OP
marlinspike
Well-known member
So is there no need to get a FUEL drill if I want to use its accessories with a FUEL impact wrench, just that they both be 18V?
GOOD cordless drill?
- Thread starter marlinspike
- Start date
pl_silverado
Well-known member
No, batteries are interchangeable. I would however spend the extra $ 30 and go for the Fuel Drill, 2603-20. You'll get more power and better battery life, for that small difference in price its almost a no brainer.
pl_silverado
Well-known member
gasgas17
Well-known member
Just stay away from the compact batteries from any brand. They will burn out in short order with heavy use.
zakmartin
Well-known member
I've been using a Hilti 18-A for a few years and it hasn't skipped a beat.
OP
marlinspike
Well-known member
So I thought I had things figured out, but then I saw this review http://www.caranddriver.com/features/impact-wrench-comparison-seven-electric-models-tested-gearbox
The Bosch is rated at 500lb-ft by the company, and the Makita at 325lb-ft, but for some reason the Bosch tightening torque is only 25lb-ft more than the Makita's, and the Makita's loosening torque is stronger. Any way to make sense of this? I don't want to write off Makita as an option based on the company underselling the product if it actually will get the job done. I know the Milwaukee stuff will get the job done, but I like that Bosch and possibly Makita can get the job done in a smaller package.
The Bosch is rated at 500lb-ft by the company, and the Makita at 325lb-ft, but for some reason the Bosch tightening torque is only 25lb-ft more than the Makita's, and the Makita's loosening torque is stronger. Any way to make sense of this? I don't want to write off Makita as an option based on the company underselling the product if it actually will get the job done. I know the Milwaukee stuff will get the job done, but I like that Bosch and possibly Makita can get the job done in a smaller package.
plott hound
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 19, 2014
- Messages
- 114
im a Makita guy.18volt for the big stuff and 12 volt for the small jobs.the impact drivers are awesome.
(Read bold text if you're too lazy to read whole post)
Also, not sure if it's been mentioned but do some searching on YouTube. You'll find lots of informative videos I which various drills have been compared to eachother, from the number of holes drilled in hammer drill mode, to drilling augers through multiple studs, and even impacts being tested driving lag bolts into wood beams to see which drill is the strongest.
The most common ending to almost every review you see is Milwaukee coming out on top. DeWalt, Makita, and the others just about always come up short. Either their batteries give up too soon, they hit overload protection (I know Milwaukee has OP, unsure about other brands), their drill burned up, or their drill is too weak to make it as far into the testing.
I saw one test on hammer drill mode where Milwaukee out-drilled an "equivalent" DeWalt by like 500 holes. Another test I saw where the Milwaukee being tested was the only cordless drill to drive an auger (I think 1.5"?) through a stack of four studs...all others whimped out halfway through the stack.
Also, not sure if it's been mentioned but do some searching on YouTube. You'll find lots of informative videos I which various drills have been compared to eachother, from the number of holes drilled in hammer drill mode, to drilling augers through multiple studs, and even impacts being tested driving lag bolts into wood beams to see which drill is the strongest.
The most common ending to almost every review you see is Milwaukee coming out on top. DeWalt, Makita, and the others just about always come up short. Either their batteries give up too soon, they hit overload protection (I know Milwaukee has OP, unsure about other brands), their drill burned up, or their drill is too weak to make it as far into the testing.
I saw one test on hammer drill mode where Milwaukee out-drilled an "equivalent" DeWalt by like 500 holes. Another test I saw where the Milwaukee being tested was the only cordless drill to drive an auger (I think 1.5"?) through a stack of four studs...all others whimped out halfway through the stack.
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For an entry level person, Ryobi is perfect. Good power and flexibility out of their system. If you are going to be using it frequently or very harshly, you should start to consider DeWalt, Milwauke, and Makita not in that order. Just beware of the DeWalt and Bosch $99.00 specials that are just cheap drills in nice cases.
kctyphoon
Banned
This is like asking who makes a better car, BMW or Mercedes. Honestly, the answer to you question is pretty easy, walk into Home Depot and Lowes - the most expensive drill / impact driver is the best one (Milwaukee Fuel or Hilti). HOWEVER, that doesn't mean the cheapest (Ryobi) won't work just as well for what you want, provided you don't throw the thing around like most guys that work for contractors. The higher prices offer promise of more tool options within the same brands line, different types and sizes of batteries, bragging rights to impress you neighbor... but this doesn't mean that your $400 Hilti is going to drill a better hole in a 2x4.. It may survive better if you get mad and decide to bounce it off a wall though.. Just realize where you are when you ask questions like this.. Pride of ownership will play a lot in people's opinions, but the bottom line is you will be happy with any major brand. I personally like the Milwaukee for 18v, and Dewalt for 12v.. Yes the m12 fuel line has tools with higher rates capacities, but you cannot beat how well the 12v max stuff fits in your hand.. Besides, hanging shelves and what-not does not require i spend $500 on tools.
Seriously, don't drive yourself crazy unless you plan on investing in multiple tools or a cordless set. Even then - they will all be good.. Pick out what feels the most comfortable in your hand, and if you still can't decide - pick your favorite color and be done with it.. Some people still swear by the old blue Makita 9.6v stuff, and those things are like 20 years old now ( and Home Depot STILL stocks these batteries because they are so popular)
Seriously, don't drive yourself crazy unless you plan on investing in multiple tools or a cordless set. Even then - they will all be good.. Pick out what feels the most comfortable in your hand, and if you still can't decide - pick your favorite color and be done with it.. Some people still swear by the old blue Makita 9.6v stuff, and those things are like 20 years old now ( and Home Depot STILL stocks these batteries because they are so popular)
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Cato
Well-known member
Dewalt is the best by my criteria. I've found the housings to be the most durable and the tool to work really well. My only criticism is that I hate the mustard yellow.
XxToolAholicxX
Well-known member
I got the Harbor Freight drill and work light combo for $19.99 last year. I use it often and had no problem with it. The best 20 bucks I ever spent.
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I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit
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I am a Toolaholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit
Cato
Well-known member
OP
marlinspike
Well-known member
I hear what you're saying, and it is definitely true that the M18 drills overkill for my drill needs, but after doing a lot of research the only way to make it so I never need to borrow somebody else's impact wrench again is to get either the Milwaukee or the Ingersoll Rand. IRs are much more expensive, and I can't really see a reason why. So it looks like Milwaukee it is, because buying a decent drill that isn't overkill doesn't save enough money to make financial sense, if I still need that Milwaukee.