As with many brands, a lot of the big names in tools when I was younger, no longer have the same quality. Porter Cable, Black & Decker Industrial, Dewalt, Craftsman, ... If I can find these older tools at sales working I have no hesitation buying them up.
I started with the 9.6 volt Makita line & use them for several years. When the 18 volt lines came out & my batteries were once again needing to be replaced I looked around with 3 thoughts in mind: 1 - Variety of tools sharing the same batteries, 2 - Price of replacement batteries, & overall cost. 3 - Staying power in the market. I wanted them to be around for years. In the end I chose the Ryobi 18 volt system & have had no regrets.
Some of the different types of 18v Ryobi tool I have: 3 speed hammer drill, 2 speed hammer drills, 1/2" & 3/8" drills, right angle drills, angle grinders, routers, dual action sander, spiral cut saw, orbital jig saws, circular saws, reciprocal saws, chain saw, caulking gun, flash lights, radio, wet/dry vacuum, "Dust Buster" looking vacuums, buffer, 1/4" & 1/2" impact guns, hedge trimmer, pruning saw.
(If you haven't used a cordless caulking gun, you have missed out! Variable speed, smooth/even flow, & when you are putting Liquid Nails on floor joist, a real arm & time saver!)
I had a stapler but it required a 4-5 sec recycle time & it went back. The chain saw turns too slow, at least with the old ni-cad batteries. I probable should try it with the 4 ah lithium but I really don't need it, it came with the combo kit I started out with.
The primary source for the Ryobi line is Home depot. If you keep an eye out they have great sales on a regular basis. For example: This summer, 3/8" drill with 1/4" impact gun, 2 lithium batteries & charger for $99. At Christmas time for $79, 3/8" drill, choice of circular or reciprocal saw, 2 batteries & charger. Home depot also will give a 10% military discount.