Drill opinions.

[buck23]

I'm trying to choose between two cordless drills. Either a Craftsman 19.2V or Hitachi 14.4V. I got both as gifts & only need one. The Craftsman has more torque and higher voltage but I think the batteries are Ni-Cad. The Hitachi is lighter & Li-Ion. I'm leaning toward the Craftsman but thought I'd see what you guys think.

Craftsman C3:http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00911548000P

Hitachi DS14DFL 14.4 Volt Li-Ion: http://www.amazon.com/Hitachi-DS14DF...0521436&sr=1-1
Thanks for any opinions and suggestions.

[poolhound]

If I was to buy everything again new I would tend toward Lithium batteries. However if the craftsman you have also has the right angle drill I would keep that one as there are times when it will really come in handy.

[LCHIEN]

the Li-Ion battery system is more expensive but much better battery system than NiCad in almost all respects except cost. Lighter, smaller, more charge cycles, better lifetime, more capacity etc.

Given a choice with cost not factored in, the Li-Ion drill would probably be my choice unless you are enamored of the big "SYSTEM" of interchangeable Craftsman tools you can get.

[Knottscott]

I think I'd keep the Hitachi for the Li-Ion battery. The Cman 19.2v is a pretty big drill and has Ni-CAD batteries. It's powerful enough but is a handful for marathon sessions and delicate work. On the other hand, there are a bunch of handy accessories for that C3 platform, including a Li-Ion battery pack/charger.

[buck23]

The Craftsman has more torque but I have the same reservations about Ni-cads mentioned. Although, I have a Ni-cad drill I bought at HF for ~$30 years ago that still works but, the battery capacity is dropping. Either one will be an improvement.

[Tom Slick]

Whatever you buy make sure it has a 1/2" chuck, at some point you'll get frustrated if it doesn't.

this is just my opinion but once you step up past needing a 14.4v tool you should use a corded tool. the bulk and heft of a 18v and beyond Nicad or Nimh drill has no advantage over a corded unit except when you are working somewhere where "plugging in" is not practical. a $75 corded drill has significantly more power then a $150 cordless drill and it's power supply will never wear out and need expensive replacement.

with Lithium batteries it is a different story. the size and weight is reduced so I see them as practical as a 14.4v.

my point is; get a 14.4v. getting a bigger cordless drill of marginal benefit.

[Handy Al]

I bought the Craftsman a couple of months ago to finish a project after my Ridgid 18V died and I didn't have time to deal with the warranty. I went with the Craftsman because of previsous experience, the assortment of "add-ons", and the fact you can upgrade to the lithium battery.

[goslin23]

I have the Craftsman C3 set up as well. It's a decent drill and they now have the Li-ion battery packs available for them (which I'll upgrade to as my ni-cads die). I found a kit at the flea market for $64 that had a drill, fluorescent light, vacuum, jig saw, trim saw and a bag. I already had the drill/driver set with a charger and 2 batteries so it was a gloatworthy find. I still want to add the right angle drill and the recip saw to my collection.

-=gos=-