Hello,
Does anyone have any suggestions when it comes to buying cordless drills. My friend just purchased a 15 volt cordless drill from Sears and was wondering if it had enough power to build outdoor furniture. I told him to check out Makita drills. I know they’re more expensive but they do last. would he be better off purchasing a 18 volt drill??? Depends on how much money you’ve got to spend I suppose I told him to buy what he could afford. I’d tend towards buying a Makita.
Wanda
Replies
Panasonic got a very good review recently in either FWW or FHB. Also, one with impact setting is apparetnly good for setting screws. Adds to the price but it apparently almost eliminates "cam-out" (the tendency to slip out of the slot). Of course, make sure it has a second battery. I've stayed away from Craftsman for many moons. I think the same article addressed voltage too..check archives. Consider weight and balance in the higher voltage drills too.
One thing that drives me nuts on my old Dewalt 12 v is that the chuck jaws are inside the keyless chuck. So if you have a short bit it's hard to chuck up.
Otherwise it's been a good drill. Others have said that the battery packs burn out quickly.
Best tool to have around though..it hurts to have to go back to the corded drill now but that's needed too for more demanding jobs.
good luck.
John
Does Panasonic have a drill with a impact setting on it? If they don't that would be a great idea. I rarely use the torque settings, but have heard good things about the impact drivers. Instead of the torque you could just flip/turn it impact.
I'm pretty sure I saw that a new one has an impact setting..kinda pricey though.
Johnny, Do you remember where you saw it and what brand it was? Are you sure it wasn't a deticated impact driver?
Wanda,
All brand name (and some off brand names) will do outdoor projects.
I own a 18v Makita - 1/2" chuck both at home and at work, along with a Bosch 9.6v (batteries on it's last legs). I have a Dewalt 12v at work as well.
I bought my brother a Sears 12v driver a few years back and it's dead. He doesn't build much so that tells me they are not very good.
I would stick with one of the big tool guys. Makita, Dewalt, Porter-Cable etc.
Find one that fits your hand and has good balance. A million torque settings isn't necessary.
If money is the issue and you need power. Buy a corded drill driver. They are usually much less expensive. Get one with a keyless chuck. They occasionally come with standard key chuck. That is along as you can get an extension cord to your work location.
I wish my Bosch batteries weren't almost dead. It's powerful and light. Batteries cost more than a whole new driver. So it's on it's way to the tool graveyard. Pity...
I wouldn't be with out my 18v Makita but it's heavy. At work I reach for my Dewalt most of the time. Less weight and most of the guys have Dewalts so I can always pop my batteries in their charger. (Or borrow one of their batteries.)
I am about to buy another driver for home and a new one for my brother Since my Makita came with a universal charger I am going to get a 12v Makita.
Is there a COSTCO in your area? They have some great deals on tools.
Len
Len,
My reliable old Bosch 9.6V was on the disabled list recently, and I, too, fretted about having to replace a perfectly good drill/driver because of dead old batteries.
I went through a local Bosch authorized service center and was able to purchase new 9.6 batteries for about $40 apiece. I expect several more years of faithful service and the price was right (certainly much less than if it had been an 18V tool)!
Don't give up yet,Paul
Hi,
Thanks for your advise regarding cordless drills. I'll tell my friend to check out the Makita drills. There is a Cosco near where I live so I'll check that out. See if they have any drills.
Wanda
Len, if you go to a battery wholesaler, they should have the individual cells for sale much cheaper than a new battery. All you need to do is open up the case and soder the wires onto the new cells. Hope this helps
Andrew
Wanda,
I currently use a Makita 1/2 inch 18V and have been since my makita 9V burned out, it was a well deserved retirement for that cordless workhorse as it got me through numerous (6)rental house renovations and my own house additions and stuff, I built a 10 x 12 shed with it including trusses out of all screws for fasteners. I still have it, thinking that I will send it in to be refurbished someday.
The 18V is heavy but it too deserves my praise as it lasts ( 2 batts are a must for any cordless ) and does everything I ask it to do.
