battery powered drills

[Mickey_Fx]

If the budget can afford it, take a look at the Panasonic cordless drills. Was unfamiliar with Panasonic tools until I bought mine. Couldn't be more pleased. I bought the 15.6V model with 3.5AH NiMH batteries. Drill come with a second battery pack and multi-voltage charger. Chuck brake is great for changing bits and speed controller provides full power regardless of speed.

On Amazon there are 180 customer reviews and 137 give it 5 stars. One reviewer that uses his commercially, daily, has had it for 2+ yrs and all is still working like new, even the battery pak still going strong.

Son has had a DeWalt for a number of yrs and battery paks have been an issue for him. He is now looking at the Panasonic's

 

[ryanbr]

I have the same comment about the dewalts, battery packs do not last more then a year. Rebuild the batteries and same thing 6 months later. I am currently in the market for a new cordless tool set so this thread came a great time for me!

My dewalt combo is a drill, skillsaw, and flashlight. I would like to replace all these tools, and maybe even add a recip saw to the mix. Didn't see many comments about Bosch tools, thoughts on them?

 

[ampsucker]

i'll vote for the makita and panasonic. i have the makita Li-ion setup and the quick charge is very nice. i did fry a battery just after a year (out of warranty) - i think due to droppage when the drill slipped off my belt. such is life. the li batts are expensive. best deal i found was at home depot on sale where i got a two pack for 99 bucks.

my BIL has a panasonic and likes it.

i also have a craftsman. the drill still works strong but the battery packs don't last more than about a year. two new batteries are more than a new drill. i purchased one anyway just so i could have a backup drill driver and it's nice to have one out in the barn and one in the truck so they are always handy when you need it.

as for charging an 18 volt batt with a 14 volt charger, unless the charger can sense the voltage and adjust, you'll never get a full charge on the battery. as other have posted, you need the charger to put out a higher voltage than the battery to drive the chemical reaction on the plates. (auto example is charging at 14 volts into a 12 volt battery). a 14 volt charge on and 18 volt battery will not even give it a half charge.


amp

 

[J_J]

I have the same comment about the dewalts, battery packs do not last more then a year. Rebuild the batteries and same thing 6 months later. I am currently in the market for a new cordless tool set so this thread came a great time for me!

My dewalt combo is a drill, skillsaw, and flashlight. I would like to replace all these tools, and maybe even add a recip saw to the mix. Didn't see many comments about Bosch tools, thoughts on them?

I use Bosch tools all the time. The Bosch tools are excellent, and heavy duty, and have lots or torque. Their one charger will charge all their batteries, from 12v to 24v.except for the Lithium series. It is hard to find used Bosch battery drills, I guess the owners just keep them.

 

[bowhunter543]

I buy harbor fright junk and when it dies, and it will, I just buy another one. I would absolutely charge it out side away from buildings. I believe the battery will get very hot and maybe melt.

Well I guess you can get two new drills then.

 

[JB4310]

I am currently in the market for a new cordless tool set so this thread came a great time for me!

Makita LXT702 18 Volt LXT Cordless Combo Kit

I live not far from this store, it's the most awesome tool store I've ever seen. saw this set when I was in there the other day and thought it was a good deal, though it isn't cheap. I paid close to $300. just for the drill.

I only have a cordless drill, (had different ones for 25 years) never believed in all the other cordless tools being stubborn and old fashioned. but even the kid that works for me has a cordless set for work on his house and side jobs. So maybe I've got to get with the times. I know some guys that don't even bring corded tools on a big job.

This is the drill I have, it's a little better than the one in the set listed above.

Makita BHP451 LXT 18 Volt Cordless Hammer Drill Kit

JB

 

[QRTRHRS]

If the budget can afford it, take a look at the Panasonic cordless drills. Was unfamiliar with Panasonic tools until I bought mine. Couldn't be more pleased. I bought the 15.6V model with 3.5AH NiMH batteries. Drill come with a second battery pack and multi-voltage charger. Chuck brake is great for changing bits and speed controller provides full power regardless of speed.

On Amazon there are 180 customer reviews and 137 give it 5 stars. One reviewer that uses his commercially, daily, has had it for 2+ yrs and all is still working like new, even the battery pak still going strong.

Son has had a DeWalt for a number of yrs and battery paks have been an issue for him. He is now looking at the Panasonic's

I understand that you can take the less expensive B&D packs and file a nub off so they fit the Dewalt.

