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urnmor · 11-05-2011, 06:59 AM

Just received my new consumer report magazine. They listed just about all of them as a recommended buy. However they did not list the one shown in Bob's post number 53. Not sure why as no explanation was provided. I guess the testers were either to young or a

at the wheel. Sorry Bob

ROBERT CROSS · 11-05-2011, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urnmor

Just received my new consumer report magazine. They listed just about all of them as a recommended buy. However they did not list the one shown in Bob's post number 53. Not sure why as no explanation was provided. I guess the testers were either to young or a

at the wheel. Sorry Bob

Bob

Hoosierdaddy · 11-05-2011, 09:01 AM

I started out with Makita 20 years ago...Switched to DeWalt 9 years ago. I and my son use them a LOT . He does home and business audio-visual installation. There is a significant quality difference in the DeWalt equipment depending the price/quality selected. I recently purchased the LiIon 18 volt drill and driver combo pak. I really like it. It allows you to interchange the older style batteries with the LiIon within each tool.
If I were starting anew I would look at Ridgid because of the liftetime warranty or Hilti.(expensive but well built)...I've never owned either.

Mikethefixit · 11-05-2011, 09:15 AM

I like my Crapsman 18V. I have had it for 12 years and its on its second pair of batterys. Although I dont built houses with it or use it everyday,its there when I need it. Besides my wife gave it to me fer CHRISTMAS before we were married. So I just never looked at another drill.

Kamiak · 11-08-2011, 06:28 PM

From my perspective, it all depends on what sort of work you’re going to be doing, and I seldom work my tools very hard anymore. I have several Milwaukee tools, including a Milwaukee drill/driver that I think still works fine, but both batteries are dead, and I haven’t seen fit to replace them. Instead, for my purposes now, general tinkering, my first tool stop is Harbor Freight. For normal “homeowner” use, I don’t think you can beat them. I have a couple of their drill drivers, and they perform the occasional tasks I require with ease. One of them I carry in the Airstream to raise and lower the stabilizer jacks. I paid about $15 each for these things, and if you feel flush you can buy their extended warranty. On a $15 item, it’s about $5. I know, 1/3 the purchase price, but it’s good for two years and covers the batteries as well. And when it fails, they replace it, you buy another warranty (not another drill), and you’re good for another two years at a fraction of the cost of a new drill…even at Harbor Freight prices. In other words, I can buy about 4 of the Harbor Freight drills for the price of just replacing the battery in my Milwaukee. So, as I said, it all depends on how hard you plan to work your tool. For typical “homeowners”, Harbor Freight works just fine; if you’re doing serious work, earning a living with your tools, etc., others on this thread may be offering more sage counsel.

macstrange · 12-11-2011, 07:24 PM

Don't know if you purchased your drills yet, but I've been using the makita lithium sets for five or so years to set cabinetry and millwork. Home depot sells 2 models. A 1.5 amp hour and a 3 amp hr set. The sets are by far the best deal. I can drive 3" srews all day long and drill a bunch of 3 1/4" grommet holls in 1 1/8" thick particle board.I beat the hell out of them and they keep goin'.

DontBSilly · 12-13-2011, 02:21 AM

I bought my first battery opperated drill over 25 years ago. (man, im getting old) Used it daily in the construction trade for 5 years, and alot since then in day to day life stuff. I still have it, it still works, batterys are still available. Its a Makita.
I also have an electric Makita. Its over 30 years old and ive never done a thing to it except abuse it. Well , thats a lie. I did wear out a couple of chucks.

jupitorj · 03-28-2012, 07:43 AM

We have several of the Makita 18v combo for our cabinet shop for both manufacturing and installation and we really like them. But, found it seemed stressed when raising and lowering the stabilizer jacks. I felt like it might burn it out. Perhaps my jacks need lubrication. Do others use these for raising and lowering the jacks?

ROBERT CROSS · 03-28-2012, 10:00 AM

I use the 3/8 impact from this combo on the haha wd jacks and the stabilizers, works well, try greasing the stab screws, should help a lot.

Bob

Erik Olson · 03-28-2012, 10:01 AM

I've had Makita and Dewalt - both NiCd driven in 12 and 14.4 respectively. They were excellent. Have a half-dozen of the 14.4 Dewalt NiCd batteries that packed it in finally and I haven't had the time (or huevos) to build a high amp momentary charger for rejuvenating them yet, though someday I will...

So, a week ago, I went on a search for a new driver and that meant Lowes. Was willing to look at any and everything, including Ryobi and other makers of those powerful little "hammer" drivers.

I suprisingly settled on a Porter Cable 18V Hybrid kit for $89, that will run either low-cost NiCd batts (the linked kit comes with two) or Lithiums ($25 for charger, $89 for upgrade Lithium batts). I have owned (and loved) my Porter Cable 1-1/2 HP router for years, though I tend to buy across brands when it comes to tools (e.g., Bosch 1590 Jig Saw; DeWalt Compound Mitre Saw; Delta UniSaw).

The new drill will do lighter duty than many of my past tool purchases as I no longer make my living in cabinetry and woodworking trades. Will have to see how it all works out - did buy the full cheese from Lowes, which extends the warranty out to three full years at replacement value. An extra $24 well spent.

jupitorj · 03-29-2012, 07:21 AM

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering if the Porter Cable worked as it is less expensive. A drill charger and one battery seems fine for occasional use in the trailer and raising/lowering the stabilizers. After all if the battery craps out because I forgot to charge it I can use the crank.

ROBERT CROSS · 03-29-2012, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jupitorj

Thanks for the replies. I was wondering if the Porter Cable worked as it is less expensive. A drill charger and one battery seems fine for occasional use in the trailer and raising/lowering the stabilizers. After all if the battery craps out because I forgot to charge it I can use the crank.

Just got this from Amazon this morning, it's a very good price, I've had good luck with other PC stuff.

If you decide, get the frequently purchased add-on bit set...very handy!

Bob

jupitorj · 03-29-2012, 08:18 AM

I went ahead and ordered the PC from Amazon. Thanks,

Erik Olson · 03-31-2012, 08:08 AM

Note that the 18V PC tools prescribed in these last few posts will work with the slider-style 18V Lithium Ion batteries too. Most of the Amazon and Lowes listings don't mention this or make much of it, but the ability to use both types of battery is a big selling point in my book.

You need the LiIon or dual system charger to do so, but the NiCads are a nice way to get up and running in a kit very, very inexpensively.