need a new cordless drill

[lynnbilodeau]

About 12 years ago, I got a Rigid 18v Cordless drill, small circular saw and light kit. Two batteries, with double charger.

Worked fine for about 10 years. Few years ago, the batteries gave up the ghost.

Spent extra money to get the extra long life batteries, and they are both dead. Won't hold a charge for two days even without being used. Can't even drill one decent hole.

So... not spending more on "extra life" Rigid batteries. Besides, the drill itself is pretty worn. Bearings screaming and all that. Chuck doesn't even hold bits perfectly straight.

Need some input on a really good 18v cordless 1/2 inch hammer drill. Must come with two batteries. This is for homeowner use only, but I probably use it much more than the average homeowner.

OH, and this thing is heavy. I would like something a little lighter.

Whatcha got?

 

[lutter94]

A lot of people converting from 18V dewalt to 20V max. If budget cautious, should be able to find some on craigs.

But I bought this at a pawn shop, brand new for $175.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HG4QFGQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Seems like a nice unit, and I like the other 20v max tools we have (basic drill, driver, circ saw) Dad bought a sawzall to go with it all too, but I haven't been back home to see it yet.

 

[hh76]

Big fan of Milwaukee, (dewalt too, but don't own any more)

M12 is nice and light, with good power

M18 is bigger and more powerful.

Most of the major brands are comparable, so don't get too wrapped up in brand wars. People will argue all day, just like ford vs Chevy.

 

[rslaback]

I wouldn't count the Ridgid out. The drill you would buy today is quite different from the one you bought 12 years ago. The batteries would also be newer lithiums instead of the old Nicad.

Plus, your drill, saw and light would still work with the batteries from the new drill.

 

[Banjorear]

I have the Bosch 18V drill and impact and Milwaukee M12 drill and impact. 9 times out of 10 I'll reach for the M12 stuff.

So light, but still powerful enough for most jobs unless you are using them all day for construction. Then 18V may be the way to go.

 

[icenfire01]

I seriously looked at the Milwaukee tools for a long time and couldn't find anyone that had anything but good luck with them. Finely decided on the DeWalt 20V due to price, and they have been great drills and would recommend to anyone. I can tell you the 20v are lighter (and i think more powerfull) thank the older 18v NiCads.

 

[Rich.]

Just bought a Milwaukee M18 fuel hammer drill drive with 3 5.0ah batteries, going from Mikita to Hilti to now Milwaukee, the M18 is leagues above either.

 

[scull20]

I've got the M18 Drill/Driver from Milwaukee. No complaints thus far.

Had a craftsman NiCad drill before that until the batteries wore out.

I'm sure there may be others that could care less, but it really bugs me to not have a hard plastic case to store the drill and charger in...some companies either offer the tools with zip up nylon bags instead which I can't stand.

Also, just keep an eye out when looking, sometimes the brands like to offer different packages, like the bare tool, tool +charger and 1 battery, tool +charger + 2 batteries, with our without case/bag, etc. Of course the prices will vary depending on what's included, but a lot of times this is not necessarily apparent unless you start looking into the descriptions.

 

[gayler]

Hitachi would be my choice.

 

[Robinson1]

They all have their pros and cons especially when you get into the full line of their offerings.

I'm a general contractor and use primarily Bosch. They make some of the best drills on the market today and the IDH-182 impact driver is a game changer. I used to keep an air impact on my tool trailer to run lags with. Its still there but haven't used it a time since buying the IDH-182.

Best advice I can give you. Go to Lowes or Home Depot or anywhere that has a large offering from multiple manufactures and feel of as many different brands and tools as you can. Pick what feels best in your hands. As long as you stay with Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee, or Makita its going to be really hard to go wrong. Look at the full line offerings as well. Bosch primarily focuses on carpentry and trade related tools. Dewalt and Makita offer yard tools if that's something that interests you. Milwaukee and Makita by far have the largest lineup and Milwaukee makes a lot of automotive and industrial maintenance specific tools.

I'd stay away from Black and Decker, Skil, Craftsman, Ryobi, and Harbor Freight. Although many on here would disagree.

 

[Robinson1]

Something else to look at is fuel gauges on the batteries. Its a nice feature Bosch, Milwaukee and some Dewalt have them. Makita does not. Its something to think about. Nothing worse that standing there trying to remember which battery is charged only to find out you grabbed the wrong battery after you get back to your project.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

I use DeWalt and Hilti at work. Milwaukee is also great. Personally, of those three, I would go with whatever is the cheapest. All 3 are great, all 3 are fine for a homeowner. Definitely go with lithium over nicad if they are even available still.