However I was just at the Tampa Fl woodworking show and stopped at the ( very small ) Makita display and got talked into trying their new impact drill driver and that will be the next one that I buy ! It is small and really powerful which surprised me. I think it was 14V and about $230 .
These cordless drills are indespensable and if I really think about it are the most used tool in my shop.
I hope this helps.
Bill
I was given a Bosch 14.4v for Christmas and I love it. It replaced a 10 yr old 12v Porter Cable with dead batteries. I looked into purchasing new batteries but they would have cost more than a new drill.
The Bosch cordless drill was given an Editor's Choice in the Fall 2003 AW Tools issue.
I have other Bosch tools and am very happy with them.
I've had the Panasonic for 15+ years, and have a 2-3 year old one too, which I only bought because it was almost cheaper to get a new drill with two batteries then just one battery. ( Well, that is my excuse..) I really like them, the balance is nicer then any thing I've picked up, and I've looked! Balance and being able to line the drive bit up with your arm is very important after driving 200 screws. I think you don't need the 18 volt ones, they really do weight a ton, and I'm a big guy. If your using it for more then ten holes or screws that weight is a problem. With 15 min chargers and spare battery packs you will not need to carry the extra battery weight of the 18 volt ones all the time. Try to pick up and hold each one for 5 min., and lift it over your head, try as many drills as you can before you buy. I also saw the FWW/FHB review, and agree with them. They are expensive but you'll still be using it in ten years.Edward
Edited 5/26/2003 2:06:54 PM ET by EF
You have answers all over the spectrum. So I will add mine to the mix. Your friends current drill may very well suit there purpose so give it a try that is the only way to tell. For a person who uses a drill infrequently I always recommend a corded model then you never worry about the batteries as long as you can get a cord to what you are doing. For the home owner who's wife keeps them busy with various projects I have a 12 vold Black and Decker Firestorm that has served me well. Many will tell you its a piece of junk but it has served its purpose without investing more in the drill than the materials for a project. I would not try and make my living with it or use it 8 hrs a day but for my purpose it works. At work I need a cordless with very low torque so a 7.2 volt Ryobi has worked very well. If your friends Craftsman can not perform up to expectations and they are planning other projects then look at the Dewalts, Makita, Porter Cable, Bosh etc. Find one that is comfortable both from a hand feel and weight perspective along with price and give them a try.
I have an 18v DeWalt and wouldn't trade it for anything. It'll drive and drive and drive. A true workhorse. Batteries charge quickly and last a long time.
Wanda,
Many (~10) years ago the company I worked for purchased some 12V Panasonics for ~$280. By far the best cordless on the market at the time. ~5 years ago I purchased a DeWalt 12V (model DW972, drill on right in pic) and even better, cost me ~$240.
About a year ago, the charger and a battery toasted on the DeWalt. Cost of a new battery and charger was close to that of a new drill kit with 2 batteries and a charger, so I bought a new "kit" supposably the "same" model DW972. NO COMPARISON to the original. Horrific fit and workmanship. Definitely not the same tool (same model # though). Even the original 5 year old battery holds a charge better than the one of the newer ones.
That much said, a good 12V (Panasonic?) will provide all the power you need, certainly enough to snap a #12 screw. High volts just add to the weight of the tool and almost defeat the purpose of it being portable.
I can't recommend anything specifically though as I have little experience with what is currently on the (ever changing dynamic) market. But, stay away from Craftsman and DeWalt.
Jon
Makita 9.6 volt drills with stick type batteries - drills are cheap, batteries are cheap and available everywhere. I have 4 of these, 6 batteries, 2 chargers strapped to the wall so I can put batteries in and out with 1 hand. Pilot bit in 1, final size bit in another, driver bit in the third and the forth for whatever. Drill bit guns on high speed - driver gun on low speed. Also a leather holster on my belt. Work all day without hassels!
The people that use them daily: electricians, sheetmetal workers, millwrights etc. all use either DeWalt or the "new one" Milwaukee. DeWalt does have two model lines now the original and the XRP which is their heavier duty/longer battery life model.
There was a comparison in one of the recent WW magazines that compared the different brands ands recommended the 14.4 volt for handyman use.
