What drill and or driver driver should I get?

[BWWgarage]

**update**
I grabbed the Milwaukee $200 m12 fuel 2 tool, 4 battery set. I haven’t opened in case there’s a crazy BF deal, but looks like I’m converting to team red. Thanks for all the inputs.
** end update**


Good morning.

I just gave away my dealt XRP 18V 20’ish yr old drill, impact driver, and right angle drill.

I have the little Bosch 12V brush drill/driver which I really like for small projects.

Upcoming Projects:
General home stuff, Home basement finish coming up, brake jobs, tire rotation @150 ft#(don’t mind using breaker bar 2x/yr), I crank the jeep top up on tipsy bracket with RAcor lift (haven’t tried Bosch for this but think it’d struggle?), enjoy woodworking projects, etc.

I’m debating between:

• Ryobi 18v ONe+ brushless drill/driver on clearance for $100 with 2 batteries
• Milwaukee 12V fuel drill/driver on sale for $200 with 4 batteries.
• I can add an impact wrench for lugs later (Ryobi would be cheaper and used 4-6x/yr
• I do like Ryobi / Milwaukee since they offer addition tool options (MFT, circ saw, etc)

Any thoughts / help from this group would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Rusted Nut]

I’d go with Milwaukee. I have those same Milwaukee tools, love them.

 

[loganb]

Honestly I would go for the Milwaukee M12. I have that and Makita 18v and reach for the red when I can. It's smaller, more compact and for the bulk of stuff has plenty of power. Their newer impacts are plenty to do lug nuts, and with the almost monthly sales at Home Depot and others you can get them at good prices easily

 

[i84x]

Love the M12 Milwaukee stuff. I have a M12 drill, cutoff tool, soldering iron and 3/8 impact all have plenty of power for the size and the 4ah batteries last a surprising amount of time. The compactness of them is also pretty useful its surprising the number of jobs I can take my M12 impact or drill to that my M18 stuff never would have fitted in.
Basically never touch my M18 stuff anymore except for the SDS drill.

 

[GeoBruin]

If you can get away with m12, go with m12.

 

[Shiftless]

I will pile on with the vote for red.
I paid more than that for my M12 set when fuel first came out with fewer batteries. I use them a lot for homeowner kind of stuff. I ran over 100 screws when building a backyard fence and didn’t even have to recharge my 4.0 battery. The impact driver with the 1/4 inch hex is super handy but of course won’t handle lug nuts very well at all.

 

[BWWgarage]

Thanks all. Ordered the m12 combo and will add the stubby impact wrench if/when on sale for Xmas.

My “little” 12V Bosch combo (actually similar size to m12) is now $170 new (I paid $80 a few years ago). I’ll toss on FBMP and offset some of the price of the new m12 set

 

[Wamsutta]

Whatever you do don't get anything Ryobi. Jeez.

 

[Jeeper99]

The 3/8" stubby M12 impact is a beast. I use it at work on industrial junk and have started using it on jobs previously assembled with an M18 high torque. It's amazing the things it pulls apart you wouldn't expect it to pull apart. For the average home gamer I'm starting to think the M12 stuff would be enough for things like tire rotations.

 

[rsanter]

Dewalt.
should have kept the 18v pieces. Upgraded to the 20v and then bought the adapter and have spares

 

[Lazy]

I use the current gen m12 set at work daily. They haven't let me down. The impact with a compact battery is hard to beat for its size/power.

I came from m18 stuff, and wouldn't go back.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Sometimes the combo set includes lowest powered models. I usually buy individual tools with the specs I want including batteries.

 

[finn]

I have Milwaukee, Dewalt, Skil, and Bosch. Of the four, Milwaukee is grabbed the least. Not sure why, though.

I have been using the Skill and Bosch 1/4” impacts most frequently for most non automotive projects and Dewalt for automotive, while the Milwaukee remains on the rack.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

Love my red stuff (except that light in the picture - it's worthless IMHO)

 

[JSutter]

432

 

[bwringer]

Nicely chosen!

That's a decent brushless set from Ryobi for the money, but it's not their best. It's pretty bulky and not very popular. Ryobi's brushless compact drill/driver are a much newer design and are fantastic power and quality for a bit more cash.

I'm mostly in the Ryobi system for my larger tools. Yes, they used to be "that crappy snot-colored stuff" that pissed off your Dad, but that's old news. Their brushless stuff is on par with the other brands, and they have the widest tool range of any brand by far. I've been quite happy in my busy homeowner/garage usage. (The color is grody, though... that's a fair criticism.)

