Need Some Drill/Driver Advice

[Rick_Br]

I have a Dewalt 18 volt drill driver that I believe needs replaced. Several years ago the batteries stopped keeping a good charge so I bought some/generic replacements - they never seemed to keep a charge either. Recently it started smoking when I operated it so I think its time to move on.

My one requirement is that it has to be available from Lowe's as I have a gift card from there. I have been told I should have an impact driver - not sure why . I typically am doing home owner type stuff and have used the Dewalt as mostly a screw driver. So what brands would you suggest? Is there such a thing a an impact driver that also is a simple driver? Why would I want an impact driver?

Thanks
Rick

 

[BrandonV]

Honestly unless you're driving lags or big screws all day I'd probably skip the impact driver as they're not as good as a drill for more delicate situations.

The atomic compact 20V DeWalt is probably more than sufficient for your needs.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have a Dewalt 18 volt drill driver that I believe needs replaced. Several years ago the batteries stopped keeping a good charge so I bought some/generic replacements - they never seemed to keep a charge either. Recently it started smoking when I operated it so I think its time to move on.

My one requirement is that it has to be available from Lowe's as I have a gift card from there. I have been told I should have an impact driver - not sure why . I typically am doing home owner type stuff and have used the Dewalt as mostly a screw driver. So what brands would you suggest? Is there such a thing a an impact driver that also is a simple driver? Why would I want an impact driver?

Thanks
Rick

If you are limited to Lowes, you are limited to Dewalt, Craftsman, Kobalt, Flex, Skil, Metabo, and Bosch. Basically, you're missing Milwaukee, Makita, Ridgid, and Ryobi.

That said, there are still some great options available to you. I don't know what price point you're looking at, and/or how much your gift card is for, but a drill/driver combo from nearly any brand with some offset from a gift card is going to be a fantastic invesent.

I personally would not be without an impact driver. There are pages and pages here on the question of "if you could have only one" etc. but the fact is, you can (and should) have both.

You could get a nice Dewalt brushless drill and impact driver for $169 here which seems like a steal. Another option is this kit which has a hammer drill instead of a standard drill, but more importantly in my opinion, it has the powerstack batteries which are awesome.

As Brandon mentioned above, the Dewalt atomic stuff is incredible for the size/weight, but not available at Lowes to my knowledge.

Good luck.

 

[TdK71]

Crazy good deal here:

Flex Cordless Brushless Impact Driver

 

[ching0n]

I have a Dewalt 18 volt drill driver that I believe needs replaced. Several years ago the batteries stopped keeping a good charge so I bought some/generic replacements - they never seemed to keep a charge either. Recently it started smoking when I operated it so I think its time to move on.

My one requirement is that it has to be available from Lowe's as I have a gift card from there. I have been told I should have an impact driver - not sure why . I typically am doing home owner type stuff and have used the Dewalt as mostly a screw driver. So what brands would you suggest? Is there such a thing a an impact driver that also is a simple driver? Why would I want an impact driver?

Thanks
Rick

What's your budget? I find myself using my 12V drill and impact drivers more and more but the dewalt 20V are sized small too. I started my 12V lineup (also have 24v kobalt) w/this skil pwrcore 12V kit:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SKIL-Pwrcore-12-Brushless-12V-5-Tool-Combo-Kit-Drill-Impact-Driver-Multi-Tool-Speaker-Area-Light-2X2-0Ah-W-Usb-1Hr-Charger/1003201108

but they've now updated the lineup and have more compact kits:

https://www.lowes.com/collections/SKIL-PWR-CORE-12-12-Volt-Compact-Driving-Starter-Collection/GR_7453

 

[finn]

I bought the adapter that retrofits my old 18 v Dewalt drill to the 20v lithium batteries. Not a perfect solution, but it kept my fifteen year old drill in service, and I still use it as a spare.

Get the driver. I use a driver far more than a drill these days. Any number of suppliers offer inexpensive hex drill bits that fit a driver, and they’re good enough for most household use.

Dewalt offers several grades of drills and drivers. The Atomic is their compact, then there’s the regular 20v, and the XR. They also offer 12v compacts. Make sure you go brushless, as I think their entry level price leaders are still brushed.

I prefer the Atomic compact tools or the XR series, although I recently picked up my first 12v Dewalt tool, an Extreme extended reach ratchet, and I am pleased so far.

Bosch is another brand in my inventor. My oldest are about 16 years old now, brushed, Lithium 18v and still work well. The set I bought introduced me to impact drivers. Their smaller 12v tools are good, too. I have several, including a couple of drivers and a planer. Great for quick household jobs.

