Cordless Drill help

[unkadug]

I'm looking to purchase a new cordless drill after someone decided they liked mine better than I did.

I'd had the old one for at least eight years, so I'm due for an upgrade.

I'm looking for something with a 1/2" chuck
standard drill (hammerdrill not required as I have a corded one)
18 volt... at least
Also need an extra battery and charger for use at job sites.

The Lithium Ion batteries seem to be much better than the old ni-cad batteries...thoughts?


I've been looking at the http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2601-22

Anybody have any thoughts on this drill or any other reviews

 

[englanddg]

Not used that particular one, but I have used Milwaukee drills before, and wouldn't rate them much higher than a Black and Decker (not that there is anything wrong with either brand)

For durability and total system flexibility (something I consider when spending money on cordless), plus use ability, I am partial to DeWalt. They also do the compact LiION batteries, but at 20 V, not 18 V.

The last set I bought came with a cordless 3" trim saw (largest of its class at the time without going to a full circular saw, but perfect for remodeling / small projects, and powerful enough to cut 3/4 ply or a 2 by, a drill, a flashlight, a dual charger and an extra battery. It's a few years old, and has been well used (and abused, more than once I have dropped that drill from greater than a 6 foot height, and I love them!

 

[Nemo14]

DH recommends this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/203466...&productId=203466914&R=203466914#.UczmYejD-M8

 

[englanddg]

I guess it really comes down to what you plan to use it for? I mean, how often and what sort of projects, not just "drilling"! (Grin)

Some cordless drills are better general use drills, some are nothing more than glorifies screw guns.

I certainly wouldn't buy a drill until you've gone to a store and physically picked one up WITH BATTERY. Balance on a drill is important. I would even go so far as to say you should pretend you are using it (like, how does it feel at odd angles, being held elevated above your head, etc...). You may get odd looks at the store, but it's better than figuring out the drill isn't well balanced when you are up on a ladder trying to mount drapes with one hand on the screw, and the other on the drill!

 

[unkadug]

I guess it really comes down to what you plan to use it for? I mean, how often and what sort of projects, not just "drilling"! (Grin)

Some cordless drills are better general use drills, some are nothing more than glorifies screw guns.

I certainly wouldn't buy a drill until you've gone to a store and physically picked one up WITH BATTERY. Balance on a drill is important. I would even go so far as to say you should pretend you are using it (like, how does it feel at odd angles, being held elevated above your head, etc...). You may get odd looks at the store, but it's better than figuring out the drill isn't well balanced when you are up on a ladder trying to mount drapes with one hand on the screw, and the other on the drill!

Weight is definitely a factor. The old one we kept in the van was the heaviest of all of them, hence it's banishment from the work bench to the van (and it's eventual loss). Usually it will be used for screwing wire-ties to wood using 1" sheet-rock screws (a lot of time overhead) and your random hole saw usage for wiring access through plywood counter tops.

 

[Clamman73]

I'm looking to purchase a new cordless drill after someone decided they liked mine better than I did.

I'd had the old one for at least eight years, so I'm due for an upgrade.

I'm looking for something with a 1/2" chuck
standard drill (hammerdrill not required as I have a corded one)
18 volt... at least
Also need an extra battery and charger for use at job sites.

The Lithium Ion batteries seem to be much better than the old ni-cad batteries...thoughts?


I've been looking at the http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2601-22

Anybody have any thoughts on this drill or any other reviews

I have that Milwaukee one at work that I've used for a few years now...It's got a lot of torque and the battery lasts pretty good, but I think one of the batteries is starting to act up a bit. I work in a saltwater environment, so have to take that in account. I've gone through a bunch of DeWalts because of batteries dying. What else....a Makita cordless is done because of the chuck slips, but the impact driver still works.

For personal use I was looking at the Ridgid combo that's $199. 18volt lithium that also comes with the impact driver and radio. The good thing is the batteries have a lifetime warranty and I think the drill also.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-1...mbo-Kit-2-Tool-R9600/203266851#specifications

 

[unkadug]

I have that Milwaukee one at work that I've used for a few years now...It's got a lot of torque and the battery lasts pretty good, but I think one of the batteries is starting to act up a bit. I work in a saltwater environment, so have to take that in account. I've gone through a bunch of DeWalts because of batteries dying. What else....a Makita cordless is done because of the chuck slips, but the impact driver still works.

For personal use I was looking at the Ridgid combo that's $199. 18volt lithium that also comes with the impact driver and radio. The good thing is the batteries have a lifetime warranty and I think the drill also.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-1...mbo-Kit-2-Tool-R9600/203266851#specifications

Lifetime warranty on a battery is amazing! I'll definitely look into that!