That said, although my goal is a single battery system, I do have a few M12 tools because of the smaller, incredibly convenient form factor. That drill/driver kit is stellar for the money, and a great start in the M12 system. I would have made the same decision in your shoes.

The overlooked gems of the M12 series are the TRUEVIEW lights; these put out a full-spectrum light that lets you see and perceive color far more accurately without the blue cast, glare, and harsh shadows of most LEDs. I use the "Rover" light almost daily; you really can perceive things like fluids (like fresh oil on a dipstick, distinguishing which fluid is leaking, etc.), wire colors, etc. a lot better.

 

[BWWgarage]

I suspect I'm in the minority, I don't like impact drivers except the size and quick release. I'd use it more for disassembling small nuts and bolts instead of driving wood screws. Drills feel more controllable. Plus, I got sick of listening to mine during a deck rebuild with 4,000+ screws.

My choice is 2 different drills and a 3/8" or 1/2" mid range impact wrench for bigger fasteners.

I do reach for my Bosch drill more than the impact as well. Not sure why.

 

[Sal Bandini]

This OP is perplexing. You are asking between a 12V and 18V drill. Big difference between the 2. Plus you already have 12V drills, so IMO you should either be considering adding on to your 12V or just getting an 18V drill. You aren't gaining much ditching your Bosch and going to 12V Milwaukee. Actually, you are losing a drill driver and getting a hammer drill. Unless I'm drilling a bunch into concrete I consider that a negative.

 

[ching0n]

these look neat:

 

[BWWgarage]

This OP is perplexing. You are asking between a 12V and 18V drill. Big difference between the 2. Plus you already have 12V drills, so IMO you should either be considering adding on to your 12V or just getting an 18V drill. You aren't gaining much ditching your Bosch and going to 12V Milwaukee. Actually, you are losing a drill driver and getting a hammer drill. Unless I'm drilling a bunch into concrete I consider that a negative.

Bosch 12v drill(current): 3/8 265 in-# brush
Milw 12v : 1/2 400 in-# brushless
Ryobi 18v: 1/2 515 in-# (450 for compact mentioned above) brushless

I hear you and part of my initial struggle. I could have just grabbed a new 1/2 drill and called it a day. That was my initial plan with Ryobi, additive not replacement. Then I started down the milw 12v rabbit hole ...

My hope with Milw 12V is get to a single platform for 95% of uses (including adding a stubby 1/2 impact wrench for auto)

 

[MovingAlong]

Very happy with my M12 tools. For me, small and tidy was important. The M18 line wasn't what I wanted...

Just added an M12 circular saw - love it too!

 

[jar944]

these look neat:

That are great, at least the milwaukee is. Everyone should have a couple.

 

[dscheidt]

Sometimes the combo set includes lowest powered models. I usually buy individual tools with the specs I want including batteries.

The Milwaukee set op linked to is not a bargain basement set. It’s the top end m12 drill and driver. Regular price, it’s a good deal. On sale with another tool or extra batteries, it is about 1/2 what the components sell for.

It, and the previous generation before it, are what I suggest to anyone who asks what cordless drill they should get. They will do anything any handy or unhandy homeowner will do, and if they decide they need more or other tools, they’ll still use them. (For a point of reference, i drlled a 1/2” hole through a concrete filled cmu wall with one. I’d strongly advise against doing that, because it was slow and loud, but it did it.).

 

[ChevyEFI]

No one here cares about Bosch but 18v Bosch is good stuff.

 

[roc_on_the_rocks]

No one here cares about Bosch but 18v Bosch is good stuff.

I really like my Bosch 12V & 18V tools.

But Bosch is very slow to release new tools :-(

 

[BWWgarage]

No one here cares about Bosch but 18v Bosch is good stuff.

I looked at Bosch 18v specs and it’s similar to milw 12v compact specs.

 

[nadogail]

I am a Makita fan, there are many good battery platforms I suggest you pick one and stay with it My past experience with a Royobi kit was a disappointment the original set of batteries had low capacity and the expensive replacements were a bigger disappointment.

I hear reports of the red drills working fine until they get dropped. But the Makita, seems to be like a Timex; they seem to take a licking and still keep on ticking.

 

[AEAdam]

I really like my Bosch 12V & 18V tools.

But Bosch is very slow to release new tools :-(

I have a bunch of Bosch cordless 18V and they are very very tough. I like the shape of the batteries more than Milwaukee.

I love my 18v Bosch circ saws, sawzall.

I only have a few 12v tools, among them, the Milwaukee right angle driver (not ratchet). I love that thing. It’s got plenty of power for driving pretty big screws in fresh wood. I’ve not encountered a job it couldn’t do. For light home remodeling, I think 12v is a good choice.

