This thread looks to be cooling down...............
I'd like to report back with what I finally bought. I'm a huge procratinator, and combined with being ****/fussy its a terrible cross to bear. Get out the Popcorn..........
I was on my way to a sellers house to look at a used Craigs List Miwaukee V-18 (1st Generation battery) Lith-Ion 1/2" Hammer Drill, with two 3.0Ah batteries and charger for $125.
Decided to stop at Home Depot to look misc products over. On a Wednesday afternoon HD wasnt all that busy. Fortunate (I think) to run into TTI West Coast manager, TTI District Mgr & TTI Field Rep. I find out that Techtronic Industries North America, Inc. ownes Ryobi, Ridgis and Miwaukee. I cant quote exact words, but I was told that quality started with Ryobi, and went up to Ridgid and Milwaukie was considered the best.
H.D. had big display of the newish M-12 (12Volt) line. TTI guy said they were sellng real well, could hardly keep them in stock. The M-12's are quite compact, Lith-Ion battery slides up into handle and no doubt are great tools.
I just felt that I wanted the 18Volt battery platform. I decided on the promotional left over black friday package 2601-22H (H must stand for H.D.) This SET contains the 2 spd 1/2" Driver/Drill 2601-20 & the 2650-20 1/4" Impact Driver is added basically as a freebie.
Also included in the blow molded red case are two 48-11-1815 Lith-Ion 23Wh (??) batteries (1.4Ah?) and Charger. ALL this for $199.
(Think about what you credit hungry guys are paying for no more powerful truck branded drills/drivers)
I did see these same set up on AMAZON under a different part number for $199 with Free Shipping.
Given everything weve read above, I just feel these are great tool at a great price.
I can buy the 18V XC 3.0AH batteries if ever have the need
I also picked up a 29pc SHOCKWAVE Impact Driver Bit Set ($20). This is Milwaukee's latest, greatest metal/design bit technology that helps prevent bit/tip breakage.
I've also ordered 1/4" Hex x 3/8" square drive adapter to use impact driver with 3/8" Impact sockets. Cant quote the specs, but I'm thinking this impact can keep up with or surpass the S.O. 3/8" impact Gun (???)
Thanks for reading,