 

[alinc100]

Dewalt Atomic or XR , yes you will want an impact driver. They are great ,you will be surprised at the ease of use, and the amount of things that get easier. If your options on where to purchase were more open I'd suggest Milwaukee M12 ,and Makita sub-compact. But the 20 v Dewalt with the powerstack batteries is a winner at Lowes. https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT/5013607877

 

[zendriver]

Using the drill for driving, maybe hastened it to a smoky end.

A drill is for drilling, an impact driver is for driving/removing screws or smaller fasteners.

IMO, unless you are near destitute, why not go for one of each.

 

[nadogail]

My advice is that you should use your gift cards to buy what Lowes sells and then use other funds to buy a Makita.

 

[desertdog256]

I enjoy my Dewalt DCF885. It is relatively small and light but has plenty of power to drive deck screws. It’s the one I grab first. I built a deck last year, a couple of them actually and drove hundreds of screws. The batteries just last and last.

That being said, I’ve had it a few years. There may be an updated model with a brushless motor that surpasses the 885. But the 885 is still for sale online below $100 for the bare tool.

Lowe’s has the DCF885C1 for $179 with battery and charger.

 

[BTL-A4]

Get both an impact and a drill. Drills are for making holes, impacts are for driving screws. Anything at Lowe's will be fine for your needs. Keep in mind, though that you may decide to get more cordless tools, so be sure whatever brand you go with has what you need. There may be a Labor Day sale on a kit that has a drill, impact, saw(s) of some sort, a flashlight, batteries, and charger with a canvas bag. Consider getting whatever one has the most homeowner type tools.

 

[Komet]

+1 on having both, they excel at different things. I use my impact driver with everything I can get a hex shaft for including plastic bristle brushes and adapters to drive impact sockets. For me, the drill is for precision and control, and the impact driver is about violence and torque.

Out of the options available at Lowe's, I'd be looking at Dewalt or Bosch.

 

[Rick_Br]

Thanks for all the replies folks! As far as budget - hadn't really thought about it. The gift card is for $50 and I didn't expect that would cover the whole thing so maybe $125 total? I'm embarrassed to say I thought a drill/driver was one tool - what is the primary difference - maybe torque or battery life?

Also - regarding the smoking of the current tool - any thoughts regarding the potential problems? Is it worth pursuing a repair? It is an older model - I suspect it has brushes but not sure.

Rick

 

[finn]

A variable speed drill is sometimes called a drill / driver. I drywalled a couple of houses with one.

An impact driver is what you want for most heavy work, though. One is constant rotation, the other is short duration micro rotation impact rotation.

 

[uart]

I'm embarrassed to say I thought a drill/driver was one tool - what is the primary difference - maybe torque or battery life?

No need to be embarrassed, most battery drills are indeed drill/drivers in the one tool. And there's no problem using them as a driver (it wont harm them, it's what they're designed to do), it's just they're not as efficient as a dedicated impact driver.

I've got both (drill/driver and impact driver) and personally I still prefer to use the drill/driver for small or delicate work as it gives me better control (using the torque clutch). For driving larger fasteners where a lot more torque is involved then the impact driver is my go to.

 

[captain14]

How about using the gift card for a nice drill and drive bit set. Then look around for a good deal on the drill and impact driver kit.

 

[mooman]

Crazy good deal here:

Flex Cordless Brushless Impact Driver

My prediction is that this brand will be dead and buried in less than 5 years. We were approached by them about 2 years ago to test some of their tools in a real life construction environment and the results were less than stellar.

 

[Rinspeed]

We've had such good luck with Milwaukee at the shop it's hard for me to recommend other brands.

 

[MarineScott]

Using the drill for driving, maybe hastened it to a smoky end.

A drill is for drilling, an impact driver is for driving/removing screws or smaller fasteners.

IMO, unless you are near destitute, why not go for one of each.

yes, I agree, get a package deal, no regrets.

 

[strutaeng]

I had the Bosch 12V drill and impact and really liked both. It was the older brushed set. Remodeled our entire house with that little set. I eventually bought a 20V DeWalt hammer drill and impact for heavier duty use. But for most average use, the hammer drill is simply too big and heavy

Unfortunately, both of my Bosch got left outside (on different occasions) and it rained and I was never able to make them work again. So it was my fault. The only real complaint is they didn't have the little belt clip which is really handy working like on ladders and hanging drywall.

I've been eyeing the 12V DeWalt kit. Lowe's has some promotion right now that gets you a free tool or battery. Otherwise the Bosch 12V is very nice and cheaper.

Honestly, anything they sell there at Lowe's will be just fine for any homeowner or DIYer.

 

[Hohn]

I have a Dewalt 18 volt drill driver that I believe needs replaced. Several years ago the batteries stopped keeping a good charge so I bought some/generic replacements - they never seemed to keep a charge either. Recently it started smoking when I operated it so I think its time to move on.

