Help in purchasing new cordless drill

[Mike2874]

I'm a DIY'er and looking to replace my old 9.6v Makita 6095D cordless drill since the batteries no longer hold a charge hoping you guys can help.

Most important wants:
Compact
Lithium-Ion batteries
Light weight 3-4lbs the lighter the better
Built-in L.E.D. light that illuminates the work area
Think I would prefer battery Pack over stick battery but would consider either
Open to either 12v or 18v
Open to either 3/8" or 1/2"
Powerful enough to not run out of steam drilling holes or screwing into hard wood
Comfortable grip
Good chuck
Built to last

I've been looking online at the Dewalt DCD790D2 and the Bosch DDS182-02 mainly because of the brushless, 18v, 2.0Ah, compact and 3.5 lb weight. By the way I don't know what Milwaukee or Makita has that are comparable but those brands would also be fine.

That being said the above models are really more than I'de like to spend and may be way overkill for what I really need considering what I'm used to. I will only use it for DIY projects but just want a good one that will last and will consider any cheaper models/brands/volts. Any suggestions?

Is there any difference in charging power using stick batteries vs battery pack? Do drills with battery packs tend to have a more comfortable grip?

 

[goodinblack]

I recently bought a DeWalt. The brake makes a loud clack that I find annoying.

 

[franzdom]

I just picked up the Dewalt drill in 12V since I had the 1/4" hex driver and the 3/8" impact, and I noticed the same but it doesn't bother me. The drill is the only of the 3 that does that. I love them, very light and very surprisingly powerful. For 1/2" I still have Milwaukee but I would consider a 20V Dewalt.

 

[Sonorous]

I had a better reply typed out but accidentally deleted it!

Here's a slightly out of date comparison:

A couple other thoughts:

- For most tasks a fairly basic drill is more than enough. I'm all for buying great tools, but one of my favourite 'maintenance' drills was a really cheap 14.4v Black and Decker we had back in the day.
- I never use the hammer drill on the few drills that have it because it's so slow compared to the SDS rotary hammers.
- Lithium batteries - cheap or expensive - will die permanently if stored dead.
- Once you buy a drill you are sort of marrying that battery system and line of tools. I'm juggling a marriage with Dewalt 18v (old ni-cad, but some specialized tools I won't let go of for now) AND Makita 18v (lithium). They live under separate roofs and satisfy me equally in their respective applications.
- Think about if you want any other tools and check out the lines of the manufacturers you are considering if that's something you might want. Dewalt tends to be more renovator oriented while Milwaukee leads on the commercial/industrial side of things, but the overlap is pretty significant now.

Lastly, don't overthink it! Sadly cordless tools are not a lifetime purchase. You could buy a $300 drill and have it last five years or a $30 drill that lasts ten. Hopefully you can find something that averages those prices but combines the lifespans!

 

[nanan00]

I had to start from scratch due to dead batteries on the old ridgid stuff so I went with the new dewalt stuff. Dewalt 20v max ftw, working on getting the whole set. The nut driver is a beast, a full 5lb box of 2 1/2" deck screws on a single charge with half the battery remaining... Cut up several hundred linear feet of 5/8 osb and again over half charge left.

 

[stonesfan68]

I don't think that you can wrong with any of those brands. I chose Milwaukee over Makita because of the warranty.


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[Filson]

If I were you, I would really only be looking at Makita, Milwaukee or DeWalt. Yes they cost more than the cheaper models. But they will last a lot longer (cheaper actually in the long-run for you). While saving you money over the long run, they will most often perform any jobs you have better, are usually more comfortable to use and will have better warranties. The difference between a cheaper drill and a higher end one from the above three companies really is night and day.

Of those three, you cannot really go wrong. My personal preference (which is just that) is for Makita. All three make excellent tools, just go to your local store, handle a few and decide which you like best from those three, and you'll take home a winner.

 

[jim2664258]

If I were you, I would really only be looking at Makita, Milwaukee or DeWalt. Yes they cost more than the cheaper models. But they will last a lot longer (cheaper actually in the long-run for you). While saving you money over the long run, they will most often perform any jobs you have better, are usually more comfortable to use and will have better warranties. The difference between a cheaper drill and a higher end one from the above three companies really is night and day.

Of those three, you cannot really go wrong. My personal preference (which is just that) is for Makita. All three make excellent tools, just go to your local store, handle a few and decide which you like best from those three, and you'll take home a winner.

You're very remiss in not including Bosch in that group.

 

[Filson]

You're very remiss in not including Bosch in that group.

I've not been a fan of Bosch personally, but if your a firm proponent of them, than we can add them to the list. My personal experiences are only so experienced lol.

 

[goodinblack]

What are the warranties of the respective brands?

 

[mrvm]

Based on what you have been using for so long (9.6v), nearly any current brand 12V to 18V drill would be a serious upgrade. Lithium batteries provide consistent light-weight strong power versus ni-cad but have a sharp drop in power when its time to recharge. As already mentioned: Dewalt-Makita-Bosch-Milwaukee etc all make great advanced user / pro choices and big box stores usually have special sales a few times a year. Might want to consider Ridgid for good value (for the diyer) and lifetime warranty on the tool and battery. Register the Ridgid power tool properly and make sure a service center is nearby for any future warranty issues. Cordless power tools are great but dead or dying batteries usually trigger expensive replacements or total power tool system replacements. For the casual or advanced diyer, might want to look at the Ryobi line for even better value. The Ryobi 18V system has a large number of power tools that use the same battery. Most of the above names mentioned have between a 2-3 or 5 yr tool/battery warranty except for the Ridgid (lifetime).

 

[Monte]

wait for the Bosch induction/wireless charging system available in fall.....

 

[fivespdcat]

What's the real benefit of inductive charging for drills? I've never really found it cumbersome to slide the battery into the standard chargers. Now for small electronics I get it, you could have one mat that charges multiple devices, but power tools I just don't see the benefit.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Stick with a 3/8". If you realy need a 1/2" drill, get a corded one with triple reduction gearing, which make it too slow for smaller bits.

You will pay a big premium for brushless and, IMHO, it is not worth the premium.

You are much better off getting an impact driver you installing screws, especially into hard wood.

DeWalt or Milwaukee.

 

[1foxracing]

If you're happy with the old Makita you can still purchase new batteries for $17
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/280870357150?lpid=82

 

[geojag]

At work I picked up the 20V Dewalt, it is a half inch drill that is light and compact. It also came as a kit with a 1/4 inch impact driver for around $200 at Home Depot. I have been impressed with the power. At home I have all Dewalt 12V Max, the drill performs well.

 

[Badger 13]

If you plan on keeping this for a long time, I would look at the brushless models. Yes they cost more, but I think it is the way of the future. I certainly like the Milwaukee 18v Fuel, and the DeWalt 20v systems. Try to find a store that handles different brands, and put them in your hands to see what feels good to you also. As previously mentioned, you should try to stick with "one" brand for battery and charging purpose.

 

[Mike2874]

Thanks guys for all the great replies!

I'm wondering if an 18V is really necessary since I'm used to an 9.6V unless I get a good deal on one?

I live about 1.5 hrs from a big box store but as some have suggested I really need to go in and handle them to see the differences. What times during the year do they tend to have sales?

Is there a difference performance wise in a drill using Lithium stick batteries vs Lithium battery pack? Advantage of one type over the other?

What is the estimated lifespan of Lithium batteries I have no prior experience with them?

Do you think you need to spend between $150-$200 to get a good quality drill that will last a long time?

 

[Sonorous]

Thanks guys for all the great replies!

I'm wondering if an 18V is really necessary since I'm used to an 9.6V unless I get a good deal on one?

You did say you wanted to be able to work with hardwood. 12v will probably handle 95% of what you'd ever want to do, and I assume you have a corded drill you can pull out when things get serious. If I was routinely doing larger construction, I'd be picking up something 18v. Even if not, 18v doesn't really cost much more and they are very manageable to use day-to-day (i.e. no real downside).

I live about 1.5 hrs from a big box store but as some have suggested I really need to go in and handle them to see the differences. What times during the year do they tend to have sales?

If I was earning my living with a drill, I'd want to 'try it on' if at all possible. Otherwise I don't imagine you'll find it worth driving all that distance to pick on up. Usually the little features that you love/hate can't really be noticed in a store setting anyways. My Makita drill doesn't have a slot to hold a spare/different bit. Pretty minor, but I doubt I would have noticed that in the store.

Is there a difference performance wise in a drill using Lithium stick batteries vs Lithium battery pack? Advantage of one type over the other?

No, the battery pack, whatever the shape, is just a shell to hold the actual cells inside. Generally the sticks are only used in the compact stuff, because the packs can be bigger and allow for more cells, but just because it's a pack doesn't mean it has more capacity. Milwaukee uses both interchangeably now (with the pack being the 'extended' battery):

Either way you can compare the actual amp hours of the various battery forms for a somewhat 'apples to apples' comparison.

What is the estimated lifespan of Lithium batteries I have no prior experience with them?

You don't have a laptop or cell phone or any other similar device? Batteries can be killed quickly if abused (stored dead) and will lose capacity if stored at 100% over a prolonged period, especially in heat. Usually the happiest battery is one that is used somewhat regularly and if stored for prolonged periods (i.e. 1-3 months) left in a cool place at a 40% charge.

I'm not up to date fully on the developments in tool batteries, but lithium batteries used to be good for 300-500 cycles. Now it's more common to have 1000+. When I say 'good' I mean 75%-85% of the original performance. You're far more likely to kill the battery from neglect than use unless you're using it all-day, every-day.

Do you think you need to spend between $150-$200 to get a good quality drill that will last a long time?

No! I just looked at Home Depot quickly, and I'm sure there are more deals elsewhere, but for $120 you can get the Makita 18v drill . The Bosch drill is routinely $99. The Milwaukee 12v is also $99.

Just pick your poison!

 

[Beemer533]

Stick with a 3/8". If you realy need a 1/2" drill, get a corded one with triple reduction gearing, which make it too slow for smaller bits.

You will pay a big premium for brushless and, IMHO, it is not worth the premium.

You are much better off getting an impact driver you installing screws, especially into hard wood.

DeWalt or Milwaukee.

Actually, the difference in price isn't so bad anymore; only about $30 difference between these 2 sets.

Here is the 20V kit I first bought:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ENDJZM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The equivalent brushless set (which I also bought):
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FWLC5XW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I will say that I have been really happy with the regular stuff, but the brushless stuff is well worth it. The batteries last significantly longer than non-brushed tools. I would imagine that longevity is better as well, but that is just my opinion... If it is an option, I only buy brushless now.

I wholeheartedly agree with using an impact vs a drill for most "driving" tasks.

 

[fivespdcat]

I use my bosch 12v impact more than anything. If I had to have just one cordless tool, that would be it. For most homeowners you don't need anything else. They are light, they are powerful and can do all the household stuff. You need a little but of a light touch to make sure you don't overdrive the screws but it's pretty easy. As Sonorous already said, get a corded one for the heavy duty tasks if you really need them. If you're not drilling large holes, the only a big drill is, is big.

 

[alinc100]

I'll get on my soapbox again on this subject:

The Craftsman Nextec and the Menards Masterforce 12v tools are interchangeable. they are lightweight have an amazing amount of power and replacement batteries are $25 or less.
I use mine in a professional environment everyday and after 2 years of hard usage they are just like new.
When bigger jobs arise I move to larger tools but as a homeowner there isn't much these won't do.
You also cannot go wrong with any of the new lithium ion from Dewalt,Milwaukee,Makita. I just think the C'man is the best value out there.
Also check SEARS OUTLET if buying the Nextec 12 v,along with Ebay.
http://www.menards.com/main/p-2257940-c-9066.htm

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-17428-nextec-12-volt-cordless-compact-1-4inch/p-00917428000P?prdNo=13
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-nextec-12v-drill-driver/p-00930565000P?prdNo=7
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-17586-nextec-12.0v-lithium-ion-drill-driver/p-00917586000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Thanks for posting these comps. I've been looking into a new drill myself.

 

[Backyard builder]

Just got a Ryobi , lithium powered, and so far no complaints. Battery charges in 30min. And drove screws continuously for several hours.


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[Mike2874]

Guys bear with me I know I was told to not overthink this but I don't buy a drill very often so I have some specific questions.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Milwaukee M12 (2407-22) $110 w/tax and the Bosch PS32-02 $138 shipped (no tax). Both are 3/8", 12V and have similar torque 265 vs 275 but the Bosch is brushless with 2.0Ah batteries.

I know the Milwaukee M12 is highly regarded here but does anyone have any experiences with the newer Bosch PS32-02? Would one be necessarily better than the other?

Is the build quality of the M12 pretty much the same as the M12 Fuel I see the weights are listed as the same?

When the weights are listed for a drill is this with or without the battery?

While I think the M12 Fuel (2403-22) would be really nice I'm not sure I can justify the higher price for my needs... although I'd like to.

 

[4x4_G30_Sportvan]

I have to say I agree about the craftsman Nextec 12 LiOn cordless. The right angle impact is GREAT! I use it ALL the time for everything.

They have a one year warranty, which is adequate. Quite a wide range of tools that are available.

 

[TOOLFREEQ]

+1 for MILWAUKEE

 

[techenthusiast]

Are those all of the top companies on that chart? Where would snap on 18volt drill place in that?


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[Monte]

Guys bear with me I know I was told to not overthink this but I don't buy a drill very often so I have some specific questions.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Milwaukee M12 (2407-22) $110 w/tax and the Bosch PS32-02 $138 shipped (no tax). Both are 3/8", 12V and have similar torque 265 vs 275 but the Bosch is brushless with 2.0Ah batteries.

I know the Milwaukee M12 is highly regarded here but does anyone have any experiences with the newer Bosch PS32-02? Would one be necessarily better than the other?

Is the build quality of the M12 pretty much the same as the M12 Fuel I see the weights are listed as the same?

When the weights are listed for a drill is this with or without the battery?

While I think the M12 Fuel (2403-22) would be really nice I'm not sure I can justify the higher price for my needs... although I'd like to.

If you don´t need a brushless motor a cheaper alternative would be:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bosch-PS31-...1336557861?pt=Power_Tools&hash=item27e4746525
If you want to spend more i would get brushless. More power, batteries last longer, lighter tool and shorter.

 

[Mike2874]

Do you rate Bosch and Milwaukee about the same quality?

 

[alpaca]

I've been happy with my dewalt 12v max.

 

[motofool33]

ive used, Makita, Milwakee, Dewalt, Bosch, And Metabo

all are top notch tools, Pick a Lithium ion version.

I had a ryobi set it was okay, nto a tool you can depend on every day but it was a good backup, porter cable was also a good backup.

myself i choose, makita because of the variety of tools, i bought a used 4piece set, and then bare tools and now have 11 pieces and not spent more then 1000$

 

[Sonorous]

Do you rate Bosch and Milwaukee about the same quality?

Buy the cheaper one! (Milwaukee)

Unless someone has used both those exact models extensively it will be hard to answer conclusively. Both are professional tools. Milwaukee is certainly proven, equally powerful and much less money. For occasional use you won't be flying through batteries either way. If anything, shorter battery life might actually be good for you - both batteries will end up getting used and won't self-destruct from sitting fully charged for months on end.

You're very unlikely to wear out the drill. Even if a brushless tool lasts 2x longer in theory, in practice I've only worn out brushes on one drill. It's done literally thousands of pounds of 3 1/2 screws (pre ubiquitous impact driver days). It's outlived countless batteries. I had to rebuilt the clutch over 5 years ago well. Even then, new brushes were $10. The only reason it's still in service is because the Dewalt 18v battieries are still widely available.

Milwaukee would probably have the edge on long term battery availability as well, given their popularity and focus on the M12 brand. I don't see much downside to that choice.

Best of luck and a VERY well researched drill purchase!

 

[Mike2874]

Thanks everyone!!

 

[MN4x4]

I'm late to the party, but want to place my vote resoundingly for Milwaukee.

 

[retfr8flyr]

I have the Milwaukee M12 series drill and impact tool. I also have their M18 impact and new Fuel drill. The Fuel is a big upgrade from the older brush style motors. If you can afford it, I would spring the extra for the Fuel. For an all around drill you can't beat the M18 Fuel. It is very compact and light for the power available. The M12 will be hard pressed to do everything you could want but the M12 fuel will handle about 90% of all your needs. Since I upgraded my M18 to the new Fuel series, I find myself always grabbing it instead of my M12 drill. I would like to upgrade my M12 to the Fuel but I just can't justify the cost since I have the M18 Fuel to use.

I can't say enough good things about Milwaukee tools. The battery's last forever and hold a charge when not in use. I can pick up my impact, after not using it for weeks and it will have the same charge showing on the scale as it did the last time I used it. I have had some of my M18 battery's for several years and they still perform like new.

 

[sberry]

I will agree the market here is so competitive that you can get top of the line priced right but the review of the Cman is noted as well.

 

[cheechi]

Do you rate Bosch and Milwaukee about the same quality?

Comparing 12v to 12v, yes. They may have different features and specs 1 for 1 but the quality of the tools is about equal. That said, some of the tools are the exact equal (the non fuel M12 Hackzall is the same as the Bosch 10,8 for example)

Guys bear with me I know I was told to not overthink this but I don't buy a drill very often so I have some specific questions.

I think I've narrowed it down to the Milwaukee M12 (2407-22) $110 w/tax and the Bosch PS32-02 $138 shipped (no tax). Both are 3/8", 12V and have similar torque 265 vs 275 but the Bosch is brushless with 2.0Ah batteries.

I know the Milwaukee M12 is highly regarded here but does anyone have any experiences with the newer Bosch PS32-02? Would one be necessarily better than the other?

Is the build quality of the M12 pretty much the same as the M12 Fuel I see the weights are listed as the same?

When the weights are listed for a drill is this with or without the battery?

While I think the M12 Fuel (2403-22) would be really nice I'm not sure I can justify the higher price for my needs... although I'd like to.

Fuel or non fuel, the M12 line is the one to get for 12v. Not that other brands aren't good, but look at the 'other' tools that you can get for M12. I can't think of a 12v lineup that has a tool you can't get an M12 version. Even that Ridgid Jobmax, all the individual heads the M12 has a tool to do it, and since it's a dedicated tool probably does it better anyway.

I own M12 and Bosch 18v. I used to own Craftsman 12v Nextec. I had a Ryobi 18v drill but gave it away and kept the batteries for the handheld vac. Very handy. Comparing all of them to the other, the best drills are definitely the Bosch and Milwaukee. I sold the non fuel drills when I got the Fuels, and I have to say they are a step up in comfort, quality, and obvously power, but there is nothing wrong with the non fuels and I'd buy them again if I had to start over and the price was a major factor.

 

[xj31]

http://t.homedepot.com/p/Makita-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Compact-Combo-Kit-2-Tool-LCT200W/100596872/


I have 2 of these sets, one at work , one at home. I'm thrilled with them, I have always liked Makita stuff. I also recently found out, when I was replacing my pool skimmer that the drill works great underwater. Not that I recommend doing that

 

[Pumpman1968]

For compacts....I've been using a Craftsman Nextec 3/8" drill. All the power you want, compact design....batteries are readily available and pretty inexpensive for spares....around $40.00

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-1758...p-00917586000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1