Cordless Drills

[bigfoot]

Anyone know a good cordless drill to buy? Need one with a 13mm Chuck and preferably 2000-3000 rpm for morticer. Found a Bosch so far that goes 2100 rpm but it had a 10mm chuck which didnt look that it could be changed, perhaps as it was in the DIY range.

[Shrub]

Theres a thread on here on what drills we use,

[horsefeathers]

I use a Bosch 24v - i upgraded the standard batteries from 1.4Ah to 2.0 Ah which gives imo more power. Has never let me down!

You should have no fewer than 3 batteries to hand, and always charge a flat one as soon as you are able, and remember to put it straight back in your van once charged. If you dont you can guarantee a dead drill at midnight having gone half way thru a mortice lock (NDE i hear some of you scream!) in the pouring rain and a shivering customer getting impatient.

regards

[unlisted]

Another thing you should look for is a cordless drill with Li-ion batteries, lasts alot longer between charges.

[bigfoot]

Shrub, any chance of a link to the mentioned thread as above as I can't seem to find it. Also, could anyone suggest best supplier to get drill from? Many thanks.

[Aqua]

Shrub, any chance of a link to the mentioned thread as above as I can't seem to find it. Also, could anyone suggest best supplier to get drill from? Many thanks.

I believe that THIS is the one Shrub had in mind.

Cheers,
N.

[Shrub]

Thanks aqua,

Bigfoot sorry if i didnt help much before,

[devildog]

I was just going to say....thanks aqua

[gratefuldeadbolt]

I only like to talk from experience, so I will tell you that I currently am using the Milwaukee V28 1/2" cordless hammerdrill.
I like the drill a lot, I highly recommend looking at cordless drills that use Lithium-Ion batteries. The Milwaukee has some unique features such as the battery charge indicator built into the battery itself. I find this a real bonus being able to double check the charge on the battery before starting a large job, in case I need to start charging a backup battery. Milwaukee also makes one of the better belt clips I have seen.

I used to own a Metabo 15.6V drill. Very nice drill too although Lithium was not out at the time I had this drill. Interesting IMPULSE feature, helpful in starting holes on metal while preventing the "skating drill bit" (yes sharp bits help too - thats why I bought a DRILL DOCTOR, thats another topic)

Also have used the Dewalt 18V (older than the new XRP) and found it to be quite capable. Lasted about 3 years.

If I was to buy a drill tommorrow I would give serious thought to Milwaukee's new V18 line of tools... all the nice features of the V28, just a lot lighter!

Still waiting for a V14or V12 Milwaukee!!!

I don't think I'd ever consider Dewalts 32V lineup unless I was building decks for a living. Tried one at a local depot store... they are on the heavy side of what I would consider a good drill for daily use.

I have also given serious consideration to HITACHI in the past - they make some nice new Lithium powered tools, they also have a unique charger that can convert your cordless tool back into a corded tool so you can finish your job without waiting for a battery to charge.

Panasonic has a nice drill - when I looked at it it had one of the largest AMP/HR rating on the battery (not sure if this still holds true) Their battery was one of the top batteries at the time.

Hilti make excellent drills / tools although some may find them a little high priced.

Knowing their OTHER tools, I am sure BOSCH makes a good competitive drill as well, although I have never personally used one yet.

For me, the must-have options in a cordless drill:

Lithium-Ion (or newer technology in batteries)

Weight - 28V Lithium or lighter (18V cordless or less preferred) lbs ?

Chuck - 1/2" ratcheting

2 Batteries or more with 1hr or less charging option.

Service - Good Warranty / Local repair depots / serviceable parts (brushes)

Gratefuldeadbolt.

[Romstar]

I use Makita.

Romstar

[linty]

I use a Bosch 24v - i upgraded the standard batteries from 1.4Ah to 2.0 Ah which gives imo more power. Has never let me down!
regards

if amperage is a function of voltage x resistance, and the voltage and resistance remain the same (nothing in the drill has changed) then the current draw would not change no matter how many amps the battery could supply, wouldn't it?

[Romstar]

I use a Bosch 24v - i upgraded the standard batteries from 1.4Ah to 2.0 Ah which gives imo more power. Has never let me down!
regards

if amperage is a function of voltage x resistance, and the voltage and resistance remain the same (nothing in the drill has changed) then the current draw would not change no matter how many amps the battery could supply, wouldn't it?

Depends on if that equation results in the drill trying to draw more amperage than the battery can supply. Not only that, but assuming it doesn't, higher amperage batteries last longer.

Romstar

[Gordon Airporte]

The Panasonic is (or was, this was before some of the new lithium ion technology) considered the cream of the crop by the rec.wookworking newsgroup. It's on the pricy side.
The current Hitachi tools look like tennis shoes for some reason, which might factor in your decision .

[bikermarl]

For the last two years I have been using a PBX 18v cordless drill from Sainsbury's homebase which cost me £25 in a sale. It has happilly drilled out mortices (ok ok... I know) as well as 32mm holes for night latches etc. My only regret is that the brand seems to have disappeared and the batteries are starting to lose their ability to hold charge.

John

[Romstar]

I am happy as can be to see lithum ion and NmH batteries in cordless tools now.

I have had my fill of NiCad batteries losing their ability to keep a charge, memory effects and the host of other problems that plague that particular battery type.

Nothing irked me more than spending a lot of money on a cordless tool, only to find that a cheap donkey NiCad battery was standard.

Romstar