Time to replace the ole cordless drill

[mdutch]

This is all about med-use cordless drill. Weekend warrior stuff. Hang nothing but a picture and drill six holes to install a pair of hinges one week, then the next week use both batteries in rotation for eight hours rebuilding a fence gate.

Waaay back in the early 90s, I bought a DeWalt that worked its buns off for me for a good decade. Rebuilt an entire house with it. It died a couple years ago, and, foolishly thinking I could repeat the experience, I replaced it with another DeWalt three years ago.

That one worked for a year, then started with sparks from the armature, smoke, and the smell of ozone. Never got around to trying to fix it -- I just like cursing when I use it. So now it's time to give it to charity and get another one.

What's the best recommendations for the half-dozen or so cordless drills out there?
I've got mostly Ryobi & Milwaukee power tools, but have no idea about the reliability, battery life, or torque of what's out there these days.

[Russianwolf]

Try typing "corless drill" or "18-volt" into the search and you'll find many conversations on these beasts of burden.

I personally have switch to all Ryobi 18-volt cordless tools and am very happy with them. My drill gets abused just about every weekend and keeps coming back for more. Batteries are cheap too, if you ever need a replacement. I've been going on my 2 originals for about 3 years now.

[mikeg]

I've had a Ryobi 18v for almost 3 years and it's done everything I've asked of it. I'm just a weekender so I don't use it day in and day out but we have done quiet a bit of remodeling with it. And as Mdutch said, the batteries are relatively cheap. I recently had to replace one of the originals.

mikeg

[Texas splinter]

I have a 9V Makita that I used in the air conditioning and also the avaition service industries for about 12 years, it is my "in-the-house drill/driver" and I have a 12V Makita that I use in the shop now. I love both of them, but the old 9V has a better "feel" than the newer, 12V IMHO.

[jnesmith]

The 15.6V Panasonic has won quite a few rewards. First time I saw it, I thought the reviewer must be bonkers. But then I noticed it took top tool in several other reviews.

Never used it myself though.

[just4funsies]

Perhaps I'm in the minority, but I've had two DW 18-volters, one for two years, and the other for more than 7 years now. Never had a lick of trouble with either one, and have only replaced my 2 batteries once. Hammer-drilled a lot of concrete with them, too.

[Warren]

If I had to buy and use just one I'd go with a 14.4 DeWalt, 2 batteries and a quick charger. For just putting screws into predrilled holes I wouldn't trade my little 12v Black and Decker. It's light and very dependable. I use the 14.4 for predrilling and the 12 for driving the screws. I understand the 18's are getting lighter, so when the time comes I'll look closely at them.

[Tom Slick]

I like my personal milwaukee 14.4 drill alot, I use and maintain makita 14.4 drills at work and they are good machines.

[bigsteel15]

Now that Ridgid has free battery replacement for life, why wouldn't you get their unit?
Seems to me that most others will have to soon follow suit or they will lose market share very quick to Ridgid.
As long as the initial quality of the tool is good.

[Tequila]

I've been very happy with the 14.4 Milwaukee for weekend warrioring. There was a deal recently that would get you the drill plus an impact driver for around $160. If that's still going, I'd jump on it.

[Hellrazor]

I like my Ridgid 18v, but I am not a typical weekend warrior.

[Warren]

Now that Ridgid has free battery replacement for life, why wouldn't you get their unit?
Seems to me that most others will have to soon follow suit or they will lose market share very quick to Ridgid.
As long as the initial quality of the tool is good.

After Rigid quit supporting their oscillating sander I swore; "No more Rigid tools!" Of course that was in the heat of battle. But, they'd have to a substantially better tool than anybody else before I'd ever consider another Rigid tool. It's the old marketing adage, "It's easier to get new customers than it is to bring back a dissatisfied one."

[drumpriest]

Ridgid stopped supporting their sander? When did that happen?

[Warren]

I miss spoke, wrote?, as it's HD that doesn't support with sleeves. They quit carrying the sleevs about three years ago up here. I now have to order from America. Even the HD personnel don't know that they stopped supporting it. I was able to order through the website. And was advised later that the item is no longer stocked.

The manager of the newest, local Home Depot said that was B/S, said he could order. So I placed a $200.00 + order for sleeves. He called me three days later and said that he couldn't order sleeves either as they are no longer available. They suggested that I purchase the Ryobi blister packs of assorted grit sleeves. I suggested something involving where the "sun don't shine!"

I just got tired of the B/S and started using Klingspor. The belts are standard so I have no trouble getting them locally. If you hear different or if the HD in your area supports the sander let me know, please. And I'll gird my loins and go do battle with the local ones up here again.

[Scottydont]

I have 2 Dewalt 18V and they take a licking and keep on ticking. For a little bit lighter weight I also have a Panasonic that I really like.