Best Cordless Drill ? Help choose new one please

Marctrees · Oct 5, 2016

Need to buy new cordless dill, nothing huge, 14V more than plenty, cause I got a few Milwaukee plug ins for heavy needs.

Had an original 9V stick Makita yearrss ago, It lasted in everyday contractor use for 8 yrs.

So after that I stuck to new Makitas, BUT they ain't like the old ones.

Soo, after like 3 of those over 8 yrs, I switched to Bosch.

Have gone through 4 Bosch ones up to 14.4 last 12 years.

With sometimes heavy hobby use, they go to hell much faster "than they should"

Bad chuck on one, weird commutator problems on three.

No, Duhh - I don't overheat them.

And, not really crazy about the Bosch battery life.

I don't mean per charge, thats all good, but I mean the # of years till they die.

Even though I have 3 bosch batterys not real old that are fine, (and like 3 chargers), and a new Bosch impact, I really don't think I want to buy another Bosch.

I have had just way to much grief w the Drills.

So, in choosing a new one--

Sure, I can look at "feedbacks on Amazon, etc. -- BUT I need opinions about them AFTER a guy has had them a year, 2, +.

I'm thinking Dewalt, but gonna get what you guys say.

Hoping on less than $250 for drill, charger, 2 batts.

Thank you all !! Marc

Marctrees · Oct 5, 2016

And I was fine for years w NiCad, old tech was good.

Didn't blow up either. Marc

Roobaix · Oct 5, 2016

I've been very happy with Milwaukee Fuel stuff.

They have both the M12 and M18 line. FOr you, I'd probably grab the M18 compact drill. It's small for an 18v drill and has plenty of power.

I can't say how long the batteries actually last, that's probably much more user specific. Recharge cycle, how they are stored, etc.

dutchgray · Oct 5, 2016

None of the lower level drills are that good nowadays, they are built down so they can sell them for $99 on special (£99 here) or put them in the standard kits. They all work fine but don't last. You need to buy the top of the line drill or the one just under if you want to get the years out of them, my big heavy 3 speed Makita is fine after 8 years contactor use, only 1 of my original batteries still works and the chuck is getting pretty worn.

Lee Celtic · Oct 5, 2016

We have about 2 dozen Dewalts at work that are used 8 hours a day for adding handles and doors to furniture.. they work well and the battery life is good (the batteries outlast the drills) the major downside has been the triggers.. as they are all brushless and when the trigger is released they give a sharp reverse hit to stop the drill quickly they don't last very long. With lots of stop start work we are lucky to get a year out of them, then we swap them on warranty and get another just short of a year. Unfortunately the second drill is not covered by the warranty as it starts from the purchase of the first drill.

According to our maintenance guys the trigger is a sealed unit containing all the electrickery and is more expensive than buying a new drill hence we have lots of spare batteries.

I hear you on the bosch batteries.. I've just swapped the internals from a Dewalt into a bosch to keep my 14.4v going.

The Makita drills we have are all about a year old and look to be going strong so far. I think the main problem is they don't make them like they used to.. otherwise they wouldn't sell any new ones.

Robert Haas · Oct 5, 2016

Better way to make a good choice is to have a basic wish lists. For example;

1. Lithium 4.0 Mah minimum

2. Brushless motor

3. solid state electronic speed/trigger control

4. All ball bearing construction, (Some Mfg use needle and ball and these are fantastic)

5.Quick Charger

this is just the basics.

Additional items

Hammer Drill option

Clutch with optional impact settings

Hard to go against the newest Makita stuff. We are up to 30 units here at my shop. My employees are kind of hard on this stuff and the Makita Brushless is holding up very well, in fact we have not had a power unit nor a battery failure in over a year and these are running pretty much all day long in some pretty hostile conditions.

justsam · Oct 5, 2016

Like you, I was an early adopter with Makita 9.6 Volt. The early Makita seemed great so bought some of the later kit and have been disappointed. I too have tried Bosch and found it a little lacking however I use it the least. I have some deWalt screw drivers that I like the design of so keep them.

My real "go to" now is 12V Milwaukee. The power is pretty amazing for 12V. The "Fuel" series is brushless so no commutator issues.

