This year I'll be needing to re-up the drill equipment I have. Though I've been fairly happy with the dewalts from home depot,
thought I'd ask those who have been buying them longer than I've been in business.

So for the money and time they last you, which make, model and where to buy? (no hammer drill, just the standard)

Thanks for any input....

Justin

Can't kill my Dewalt...why expermint ?

Joe, I bought a pair (from HD) the first year in business, one died within a few months, the other trudges on.

I've heard from folks that a dewalt store, versus the big box has different "versions" of the same drill, did you
big box yours?

Makita with the lithium ion batteries.
Looks like I may need to replace one of my 3 ah batteries this year. It's 6 years old.

Not sure what model but love my Bosch. It is a compact drill. I grab it every time over my Makita.

Justin,

It is based on several factors such as power, battery size, drill size, etc.

For me, the ultimate drill is the DeWalt 14.4v. It's what I used to build my house and was still going strong (although nowhere near the usage it had)15 years later. I didn't like either the DeWalt 18 or 24v in comparison. They were big, heavy, and didn't have the same torque or battery life as the 14.4. Price wise, the 14.4 has always been more than the 18 or 24 in my area so I think that says a lot. The problem here has always been finding them and justifying the $75-$125 more than other drills.

When my 18v died and the battery caught on fire, I moved over to Rigid. For the most part, I've been happy with there performance although it seems like the newer batteries don't carry a charge like the old ones. With the Rigid, the biggest issue I had was having the old charger die and having to get a new one that either doesn't or can't charge like the old one. I've still them after 10+ years but what good is a drill without the power it needs to operate.

I've put off buying replacement batteries as I wanted a smaller drill to get into those spots where we really need something. So instead I tried the Rigid and Craftsman multi-tool to give me a 90 degree drill. I'm not too happy with either one and had the Rigid gears break about 45 days after purchase. While looking for a different tool, I happened across a 12v Craftsman after some advice from Jason Grimm on a different drill that has turned into my favorite. It is very light (especially when compared to an 18v), small frame, long lasting quick charging Lithium batteries and handles 90% of what I need while reducing the stress on my hand and arm.

Of course, it doesn't have the torque like my 18v for pulling materials together, or the ability to drill through masonry like a hammer drill, but for attaching trim coil, gutter stock, ridge vents, vent covers or intermediate attachments to wood it is all I need. Now, the biggest issue I have with it is finding a suitable holster. It does work with the Husky holster from HomeDepot, but I'm always concerned about how loose it is since it has more of a pistol type body. I think Lowes has some that will work with it, but I almost never shop there and haven't looked specifically for it yet. And before Paul jumps in here, my Menards doesn't have crap it seems compared to everyone else (the caulk it carries is DAP, Red Devil, and PL) with about the only thing there that none of the other stores carry or has better selection on is scaffolding that I can order for the same price from Northern Tool & Supply.

Love my Ridgid cordless tools. They have a lifetime warranty on the tools and batteries.

I use to buy all Milwaukee corded tools but as they wore out I converted to the 18V DeWalt line up. I have a DW 1/2" hammer drill/driver, 1/4"impact driver, reciprocating saw and 6 1/2" circular saw. They have all been great with no failures and I pick up the impact driver more than any other tool as it is very versatile. I also had a DW 14.4 for 5-6 years and it worked great as well. My current corded stuff is Makita with the exception of a Ryobi miter saw which meets my needs. Ryobi and Craftsman are manufactured by the same company but I won't buy a Craftsman power tool. They're underpowered and cheaply built and that's why liquidators and wholesalers can buy them by the truckload as there are a lot of returns. Bosch seems to make the best hammer drill, Hitachi the best nail guns and Makita the best circular saw. I think there are outstanding tools in all categories but if I were to go out to buy something now it would be Makita or Milwaukee which are both dependable and "affordable". On a final note, this was discussed some time ago so there may be something in the archives as well.

I have been beating the heck out of my Dewalt for almost a year with zero issues..

Thanks Guys, Good discussion and ideas! I usually go to amazon or other and read reviews, but would prefer reviews from folks using it like I am mostly.

Mike K, I thought I remembered a discussion, sorry for the repeat folks, but glad to have the info!

I'll check that archive link as well...

Eric A. - I've been using climbing slings with a carabiner clipped into my petzl harness when I'm using them. Generally I can't seem to find a tool belt/harness that I like, so if on a lift or roof I've got tools hanging the climbing slings you can shorten or buy shorter ones, they are insanely strong and I can unclip them and hang them on the ladder or other when needed. Probably only works for me, but holly can tell you I've had 3 tool belts and they all pretty much live in a bin in the van never seeing the light of day!

mchitwood,

Don't know about now, but previously the warranty was void when the item was used by a business. I think that is why all the home shows Home Depot sponsors don't show the Rigid tools. If they did, than all those businesses would have grounds to make them enforce the warranty.

It's not hard for an individual to act like they bought it for personal use, but it does get difficult when the charge shows on the Home Depot contractor account.

Since everybody gets to vote, I'm going with the 18 volt $15 Cheapie. It doesn't matter how much you love your drill, once our guys drop it from two stories, you say a prayer, because it is no longer with us!

Unlike Mike K., I really liked my Craftsman drills but the guys won't even bring the batteries back anymore. I was able to purchase five $15 drills and the next time one of them needs a drill, I have one ready. And it will last them just as long as the last one. Count on it!

