Tool Shopping: Drill/Driver kit recommendations

[BoxsterCy]

In the market for a new cordless drill. I have an old Rigid old style battery one that's pretty much run it's course.

Looking at all of the new Lithium-Ion 18/20v brushless drill/driver combos is really confusing. Hard to compare since even within the same brands they have multiple models and some mostly only available are some stores. The battery sizes range all of the place. Throw in that all of the "independent" online "reviews" are kinda of a paid commission sham it's really hard to figure out.

Used to own DeWalt before the Rigid. Mostly looking at DeWalt and Milwaukee, maybe Makita. Not for pro use, just lots of home remodeling stuff and decks etc.

Interested in opinions from those who might have some of the newer brushless models.

 

[srjclone]

Check out The Tool Library - don't need to buy anything

https://www.mntoollibrary.org/

 

[DSMCy]

I purchased a Milwaukee 18v impact driver this summer when they were on sale.
I love it.
Plenty of power for the small things I use it for. Plus its smaller and lighter than my big 18v driver.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...Hex-Impact-Driver-Tool-Only-2753-20/206320301

 

[AgronAlum]

Really good ones for the price are the porter cable sets. My fiancé’s Dad even does his construction business with them (remodels, additions, decks, etc.) and they hold up. Milkwaukees and Makitas are great but a little more pricy.

 

[1100011CS]

I've had a 18v Bosch drill/driver set for a long time and they still work great. Recently bought a reciprocating saw to go with them.

 

[1100011CS]

Check out The Tool Library - don't need to buy anything

https://www.mntoollibrary.org/

That's cool

 

[srjclone]

That's cool

First I ever heard of something like this was when I moved up here. I'm sure there has to be more like it around the US, but thought it was a really cool idea as well.

 

[oldman]

Can't go wrong with a Makita. Be sure to get two power packs. Those lithium ions will run full bore right to the moment they quit, and need recharged.

 

[Acylum]

Go brushless.

 

[BCClone]

Hitachi. You will thank me.

 

[BoxsterCy]

Ah, and charge time? The recharge time on the batteries is all over the place.

 

[TruClone]

Milwaukee. Buy through Amazon to save a little cash.

 

[BCClone]

Ah, and charge time? The recharge time on the batteries is all over the place.

30-40 minutes. Usually comes with two though.

 

[IcSyU]

Scope out other tools you may want and be sure to stay brand loyal. My 20V DeWalt batteries work in my impact wrench, drills, reciprocating saw, etc.

Milwaukee makes a really nice drill/driver but it's costly.

 

[jdcyclone19]

Don't let the 18v vs 20v scare you away. They typically have the same amount of power, just marketing and whether they use the nominal or max voltage number.

18v = nominal rating, 20v = max rating.
3.6 volts (nominal) x 5 cells = 18v
4.0 volts (max) x 5 cells = 20v

 

[stormchaser2014]

Bought this in the summer. Batteries wear down quickly though. Cost is $150.

Amazon links don't work on here apparently. Search this on Amazon:

MILWAUKEE ELEC TOOL 2606-22CTP M18 18V 1/2"DrillDriver

 

[BCClone]

Don't let the 18v vs 20v scare you away. They typically have the same amount of power, just marketing and whether they use the nominal or max voltage number.

18v = nominal rating, 20v = max rating.
3.6 volts (nominal) x 5 cells = 18v
4.0 volts (max) x 5 cells = 20v

Agree, volts is a very small thing to worry about. Was helping with putting together playground equipment about 10 years ago. I was doing initial stages and others were piecing together. Several different brands, most would get the screws half in and torque out. A few would get them close, none finished the job, no matter the volts. I had to go home so I grabbed mine to see how it compared. When mine was tried, the rest were put aside and the only concern was the worker. A couple girls used it and it had enough torque that when the bolt went all the way in they couldn't control the drill and it would blow through their hands and wrists. I'm sure many of the better brands have improved their torque, but I would still check.

 

[JP4CY]

If you are going to do some home remodeling Milwaukee makes a lot of specialty stuff like Pex crimpers.
DeWalt has a cordless nailer now.

 

[NickTheGreat]

My Dewalt 20V Max tools are literally the best tools I've ever purchased. Tons of power and great battery life. Specially the impact.

I also have the Dewalt Leaf Blower and Hedge Trimmer that take the same battery. They have other yard tools too.

Only problem with them is that they are Black and Yellow

 

[BoxsterCy]

Hitachi. You will thank me.

Looked at these. The $100 Hitachi has a smaller battery, 100 pounds less torque and isn't brushless compared to the entry level DeWalt and Milwaukee that are brushless.

Kinda leaning towards grabbing the Milwaukee's for $99 each (drill and then an impact driver). DeWalt/Milwaukee/Makita are all the same specs essentially all at 500 torque on the drill and 1500 on the impact. Makita is $30 more per unit. I want at least a 2.0 Ah battery. Don't really need bigger/heavier for what I'll do.