber inside which I them jointed on my jet jointer

I have a big oZito angle grinder that I use occasionally. My small angle grinder is ryobi for same reasons.

I have a GMC 9" circular saw and it's a beast I use for cutting up anything nasty and a makita 7" for cutting down panels. The gmc is a great saw.

I have a gmc biscuit joiner that I have used successfully would love a makita version but too exxy - the gmc works ok but accuracy is a bit of a problem.

I have a maktec router because I could not afford the makita version - $200 great price a couple of years ago and very pleased.

I have a other ozito and gmc and ryobi but if I can manage I get an aeg, makita or blue Bosch. My drills are in this category.

I do think ozito feels cheap but if it's for occasional use why would you buy a makita. If you are going to use it everyday why would you buy an ozito!

[Bushmiller]

Looking back on this post and indeed otherposts on the budget end of the market there are some comments I would make.

We are talking primarily about the home brand products. Ozito belongs exclusively to Bunnings, Icon is the Mitre 10 exclusive and various other organisations tend to sell a particular brand even if it is not exactly their own product.

It is important to note that each tool should be considered individually as their performance across the range is very variable. For example I have not heard a good report about XU-1 cordless drills, but their angle grinders are apparantly good value. The original question posed by Black Ned was specifically about Ozito and again it has become apparant their rotary hammer drill is excellent value.

I bought a lightweight Ozito router for a job and had to take it back after 15 minutes of use as it had shorted out and was releasing smoke.

I have an Ozito reciprocating saw which I only occasionally use. Blade changing is awkward, but as I use it twice a year this is not a real issue.

I have a large quantity of GMC tools some of which were bought before their demise and a lot more following. Generally they have been good and I was disappointed when they pulled the plug as I felt they filled a niche and indeed expanded the market to people who ordinarily would not have purchased a power tool.

The bottom end manufacturers, I don't believe, have really filled the vacuum left by GMC. Yes, the volume of product is there, but not quite the same quality.

So where does that leave us? Choose carefully, listen to the reports of others if available, but be prepared to be disappointed if the tool is unsatisfactory. That is the chance you take. Only select these bottom end tools for light and occasional work.

Above all, don't lose the receipt. You may well have to take it back.

Don't forget the old legalese of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware), because you can only really take the tool back if it is defective. If it is just not up to the task that is your poor choice, hard though that may be to swallow.

Regards
Paul

[Black Bear]

I have several Ozito cordless hand tools, Yes, I know, you are going to say that you get what you pay for. Well folks, maybe you get more than you expect.

I have had an 18v cordless drill for 5 years, and the batteries are just starting to die, as all batteries in these type of tools tend to do. Have you priced Red Brand Jap Batteries for other tools? I have and come up with a starting figure of $130.00 each.

For the older cordess drill from Ozito, and for the later 3 pack set of Torch,Jig saw and Drill at 18v, you can buy replacement batteries from Ozito, via Bunnings for less that $40 each.

Now, be honest, that is hard to beat, ain't it?

Never buy an impact cordless of any brand. The system just doesn't work.

NOTE: When buying any cordless tool, first run the battery down as low as it will go by running the machine until all life ceases to exist, then charge the battery to the full time indicated. Run this second charge to as low as it can go as previously described and recharge.

This will create the battery charge memory and alleviate the battery presuming a charge at lesser that full charge.

Do not leave the battery in the charger as this also shortens the life of the battery.

This information is available from the information given with the purchase of an Ozito product.

I am a happy little Ozito chappy.

BB

[artme]

A builder mate of mine has an Ozito electric jackhammer. He's had it for years and it has done a lot of work in small doses. It looks a bit battered but, hell it's been and is a bloody good tool.

[Black Bear]

A builder mate of mine has an Ozito electric jackhammer. He's had it for years and it has done a lot of work in small doses. It looks a bit battered but, hell it's been and is a bloody good tool.

The bloke I am fitting out the campervan for gave me an Ozito kit...Drill, Jigsaw and torch, all 18v, the reason was that the batteries had died. I already own an 18v drill so I purchased two 18v batteries from Ozito at $74.00 total.

Anyone else wish to give away their Ozito tools, let me know!!!!!

[Darren Oates]

I have a Ozito 18v NmH cordless drill which I have now had for 4 years and gets used in my workshop just about everyday and has not missed a beat. Same cant be said for my Bosch which lasted less than 3 years. Cant say that I have had this with all Ozito tools.

Cheers

Darren

[Black Bear]

I have a Ozito 18v NmH cordless drill which I have now had for 4 years and gets used in my workshop just about everyday and has not missed a beat. Same cant be said for my Bosch which lasted less than 3 years. Cant say that I have had this with all Ozito tools.

Cheers

Darren

I understand. But even the Rolls and the Bently break down at times....and look at the cost of fixing them. I had a Range Rover once and someone broke into the petrol cap. Cost $90.00 for a new cap and that was in the late 70s.

It would be easier to bury an Ozito than a Dewalt when the time comes.