Only quibble, with the 12v stick type batteries; you can’t stand the tool up on its battery, you have to lay it down, and you need a special holster on your tool belt. I use a folding hook to hook all sorts of battery tools to my tool belt. My 12v Milwaukee has the bigger battery with the block at the end which kinda works. I wear my tool belt as infrequently as possible, but climbing scaffolds or ladders with lumber and fasteners a hammer and an impact really requires some sort of belt

 

[ching0n]

That are great, at least the milwaukee is. Everyone should have a couple.

I first saw it on Skil's lineup but I don't need another battery platform and want to move away from my m12 (batteries too pricey).

Amazon.com

 

[ChevyEFI]

I looked at Bosch 18v specs and it’s similar to milw 12v compact specs.

That's a broad comment without referencing specific tools.

 

[bornbadbob]

The Red set seems like the best bet

 

[jar944]

The Milwaukee set op linked to is not a bargain basement set. It’s the top end m12 drill and driver. Regular price, it’s a good deal. On sale with another tool or extra batteries, it is about 1/2 what the components sell for.

It, and the previous generation before it, are what I suggest to anyone who asks what cordless drill they should get. They will do anything any handy or unhandy homeowner will do, and if they decide they need more or other tools, they’ll still use them. (For a point of reference, i drlled a 1/2” hole through a concrete filled cmu wall with one. I’d strongly advise against doing that, because it was slow and loud, but it did it.).

I have all 4 or 5 versions of the m12 drill/impact. The last 2 (impacts) are so similar I have to look closely to see the differences. The latest generation drill is noticeably better with the friction clutch vs the previous generations electronic clutch.

 

[lardy1]

I went all in on Bosch quite some time ago. No regrets.

 

[BWWgarage]

I have all 4 or 5 versions of the m12 drill/impact. The last 2 (impacts) are so similar I have to look closely to see the differences. The latest generation drill is noticeably better with the friction clutch vs the previous generations electronic clutch.

Do you have the m12 hammer drill? The pics on homedepot site didn’t show as a hammer drill so now I’m hesitant. Would you have any issues using the hammer drill as your daily drill? Thanks.

 

[BWWgarage]

That's a broad comment without referencing specific tools.

 

[jar944]

Do you have the m12 hammer drill? The pics on homedepot site didn’t show as a hammer drill so now I’m hesitant. Would you have any issues using the hammer drill as your daily drill? Thanks.

Yes It's a hammer but no difference using it as a drill. I have both types (hammer and non hammer) an they function identically when not in hammer mode. They make a mediocre hammer fwiw (compared to something like a sds)

 

[ChevyEFI]

Yeah, it's easy to get too much by the different models available.

I got this stronger one at Lowe's (in a 2 tool 2 batt, charger, bag set) and bought another for Dad. https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/gsr18v-535cn-06019G1118 and there are other, stronger models.

Basically, Milwaukee offers a tool, possible the super similar but brushless, and a Fuel version which is brushless. So if you don't pick carefully, you get the 2018 model.

Bosch has part numbers (commonly matching torque ratings) and different PNs globally (commonly matching NM ratings.) I think they have 4 different Beast drivers (1/4 hex w/ 1/2 square) with different ratings. Again, easy to find the wrong model in front of you.

Both have overwrought model selection. I go out of my way not to buy 12v, not a lower end model.

 

[jar944]

Yeah, it's easy to get too much by the different models available.

I got this stronger one at Lowe's (in a 2 tool 2 batt, charger, bag set) and bought another for Dad. https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/products/gsr18v-535cn-06019G1118 and there are other, stronger models.

Basically, Milwaukee offers a tool, possible the super similar but brushless, and a Fuel version which is brushless. So if you don't pick carefully, you get the 2018 model.

Bosch has part numbers (commonly matching torque ratings) and different PNs globally (commonly matching NM ratings.) I think they have 4 different Beast drivers (1/4 hex w/ 1/2 square) with different ratings. Again, easy to find the wrong model in front of you.

Both have overwrought model selection. I go out of my way not to buy 12v, not a lower end model.

Just avoid everything but the fuel versions, and if you buy from a authorized distributor (HD) it's always the new model (in my experience)

 

[Mandres]

I like Makita s battery strategy - one pack, dozens of tools. I have four identical batteries that run everything from my drill to my chainsaw and everything in between.

But if I were starting over again today the Milwaukee 12v line does look pretty nice.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

I have a 10 yr old Dewalt and a new Makita. Both are nice tools