Best cordless drills?

[Beemer533]

Not sure why, but DeWalt has been lagging behind the other tool makers in bringing advances to the market ever since Stanley gobbled up B&D. Look how long it took 'em to get on the Lithium-Ion bandwagon.

I've not heard good things about the durability of the Milwaukee cordless tools though (relative to the other major brands), that's one thing that kept me from going that direction when I was jumping into the 12v compact pond. As for super-dooper extensive line of 12v tools they have, so what? 1/2 of them look to be nothing more than gadgets.

I am, however, looking to go down the 18/20v brushless path now. Contenders are DeWalt, Milwaukee and Bosch. Each has some features I wish the others had... grrrrr.

I will say that is one thing that drives me nuts about dewalt is their lag time to market.. Generally though, when they do get it out I have been very pleased with them. I do wish they would add on to their 12v max line faster though.

I've been doing a bunch of work in Iraq on and off since last year, and I have been beating the **** out of the 12v stuff and they have held up really well. The weight makes them nice for tower work.

I have a couple m12 tools (hackzall, which is great and the sub scanner also works well), my biggest issue is the battery life doesn't seem very good.

Either way, it is nice being able to charge the 12v in the 20v chargers, saves from carrying around extra stuff.

They must believe in it somewhat.. just released a 2.0aH battery..

http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-12v-2ah-battery-pack/

I got an email about it the other day.

I need to remember to buy that USB charger :rofl:

It's funny, I thought that was sort of pointless too, but I picked one up for a steal a while back and I have to say, I use it frequently. You can get a ton of cell/tablet charges from a 20v battery..

 

[Stuey]

They must believe in it somewhat.. just released a 2.0aH battery..

http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-12v-2ah-battery-pack/

I got an email about it the other day.

I need to remember to buy that USB charger :rofl:

Not necessarily.

From what I can see, Dewalt's 12V philosophy seems to be "will we make money off of this product?" while Milwaukee's seems to be "will we attract users to the M12 lineup with this product."

Dewalt silently upgraded from 1.3Ah to 1.5Ah. The move from 1.5Ah to 2.0Ah is not any more significant given how it follows others brands' developments. It's a welcome move, but not really any indication that Dewalt is planning for a big expansion.

My hope is that Dewalt has a line of new and upgraded 12V tools ready to launch, but the likelihood of this is uncertain.

 

[exmaxima1]

My older 1/2" Bosch Compact DDS181 drill is my to-go drill.

I've had that same model Bosch for several years and find no complaints.

 

[Stuey]

I've had that same model Bosch for several years and find no complaints.

Did you buy it during the crazy Amazon $94 deal a few years back? That's how I got mine. =)

 

[cashishift]

I went to my local big tool shop today as they had a tent sale.

While I was waiting in line to purchase a TSTAK II and some cheap bits.. 2 guys were buying the 12V MAX kits.. so maybe they are slowly gaining some traction.

I'd like to pick up one of those sawzall things they have for it.. just no real hurry/need.

 

[exmaxima1]

Did you buy it during the crazy Amazon $94 deal a few years back? That's how I got mine. =)

Not sure. I recall paying around $120 with 2 batteries. It was/is a great deal for a great drill.

 

[Beemer533]

I went to my local big tool shop today as they had a tent sale.

While I was waiting in line to purchase a TSTAK II and some cheap bits.. 2 guys were buying the 12V MAX kits.. so maybe they are slowly gaining some traction.

I'd like to pick up one of those sawzall things they have for it.. just no real hurry/need.

I didn't have a "need" either, but I bought one anyway

It works well for what it is, same as my Milwaukee hackzall, but I still prefer using my bandsaw as much as possible.

 

[durallymax]

To me DeWalt seems like a "me too" company. Riding on the name and letting others do the innovation and market testing. Once they see what sells, then the release it. Their marketing never hinges on new innovative ideas, or how they excel over the competition. They seem to just be in their world and seem to be comfortable with it.

I also think the 20v MAX is annoying because they have to put their disclaimer on everything. Looks like marketing at its finest. bigger number attracts more people. Annoys others though. What would be wrong with 18v MAX? They do it for the 12v MAX.

 

[Stuey]

To me DeWalt seems like a "me too" company. Riding on the name and letting others do the innovation and market testing. Once they see what sells, then the release it. Their marketing never hinges on new innovative ideas, or how they excel over the competition. They seem to just be in their world and seem to be comfortable with it.

I also think the 20v MAX is annoying because they have to put their disclaimer on everything. Looks like marketing at its finest. bigger number attracts more people. Annoys others though. What would be wrong with 18v MAX? They do it for the 12v MAX.

Maybe. Seems like that to me sometimes as well.

 

[GSteg]

What would be wrong with 18v MAX? They do it for the 12v MAX.

Because the max voltage would actually be 20V, not 18V. The 12V Max is actually ~10.8V.

 

[sol_searcher]

Have you looked at the Ingersoll Rand D5140 1/2" 20V Cordless Drill Driver? If not why not?

