jrfly3006 42 Posted December 28, 2013 Ok so my 8 year old Dewalt decided to call it quits so Im in the market for a cordless drill/driver in the $100-150 price range...haven't needed one in a while so looking for some recommendations as far as brand and voltage...Im thinking at least 18 volts no?...also not sure of any new battery technology...LiLon?...It's primarily for light to moderate home use..nothing crazy...thanks all! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chris327 30 Posted December 28, 2013 I have a 12 volt makita drill/ driver and impact driver for sale at home depot for $100. I like that set and it gets me through most projects. Its good enough for most home projects, the impact has the power to drive in 3 inch lags. the batteries are good enough. With the quality and price i would get the same set again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brucin 923 Posted December 28, 2013 I bought a Craftsman 19 (?) volt drill/hammer drill several years back. It was a consumer reports best buy at the time and I'm very happy with it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
djg0770 481 Posted December 28, 2013 Everyone will hate on me but I don't freaking care. I have a multiple tool Ryobi 18V NiCad set my parents bought me years ago. I wasn't a big fan (due to the heavy and poor performing NiCad batteries), however the ability to get batteries easily and cheaply at HD made it more useful after my batteries on my beloved Porter Cable Drill/Driver eventually died. Earlier this year I needed an impact driver and bought another Ryobi at HD with the Li Ion 18v batteries (and charger) which also work in the set my parents previously got me. I have used these tools residentially and also for light commercial work. The tools have NOT broken or failed to do the job, ever. The original NiCad batteries were heavy and didn't have a great use time, the Li Ion has made up for all the shortcomings of the tools and have become my go-to set. In addition, the Li Ion batteries charge much much quicker than the old NiCads. While these tools are not the quality of my older Porter Cable, they are also not bare bones residential crap. If you're on a budget, consider the Ryobi. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JTS1469 0 Posted December 28, 2013 18 volt makita drill/driver set at Home Depot hands down. I've use most of the other brands and makita it better in battery life and durability. They go on sale for 199. Often. You won't be sorry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JT Custom Guns 956 Posted December 28, 2013 I have always use Ryobi as a homeowner and they are a sub of Dewalt. I think the value is good, and as DJG said, the newer Lith Ion batteries are much netter than the older Ni-cads. If you're going to use it daily (as in the trades) than I would go Dewalt, but if your just looking for a decent areound the house tool - I would suggest Ryobi as well........ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
liquidskin 3 Posted December 28, 2013 Not totally on topic, but I have a SteelBolts brand 18V drill set that I got for xmas that I want to sell. Already have a Ryobi that I'm happy with. I put it on eBay already, but ill let it go for $20 if anyone wants to pick it up. Obviously not a super quality tool, but could be good for a learner. Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rightisright 3 Posted December 28, 2013 Double Post! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rightisright 3 Posted December 28, 2013 Small to medium household stuff? http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-PS31-2A-12-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Batteries/dp/B003BEE2LU/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1388249695&sr=8-10&keywords=bosch+cordless As a contractor, I have myriad 18v cordless tools. But that little Bosch sits on my home workbench. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BMWR12 35 Posted December 28, 2013 The 18volt makita is good and batteries charge really quickly too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BlueLineFish 615 Posted December 28, 2013 I have had great luck with ridgid tools. Their warranty is very good as well Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shocker 150 Posted December 28, 2013 I have other tools from all these brands mentioned (PC, Makita, Bosch) but my DeWalt drill has survived countless falls from ladders and keeps on trucking. Plus the batteries and chargers are sold EVERYWHERE if you're ever in a bind. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted December 28, 2013 I have always use Ryobi as a homeowner and they are a sub of Dewalt. Ryobi is made by the same company as craftsman. Dewalt is owned by black and decker. I would go with a Lithium for sure. I actually like the Bosch smaller drivers for smaller projects as they are lighter and smaller sized with good power or in a drill/driver a dewalt or Hitachi. I also sell them all Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrfly3006 42 Posted December 28, 2013 Ryobi is made by the same company as craftsman. Dewalt is owned by black and decker. I would go with a Lithium for sure. I actually like the Bosch smaller drivers for smaller projects as they are lighter and smaller sized with good power or in a drill/driver a dewalt or Hitachi. I also sell them all ok Checko spill the beans..which ones get returned the most?... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Silence Dogood 468 Posted December 28, 2013 18V Makita here - great tool! Light and powerful Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
