Confused on drill / impact driver combo

[simco6]

Looked at lowes they have like 20 different combos which do you get buy. Range from 200 to 400 and all in between. I am not always confused on purchasing stuff but this has really got me stumped.

 

[larry_g]

What you get depends on what your intended usage is. Give a few hints to what you intend to do with said tools.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[simco6]

Putting roof back on my barn sheet metal screws to c purlin

 

[Smokeshow69]

I will be the first to step in and recommend the rigid combo with free radio! Not sure if they sell that a lowes but I went to home depot and got the impact driver, drill, 2 batteries and free radio with carrying case for $180. It has been worth every penny. I love the rigid because it comes with a lifetime service agreement at no charge. I did not understand the big fuss about an impact driver until I started using it. Now I use it at least once a week at home. It has been a game changer.

 

[AV tinker er]

I will be the first to step in and recommend the rigid combo with free radio! Not sure if they sell that a lowes but I went to home depot and got the impact driver, drill, 2 batteries and free radio with carrying case for $180. It has been worth every penny. I love the rigid because it comes with a lifetime service agreement at no charge. I did not understand the big fuss about an impact driver until I started using it. Now I use it at least once a week at home. It has been a game changer.

I will second the rigid tools. I know you mentioned Lowes but if you have a home depot around check out their selection. I've had my 12 volt drill /impact for several years and it has survived shed building and numerous other projects.

 

[jd_1138]

Home Depot has the Ryobi impact and drill combo (2 tools) with 2 batteries and 1 charger for $99, I think. I am in the Ryobi system and am happy. They haven't let me down once, and I've even dropped the impact off 7 foot ladders and such.

Also, Home Depot has some Milwaukee and DeWalt kits for under $200 -- 18v/20v with impact and drill tools.

$169 for this Milwaukee kit

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Drill-Driver-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-2691-22/100650378?N=5yc1vZc2ecZbwo5o

$179 for this DeWalt kit

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-20-Volt-Max-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-DCK240C2/204373168?N=5yc1vZc2ecZbwo5o

$199 for the Ridgid kit with the cool jobsite radio:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-X4-18-Volt-Hyper-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Drill-and-Impact-Driver-Combo-Kit-3-Tool-with-Radio-R9601/203810442?N=5yc1vZc2ec

Can't really go wrong with either kit. If you can afford it now, you can go with a larger kit that also includes saws. Or you can add those later as bare tools or in other kits (which is a good way to obtain more batteries). But you will definitely want a cordless impact and a separate drill combo at least.

 

[akrisher13]

I personally like Milwaukee, a big thing to look at is in the future am I going to be buying more cordless stuff? If so then look at the tool line so you can easily have batteries for many tools.

 

[oldldh]

As good as it gets...

Milwaukee 18 volt Fuel Drill/Driver Combination Set....

Available from Home Depot for $ 349.00...

 

[crbnfbr]

I have this Bosch hammer drill and an older less powerful impact driver, and couldn't be happier. Particularly with the drill, it's a beast and not made in China so that's another plus. I had the Impact driver first that is only 85ft/lbs but it can run 3" deck screws for a good hour on one 2ah battery. I then got the bare drill after my old Bosch 18v drill started going bad. This combo is $316.

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=522712-353-CLPK221-181&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=50041580&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

Or, if you don't need the hammer drill they have a kit with the same impact driver for $199.

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=544036-353-CLPK232-181&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=50056439&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

I'm sure the Milwaukee is just as good if not better, but after my friend ordered a bunch of M12 tools that were all made in China It made me feel even better about having my Bosch tools.

 

[IndyGarage]

I actually very rarely use the drill at all anymore. I do use the heck out of the impact driver.

Not sure if you have to pre-drill those sheetmetal screws or not, but if not you can probably just get by with the impact. and if they are just small screws there would be no reason to get an 18v driver. The milwaukee M12 is good for most jobs these days - or the bosch or Makita equivalent.

 

[jd_1138]

I actually very rarely use the drill at all anymore. I do use the heck out of the impact driver.

Not sure if you have to pre-drill those sheetmetal screws or not, but if not you can probably just get by with the impact. and if they are just small screws there would be no reason to get an 18v driver. The milwaukee M12 is good for most jobs these days - or the bosch or Makita equivalent.

On a limited budget and for a non pro, 18v is better - more power. For a pro then getting 12v and 18v then makes sense because then you can use the 12v to save weight and fatigue.

Also the drill is essentially free as part of these combos, so may as well get it. I used the hell out of my drill and impact today hanging a door.

 

[The DIY Hubby]

The 18 Volt Milwaukee kit is a very good buy. You get two Li-Ion batteries included, a carry case and of course the great warranty from Milwaukee. Both the drill and impact driver have excellent power ratings. Here is a link to some combo kit reviews and comparisons(the Milwaukee combo kit included) http://www.thediyhubby.com/combo-kit-reviews/

 

[simco6]

http://m.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT-2-Tool...or-Cordless-Combo-Kit-with-Soft-Case/50102386

Here's what I am looking at is it overkill

 

[rvieceli]

That is a good kit. Both are brushless. I use Milwaukee M18. My son likes these Dewalts, they are both good.

