Looking for a new drill for work. I am tired of going through cheap B&D and Sears drills every year or so. Looking for something around 12V to keep the weight down, but I want something commercial grade that will last.

The drill will be used for installing blinds, shutters & drapery. Most of the time I am running 2" screws into the window frame but sometimes I have to drill through metal so it does need to be pretty powerful.

The weight is key though as I usually hold this drill over my head and after installing 25+ blinds my arm is already numb.

Edit: I really dont want to spend more than about $250

 

Makita brand are what most of the guys use for cordless drills and cordless impacts here at the shop.

 

My brother inlaw is a contractor. He likes DeWalt stuff. I've never had any trouble with my DeWalt tools; but, I don't use them as much as you do.

 

I used to sell power tools at a Do It Best center and I've worked lots of construction. My advice is to get one of these...any others are just imitators. Go to Lowes and take a look - they will get you a battery and let you try them out. If you have a 'Do It Best' Center near, call and ask when their next power tool sale is...they're usually 25% off everything. My choices:

Dewalt 18V - $219. I have this drill in a 14.4 volt. It's great, but if you're using it a lot, I recommend the 18V.


Dewalt XRP 18V. Heavy Duty. This will be the most expensive ($300-350), but it's got a adjustable/removeable handle which comes in handy at times.


Makita Lithium Ion 18V - trust me, this thing is a beast. Extremely light weight. Shouldn't run over $300.


Dont forget one of these...they are a bargain. All your bits in one case.


Can you tell I used to sell this stuff?

 

Thanks for the advice guys, looks like Dewalt and Makita are preferred by all.

Green:
I see the Makita has an area to replace the motor brushes & the Dewalt doesnt. Is this really a big deal or do they not really wear out?

 

Get the DeWalt. The batteries can rebuilt for half the price of a new one for the others.

$35 for a rebuilt(good as new)(DeWalt) or $70 for a new one(Makita).

 

Dewalts are fully serviceable. Again, not to advertise for Do It Best, (I dont even work there anymore) but they should be a certified Dewalt repair center. Like anything, they will wear out quicker with harder abuse. Keep it clear of water, dust, concrete, etc and don't strain the motor too much when drilling holes, and it should last a long time.

Everything on them is repairable or replaceable. Brushes and switches are for sale in the stores where the drills are for sale. Batteries are expensive. $40-$60 per battery, or sometimes you can get a special on a pair of them. Not sure about rebuilding batteries, I've never heard of that. It would be cheaper than a new one, but I don't know how long rebuilts last compared to new ones.

Go handle a couple of them. If you're working over head, you'll be amazed how light the Makita is. The picture doesnt do it justice, it's actually smaller than the Dewalt.

 

Thanks guys, Im going by Lowe's tonight on the way home to get a feel for a couple of these.

 

Let us know what you think.






















psssst....$20 bucks says he comes home with the 18V Dewalt

 

Do not buy anything with the old ni-cad batteries, go lithium. I get a new Dewalt every year, the batteries are getting chaper and cheaper (ni-cad). Haven't tried the new ones yet.

 

Good point.

Dewalt's got Lithium batteries now, be sure to ask for them.

 

Lithium batterys have no cell memory and are lighter right?

 

yep

 

makita lithium ion!!! i luv mine

 

That was a suggestion of Greens as well. Does it come in a 12v or anything smaller than the 18v?