Its time for me to get a new cordless drill since my other drills are fine but the batteries have passed there ability to hold a charge. My eldest is in the same boat even worse since he is in the middle of a major remodel of his house and a drill that will not drive 6 drywall screws without losing its charge. In both our cases its a shame to through away a good drill body because the expense of batteries is greater than cost of a new drill.
The question becomes this; lt is about availability in the 12 -14 volt range since neither of use will make a living using these drills and the wives do use them also so I have ruled out the 18 volt and higher models. I have broken down what is commonly available in our area into three categories
1 The various cheap imports that sell for under 100 and without a compelling reason would not even consider.
2 The various recognized major brands that each have there own fan club for and against and would most likely not go wrong in making a purchase of.
3 The new Ridigid offering by home depot that has been on the market for about 8 months around here. Are these drills of equal value with there price competitors and worth a home owners purchase. And then the lower price offerings such as Hitachi and Ryobi, Delta and McCulloch, 2nd generation Coleman. I want the best bang for my dollar and have been debating between the Ridgid and the Hitachi. I need to make a purchase soon so what are the readers thoughts without rehashing old ground.
Replies
For what it's worth, I have a 12v Makita I dropped ten feet from a ladder last night, it bounced off of the cement below and survived just fine, so I have to support it. Of the ones you mentioned, people seem to like the Hitachi, I don't know about the Delta but I don't trust the Coleman. The Rigid line is probably fine, though peolple here stay away b/c they seem to have a deal with the Home Despot to muscle out other good brands (like Porter Cable and Makita) but the price on their 12v is the same as a Makita and more than the Hitachi.
The drill everyone seem to love, however, is the Panasonic which I think is 14.4v and has by far the best batteries.
brand loyalty aside
I had a an old ryobi 12v..many yrs of use..very good drill
I currently have 2 PC 14v..they suck
I have an old DW 12V..very good for many yrs..old battery style..one is no longer.
I have a new Makita14v..excellent..
I have newer DW rt angle 14v..excellent
next one I buy?
Panasonic or bosch
thats all.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
My situation was much the same, having 2 of the old 9v Makitas. Most of the HD Ridgid stuff looks to be primarily marketing driven...in other words "perceived bang for buck". In my experience the dollars spent now for a Makita or Hitachi or Panasonic will reward with every use. It's great that I've got a real power tool store where I live...meaning they fix what they sell. This gives them a unique perspective...they know what breaks and what doesn't, and they handle the gamut. Based on their recs I purchased Makita 12v w/NiMH battery, both screwgun and impact. Very pleased. I also admit to being a tool junkie, and look for reasons to purchase same, sometimes creating amazing convolutions of logic :)
PJ
If your drill bodies are in good shape check ebay for batteries. I bought two new DW 24v batts that normally are over 100 for about 35 each. Guy had many from closeout. If your drills are still in production get another one and share the batteries. There are many folks that will rebuild your packs with new better cells for usually less than list on new ones.
http://www.voltmanbatteries.com/
You did not say what brand or voltage you had. I bought a Craftsman 12v that appears to be Milwaukee built for 27 with case, two batts, and charger. No complaints.
What drills do you have now? Is it possible for you to buy that drill just to get the batteries? My old 9.6 Makita NiCad finally lost the batteries, which were $30 each. For $90 you can buy an updated version of the drill and two new niMH Batteries.
If possible, you and your son should get the same model so you'll have a pool of 4 batteries. As you say, the cost of two batteris is close to the cost of a whole new package.
I have the makita 14.4 with the 2.0A (orange, not black) batteries and non-user replacable brushes, which I got at a big box on special for $99. The batteries outlast me.
Another thing to keep in mind is local service. My oldest 9.6, maybe 10-12 yo had a corroded battery contact which was fixed locally in a day for $20.
I also have a 6V Ryobi which I call my ladder drill. I won't cry if it takes a 15 ft trip to the driveway.
I don't know offhad which model number I have, but I also have a Makita, which has held up beautifully. Part of why I chose it in the first place (besides liking Makita) was because it was also one of the lighter weight cordless drills I could find, and it feels really comfortable and well-balanced in my hand.
we have Metabo, Panasonic, Ryobi & Bosch..
I like them all.. the Panasonic 15.6 is my base.. and i use the same batteries for my cordless trim saw..
one of the guys has the 18v Bosch... he can screw decking all day on one charge.. quite the gun..
the Metabos are very popular too..
the ryobi was on sale at HD for $39.. hell of a valueMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore
PD, I think most name brand drills are decent and will outlast the batteries. You need to see what feels good. I had a PC 12v for a number of years, the batteries went bad so i went to the local tool store which carries just about all the brands and ended up with the Panasonic 15.6. It just felt better in the hand, better balanced than the rest. -Ed
At the Anaheim JLC Live I picked up a Makita 14.4 volt impact driver with a FREE drill. That makes 3 - 14.4 drills, 1 impact driver and 7 - 14.4 batteries. I'm in heaven.
