Stupid cordless drill question...

[cosmopedro]

Hello, all! I have what I consider to be a stupid question, as I feel like after 40+ years of tool ownership/maintenance/repair I should know this, but still...

I have a 20+ year old Makita 14.4V NiMH drill/driver with a 1/2" keyless chuck, that's on it's second set of batteries. The first set of two lasted about 17 of those years, and I replaced them with aftermarket FleaBay clones which have their own set of issues.

Problem is, whether I'm using the original batteries - which still hold a charge, just not as long - or the new batteries, I find the drill/driver itself to just not have the 'oomph' it used to have. The torque seems lower, and the torque curve seems to drop off faster.

Is this an age thing (like me - at 60 years old, my torque curve seems to drop off faster) or a maintenance thing? I mean, the tool's on it's original brushes, so could replacement brushes solve this? And, what exactly would I look for in the brushes? I've always thought as long as there was enough brush material for the springs to ensure good contact they were good...

OR, is it really just time to put this old friend (20+ years of home building, home projects, etc. between my hand and this old drill) out to semi-retirement pasture and get on board the Lithium Ion train?

As you might guess, I don't deal well with letting old tools go... I'd rather spend more than the cost of new tools to keep the old ones working, so this is traumatic for me...

HELP!

 

[Citation]

It's quite possible you are right, the batteries are the issue. The old batteries almost certainly don't have the ability to push amps like they used to. If the replacement are junky they also may be too weak to deliver the power you remember. I bought a set of replacement batteries for my DeWalt of Amazon because I wanted to see reviews first. To easy to cut corners that will only be noticed after the purchase is done.

 

[jd_1138]

I wouldn't waste any more time or money on that old weak set. I have a Makita cordless 18V impact driver that puts out 1,500 in-lbs of torque. It drives even large fasteners into anything. It's a $120 drill but I got it on clearance at HD for $60.

It came with a deluxe charger, battery, and hard case. I also bought some other Makita 18V tools. DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, Craftsman, Ridgid, etc. all will be a huge upgrade for you. The couple of hundred you will invest in new cordless tools is chump change compared to the amount of money you will save by working on your own house and other projects.

 

[Alexander]

To put it simply: try a new lithium ion tool - you'll be impressed. Your Makita has served you faithfully and should be respected. It has reached the end of its useful life, and to continue to throw parts at it would be less cost effective (especially for performance) than a new drill.

So a new drill is what you need. 18v is the current standard. You may even be impressed by and prefer a 12v set, like the milwaukee offerings. They're small, but quite powerful.

18v options are going to do most if not all tasks you put them up to, including many that you may previously have used a corded drill for.

Something else complementary to a drill that may be new to you with cordless tools is an impact driver. Think of it like a mechanic's impact wrench - using a hammer action in combination with rotation to drive fasteners. They're amazingly handy once you understand the potential.

You'll find a broad range of drills and drill/impact driver combos on the market, generally from $100-$400. There are obviously differences in the power and options from one end of the price range to the other, so it may be worth your time to do some research. I might suggest a basic drill & impact combo set like this dewalt 18v, makita 18v, or dewalt 12v.

These are just the top amazon hits so don't take these as specific recommendations from me. There are TONS of good options from all the major brands so I encourage you to pick whatever you think best suits your needs. If you find yourself in paralysis, any one will do the job properly so don't fret.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[jeepinerdeep]

It's time. You won't regret it. Makita, Dewalt, Milwaukee....pick your flavor, are all MILES ahead of where they were back then.

Like Alexander said, modern 12v may even impress you.

 

[LB-1911]

Hello, all! I have what I consider to be a stupid question, as I feel like after 40+ years of tool ownership/maintenance/repair I should know this, but still...

I have a 20+ year old Makita 14.4V NiMH drill/driver with a 1/2" keyless chuck, that's on it's second set of batteries. The first set of two lasted about 17 of those years, and I replaced them with aftermarket FleaBay clones which have their own set of issues.

Problem is, whether I'm using the original batteries - which still hold a charge, just not as long - or the new batteries, I find the drill/driver itself to just not have the 'oomph' it used to have. The torque seems lower, and the torque curve seems to drop off faster.