My one requirement is that it has to be available from Lowe's as I have a gift card from there. I have been told I should have an impact driver - not sure why . I typically am doing home owner type stuff and have used the Dewalt as mostly a screw driver. So what brands would you suggest? Is there such a thing a an impact driver that also is a simple driver? Why would I want an impact driver?

Thanks
Rick

Hi Rick-

When you say you are moving on, do you mean to a new battery system as well?
Both drills and impact drivers will spin things inserted into them. So at a high level, they will both do similar basic tasks. The driver can drill and the drill can drive. But they do their specialty tasks better.

Impact drivers do have an impact mechanism that makes them capable of (slowly) driving large fasteners like lag bolts and such. But the main advantages of the impact driver have little to do with big fasteners.

The impacts are generally smaller in physical size, and this is not to be disregarded. The dewalt Atomic drivers are tiny compared to a drill. An impact driver also gives you much more control as you drive fasteners. Instead of using a clutch like most drills so, they have electronic features that can sense torque. Also, the short pulsed delivery of torque makes it far less likely to strip the head out of a fastener.

Drills are better for making holes because under load and impact will slow to a crawl.

If you are the kind of household user that drives fasteners ~10x more frequently than needs to make holes, you will be much happier with an impact driver than with a drill. Especially if that impact is one that has advanced features where it will slow down when the screw is tight or fully loosened, for example.

 

[ching0n]

Thanks for all the replies folks! As far as budget - hadn't really thought about it. The gift card is for $50 and I didn't expect that would cover the whole thing so maybe $125 total? I'm embarrassed to say I thought a drill/driver was one tool - what is the primary difference - maybe torque or battery life?

Also - regarding the smoking of the current tool - any thoughts regarding the potential problems? Is it worth pursuing a repair? It is an older model - I suspect it has brushes but not sure.

Rick

brushless tools are so cheap now a days I wouldn't fuss trying to rescue it. I haven't replaced totally worn brushes before so wonder if they eventually smoke?

The kits I posted above are good value compared to just the drill itself but I've been happy w/the skils 12v. They sell on Amazon too at a discount at times:

Drill only:

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SKIL/5013682127

Drill & driver (some other goodies in the other link in prior post):

https://www.lowes.com/pd/SKIL/5013682117

I have the old gen, drill compares favorably to Milwaukee 12V. The old gen driver is a bit gutless but the new one seems much improved. Only downside I've had is some oxidation of the contacts that I've had to clean up due to a humid garage.

 

[Komet]

Note that an impact driver can also use drill bits as long as they have a hex shank, however they will be a little wobbly because the quick release mechanism will never be as tight as a 3 jaw chuck.

 

[shoot summ]

I use the Dewalt 12v drill, screwdriver, and impact for 90+% of what I do around the house. I have some older 18V tools with the battery converter for 20V that also get used, and a select few 20v tools. I would highly suggest the Dewalt 12v tools, they are light, and powerful.

 

[bpwoodworking]

It’s my understanding that the impact force is easier on the screw/bolt than the drill will be. I’ve used impacts for driving screws for that reason, they are less prone to snapping screws commonly used in woodworking.

 

[engineer2]

Why would I want an impact driver?

I use mine almost daily.
Anything from finessing tiny screws to removing lugnuts.
With hex-type drill bits they do a decent job drilling holes too.

 

[Steve_P]

My prediction is that this brand will be dead and buried in less than 5 years. We were approached by them about 2 years ago to test some of their tools in a real life construction environment and the results were less than stellar.

This is my feeling also. Buying Flex is just begging for an obsolete system in 5 years. Do they even have 1% of the cordless tool market in the US? I have a friend that bought a few Flex items, which should assure they dissappear soon. He didn't learn from all of his Porter Cable cordless tools becoming scrap... some people just gotta be different.

 

[Kuma601]

Depends on your spend up budget that there are bundles with a drill and impact. In past times I had two drills one for drilling and one with screwdriver bit. The impact driver is an excellent tool for driving screws. Lowes at the time I was buying had the Metabo HPT combo hammer drill/driver and impact driver, included 4 batteries 2-36V and 2-18V for $325 range. With Lowes card of 5%, it was an excellent deal. They may not be the most performance oriented combo out there, I view them as mid pack/average. For my DIY uses, the price to performance and having that many batteries was a great deal.

Buy a brand that you know has the longevity. Even if not, if you get your $ worth of use than the next update can be debated then. No sense paying more for a tool that is not going to get much use and sit.

