Is buying an expensive cordless drill worthwhile?

[sargentl]

Looking through the black friday adds I see a lot for the dewalt 18v nicad 1/2 chuck drill and I wasn't sure if anyone had an opinion on the issue.

I have 3 older 12 volt black and Decker cordless drills that aren't too impressive and like 6 good corded drills.

My other consideration was to buy a cordless impact such as the porter cable drill/impact combo on sale at lowes. Any thoughts?
Any brands that come well recommended or brands to steer away from?

 

[BHH]

So you have 9 drills and asking us if buying another expensive on is a good idea? Just want to make sure I have the facts right before I answer here...

 

[ptschram]

I figure that if I get three years of good use out of a cordless I'm doing well. Between batteries and the rest.

I bought one of the early Snap-On tiny little drill drivers and a handful of batteries. I bought a Mac at almost the exact same time. The Mac died almost immediately and I'm still using the Snap-On daily.

I bought my wife one for Valentine's day and both of my sisters in law got one last year for Christmas.

 

[diesel research]

I dislike corded drills of most any sort. Don't like that part throttle growling, don't like the weight, don't like the hot air. So for me, maybe. For a lot of people, probably not.

Do you have compressed air? Now THAT is what I enjoy the most.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

if i am aswering that question for myself, answer would be NO. i don't use battery powered tools often enough and end up with an expensive pile of plastic after the batteries die.

i don't know your situation so if you use the tool often, it might not be a bad purchase.

 

[ibedayank]

I use corded drills ... no battery to die in the middle of a project.

need to use someplace far from the house ... fire up the generator

 

[fivespdcat]

I would not buy a Ni-Cad drill at any time! If you're looking for cordless go Li-Ion, they are the only way to go. They hold a charge even after sitting and are not that much more expensive. I have a Bosch and love it, highly recommended. Tons of torque and awesome battery power. I used it to build a deck and you only need the 2 batteries it comes with since the charge time is only 30 minutes. Also you can get the Bosch in either impact or non-impact.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I would not buy a Ni-Cad drill at any time! If you're looking for cordless go Li-Ion, they are the only way to go. They hold a charge even after sitting and are not that much more expensive. I have a Bosch and love it, highly recommended. Tons of torque and awesome battery power. I used it to build a deck and you only need the 2 batteries it comes with since the charge time is only 30 minutes. Also you can get the Bosch in either impact or non-impact.

They are very nice for the amount of power you get but you can't use them in cold weather. I love my lithium ion powered cordless tools but I also keep my old Dewalt 18v ni-cad around for when it is cold outside.

 

[fivespdcat]

They are very nice for the amount of power you get but you can't use them in cold weather. I love my lithium ion powered cordless tools but I also keep my old Dewalt 18v ni-cad around for when it is cold outside.

I guess I never thought about cold weather performance since I've never used them in heavy duty applications in the cold.

 

[back2class]

After 10 years using cordless drills I am pretty much back to corded. I had many Dewalt units when I was a pro contractor and my last one has be a ryobi. Just as good...NO...actualy better quality and design than those $200 Dewaltts. If you want a cordless drill that's what you want. Most of the real cheapies and B&D ones you get at Walmart now are not good for any real use.

 

[diesel research]

Wouldn't consider dewalt or most other Stanley Black and Decker offerings from your typical big box stores. They are on the lower end of power tools for the most part.

I may frequently speak out against cman, but it's pretty sad when the dewalt couldn't even hang with the C3 which is not exactly the pinnacle of cordless.

We had a milwaukee m18, a cman c3, and a dewalt 18v nicad. Obviously everyone would grab the M18 first. Then the C3. If a third person needed a drill at the same time, they would usually just wait until 1 of the other 2 were available, rather than grab the dewalt.

 

[camarotoolman]

The new Dewalt 18v with the small battery are great.

 

[Danglerb]

I've got a 35 year old corded, B&D versapak, two Bosch, and a Metabo, plus the monster HF 1/2 corded impact. Different ones get used for different jobs. Anything where I am reaching up I use the Metabo.

I would not add a cordless bigger drill. If I want or need bigger I would get a HF corded SDS.

I do have a pretty serious itch for a cordless bigger impact like the C3 1/2".

Depends on what you use and need.

 

[Ohio Auto]

I just bought the new DeWalt 20V impact and drill combo. The impact handles most jobs..but when you need low end torque can't beat the drill. I'm a tool freak..so I say go for it.

 

[mattrogers]

I'm enjoying the heck out of my Makita BHP454 drill. It comes in a 2-pack with a impact driver and two batteries. The standard batteries are 3.0Ah--and they last a pretty long while on a charge, as as well as hold a charge without charging. Although, after looking it's quite a bit more than that Porter Cable.

