Snap On Cordless 14.4 drill vs 18 v

[bagsanthony]

I know you all are going to say forget about getting a NI-CAD drill and get a lithium... fact of the matter is that I have both the 1/2 and 3/8 impacts and never a single problem with them, and I want the same battery for my drill. based on your experiences which drill is a better choice? the 18v model only has 50 more foot lbs of torque

 

[DodgeMech]

The new baby 14.4 volt batteries/things seem decent...the lil drill is nice, fwiw...but, if you already own a battery and charger of both, get the 18 volt bare drill

 

[Bruce57]

I have the CDR6850, an 18v nicad. I bought it like new on ebay with an extra battery for 207 bucks. It has plenty of torque and would be difficult to stall out. I'm happy with it.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Not to hijack this thread, but at work we have snap on cordless impacts. We have two of the same size (smaller) 1/2" and 3/8" anvil, and the larger (like IR W7150 size) 1/2" impact. They're older, but we have 5 batteries. Three are 14.4v and two are 18v. I usually try and keep the 18v on the larger 1/2", but interchange the 14.4 between the two guns and light. Sometimes i'll throw an 18v on one of the smaller guns if the 14.4 is low on juice. Are the tools pinned in such a way that the 14.4 and 18v use say two common pins and the third pin is used per 14.4 or 18v?

 

[redwrench60]

I have two of the ni cad 18v drills, one at work and the other here at home. I also have the ni cad 14.4v drill here at home. Both are stout and very reliable with great features and good comfort. But to answer your question properly I have to ask you a question: What do you plan to use it for primarily?

The 14.4v is a great size and has lots of power for a 14.4v. Good for general purpose drilling/screw running/fastening and is great to climb a ladder with, it won't wear you out with all day use. Great choice for repetitive work and dragging around everywhere.

The 18v has bigger balls than they advertise, has a bigger motor that only works half as hard to do the same work and will run circles around the 14.4 in brute force and runtime but it comes with a penalty in size and weight. But if you plan on using a lot of holesaws, large wood boring bits, paddle bits or heavy duty drilling in steel or hard woods then go with the 18v. It also has a sidehandle for when the tough really gets going.

 

[redwrench60]

Every thread needs pics. I had both in play today so I snapped a couple pics for size comparison.

 

[bagsanthony]

thanks redwrench60!

If you could only have one, which one would you choose?

 

[redwrench60]

thanks redwrench60!

If you could only have one, which one would you choose?

The 18v.
It does it all, though sometimes it's like using a sledge hammer for a fly swatter! lol

 

[Spudland_Dave]

The 14.4v is a great size and has lots of power for a 14.4v. Good for general purpose drilling/screw running/fastening and is great to climb a ladder with, it won't wear you out with all day use. Great choice for repetitive work and dragging around everywhere.

The 18v has bigger balls than they advertise......

A couple weeks ago I got a just like new CDR4450...I debated it a bit and the price ended up being "F-it...its worth a shot" type pricing. Intentions were to use it at work (I'm a Technology Field Tech by trade so essentially light duty/white collar type drill & drive) and I will admit, I'm glad I got it...very powerful for a 14.4v drill.
Cant honestly say its better then my 18v Milwaukee Fuel at home, but it was VERY impressive.

After feeling what the 4450 runs like, I guess I understand what all the "Hoopla" is about the SO cordless tools...now I'd really like to sell my 4450 and get the green 7850...

 

[kblazer87]

I have had both 1/2" and 3/8" cordless snap on drills. Had 3/8" first, then got 1/2". Once I got the larger, I really didn't use the 3/8" anymore so ended up selling it.
If you only have regular drill bits the 1/2" can use a 3/8" bit, but the 3/8" can't use a 1/2" bit.

 

[gtermini]

I have the 14v shown above. I got it at a pawn shop with a light and an extra battery for about $150 around a month after I bought a 3/8 cordless gun off the truck. I wanted a drill that shared a common battery. It is the best cordless drill I've ever used. It hac insane power for its size, doesn't weight a ton, has geart feel and control, and the chuch grips like crazy. I can't speak for the 18v, but assume it's just as good. I like the smaller package of the 14v anyway. In the future, I will probably go to all li-ion, but will absolutely get another snappy drill.

Greyson