 

[BaMaDuDe87]

Best advice I can give you. Go to Lowes or Home Depot or anywhere that has a large offering from multiple manufactures and feel of as many different brands and tools as you can. Pick what feels best in your hands.

I'd stay away from Black and Decker, Skil, Craftsman and Harbor Freight

I'd have to second this.

 

[53chevy5]

My dewalt 20 volts have been good, sometimes wonder if I should have gone milwaukee but I think this because the grass is always greener on the other side

 

[acer66]

They all have their pros and cons especially when you get into the full line of their offerings.

I'm a general contractor and use primarily Bosch. They make some of the best drills on the market today and the IDH-182 impact driver is a game changer. I used to keep an air impact on my tool trailer to run lags with. Its still there but haven't used it a time since buying the IDH-182.

Best advice I can give you. Go to Lowes or Home Depot or anywhere that has a large offering from multiple manufactures and feel of as many different brands and tools as you can. Pick what feels best in your hands. As long as you stay with Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee, or Makita its going to be really hard to go wrong. Look at the full line offerings as well. Bosch primarily focuses on carpentry and trade related tools. Dewalt and Makita offer yard tools if that's something that interests you. Milwaukee and Makita by far have the largest lineup and Milwaukee makes a lot of automotive and industrial maintenance specific tools.

I'd stay away from Black and Decker, Skil, Craftsman, Ryobi, and Harbor Freight. Although many on here would disagree.

Pretty solid advice, there also "overlooked" brands like Metabo, Panasonic and Fein which can be had cheap on a sale.
Some brands are updating their tools constantly so last years model on sale might fit your bill and if you are not a heavy user you maybe can forgo the brushless models which are normally more expensive and/or do not need a high amp battery which raises the price quite a bit.
I have the first version of the Bosch 18V with the lithium batteries and I got it with the hammer drill function so I can do smaller stuff without dragging the big guys out.
I came from Craftsman 19.2 and I am still impressed what difference in power and weight the Bosch is and I am pretty sure most of the new stuff from other brands is too.
Since you need hammer function the 12V stuff is more or less out but as pointed out before they are also very powerful and I uses them on the job all the time.

 

[bcradio]

Since you need hammer function the 12V stuff is more or less out but as pointed out before they are also very powerful and I uses them on the job all the time.

I actually really like my M12 Fuel hammerdrill. I got rid of my 18v and 36v tools and now just use M12 Fuel. Can't say I miss the heavier tools and certainly don't need them anymore with the power of the brushless 12v out now.

 

[acer66]

I actually really like my M12 Fuel hammerdrill. I got rid of my 18v and 36v tools and now just use M12 Fuel. Can't say I miss the heavier tools and certainly don't need them anymore with the power of the brushless 12v out now.

I did not know that Milwaukee offers one, I am sure it is nice.
Milwaukee has a way bigger selection than Bosch in the 12V lineup
last time I checked and yes they are very powerful.

 

[CJM8515]

I have the following milwaukee tools:
Fuel 1/2, 3/8 impacts and non fuel hex driver, I also have the heavy duty hammer/drill and I just ordered the LED flashlight. So far these all put my older porter cables to shame. About my only dislike is the overload protection sometimes gets in the way, gotta release trigger and let reset for a sec if it gets hot. But it is there to protect the tools.

I looked long and hard at both makita and dewalt before I bought milwaukee. Milwaukee has the most tools it seems, is constantly improving them and the M18 platform seems to be here to stay for a long time.

 

[marlinspike]

About 12 years ago, I got a Rigid 18v Cordless drill, small circular saw and light kit. Two batteries, with double charger.

Worked fine for about 10 years. Few years ago, the batteries gave up the ghost.

Spent extra money to get the extra long life batteries, and they are both dead. Won't hold a charge for two days even without being used. Can't even drill one decent hole.

So... not spending more on "extra life" Rigid batteries. Besides, the drill itself is pretty worn. Bearings screaming and all that. Chuck doesn't even hold bits perfectly straight.

Getting 10 years out of a set of batteries is really really good.

 

[dodge610]

I know it has been mentioned to stay away from craftsman. But the C3 system is a nice system I started with that system probably when it came out still have my original batterys and they still all work. Sears has decent combo sales on this kit and if you are not a heavy user of your tools might be worth at least a look. I have been very happy with mine. And they have never failed to do the job at hand. And in all reality that is all we can hope for completing the job as easily as possible.

 

[marlinspike]

Pretty solid advice, there also "overlooked" brands like Metabo, Panasonic and Fein which can be had cheap on a sale.

??? Where have you seen Metabo on sale?

 

[stang2007]

Been looking at replacing my cordless tools as my Craftsman Nextec Battery's are starting to show their age.(if I Thought sears was still invested in the Nextec line i would replace but alas each year they trim the line down).

