sub compact drills

[toolfreak450]

im looking for real replies cause it is hard to trust manufacture torque ratings im looking at craftsman 12v nextec,or bosch 12v lion subcompact 3/8",and millwauke 1/4 drive m12, and also the makita impact/drill-driver 10.8v combo kit i need to drive 3' drywall screws but only on occasion it will mostly be finish hardware on doors and fixtures.

 

[speed bump]

Impact driver if you never plan to use it for drilling holes and Bosch for the brand of tool.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I have the bosch pocket driver, the impact driver, and the compact 3/8". I would recommend any one of them, depending on your use.

Dad used my ps30 to run a 2 3/8" holesaw through the 1x12 sheathing on my house...I figured he would use my 14.4.

 

[Bolster]

I considered a lot of the 10.8v/12v Li Ions (they're all the same voltage, just different marketing hype, whether nominal or peak is used to brand the tool). Considered Bosch, Milwaukee, Ridgid, Makita, but purchased the Hitachi because the grip was not fat, they put the battery at the end of the grip, not in it. I have medium sized hands (wear a 'large' in gloves), and most of those 10.8/12v tools have F-A-T grips, like holding a double-stacked .45 auto.

Looks like an alien's tennis shoe. Lowe's has a good deal on them right now.

PS: I think Bosch has a model with a real chuck; so does Ridgid. If you wanted a chuck'd model you might consider those first.

 

[zuspiel]

I like my Hitachi impact driver. Does work for drilling, too. See this thread.

 

[plinker]

I have the Bosch 10.8v. It'll drive 2.5" wood screws reasonably well, but I prefer using a 12v-14v drill if I can.


With the long screws you'll be charging your batteries more often. At least thats been my experiance.

I know Bosch says It'll drive 100 3" screws, but I think thats overrated for the 10.8v.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

This summer, I got the Bosch PS40 with the PS20 through the rebate for $99. (several family members have this one, can share batteries on light projects)
Otherwise I would be looking at the Makita two for one kit. Home Depot had them on sale recently.

 

[Stuey]

I checked out the Bosch PS30 about a week ago. Compared to an 18V Hitachi, the Bosch PS30 was only about 1/2" shorter than the Hitachi - with the Hitachi's battery removed of course.

Sure there is a weight savings, but there isn't much of a size savings unless your cordless drill is massive. Because of this, I'd recommend one of Bosch's cordless drivers, the PS20 or PS40, instead of the 3/8" drill.

That said, I'd buy the PS30 in a heartbeat if my Hitachi dies. But for mostly driving work, the PS30 isn't the best choice.

 

[CamarosRus]

Miwaukie M-12 Platform !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[musgofasta]

Have both of the Makita 10.8's. The impact driver has put plenty of 3'' screws into 2x4s. Maybe slower than an 18volt, but no arm fatigue and easy to stick in your jeans pocket when you're on a ladder.

Brother is getting the 12v Hitachi combo for Xmas.

 

[t. jones]

I have a big 14.4v Milwaukee and little 10.8vMakita am extremely impressed with both, Bought what they had on sale at the home centre. The little one snaps off #8 deck screws if your not careful.
Thanx Trevor

 

[Bolster]

PS: I think Bosch has a model with a real chuck; so does Ridgid. If you wanted a chuck'd model you might consider those first.

Hitachi now has chuck'd models also...kinda wish I'd waited and gotten a model with a chuck...but as long as I'm using 1/4" hex tools, I have zero complaints about the Hitachi, so far. Had it about a year now.