 

[flylow7f39]

What would be wrong with 18v MAX?

The older 18 volt batteries come in both lithium and Nicd and either type fits and works on their 18 volt tools.

Perhaps having another 18 volt lithium battery that does not fit on all their 18 volt tools would lead to confusion for some? Naming it 20 volt helps clarify that it is different?

I can see negative reviews on Amazon: I wanted maximum power and it says it was lithium and 18 volts but will not even fit on my drill...

Don't think there are near as many 12 volt DeWALTs out there as 18 volts, seems to me DeWALT is currently sort of ignoring the 12 volt market?

IMHO there are better cordless tools than DeWalt but the DeWALTs (again IMHO) should be more than satisfactory for most.

YMMV

 

[cgv69]

I have always preferred Makita over all the rest when it comes to cordless.

Makita use to own the cordless tool market and there was a time when I wouldn't have considered anything else. I still have my first Makita (#6071D) that I bought when I was an installer and still love that drill.

That said, Milwaukee's M12 and M18 line, particularly in the "Fuel" versions are the best cordless tools on the market today. What I would have given for the M12 Fuel Drill & Impact driver combo set back when I was installing!

 

[IndyGarage]

I haven't had luck with Metabo's USA PR and marketing people. As with Panasonic, they seem incapable of answering questions about products. If they can put a test sample or loaner in my hand I'll be able to consider it for the next post update, which will probably be in early 2015.

I'd really like to know who has the best tools, not who has the best marketing department.

The Europe cordless tool brands; Fein, Festool, AEG, Metabo, etc. are typically in another price bracket when sold in the US, as is Hilti (rebadged Panasonic). You can get them in the United States, but they aren't heavily marketed in the US, other than the Hilti stuff.

Panasonic is an enigma - they've made some of the best cordless tools for 20 years and still lots of people have never heard of them.

If I were going to buy only an 18V cordless drill, then almost any brand will do, as they are all pretty good. If you want to buy into a cordless tool line, you have to look at what else they tool company has to offer - that's when the companies like Bosch, Milwaukee, Makita and Dewault shine.

 

[IndyGarage]

Because the max voltage would actually be 20V, not 18V. The 12V Max is actually ~10.8V.

I could be wrong, but I thought the Dewaults were actually 12V while Milwaukee, Bosch and Makita are actually 10.8V

The 20VMax designation seems to be marketing as well from Dewault. I think they are still 18V tools. Of course they also slipped in a battery format change which is not backwards compatible. That may be the real reason for the name change.

I've had a chance to use them and they are pretty good tools and very compact.

 

[GSteg]

I could be wrong, but I thought the Dewaults were actually 12V while Milwaukee, Bosch and Makita are actually 10.8V

Dewalt uses 3 cells in their 12v lithium batteries. Right off the charger, my Dewalt reads about 12.5v, and then backs down to 10.8-11v.

 

[billmanweh]

That has the older hammer drill. Decent for the money, but a little dated.

There are two 2697-22 kits - one with the older tools (http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/combo-kits/2697-22ct), one with the newer ones (http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/combo-kits/2697-22).

There are advantages to the newer models, but with that Home Depot bonus combo kit, you get the tools for substantially less and you get a free bonus battery.

I was just looking at these two kits, and both seem to have the same drills...

 

[FMC1959]

If I were going to buy only an 18V cordless drill, then almost any brand will do, as they are all pretty good. If you want to buy into a cordless tool line, you have to look at what else they tool company has to offer - that's when the companies like Bosch, Milwaukee, Makita and Dewault shine.

I agree, any of the top tier brands make really good products. I care less if drill A can do 10 extra 2" holes through solid oak over drill B. I care more about investing in the line that has the most likely tools I will need.

 

[neonlazer]

I was just looking at these two kits, and both seem to have the same drills...

Slight thread revive...actually the difference in the kits isn't the tools, but one comes with compact and one has XC batteries.

 

[wagzilla]

Milwaukee seems to work well for me, I would buy the fuel but my old one have not died yet. I use mine everyday. I'm a fire mechanic, what sold me was the weight the 18 volt felt good in my hand. this is my 4th year and they are still going strong.

James

 

[evildky]

dewalt

 

[Stuey]

I was just looking at these two kits, and both seem to have the same drills...

It's confusing, but kit contents appear to be different. It could be that the -22CT kit was updated with the newer tools as in the -22 kit, but product images and descriptions suggest otherwise.

"The 2697-22CT M18™ Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit includes the M18™ 1/2” Hammer Drill Driver (2602-20) and the M18™ 1/4” Hex Compact Impact Driver (2650-20)."

"The 2697-22 M18™ Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit includes the 1/2” Hammer Drill Driver (2607-20) and the 1/4” Hex Compact Impact Driver (2656-20). "

 

[neonlazer]

It's confusing, but kit contents appear to be different. It could be that the -22CT kit was updated with the newer tools as in the -22 kit, but product images and descriptions suggest otherwise.