Is this an age thing (like me - at 60 years old, my torque curve seems to drop off faster) or a maintenance thing? I mean, the tool's on it's original brushes, so could replacement brushes solve this? And, what exactly would I look for in the brushes? I've always thought as long as there was enough brush material for the springs to ensure good contact they were good...

OR, is it really just time to put this old friend (20+ years of home building, home projects, etc. between my hand and this old drill) out to semi-retirement pasture and get on board the Lithium Ion train?

As you might guess, I don't deal well with letting old tools go... I'd rather spend more than the cost of new tools to keep the old ones working, so this is traumatic for me...

HELP!

Check out Batteries Plus, link below - store locator lower left corner.

At Batteries Plus Bulbs, we want to make sure the battery in your Makita tool has the power to finish the project. We offer original brand batteries for popular cordless drills, impact drivers, saws, screw guns and more along with our own line of replacement cordless tool batteries that are built to meet or surpass OEM specifications.

https://www.batteriesplus.com/search?q=makita+14.4+battery+replacement

 

[JordanOH]

I feel my 12v Milwaukee has about the same power as the old 14.4 Nicad, it's lithium but not fuel. The fuel would be even better.

 

[Citation]

Replace or new batteries
Typically I've gone for replace because I haven't found new batteries cheap enough and I've often found a new drill on sale. That's how I ended up with a Nextec 12V drill (and other tools). However, I think this is a question of cost. My Dewalt 12V NiCAD drill was a nice tool a decade back. Since I don't use it everyday it was in great shape. For under $40 I was able to get a set of batteries with good reviews on Amazon. Net result I think it was better to replace the batteries vs wait for a drill deal (though Fry's had an 18V Li Bosch for $77 recently that looked like a great deal). On Amazon there are Makita replacement battery sets for around $40. That seems like it may be worth the shot based on reviews. Any more and I would be waiting for a deal on a new drill.

 

[cosmopedro]

To put it simply: try a new lithium ion tool - you'll be impressed. Your Makita has served you faithfully and should be respected. It has reached the end of its useful life, and to continue to throw parts at it would be less cost effective (especially for performance) than a new drill.



So a new drill is what you need. 18v is the current standard. You may even be impressed by and prefer a 12v set, like the milwaukee offerings. They're small, but quite powerful.



18v options are going to do most if not all tasks you put them up to, including many that you may previously have used a corded drill for.



Something else complementary to a drill that may be new to you with cordless tools is an impact driver. Think of it like a mechanic's impact wrench - using a hammer action in combination with rotation to drive fasteners. They're amazingly handy once you understand the potential.



You'll find a broad range of drills and drill/impact driver combos on the market, generally from $100-$400. There are obviously differences in the power and options from one end of the price range to the other, so it may be worth your time to do some research. I might suggest a basic drill & impact combo set like this dewalt 18v, makita 18v, or dewalt 12v.



These are just the top amazon hits so don't take these as specific recommendations from me. There are TONS of good options from all the major brands so I encourage you to pick whatever you think best suits your needs. If you find yourself in paralysis, any one will do the job properly so don't fret.



Let us know how it goes!

I appreciate all the info! I already have an impact driver - also old (Makita 12V NiMH) so I get the importance of having one!

I guess I’ll hafta kick and scream my way into the new millennium and at least consider a new kit.

Thanks, Alexander!


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I had the same 14.4 Makita from the same time period and I liked it a lot. Used it for years on smaller/quick jobs and it served me well. I went through four batteries and a charger. When the last two batteries died, I decided to replace it. The drill motor still worked like a champ. I torn between a Makita and Milwaukee 18V. I went with the Milwaukee but, would have likely been just as happy with the Makita. These newer 18V are as compact and light as your 14.4. They have more power and run time tough. I do like having the light built into the drill as it comes in handy now and then.

In addition to the Milwaukee and Makita, I like the Bosh and Hitachi 18V drills as well.

 

[engineer2]

What you describe is typical of old NiMh batteries. Seem to charge OK, but can't deliver the amps. As mentioned you can always find the old batteries somewhere.