In spite of having a full kit of Milwaukee 28v, I find myself using the 12V most of the time and it works just fine.

sberry · Oct 5, 2016

I might get a couple Walmart BD thingys for running screws as our 28 is just way heavier than we need. But its still a work in progress and depending on how much I leaned on a drill (I have 4) a super good installer lever battery drill is really worth the extra money as well as many other tools.
My heavy drills can do light work but have replaced all the work of the arm breaker of old. I bought 1 new recently, not as enthused about features but got plenty of poop.

In spite of having a full kit of Milwaukee 28v, I find myself using the 12V most of the time and it works just fine.

Ya,, above. I agree lighter drills will do most of the work and would be good substitute to putting all the routine wear on a high dollar. We like the 28 due to the fact we were moving around and it was pretty much a 1 stop power unit. We adapted to be able to do all our drilling with them including a lot of bench work and 1 off stuff might often be done in a drill press I find just about as easy to do on the vise or clamped to the bench.
Middle pic is old and prototype. I have about 10 batteries and 5 of the lights which was a super buy and still hard to keep up with.

Marctrees · Oct 5, 2016

Ok, have searched on this forum, and Googled for 5 hours since my OP.

And read the above responses.

THANK YOU guys soo much for fast answers, but you need to get away from the keyboard and into the Shop !!!!!!

Looked mostly at Milwaukee "fuel" and Festool.

Have decided on Milwaukee M12 or 18, PROBABLY.

I think the choice of the word "fuel" is really stupid, makes you think of a Paslode gas cartridge/ battery combo nail gun before you look into it, and see theres no "fuel" involved.

DUMBBB marketing decision, cause who wants to order and buy "fuel" if not necessary???

I bet alot of buyers dismiss it, and go to another brand, If they are not "diggers" for info.

Anyway, I'm over that, Help me from here please. Marc

ChaseDE · Oct 5, 2016

It seems most guys here like the Milwalkee Fuel stuff. My dad was a Delwalt diehard and still is, they always lasted for him for years.

I had a Hitachi 18v for years and it was a good drill but gave up when remodeling the kitchen, drilling tons of pilot holes and new hardware, hinges for cabinet doors motor started smoking.

I now have a ryobi 18v li-ion and I like it a lot. got plenty of *** for what i need it for. i am just a home DIY'r though, not a contractor that uses it day in and day out.

peteco · Oct 5, 2016

Marctrees said:
Had an original 9V stick Makita yearrss ago, It lasted in everyday contractor use for 8 yrs.

So after that I stuck to new Makitas, BUT they ain't like the old ones.

Soo, after like 3 of those over 8 yrs, I switched to Bosch.

Have gone through 4 Bosch ones up to 14.4 last 12 years.

With sometimes heavy hobby use, they go to hell much faster "than they should"

Bad chuck on one, weird commutator problems on three.

Hoping on less than $250 for drill, charger, 2 batts.

Thank you all !! Marc

I was like you. Went through several drills over about 10 years. Mainly the batteries would die and the replacements were expensive. Gave Ridgid a shot starting 9 years ago. Below is the story I put on another post. If you have a Home Depot nearby that services tools that is a huge plus.

"Gotta vote for Ridgid. I started with them 9 years ago. I just got the 9 year old NiCad batteries replaced free. A couple of Li-ion batteries replaced a few years ago too. The charger failed so got that replaced free also. Had a switch fail on a 5 year old impact. They fixed it free. Just make sure you follow the warranty registration rules. Have bought numerous other Ridgid tools. They may be a notch less refined than a Milwaukee or some others, but they work fine.

I also made a battery adapter to use the Rigid batteries on Ryobi tools. So that tool suite is available to me as well. Look for my post in here:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...d.php?t=280234

DFB · Oct 5, 2016

If you have been happy with older 9.6v-14v tools and are looking to go with Milwaukee Tools a M12 Fuel drill with a 4.0 XC /2.0 battery combo @ $169 might be all you will need (add $10 for the hammer drill option). Otherwise maxing out with 1200 in lb rated 18v 2703 or 2704 Fuel drill kit with a pair of 5.0 XC batteries will be greater than $250 unless you opt for a compact battery kit. There are fairly new non fuel brushless compact tool options that were recommended earlier in this thread, the 2701 drill with two 2.0 ah batteries that is $199 and the 2702 hammer drill kit is $229.

