My cordless drill died yesterday. It was a Craftsman that was a gift. It lasted about 8 years of occasional use. I was tightening a bit in the chuck, and I kind of resisted the spinning of the chuck too hard as it was tightening, and I rotated the motor backwards while it was spinning forward. It made a funny noise, and there was a slight burning smell. Now the battery pack has no charge at all measured with a voltmeter (do they have fuses inside them?) and with the other fully charged battery pack, the drill will only creep along like a slug.
So the drill appears to be toast, and I need a new one. I’m a DIY who doesn’t use one very often. Maybe it will get heavy use for a few days at a time, 5 or 6 times a year.
Any suggestions for what to get? I’d like to get a decent one that will last for a while.
Do they make cordless rotary hammers? Is that something worth considering as long as I’m getting a new drill anyway? I don’t want to break the bank, so cost is a factor here. Probably can’t justify any more than $150 for this purchase. (Can’t even justify that, really, but I want one.)
Thanks for your help.
Replies
I dropped my Porter-Cable 12V from 8 ft on to concrete last month and it still purrs like a kitten. I've dropped it so many times, I just pick it up and don't even think about it. I'll buy another one when this one eventually dies.
Todd
My Craftsman was a 14V, and so many of them out there are 18V now. Do you find that the 12V works just fine for your needs?
I think it is the best option for a general purpose drill. It can handle 90% of the jobs, and is light enough to cart around all day every day. If you are using it non-stop for hours at a time, you may want to go with an 18V.
Todd
http://www.dualdrill.com
Speak the truth, or make your peace some other way.
I've seen the infomercial on that thing.
I'd still like to talk to someone who has actually used one.
Until then, I'll stick to my Milwaukee 18-v.
then there is the man's man Bosch... pick yur voltage....
but if I ever upgrade it will be to the Panasonic....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I bought my Milwaukee, in the cordless kit, with my usual forethought- I needed it the next day.
And the Bosch wasn't readily available.
But I'm wondering now how much the new 18-v. Li batteries will be. Could be tempting.
Milwaukee makes a good one.. no fault....
Bosch or Milwaukee Li battery????Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I read over at the Milwaukee site that they're coming out with an 18-V. Li. line, and the new Li. batteries will fit the old 18-v. ni-cad tools.
Finally a manufacturer isn't making us replace all our tools to get the latest tech.
rumor control has it that Bosch is doing the same...
you should drive their new 18v impact... ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh man.....Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I got the Milwaukee 14.4 impact before Bosch came out with their impact drivers.
Too many tools, too little money.
My wife has this strange idea that we should be spending our dough on stuff like food, the mortgage, bills.
Wimmen are weird, aren't they.
Wimmen are weird, aren't they.
without a doubt...........Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
I have a 12V makita drill as well as a 12v Makita impact driver and they're both great. The batteries last decently well, and they're not too expensive.
Panasonic has gotten some good reviews from other members here, but I've never used one.
This is a pretty sweet deal:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009Q4KTM/qid=1144183387/sr=1-11/ref=sr_1_11/103-4226355-4167854?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
You get $25 off the advertised price, too. You would LOVE an impact.
You can get a cordless hammer drill; usually you have to jump up to at least 18v for that, though. They're good for drilling holes for Tapcons, but not really anything bigger than that.
You know, I mentioned a hammer drill, but I think I was thinking about an impact driver. Can an impact driver double as a regular cordless drill?It's one of those things where I had read a bunch of posts here over time about the topic, but didn't pay really close attention since my drill was still working. Now I need to learn this stuff.
taint the glitz or the verve others might suggest but if you see a 12V or 14V Ryobi at Home Depot for $39.95 you will have served yourself well and have something left over for your truelove or next tool fix
You can buy a keyless chuck that will attach to the impact driver. This allows you to insert drill bits and such. But it isn't an altrnative to a cordless drill, it's way too sloppy to do precise work of any kind.I only showed you that kit because it's a pretty good deal. But if you don't use it too much, I'd just try to find a cheap 12v or 14.4v...you rarely need any more power than that. And if you do, just get out the corded drill.This looks like the ticket:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009Q4MBI/qid=1144194575/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-4226355-4167854?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
I know a guy that has the impact drill and everyone wants to use it now and again for hard to screw in lag bolts etc. I have the 18 volt drill only tool, it's a great tool and I really like it a lot.
Panasonic 15.6 V. Outperforms many 18v. Great Batteries, compact design. Many great reviews. As soon as my 12v P.C dies I will own one too.
I'll probably take some heat for saying this, but you might look at one of the Ryobi combo sets. I've had a 14.4v set for about three years and it's been used pretty hard. I've had to replace one battery but the tools still work great. For a DIY'er this may be a good choice.
The 18v sets seem to becoming "standard". Tools running on 14.4v or less seem to be harder to find.
If you liked the craftsman and it worked for you - try it again. I got a craftsman 15.6v and a corded craftsman hammer drill for the hard stuff for less than you'd get a bosch for. Then again, I don't go drilling all day. 15.6v is about as much as I can hold over my head for a bit and not get too tired.