 

[englanddg]

Weight is definitely a factor. The old one we kept in the van was the heaviest of all of them, hence it's banishment from the work bench to the van (and it's eventual loss). Usually it will be used for screwing wire-ties to wood using 1" sheet-rock screws (a lot of time overhead) and your random hole saw usage for wiring access through plywood counter tops.

I've got a pair of Ryobis we use at work for the same sort of application that do just fine...though, I have a DeWalt corded drill for deeper hole sawing (we have to go through desks, and some of them are built like tanks! Smell the burning wood!)

As far as mounted wire ties, thought about just getting a medium powered screw gun? I've used one before (makings, I think) when I was doing POS (Point Of Sale) installs and the smaller size and weight was great for tight spaces.

 

[englanddg]

Something like this....

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/cordless-screwdrivers--screwguns-screwdrivers-dcf610s2.aspx

 

[unkadug]

I've got a pair of Ryobis we use at work for the same sort of application that do just fine...though, I have a DeWalt corded drill for deeper hole sawing (we have to go through desks, and some of them are built like tanks! Smell the burning wood!)

As far as mounted wire ties, thought about just getting a medium powered screw gun? I've used one before (makings, I think) when I was doing POS (Point Of Sale) installs and the smaller size and weight was great for tight spaces.

I just like the versatility of using the same tool whether mounting wires or drilling through a 75 year old pulpit for a microphone shock mount. I also HATE having the smaller drills die on me in mid job.

 

[xdan0920]

Lifetime warranty on a battery is amazing! I'll definitely look into that!

I have that exact combo. I am a big fan. The battery has a solid life, and the tools are sturdy and light. A bonus is, the battery charges FAST. I would reccomend picking up a second battery if it's for work though.

 

[englanddg]

Sorry, this thread wouldn't be complete without this...

 

[englanddg]

I just like the versatility of using the same tool whether mounting wires or drilling through a 75 year old pulpit for a microphone shock mount. I also HATE having the smaller drills die on me in mid job.

I can understand that completely.

There are some reviews of that drill (the Milwaukee one) on youtube, have you checked there?

The one I watched gave it rather high marks.

 

[unkadug]

Sorry, this thread wouldn't be complete without this...

Binford tools...MORE POWER!!!

 

[unkadug]

I can understand that completely.

There are some reviews of that drill (the Milwaukee one) on youtube, have you checked there?

The one I watched gave it rather high marks.

I will...thanks

 

[luv]

I don't know about chucks, but I got a Black and Decker decades ago and it's been used more than once on masonry...borrowed a lot...still works with the same battery thingies and everything. I know you pay for the name, but it's a good name.

For what it's worth.

 

[Freshee61]

Hubby just bought another makita last weekend. He says those are the best and says the ryobis are garbage. He bought the $100 one. That's all I've got .

 

[englanddg]

Hubby just bought another makita last weekend. He says those are the best and says the ryobis are garbage. He bought the $100 one. That's all I've got .

He's not wrong...generally Ryobis are garbage. But, we got a good deal on the ones at work, and they've performed well.

That being said, I've had Makitas literally fall apart on me, but that was more than a decade ago, and I am sure they have improved.

 

[unkadug]

See ...I had never heard anything good nor bad about Ryobi or Makita.

I've got several Black and Decker's on the workbench, which I love/hate for several different reasons. The one I love, you can't buy anymore. The ones I hate are the newer ones which are heavier, bulkier, or awkward...etc.

 

[Master Yoda]

See ...I had never heard anything good nor bad about Ryobi or Makita.

I've got several Black and Decker's on the workbench, which I love/hate for several different reasons. The one I love, you can't buy anymore. The ones I hate are the newer ones which are heavier, bulkier, or awkward...etc.

Ryobi is fine for home use. You get a good deal of bang for your buck, but they will not take 40 hours a week of punishment. For that you need Dewalt, Rigid or Bosh.

Most of what I have around the house is Ryobi and they serve me well, but they spend most of their time in the tool box. The 2 tools that I have that I did not want to compromise on are my sawzall and my masonry drill. I have a Dewalt and Bosh respectively. I can cut down a Sequoia with the sawzall and even after 18 years my Bosh masonry drill melts through 1940's era high strength concrete with river rock for aggregate like it was butter.

If you are using these things for work, which is sounds like you are, buy quality.

You also might want to look into Direct Tools Factory outlet. They sell factory reconditioned tools that still carry the same manufacturers warranty. I have purchased everything from a compound miter saw to a heavy duty paper shredder there and nothing has let me down.