 

[kippieland]

I recently purchased an Lithium-Ion drill and impact driver. I think they are totally worth it. I purchased an LXT impact driver with multiple speed settings (use it a lot in the shop), and the cheaper LCT400W(white and black) combo(drill and impact driver) that I got a couple of years ago. Both are great and very similar to the LXT but the battery life shorter(half the battery size.) I bought all of them online (tyler tools.com is great). I would not buy anything from Black and Decker (poor, poor quality) or from Ryobi (better quality then B&D but heavy and with the battery cost you can get higher quality.) I think Makita, Dewalt, Milwaukee, porter-cable, and Hitiachi are all good brands. I prefer the 18v but I am sure you 16 and 14 are fine to. Batteries recharge really quick as well. Drill brands and opinions are no different then SO vs. every other hand tool. Good luck.

 

[Hammer1963]

A lot of it depends on what you consider High end cordless drill/driver. The market has been flooded with so many cordless tools, that it is difficult for most people to know what really is High end.

One of the biggest issues with cordless tools is the battery itself. What Amp Hour the battery is rated at is more important than it's voltage. That is why generally a Matco or Snap-on cordless tool will out perform their retail counterparts.

After using many cordless tools from retail stores, I finally purchased a Snap-on 14.4 drill/driver. Best drill I have ever used. I figured I already own the 3/8" impact with 2 batteries, so why invest in another brand. I No I am not one of those guys that has to have all Snap-on tools, but I do insist on a quality tool if my money is being spent on it.

 

[TireTracks]

I've got a 35 year old corded, B&D versapak, two Bosch, and a Metabo, plus the monster HF 1/2 corded impact. Different ones get used for different jobs. Anything where I am reaching up I use the Metabo.

I would not add a cordless bigger drill. If I want or need bigger I would get a HF corded SDS.

I do have a pretty serious itch for a cordless bigger impact like the C3 1/2".

Depends on what you use and need.

My grandpa bought a C3 LI-Ion Kit, With the impact and drill, with 2 batts. The IMpact is decent, will work a lugnut off of a jeep if you let it hammer long enough. The drill is a beast, will drive a drywall screw Right though a piece of 3/4" plywood, gotta be carefull with it.

 

[Honda 1]

I have been looking at an upgrade to replace my 14.4 cordless Craftsman drill The variety and price ranges for the possible replacement drills is staggering.
I'll keep an eye out for a good "Black Friday" sale and pick up a set of drill driver and impact driver combo.

 

[sargentl]

Thanks for all your ideas. I do have compressed air and I live in Mississippi so cold is never really an issue.
It sounds like to consensus is to save up Milwaukee/craftsman/matco/snapon or Ryobi Li-Ion based impact or Drill and skip the dewalt completely.

 

[sberry]

If you do work like professional installation they are priceless,,,, one of the worlds real technical innovation/evolutions at its finest. If time is money they are a bargain.

 

[ibedayank]

My grandpa bought a C3 LI-Ion Kit, With the impact and drill, with 2 batts. The IMpact is decent, will work a lugnut off of a jeep if you let it hammer long enough. The drill is a beast, will drive a drywall screw Right though a piece of 3/4" plywood, gotta be carefull with it.

only 3/4 of a inch my 3/8s black and decker will drive 3inch screws through a 2x4 if the screw dont break first
like to see a cordless go through a 8x8 with a 2x6 on the backside with a
12 inch long 1/2 bit and do that all day long

 

[TireTracks]

only 3/4 of a inch my 3/8s black and decker will drive 3inch screws through a 2x4 if the screw dont break first
like to see a cordless go through a 8x8 with a 2x6 on the backside with a
12 inch long 1/2 bit and do that all day long

the 3/4" ply is the only thing i've used it on, so I have no idea what it would go though Max. It did the 3/4" like nothing though.

 

[TheGrooveking]

Air powered drills can use a lot of air/cfm so check your compressor's capability before going that route. I've not personally liked using 1/2" air drills. I have both CP and IR, bought them both in the mid 80's and neither have the torque of a Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum corded drill. My 3/8" CP drill is a favorite of mine though. But where will you be using this drill? Electric outlets are almost everywhere in most buildings, but compressed air connections may be limited to only your garage.

TheGrooveking

 

[Roots]

If you do work like professional installation they are priceless,,,, one of the worlds real technical innovation/evolutions at its finest. If time is money they are a bargain.

+1

I'm often amazed at the power in the expensive cordless drills, like those made by Hilti. They're well worth it IMHO, IF used professionally in a mobile work environment. For around the house, I'm sure that's absolute overkill.

 

[danski0224]

I would not buy a Ni-Cad drill at any time! If you're looking for cordless go Li-Ion, they are the only way to go. They hold a charge even after sitting and are not that much more expensive.