"The 2697-22CT M18™ Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit includes the M18™ 1/2” Hammer Drill Driver (2602-20) and the M18™ 1/4” Hex Compact Impact Driver (2650-20)."

"The 2697-22 M18™ Cordless 2-Tool Combo Kit includes the 1/2” Hammer Drill Driver (2607-20) and the 1/4” Hex Compact Impact Driver (2656-20). "

Actually, yea...didn't look close enough but yes, the impact driver is definitely different. I thought it was just the batteries.

 

[Monte]

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2RaTTY2sSOo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[monomach]

You didn't get to test a Fein or Panasonic?

 

[Stuey]

You didn't get to test a Fein or Panasonic?

Didn't look into Fein, but might for next testing season. Been trying to get a Panasonic for a while now. There's not enough interest for me to budget for one, and their PR agency keeps promising to send one out, but hasn't.

 

[billmanweh]

Still trying to decide what I want. I like the Milwaukee stuff, but doubt that I need the 18v Fuel stuff...

 

[bsaint]

My brushless 18v Makita broke a 3/8 TiN coated drill bit. Just saying.

 

[RedRabbit]

My brushless 18v Makita broke a 3/8 TiN coated drill bit. Just saying.

yup Makita ftw

 

[Ainsley]

I prefer makita 18V LXT and 12V stuff for home and shop use and metabo stuff where I work (industrial maintinance). The metabo cordless grinder is an awesome tool, especially with the 5.2 Ah battery pack. I just wish metabo would make a 90deg drill, and vacuum in their cordless line.

 

[SCscoutguy]

The batteries on my Dewalt 18v ni-cad stuff all died and I was feed up with them so I replaced all of my cordless tools with Hitachi and I have been extremely impressed. They have great build quality and their lithium ion batteries make great power and last longer than my buddies Bosch 18v stuff. I normally buy my stuff reconditioned at big sky tool in condition C which is their worst but all of the tools I have received looked brand new and worked great.
http://bigskytool.com/

 

[Kin Creed]

12V has been a huge plus for me. Lightweight and easy to handle especially on a ladder. Have Milwaukee and Ridgid and both are great. Bosch looks sweet too and I bet Dewalt is fine too. Only rarely for large fasteners do I bust out the 18v, but it's good to have that too. Some jobs need the extra power, and a 1/2 impact 18v is pretty fun to use!

 

[ranger302]

Just picked up the 18V fuel Brushless kit and WOW. The power is great drilled 38, .5" holes in .5" A36 plate on one charge. normal is maybe 12 holes on a battery. I will get Pics tonight.

 

[SantaAna12]

When Milwaukee's new stuff has been around for half as long as I have beat the **** outta my Dewalt 18V line....then I will consider them.
I agree with the poster about the early Makitas....man I had to give that dam thing away....it just wouldn't die. Mikita 9.6 does not equal Dewalt 18 though.
I switched to Dewalt after years of watching guys on the jobsite abuse the "new" Dewalt stuff.
To me....Milwaukee is on my radar....just appearing on the horizon.

Edit: My corded holeshooter, and of course, sawzall, are Milwaukee.

 

[nes999]

Last year I considered going Milwaukee for all the shop tools. It Isn't a big order 10 cordless hammer drill with impact set. I liked my fathers older Milwaukee, so i went into my local industrial supply store and asked the worker to order me the Milwaukee's. He very politely asked me to walk in the Back and showed me the 3 55 gallon drums of Milwaukee drills that are going out for repairs. I asked him how the dewalt 20v were he said he hadnt got a return yet. So I ordered the dewalts to replace our 12 year old 18v and haven't had the slightest issue yet and we abuse the living daylights out of them 300 pound plus guys kneeling on them day in and out.

 

[IndyGarage]

My newest Panasonic 14.4V drill and 1/2 impact driver are nearing a year old now.

I would still put them head to head with anybody's 18V tools.

They are the best cordless tools I've owned - or should I say the batteries are the best cordless batteries I've ever owned, and the tools are pretty good too. I'm not sure what they've done to get double or triple the battery life that everybody else has, but they've done something.

Since I've got them I have Makita, Bosch and Milwaukee tools that go pretty much unused.

 

[monomach]

My newest Panasonic 14.4V drill and 1/2 impact driver are nearing a year old now.

I would still put them head to head with anybody's 18V tools.

They are the best cordless tools I've owned - or should I say the batteries are the best cordless batteries I've ever owned, and the tools are pretty good too. I'm not sure what they've done to get double or triple the battery life that everybody else has, but they've done something.

Since I've got them I have Makita, Bosch and Milwaukee tools that go pretty much unused.

Yeah, most of the woodworking magazine reviews have the Panasonic blowing everyone away.

Getting the most out of your batteries is easy when you design batteries and own battery factories and everything I guess.

A couple months ago, I posted a link where people could get a rebranded Panasonic 14.4 for less than a hundred bucks. The only comment was basically "pfft 14.4," proving that the fake voltage marketing everyone uses reeeeallllly works.