Since a lot people use impact drivers to drive screws and tighten/loosen nuts and bolts these days there are also a lot of combo kits available with most every brand and with Milwaukee there has been a lot of free tool or battery promos... like this also for $229

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...Capacity-Battery-2597-22-48-11-2440/205810123.

Couple that with their warranty its a pretty good deal for some pretty good tools.

If you havn't bought for a while you might even get a $10 off first purchase offer from some online vendors

TLCObsession · Oct 5, 2016

I will just say I have been very happy with my Makita LXT system. No issues at all. I used to work in a company where we had dozens of them that got heavy use and we had no problems there either.

My current set is at least 6 years old - all the batteries are still good and I just finished rebuilding my dock where I drove at least one hundred 7" 3/8" galvy lags through PT 4 x 4's into 14" diameter cedar logs. Now I will be driving hundreds of stainless deck screws through composite decking into the 4x4's.

Marctrees · Oct 5, 2016

Ya, one thing I definately have no need for is "hammer" function, unless it is for something other than concrete.

In my case, I'm always in or near my shop, and have a few different size Metabos w bits for that.

Marc

theoldwizard1 · Oct 5, 2016

First, decide what size chuck you need. For homeowner/DIY 3/8" chuck really IS adequate. Buy a new set of bits, "jobber length", ones where everything >3/8" is turned down.

Second decide if you want a plain drill or hammer drill. Hammer drill is the only thing that will drill concrete, mortar or brick. You probably won't do this much, but you will hate yourself for not buying it when you need it !

Milwaukee and DeWalt are battling for "King of the Hill". Under $320 will be hard if you want 1/2", li-Ion and brushless. I think brushless is over-rated for a DIY and you really pay for it.

Watch for sale. They happen every 4-6 months.

My personal belief is most 1/2" drills spin too fast. You want TRIPLE gear reduction and I have NOT seen that in a cordless drill.

R.Anderson · Oct 5, 2016

one definition of fuel:

to give support or strength to (something)

Nothing wrong with the word fuel.

3/8" chuck lol ya no thanks. Reduced shank drill bits ****. Get a 1/2" drill you won't regret it.

If ya plan on drilling more than several holes in concrete Drill/hammer cordless **** compared to corded Metabo or Milwaukee drill hammers. Drilling a lot of holes in concrete is good way to kill any major brand of cordless drill/Hammer.

1/2" cordless Milwaukee M18 and Fuel go slow enough for 1/2".

You cannot go wrong with Milwaukee darn good and tuff. Plus you can get other cordless tools that use the same battery pack. The Milwaukee cordless circular saw is a dam good tool to have too.

JMHO from a DIY and Professonal standpoint.

davidhansen · Oct 5, 2016

I seem to be in the minority here, but I think the Dewalt. I feel like the battery life is good and they're fairly drop-resistant. And that means being dropped and having stuff dropped on them. Good luck.

shockwave · Oct 5, 2016

Look at Milwaukee m12 fuel drill this is very nice powerful and light and with 1/2 chuck it can handle the bigger bits where most cannot

neilc · Oct 5, 2016

You mentioned Festool. Did you look at the TXS drill?

http://www.festoolproducts.com/fest...9_Nb5twvcnOlea5Mtc3fI-SbewuDCOslZYhoC1Unw_wcB

I use mine a LOT and I have 15-20v Festools, Panasonic and Dewalt. I like the small Festool for a few reasons -
- 3 year warranty
- small size, hang on your belt and it just works so well
- right angle chuck included
- LED light
- Access to the Centrotec system of bits if you ever want to go that way in the future

It's $285 which is slightly above your price range, but I've talked to many people who have tried it and they really appreciate it.

Downside is it goes up to 3/8 chuck, but if you have a collection of many other drills, it might be a consideration.

Davefr · Oct 5, 2016

The Milwaukee M12's are fine due to the breadth of platform offerings.

However I never pick up my M12 now that I have a Festool. Festool drills take it up to the next level. I wouldn't have brought it up but you wanted "best".