The new technology is just better. Brushless 3-phase motors for example. HD always has stuff out you can play with, but their Makita line is mostly the lower-end DIYer stuff. Makita 18V batteries are trouble-free. I have some that are 7 years old and work as good as the day I bought them.

 

[MarvinBerry]

Corded or cordless motors wear & get old. Not too long ago I replaced a 12v nicad rig, just wasn't holding charges anymore. Ended up going ryobi 18v the $100 drill with 2 batteries & charger was on sale for $80. Had been thinking dewalt but the price & variety of tools sucked me in...

Only regret? Why did I wait so long?! There's so much more juice it's almost mind numbing. I'd replace the old stuff without a seconds hesitation. What really pushed me was a few months ago helping some friends & using Milwaukee 18v came away knowing I needed to make a move.

 

[PFSard]

OR, is it really just time to put this old friend (20+ years of home building, home projects, etc. between my hand and this old drill) out to semi-retirement pasture and get on board the Lithium Ion train?

As you might guess, I don't deal well with letting old tools go... I'd rather spend more than the cost of new tools to keep the old ones working, so this is traumatic for me...

HELP!

I'm pleased with the lithium ion Dewalt and Makita drill/drivers I have for my DIY home use. I'm in my mid 60s. I would give up the ghost on your old faithfuls, as tough as that may seem. Obviously, not easy to do, but ....

 

[jd_1138]

It's time. You won't regret it. Makita, Dewalt, Milwaukee....pick your flavor, are all MILES ahead of where they were back then.

Like Alexander said, modern 12v may even impress you.

I'd buy 18v stuff first for the extra power, then later add 12v stuff for its compact size that can fit in more places.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have a Makita 6221DWE drill that's a 9.6V. It's in storage awaiting new batteries. I'm not giving up on it because I still like it very much. It's not a torque monster, but it'll drill holes just fine and the ergonomics of the drill are superb.

 

[Tonyuk]

Bin it and buy a new one.

 

[dacan23]

Like you said the brushes are mostly worn out and not supplying full power.

Agree with everyone, time to upgrade. There are many nice 12v drills that will kick the **** out of your old Makita 14.4v.

Or you can grab a still good Makita 7.2v for free if your ever in RI from me that I refuse to toss. LOL

 

[kctyphoon]

Home Depot still sells original batteries for them. Honestly I'd just get a new drill.. you don't know what you're missing..

 

[MarvinBerry]

One great reason to join the 21st century, get a new rig is the vast array of other cordless tools like saws. 20 years ago cordless saws sucked. IMO they still don't match the power for really heavy work but are totally usable.

Cordless sawzall with pruning blade is great for cleaning up the property...total game changer. Gotta make 3 cuts with a jigsaw but don't want to drag out an extension cord? Amazing.

 

[American Locomotive]

Tools do wear out, but the old NiCd batteries wear out faster. It's really likely that your batteries just can't output the same peak current they could before. If you can find rebuilt cells cheap, and you really like the tools, it is definitely an option to keep using them.

I personally think you should try some 18v brushless tools. Makita's LXT 18v lineup is very excellent. I have their 18v sub-compact 3/8" impact, and their 18v LXT hammer drill (their biggest one, with the very nice Yukiwa metal chuck) and it's an absolute monster of a drill. I can't comment on their lower-end tools, but their high end is very excellent.

One of the nice things about the Makita LXT 18v tools is that they've used the same battery system since Makita started using lithium batteries. I can take my brand new 2018 LXT 18v battery and stuff it in my father's old LXT 18v drill from 2007. You can't do that with some other brands.

 

[MushCreek]

The newer Li-Ion tools are amazing. I recently replaced an older Milwaukee one with a Fuel model. As good as the earlier one was, the new one runs circles around it. Battery charge is greatly improved, too. One nice thing about Li-Ion is that the batteries hold a charge for a LONG time. I can pick up a tool I haven't used in 6 months, and the battery is still full. I still have an old Milwaukee 14V- it's nearly worthless. (I guess I should think about getting rid of it)

 

[engineer2]

their 18v LXT hammer drill (their biggest one, with the very nice Yukiwa metal chuck) and it's an absolute monster of a drill.

I love my XPH07. Use it for everything from drilling tiny holes to mixing tile thinset.