Cordless Power Drill Experience?
Robert Hutchins
>My old (more than 10 years) DeWalt 12V has developed power switch problems and the current battery seems on its last legs. Given the advances in tool and battery technology, I'm thinkin' it's time to reinvest. Before I do, I thought I'd ask the assembled company for their experiences and advice.
I use it for occasional jobs around the house, but that might stretch to building pergolas and other more robust tasks than hanging pictures or curtain rods. I want something that will remove a lot of the muscle power requirements when I have to drive a lot of, or very long, screws (use a brace and bit otherwise). Of course it should be capable of handling the more mundane, less labor-intensive tasks, too.
The 12-volt unit has occasionally been too little power with the DeWalt. From what I read, 14.4V is the current size generally recommended for purposes for which I intend to use it. Given an infrequent need, the price must be attractive - this thing isn't going to earn any income. I don't need the invincibility of an Abrams M1A2. I'd like to have something ergonomically friendly meaning not too heavy (rules out the 18V units I've handled) nor hard to hold with good access to reversing switch and torque control. Good torque and adequate speed, with good variability controls are required.
The Hitachi 3/8" 14.4V (though uglier than most Nike's) seems to be priced right and handles well. I've also used someone else's Porter Cable (don't know its voltage or model number) that felt good in the hand and got the job done for me. From what I've seen, Panasonic and Milwaukee are good drills but too expensive for my needs. I've had problems with too many DW tools to want to go down that path again. I simply will not buy B&D or Rigid for political reasons.
I've read a lot of what google has to offer, but find most of the sites too information poor or too biased towards wares being pushed. Have I already made up my mind or can someone give me compelling arguments to consider other units?
TIA