You can try one for 30 days. I did and I'm sold on them. However I use one all the time. I prefer the CXS but it's personal preference.

The Festool drill is so lightweight, ergonomic and the speed control is more refined then any other drill I've ever used. At 10.8V it'll outshine many other higher voltage drills in capability.

bmharold · Oct 5, 2016

I am going to be contrsry and say I like my Porter Cable 20v Max drill and impact.

jd_1138 · Oct 5, 2016

Davefr said:
The Milwaukee M12's are fine due to the breadth of platform offerings.

However I never pick up my M12 now that I have a Festool. Festool drills take it up to the next level. I wouldn't have brought it up but you wanted "best".

You can try one for 30 days. I did and I'm sold on them. However I use one all the time. I prefer the CXS but it's personal preference.

The Festool drill is so lightweight, ergonomic and the speed control is more refined then any other drill I've ever used. At 10.8V it'll outshine many other higher voltage drills in capability.

Yeah Festool stuff is awesome. Tom Silva, of This Old House, uses Festool. However, Festool doesn't make an impact driver still? They only make regular drills. I think the OP should definitely get an impact driver. They come in handy.

Another option is to get Festool tools but then just add a DeWalt/Milwaukee/Ryobi/Ridgid/Porter Cable impact driver to the mix. Nothing wrong with being on 2 battery platforms especially if one is pricey like Festool. That way you can buy seldom used tools on the cheaper platform.

Marctrees · Oct 5, 2016

I already have an almost new Bosch impact driver, and a few different Metabo hammer drills.

Don't need a cordless hammer at all. Marc

balrog · Oct 6, 2016

Hilti has a three tool 12v kit with two batteries and a charger on special for 249. Drill, driver and impact.

Another suggestion is a Panasonic 14v drill kit.

Marctrees · Oct 7, 2016

Thanks to all for input.

I decided on Milwaukee fuel M12 1/2'' hammer --- Marc

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00BYFNEL2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

GavinY · Nov 11, 2019

I have been using it for more than a year, no heavy work but drilling in wood, driving screws and such. 2 batteries mean you can easily have a charged spare at all times, which unless you are going to be drilling for 5 + hours straight you will be fine. For the heavy stuff I have a big Bosch impact drill, for the light jobs the Ryobi is 100%. Sure it isn't in the same league as the Bosch, Makita etc. drills, but for light work it works well and it cost in the regions of R500. Which means you can toss away and replace 4 times over before you start spending more money than on the more expensive tools. I'm a big Bosch fan and if money was no object I would gladly buy Bosch, but by the sounds of it the Ryobi would work perfectly for what you need it for.

drillinfo.com

Farmall450 · Nov 11, 2019

GavinY said:
I have been using it for more than a year, no heavy work but drilling in wood, driving screws and such. 2 batteries mean you can easily have a charged spare at all times, which unless you are going to be drilling for 5 + hours straight you will be fine. For the heavy stuff I have a big Bosch impact drill, for the light jobs the Ryobi is 100%. Sure it isn't in the same league as the Bosch, Makita etc. drills, but for light work it works well and it cost in the regions of R500. Which means you can toss away and replace 4 times over before you start spending more money than on the more expensive tools. I'm a big Bosch fan and if money was no object I would gladly buy Bosch, but by the sounds of it the Ryobi would work perfectly for what you need it for.

drillinfo.com

Yes, Ryobi would do everything the OP or 90% of the posters need. This is a beat to death topic on this forum that ignites flame wars, and, for some reason, spawns a new thread every 24-48 hours, generally with the same title. :dunno:

Bigblockyeti · Oct 29, 2020

Robert Haas said:
Better way to make a good choice is to have a basic wish lists. For example;

1. Lithium 4.0 Mah minimum

2. Brushless motor

3. solid state electronic speed/trigger control

4. All ball bearing construction, (Some Mfg use needle and ball and these are fantastic)

5.Quick Charger

This is a good list with the exception of #4, no cordless drill made with a planetary gear train employs all ball or needle bearing construction from any manufacturer, not even Festool or Mafell.

Edit, ok, I just saw this thread isn't ~3 weeks old, it's that plus a year.

Best Cordless Drill ? Help choose new one please

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