Guess which brand I'd recommend.... Go Blue
Peace,
Martin
I have 3 Makita cordless drills in service. The oldest is 15 years old, and still going strong.
Also have an impact driver, a right angle drill, a mini circ saw, and 2 flashlights.
Never a day of trouble with any of them.
How many wives do you have?
Stay away from Ridgid. Please. You'll thank me later.
"...since my other drills are fine but the batteries have passed there ability to hold a charge..."
PD,
STOP, before you go out and buy another drill (been there, and done that, and yes like people say, cheaper to buy a new drill with two batteries, than replace 'um)
Put your pack on the charger, break it open after it runs a charge cycle, and using a volt meter, see how many cells have gone into reverse polarity. Usually it's only a few, and if you have two packs, you can put together a working one easy enough. Wrap the whole thing back up with fiberglass tape and you should be good to go for a few more years.
The whole process should take ten minutes.
FWIW, If I were in the market for a new one, I'd get a 12V Panasonic...and never buy a DeWalt again.
Jon
you nailed it Jon, I had my ol ryobi re-packed, ( my buddy owns a battery store) and half of the cells in in both packs were still OK, he gave me new cells in one pack..6 for a 12v..and that one was worse after time than the old ones reconfigured..
I lost that drill and others in the shop fire, but I will not be persuded soon away from a Panasonic..they seem to have the real deal goin on..good batts.
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
"I had my ol ryobi re-packed,"
Sphere
And I'm amazed at how my 7 year old, made in USA dewalt pack still keeps on going and going, but I'm down to one cobbled together, 2 year old, made in mexico, second from the drill kit I got 'cause it was cheaper to buy a whole kit, that only holds 3/4's what the old one does.
I loved my first Dewalt 12V (till the charger toasted itself along with a battery) The second one is a PO$hit. Same model #972 though.
Jon
uh huh..had to buy a new charger, my dog hiked a leg on it! 57.00..then the batts. crapped out..
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
To answer a few questions.
I have B&D 12 volts two of them because I have tried the buy a new set and have two bodies with new batteries routine. now I have two drills and 3 bad batteries.
One wife who is very dangerous with a sawsall. Keeps cutting things up in the name if improving something. Have to keep hiding the darn thing.
Son is in Virginia and I am in Calif so the same drill thing doesn't work well. But I should be taking my second trip back to help with the remodel.
No battery store near by so I may try getting two batteries out of three on my own.
I have looked at Ebay, possible solution but would really like to upgrade if you know what I mean.
I'm am leaning towards the Hitachi but need to check the feel and balance again.
I have a Makita which is great. I also have 2 Porter Cables which is just as good. My 18v Dewalt is an arm buster in both weight and torque. If I had to buy again it's 15.6v Panasonic. The Porter Cable is probably the most inexpensive I bought. They were probably 140.00 were everything else was over 180.00. If you go to http://www.amazon.com/toolcrib they have a 12v Porter Cable Model 9966 for 139.00. Check it out.
PD-
Where are you in California? I had a 12v B&D Firestorm that died and I kept two batteries and the charger. They're free to a good home - lol.
I'm in San Jose
PD,
Don't know if it's just this Lowe's around here, because they just opened, or if it's all Lowes but they sell the Hitachi 12v for $69.
I bought one to replace the Ryobi 12 I had for years. The old Ryobi was a nice drill to which some others here will agree, but for what ever reason they turned to s-it.
Anyway this Hitachi is the real deal. I kept looking for a reason not to buy it, but its the best I've had yet. Also the 12v is my go to drill because its lighter. Someday I'll buy the Panasonic cause they make the best batteries but for now I love this little Hitachi and at $69 I think I'll buy another before they discover that the price is too low.
BTW, not postive but I think it's the same battery pack as there 12v impact driver which was rated as one of the best in 01 or 02 FHB comparisons. Dan
While we're on this topic, anyone having trouble with the chucks on the recent Makitas? I replaced my old 9.6 volt and bought a new corded last year. Neither chuck will hold a bit more than a few minutes.
Southern calif. I can send a money order to pay for the postage if you would like.
I sent you an email asking for your address. Send your address and I'll send them and trust you for the shipping.
Target is a good source of B&D batteries for reasonable price. The 14V was $35 I believe. Fits the DW also, just be sure of congfiguration (early Firestorms were identical to DW, later had latch in rear).
I think Interstate Batteries is nationwide, but it may be just out west. They re-build batteries for 59.95, guarantee them for two years, and re-build them with hotter cells than factory.
I forgot. 59.95 is the price Interstate charges for 18v. Smaller may be cheaper.