My 2 cents,
Jim
I got the 18 Volt XRP Hammer Drill from Dewalt about a year ago and i love the thing, tons of power, but the one bad thing i can say about it after picking up woodworking is that the battery is freaking heavy. I'm not a weak person and it wears my arm out when using it for long periods. The power is great when i'm drilling in metal or concrete but it might be a bit of overkill for a woodshop.
JD
Wanda,
I can't answer your question. I use a couple cordless drills but they're old, I think from about the time my daughter was born a bit more than 16 years ago. If I'd bought cheap ones, I'd likely have more recent purchase experience. As it is, I bought what was probably the best drills on the market at the time. I did wear out the chucks and replaced them and I've gone through a few 9.6 volt batteries but the drills both run like they're new. Those drills look a little ragged and haven't been coddled along but, as long as Makita keeps making 9.6 volt batteries, it looks like I'll still be using the same old drills. I wish I could say the same for a number of other tools I've bought over the years.
Larry, Your post hit home with me. I have two old makitas, a 9.5 and a 7.2 that have been through a lot. They're old enough to have come in metal cases, not plastic. Both chucks have been replaced with keyless types.
i can not seem to throw my dead screwguns away.
the realy funny ones are the twin 18v dewalts that i've incapacitated.
i'm on my fourth dewalt (had a 14.4v first). as a jobsite workhorse, it is my first choice.
for the woodshop, i have an awesome 19.2 porter cable. it is the cleanest screwgun i've ever had, and hopefully will remain in that condition.
the other ones are in a pile of dead power tools which will probably become a large sculpture.
good luck rg
I'll throw my 2cents in- - I've been on a trim job for the last 10 weeks, and the cordless drill is a regular topic - -
I'll agree with those who laud the Makita 9.6v (and 7.2v) - I've had a 9.6v for >15 years and I can't kill it - just starting the 4th set of batteries - ebay has great prices on new batteries btw (and drills, for that matter) - now, what these drills do lack is wrist breaking power -
on the aformentioned job a fellow had a 19.2 PC, and it was a pleasure to use - we drilled oak doors for backsets/locksets (2 1/4" forstner) and it didn't blink - the weight is the price you pay -
another fellow had a 14.4 Milwaulkee, and it is a good tool - the rap on it was that the owner had a battery die within a year of purchase and had to spend $80 for a new one - I don't think this is a 'Milwaukee problem' per se - rather old fashioned bad luck, getting an inferior battery - Milwaukee would not do anything on it, however -
yet another fellow with a 22 replacement window job coming up was also in a quandry, needing a powerfull drill, and uncertain where value lay - you've got Sears @ $90 for an 18v up to Milwaukee @ $300+ - and all those other brands in between -
the collective experience of the crew was that the drill itself doesn't break/wear out, rather things like the battery retaining mechanism (nice coffee table story earlier in this thread) deteriorates, or the batteries wear out - (remember ebay) -
with this in mind, the fellow needing to purchase went the 'cheap' route, and got the Chinese Sears - 18v drill, charger, two batteries, and case for $90 - (case was pretty chinsy) and for 15% of the purchase price got a 2 year replacement warranty - anything fails, bring the whole kit in for a complete new one - -
a good deal? - - I don't know, it will be interesting to see - the tool itself is comfortable to hold, there seems no obvious weaknesses, other than the latches on the case are going to fail - - I personally have a hard timewith the country of origen - - I did see Makita 18v @ $179 - and with my positive experience with their 9.6v model, am considering it - but since the job is over, and I have corded units already paid for, I'll probably just think about it <G>
regards, DOUD
I've got a 14.4v Makita and have been satisfied with it. Check out ToolCrib/Amazon's recon tools. New tool warranty/ good prices/free shipping. I like the 14.4's; to me they are a good compromise between power (more than a 12v) and weight (not as heavy as an 18v). I haven't totally bought into all this cordless business. If it were my first drill or if I could only have one drill, it wouldn't be a cordless. For what the Makita cost, you could get a far more capable drill with a cord.
