Looking for compact drill/driver

[Ed62]

I've been looking at reviews of drill/drivers from people who own them. There seems to be a lot of concern with Rigid's chuck concerning wobble. The Makita seems to have more of a problem with battery life being short, while the Milwaukee seems to get either rave reviews from owners, or they give it very low marks. There does not seem to be any middle ground with the Milwaukee. You either love it or you hate it. I'm going to have to buy one before long. Does anyone own any of these compact li-ion drill/drivers? Any other recommendations (I know I asked this question once before)?

Ed

[herb fellows]

I have the hitachi, happy with it for what it is. Not super powerful, but i bought it for picture hanging type chores around the house. Picked it p on sale for $44.

[LinuxRandal]

There are two Ridgids, an older model and a newer one. I don't know how you tell the difference, but someone here or on the Ridgid forums might.

I can't speak to the Makita, and battery life, but my Bosches, are only 1.3 amp hour batteries. I believe a lot of these are that length of time, so they aren't meant to be used as a primary drill/driver. (sorry for stating the obvious)

I've heard really good things about the Milwaukee's one handed "chuck" (not in the traditional sense). On the other hand, if you want a regular chuck, the Bosch has a model with one, now; the PS30.

[cabinetman]

Check out this review. The more I use it the more I like it.
.

[Knottscott]

Hi Ed - I'm not up and the latest and greatest of the Li-Ion drill drivers, but I have been pretty happy with the performance, feel, and value of all the Hitachi refurbs I've purchased recently. The DB10DL drill/driver is the only Li-Ion unit I've got...it doesn't have the impact feature but was too good of a deal to pass up at $51 from Lowes last Christmas....super light and comfortable with reasonable power. I've also got the NiCad 12v drill and impact driver that I've also been very happy with.

Reconditioned Sales is offering 25% off grade A refurbs, and 10% off new....you might take a look and see if any deals catch your attention. Coupon code FATHERS09.

[Shep]

Ed

I recently purchased at Ryobi compact li 12v reconditioned w/2 batteries for $50. I'm extremly happy witht everything. First, the battery life is great, I rarely have to charge it up. It's got a 3/8" chuck, which handles most projects. I eved used it to mix up thin set and grout for two bathroom remodels. I put it through the paces and it works great. The only down side is that it doesn't have a clutch, which I love, but the trigger is easy to work and easy to adjust to your projects.

Hope this helps.

[Hellrazor]

I have a ridgid 12v (R82007). I only use it when I am too lazy to carry the 18v drill or impact around. It works good, gets in tight spaces but it isn't an 18v workhorse either.

[Ed62]

Thanks for the posts. The one C-Man has is discontinued now, but could be available at a local Menard's. I'll print this thread to take with me when I go looking for one. Thanks again.

Ed