Replies

1. 
   woodhoarder | Feb 22, 2005 05:59pm | #1

   The recent Tools and Shops issue of FWW (black cover) has a huge article about cordless drills. If you hurry, you may still be able to pick it up at the bookstore.

2. 
   cicero | Feb 22, 2005 10:33pm | #2

   I can tell you the tool of choice of most of the tradesmen here in NZ is DeWalt,mind you they get great trade discounts.

   All the the expensive ones are good,I look around for good deals at the time.

   I have been tempted by the cheapies on numerous occasions and always regret it:-)

3. 
   woodensplinter | Feb 23, 2005 12:04am | #3

   I don't think you'll see that much of a difference between the major brands.  If you're looking to use the drill primarily in your shop, 12 volt might be ok.  If you're working way from your charger, go with the 14.4 volt models.  Also, look for something with a quick charger.  Mine (12 volt) takes three hours to charge.  Sometimes this is just too long.

4. 
   uncommontree | Feb 23, 2005 06:22am | #4

   Steve,

    

   I started with a 12V Dewalt and moved up to a 14.4V Makita then up to a 15.6 Metabo(which I love) and every one on my crew has a 19.2V Porter-Cable these are nice if you want to expand your tool line to a jig saw,router,circular saw,etc they all take the same batteries, we have 5 drills, 2 circular saws, 1 saws-all and 5 chargers with 10 batteries .I also have a 18V Dewalt impact driver and the 14.4 Hitachi impact driver,these are tough little buggers, if you plan to be driving a lot of screws this is the only way to fly. Till the day comes that the power co. comes and run's a line to the house we are building these are the tools that are getting things done. The chargers are in a heated building on the site but the building is to far away to run a cord to the building site. Fien also makes a very nice tool . As what has been said befor if you go top shelf you will be safe as these companys are always trying to out do each other. Hope this helps . Rick

1. 
   cicero | Mar 03, 2005 08:48am | #8

   A little aside here.

   I bought a 1200 watt corded hammer drill,thinking it would be great in concrete.

   A friend came along and saw me using it and asked if I would like to use his dedicated rotary hammer drill,only 900 watt,well I was amazed,the difference is like chalk and cheese,just like a knife through butter.

   What exactly is the difference,is it the action or what.?

   The drill in question was by Ramset.

   http://www.ramset.com.au/

5. 
   Shoeman | Feb 26, 2005 03:42am | #5

   I would look real hard at the Panasonic - I have four of the 12 volt drills and one 12 volt impact driver - hard to beat Panasonic for power to weight ratio and size.

   Look closely though.  There are many different kits with everything from a 1.2 amp hour nicad to 3.5 amp hour nickle metal hydride batteries - spend a few extra bucks and get the 3.5 amp hour nickle metal.

    

6. 
   skyecore | Feb 27, 2005 06:17am | #6

   another vote for pannasonic.. get the 15.6v that thing is hands down the best cordless made (that i know of anyway)..

   also longest lasting battery!

   ______________________________________________

   --> measure once / scribble several lines / spend some time figuring out wich scribble / cut the wrong line / get mad

1. 
   steve0 | Feb 28, 2005 08:20am | #7

   Better than the Festool, do you think?

7. 
   dwright | Mar 05, 2005 05:21am | #9

   I went through the drill decision process last year.  These things seem more like commodities every year.  Check the features closely and buy a reputable brand.  I went with the Makita 12 volt.  It is lighter than many drills, reasonably priced, serviced locally, 2.6AH NiMH, has a unique and handy clutch lockout, good torque, quality construction, and feels comfortable in my hand.  It could use a chuck design that tightens more, but that may be a shortcoming of all cordless drills.  A 15 minute charger would have been good to have on a few occasions.  If buying today I would probably look closely at the Festool (also available locally) but end up with the Makita again.

8. 
   MarkRD | Mar 05, 2005 11:06pm | #10

   If you are stapped for cash Try this, check out ebay, you can get a Makita 6095D for under $30 (I just got one for $23 + 10 shipping. Batteries are about $20 -30. Charger about $20

   My first 6095D was a factor refurb - it lasted me about 18 years. The drill still works in fact with one minor issue, It fell off an 8 foot ladder and the handle (the part that holds the battery) broke off. I've reglued it twice (used it for about a week each time) and dropped it on the floor twice and the falls (actually the sudden stops :-) brok my repair twice. (arrgh) The last fall messed up the switch so I decided not to repair a third time.

   Of course, not wanting to throw away two perfectly good batteries, I decided to check ebay - there were about 6 brand new drills - some stanalone, some in kits.

   Now about the drill:

   Despite its tendency to fall out of my hands :-)

   It has a 0-1100 rpm setting and a high torque 0-400 speed setting. Makita makes a great keyless chuck too. 9.6 volt a bit low by today's standards but the drill has plenty of torque. Oh and the newer version of the makita has a rubberized handle - there must be others with the dropsies like me :-)

   Try this google search http://search.ebay.com/makita-6095d_W0QQfromZR40QQsojsZ1

   If you've got the money, I also have a 3speed (12 volt) Dewalt that I bought right after the first break of the makita. I love it too. I got it at sears for about $140-$160. It has a battery charger/reconditioner which is a nice feature. It feels good in your hand, well balanced (though heavy). The high torque setting could remove lug nuts - it has no problem with 4" drywall screws (the amount of pressure you can place on the drill is what limits the screw size).

   BTW if you work in a shop a lot, two battery powerd drills is awesome.
   When I am putting in a lot of screws, I set one drill up with a drill bit/countersink bit and the other with the screwdriver bit...

   Mark