 

[finn]

This is my feeling also. Buying Flex is just begging for an obsolete system in 5 years. Do they even have 1% of the cordless tool market in the US? I have a friend that bought a few Flex items, which should assure they dissappear soon. He didn't learn from all of his Porter Cable cordless tools becoming scrap... some people just gotta be different.

I think Porter Cable has become the house brand for Tractor Supply, unless something has changed recently.

 

[Benny Franklin]

If you stick with Lowes, go Dewalt brushless.

My recommendation is Ridgid brushless from Home Depot- best warranty out there bar none.


Either way you want a drill for drilling and an impact driver for screws/lag bolts

 

[justtools]

Save your gift card for buying household cleaning supplies etc. Get a milwaukee or makita kit. Just sayin

 

[Rick_Br]

Again - thanks for the replies. I neglected to say that I also have a Worx driver with a hex attachment - I really like that tool but its not what I would consider a precision drilling tool - way too much wobble in the hex connection. So I think I'm looking for something with a 3 jaw chuck. Looks like zI need to get over to Lowe's and see what they have.

Rick

 

[uart]

I neglected to say that I also have a Worx driver with a hex attachment

Do you mean a cordless screwdriver or impact driver? They're very diffrent tools, and Worx makes both.

 

[tyyost]

If Lowes is your place I’d look at the DeWalt or Bosch offerings. If you were using an 18V system it would not limit you to the current 20 or 18 volt offerings as the new 12 volt brushless offerings are pretty capable too.

I’m in the “wouldn’t be without“ camp for impact drivers but that doesn’t mean everyone needs one. If you have good bits and a little technique any modern cordless drill will drive screws just fine. Having two batteries given what they cost in current kits matters more in your case. Like many folks here I adopted the Norm Abraham’s approach years ago, with a drill for pilot holes and the impact to drive screws. Impact drivers form factor is optimized for the job they do, and for me pocket holes with a drill for the joint and an impact set up to run the screws is optimal. Impact drivers also do great at removing fasteners that require a bit of finesse with a non impact tool.

Good luck and let us know what you buy!

 

[Hohn]

This is my feeling also. Buying Flex is just begging for an obsolete system in 5 years. Do they even have 1% of the cordless tool market in the US? I have a friend that bought a few Flex items, which should assure they dissappear soon. He didn't learn from all of his Porter Cable cordless tools becoming scrap... some people just gotta be different.

THe fact that my LXT Makita bought last month can use batteries from 2010 says a LOT to me....

 

[rust in the eye]

Of the brands available at Lowes I'd choose DeWalt, hands down. Not a fan of anything Bosch from the last decade or more and C-man is a joke. Having said that long ago I switched platforms from DW to Makita. I am very happy with my Makita tools and I'm hard on them. They have lots of tools that all utilize the same batteries, even gardening and mowers use the standard 18v packs.
Can't buy Makita at Lowes, save your gift cert for consumables.

 

[Steve_P]

I think Porter Cable has become the house brand for Tractor Supply, unless something has changed recently.

His stuff is older, and it's been a while since we talked about it, but IIRC he said that the batteries that his tools use are now obsolete and no longer produced by PC. If you just had a few things, it wouldn't be a big deal, but he has probably ten different tools.

I have a few ~12 year old DeWalt cordless tools, but I have an adapter for the new batteries- if I really want to use them in something inferior I still have an old sawzall, which I rarely use, so I've used that a few times with the adapter.

Buying something obscure like Flex in the US is just asking for a smackdown.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I slowly added tools over 25 years, bought the drill first, then impact driver Dewalt and Makita from Home Depot. Burnt out 2 drills over that period since I did not have an impact driver at first for serious DIY construction projects, good info from GJ - right tool for the right job.

 

[finn]

His stuff is older, and it's been a while since we talked about it, but IIRC he said that the batteries that his tools use are now obsolete and no longer produced by PC. If you just had a few things, it wouldn't be a big deal, but he has probably ten different tools.

I have a few ~12 year old DeWalt cordless tools, but I have an adapter for the new batteries- if I really want to use them in something inferior I still have an old sawzall, which I rarely use, so I've used that a few times with the adapter.

Buying something obscure like Flex in the US is just asking for a smackdown.

Aren’t there adapters out there that allow use of modern Lithium batteries? I have the made by Dewalt adapter for 20v batteries in my old 18 v NiCad drill.

Others here talk about eBay sourced adapters (aftermarket) to allow use of Milwaukee, Dewalt; etc lithium batteries in other brand tools. I never looked at it personally, as the only other obsolete tools I still have are a couple of 9.6 v Craftsman drills.

 

[Rick_Br]

Do you mean a cordless screwdriver or impact driver? They're very diffrent tools, and Worx makes both.

Sorry - the Worx is a cordless screw driver
Rick