beltfedmx5 0 Posted December 28, 2013 18v lithium makita here. Can't go wrong. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jrfly3006 42 Posted December 28, 2013 Seems majority of love is Ryobi and Makita... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted December 28, 2013 Honestly we don't get a lot from anyone. We have a 30 day policy and most tools die because of misuse. Don't buy a $50 driver thinking you can drill concrete. If I had to choose one it would be the cheap b&d ones Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
vladtepes 1,060 Posted December 28, 2013 I had a dewalt forever... It was a good drill... My dad gave me a black and decker drill... It's much smaller and lighter... And considering I am mostly a light around the house user it's been more than adequate... I'm actually really satisfied with it... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alec.mc 180 Posted December 28, 2013 I use that thing for frigging everything except concrete and really heavy applications. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vlad G 345 Posted December 28, 2013 My 18v Ryobi tool set has done everything I've ever asked of it for home repairs, building stages for USPSA matches, repairs of all sorts, etc. The new Lithium batteries are the bomb, not only do they work well they are also a lot lighter. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alec.mc 180 Posted December 28, 2013 I havent tried the new li-ion batteries in depth yet, I know they are probably better.. But i've probably got about 14 of the 18 volt XRP batteries, so I'm ussually never out of fresh charged batteries. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
checko 180 Posted December 28, 2013 I havent tried the new li-ion batteries in depth yet, I know they are probably better.. But i've probably got about 14 of the 18 volt XRP batteries, so I'm ussually never out of fresh charged batteries. Theyre way lighter (think of holding the 18v nicad over youre head to drill) last longer, and don't have the reduction of power that nicad does when the battery drains. 14 batteries is a shit ton though haha. Sell some and make some $$$ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tony357 386 Posted December 28, 2013 Actually the best buy right now is the ryobi or dewalt.. last snapon drill went and i purchased dewalt and have been running the dewalt drill and screwdriver impact and 1/2 impact for 3 years now.. for about 1/3 price for snap-on. I just purchased a ryobi angle drill and will phase out the dewalt with ryobi mainly because one battery fits all their tools going way back. also like the large capacity charger they have. http://www.homedepot.com/s/ryobi+charger?NCNI-5 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mustang69 505 Posted December 28, 2013 Another vote for the Ryobi sets - I've beat them to death with all the work I do with them. Only every broke one drill, and that was when I dropped it from the ladder onto the driveway. Otherwise, reliable as anything else and there are lots of tools available that use the same battery. Not an issue if you only want the drill/driver but it's a benefit if you ever want more than just that. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blksheep 466 Posted December 28, 2013 I love the Ryobi set. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DeerSlayer 241 Posted December 28, 2013 Im a Trade professional I only use Dewalt or Bosch, both are great for daily abuse. Hitachi and Makita are also good brands. I do know this. If you buy your cordless tools from Home Cheapo or Blowes, the quality is lesser than what you would get from a real tool supplier. The big box stores sell cheaper made stuff, that looks similar to the real McCoy but isn't the same quality wise. But I'm also talking about tools used every day to make a living. If your looking for something to use around the house occasionaly anything will do. No sense in dropping $250 for something that will get used for 10 min once a month maybe. Sent using Tapatalk 2 NOW FREE!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AlexTheSane 236 Posted December 28, 2013 I've been a fan of Ryobi for years. I've got a few problem with recent changes to their Lithium batteries. The lithium batteries used to have a button on them that allowed you to check the charge. (Red, yellow, green lights) They released new (more expensive) batteries called Lithium Plus which have a charge gauge instead. Now the regular lithium batteries no longer have a charge indicator. Also new Lithium One+ tools no longer come with the high capacity battery like they used to, they now come with the compact battery. I get why they did all of that, I just think it's kind of shitty. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
raz-0 1,259 Posted December 28, 2013 I like ryobi. It's built to a price point and is not the best, but they also don't spend any of the build budget trying to be what they are not. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
buell508 6 Posted December 28, 2013 Millwakee 18v fuel not from home depot. I got mine. At AW Mayer. I have a year and a half on the drill and impact. I would kill a mikita in 6-8 months 6-8 months I've had them all.I drill holes in alnminium and steel every day in all conditions. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites