Need a new cordless drill
- Thread starter bratwurst
- Start date
DerekV
Well-known member
With all due respect, this question is really open ended and suggests you haven't really looked into what's out there. You gotta do that. No one knows what's best for you other than you. Generally speaking all of the big brands have really solid platforms. I think once you see what's out there, the answer will be pretty obvious assuming the focus or at least a sizeable part of what you're after is automotive stuff.
Good luck and report back on what you end up going with.
Good luck and report back on what you end up going with.
powertrip
Well-known member
I currently have or have owned Kobalt 24v, Ryobi, Ridgid, Milwaukee and Dewalt. They are all good choices. Go look at them online or in store to see if a particular brand offers the type of tools you'd want. Also pay attention to battery prices, That's the real incentive. Fathers day coming up and Lowes/Home Depot running spring sales right now. There are a lot of choices. Makita is top notch too, nothing wrong with staying with that line. 18V will give you more choices as well.
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Farmall450
Well-known member
Agreed with above two. Take some time and read around here, you'll see everyone loves...pretty much everything.
If you're looking to get a wide variety of odd ball tools, DeWalt and Milwaukee are the only ways to go. If else, anything you can get a good deal on is fair game.
If you're looking to get a wide variety of odd ball tools, DeWalt and Milwaukee are the only ways to go. If else, anything you can get a good deal on is fair game.
Jeffksf
Well-known member
check out Bigskytool.com Ive been happy with my Hitachi from them.
Consider getting an impact driver plus drill. I was dismissive of my first impact driver, it came in a kit with my Nextec drill. I thought it was a gimmicky but after using it, well if you have to drive screws, an impact driver is easier than a drill. It's great to have both.
For what little it's worth, and it isn't worth much, I just bought the $120 Ridgid 18V impact driver and drill set. For $100 Lowes has a Kobalt set based on their 24V batteries. For the price difference you can buy a second Kobalt battery.
Between these two, the Ridgid has a reportedly great warranty that includes the batteries but any additional batteries are very expensive. No concern regarding the product line getting disco'ed.
The Kobalt's are brushless but have virtually identical specs. The warranty isn't lifetime but the batteries are cheaper.
In any case it may be worth looking at the price of additional tools that use that battery family.
For what little it's worth, and it isn't worth much, I just bought the $120 Ridgid 18V impact driver and drill set. For $100 Lowes has a Kobalt set based on their 24V batteries. For the price difference you can buy a second Kobalt battery.
Between these two, the Ridgid has a reportedly great warranty that includes the batteries but any additional batteries are very expensive. No concern regarding the product line getting disco'ed.
The Kobalt's are brushless but have virtually identical specs. The warranty isn't lifetime but the batteries are cheaper.
In any case it may be worth looking at the price of additional tools that use that battery family.
engineer2
Well-known member
A Makita XPH07 will serve your needs very nicely.
Get an impact driver too. One with multiple speed settings. You'll use it a lot more than your drill.
Get an impact driver too. One with multiple speed settings. You'll use it a lot more than your drill.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
I've been using the Makita LXT 18v platform for about 12 years now. They haven't chaned the platform in a long time. It's nice being able to use the same batteries on my new brushless saw and my 12 year old year old drill.
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kctyphoon
Banned
Milwaukee fuel - you’ll never look back..
Clcartagena89
Well-known member
Milwaukee brushless drill and impact on sale this weekend at Home Depot believe it was 129.99
Clcartagena89
Well-known member
5 year warranties on both tools and batteries
Doc995
Well-known member
FWIW, I *love* my Ryobi 18+ One. I've owned DeWalt, Makita, & Porter Cable over the years and my Ryobi knocks them out! Plus an an added bonus, there are TONS of other Ryobi tools that work on that same battery which is a huge thing for me. I own no less than 10 other Ryobi 18+ One tools.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Roger that. M18 and M12 tools are rocks.
DFB
Well-known member
Hercules 12volt 
And it's just about the same color as a Mikita
I think there's a 10% coupon out too!
And it's just about the same color as a Mikita
I think there's a 10% coupon out too!
ez-duzit
Well-known member
What you want is the lithium ion brushless Makita XDT12.
If you already have the batteries of the LXT or CXT then stick with the Makita and get their brushless version. Otherwise there is Milwaukee Fuel.
MushCreek
Well-known member
I'm another Milwaukee M18 fanboy. I built my entire house with my M18 (pre-Fuel) tools. I use the 1/4" driver more than anything else, but the circular saw, SawZall, and drill get used all the time. I recently added a 1/2" impact. I never break out my corded (or air) tools anymore.
OP, what's your budget? The Fuel like gets lots of props here but when I looked at the price of a drill impact driver combo it was well over double the price of the Ridgid set I bought. For that you got nicer tools with bigger batteries but given my usage that benefit isn't worth the cost.
However, there is something to be said for looking at the other tools in the line. Since I'm budget minded I like the B&D 20V line. Not because they are great but because I was able to get a light duty circular saw for $45. The same in the Ridgid line is nearly $100 more. Sure it's a much better saw but for my occasional use I would never buy it.
However, there is something to be said for looking at the other tools in the line. Since I'm budget minded I like the B&D 20V line. Not because they are great but because I was able to get a light duty circular saw for $45. The same in the Ridgid line is nearly $100 more. Sure it's a much better saw but for my occasional use I would never buy it.
Sunset_Z28
Well-known member
Add another vote for Ryobi. I’ve had my set for a few years and haven’t had any issues out of any of the tools or batteries.
Notgrownup
Well-known member
I started with Porter Cable and once you start with one it’s harder to switch to something different, I have been happy with mine it’s the 18v and I have an array of tools and it has done me very well, My SIL has the Milwaukee M18 I thinksnd it’s very nice.
If I had to do it all over again, I really am not sure what I would chose...
If I had to do it all over again, I really am not sure what I would chose...
The ergonomics on those is terrible. The direction button is stupidly placed, and the side handle is way too long.
I tried a bunch last year. Nothing was comparable to what I ultimately ended up with (Fein), though I didn’t try
Festool and nowhere worthy of my money had Bosch or Metabo locally. Dewalt was #2, but I wasn’t willing to tolerate the panel gaps. I’d rather buy a quality tool made in China (though the Fein I ended up with is German) than poorly made in America.
Handyandy23
Well-known member
Personally I'm invested in the DeWalt 20V system, as well as a little in the Ryobi 18V (mostly yard tools). I'd agree with others in that they all seem to make a quality tool, and the decision should come down to availability and price.
Look at the whole tool lineup and see if there are tools you think you'd want to expand to in the future. DeWalt and Milwaukee seem to have the most extensive lineups. I slightly prefer DeWalt's lineup just because Milwaukee has some tools in M12 and some in M18 that I like, which are all 20V with DeWalt, so only one battery system to worry about.
Ryobi is nice too because they are very readily available at HD, on sale often, and have a decently large lineup. I have a weed whacker and leaf blower that both work well and plan to expand on this system a bit. You can get DeWalt and Milwaukee online / Amazon for pretty good deals which somewhat negates the Ryobi price advantage, but it's also nice to be able to walk to the brick and mortar store and get what you need on the spot.
Makita is pretty far down my list personally just because they seem to be the least accessible. My local HD has some of their stuff, but it's pricey, never goes on good sales, and there just isn't very much of it there. Batteries and tools from the other big manufacturers are much easier to source. I don't doubt Makita makes a good tool too, but they all do and I'd rather go with easier to find.
Look at the whole tool lineup and see if there are tools you think you'd want to expand to in the future. DeWalt and Milwaukee seem to have the most extensive lineups. I slightly prefer DeWalt's lineup just because Milwaukee has some tools in M12 and some in M18 that I like, which are all 20V with DeWalt, so only one battery system to worry about.
Ryobi is nice too because they are very readily available at HD, on sale often, and have a decently large lineup. I have a weed whacker and leaf blower that both work well and plan to expand on this system a bit. You can get DeWalt and Milwaukee online / Amazon for pretty good deals which somewhat negates the Ryobi price advantage, but it's also nice to be able to walk to the brick and mortar store and get what you need on the spot.
Makita is pretty far down my list personally just because they seem to be the least accessible. My local HD has some of their stuff, but it's pricey, never goes on good sales, and there just isn't very much of it there. Batteries and tools from the other big manufacturers are much easier to source. I don't doubt Makita makes a good tool too, but they all do and I'd rather go with easier to find.
whateg01
Well-known member
I have always liked the placement of the fwd/rev buttons on the DeWalt drills. I ended up buying a PC because it was on sale, though. It still feels good in my hand.
The only real complaint I have about the PC drill is that chuck they used (mine is 18V lithium batteries, so maybe they have changed since then) feels kind of cheap. Also, when tightening the chuck, it always feels like the clutch slips once it starts to get tight, then it holds and I can tighten it the rest of the way. It's never caused a problem, and it always holds the drill, but it feels chintzy to me. The chuck on the Milwaukee at work feels better to me, but I don't like the feel of the drill body in my hand.
Check out the impact driver (I don't remember if it was the drill or impact you were looking at now, or a combo kit). I don't know if others are different, but I find the release collar on the PC to work fine, but it's annoying pulling it toward the impact's body, but pulling the bit the other. Makes it harder to do one-handed. Just annoying. Again, I haven't spent much time looking at other brands lately, so maybe they all are built that way. I have an quick release adapter that I use in the drill at work that I pull the collar the same direction as the bit so the bit falls into my hand in one swift motion. Also, the collar on the adapter stays released, so I just insert a new bit and it snaps into place, whereas that on my PC impact requires me to pull the collar back to insert a new bit.
Not really a recommendation, but hopefully some helpful things to look for or avoid.
Dave
The only real complaint I have about the PC drill is that chuck they used (mine is 18V lithium batteries, so maybe they have changed since then) feels kind of cheap. Also, when tightening the chuck, it always feels like the clutch slips once it starts to get tight, then it holds and I can tighten it the rest of the way. It's never caused a problem, and it always holds the drill, but it feels chintzy to me. The chuck on the Milwaukee at work feels better to me, but I don't like the feel of the drill body in my hand.
Check out the impact driver (I don't remember if it was the drill or impact you were looking at now, or a combo kit). I don't know if others are different, but I find the release collar on the PC to work fine, but it's annoying pulling it toward the impact's body, but pulling the bit the other. Makes it harder to do one-handed. Just annoying. Again, I haven't spent much time looking at other brands lately, so maybe they all are built that way. I have an quick release adapter that I use in the drill at work that I pull the collar the same direction as the bit so the bit falls into my hand in one swift motion. Also, the collar on the adapter stays released, so I just insert a new bit and it snaps into place, whereas that on my PC impact requires me to pull the collar back to insert a new bit.
Not really a recommendation, but hopefully some helpful things to look for or avoid.
Dave
kelpaso1
MEMBER EMERITUS
The combo kit at that price is not brushless. Same combo on sale here in Canada for $198 says brushed.
Trapps
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Over about 18 years I went from PC12V to DW18V and last year converted to Bosch 18V. I'm in love with the torque and battery life. I did add a couple of Core batteries to the rotation and they have exceeded my expectations. I was really torn between the Bosch and the Milwaukee Fuel. It came down to price and availability on the day I bought. As others have suggested, you'll most likely be happy with any new cordless drill. +1 on the impact driver recommendation if a ton of screws are in your future.
MushCreek
Well-known member
I've been on a construction site all week, and all of the subcontractors were running Milwaukee, except one group that was running DeWalt. On any given crew, they all run the same platform so they can interchange batteries, and all use the same charger. It was for a TV show, so all of the logos had to be covered, even though anyone who knows tools would recognize red or yellow.
Hytekrednek
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 6, 2015
- Messages
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I am more than happy with my 4 speed 22 volt Hilti. It has torque for days and very low speed possible for large bits and very fast for jobs that require it. It feels bullet proof, plus has one hell of a warranty. It is the best I have ever used as far as a full sized drill/driver.
Handyandy23
Well-known member
For the cost of the Hilti 22V stuff I'd hope it's amazing! Not sure someone who was getting by with a 12V Makita is the right market for a Hilti 22V. I'd think you'd have to be doing a lot of regular concrete work for it to make sense to invest in that line.
I like Milwaukee M18/M12 , Ryobi and Ridgid 18V, the tool selection is way better than other brands.
DeWalt and Makita performance is pretty good but dont innovate, are always catching up Milwaukee and TTi.
Sent from my SM-J337A using Tapatalk
DeWalt and Makita performance is pretty good but dont innovate, are always catching up Milwaukee and TTi.
Sent from my SM-J337A using Tapatalk
99LeCouch
Well-known member
Average homeowner here. For my homeowner uses, my little Ridgid 12v drill and impact driver set has been great. Not the most powerful by any means. They can easily get into small places, and the drill manages to have good torque, good speed modulation, and a good clutch. Perfect for assembling furniture, installing outlets, and other applications where fasteners or threads are sensitive to torque. The impact driver is fine for driving small lag bolts and deck screws. It would not be suitable for building a deck. For removing a few boards, sure. Battery life is quite good, and the batteries hold a charge for a very long time.
Milwaukee M12 might be another good option, since the Ridgid 12v lineup is limited. The M12 Fuel will blow these away for power, while still being compact.
Milwaukee M12 might be another good option, since the Ridgid 12v lineup is limited. The M12 Fuel will blow these away for power, while still being compact.
Farmall450
Well-known member
If you're not using them hard/needing a huge array, the PC kits have a huge number of tools and can be dirt cheap.
Notgrownup
Well-known member
For me the tinkering backyard guy it has worked great, I have had nothing but good use, I have 4 batteries now and I never run out of power...Compared to the Nicad HF I used during my shop build the battery life is awesome...
The little impact driver came in handy, so did the circular saw and reciprocating saw...
Key to me is buying the best blades I can get.
I forgot, mine is 20v not 18v, it does have plenty of power.
Lisamelting
Well-known member
Personally I use and am invested in the Milwaukee platform. But in the last year I've used DeWalt, Makita and Rigid. I really don't think the average Diy'er could go wrong with any of those. Heck, one of the carpenters doing the inside work at the shop is using Porter Cable drills and impact drivers.
I just don't feel that there are many bad cordless tools from the big manufacturers in this day.
I just don't feel that there are many bad cordless tools from the big manufacturers in this day.
Unruh
Well-known member
I recently switched from Dewalt 20V to Makita 18v. I have the sub-compact Makita still and impact and love them. That are comforatable and seem to have more power.
dr_clyde
Well-known member
The Metabo stuff I recently bought absolutely blows away any cordless you can get from a box store. Im not sure I can ever go back to the box store brands.
It also blows away a lot of budgets. Pro grade tools cost more than box store tools.
I have Bosch at home. I like them. They work fine for the once a month I may need a drill at home.
I don't care for Milwaukee. I have one, a M18 fuel. The ergonomics aren't great imo. The chuck is decent. I don't get the cult following Milwaukee has. They're pretty average and on par with other Chinese power tools. Not bad, but not great either.
I also have Makita, and I really like them. I have both brushless and brushed. The old brushed drill is still kicking after ten years or so. I don't like their brushless as much.
My dad and some friends have DeWalt. They're ok, but nothing special. My buddy says they haven't held up in the shop he works at. Lots of problems with new drills.
If you can afford them and justify them, Metabo, Fein and Hilti are the best. They are designed for heavy industrial use and will hold up to serious abuse on jobsites.
If you can't, I'd get Makita or Bosch. My experience with them has been very positive compared to yellow and red.
It also blows away a lot of budgets. Pro grade tools cost more than box store tools.
I have Bosch at home. I like them. They work fine for the once a month I may need a drill at home.
I don't care for Milwaukee. I have one, a M18 fuel. The ergonomics aren't great imo. The chuck is decent. I don't get the cult following Milwaukee has. They're pretty average and on par with other Chinese power tools. Not bad, but not great either.
I also have Makita, and I really like them. I have both brushless and brushed. The old brushed drill is still kicking after ten years or so. I don't like their brushless as much.
My dad and some friends have DeWalt. They're ok, but nothing special. My buddy says they haven't held up in the shop he works at. Lots of problems with new drills.
If you can afford them and justify them, Metabo, Fein and Hilti are the best. They are designed for heavy industrial use and will hold up to serious abuse on jobsites.
If you can't, I'd get Makita or Bosch. My experience with them has been very positive compared to yellow and red.
Farmall450
Well-known member
You really can't go wrong with the 8 or so piece kit for like $320 on sale. I see it all the time at Farm & Fleet and if I was starting out/not heavily invested in DeWalt I'm sure they'd hold up just fine. Now, they don't have quite as many specialty tools but the average joe doesn't need those.
They do have a cordless tile saw, however.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
I got the fuel M18 hammer 1/2 drill and 1/4 hex pulse impact driver kit at Xmas. I agree w the above post. My only gripe is I wish the 1/4 driver were a bit more able to break free tighter, larger bolts. It has made me start looking at buying more impact sockets, and realize I have been missing out on having (3/8 & 1/2) impact tools in general.
I’m partial to Milwaukee myself.
If there are pawn shops in your area that’s a great way to save money. Pawn shops in Houston are all full of cordless tools (all the brands).
I picked up a like new M18 1/2 drill Friday with 2 batteries and charger for $65. One battery alone is $75 at the HDs around here.
Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
If there are pawn shops in your area that’s a great way to save money. Pawn shops in Houston are all full of cordless tools (all the brands).
I picked up a like new M18 1/2 drill Friday with 2 batteries and charger for $65. One battery alone is $75 at the HDs around here.
Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
IMHO, most guys really need 2 drills. A modern 2 speed lithium battery 3/8" capacity drill and a CORDED, triple gear reduction, 1/2" drill.