First Cordless Drill

[deskjockey]

I am looking for recommendations for one cordless and one corded drill for home use. I am planning to use it to assemble furniture, drive screws on drywall and other hard surfaces. A tool that is easy to use is preferable. I like simplicity and efficiency.

 

[wmartin]

I expect that the majority answer will be something like Milwaukee M12 + Milwaukee 0234-6.

They have the advantage of being decent and different from each other.

 

[cburnscrx]

Are you sure you want a drill. Sounds to me like a good cordless screwdriver will suit your needs just fine, at least the cordless part of the equation. As for a corded drill, most any of the major players will get the job done. DeWalt, Ridgid, Bosch, Milwaukee, Makita, ect. I am partial to DeWalt as that's what I have.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001GFINJ8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.lowes.com/pd_72876-353-P...&currentURL=?Ntt=bosch+screwdriver&facetInfo=

 

[Danglide]

when you get a good cordless drill with a spare battery,you'll never want to bother with a cord again.I really like my Dewalt 18v.

 

[PCO6]

This question gets asked often on the GJ. You can do a search but for all of the opinions you'll get you may as well choose based on colour. I prefer DeWalt 20V for what it's worth. The 12V's are good too.

 

[woody 73]

when you get a good cordless drill with a spare battery,you'll never want to bother with a cord again.I really like my Dewalt 18v.

Yes somewhat true but then again...When you start buying new batteries for your worn out old ones that corded model will start looking better and better all the time. Plus in 20 years that corded model will/or should be still on the job, but that cordless model will be obsolete, good luck finding batteries for it.

 

[Davefr]

when you get a good cordless drill with a spare battery,you'll never want to bother with a cord again.

Yes you will.

-The batteries will be dead from long stretches between jobs. (even Li Ion)
-Or they'll be too weak to get thru the job without a recharging cycle
-Or they'll be totally dead after a couple years and you'll need to spend $$$'s to replace them and/or scrap the drill.

For occassional homeowner tasks where an outlet is handy and usage is low, go corded.

 

[Tsquare]

I am looking for recommendations for one cordless and one corded drill for home use. I am planning to use it to assemble furniture, drive screws on drywall and other hard surfaces. A tool that is easy to use is preferable. I like simplicity and efficiency.

I have had cordless drills for years, but for the first time picked up a corded drill for jobs that a constant power source would be an advantage and to not have to worry about running the battery pack down so low that I end up compromising the battery pack for life. I did not want to invest much money as the use will be minor ( home use only DIY)

I recently picked up a Craftsman Bolt-on corded drill (I did like the option of adding the router, or scraper attachment for small jobs vs having to bring out my dedicated router). They had them on sale after coupon for $29.00. Corded drills are very inexpensive these days. If I did not get the craftsman Bolt-on. I would have picked up the Craftsman 3/8 Professional Drill for $59.00.

Good luck on your search

 

[Kracin]

Yes you will.

-The batteries will be dead from long stretches between jobs. (even Li Ion)
-Or they'll be too weak to get thru the job without a recharging cycle
-Or they'll be totally dead after a couple years and you'll need to spend $$$'s to replace them and/or scrap the drill.

For occassional homeowner tasks where an outlet is handy and usage is low, go corded.

this.

i used to never use my old cordless drill i had a while ago, it was an off brand, but regardless, i ended up not using it so often that the batteries both went completely dead and would not hold a charge anymore. because it had been about a year from the last time i'd used it, go figure, buying batteries for it would have cost more than just buying a new smaller drill anyway. so i just chucked it.


if you have a spot in the house where you can put your drill, charger, and battery on the charger so it stays topped off and in good shape, then get the smaller 12v models meant for light duty, as long as you take care of the batteries you'll be good.

this is yet another reason why i keep considering ridgid to be the go-to brand i want to get everything in, because they have that magical warranty for batteries and everything as long as it's all registered. i kinda really want the milwaukee m12/m18 stuff, it's lighter, and more powerful, but in the long run i just see myself spending a lot more on possibility of parts and batteries. in exchange for having a tool thats 8oz lighter.

 

[tncatadjuster]

Buy this and never look back, or have a tired arm from weight.
Second best tool I have ever had. Bosch jig saw wins first place.

 

[Major Ramifications]

You say you want a drill, but all you want to do is drive screws with it, which a drill can do but not nearly as well as an impact driver.
You need an impact driver, choose whichever one you like.

 

[LandR]

Look at Home Depot for a left over ryobi kit of drill/driver and 2 li-ion batteries. Should be had for under $200.

Good platform to build off of

 

[Kracin]

You say you want a drill, but all you want to do is drive screws with it, which a drill can do but not nearly as well as an impact driver.
You need an impact driver, choose whichever one you like.

an impact driver has a chance to overdrive screws if you don't need a ton of power though, and something with a clutch may be better for home use. the last thing you need is to strip out a bunch of stuff because you are trying to feather the trigger of the impact driver instead of setting your clutch low.

 

[brawls43]

Ridgid has lifetime on batteries, just bring 'em in for new ones. That's something to consider. I have Ryobi and Craftsman kits. 6 of one, half dozen of the other if you buy a name brand. All the batteries end up dying sometime. Its nice to have other cordless tools to share batteries with.

 

[cburnscrx]

an impact driver has a chance to overdrive screws if you don't need a ton of power though, and something with a clutch may be better for home use. the last thing you need is to strip out a bunch of stuff because you are trying to feather the trigger of the impact driver instead of setting your clutch low.

Exactly! Given the scope of the OP intentions, a good cordless screwdriver might be a better tool for the job. Certainly a 12v drill would suit this purpose as well.

 

[d.mcfarland]

That's quite the first post. "Hi guys I want a drill." Sounds like any drill you find at lowes or home depot is plenty enough. Tell us do you have a budget, do you plan on doing other things in the future? Judging by the name deskjockey, not sure on the later.

Welcome aboard though!

 

[Buckshot06]

+1 for anything DeWalt

 

[taumac]

I have couple of corded drills nice size 3/8 is good or maybe go with 1/2 if need to mix paint, motar etc. For cordless, right now I prefer Dewalts. I have old school 18v nicads and love them. I also have a older 9.6 Dewalt for lighter work and carry on tool belt. I know the make ion batteries for mine and probably get them when these are dead. Those smaller compact drills work good father has some from craftsman. Anything I suggest a good brand name where you can get batteries if needed. Forgot to add look for a combo kit which has both drill and impact maybe even a good flashlight also. Those impacts are awesome for doing a lot of things especially when get a socket adapters.

The 5 Stitches Garage part 1 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=142100

The 5 Stitches Garage part2 http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899

 

[Monte]

 

[QwikKotaTx]

I really like my Makita LXT cordless items. I have a corded Hitachi 1/2" drill that is impressive for the price.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I'd just get an impact driver from what you describe. Forget the corded drilln unless you plan on using it for hours at a time or something. Yes, a drill would work, as would a cordless screwdriver, or even an analog screwdriver... but the impact will do it better. Feathering the trigger is too easy, and I have yet to overdrive a screw without being careless. Buy a set of hex shank drill bits and it will make holes in wood at least as well too.

I like my M12 and would recommend it, but Makita, Bosch or Dewalt 12v would be plenty good enough too.

 

[stonesfan68]

Makita makes a 12V LiIon Max set that includes a drill and impact for $100.

Search The Home Depot for part # LCT209W

HD is also selling a Milwaukee M12 set that includes a screwdriver and impact driver for $100.

Search HD for part # 2481-22

Either set would be an excellent choice. I'd favor the Milwaukee, personally, as the product line is very expandable. You can get a bare tool drill driver for around $80.

 

[sberry]

Buy a good cordless drill first, a driver is fine for certain things but general I like a drill and its unlikely he will be screwing constant like a busy general contractor. We do a lot of screws but as much or more drilling, nothing beats a cordless for drilling steel.

 

[tmike14400]

I got this set for Christmas...

http://www.homedepot.com/p/RIDGID-1...r-Combo-Kit-3-Tool-with-Radio-R9601/203810442

all I can say is A-W-E-S-O-M-E

 

[camoguy]

Look at the cost of replacement batteries before you make your final decision. I had a nice Dewalt, but when it came time to replace the batteries they cost as much as a new drill.

 

[deskjockey]

Came close to buying a 20v cordless drill by DeWalt with two batteries and charger for $99.

However, decided to Visit local Harbor Freight store. Bought a 3/8" 18V cordless 0 to 900 rpm drill with battery and charger and basic bits for $20.50. The store manager helped me out. They had a sale going on. Haven't used it yet.

I want to see how this cordless drill works. However, for the long term, I am interested in buying a high quality corded LIGHTWEIGHT screw driver or drill.

I think I would prefer corded becos I won't use this tool often. I won't use this tool at a location where I am far away from alternate current. But I do realize the convenience of cordless tools.

Thanks for all the responses.

 

[deskjockey]

Buy this and never look back, or have a tired arm from weight.
Second best tool I have ever had. Bosch jig saw wins first place.

Whats the model number?

 

[tncatadjuster]

It's the M12 series, bought my dad one after my great experience. He was skeptical due to size of battery.
You can not run a battery down before the other one charges, so if you work all day you might swap once or twice but there is more power in that little battery than you will use in 99% of applications.

Not cheap but more than worth the price. here is the first one I found for reference.

I've had the drill for about four years still using same batteries.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200589346_200589346

 

[deskjockey]

The Harbor Freight drill I bought is heavy. I will update.

 

[uart]

However, decided to Visit local Harbor Freight store. Bought a 3/8" 18V cordless 0 to 900 rpm drill with battery and charger and basic bits for $20.50. The store manager helped me out. They had a sale going on. Haven't used it yet.

That's dirt cheap so you should have no problems getting your moneys worth out of it.

One tip for a cheap nicd drill like that, if you want to get a decent life out of the batteries then try not to over charge them. Invest a couple of dollars in a cheap timer that you can set to control the charge time. Try to set it so that it cuts out *before* the pack gets significantly warm or hot. Also for infrequent usage try not to store your packs fully charged, its much better to charge them before usage rather than after. This of course depends on your need (or lack of need) for immediate availability.

 

[deskjockey]

That's dirt cheap so you should have no problems getting your moneys worth out of it.

Yes, thank you for the tip

 

[deskjockey]

It's the M12 series, bought my dad one after my great experience. He was skeptical due to size of battery.
You can not run a battery down before the other one charges, so if you work all day you might swap once or twice but there is more power in that little battery than you will use in 99% of applications.

Not cheap but more than worth the price. here is the first one I found for reference.

I've had the drill for about four years still using same batteries.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200589346_200589346

Considering how little I anticipate using this, I feel that this tool belongs with a heavy duty tools user.

 

[offroadsteve]

IMO, for the applications the OP lists, cordless drills have compleatly replaced corded drills.

I also agree the OP needs a drill, not an impact driver. I like my impact, but its a specialized tool that really only meets its fully potential in trained hands.

And with how inexpensive the M12 series or similar tools are, there is no reason not to step up to that type of tool, it will last a lot longer.

I have both M12 series tools and NiCad 18V Dewalt tools and I any time I go for the tools there is always at least one battery with enough charge to get me started, at least until the second battery charges (which is only about 30 minutes for the M12). More than enough for the around-the-house jobs. For big jobs, I try to remember to get batteries on the chargers before I start.

I much prefer the fine speed control and automatic stop on most cordless drills. For homeowner applications, they are the way to go.

My corded drill is a 1/2" Bosch hammer-drill, which will get me through everything I do. With the regular chuck I can use it to mix mortar and joint compound, and still drill reasonable size holes in whatever I want. SDS is nice, but again its a specialized thing.

 

[Erampu]

This one:

 

[sberry]

The weight wont mean a thing if you don't use it much.

 

[deskjockey]

The weight wont mean a thing if you don't use it much.

I checked out a few Craftsman cordless drills. Like my Harbor Freight 18v, they were heavy. Does less voltage mean less weight and size (smaller battery?)? Some were louder than the others.

Even if I don't use it much, I would like to buy a nice one that will work for me. Money is secondary. The tool has to meet my likes, not the other way around.

 

[uart]

I checked out a few Craftsman cordless drills. Like my Harbor Freight 18v, they were heavy. Does less voltage mean less weight and size? (smaller battery?)

Yes, for a given battery type the higher the voltage then the more cells are used and the heavier the pack. However Li-Ion batteries are much lighter than nicad, so a 20V Li-Ion pack may be lighter than a 12V nicad one for example.

For the "home use" type of work you want with the drill I'd say reasonable low speed torque and good speed control would be desirable things to have. That and a charger that doesn't abuse (heat) the batteries too much, so that you get reasonable longevity out of them. Not sure whether or not your HF drill ticks those boxes.

 

[tncatadjuster]

Considering how little I anticipate using this, I feel that this tool belongs with a heavy duty tools user.

It's a light weight tool with amazing capabilities, I do not use it in my business, I prefer to keep it for my use at home. Go pick one up at the store and you will see how comfortable it is.

Wow, I'm really putting the sell on this item.

 

[pepi]

This one:

Good answer

 

[deskjockey]

For the "home use" type of work you want with the drill I'd say reasonable low speed torque and good speed control would be desirable things to have. That and a charger that doesn't abuse (heat) the batteries too much, so that you get reasonable longevity out of them. Not sure whether or not your HF drill ticks those boxes.

My $ 15 HF drill, if it works for a couple of furniture assemblies, I would know that I got my money's worth out of it.

What size, in terms of V, would be adequate for home use?