Replies

1. 
   DaveR | Feb 22, 2005 11:10pm | #1

   Another magazine with the word "Wood" in the title recently had a review on cordless drills, though not the 18 volts models. They really liked the Panasonic 15.4 volt because of the long battery life. I actually bought one about a week before the article came out because the owner of the local tool store couldn't say enough about it. Not to confuse the matters worse but the Panasonic might be another to consider as well. I haven't put it though heavy abuse yet but it is relatively light and yet strong enough for any I've done thus far. I had a Milwaukee before. I really liked the power, (almost takes your wrist off) but the battery life was just average. The drive shaft eventually broke after 1.5 years of use.

   Dave

2. 
   woodensplinter | Feb 22, 2005 11:59pm | #2

   There's such a large variety of cordless tools available nowadays its hard to make a decision.  Myself, I lean toward the DeWalt brand, not because their drill is any better than anybody else's but because they have the largest selection of cordless tools.  It drives me nuts to have umpteen different batteries and chargers laying around.  With the DeWalt, I can have a couple or three batteries and an assortment of tools.  Buy your first tool or two with batteries and the rest without.  Could save enough cash to buy an extra tool or two.

3. 
   dude | Feb 23, 2005 09:21am | #3

   I bought the entire kit DW 3 years ago   IMHO its a pos

   Wore out the recip saw last fall totally after which i met a saales rep who told me they have a rebuild plan where they fix the tools for a set price per tool which i did

   In the mean time i bought the Bosch  kit what a differance .

   the recip has two lengths and runs smoother

   the  circ saw will really cut 2" material whill the DW barely cuts 1/2" ply

   the  jig saw works better than any corded one i have

   the  hammer drill seems to be more powerful than the Dw and  smoother on  hammer

    

   I now carry the DW for  backup  but have never needed it

   DW & B&D are  home owner tools imho

4. 
   RobbyP | Feb 23, 2005 01:05pm | #4

   I am with dude.  I would go with a Bosch.  I wore out a DeWalt 18V in a little over a year.  I have put the Bosch through its paces and it is awesome.  I have actually become quite a Bosch fan and have never had any complaints with all of their tools that I own.

   Hope this helps,

   Robby Phelps RP Custom Woodworks 

1. 
   davidnike | Feb 24, 2005 12:38am | #5

   I'm also a fan of bosch tools, I use a 24 v green DIY cordless drill onsite and allthough the battery could last longer the drill has lasted over a year!

   I'll definately be looking at their professional range as i come to tool up over the next year.

5. 
   Peter36 | Feb 24, 2005 04:49am | #6

   I am with dude as well. My 18 DW is on its 3rd set of batteries, second charger. Needs a new chuck and is generally a POS. By the way, they also make the worst circ. saws ever.

6. 
   Malloy2536 | Feb 25, 2005 12:31am | #7

   Don't buy the porter cable I have one the battery charger doesn't hold up and the chuck lets louse all the time. Mine is only a 1.5 old and I've had to swap one charger out and buy one.

7. 
   Shoeman | Feb 26, 2005 03:38am | #8

   Not as many tools to go with the batteries, but, hard to beat a Panasonic for a drill

    

   What are you going to be using it for?  Have you considered an impact driver - it will change your life

1. 
   steve0 | Feb 26, 2005 04:13am | #9

   Do you think that the impact driver isn't overkill for fine work?

1. 
   Shoeman | Feb 28, 2005 02:54am | #10

   guess that depends on the definition of fine

   I like to use mine for cabinet installs because of the compact size

1. 
   steve0 | Feb 28, 2005 08:34am | #12

   i will use it for cabinet-making joinery, hinge installation, installing latches and strikes on doors and windows, etc.

1. 
   Shoeman | Mar 01, 2005 04:06am | #16

   I use mine for all that stuff, but sounds like a drill would work fine for you.

2. 
   Malloy2536 | Feb 28, 2005 05:19am | #11

   I've looked at the impact divers but my questions is are they to stronge that they will snape the screws? You say that you use it for cabinet install . How do they work for oak face frames?

1. 
   Shoeman | Mar 01, 2005 04:05am | #15

   I have been using them for attaching the face frame of one cabinet to the other on several installs with oak and maple.  I drill a pilot hole and have not had any more problems snaping screws than I used to with a regular drill.  Like I say -  the size is great.

8. 
   user-358367 | Mar 01, 2005 12:47am | #13

   Steve; I started with 9.6 V Makitas way back when and have worked my way through the voltage line. As far as manufacturers I've had Porter Cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt, and even Craftsman, which worked suprisingly well. Last fall it became apparent that I was in desperate need of a upgrade I began to look at Ridgid. For $200 and change I got a 18V 1/2 chuck, 2 Batteries, Dual Battery Charger plus tons of features on this drill. The charger itself is great, 30 minutes, done. As far as the drill my only complaint is the weight. Not for the feint of heart. Very comfortable to use smooth and more power than you will ever want.

    I didn't read any reviews before buying but have since. Some of the cons I've read have been that the battery life is average, but with two batteries included and a 30 minute charge time I've never found this to be anywhere near an issue.

