battery powered drills

[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.