If you aren't in the trades craftsman and ryobi make some sense and you can get a new drill for about the price of a pro drill's battery, I believe.
Edited 4/4/2006 7:18 pm ET by BobS
For what you want out of it and what you want to spend on it, I'd say go with any of the majors. Except Dewalt. I have them all and use them all. I just bought the Makita lithium ion or whatever it is called set, and like it so far but I haven't used it enough to give a definate opinion.
Probably my favorite of all is the Panasonic though. I've got a couple. A 12 and a 15.6 volt and I like the 15.6 best of any I have owned. Solid buid and feels good. Nice balance.
If you want to stay below your $150.00 budget, then look at the Hitachis. I've got a 12v that I like alot. I have never really punished it but it's a good drill for the price.
The opening scene of the movie "Saving Private Ryan" is loosely based on games of dodgeball Chuck Norris played in second grade.
I picked up a 14.4v Makita kit around Christmas time at HD. Included an impact driver, a drill, and a cheesy fluorescent light. If you've never used an impact driver you'll be impressed. You can find this kit around for about $160 I think. Price went down when they started featuring the 18v Lithium battery stuff at a premium price. I'm happy with mine.
I'm new to cordless tools but I bought a 12v Ridgid drill and am very happy with it. What convinced me was the warranty. Lifetime on everything - including batteries.
I have both a 14V and an 18V Makita and was given the Milwaukee 18V set for Christmas this year (with radio). I got the 14V free after buying the #1013 Makita saw a couple years ago. I like 'em all, but find myself grabbing the 14V most of the time. Balance is better and it is compact. If I was looking right now, I think I would jump on the Makita kit with the 14V drill / driver and the impact and 2.6 batteries for all 'round use...but that's just me. (if Bosch offered an identical kit I would prefer it, however)
Check out this site http://www.heavydutytools.net/. I heard about them on this board and board the milwaukee radio from them a few months ago, get people, get prices, great customer service. The shipping from them (NC to me in MA) was $5. Click on the specials in the upper left for some of their sales.
For a DIYer, you'll never kill any of the name brands. I think most of the drill are very good. I hate Dewalt but their drill are good, your'll be fine with any of the major brands, milwaukee, Bosch, porter cable, Makita, etc. I would just check the site above, amazon, etc. and find the best deal. The site above has the makita 12v impact driver with a free drill, for $199.
If you have a Costco store near you - kinda like a Sam's Club - they carry a limited tool selection. I bought my DeWalt there for well under a $100.00. Membership pays for itself if you have teenage sons who eat a lot.Mike
I have a lot of Craftsman tools. Some are great and others are not quite. Most of my tools are from my DIY days. Now, my tools get used as part of my living and unless something breaks, I'm not going out to buy a new one. Mostly, I paint, so my tools tend to get used more like when I was still a DIY anyway.
I would still buy Craftsman, but I think there is a big difference between what they call their "professional" line and their regular line. I don't know who actually makes the professional line (and I'm sure it varies depending on the tool), but a lot of their regular tools are made by Ryobi. The last time I bought a tool (I think it was a portable table saw) it was almost a toss-up between the Ryobi and the Sears, but the Sears had at least one minor feature that tipped the scale.
My most frequently used tool is my 14.4 Sears Professional cordless drill. It's been a real workhorse for me. I would buy it again. I like the 14.4 because it's quite a bit lighter than an 18. If I need more power, I can always drag out the corded.
-Don
Size/weight/adjustable head all very important to me. I just ordered the new Bosch drill ($150). I always wanted a drill/impact driver in one (with an adjustable clutch!) finally coming out. Something that is really light weight and has the power to drive 3" screws. Also wanted Ion batteries 2 year warranty on batteries from bosch.
http://images.meredith.com/wood/images/2006/02/p_boschlitheon2.jpg
Makitas drills have the most "finesse" only true variable trigger... when speed is really important. Makita NiMh batteries dont last worth a flip (stay away from these).
Here is my recommendation... Dewalt: I use the 7.2v drill day in/ day out this thing is ROCK solid (80lbs. of torque is plenty). Very versatile... use it as a drill head bends for tight spots...highly recommend ... it really can do most anything for basic home needs. I am a contractor and this is the first tool i grab. 3 year warranty $99. cheap battery replacement costs.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000051WQV/qid=1144200850/sr=1-1/ref=sr_1_1/103-2641800-7332619?%5Fencoding=UTF8&s=hi&v=glance&n=228013
Generally, you have to buy either a cordless drill or a cordless impact driver (or both)I think Panasonic may be the only mfgr. that has been able to combine the two in a single tool. I have one, and it is great -- but pricey ($300).Here is the Amazon link so you can look at it more carefully:http://tinyurl.com/etrkz********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I'll second the comment on finesse when it comes to the makita drills, they will do almost 0 rpm when required, forget drills and buy yourself an impact driver and a keyless chuck attachment. Everything will become quicker and easier.
