Cordless drill suggestions

[SmokinDodge]

Brian I have about a month and a half on this setup ( http://shopfloortalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37399) and couldn't be happier with battery life, charge time and general bad ass-ness.

The impact driver is used daily, the drill weekly.

[mccutter]

I've used Ryobi 18v for many years. I have some drills (white label) that are well over 10 years old and get used almost daily. Only issue is the stop "clutch" no longer works so the drills freewheel.

The ni-cad batteries would last until the warranty ended which was 2 years. And when they go, they go quickly. The Li-ion batteries, which is all I have now, have lasted 4 years or so but it is time to start replacing them.

There are many, many different tools that use this battery, the "One+" it is called, including paint sprayer, caulking gun, string trimmer, etc. The tools I use almost daily are the drills, 1/4" bit impact driver, 4-1/2" grinder and flashlight. The air compressor/float pump and leaf blower get used on occasion. I had a fan that didn't put out much so I returned it. The radios (old style) I've had have all eventually failed at the switch.

If you are convenient to a Home Depot, the combo kit may not be a bad purchase, especially if it is on sale.

[mtnkrake]

I have Makita 18v Li ion. They are great. I have hammer drill, impact driver, metal circular saw and wood circular saw. Oh yeah a florescent light too. They have great battery life. Way better than my old Makita's.

[MAC702]

Originally Posted by Bender

I can't complain about my 18V Dewalts. I've been told it worse on the batteries to leave them on the charger all the time?

Are they Ni-Cd or Li-Ion? The former should limit the charges when not depleted, and should not stay on a charger unless the charger is specifically designed for "tune up" mode.

[Brian C.]

Thanks for all the feedback folks.

[cutter]

Brian, I've been really pleased with both sets of Milwaukee drill/impact drivers that I bought 2 or 3 years ago.
I keep the heavier pair in the shop & carry the smaller M18's with me daily.
I suspect that your use of them would be similar to mine: I don't use them heavily or even daily but when I need them, they need to be ready.
That's where they really shine.

I just got an email from Northern offering the M18 set for $199.99 with free shipping. That's what I paid in the sale I caught at HodePo 2 or 3 years ago.
5 year warranty.

[LW Hiway]

A couple of years ago I bought a combo pack of DeWalt cordless drill

With all of the suggestions and user complaints and glowing praises of the different cordless tools out there these days, it's a hard bet to find what fits your fancy.

Personally, and I say this with much tapping on wood I guess, I own a pair of Dewalts(forget the battery size and type) and have had them now for a good 10 years or so.

My problem is, I have had no problems with the 2 ea batteries for each drill or the chargers or the drills themselves.

One of the drills that see's the most use and is carried in the back of the truck and travels for use at the apt and farm is showing it's age as I'm wearing off layers of the nice hand rubber grips etc. but not to the point that it will ever be rendered useless because of this.

I've never replaced the batteries and when the batteries are fresh charged I can get good time in use use before a charge is needed.

Seems they are 14v and not 18's, but would have to look to make sure. I know they are not longer than 4 or 5 inches and not the long shoe looking batteries I'm seeing on newer drills of today.

I find them lighter and easier to use. But that's just me.

I've wanted to try the new Rigids, but until I have my Dewalts crap out, I'm not seeing a benifit to buying as yet.

Good luck on your purchase. I'd have to say I'd give the Rigid or Milwaulki's a try next.

[Shade Tree Welder]

I have had good luck with DeWalt 18V XR2 batts. Run then down until they
are dead. Charge em full over night then pull them out of the charger store
them full. I have 3 that I rotate...

[Bolt]

I had a few DeWalt XRP drills, then a brief stop with a pair of Makita Li-Ion drills, not overly impressed.

Then a few years back I bought my first Milwaukee M18 drill. I have never looked back. I used to think cordless tools weren't that handy. Now I have over a dozen. Several 1/2 drills. 1/2 impact (awesome, air compressor and service truck stay in the shop). 1/4 driver impact. 4 1/2 grinder. Flood lamp. Hackswall.
Then a few M12's. Grease gun (best cordless grease gun on the market, yet I'm in line for the new M18 model), right angle drill, mini hackswall, oscillating tool, that's all I can think of right now. Wait, I forgot the heated jacket, complete with cell phone charger!

I'm very impressed with their entire lineup. I recently had to warranty an older drill, along with one newer battery pack. No questions asked.
I also dropped the 1/2 impact from 16 feet the other day, got lucky and did it no harm.

The Milwaukee tools can be found on sale and good deals on combo packs often. I pick em up as needed, and then wonder how I ever lived without.

[Bender]

Originally Posted by MAC702

Are they Ni-Cd or Li-Ion? The former should limit the charges when not depleted, and should not stay on a charger unless the charger is specifically designed for "tune up" mode.

Ni-Cd, they seem to do ok, but I've never bought another brand.

Originally Posted by Brian C.

Thanks for all the feedback folks.

Glad we could narrow it down for you