New Drill or New Batteries?

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I think I know the answer, just want to confirm.

I have a Dewalt 18V drill. About 9-10 years old. Works fine. Have 2 charges.
The first set of batteries died about 5 years ago. The second set of batteries is now dead. Gets used around the house as needed. Does not get used much; maybe 10 times a year.

I can buy two NiCad Dewalt XRP 18V batteries for $90 that would last another 4-5 years or I can buy a Lithium Ion Rigid 18V Drill/Impact/Radio combo with two batteries and one charger for $175 plus tax. That comes with lifetime battery replacement.

Which one would you choose?

Thanks.

 

[iroc409]

You could probably have your existing batteries rebuilt cheaper (NiCad).

 

[kramarj]

You could probably have your existing batteries rebuilt cheaper (NiCad).

We tried this with our old Panasonic batteries, never ever again. They were rebuilt by Interstate and they were so hit and miss. One would be like brand new, but the next wouldn't hold a charge very well at all. Maybe it depends on brand, but we wouldn't do it again. Although it was cheaper than buying all new tools or buying new batteries.

We were to a point where almost all of our batteries that we collected over the years were getting bad and so were the tools. It was a better investment for us to upgrade all our tools. The tools were becoming obsolete and it was to the point where it was just a little more money to upgrade the tool if it had to be repaired. I would say spend the extra money to get the new tool, because if something goes wrong with it and you just bought new batteries for it, you will have spent the same if not more money in the end.

 

[rsanter]

When on sale you can buy the Dewalt 18v drill kit that has the drill, one or two batteries, charger, and case for $99.
If you like the drill I would buy the kit and either sell the extra drill or keep it so you can have a drill bit in one and a screw bit in the other

Bob

 

[bobcatdan]

I have had mixed results buying new batteries. My 15 year old makitas are still going strong on the third set of batteries so that's a win. Everything else, either the charger died and was unable to replace or the tool itself died shortly after I bought the batteries.

 

[CobraChevelle]

if you play the sales right, you can do even buy milwaike m18 for 100$. I know dewalt has some good deals tool.

My dad has the same dewalt setup as you. He sometime usees my m18 impact driver. I was going to buy him the dewalt version but when HD has there M18 sales It was 10$ more to buy him a milwaukee instead vs old tech dewalt.