Recommend me a cordless drill upgrade

[dwasifar]

I have a DeWalt DCD780, about seven years old. It's been fine, but it does struggle with heavier work from time to time. (Don't know if that's the batteries or the tool; I'm guessing the tool.) So I'm thinking of getting something else, maybe a little beefier, but not a behemoth.

With those requirements, what would you recommend and why? Assume for the sake of discussion that Hilti is too expensive, but any other pro or prosumer brand is on the table.

 

[tarbellb]

I went from that exact model to a 1st gen M18 Fuel and it was a noticeable upgrade. Keep in mind that it Dewalts entry level driver, and the Fuel is Milwaukee flagship. Its still going strong 5yrs later.

That being said, I still think the Milwaukee line has more strong points then Dewalt. Milwaukees tool variety and innovation are arguably the industry best, and dont seem to be slowing. Add the M12 line and its hard to not consider.

 

[dwasifar]

I went from that exact model to a 1st gen M18 Fuel and it was a noticeable upgrade. Keep in mind that it Dewalts entry level driver, and the Fuel is Milwaukee flagship. Its still going strong 5yrs later.

That being said, I still think the Milwaukee line has more strong points then Dewalt. Milwaukees tool variety and innovation are arguably the industry best, and dont seem to be slowing. Add the M12 line and its hard to not consider.

Do you have a specific model to recommend?

 

[JBH]

I looked at a few a while ago. My thoughts:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7100220&postcount=32

The biggest disappointments were Milwaukee (ergonomics) and Dewalt (fit and finish). I ended up with a Fein.

 

[jd_1138]

I'd get a 1/4 impact driver and a regular drill both. The 1,500 and up in-lbs of torque of the impact driver makes for easier work of driving fasteners. Can't really go wrong with DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee.

I often just bring my impact driver and use it for drilling too (using drill bits with 1/4 hex ends) and for driving. But it's nice to have 2 drills -- the drill with the drill bit inserted and the impact driver with the driving bits, so you're not constantly switching out bits.

 

[dwasifar]

I'd get a 1/4 impact driver and a regular drill both. The 1,500 and up in-lbs of torque of the impact driver makes for easier work of driving fasteners. Can't really go wrong with DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee.

I often just bring my impact driver and use it for drilling too (using drill bits with 1/4 hex ends) and for driving. But it's nice to have 2 drills -- the drill with the drill bit inserted and the impact driver with the driving bits, so you're not constantly switching out bits.

I have an impact driver already. Came with the DeWalt. I'm happy with it, so this time I'm only looking for the drill, not the set. Unless you think there is significant room for improvement there too...?

 

[dwasifar]

I looked at a few a while ago. My thoughts:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7100220&postcount=32

The biggest disappointments were Milwaukee (ergonomics) and Dewalt (fit and finish). I ended up with a Fein.

Well, that's Fein for you, then! Just Fein!

I have a Fein oscillating tool, and it's awesome. But it never occurred to me to look for a Fein cordless drill. I KNEW there was a reason I asked you guys.

 

[Fialaja]

Milwaukee or makita

 

[engineer2]

Makita XPH07Z and be done with it. 18 V battery, 3 phase AC motor. Finesse to beast mode.

 

[MayerMR]

I know it's an egregious statement here, but I love me my Ryobi 1+ tools. I have a drill, impact drill, reciprocating (jig) saw, rip saw, tire inflator, LED work light, and a weed whacker and they all use the same battery. Never let me down and I use the heck out of them.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I know it's an egregious statement here, but I love me my Ryobi 1+ tools. I have a drill, impact drill, reciprocating (jig) saw, rip saw, tire inflator, LED work light, and a weed whacker and they all use the same battery. Never let me down and I use the heck out of them.

I'm a Milwaukee guy but I have to say Ryobi is the best "budget" tool brand right now. No quality issues on any of their tools I've used, priced well for homeowners and DIY'ers, and a wide selection of tools. Including some tools that no other major brand currently makes.

 

[txvwnut]

I’ve been real happy with my Ryobi stuff but if I decided to switch brands it’d be Milwaukee. If all your doing is homeowner and DIY stuff Ryobi will suit you well. I even think it would sit well in an every day professional usage but if you are wanting a cordless circular saw Ryobi ain’t the answer.

 

[MayerMR]

I’ve been real happy with my Ryobi stuff but if I decided to switch brands it’d be Milwaukee. If all your doing is homeowner and DIY stuff Ryobi will suit you well. I even think it would sit well in an every day professional usage but if you are wanting a cordless circular saw Ryobi ain’t the answer.

Out of curiosity, why not? I have one, with the 5.5" blade and I've been pretty happy with it for cutting 3/4'' plywood.

 

[exmaxima1]

Makita XPH07Z and be done with it. 18 V battery, 3 phase AC motor. Finesse to beast mode.

I'm an M12 fanboy, but I've used the Makita LXT drills and they are exceptional tools for those that need the extra hp.

 

[CJM8515]

I have milwaukee. All have been flawless and worth every penny.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Milwaukee is basically the industry standard. Milwaukee, Ridgid and Ryobi are made by the same parent company.

Tommy

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I’ve been real happy with my Ryobi stuff but if I decided to switch brands it’d be Milwaukee. If all your doing is homeowner and DIY stuff Ryobi will suit you well. I even think it would sit well in an every day professional usage but if you are wanting a cordless circular saw Ryobi ain’t the answer.

I used to work in an RV shop and about 80% of the mechanics there had all Ryobi for the work tools because they were cheap (inexpensive) enough they could buy several different tools and leave their own tools at home. Plus they could share tools and batteries between each other. Never heard of any failures and they got some pretty heavy use. The circular saw and brad nailer got a lot of use in the shop and on plenty of road service calls. The 1/2" impact wrench got used in the parking lot when it wasn't feasible to run 300' of air hose.

I was at the tail end of selling off my C3 tools, so when I left that job I sold the rest of the Craftsman and kept my Milwaukee tools at home. But I was impressed by the Ryobi stuff I'd used.

 

[tarbellb]

Do you have a specific model to recommend?

I didnt realize you still were planning on using the Dewalt impact. If you have the newer Li-ion batteries and they are in good shape I would likely stick with Dewalt.

As much as I like my Fuel stuff, I dont think there is a big enough difference between yellow and red to switch battery platforms unless there are specific tools you want or just want to switch. Dewalts flagship model (model #?) is a very capable drill I am sure.

But.... if you are going red, then there are 3 tiers. M18, Brushless, Fuel.
Fuel is the flagship, M18 is the econo line (brushed motors, etc...) Brushless is somewhere in the middle.

If you go red, go Fuel, and dont look back.

(Fein, Metabo, Festool, Hilti are all great drills but availability, price, and variety are serious drawbacks. )

 

[fos373]

I went the Dewalt 20v route. Although good, Milwaukee has a more robust line. If I did it again, i'd go with Milwaukee.

 

[BikerDad]

Bosch. DeWalt. Makita. Milwaukee. Go brushless, compact 18/20v for any of the four and you'll have a smile on your face. Hit the Borgs (Lowe's for Bosch, Hitachi & DeWalt, Home Depot for Milwaukee, Makita and DeWalt) and get your mitts on the tools, go for whichever feels the best in your hand.

I have the DeWalt XR, both the "full size" hammer drill and the compact drill/driver. I use the compact drill/driver most often. The DeWalt just fits my hand better than the others. Look at the other tools available in the battery platform, make sure that whatever you're likely to get in the future is available. If you're not a plumber and unlikely to ever work with PEX tubing, then the lack of a tool for that specialty shouldn't dissuade you.

If you can wait and the tasty tool of choice isn't on sale now, Father's Day is approaching, and that's the 2nd best tool buying season of the year.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I like the Milwaukee and Makita 18v the best. I also like Bosh and Hitachi to round out my top picks. Go out and hold some side by side and pick the one you like the best.

I'm not a huge cordless fan but, will always have a cordless drill for quick jobs.

 

[engineer2]

Father's Day is approaching, and that's the 2nd best tool buying season of the year.

Yes! Home Depot usually has some very good Father's Day pricing. They also have a stand set up with tools so you can try before you buy.

 

[tacomabob]

Makita

 

[johnnyradiant]

festool

 

[ez-duzit]

"Recommend me a cordless drill upgrade"

Just about any corded Milwaukee drill.

 

[MushCreek]

I just bought a Milwaukee M18 2704 drill to replace my old one that was dying after 7 years. Holy **** what a difference! You actually need the side handle to keep from hurting yourself. I'm invested in the M18 line, with a 1/4" driver, the drill, circular saw, SawZall, and 1/2" impact. They all have been excellent.

 

[BlackLS2]

About 13 years ago I started on the Milwaukee M12 line and the Makita LXT 18 volt line. The M12 batteries sucked for the first couple years but now they are great. The M12 shines for smaller around the house type jobs (my wife steals my M12 vacuum cleaner on a regular basis). The Makita 18-volt LXTs have been awesome and very very rugged.

You're buying into a system and each of those brands have very good stuff. I think you're going to be very happy with either the Milwaukee M18 or the Makita LXT 18. All of the 18v is pretty good these days.

For me:

On the Makita 18v LXT: I use their half inch impact gun, reciprocating saw, stand up LED light, their impact drill, and the amazing brushless angle grinder, the most.

On the Milwaukee M12: I use their screw gun, the aforementioned vacuum cleaner, 3/8 square impact, impact drill, 3/8 ratchet, and their polisher the most. The M12 right angle drill has gotten me out of a lot of tight spots. I found the M12 hackzall to be the biggest disappointment of a power tool...ever.

I second someone else's opinion above to wait for Father's Day deals; there have been some huge deals on kit buys where you get an impact driver and a drill + charger and soft side case. Amazon has said MakitaLXT kit and 2 batteries for $230 most of the time...Go brushless!

 

[dwasifar]

Well, my birthday's coming up, and my wife bought me this:

It's on its way, should see it in about a week.

Thanks for all the advice, guys.

 

[Jsf721]

Very happy with my M18.brushless

 

[tarbellb]

Enjoy...

 

[BikerDad]

festool

uh, no. There are some fine tools in Festool's range, tools where the premium can be justified. Not with their cordless drills, at least not as far as I and a lot of the folks who veritably swim in the green koolaid are concerned. They aren't BAD drills, just a poor value.

 

[BikerDad]

"Recommend me a cordless drill upgrade"

Just about any corded Milwaukee drill.

 

[eddieK]

Happy with Milwaukee 18v and the Porter Cable 20v impact. Work in the trades with them everyday, been thru Makita (okay) and I would eat and dispose of Ryobi and/or black and Decker (Dewalt) in mere months with the abuse I put them to. Carry four batteries for both, one of my favorite tools is the Porter cable die grinder that uses the same 20v battery.