    After a few months of use I liked this drill/driver so much I just had to go back to Home Depot and get the Hammer Drill/Circular Saw/ Flashlight Combo pack. It was a no brainer. $297 for the combo with a HD tool bag, 2 batteries and another dual charger. My Milwaukee Hammer Drill and 7 1/4" circular saw haven't been plugged in since I've gotten this set. I put 36- 1/4" holes 2" deep into my foundation the other day hanging pegboard with the same battery. Not bad for average life. The only "con" other than weight I can find is the hammer drill has a two handed chuck on it. I don't know why Ridgid put a different chuck on the hammer drill than on the drill/driver. Maybe it has to do with the hammer action. Either way it is not a major inconvienence. Both chucks lock up solid with no slip.

   You won't go wrong with any of the names your looking at. In fact Dewalt seems to come out on top in most reviews, just figure I would weigh in with my opinion. But all other things being equal Orange and Gray looks sooo much cooler than Yellow.

   Good Luck

   Keith

    

1. 
   SteveZ | Mar 01, 2005 01:56am | #14

   Keith, yours was the most thorough response I've gotten to date from my initial inquiry.  Wish I would have gotten it last week.  I had received so many suggestions to go get the Bosch that I did so and found that I really like it.  It is much smoother than the DW and the power is incredible.  I was told by Lowes that they can't keep the Bosch models in stock as the contractors keep buying them up.  I'm mearly a finishing carpenter and furniture maker on the side of my career-related work, but wanted a good drill/driver yet.  (Kept hearing horror stories about DeWalt owners that had used and cracked the drive-shafts within the first year or so.)

   Thanks again for your response

1. 
   user-358367 | Mar 01, 2005 11:21pm | #17

   Steve; Sorry I didn't see your posting earlier. I'm sure you'll do great with the Bosch. From all that I hear they make some great tools.

    These forums are great though because in all the reviews I've read no mention of driveshafts breaking in Dewalts. That's why you can only put so much weight into reviews. Real life expierience of guys who use and abuse these tools on a daily basis helps guys like you and me decide on what will work for us.

    Thanks for the feedback and the info on Dewalt.

   Happy screwing with your new Bosch.

   Keith

9. 
   paule38 | Mar 02, 2005 02:49am | #18

   Steve..I see you've gone out and bought a Bosch, from what I've seen it will serve you well....I've been using a Porter Cable 19.2 volt on commercial jobs for the past 5 years now and all my co-workers are using Dewalt junk and have to replace batteries yearly, my PC is still on the original batts and runs longer at 5 yrs old than their brand new batts.....you've made a good choice from what i've read...now my concern over PC's is that they were bought out by Black and Decker last year so I'm looking at either ridgid or bosch........good luck.....

1. 
   SteveZ | Mar 02, 2005 04:51pm | #19

   I'd go with the Bosch over the Rigid; I've never used a drill that is so well balanced and with such power.

1. 
   steve0 | Mar 03, 2005 10:36pm | #20

   This is really interesting. I started a post with respect to the same question and it seems that the consensus is in favor of Bosch and Porter C. For what it is worth, one reply to my post urged me to look into the Panasonics and the Metabos (I had never heard of Metabo). Panasonic has a relatively high manufactuers list price, but sells on Amazon for much less (although it is still relatively expensive). I have not gotten one Makita recommendation, nor has anyone suggested Festool or Fein or Hilti (all German mades) and very fine tools. Rigid, as i understand it, is a subsidiary of Home Depot -- is their stuff credible? Does anybody out there want to comment on the merits of the Bosch versus the Panasonic or any of these others? I haven't read the FW reviews and comparisons of cordless drill drivers, but this could be very helpful to all of the people who read this site in deeeloping some lore about the various options.

1. 
   DDay | Mar 07, 2005 04:19am | #21

   Makita makes very nice tools.  Amazon has a deal on the impact driver now.  Buy the impact driver and get a 14.4v cordless drill free.  I had a makita that worked great and lasted forever.  I've had a PC 19.2 for 4 years now, no complaints.  Next will probably be a milwaukee or Bosch because of dewalt buying PC and delta.  I just don't trust them, I've heard too much complaint.  I think they're just an outstanding marketing company who happens to sell tools too.

   Also, you may want to wait a few weeks, milwaukee is coming out with a 28 volt cordless series that is supposed to be lighter and better in every way than any 18 volt.  I don't know about the price though, could be steep.

   Festools have a great rep but one heck of a price tag.  I'm going to look at their jig saw ($260 vs $160 bosch) because its supposed to be the best out there.  Everything else though, even if its the best its just much too much money.  The festool drill does come with a right angle attachment and a few accessories but its $400 whereas you can get a pc, bosch, dewalt, milwaukee, etc. for $250 area.

2. 
   paule38 | Mar 09, 2005 06:38pm | #23

   Steve...over in the "knots" section I started a forum concerning the Ridgid line of tools as I needed a new cordless drill and wanted to see what real users wanted to say about them.....I've had nothing but fantastic results with my trusty PC 19.2, but now that B&D owns them I'm not risking buying another one....