Size/weight/adjustable head all very important to me. I just ordered the new Bosch drill ($150). I always wanted a drill/impact driver in one (with an adjustable clutch!) finally coming out. Something that is really light weight and has the power to drive 3" screws. Also wanted Ion batteries 2 year warranty on batteries from bosch.http://images.meredith.com/wood/images/2006/02/p_boschlitheon2.jpgWhere'd you order this?That sucker looks like it might just be the ticket as both an electrical kit gun and a cabinet/hardware gun.Any more links?Thanks,Julian
Not out yet ...just preordered it. I always buy a tool if i think it will save me time...Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000F4ILD4/qid=1144289517/sr=8-2/ref=sr_1_2/002-2754892-2810467?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=228013More Photos:
http://images.meredith.com/wood/images/2006/02/p_boschlitheon1.jpg
http://archives.constructiondist.com/article/photos/1140730309539_en_3_pg26.jpgTool description:
http://www.boschtools.com/about-bosch-tools/press-room/LITHEON+10.8-volt+I-Driver.htm
I'm with you there - it doesn't hurt I'm a tool junkie.I almost picked up the Dewalt 7.2 - tried to when HD online had em for $50 - but no luck, I saw the Metabo grip 4.8 Volt at my local tool store for $66 or so on sale, but held off thinking there was probably some newer stuff coming out. Seems like that was a good idea.I have a Milwaukee cordless screwdriver, but it's a little less than powerful and because of that, I only use it with electrical type work and that means the batteries are dead most of the time.Heard about the Bosch ixo - Lithion batts, only in UK, but the Skil is the same for $30 or so. Like the long lasting batteries, still wasn't sure if it would hold up and it probably charges in like 6 hours or so.I have the Makita 9.6 angle drill, but it's the only reason I hold on to the 9.6 system as I have the 14.4 impact and drill, so most of the 9.6 stuff is redundent.This new Bosch seems like it'll be the ticket for electrical, cabinets, misc hardware and angle applications.Is that an Amazon US site?Thanks,Julian
Panasonic for sure. I've had my 15.6 for three years, love it.
I will take a close look at the new Makita Lithium Ion drills when it is time for another.
I'll second the recommendation for the Panasonic 15.4v impact/driver. It's the best tool in my growing collection. Not inexpensive, but comes with 2 nih batteries (the good ones). I sort of abuse it, stirring DW mud and to auger holes for daffodils, but it just keeps running.
Marc
I have a cheap 9.6v Ryobi I use as a screwdriver occasionally, a discontinued model I bought at HD on the salestable for $24 and it came with a flashlight. All of my other $$$ battery drills have passed on. My Makitas and DWs are in a box somewhere, maybe they will once again be ressurected if I find batteries cheap enough.
In the meantime, I picked up another corded 3/8 drill on sale for $19.95, regular $60. I put together a childs playset out of 2x6s, 4x4s etc. last weekend. All screws and countersunk bolts, the cheap corded drill never complained at all.
At work I use corded tools. Its a rare instance where battery drills or tools would improve my performance. If there isn't an outlet to plug in my 12" slider and tablesaw, I'm probably gonna pass working there anyway.
Gord
Wow, what a ton of advice! Thanks! I was hoping for some consensus, but everyone seems to be all over the map with recommendations. There is a lot of information here to digest. One thing seems clear, that I don't need to go for the 18V size just because that's what they are pushing these days.I think I may end up going for a 12V or 14V name brand, or else get a cheapo homeowner version that may last as long as my Craftsman did before it died. Got to think about finances a little. (Just found a puddle of oil under our clothes washer and that will likely impact what I can afford to spend on a drill this month. Now I need to go researching GE washer transmissions. They don't look cheap. Ugh. Why do these things always seem to happen at the same time?)
whadda mean all over the map...
Bosch gives ya yur money's worth and Panasonic is as fine of a tool yur gonna get.. a bit more moola to say the least...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!<!----><!---->
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
If you can't afford a decent tool right now, you should at least be able to afford a "disposable" drill:
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=91396
For $20.00, it doesn't have to last very long. I haven't bought a lot of stuff from them, but I've never been disappointed.
-Don
I agree with BobS. I have three Craftsman drill kits (different voltages) 2 Makita kits, Panasonic drill kit, Portor Cable kit, and 4 Dewalt drill kits. Craftsman is a good product and VSR very handy. Panasonic the switch on top tends to get pushed & will jamb when used under cab. or tight joist use etc so I don't use it. Makita batteries do not last long; but DeWalt batteries are worth even less.
Have 12 V Hitachi impact and Love it !!! $129 at Lowes.
14 V should be maximum for your stated need.
We use 14V, used to have Makita, switched to DeWalt, now we have 3 Pansonic 15.6V. The DeWalts still work but nobody wants to use them after they have their hands on a Pansonic.
If money is a problem then go with the Hitachi or Ryobi or downsize to a good 12V. My 1st cordless was a 7.2V Hitachi and I thought I died and had gone to heaven. Same with my early 9V Makita"s