My home use Milwaukee 18v I bought 19 years ago has the growls now, gears are going and the chuck won't stay tight. When I started the business I bought a Ryobi 18v thinking I would rather drop a cheap drill than an expensive one. That 12 year old Ryobi was still going strong until a thief decided he needed it more than me. I had bought a full Ryobi kit from HD for $99 a couple years ago for a spare, it's now in the truck and I'm just as happy. I also have a set of Craftsman 12v tools, I like them too for small tight spots.

I love my 18V LI Makita for my own use, but just purchased a $100 Ryobi 18V LI for the truck today. Drops onto concrete and cold weather take their toll.

Some good points have been made. I guess since I am the only one using my tools I am a little biased. I know how they will be handled and am prepared to take the chewing if I drop one. However, as in Paul's case and others as well, I agree that a cheaper tool might be best for ladder and roof work. I think in these cases B&D, Ryobi, Porter Cable, Craftsman etc., would be ideal. At least staying with one type you'll collect spare parts and batteries.

BTW Justin I took a quick look through my previous posts as there was a good thread on cordless tools but I didn't find it right off. At that time I had a chance to talk to several tool repair facilities and they had enlightened me on some tools and their "perceived" quality vs "true" quality. I do remember that Makita was at the top of their list for dependable cordless tools.

Mike K., do you have any idea how much whiskey it takes to make me mellow enough to accept the fact that my employees don't care that they just dropped my favorite drill, flashlight, cage, etc. off of a two story roof?

On the bright side, the only thing I ever dropped off a two story roof was me. ( Hint: Land on your head. You won't feel a thing! )

I have been very well satisfied with the Bosch PS10-2A 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Driver Kit- http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PS10-2A-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Driver/dp/B000PI48AK . Comes with two batteries, case, and quick charger.

I have had makita Bosch ryobi and dewalt
Until I bought the 12m Milwaukee I wasn't
Satisfied. Done deal now, love them!

Eric, you are probably right. I purchased mine with my company check card which also bears my name. Ihad no issue in registering the tools after purchase though. I have had zero trouble with them after two years of use and feel that they are as good or better than my Dewalts were. One of my helpers dropped the impact driver about 20ft onto a gravel bed about a year ago and it's still going strong.

I am surprised most of you guys would opt for the big/heavy units. Most of my work is on the roof up under eaves so small and light is what I want....

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2453-20

I agree with Vinke. I have 18 volt Dewalt, but for Christmas my father bought me 2 small dewalt guns, one is a screw gun the other is a mini hammer drill, they fit right in my tool belt without pulling my pants down. they pack a whole lot of power with long battery life

"Speak softly and carry a big drill"...Teddy Roosevelt.

Skil "Top Gun", Plenty of balls, and the batts last a good long time, both per charge, and life.

I bought a cheapo ryobi set years ago that is 18 volt that had the one + batteries which now have been replaced with the lithium batteries that will fit them. Wish they had those battieries years ago.Been using that drill set and others on our trucks for several years. Found a ryobi refurb 12 volt lithium light weight drill with batteries and charger is great for ladder work on a work belt.
Have an older Black and Decker 12 volt kit still in operation I have had for many years held together with some duck tape also.

I have burned up alot of dewalts.

Have DeWalt 18v system. Good power/torque but hate the weight.
Milwaukee 12v does the bulk of the work, especially on ladders/roofs. Also find used for Milwaukee 12v right angle driver.
Have tried the Bosch pocket driver and like it but not purchased one yet.

Speaking of cheapo, I recently purchased three 20 volt lithium drills from Menards that are made in either Mercury, Mars, China, or one of the other planets. They're called Masterforce and I'll let you know, either good or bad.

I'm with Dave and Wink as regards the drop aspect. As with watches and sunglasses, I'm quite happy with mid-range products until there's one made that is unbreakable and un-lose-able.
I've used the Ryobi 18v system for about 11 years now. No problems to speak of. When the NiCd batt's started going south, I got a new rebuilt system from Tools Direct (or is it Direct Tools?) at an outlet mall with the LI batt's. I've noticed that the LI batt's will die without warning, so if you're on a big job 500' from your truck, that's something to keep in mind. Both types of batteries work in all the equipment, which is nice. Also appealing is the wide range of tools that fit all their 18v batt's.

Dewalt makes a 20 volt drill in brushless.Steel chuck.2 speed.Basically a 3/8 drill, or driver, as it has a slip clutch.You can get 1.5 ah batteries and it is a small package.The brushless is supposed to be energy efficient.

DEWALT DCD790B 20V XR Lithium Ion Brushless Compact Drill / Driver
by DEWALT

Price: $95.55 & FREE Shipping


DEWALT brushless motor for up to 57% more run time than brushed
Compact and lightweight for tight areas
2-speed settings for improved speed and torque control
Metal 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck
LED light with 20 second trigger release delay

› See more product details

As an ex home Depot assistant manager for hardware, I can tell you we got back Dewalts by the bucket full, but few Milwaukee. You know which one I own. That being said I did leave a Bosch drill on a job site. Found it in the spring and it still ran great.

Dewalt has homeowner and industrial.That drill I posted is available with a plastic chuck, and is not brushless.Same price.So be careful of the games, regardless of the make.

Honestly Makita is better to me than Dewalt because my dewalt burned out, and I tried a Makita and it still has not quit.

I'm in the market for a truck drill right now so thanks for the info guys!