3. 
   adastra | Mar 31, 2005 03:54pm | #32

   Late to jump in but if anyone reads this while researching I can recommend the Panasonic. I've used the Dewalt, and Porter Cables in professional assembly and cabinet installations and chose the Panasonic for my own shop when it was time to upgrade.However I bought the 12v with their new 2.0mh NiMh batteries. It is a great size (especially for cab installations), really well balanced, good chuck, and the weight is nice. If you are using it for lengths of time ergonomics are a big deal.I have tendonitis so I really pay attention to that and the Panasonic doesn't aggravate the elbow.Also the runtime is great. But I am comparing to nickel cadmium batteries so don't know how much that speaks to Panasonic or just the new battery tech.

4. 
   Festool4 | Apr 05, 2005 03:53am | #33

   We are voting, right?  :o)

    

   Presently, I have three cordless drills: Panasonic, Bosch, and Dewalt. The Panasonic just has amazing power—very hard to beat, but the chuck is something of a pain; it grips very well, but is difficult to exchange bits. The Dewalt is much easier to use but is a little lacking in the power department. The Bosch seems to have the best of both worlds and I love its ergonomics. If I were starting again, I would buy the Bosch 14.4 (either style) and a Festool CDD 12 with its three different chucks.

2. 
   FURPEOPLE | Mar 22, 2005 12:18am | #27

   I have a Bosch 18v hammerdrill and a Dewalt 18v xrp drill. I find that the handle on the Bosch is too fat,while the Dewalt handle is just perfect for me.

   The Bosch hammerdrill is beautifully made,while the Dewalt has alot of sloppy workmanship,especially a poorly finished seam down the middle of the drill.

   Powerwise they are about even.

   Handle Both drills in the store,with a battery attached.

2. 
   Mack2 | Mar 25, 2005 02:14am | #29

   Yes it is true that B&D bought PC, Delta, Oldham, Beismeyer, and Devilbiss. There have been some major changes with this acquisition, so your concerns may be warranted.  I have heard that PC's manufacturing plant, in Jackson, TN, has been shut down and has been moved to Mexico with the Dewalt manufacturing so I don't know what that will do to the quality. In regards to the Rigid by all accounts they seem OK but are the heaviest of all the brands and the battery charge is the worst of all the drills. Side note: Home Depot  bought the Rigid brand name and have a contract with TTI to manufacture the tools. TTI also manufactures several tools for Sears under the Craftsman brand.  I was a big fan of PC, but the verdict is out now?! So I would look seriously at the Bosch.

10. 
    SBerruezo | Mar 08, 2005 09:03am | #22

    I have a Makita, the predecessor to the M-Force drills.  Ok, but the batterys I have not been thrilled with.  I don't use it much however, and that doesn't help.  I also have the Milwaukee combo kit, and I think Milwaukee is a great brand.  Solid, hardworking tools that can really take a beating.  I haven't heard anything bad about Panasonic either, and they really have the batteries of all other companies beat. (Don't know about the new V28s though...)

     

    Young, poor, and eager to learn

1. 
   Mack2 | Mar 25, 2005 02:21am | #30

   Yah the V-28 will be interesting. They used a different technology for the batteries it is Lithium instead of the typical NicCad. They say that Lithium has longer run times on a charge but the battery itself doesn't last as long.  Makita changed from NicCad to NicMH and now people seem to be complaining about battery life. So, I guess time will tell with the Milwuakee. 

   Milwaukee was just purchased by TTI the same company that manufactures Rigid for the Home Depot, so it will be interesting to see what happens there.

1. 
   jc21 | Mar 29, 2005 04:18pm | #31

   No complaints from me on Mak's NiMH batteries; they seem much better to me (longer run times)than the PC and DW NiCad's I've used previously.

11. 
    JFink | Mar 10, 2005 05:29pm | #24

    I've got the Milwaukee 18v drill. It's a heavy sucker, but the metal chuck is top notch and the ability to switch the position of the battery is a very cool feature because it allows me to change the center of balance for different jobs. I give my tools hard runs, and my milwaukee is still alive and kickin, beggin for more.

     

    Justin Fink

    FHB Editorial

12. 
    manimal | Mar 17, 2005 10:32pm | #25

    i love bosch cordlesses,very durable and endless power,i dont know about dewalt i guess i bought the wrong tool from them that underperformed which leaves a bad taste in my mouth,my bosch 14.4 or 18v has been put through alot over the years,overloads,dropped off houses,rain,etc.

1. 
   SteveZ | Mar 18, 2005 05:37am | #26

   I ended up buying the Bosch 18v and have never looked back.

1. 
   cicero | Mar 24, 2005 10:24pm | #28

   Was DeWalt better before Black and Decker bought them out?

   If you go to most building sites here in NZ you will find Dewalt everything,including there wind up radio,and of coarse the Estwing hammer.

   There was a very interesting article about twelve months ago,here on FW. on batteries,one thing it said was the higher the voltage of cordless batteries,the less life you are going to get out of it.