However, if you don't actually need the functions of a hammer drill, this kit below has the same impact and the normal drill/driver for the same price. Drill should be lighter.

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay...gId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

 

[simco6]

Ok narrowed down to Milwaukee m18 and the dewalt dck281d2 which is the best hands down

 

[BoostAddiction]

No love for Makita? I dumped all my old stuff from everywhere and replaced it with the 18V Makita line. Very good chargers and batteries, and an incredible range of tools that all fit the same battery line.

 

[MixManSC]

One that really gets no love around GJ is Hitachi. This 18v lithium tools really are right there with the best of the rest. I've been using their 18v lithium stuff for a few years and have been very pleased. No runout on the drill chuck, comfortable to use, and just a really good value.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_623075-67702-KC18DGL_1z140rnZ1z0wclz__?productId=50300609&pl=1

A little more spendy is their brushless ones of course. I recently just upgraded to these (I already had charger and had already upgraded to 4.0 ah batteries some time back). I managed to grab just the two bare tools on eBay (were new store displays) for just $75.

http://www.lowes.com/pd_551626-67702-KC18DBFL_1z140rnZ1z0wclz__?productId=50074337&pl=1

 

[Loscaldazar]

If you want a cheaper alternative, Porter Cable 20V max tools are almost completely identical to their DeWalt brothers. The batteries mount differently and the motors are different (the DeWalt either have a brushless motor, or a more powerful brushed motor), and the exterior design varies, but the chucks, switches, and dimensions are the same (the drills are both 3.9 lbs, and less than 7.5 inches long, so they are extremely small).

If you want to go for the DeWalt of Milwaukee, get the Milwaukee Fuel. Hands down the best cordless tools (except arguably Festool).

The porter cable is a highly durable, very well reviewed and praised, small, light, compact, and powerful budget drill. You do have to be careful, because PC makes two 20V drills. The shorter one is the DeWalt Clone, the longer one I'm not sure what it is (possible that it uses a lot of the same parts, but it is also significantly cheaper, comes with 1.3AH not 1.5 AH batteries, heavier, and a even less powerful motor than the other PC drill).

 

[finn]

This is The Garage Journal: All products made in China are total ****.

Well, except for Milwaukee and your IPhone and computer.

They get a free pass.

 

[almac]

I've been shopping for cordless tools lately. as a welder apprentice I will need an impact, drill, and angle grinder. I too have been considering the Milwaukee 18v sets.
I have come to the conclusion that the brushless designs are far superior than the regular. that and to buy the largest Ah batteries that I can afford.

I was tempted to buy the Makita because they have a coffeemaker! LOL!

 

[jd_1138]

Can't go wrong with either the Milwaukee M18 or the DeWalt. I think Milwaukee products have the biggest fans on here. In an earlier post, I posted a DeWalt combo kit for $179 I think it was (specs might not be quite as good as the pricier DeWalt kit that you posted a link to).

Makitas are nice too.

 

[jd_1138]

I've been shopping for cordless tools lately. as a welder apprentice I will need an impact, drill, and angle grinder. I too have been considering the Milwaukee 18v sets.
I have come to the conclusion that the brushless designs are far superior than the regular. that and to buy the largest Ah batteries that I can afford.

I was tempted to buy the Makita because they have a coffeemaker! LOL!

Every pro trades person who worked on my mom's new (old) house had Makita tools. They were nice. I used a guy's Makita cordless impact for a bit when I was giving him a hand. Was lighter and felt a tad nicer than my Ryobi cordless impact.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Ridgid = free batteries for life. Other guys = dead batteries that need replacing in 5 years.

Just sayin'.

 

[Commendatore]

All the batteries really come with a lifetime warranty? Do they define lifetime?

 

[jd_1138]

Ridgid = free batteries for life. Other guys = dead batteries that need replacing in 5 years.

Just sayin'.

lol, you get 5 years out of a battery and potentially save thousands on house repairs/upgrades by using your power tools instead of hiring pro's and then you complain about having to replace a $50 battery.

Just funnin' ya, but really battery replacement is not a big deal. As you add tools and other kits, you then pick up batteries.

Or as the batteries get older, cycle them out of your rotation. I gave a Ryobi cordless impact and the first battery I got for the Ryobi system to a guy who poured a walkway for my mother. He knocked $100 off his price for it. The battery still held a decent charge.

 

[crewchief888]

All the batteries really come with a lifetime warranty? Do they define lifetime?

ridgid has some very specific terms on the registration of their lifetime batteries.

unless you follow those to the letter, the lifetime warranty is void...