 

[EddieWalker]

I have two Makita BHP451's and have never come across anything that I like as much. It's not just that it's very powerful, has a great keyless chuck and lasts most of a day on a battery that I like about it. I just love the little things like the built in belt clip that makes hanging it from my tool belt so simple and easy. There is a little light on it that is just about the greatest thing ever added to a drill. I can't even begin to count how many times I've relied on that light to see what I was drilling or screwing. Just today I drilled a hole into the side of a cabinet to run a TV Cable to another cabinet. That light lit up the space so I could center my hole in an area that I couldn't see anything without that light.

When I decided what I wanted, I looked online for the best prices. Then I checked ebay and saved over $100 buying it that way. If you know the model of what you want, ebay still has some good deals on it.

Eddie

 

[QRTRHRS]

I had really good service out of a Dewault 18V nicad driver/drill and a 19.2V PC driver/drill. When I decided to upgrade to new, I bought a Milwaukee combo mainly because the price was just a tad better at HD during Xmastime.

Lithium Ion had just come out and was still pricey so I went with the 18V nicad Milwaukee which included 3 batteries, driver/drill, sawzall, circular saw, light and radio. (The light and radio have gotten far more use than I thought they would.) That was at least five or six years ago and all work well but the driver/drill keyless chuck is slipping. My tools get used around the farm. They sit for a time then but get used hard when a project comes up.

About a year ago, I wanted to get a 1/4" slip chuck impact driver. The reviews that I came up with rated the Panasonic the best out there. For economic reasons and overall applicable use, I went with a 14.4V li Hitachi. This was my first Hitachi tool because I always felt that they looked too much like a pair of athletic shoes. After a lot of serious use setting up 3.5" deck screws, I give this tool an A. Great for metal siding and roofing screws too!

If you have the need to set a lot of screws, I strongly urge you to try one of these impact drivers.

 

[WarrenF]

It is all personal preference.....I have four Dewalts....two 18 volt and two 14.4 volt Drills. One 18 volt saw and one 18 volt sawzall. I use the drills every day all day. The one I use most often (14.4 volt) has been off the top of more than two roofs and still keeps going. I used to love the 18 volt models until I was not paying attention or in too big of a hurry....it caught on something and spun in my hand, whacking me in the mouth and knocking out a tooth. That hurt....my fault.

I just know that Makita is highly thought of by many I have worked sround, as well as Dewalt. My only gripe with Dewalt is this, many times you can buy a drill and two batteries for less than you can buy two batteries. That is why I have so many drills. I looked at the 36 volt, but thought to myself, if the 18 volt will hurt me like it did....the 36 volt would rip my arm off.

 

[brandoro]

The only cordless tool I own is a 12 volt Dewalt drill with three batteries. I have had it ten plus years with the same three battieries and it just keeps going. The batteries don't have the same life they did when new but can still usually have the first one recharged by the time I kill the third one. Works for me. The reason I bought the 12volt model is that I figured if I was really stuck I could power it from the tractor or truck battery and keep going. Never had to do that but still seems like a good back up plan.
The job I am on right now has some 18 volt Rigid drills, they really should have a second handle. You want to make sure you are ready for it in case it snags something. Drilling lots of holes in stainless steel, some in mild steel, and two batteries will keep up.

 

[AMP762]

It is all personal preference.....I have four Dewalts....two 18 volt and two 14.4 volt Drills. One 18 volt saw and one 18 volt sawzall. I use the drills every day all day. The one I use most often (14.4 volt) has been off the top of more than two roofs and still keeps going. I used to love the 18 volt models until I was not paying attention or in too big of a hurry....it caught on something and spun in my hand, whacking me in the mouth and knocking out a tooth. That hurt....my fault.

I just know that Makita is highly thought of by many I have worked sround, as well as Dewalt. My only gripe with Dewalt is this, many times you can buy a drill and two batteries for less than you can buy two batteries. That is why I have so many drills. I looked at the 36 volt, but thought to myself, if the 18 volt will hurt me like it did....the 36 volt would rip my arm off.

Try Interstate batteries,they have one for the 18v Dewalt for about half price.

 

[jinman]

I bought a Hitachi 18v drill-driver from Reconditioned Sales and I love it. I used it when I built my 12 x 40 ft leanto barn last year.

The driver comes with a case, charger, and two 1.4 ah lithium-ion batteries. The charger can charge 9v up to 18v batteries. The drill is very lightweight and also very strong. I bought a quick change drill-driver set also and like that set very much.

