My Milwaukee 18v cordless crapped out today, I think I broke the transmission. The thing that irritates me about Milwaukee is that I bought this one because I needed new batteries for my old ni-cad milwaukee and this new lithium ion version allowed for the batteries to be used on my other milwaukee cordless tools… so long story short, it was a better deal to buy the 18v cordless with 2 batteries than to buy 2 replacement batteries. It’s not even a year old and it broke.
I’ll send it in for warranty replacement but I have to keep working so tomorrow I need to run out and buy a new cordless drill… NFW will I buy any more milwaukee tools (except for a new Hole Hawg, you can’t beat that tool).
What should I get? I like having the impact capability but I primarily use it as a drill (I have a separate 12v makita impact for screw driving and other assorted tasks). Who is offering the best battery technology, not just time between charges but lifetime?
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I'm a huge fan of MW, dare I ask...what model drill/driver was it?
Instead of scrapping batteries/chargers, etc. better idea might be picking up a new tool only on Ebay. They did package and sell just the tool(no batts,chrgr), and usually they can be had for pretty cheap, brand new.
Edited 9/20/2008 2:31 am ET by deadman1
Did you buy the broken drill at one of the home centers? If so, you might have gottne one of the "almost-same-model-number" products that are made more cheaply just for Lowes (or other big box).
In some cases, the big boxes have persuaded tool manufacturers to make a cheaper version of a good tool. In those cases, the model number is generally changed by only a single character -- for example, a model 32KBN might now be a model 32KBNa.
But the cheaper model probably has plastic gears.
So the home center gets to sell at a lower price, and most of us don't know we're getting a lesser product. And, in general, the home center is selling not to pro's, but to homeowners. And for the vast majority of homeowners, a drill with plastic gears will last decades.
Milwaukee 0824-20. If I recall, I bought it through Amazon. Screw Home Depot, I'll go there to buy a junction box or a potted plant but that's about it. I ran into the Milwaukee rep a few days ago and vented my frustration with their declining quality (and this was before my drill crapped out!). They make a big deal about their new batteries but when 50% of the Li-ion 18v batteries that I have are failing in a year, well it's a statement. They say "oh well take em over to our service center and they will replace them" but who pays for my time, mileage and the $5 bridge toll? They should be focused on improving quality and durability... some of my old Milwaukee tools from 20+ years ago are still going strong, it's always the new ones that fail.
What are you drilling? Small holes mostly 3/16" or holes 1 3/16" ?
A 12volt Makita drill would work for the small stuff and keep kicking for a long time. The 18volt makita system works well but like all the cordless drills for the larger holes you MUST drop the gears down for long life.
Rather than rush into getting an extra system, pick up a corded drill like a Bosch 1162 vrs? Lots of power and tough too.
I have the 18 volt makita system (ok some of it) most of the tools run well but the hammer drill is not smooth in top gear. Jig saw is as good as the bosch, impact is smooth, circular saw sweet.
Take the Milwaukee back to where you got it, maybe they will swap it for you.
drilling 1/2" holes in studs, nothing exotic. I rarely run the 18v in the tall gears, it overheats the bits as well as overheats the tool.I've had great experience with Makita, you would have to pry that 12v impact driver out of my cold dead hand at this point. I love that tool. Maybe it's time to make an across the board switch.
I think that, maybe, you've got your terms confused.
I know what a drill / driver / hammerdrill is; I have one. It's great when I need to sink and anchor into a block wall.
I also have an impact driver.
I have never seen an impact driver 'combined' with any other tool.
A hammerdrill hits the bit forward, into the work. In masonry, this helps break up the material.
An impact driver hits the bit around, in the direction of rotation. Until that bit encounters resistance, it spins like any other drill or driver.
Indeed, my "combo" tool only gets used these days for the larger hole saws and masonry work; nearly every daily task is performed better by the impact driver.
Makita makes a hybrid 4 in one. Hammer drill, drill, clutched driver, and impact. all in one 18 volt li ion tool. Runs about 350 to 400 bucks. I have not used one but I think the reveiws are good. The model number escapes me though.
Edit: Model number BTP 140.
Webby
Edited 9/20/2008 10:42 am ET by webby
you are correct, hammerdrill. I posted that late last night...
someone on Detroit CL was selling that Makita multi-model recently for $225 with a battery and charger. Might be worth it if you have or were planning on getting into that system
It
thanks, I need one today in order to keep this job moving so I'm going to have to buy from my local supplier in the "meat space" instead of "virtual space" online.
I have switched to buying only Hilti tools for some of the same exact reasons you have stated. The Hilti impact driver is a marvel, 14.4v but beats the 18v tools I've used hands down. The 14.4Li drill is amazing as well.They are pricey tools new, few good deals on eBay, but local pawn shops have been pretty good to deal on used tools.Few places stock many Hilti tools but I've got a good place to call if you are serious.