If you have a drill you like, take the battery to someplace like BatteriesPlus. They can rebuild the battery for somewhere between half and 3/4 of the price of a new battery.
Don't get a Coleman Powermate <smirk>.
The DeWalt I use (model?) won't quit, but sometimes I wish it would. It's heavy, and holding it over my head for any length of time is torture.
Get something light, with long battery life. No more torque than you really need. Your shoulders and neck will thank you.
I sell a lot of cordless drills and 14.4 is the comeback king. People that have used the 18v drills are now requesting only 14.4's. These folks are contractors and homeowners alike. Some say they are too heavy, others complain about battery life, and some complain that they really don't see any difference, at least not enough to justify the extra initial cost and the cost of the batteries later down the road.
Top of the line for battery life is the Panasonic but it doesnt rate too well with contractors. Not sure why but maybe its because when they go home at night to watch their Panasonic TV they are reminded of work. I do have one contractor that swears by them but we have dropped the product line completely.
DeWalt is getting better but not many pro's buy them as their workhorses.
Bosch/Porter Cable are the Cadilacs with Metabo and Festool thinking they are Rolls Royces.
Makita is finally making the turn. As the ones who started it all, they've finally realized that they have competition out there and are doing something about.
What do I own? Makita 9.6v stick handle (14 years old and still kicking ). DeWalt 14.4 954 with a blown out chuck (dropped it from 3, yes three, ft up). Bosch 33614 and I think it is the best one I've ever owned. Well of course it is, its also the most expensive.
You should not rule out the Festool since it is really a multi tool not just a driver drill. I'm not to sure if I like the positive braking system. It stops immediately and that is a little difficult for me to get used to but I do like the interchangable chuck system.
Sincerely;
The Tool Guy
I JUst bought a dewalt 14.4 xrp. i screwed up a sheetrock clg with it, i would say on a full chage it wouls shoot maybe 90-120 screws and was dead. i've got a 6 yr old crapsman 14 that will still do that. plus this dewalt is the noisest clutch i ever heard sounds like its going to fly apart ever time you let off the trigger. i think i'll see if they will make good on the 30 day satisfaction and get the makita combo kit or the hitachi 14.4 for 130.00. just don't buy yellow!!!! larry
Not a big yellow fan but new batteries take a couple of full charges befor they come up to full life.
i'll give that a try,they are on about the third charge now . thanks larry
DeWalt makes an upgraded charger that has a reconditioning switch and is universal from 9.6 to 18 v. I have found that recharging my 12 (count em 12, from 2 drill kits, a circ saw, jigsaw, recip and impact) 14.4v batteries on this charger whenever one appears to be losing its ability to hold a charge seems to restore them. I have not had a 14.4 battery go bad in 12 years but have lost two 18s and a 24. Partly because the higher voltage tools don't seem to get used as much.
I'm not a professional builder (unless designing counts) but I have worked extensively on 5 or 6 homes for my kids in the last 10 years.
Edited 5/29/2004 12:38 am ET by JANATION
You might want to consider getting an impact driver instead. I have four 12 volt Panasonic drills and one 18 volt Ridgid. Since I got the 12 volt Panasonic impact driver several months ago, the drills very rarely come out.
I have quick change hex drill bits, nut drivers, and spade bits - all work well in the extremely light and comfortable impact driver. Was really suprised at how well it worked with the spade bits when drilling several holes for running romex. Seemed to run through the studs just as fast as my old self feed bits, and when they pinch they just start the impact action rather than twisting your wrist.
If you can't be swayed to impact - I would say the 12 volt Panasonic should suit you well. There are several models - I would reccommend the one that comes with the 3.5 amp hour batteries.
had the pc ,what a pita . It seemed very hard to change the batteries. They have since redesigned (I think) anyway. I gave it away to wifes cousin. i got the mak impact 12V. batteries aient holding their charge like they used to so Ill probably get a 12V mak so I can interchange the batteries.
Darkworksite4:
El americano pasado hacia fuera ase la bandera
Ron, on them PC's I got two, and four batts. Ya gotta whittle down the little red tabs that lock em in..they are a PITA..used ta just not use the damn things for not wanting to tug all day on the freakin battery..
Spheramid Enterprises Architectural Woodworks
Repairs, Remodeling, Restorations.
Hitachi makes a pretty decent little light weight drill. I've got the 14.4v It's alright for what you want out of it, and it was only like eighty bucks. I accidentaly left it in it's case on my truck tool box once and it landed on the hiway when I pulled out of the shop. A buddy of mine found what was left of the demolished case and both batteries and drill and charger. They still run fine, so I know they can take abuse. The run over at hiway speeds test is good enough for me.
I also have the Panasonic. Fine drill,and I would recomend it over all the others I have. And have used.
Who Dares Wins.