I paid $76 for mine last year and now Reconditioned Sales has this driver on sale for $56. Here's a link.

RecondSales

 

[Lineman North Florida]

I bought a dewalt and had good luck with it, when I wanted to buy another I saw that I could buy a whole tool kit from ryobi for about half of what just the dewalt drill was, I bought the ryobi and used it drive every screw on a 32 x 60' barn that I built for myself and have had no trouble with it at all, I do believe the dewalt batteries last a little longer per charge. If you are not using it to make a living everyday I believe you get more for your money out of the ryobi.

 

[Builder]

I have 3 of the Milwaukee 28V cordless hammer drills and really like them. I bought my 1st one with case, charger & 2 batteries for $199. Then I bought 2 more drills alone for $99/ea on fleabay, then I bought 3 more batteries for ~$79/ea.

They're not super refined and they're a bit heavier than most, but they're stoopid powerful. I swear they feel more powerful than a plugged-in drill. In hammer mode, they'll drill 5/8" holes in concrete for anchors or rebar with ease or run an auger through paralam. The batteries recharge in like 20 min.

I use them for some really tough work and love them. Of course the batteries & chargers work with my 28V recip. saw & 6&1/2" circ saw.

Check em out.

 

[wroughtn_harv]

I've had two combo packs of DeWalt's and won't have another. Both of those were passed on to the kids. I didn't like the Makitas nor the Milwaukees because they were too heavy and didn't hold up. And like Eddie, I won't have a Craftsman unless it's a wrench.

Right now I'm using Hitachi Lithium Ion. The reason is for the warranty. My main supplier repairs all the major brands and Hitachi while on the same level as Makita or DeWalt runs away and hides when it comes to warranty. They break. They get fixed. No charge.

The other day they offered me a half inch drill with hammer drive for fifty bucks. The owner had broken the case and didn't want to pay for the repair. There was no battery but I have plenty. So I took it. As he was ringing it up the salesman looked up the tool with the serial number. I still have three years warranty on it left.

The best cordless out there in my book is the Panasonic. If I was able to replace all my cordless with Panasonic I'd do it in a heartbeat. The fourteen volt Panasonic drill or impact will work circles around an eighteen volt DeWalt. And it weighs half as much.

The cordless quarter inch impact is the one tool I believe a man can't live without. The closest thing I can compare it to is the opening on briefs that makes them not panties.

 

[MattS]

I have the black/white 18v lith makita cordless drill. I have used it to screw the metal onto two 50x80 sheds and many other projects. The drill is going on 4 years.

Pros- lightweight, long battery life, 15 min battery charge time, plenty of power

Cons- kit came with two batteries, simple fix- purchase a third

Overall, this is a great drill for the price. I highly recommend. If it is in your price range go for the combo which includes the impact.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[AndyMA]

Although I'd have to get a new charger, I'm told Milwaukee's 18V LiIon batteries will work with my existing nicad based tools.

Same is true of DeWalt and probably others.

Andy

 

[Builder]

Right now I'm using Hitachi Lithium Ion. The reason is for the warranty. My main supplier repairs all the major brands and Hitachi while on the same level as Makita or DeWalt runs away and hides when it comes to warranty. They break. They get fixed. No charge.

Milwaukee also has a 5 year warranty. I dropped a drill from 2 stories up with a long bit after it was 2 yrs old . It landed on the bit and bent the chuck slightly. Took it back and the service center fixed it on the spot while I waited.

I think these tools are just like truck brands. If you have good dealer/service, it makes that particular brand seem better than the others.

I like the American name brand (even though lots are made off-shore) and I notice more Milwaukees are used by tradesmen than any other brand in my neck of the woods. My 75 yr old father has Milwaukee saws & drills from the early 60's that still run perfect. I'd say 60% of the tools I see on my jobsites are Milwaukee.

 

[JB4310]

Man, we sure are faithful to our brand of cordless drills

Haven't seen this degree of brand loyalty except in the "what's the best diesel powered truck" threads

I also have a retired 12 volt Makita I might try and wire it for cig lighter cord, figure just gut a battery and use it as a blank with the two wires connected inside.

Any special wire or fuse consideration?

All my older corded hole hawgs and hammer drills are Milwaukee, their right angle drills are still decent though I burnt one out in 1 year, Use to swear by their hammer drills but they can not come close to the performance of Hilti in that category, never had their circ saw but see them the most on the job.

For the cordless drill I kinda went by what felt best in my hands.

JB.