LiIon battery tools do not work well or at all below 40*F. No discharge or charging.

The small Bosch 12v stuff does not work at all below ~40*F.

Milwaukee 18v (not the M series) LiIon batteries do not work very well below 40*F, neither does the V28. The *new* version of the M18 and M12 claims good cold weather performance, but unless someone gives me one, I'm not buying it.

LiIon batteries do *not* tolerate high current discharge. I have ruined an expensive LiIon battery with the Milwakee Sawzall. Some tools have current limiters in the batteries, some in the tools.

Freezing a LiIon battery is not good for it.

When it is "warm" outside, the LiIon stuff works as advertised.

I prefer NiCd or NiMh.

 

[danski0224]

only 3/4 of a inch my 3/8s black and decker will drive 3inch screws through a 2x4 if the screw dont break first
like to see a cordless go through a 8x8 with a 2x6 on the backside with a
12 inch long 1/2 bit and do that all day long

I have a Milwaukee 18v impact driver (1/4 hex chuck). This uses the original style 18v NiCd batteries or LiIon replacements.

It will break screws easily. It is almost too powerful.


I also have a Festool C12 drill with an ECM motor in it.

That 12v drill (not impact driver) will drive a 3" GRK cabinet hanging screw head through a 1x4 cleat screwed to the drywall and framing stud. The C12 will also maintain driving RPM as load increases, without pulling the trigger further. The C12 is about 1/3 the physical size of the Milwaukee and 1/4 the weight.

It isn't always the size of the battery.

 

[Ign]

I never touch my corded drills unless for a very specific application. I've been beating on my 28 volt Milwaukee for years and it's awesome, but it is relatively heavy as cordless goes.

And yeah, Li-ion pretty much revolutionized how I view cordless tools.

 

[kngelv]

Thanks for all your ideas. I do have compressed air and I live in Mississippi so cold is never really an issue.
It sounds like to consensus is to save up Milwaukee/craftsman/matco/snapon or Ryobi Li-Ion based impact or Drill and skip the dewalt completely.

First off . . . that Black Friday deal is not much of a deal. Both Home Depot and Lowes regularly have that drill on sale for $99.00. Also, that is the low end of DEWALT cordless drills. You first have to figure out what you plan on using the drill for and then make sure the one you buy can fit the bill. Are you drilling through steel? concrete? Are you using it for simple household tasks? Without answering these questions the advice you are given is not very reliable. If you are just using it for very basic purposes almost any of the previously mentioned drills will work. If you think you are going to buy more cordless tools and use them frequently and for heavier use then you need to take some time doing research before making a purchase. Some brands only make a few different cordless tools and unless you want to be stuck with multiple different batteries and chargers you should figure out which brand has the largest amount of tools that you might need. You also need to take the availability of tools and batteries into consideration. Once you determine this, then research the particular brands, figure out what you can afford and make your decision. I'm a Journeyman Electrician and primarily work in industrial settings though I do a fair amount of side work. I have used cordless drills from every manufacturer mentioned on this forum. Considering quality, availability, cost, number of different tools and ability to hold up in harsh environments I would suggest you focus on DEWALT, Milwaukee and possibly Bosch. I have 11 Milwaukee 18v tools and just sold 8 Dewalt 18v Ni-Cad tools to a buddy. I used the proceeds from that to buy a few of the new DEWALT 20v Max line which are fantastic. The DEWALT and Milwaukee are pretty much interchangeable as far as quality. I prefer some of the DEWALT tools over comparable Milwaukee ones and vice-versa. I've had both brands survive 20 ft drops onto concrete and still function (though I have broken a couple of cordless band-saws this way). I sometimes have had as many as three hammer drills going at once to save time on bit changing. I have 18v Milwaukee, 18v DEWALT and a 28V Milwaukee. I have drilled hundreds if not thousands of holes through concrete and heavy steel machine panels and all three have held up fine. The charges on the DEWALT Ni-Cads do not last as long as the Li-Ion Milwaukees'. I was planning on upgrading to the DEWALT Li-Ion batteries and then decide to switch to the 20V Max line. BTW the 28v Milwaukee is a beast but god help me if I ever need a replacement battery since they are at least $150.00 each. The batteries are 4 years old and still going strong. Ryobi is not in the same league and Makita does not seem to be as good as they used to be. I have not used Rigid cordless so I can't comment on those. Good luck with your decision.

James

 

[diesel research]

Air powered drills can use a lot of air/cfm so check your compressor's capability before going that route. I've not personally liked using 1/2" air drills. I have both CP and IR, bought them both in the mid 80's and neither have the torque of a Milwaukee 1/2" Magnum corded drill. My 3/8" CP drill is a favorite of mine though. But where will you be using this drill? Electric outlets are almost everywhere in most buildings, but compressed air connections may be limited to only your garage.

