Do I need a corded or cordless drill or impact?

[IATool]

I've had a cheapy Black and Decker 12 volt cordless drill for years.

I've been wanting to upgrade but I am overwhelmed at the choices there are.

I've checked out some corded drills, but feel they are too heavy and noisy.

They also apparently make impact drivers, but those seem to be more for construction of decks and driving in screws deep into masonry and what not.

So I am looking for a cordless drill (I think, unless I need an impact driver?) that is:

1. Decently made, but doesn't have to be construction or pro grade.

2. Not super expensive. Around $80-$140

3. Somewhat lightweight.

Anyone have any recommendations? DeWalt? Milkwaukee? Bosch? Hitachi? Ryobi?

 

[JoeMcGov]

Ohhhhh boy. Here we go.

 

[PassnThru]

Where you currently are - you can't go wrong with any of the cordless options available right now.
A drill is best at drilling holes - an impact driver is best at driving screws. It's just that simple. You ideally need both but a drill will drive screws also albeit with less efficiency.
It would help if you told us what you would use it for?

 

[IATool]

Where you currently are - you can't go wrong with any of the cordless options available right now.
A drill is best at drilling holes - an impact driver is best at driving screws. It's just that simple. You ideally need both but a drill will drive screws also albeit with less efficiency.
It would help if you told us what you would use it for?

That's the issue. Way too many options.

As far as use, hanging pictures, wall mounting a TV, putting together shelves (going to build some wood ones for the garage soon), taking screws out quickly of say a PC case or a stereo, etc.

That's why I said I don't need "pro grade" but something a step above Black and Decker.

 

[ike]

you can get a decent cordless drill/impact combo for about the same price as just the drill. the impacts are really useful. home depot has been having some sales on ridgid and makita drill/driver combos.

 

[Niteman9]

If I could only afford one it would be a 1/4" impact. You can get drill bits with 1/4" hex ends. That's what I bought for two of my daughters last Christmas. Bought the Braun from Harbor Freight. I was impressed with them.

I got the impact, drill bits, hex bits, and a second battery for under $100.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[IATool]

you can get a decent cordless drill/impact combo for about the same price as just the drill. the impacts are really useful. home depot has been having some sales on ridgid and makita drill/driver combos.

The other thing I forgot to mention is that I want a set I can keep at least 10 years or so, obviously not on the original batteries.

Battery technology is always changing, so I need to find a set that hopefully they will still make batteries for in 10 years.

 

[WinMod21]

That's the issue. Way too many options.
As far as use, hanging pictures, wall mounting a TV, putting together shelves (going to build some wood ones for the garage soon), taking screws out quickly of say a PC case or a stereo, etc.
That's why I said I don't need "pro grade" but something a step above Black and Decker.

At Home Depot, I found the RIDGID [ X4 18V 1/2" Drill/Driver & Hex-bit Impact Driver 2-Pc Combo ] on sale 2 1/2 yrs ago, and even though they're only 1.5Ah batteries, they've both performed super well, as the batteries have always lasted a good long amount of hours & usage.
The Impact Driver has 1,750 in-lbs torque; the 1/2" Drill Driver has 535 in-lbs torque. Both have lights that come on, so you can see what you're doing, like many of the brands nowadays, and the Drill Driver is 2-speed w/ratcheting chuck & adjustable clutch. I'd buy them both again.
If you remember to register both drivers & the included charger & batteries....within 90 days, they'll qualify for the 'RIDGID Lifetime Service Agreement (LSA)'; (that is, the batteries were included in the RIDGID LSA when I last bought them, 2 1/2 yrs ago).

I've used them for everything you've mentioned and much more, and they've been great, dependability wise.
They aren't brushless, as I bought the combo when brushless tools were really expanding, though with much higher prices at the time. But it appears that most newer models of batteried tools are brushless nowadays.

Btw, if you haven't bought your TV wall mount yet, there's no better manuf/brand than Echogear, imho. Super high qaulity; easy to mount; great instructions, humorous as well. Great company, in my experience with them. We've purchased 3 TV mounts from them - via the Brazilian River.

https://www.echogear.com/tv-mounts/full-motion-tv-wall-mount-for-42-86-tvs-eglf2/

https://www.echogear.com/tv-mounts/full-motion-tv-wall-mount-for-37-70-tvs/

https://www.echogear.com/tv-mounts/full-motion-tv-mounts/

 

[GeoBruin]

As others have said, even the less expensive brands at the big box stores these days are phenomenal tools owing to advances in btushless motor and battery technology. If you're not a pro using these tools daily, you will get years of service out of any of them.

