Cordless drill recommendations

[Gareth J]

I'm after a cordless that will probably get used less than 10 times a year.

Need to be very on it with battery care if only using infrequently. Different types like different conditions but I think li-ion are more tolerant to being left alone for longer periods than older (cheaper) ni-cads.

Also, scratch my above recommendation iif you want to go hammer drilling.

 

[Wozzaaah]

I'm pretty sure me not using it for months on end has contributed towards killing the batteries, they are Ni-Cd and neither of them last long now.

 

[TurtleDude]

I'm made up with my 18v makita stuff I find it better than a corded one grinder is a little lacking but very handy in car for sharpening drills/ cutting odd bolt /cable etc use the impact driver all the time on nuts and bolts-- fantastic.

I'll second this, I have a whole bunch of Makita 18v stuff, since once you've got the batteries and chargers ŷou tend to just buy 'body only' units.

I'd agree that the 18v grinder throws in the towel a little early when using a cutting disk on steel, but I only tend to use mine for grinding with pads.



Since the OP has stated he wants an 'occasional light use' drill, I'd say buy whatever's cheapest and don't expect too much.

Might be worth looking around for clearance deals at local shops (ex display) or online (superseded models).

For the money difference is buy a quality piece all day long, but our budgets an opinions to money vary.

I don't buy 'cheap' anything anymore, I try to buy 'expensive' stuff cheap

Screwfix tend to have offers running from time to time, might be worth checking out.

Final comment: Buy cheap, buy twice.

 

[Gareth J]

I'm pretty sure me not using it for months on end has contributed towards killing the batteries, they are Ni-Cd and neither of them last long now.

More than likely. I read keeping li-ions in the fridge about half charged helps. Might be an option if you are mostly doing irregular diy stuff.

 

[Robotstar5]

More than likely. I read keeping li-ions in the fridge about half charged helps. Might be an option if you are mostly doing irregular diy stuff.

Next to the beer

 

[TurtleDude]

Are you guys kidding me?

In the fridge... Next to the beer?

My lady goes ape when I smuggle extra beers into the fridge. Apparently it's for 'food! Or something

Cordless tool batteries in the fridge, I doubt that'd wash unless I give up beetroot.

Luckily I'm allowed the bodies and my SDS in the boudoir.

 

[skotl]

Another +1 for Makita 18v.
Ideally, wait for the inevitable Screwfix sale and you should be able to pick up a drill and two batteries for £70-£90.

Actually, one of my two sets(!) I got off ebay from Makita direct as a factory refurb with 24 month guarantee for (I think) around £65 delivered.

 

[DanielW]

Don't dimiss the Ryobi or Erueber range for mid range tools.

 

[TurtleDude]

Don't dimiss the Ryobi or Erueber range for mid range tools.

Never tried Erueber (sounds like one of those Czech lagers I can never pronounce I posh pubs)

Ryobi...wouldn't buy a (manual) toothbrush made by those clowns.

Bought a petrol Ryobi hedge trimmer years ago ( before I became a tool guru/snob).

All the thing did was snag itself up on my hedges while gassing me with 2 stroke fumes and making 'orrible noises. The upside was the vibration which entertained me with white-knuckle in the process. I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than use Ryobi anything, or listen to jazz for that matter.

 

[DanielW]

Nothing wrong with Ryobi.....I have a 1500 router of their's and with a 3 flute cutter routed two aluminium blocks for a motor support.....router didn't even break out in a sweat.

 

[the snooper]

Try to find one with a decent capacity battery, 3Ah etc., plenty of cheap drills about but they normally come with 1.3Ah batteries.

Aswell as the battery being 3Ah you also need to compare what the motor will use as both could last same amount

Nothing wrong with Ryobi.....I have a 1500 router of there's and with a 3 flute cutter routed two aluminium blocks for a motor support.....router didn't even break out in a sweat.

View attachment 68482 View attachment 68483

surely you mean their's

what goes around come's around

 

[DanielW]

Aswell as the battery being 3Ah you also need to compare what the motor will use as both could last same amount

surely you mean their's

what goes around come's around

Oi old man take a look at the edited version.

 

[the snooper]

Oi old man take a look at the edited version.

too late dude we can all correct things after they have been pointed out good old quote button

 

[DanielW]

Behave yerself I beat you by a minute before you pointed it out.

 

[Richiew]

I bought this recently. Pretty gutless and wouldn't recommend it.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-dhp453rfw-18v-3-0ah-li-ion-cordless-lxt-combi-drill/7186f

Only thing going for it is the battery and charger are included so I can buy a better model from the range, body only and use that instead.

I have found it rubbish for drilling into brick when using only 7 or 8 mm drills to insert wall plugs for a trellis. It is supposed to be rated to 13mm in masonry. I had to get my corded Bosch Blue out instead. It also struggled unscrewing rusty screws out of garden furniture. Maybe I was expecting too much but it is supposed to be professional kit. Fine for putting screws into softwood but that appears to be the limit.

 

[TurtleDude]

I bought this recently. Pretty gutless and wouldn't recommend it.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-dhp453rfw-18v-3-0ah-li-ion-cordless-lxt-combi-drill/7186f

Only thing going for it is the battery and charger are included so I can buy a better model from the range, body only and use that instead.

I have found it rubbish for drilling into brick when using only 7 or 8 mm drills to insert wall plugs for a trellis. It is supposed to be rated to 13mm in masonry. I had to get my corded Bosch Blue out instead. It also struggled unscrewing rusty screws out of garden furniture. Maybe I was expecting too much but it is supposed to be professional kit. Fine for putting screws into softwood but that appears to be the limit.

I think you'll find all cordless (battery powered) tools of this ilk display the same limp wristed performance when doing 'manly' work.

Save these tools for buzzing a quick dozen or so holes in wooden frames, or drill-driving screws in en-mass.

An SDS hammer drill will cover the meaty jobs, and a normal hammer drill (corded) everything in between.

Horses for courses. (And burgers apparently)

 

[the snooper]

Behave yerself I beat you by a minute before you pointed it out.

prove it

 

[TurtleDude]

prove it
View attachment 68484

Omg. I won't sleep tonight.

 

[Richiew]

Turtle,

Yeah, I think I found out the expensive way. Still can't get over the "rated for 13mm in masonry". Must be for sandstone or limestone or something similar.

 

[the snooper]

sorry woz back on topic, the dewalt's are good and plenty of power but if you are not using much then a waste of cash