Most important thing: Get one with TWO batteries and a "smart" charger. Some chargers have a "quick recharge" mode that will get a tired battery fully charged before you can wear out the second battery you are using. Smart chargers don't require you to press a button to start the charge process. They evaluate the battery condition as soon as it is inserted, then apply the appropriate current to charge it.
We've used Makita and Dewalt in the university shop I teach in. 14 volt makitas and 18 volt dewalts. Both have survived everything we throw at them, including almost daily drops on the floor. The Dewalts seem to last longer (bigger battery helps) but are heavier to use. Oh yea, the clips that hold Dewalt batteries in can break, meaning you'll have to tape the battery in place if it happens. Happened to one of our drills. Bad "feature".
I had to replace a 9.6v Makita of my own, and knowing that Black&Decker drills are made by dewalt, I picked up an 14v B&D with two batteries and a charger in a case at walmart for <$90. (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=1953870&cat=107219&type=1&dept=5428&path=0%3A5428%3A51199%3A4093%3A107219) This model has a snap off chuck, which reveals a hex slot for driver bits beneath it. VERY convenient if you're gonna be drilling hole and then driving a screw into it.
But if you're primarily going to be driving screws, get anyone's impact driver and a second drill for hole-making. I tested several maker's impact drivers at IWF last year and was amazed at all of them. Great technology, but not for drilling holes.
4DThinker
Edited 5/28/2003 12:04:24 AM ET by 4DTHINKER
Well here's my 2 cents worth. I've had my 14v Porter Cable with the half inch chuck for over 3 years now. In my opinion its been the best $175 I ever spent on a tool. I use it regularly. It has loads of power and is really well built and has never let me down.
I just saw the Hitachi 14v at Lowes for $79. Does anybody have any experience with this drill? It comes with 2 batteries and a flashlight. Seems like a good deal for a backup to the PC. Comments please.
4D, I think the tool makers should and might be coming out with a drill that with the flip of a lever turn into a impact driver. wouldn't that be a great feature?
the only thing cordless really cant do is those tenon cutters in rustic furniture. They run too fast and dont have the needed torque.
However your friend can make outdoor furniture with that drill. There are better out there and there are worse drills. The main thing to remember is ***Use Sharp bits and tools*** not even the best cordless drill can handle a dull rusty broken bit...
im really happy with my new 15.6 panasonic, ive forsaken the yellow stuff. Makita is a great brand as well.
Unless youre making a living with your drill, 9v to 14ish v will suffice. 18v+ are really designed for professionals.
However people should never discount the corded drills, never have to recharge them, always have the torque you need and are very reasonable priced.
Corded drills can actually be necessary. Drilling holes in wood requires high RPM which cordless drills don't have. I just bought a Kreg K2000 and Kreg calls for a drilling speed of 2500 RPM to give their stepped drill bit a good life and to drill clean holes.
I keep a low cost air driven drill for small holes (1/16th) in hardwoods - nice holes at 10,000 RPM. The smaller the bit the faster it needs to turn.
The old machinists rule for drill speed is 4 times the cutting speed (for example high speed steel drilling mild steel the cutting speed is 100) divided by the diameter. So a 1/4 inch HSS bit in mild steel would turn 4 x 100/ .25 = 1600 RPM. Cutting speeds for various tools and materials can be looked up in machinists or engineers manuals. If I remember correctly the cutting speed for a typical hardwood is about 300 which calls for a 1/4 inch bit to turn 4800 RPM for optimum drilling.
Most cordless drills have a max speed of about 1200 RPM.
If all you have ever used is a slow speed drill try a fast drill and a quality bit - you will be amazed!
i have three makita 14.4 industrial grade drills the oldest is over 5 years and i use them all day everyday installing kitchen cabinets
be careful with the makitas and maybe others too, they have two lines of 14.4, HO grade and prograde, the difference being almost everything but the voltage
ie battery capacity, size of motor, charger type, biggest clue with the makita is replaceble brushes, cheaper one cant do it
Wanda,
i have a cheapie Grizzly 14 volt, and it has been adequate for my use. i do some restoration type work, and remodeling; general stuff. it's not too hefty, and has a fair amount of power
and torque. the whole kit was about $80.00 have fun!
casey..
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled