Help me choose an 18V Drill

[jake26]

I had posted a thread in the General Board about the Li-Ion batteries compared to the Ni-Cad. The general agreement was to buy a drill with a Li-Ion battery, yet ... I cannot make up my mind. Every drill seems to have it's fans and haters and I have read as many reviews and comments as I can. This is my first drill purchase because the last two were Christmas Gifts that did not last long (ie: Crapsmen).

Choices:

http://www.cordless-drill-reviews.com/dewalt-dc720ka.html

$160. The Dewalt DC720 rates extremely well and was my first choice but it runs on the Ni-Cad battery pack making it heavy for today's drills. Although, I am told if the batteries **** out, I can replace them with Dewalt Nano (li-ion) batteries. Never owned a Dewalt so I have no experience with them.

http://www.cordless-drill-reviews.com/bosch-36618-02.html

$160 The Bosch 36618-02 has good reviews and happy owners but I am leery about the power and battery life because those items come up in the critical comments. I do own the Bosch PS10-2A (gift) and it works well for what it does.

http://www.cordless-drill-reviews.com/milwaukee-2601-22.html

$200 This Milwaukee set from CPO seems like a good deal since Amazon has the drill for $170. However, the same issues seem to rise about the battery life and mostly the power of these drills. The 5 year warranty certainly sounds good compared to the 3 years of the other drills?

There ya have it. Wondering why the Makita 452 is not on the list? I just dare to be different. I am probably beating a dead horse with all the head bashing on what drill to buy. Any comments, opinions or flames are welcome.

Thanks!!

 

[kellyo]

I have that Milwaukee drill i got it at home depot for 199 and it came with the impact driver as a bonus 2 batts and the hard case. Ive used mine afew times on diff projects and it works very well and its pretty balanced in my hand. It also seems to have a good battery life.

 

[kms254]

+1 for for the Milwaukee, I bought this, 199 no tax free shipping:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F7BIMG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Teken]

DeWalt is my vote, if you shop around for that model or similar ones you will find them either dirt cheap, or fire saled!

Going the route of the combo pack is really the best bang per dollar though . . . I know its hard to swallow dishing out huge $$$ for duplicates, but that's why there is the classifieds etc . . .

I couldn't justify just a drill for the price so I bought five of those 6 tool value packs, and sold the rest in 20 minutes on Craiglist!

 

[woody 73]

I really like my 18v Dewalt tools they have served me well. Even though many people like the cordless tools (they serve a good purpose),I am starting to find that the expense of all those batteries,might make me yearn for the corded tools!

Well that is my 2 cents...

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I also vote for a Dewalt. I have that Dewalt and it works great. It is a little heavier than my Craftsman Pro with the Li-Ion, but I like it. I didn't know you could swap in Li-Ion batteries. I guess if my batteries ever give out, I will upgrade.

Out of curiosity, which Cman did you have? I have the Pro that is on that site and have had no problems with it. It's not as powerful as my Dewalt, but I'm not a contractor so it does pretty much everything I need it to.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I really like my 18v Dewalt tools they have served me well. Even though many people like the cordless tools (they serve a good purpose),I am starting to find that the expense of all those batteries,might make me yearn for the corded tools!

Well that is my 2 cents...

That's why I have both! I hate dragging an extension cord through my house to do one quick job. It is nice not to have to worry about batteries being charged though.

 

[Mike83]

One more vote for the Milwaukee drill and impact driver kit. I love those tools. The battery life is excellent as is the quality, ergonomics, balance and power. I further picked up another impact driver and swapped the 1/4" hex anvil for a 3/8" square drive anvil and made myself the impact wrench. Next month I might buy the big 1/2" impact (450lb-ft of torque advertised). My opinion is that with the 5 year warranty you can't go wrong with the M18 line of tools.

I'm somewhat of a Milwaukee fanboy I suppose.

 

[jake26]

Out of curiosity, which Cman did you have? I have the Pro that is on that site and have had no problems with it. It's not as powerful as my Dewalt, but I'm not a contractor so it does pretty much everything I need it to.

I have the 19.2 Die Hard drill. It came with an angle drill, 2 batteries and charger. Last year, I built a 10' x 25' x 7' tall deck with a storage area and bench and since then, the drill has not worked correctly. You could press the trigger and get delayed or no response. I have taken it apart a few times but never totally fixed the problem. Now it hardly works.

I have watched you-tube videos of the Milwaukee, Dewalt and others boring holes and screws but my needs are not as harsh for everyday use. I want a dependable drill to do weekend projects but with enough power when I need it. Light weight is a plus but after using the Cman all summer, even the Dewalt at 4.7 pounds is light in comparison.

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

DeWalt here also.

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

I have the 19.2 Die Hard drill. It came with an angle drill, 2 batteries and charger. Last year, I built a 10' x 25' x 7' tall deck with a storage area and bench and since then, the drill has not worked correctly. You could press the trigger and get delayed or no response. I have taken it apart a few times but never totally fixed the problem. Now it hardly works.

I have watched you-tube videos of the Milwaukee, Dewalt and others boring holes and screws but my needs are not as harsh for everyday use. I want a dependable drill to do weekend projects but with enough power when I need it. Light weight is a plus but after using the Cman all summer, even the Dewalt at 4.7 pounds is light in comparison.

I figured it was one of the lower end Cman. That would be alright for my wife to use to hang pictures and stuff (pretty much what my Pro does). The Pro isn't too bad. I would definitely go with Dewalt over even the CMan Pro I have though. And yes, my Dewalt is a lot lighter than my CMan, even considering the CMan uses Li-Ions.

 

[jake26]

So far, Dewalt is favored 4-3 over Milwaukee with the Bosch getting no love. I really value the opinions of the members here at The Garage. So many reviews are from people who have these tools for a week and they still stink of "new". You boys use them everyday.

Thanks again for all your opinions.

 

[shovel]

When I built my house, I bought my two friends the Dewalt kit with the 18-v drill and saw. Of course, I bought one for me too! They never cracked thiers open until my house was built. My Dewalt 18 volt drill bore every hole through every stud and plate that needed wiring or plumbing. I was amazed. That drill and saw is now 11 years old and still in use. I have replaced all the batteries, but use them on other Dewalt tools. One of the original batteries lasted 7 years! My friend still ahve their Dewalts that I bought them and use them regularly also. Cant go wrong with Dewalt!

 

[willf650]

I made the switch from DeWalt and haven't looked back.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000H2P060/?tag=atomicindus08-20
This drill has been the winner in a couple of shoot outs.

If you wan't the best cordless drill without question try a Hilti. Far and away the best I've ever used.

Out of your choices I would get the DeWalt as well.

 

[Bolster]

Dare I ask COO of these drills?

I thought all Milwaukee was now Chinese, but maybe the others are too?

 

[CamarosRus]

I also have the MILWAUKIE $200 set.............

 

[kellyo]

One more vote for the Milwaukee drill and impact driver kit. I love those tools. The battery life is excellent as is the quality, ergonomics, balance and power. I further picked up another impact driver and swapped the 1/4" hex anvil for a 3/8" square drive anvil and made myself the impact wrench. Next month I might buy the big 1/2" impact (450lb-ft of torque advertised). My opinion is that with the 5 year warranty you can't go wrong with the M18 line of tools.

I'm somewhat of a Milwaukee fanboy I suppose.

im interested in switchin mine to a 3/8" drive. can you tell me more about this or link me to the 3/8" drive kit? thanks

 

[Monte]

 

[SnowBlaZeR2]

Dare I ask COO of these drills?

I thought all Milwaukee was now Chinese, but maybe the others are too?

I believe my Dewalt is from Mexico and my CMan Pro is from China. I don't think there are many if any still made here. Maybe I'm wrong.

 

[Monte]

Dare I ask COO of these drills?

I thought all Milwaukee was now Chinese, but maybe the others are too?

Dewalt DC720 --> Mexico --> click

Bosch 36618-02 --> Malaysia --> click

Milwaukee 2601-22 --> China --> click

Makita BDF452HW --> China --> click

Makita BDF451 --> China --> click

Bosch 37618-01 --> Switzerland --> click



The higher priced Bosch cordless drills are usually from Switzerland. Metabo LT + LTX series from germany. Milwaukee all from China now, also the corded power tools except some drills from czech republic. Dewalt seems to be mostly from Mexico nowadays. Panasonic Li-Ion China too.

 

[abumason]

Been lurking here for awhile and finally feel like I have something to add.

I went thru this same dilemma last year for Father's Day. I had an older DeWalt 9.6V that I'd used for 10 yrs of household/homeowner type tasks. The second battery was starting to go and I had every intention of getting the latest and greatest 18V DeWalt to replace it. Called my old boss (I was an apprentice plumber before joining the Army) just to see what he had to say. When I worked for him, all the tools were Milwaukee corded versions. He told me I couldn't go wrong with DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Makita. So I went looking for examples to try out. Ended up getting the white Makita kit with the 18V drill, impact driver, flashlight, two batteries, and charger. These are the smaller 1.5amp hour batteries that don't quite last as long as the 3.0's that come with the LXT(blue) Makitas.

I've been very satisfied to say the least. My biggest complaint is that the white finish has become caked with dirt and will never be white again - but it's a small price to pay for such an awesome tool. The Makita fit my hand the best, was the lightest, and can also use the larger capacity battery.

The only other downside is that now I'm locked into Makita. This has kept me from buying other tools because the Makita bare tool prices are a little more than I want to spend for "occasional use" tools. Plus I would have to purchase the 3.0 batteries as well, and they're not cheap.

Not sure any of that helps you, but as someone else mentioned - look at the new 12V Li-Ion tools. The 18V is overkill for everything I've used it for in the last year other than replacing the top boards of my deck railing. Oh, and by the way, once you use and impact driver, you'll never drive screws with a drill again.

 

[kbeitz]

New The Dewalt DC720 can be had cheap on E-bay... I got a new one fo $44.00

I had posted a thread in the General Board about the Li-Ion batteries compared to the Ni-Cad. The general agreement was to buy a drill with a Li-Ion battery, yet ... I cannot make up my mind. Every drill seems to have it's fans and haters and I have read as many reviews and comments as I can. This is my first drill purchase because the last two were Christmas Gifts that did not last long (ie: Crapsmen).

Choices:

http://www.cordless-drill-reviews.com/dewalt-dc720ka.html

$160. The Dewalt DC720 rates extremely well and was my first choice but it runs on the Ni-Cad battery pack making it heavy for today's drills. Although, I am told if the batteries **** out, I can replace them with Dewalt Nano (li-ion) batteries. Never owned a Dewalt so I have no experience with them.

http://www.cordless-drill-reviews.com/bosch-36618-02.html

$160 The Bosch 36618-02 has good reviews and happy owners but I am leery about the power and battery life because those items come up in the critical comments. I do own the Bosch PS10-2A (gift) and it works well for what it does.

http://www.cordless-drill-reviews.com/milwaukee-2601-22.html

$200 This Milwaukee set from CPO seems like a good deal since Amazon has the drill for $170. However, the same issues seem to rise about the battery life and mostly the power of these drills. The 5 year warranty certainly sounds good compared to the 3 years of the other drills?

There ya have it. Wondering why the Makita 452 is not on the list? I just dare to be different. I am probably beating a dead horse with all the head bashing on what drill to buy. Any comments, opinions or flames are welcome.

Thanks!!

 

[Ghostrider]

Personally I have the cman pro 20 volt li-oncombo kit and wouldn't take for it. I've had it for a year this father's day. The combo kit that my wife got me has the 1/2 inch impact driver, flashlight, drill, circular saw, 4 battery's and a charger. I am planning on adding the recipricating saw to the kit next. I have the dewalt li-on drill at work and am not really impressed by the chuck but that's just me I guess. No experiance withe new milwakee's yet.

 

[737mechanic]

Have you considered the Hitachi 18V.

 

[jake26]

Update:

My search is over and I finally bought a drill set. Thanks to everyone for their advice.

My original choice was the Dewalt DC720KA but bashed my head against the table over the Milwaukee, Mikita and others. So ... I decided to stick with my first choice and bought this package from Sears.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016KYEI2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It was on sale for $199 so I added my in-laws 10% coupon code but still had to pay tax and shipping. It arrives Monday!!

 

[tonydanzah]

pulled a fast one on me with the title.

 

[jake26]

Almost forgot to rant about Sears!!!

The first time I ordered online from them and their website is horrible. Copy overlaped eachother and the page was full of broken links. Also, when I tried to pay with PayPal, it kept sending me somewhere else. It took me 1/2 hour and 3 tries to order this drill.

What is up with Sears????? Terrible!!

 

[babzog]

I was given a C-Man a couple of years ago and it's stood up to anything I've ever thrown at it. I've not babied the thing, but nor do I mistreat it. It gets worked.

It didn't have the power to run a 2" hole saw through my double sill plate last year when I installed some conduit runs but for everything else, it's been great.

 

[Teken]

Update:

My search is over and I finally bought a drill set. Thanks to everyone for their advice.

My original choice was the Dewalt DC720KA but bashed my head against the table over the Milwaukee, Mikita and others. So ... I decided to stick with my first choice and bought this package from Sears.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016KYEI2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

It was on sale for $199 so I added my in-laws 10% coupon code but still had to pay tax and shipping. It arrives Monday!!

Jake,

You made a very good choice . . . Also, with this and the newer style DeWalt battery chargers you don't need to worry about over charging the batteries etc.

You may if you wish leave them on the charger and the unit will *tune up* the battery periodically so they are always ready to work, when you're!

One little tip . . . Go buy some green painters tape, and tape the bottom of the battery so as it does not mar the casing . . . This doesn't bother a lot of people, but it does to me . . .

Hence why all my stuff looks brand new even after 25 years!

 

[Mike83]

im interested in switchin mine to a 3/8" drive. can you tell me more about this or link me to the 3/8" drive kit? thanks

PM on the way.

 

[picshooter]

I have a 18 Dewalt and Milwaukee. It took awhile for the Milwaukee to grow on me but now it's the one I grab first. My complaint with the Dewalt is battery cost.

 

[willymakeit]

Ive had all of them on site .Most popular to use was the Makita. Price was Dewalt. Make sure to get the impact driver.

 

[phtools]

I would go for DeWalt DCD970KL. This one is powered by Lithium Ion XRP battery(known for very goold performance).

Has 3 speeds and hammerdrill function - I really recommend the DCD970KL

Amazon.com has it for about $ 265 with free shipping.

Very nice drill!

 

[falconflyer04]

Another vote for Makita over here!
We got the 7 pieces kit last christmas and it's been used a lot and never fails! Before going with that kit, I've worked with a Makita impact driver all summer and I have no bad comments on them! They've been dropped on the floor, overheated because of prolonged intense use, hit on the wall and they still rocked as day 1! Battery are fast to charge, they last long enough and the drill is quite light!