BB

[Daniel Woods]

Well I don't hate Ozito per say and the products, but let's just say I prefer the better quality and that is not what they offer or is it?

[pinabird]

I have a Ozito multi functional tool, and i use this quite often, i find it quite good, for what you get,value for money. Some people say that Ozito tools are rubbish,but, they have 3 years warranty, and if something goes wrong, bring it back to Bunnings and you get a new one. Other brands are very expensive, and if they break up , they will send it back to the factory , and you have to wait ages to get it back. I am quite happy to receive a new tool, if it gets broken before the tree years warranty, other wise i buy a new one , and i am still better of ,and by the way, even the expensive brand are made in China.

[ibeanonchippy]

ive had a ozito planer for 5 year i reckon ive planed over a kilometre and havent changed blades........a freak or a good score?

[igdent]

Hi Black Ned, I know it has been a long time since you posted this but I thought I would have a say anyway. I love Ozito. Yes, you get what you pay for, but we don't all have the outlay required for the 'better' products. If the Ozito does not last quite as long, then by the time you need a new one you might just have enough to replace it with another Ozito. False economy? Perhaps, but you do what you can afford. Having said that, a few years ago I bought a 5 item special of Ozito cordless tools (a drill, an impact driver, a multi-funtion tool, a tiny 4" circular saw - which comes in handy now and then -, a torch and a radio I have used only once). The drill and the impact driver are my favourite tools, and still going strong. I have renovated my en suite and am now almost finished renovating my kitchen. I built all the cabinetry myself etc. Love, love, love my Ozitos. They are light and compact, but do the work of a giant; and their batteries last for ages. I do try to not let the men use them too much, whether it be those tools or others such as sanders, because they are far too heavy handed. I keep telling them "let the tool do the work, don't push it". Look after your Ozito and it will look after you, in my honest opinion.

[Cal]

I have just given away my ozito 10" compound mitre saw, it was 15 years old and had done a mountain of work. Still going strong, just not as accurate as I would like. Upgraded to a 12" saw.


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[DaveVman]

It is mandatory to hate Ozito but secretly buy and be happy with a few of them.

I needed a hand held planner about 7 years ago for a single job. Bought an Ozito and used it once fine. Used it a few years later fine. Used it again about a year ago and still fine. Might use it on some pallet wood these holidays. It just sits in its box patiently waiting to be used every few years. It's possible for me to have such a rarely used tool because it was so cheap.

Needed a chainsaw. Went to hire one. One days hire was more than buying a baby Ozito petrol chainsaw. Being so small it took me longer but I didn't need to rush around to suit the hours of the hire place which is always a pain in the backside. Plus being so small became a great advantage after a few hours use. Used it again a few months later so then it was saving me money. Took it up to a third job a few months ago so I had a chainsaw ready in case I needed it. I can afford to have it laying around because it's already saved me money.

Needed a grinder for 2 little jobs. Bought some no brand thing from Supercheap for 5/8 of bu__er all. I have used it about 4 times in a year. Very clunky but good enough for my very occasional use. Nice to know it's lying around if I need one which I know I will soon.

All my pneumatic tools so far are Ryobi or cheap stuff from Supercheap Auto. They are not used enough to justify a lot of money. If one of those wear out then perhaps its a sign something better quality would be worthwhile for me.

Other things that get used once a week I tend to buy the low end trade stuff for the accuracy and power. I don't need the high quality trade stuff for hobby/DIY use.

Got a 305mm Swarts SCMS which gives brilliant cuts every time so is my saw of choice now.

I bought a Wagner airless sprayer from Bunnings. It died on second use after 4 months. I took it back and got my money back on the spot no questions asked. Even without the receipt.
I went and bought a higher spec model Graco, which is a real prick to use. Crap crap design. Insert 20 unprintable expletives here just at the thought of it. Did I mention what a poor design it is? BUT it doesn't fail. Had to spend a pretty penny on parts over 2 years. Did I mention what a crap design it is? BUT I have to reluctantly admit that it just keeps going. And going.
Think I just got unlucky with the Wagner so would try them again if the frustrating Wagner ever does die. Although I think that machine and I have somehow come to terms with each other.

Bought a Hatachi 18V cordless system but had problems with the batteries after a few months. Took them back to Trade Tools. A couple of days later I was given replacements which have been fine.

Love my Hatachi 18V system. Power to burn. Every skin you can imagine is available. Use it almost every day.

So A. Bunnings return policy seems fine to me.
B. Buying mid/low range trade quality tools doesn't guarantee they will be free of faults.

However the accuracy and power etc certainly are different from the real cheap stuff.

So no I don't hate Ozito. In fact they are much better than renting. However I also wouldn't buy an Ozito for something I use more than occasionally because Murphy dictates that it will fail at the worst possible moment.

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[Bushmiller]

DVM

I think you have summed it up pretty well. I would only add something to which you have alluded and that is not everybody has a Rolls Royce budget.

Regards
Paul