After much hemming and hawing I decided to Replace them with the Milwaukee M12 series, they are more expensive then the nextec tools but after picking some up at Home Depot I can say they feel better built.

 

[dodge610]

Been looking at replacing my cordless tools as my Craftsman Nextec Battery's are starting to show their age.(if I Thought sears was still invested in the Nextec line i would replace but alas each year they trim the line down).

After much hemming and hawing I decided to Replace them with the Milwaukee M12 series, they are more expensive then the nextec tools but after picking some up at Home Depot I can say they feel better built.

That nextec line has been dwindling each year so far the C# line is hanging in there. They have been cutting it too. But heard from one of there tool guys they are coming out with some new C3 stuff.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Need some input on a really good 18v cordless 1/2 inch hammer drill.
.
.
.
OH, and this thing is heavy. I would like something a little lighter.

If weight is really an issue, you are going to have to down scale. Currently, the best 12V system is the Milwaukee M12 Fuel. M12 Fuel 1/2" Hammer Drill

If you want light weight, stick with the smaller batteries.

 

[crewchief888]

FYI

home depot had/has the milwaukee fuel 12v 1/2" hammer drill, 1/4" hex driver, 1 2.0 bat, & 1 4.0 bat combo (with blowmolded case) on sale for $199,
reg price $289 (?)

must have been a Xmas special, i did find several stashed away with other milwaukee stock at my local store.

 

[buckwheat_la]

See lots on here about Milwaukee but not much with Makita. We changed all of our stuff over to Makita 18v a couple years ago (used to have Dewalt) and have really enjoyed it. We use our power tools daily and abuse them often.

 

[rice rocket]

??? Where have you seen Metabo on sale?

CPO has been putting some discounts behind their kits w/ the non Li-HD batteries, but then you get stuck w/ last year's battery tech (well, what's current for everyone else).

i.e.

http://www.cpometabo.com/metabo-602...rill-driver-kit/mtbn602240520,default,pd.html



Pretty good buy at that price, you won't find anything with that power at that weight at that price with that many features, except maybe when Fein dumps their warehouse for whatever reason.

The electronic clutch + impulse mode + interchangeable chucks are all great, and made in Germany to top it off.

 

[marlinspike]

CPO has been putting some discounts behind their kits w/ the non Li-HD batteries, but then you get stuck w/ last year's battery tech (well, what's current for everyone else).

i.e.

http://www.cpometabo.com/metabo-602...rill-driver-kit/mtbn602240520,default,pd.html



Pretty good buy at that price, you won't find anything with that power at that weight at that price with that many features, except maybe when Fein dumps their warehouse for whatever reason.

The electronic clutch + impulse mode + interchangeable chucks are all great, and made in Germany to top it off.

That model does not have the quick chuck system, but it is a great deal. I will warn anybody who wants to get a Metabo but has no use for the hammer drill function - the drill driver is a full inch shorter than the hammer drill, which can come in handy.

 

[The Toolest Guy]

Panasonic make some of the best drills and drivers. They would be my vote.

 

[rice rocket]

That model does not have the quick chuck system, but it is a great deal. I will warn anybody who wants to get a Metabo but has no use for the hammer drill function - the drill driver is a full inch shorter than the hammer drill, which can come in handy.

Oh right, I think we went over this.

They just need to drop that product line w/o interchangeable chucks; too many product options in the same product line is really just too much confusion.

 

[marlinspike]

Oh right, I think we went over this.

They just need to drop that product line w/o interchangeable chucks; too many product options in the same product line is really just too much confusion.

On the other hand, losing the Quick chuck makes it way cheaper - the SB 18 LTX BL Impuls (i.e. top end hammer drill except no Quick chuck) is $309 at Lowe's with the new batteries. It's another $90 to get the Quick online. I think the real problem is if they are going to have a presence at Lowe's they need to offer the model with the most benefits there.

 

[oldldh]

I got these for Christmas...

Milwaukee M18 4.0 A/Hr batteries...

And the Fuel 1/2 Inch Hammer Drill, and the 1/4" Impact Driver...

I figure I'm set for at least 10 years...

Santa told me he paid $ 349.99 for them...

So far, I'd say, he got a good deal, on superlative tools...

 

[wesst]

I don't think you can really go wrong these days with the latest offerings. Our shop uses the Dewalt 20v brushless and the guys love them. Because of this, I purchased the Dewalt 12v l-ion combo for home use and it is perfect size and weight for around the house. In retrospect, I wish I would have purchased Milwaukee based on the number of other 12v tool offerings. Dewalt is very limited in there 12v offerings, but the power from today's 12v's is unbelievable.

 

[acer66]

That model does not have the quick chuck system, but it is a great deal. I will warn anybody who wants to get a Metabo but has no use for the hammer drill function - the drill driver is a full inch shorter than the hammer drill, which can come in handy.

That is a good point, never measured it but the Bosch hammer drill is also longer than the non hammer drill version and also around 100 grams heavier.

Not sure if that matters to the op but something to keep in mind.

 

[DangerousDan55]

I dont have RIGID but this is a really good deal, only though Home Depot.

Lifetime Service Agreement

The original purchaser of an eligible product may elect to register for a free Lifetime Service Agreement. To accept this Lifetime Service Agreement, you must register your product and submit proof of purchase for processing approval as described below. The Lifetime Service Agreement provides the original owner of qualifying RIDGID® Brand tools a lifetime of free replacement batteries, free service and free replacement parts subject to the limitations set forth below.

The Lifetime Service Agreement is available free of charge, on all eligible RIDGID® Brand hand held power tools, stationary power tools and pneumatic tools, subject to the terms and conditions stated below. Customers have 90 days from date of purchase to register tools for the Lifetime Service Agreement. Once all conditions of the registration process are fulfilled, the tool’s service coverage lasts the lifetime of the original purchaser. The Lifetime Service Agreement status on a tool is not transferable to persons other than the original purchaser. Note: The RIDGID Lifetime Service Agreement is only available for eligible RIDGID tools purchased at THE HOME DEPOT.

 

[Phog Allen]

They all have their pros and cons especially when you get into the full line of their offerings.

I'm a general contractor and use primarily Bosch. They make some of the best drills on the market today and the IDH-182 impact driver is a game changer. I used to keep an air impact on my tool trailer to run lags with. Its still there but haven't used it a time since buying the IDH-182.

Best advice I can give you. Go to Lowes or Home Depot or anywhere that has a large offering from multiple manufactures and feel of as many different brands and tools as you can. Pick what feels best in your hands. As long as you stay with Bosch, Dewalt, Milwaukee, or Makita its going to be really hard to go wrong. Look at the full line offerings as well. Bosch primarily focuses on carpentry and trade related tools. Dewalt and Makita offer yard tools if that's something that interests you. Milwaukee and Makita by far have the largest lineup and Milwaukee makes a lot of automotive and industrial maintenance specific tools.

I'd stay away from Black and Decker, Skil, Craftsman, Ryobi, and Harbor Freight. Although many on here would disagree.

Best post in the thread.

About the only thing I would add is to look first at whatever fools you may want to add to the stable and make sure the brand you are looking at has them available in the voltage you select.

I think we are in a good place with cordless these days and I would make hand to grip fit and tool availability my first priorities.

 

[vartz04]

I have had dewalt (18V Nicad), Hitachi (12 V LION), Ryobi (18V LION), Milwaukee (12V LION) and Bosch (Both 18V Brushless LION and 12 V LION)

Bosch is hands down the best balanced, highest quality. I started with the 12 V Hammer Drill/Impact driver. Added the 12V radio and Vac. Loved them (12 V is smaller than the 12 v dewalt and Milwaukee stuff) then I decided I needed some 18V stuff for when I built my fence so I got the Brushless Drill, Brushless Impact Driver, Circular Saw, Recip Saw, and Flashlight. Wow...great stuff. I used the circular saw exclusively to cut all the framing and OSB for my shed shop.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HUCUGGE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dodge610]

I got a few bosch refurbished tools was quite impressed by them. Strip Mall in PA had them in a factory store they had set up in the mall. New an refurbished factory stuff is all they had. Good prices on the stuff i got.

 

[fm2176]

I just bought one of the Home Depot holiday specials: a 3-piece DeWalt brushless kit with Tough System case for $222 out the door. They were $299, dropped to $259 after Christmas, and are $229 now (10% discount was applied on mine).

I wanted a system I could build on in a practical manner, as a homeowner with occasional ambition to play other roles. DeWalt's 12v and 20v Max systems have a few products that accept either battery, and the chargers work for either as well (without the need for additional ports, as in Milwaukee chargers). Factor in 20v Max yard tools and DeWalt has a system that fits my projected needs well. Additionally, with the new adapter, a person could conceivably get lesser-used tools for cheap by simply buying used 18v versions.

Anyway, the kit at Home Depot includes the DCD886 impact driver, DCD795 compact hammer drill, DCL040 light, a charger, two 2.0 Ah batteries, and a medium Tough System case. I went back earlier in hopes of scoring the cordless wet/dry vacuum they had for $75, or the dual charger/4.0 Ah battery combo they had for $105 but both were gone (as were the rest of the Tough System combos). They still had a number of 5.0 Ah starter packs for $129, though.

 

[Monte]

for a non hammer drill i would get this:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IDEH1OS/?tag=atomicindus08-20