As to impact driver vs drill? Thats tough because while I use my impact driver much more frequently than my drill, I think I would get the drill if I couly only get one. You can do nearly everything you can do with an impact driver with a drill, it just takes longer and isn't as convenient. On the flip side, an impact driver really doesnt make a good drill. Yes there are drill bits with 1/4 hex drive but it's just not ideal.

All that said, in true GJ spirit, you should get both. Those two tools are the most frequently bundled together and you will find someone almost always has a drill/driver bundle with a battery and a charger on sale.

Do be careful to try and purchase "brushless" tools. Brushed tools are often cheaper and they do find their way into kits here and there, but in the long term, the brushless tools will serve you better/longer.

Good luck!

 

[IATool]

I take it the LT warranty doesn't cover the batteries?

 

[Wjustic]

I'm ecstatic with the DeWalt 20v Atomic brushless combo (DCK278C2) I picked up at Ace last month for $180. Your limit is $140 but you might as well bump it up a bit and add that second piece and second battery. If you insist on staying under $140, I'd probably go with Bosch's 12v set (CLPK22-120).

But for the love of God, don't get DeWalt or Bosch impact bits, but get a set of Apex. Lowe's has got em for $30 or so.

 

[IATool]

I'm ecstatic with the DeWalt 20v Atomic brushless combo (DCK278C2) I picked up at Ace last month for $180. Your limit is $140 but you might as well bump it up a bit and add that second piece and second battery. If you insist on staying under $140, I'd probably go with Bosch's 12v set (CLPK22-120).

But for the love of God, don't get DeWalt or Bosch impact bits, but get a set of Apex. Lowe's has got em for $30 or so.

How does the Bosch 12V system stack up against the M12?

 

[WinMod21]

I take it the LT warranty doesn't cover the batteries?

Yes, the RIDGID 'LSA' did include the batteries; that is, the batteries were included in the RIDGID 'Lifetime Service Agreement' (LSA) when I last bought them, 2 1/2 yrs ago; (see pic of what the RIDGID LSA warrantied 2 1/2 yrs ago, below).

Btw, the ToolGuyd website can be helpful in your decision making process.
Also: https://toolguyd.com/category/power-tools/drills-drivers/

They had an article once on the DEWALT 8V MAX Cordless Screwdriver Kit, Gyroscopic, 2 Batteries (DCF680N2)... that helped me decide to get it, and I love it, and use it more than anything else!
https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-8v-gyro-screwdriver-dcf680/
https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-gyroscopic-screwdriver-review/

 

[Rinspeed]

A quality corded toll will last a very long time. A quality cordless tool might last you several years if you're lucky.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

IATool. Good grief. The answer is YES
YES
& YES

 

[ChevyEFI]

I haven't touched my corded holeshooter since I got a fuel hammer drill / hex driver combo. I wish I had gone cordless long ago. When I really should have, drills weren't quite as nice as current offerings, though.

An impact driver drives things. You can buy drill bits to fit it.
At the same time, drills used to be used to drive hex bits.
You'll save a lot of time having both tools.

A Milwaukee Surge impact driver will NOT act like a small impact gun. It will do a really nice job running fasteners, and small thread things. It just isn't going to knock things loose like an impact gun. If you want something that will serve double duty on small nuts and bolts, it's not the ticket, but you can get the other versions (2553 or 2853) that will have some hit similar to an impact gun.

I swear Milwaukee had a combo kit (2553 impact driver and 1/2" hammer drill M12 fuel) with plastic case (not bag) but I can't find it right now. I'd consider that set if I had to buy tools and go work.

Your B&D drill earned it's keep. The more current tools will too.

 

[IATool]

I ended up getting this set.

It was on sale for $99.99

It's a little heavier than I planned, but the 1500in-lb motor has been shown on YouTube to take off lug nuts.

I'll probably hang on to the black and Decker drill for now and get a matching makita drill down the road.

 

[Shiftless]

You got a deal.
My local HD has that listed as bare tool only for $129

 

[Davefr]

Wait for a sale and try and get a Milwaukee 12V Fuel drill/driver bundle and you'll be set for a long time. Milwaukee has an extensive tool offering based on their 12 and 18V batteries. I think these packs will be available for a very long time. (unlike some of their previous generation non standard battery packs)

The other brands are just as good. Buy what feels best in your hand and where you can get the best bundled deal.

Stick with 12V to avoid excess weight and size.

 

[Shiftless]

That's the issue. Way too many options.

As far as use, hanging pictures, wall mounting a TV, putting together shelves (going to build some wood ones for the garage soon), taking screws out quickly of say a PC case or a stereo, etc.

That's why I said I don't need "pro grade" but something a step above Black and Decker.

I am not a pro but use my Milwaukee M12 tools around the house for similiar tasks. The hammer drill function got me 2 holes through stucco on a 70 year old wall. The impact driver shoots deck screws and long hex head framing screws no problem. The 12 volt system is way lighter than the even more powerful M18 system which it seems you don’t need at all.
There are plenty of other handy and very well made cordless tools that use the same batteries. I like the floodlight and also the hackzall that I use a lot for pruning.
Start with the 2 tool combo and you’ll soon find other stuff to make your life easier and maybe even fun.

I see that you’ve already made your purchase of the Makita.
I looked that that system and decided that Milwaukee was a better fit for me.
Did you consider Milwaukee M12? I’m interested in why you chose Makita. Was it purely the price?


.

 

[AA/FC]

IATool. Good grief. The answer is YES
YES
& YES

This is the correct answer. ^

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I had to fit a small backing plate in a wall, there was no way a drill motor would fit the space. I went and bought a impact driver. WOW , It's by far the most used cordless power tool I have. True it's mostly a woodworking tool, and I'm a Canuck so I use Robertson screws only.

 

[Coggles]

I ended up getting this set.

It was on sale for $99.99

It's a little heavier than I planned, but the 1500in-lb motor has been shown on YouTube to take off lug nuts.

I'll probably hang on to the black and Decker drill for now and get a matching makita drill down the road.

You will never get a properly torqued lug nut off with an impact driver. I’ve got the big makita 18v 1/2” impact wrench and though an amazing tool it won’t drive off my trucks lug nuts I’m not even sure I’ve pulled the studs on my Audi with it. Great for rusted nuts and bolts.... lug nuts not so much in my experience


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[KnurledNut]

You will never get a properly torqued lug nut off with an impact driver. I’ve got the big makita 18v 1/2” impact wrench and though an amazing tool it won’t drive off my trucks lug nuts I’m not even sure I’ve pulled the studs on my Audi with it. Great for rusted nuts and bolts.... lug nuts not so much in my experience


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Which model wrench?
If your talking about the XWT04, sounds like something is wrong.
If your talking about the XWT08, i KNOW something is wrong.

 

[brianh]

I have been using the ryobi 18 volt platform they go on sale for around a 100 for the drill and driver combo with two 2 ah batteries They get used on a daily basis and are ten years or more old, not including batteries I get 5 or 6 years out of them. Not as polished as Makita but the battery platform variety of tools is huge. If you have been getting by with the B&D this will be fine.

 

[Bigblockyeti]

Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee and DeWalt all have a 12V set that comes with a drill, 1/4" hex bit driver, two batteries, a charger and a case that will go on sale a few times per year for right around $100. They're all a pretty safe bet and will tackle over 99% of what it sounds like you're planning doing.

 

[Coggles]

Which model wrench?
If your talking about the XWT04, sounds like something is wrong.
If your talking about the XWT08, i KNOW something is wrong.

It’s a BTW450.


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[Noworries]

Wasn't going to add to this but wtf... impacts are nice but imo not necessary at all. The entire modern world wis built without them. I replaced a worn out dewalt drill in 2006 and the new one came with an impact. Here in southern california thay had been out for less than a year at that time.. i started seeing them in use on jod sites about 2009/2010... so literally they have only been "needed" in the past 10 years... so from someone who has been using cordless drills since the first 9.6v makitas in the early 90's... a drill with high and low as well as multiple torque settings and if your budget allows a hammer setting IS a must have...an impact...just another tool to have

 

[KnurledNut]

It’s a BTW450.

Thats the same as the XWT04, sans upgraded battery connector.
I have that impact. Its pulled 1-ton lug nuts without complaint. It should handle both tasks you mentioned, unless someone way over torqued them.

 

[Coggles]

Thats the same as the XWT04, sans upgraded battery connector.
I have that impact. Its pulled 1-ton lug nuts without complaint. It should handle both tasks you mentioned, unless someone way over torqued them.

Interesting....maybe I should take it in. Thanks


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[theoldwizard1]

1. Decently made, but doesn't have to be construction or pro grade.

2. Not super expensive. Around $80-$140

3. Somewhat lightweight.

Milwaukee M12 3/8" drill

I have one. Very convenient/easy to use. The batteries are pretty whimpy (Milwaukee should just stop selling the 1.5Ah batteries) but are good enough for a dozen or so holes. Lots of other useful lighter weight tools in M12 !

I have used mine with a step drill to enlargen some sheet metal holes up to 3/4"


If you ever do plan to do any HD drilling get an M18 1/2 hammer dill.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Noworries, I first used a Skil 3/8" drill motor to drive screws in the early '70s, before that they used a Yankee. Yankee screwdrivers date back to the Model T. The 1/4" impact is only the latest . That reversible variable speed Skil was a true gamechanger. I feel the same way about the 1/4 impact.

Mine is a 20volt DeWalt brushless, I've had good luck with Industrial B&D, now they are yellow.

 

[Fialaja]

I see you are a newer member, so welcome! That Makita should serve you well.

 

[Kobe786]

Found on google. Hope it helps.

Sauce = https://toolspatrol.com/impact-driver-vs-drill/

Why not a drill/driver? You can get a 12v bosch, makita drill/driver at affordable cost.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I've used both. A impact really drives screws, so powerfully, it can snap screws. I use 3" #8s and 3 1/2" #10 in place of spikes for all my small framing jobs. I started out as a carpenter, so it's not like I don't know how to drive a nail. When you hit a more difficult section, the bit in a drill motor will cam out, once a bit cams out, it will always slip from that point on. even Robertson The intelligent thing to do is to toss that bit and put in a new one. With the impact I don't know the last time I changed bits. They even will drive the devil designed Philips screws !

I will use a cordless drill with it's adjustable clutch when over driving them in will do damage. Never with Philips headed screws.

I'm so old that I have used a Yankee on a job site ! I speak with more than a little experience .

 

[Noworries]

Noworries, I first used a Skil 3/8" drill motor to drive screws in the early '70s, before that they used a Yankee. Yankee screwdrivers date back to the Model T. The 1/4" impact is only the latest . That reversible variable speed Skil was a true gamechanger. I feel the same way about the 1/4 impact.

Mine is a 20volt DeWalt brushless, I've had good luck with Industrial B&D, now they are yellow.

The only reason I really began using an impact on screws was guys started hanging doors using them... a hinge screw beat into a hollow metal door frame is almost impossible to remove without damage and if its brass as a lot of architectural hardware is its already damaged being installed.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I could see a clown with one driving Philip head screws making a mess. A Yankee would bounce out and chew up stuff if you weren't careful. Door hardware is all Philips headed.

 

[Knotgoalie]

IDoor hardware is all Philips headed.

and softwood with pilot holes

 

[anavrinIV]

You will never get a properly torqued lug nut off with an impact driver. I’ve got the big makita 18v 1/2” impact wrench and though an amazing tool it won’t drive off my trucks lug nuts I’m not even sure I’ve pulled the studs on my Audi with it. Great for rusted nuts and bolts.... lug nuts not so much in my experience


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I can take lug nuts off my car with my 1/4" Makita driver, and I always torque them to 85 ft-lbs which is over factory spec but I have ARP studs that will handle it. Maybe not on 110+ that a larger truck will have but these can absolutely take off lug nuts.

 

[anavrinIV]

OP, I think you made a good choice but I'm a bit biased toward 18V/36V Makita tools.

If I were in your shoes I would have looked at an M12 combo - I have used my 18V setup for all kinds of jobs big and small but definitely have an interest in the smaller, lighter 12V setup for those smaller jobs like you have. When I built my deck I was sure glad to have the 18V impact and a squadron of batteries to drive 1500+ screws, but for a few holes and screws here and there a small set will do.