TheGrooveking

The milwaukee magnum is what converted me to air. It couldn't handle the task of drilling out 3/4" allen head cap screws. It is no slouch, don't get me wrong. The old 1/2" air drill with about 200ft of airhose chewed threw them.

Of course only after drilling out several of them did they bring out the milwaukee MAG[netic] which obviously trumped everything else we had.

 

[marslawn]

I bought a Festool four years ago and It has never failed me yet. I can use the thing everyday for two weeks and then let it sit for a month and the charge is still great. I Bought the package with all the goodies and I have used them from time to time. Also the Festool bits are like no other. I once got almost 4 months out of a #2 Philips!

 

[american lockpicker]

Get a Swiss made Bosch 18 drill while you still can.

 

[kythri]

Thanks for all your ideas. I do have compressed air and I live in Mississippi so cold is never really an issue.
It sounds like to consensus is to save up Milwaukee/craftsman/matco/snapon or Ryobi Li-Ion based impact or Drill and skip the dewalt completely.

I've posted a few times about how great I find the Ryobi stuff to be. The value is phenomenal, and the tools are incredibly rugged.

I'm a network engineer, but am involved with a lot of new building construction and remodeling, and am constantly on job sites. We contract to a LOT of different generals, high-voltage electricians, low-voltage electricians, HVAC, life safety, etc. A LOT of different companies and a lot of different folks on the job. I always try to take a look at their carts and see what they're using, just to satisfy my own curiosity, and can tell you that while I do see a lot of different brands, I also do see a lot of Ryobi stuff out there. I've engaged a couple of my low-voltage folks who have the stuff, and they also can't say enough good things about it.

I've got a couple DeWalt pieces, and they're good, but I'm not horribly impressed with them.

While I can't speak for a lot of other brands, I would say, if you're considering Craftsman, skip it for Ryobi. They're both built by TTI (same company that owns and builds Milwaukee) and, for a large portion of Craftsman stuff, it's identical to the comparable Ryobi. Voltages might be slightly different, battery packs don't use the same attachment mechanism, but at the part level, they're the same - this especially holds true for the Craftsman C3/19.2V line compared to the Ryobi One+/18V line.

The great part about the Ryobi One+ line is that the NiCad and LiIon batteries are interchangeable on the tools, and the newer chargers will charge both styles of battery (make sure you verify on the package that you're getting the right one).

As mentioned, LiIon ***** in colder weather, so you can get the best of both worlds with one line of tools.

I've owned most of my Ryobi stuff for 6 years now, supplemented here and there by a few pieces. The only thing I need is to cycle a couple new batteries into the mix.

All 7 of my batteries are NiCad, have held up well, and as mentioned, only a couple are starting to show signs of needing replacement. I'll probably try one of the "refresh" techniques first, just for fun, but, only 2 batteries in 6 years (when I own nearly 20 tools)? That's pretty good in my book.

 

[danski0224]

I've posted a few times about how great I find the Ryobi stuff to be. The value is phenomenal, and the tools are incredibly rugged.

As much as I hate to say it, +1 on the Ryobi.

They have maintained backwards battery compatibility, unlike everyone else that changes something every couple of years, rendering your pile of cordless tools and batteries useless.

When my Milwaukee 18V stuff dies, I'll most likely replace it with Ryobi... even though I dislike the puke green color scheme.

I'm not paying a premium price for Chinese made Milwaukee, Makita or Bosch stuff.

 

[mossyboy6]

I have used everything from festool to harbor freight.
Personally I own a snapon, a makita, and a flex drill. (all fantastic)
My father runs a remodeling business, and he currently owns a milwaukee and ridgid set. (he has owned the milwaukee for about 8 years and has probably gone through 5 batteries and 2 sets of brushes, but the drill keeps on going strong. The ridgid LI set has been running very well for about 2 years now.
I have seen many drills fail in my life, with a high percentage being harbor freight, Ryobi and dewalt.

The weak point in every system is the battery.

For the money, I think that the harbor freight new 12v is absolutely fantastic.

We have four of them at work (cabinet making), have had them for 5 months and drive about 100 screws, and drill about 125 small holes per day, for 2 1/2 drywall screws and smaller they are fantastic.

 

[sberry]

I have used Lions in cold weather, they worked very well. My 28's are well past 4 yrs old and the batteries are starting to go south. Am trying to decide what to do, might cough up a grand and get them. Its a rare day I use a corded drill,,, as the man said,,,k thousands of heavy holes, well paid for themselves and use them in the shop even where we got electric or air. The 28's are a bit heavy but doesn't bother me much, little trade off for great power and battery life.