 

[simco6]

Stopped by local Sears to get a battery for my old 1/2 drill and 1/2 impact wrench that took NiCad battery had LiIon for 80 but had a drill and impact driver set with 2 batteries and charger for 119 so I got the drill and driver for 40 bucks we will see if I have to go to lowes still and get the other set

 

[TheRobotCow]

My vote is for Milwaukee. Not only do their tools perform fantastic they have a really broad range of tools that use the same battery, and I mean BROAD!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MixManSC]

The Hitachi tools I mentioned have lifetime warranty on the tool, 2 years on the batteries. Sort of a bummer but everything on the Hitachi stuff proclaims up top on the labels Hitachi Koki Japan then real small at the bottom "made in China".

Still awesome tools though. Dont knock them until you go to Lowes and hold each of the brands as well. If you are going on a budget line then most of them are all fairly decent. In that scenario I'd be shopping on value, warranty, and feel in addition to reviews both here and on Amazon.

Edit to add - my 100th post!

 

[Loscaldazar]

The ridgid lifetime warranty is actually a lifetime service agreement, no? You have to register each battery within 90 days of purchase (original receipt #). You also have to give your full name, address, etc (pretty standard) and give them the original UPC from the box. But that is only part of it.

Then you have to wait a few weeks for them to mail you a piece of paper with your "Lifetime Service Agreement Identification Number." Loose that number and you can't warranty any of the batteries (despite registering them online....). You also get a separate "Lifetime Service Agreement card," which I'm unsure what exactly that is for....

Then, if you want to get the battery or tool serviced, you have to ship it to a special repair facility (as not all repair facilities deal with the Lifetime service agreement) unless you happen to have one of these special repair facilities nearby (not sure which ones are considered the special ones and which ones aren't). Home Depots don't do the service agreement. The fine print also says you have to provide identification to prove you are the original owner (but how does that work with mailing it? send a copy of my driver's license?!?)

Then, you get another battery back.

Which you have to re-register, otherwise the Lifetime service agreement is no longer applicable.

So yes, they have a Lifetime service agreement that is intentionally made difficult. If you jump through the hoops, it's a good deal. But, there are still much better power tools out there that I'd rather get....

 

[Jack Olsen]

They've made it simpler since it was introduced. And many Home Depots are now authorized service centers. Walk in with an old/weak battery, walk out with a new one.

I had one drill fail and they gave me a new one in exchange.

But you have to buy the tool/battery together to qualify for the lifetime warranty.

If I pay $50 for a drill. I want it to last 50 years, at least. The idea of 'five years and buy a new tool' is not appealing to me.

 

[Mccool]

Ok narrowed down to Milwaukee m18 and the dewalt dck281d2 which is the best hands down

Both are great, there is no "best hands down". I have the milwaukee m12 and love it, only 12 volts but I've built decks, sheds, barns etc. And never regretted my purchase. I've also used ryobi, ridgid, Dewalt and makita and have no complaints with any of them...

 

[jeffesonm]

Another happy Bosch customer... I've had this 18v drill/impact for just over three years now and it's been great. I'm not easy on my tools (including leaving the drill/driver out in the rain a few times) and I've had zero issues. Batteries are still going strong.

 

[99_xc600]

I'm a huge fan of the Bosch 12V series. Light and compact and great for small to medium size work. I have the Impact, 3/8 Drill and the Pocket Driver. It's nice to set up 3 different tools when doing a job and not have to worry about switching out bits.

For the medium to large work. I've been investing into the P&C 20V Lion Max series. The impact is a beast and i regularly use it to remove the lugs from my car when doing rotations. I recently picked up the Oscillating tool and flashlight and love them both.

As far as things to look for which also dictates price.

Battery Amp Hour - The higher the better. Most are 1.5. However you can get them up to 4.0. This rating essentially tells you how much run time you have. Think of it as taking a trip on your car and you have the option of having a 1.5 gallon tank or a 4 gallon tank.

Brushed or Brushless - Brushless offers better run time and power.

Charger - Dumb or Smart. Look for the smart charger. Some of the cheaper kits supply a dumb charger that gives no feedback on the status of the battery and the resulting charge

 

[jd_1138]

Stopped by local Sears to get a battery for my old 1/2 drill and 1/2 impact wrench that took NiCad battery had LiIon for 80 but had a drill and impact driver set with 2 batteries and charger for 119 so I got the drill and driver for 40 bucks we will see if I have to go to lowes still and get the other set

That's a nice set. I think you'll be happy with it. Could've saved $20 and got the Ryobi impact driver and drill combo with 2 batteries and charger for $99 at Home Depot. Ryobi has a huge tool selection in their 18V lineup. Similar quality to the Craftsman.

 

[Voi]

Ok narrowed down to Milwaukee m18 and the dewalt dck281d2 which is the best hands down

I don't have a Home Depot in my area but the last time I was in one there were several displays set up where you could drive screws into lumber with the impacts from various kits (it was Xmas time). If you're truly only interested in these two tools on a cordless platform I'd find which one fits/feels best, especially the impact. Pay attention to how the control feels with the trigger.

Assuming they both feel good, I would have a slight preference for the Milwaukee line as they have more tools that interest me on that cordless platform. You never know when you may want to add a tool to your arsenal.