I am looking into the purchase of a yet another new cordless drill. My present drill is a 18V 3/8″Skil 2887-06 which I bought about 2 years ago for only $100. I loved it until recently but the batteries are giving out, won’t hold a charge overnight and drain so fast that I need to keep one on charge while I am using the other. I know it won’t be long before it completely fails.
I think I want to upgrade to a 1/2″ chuck and battery charge life is important to me. I will appreciate all suggestions from anyone
Thank you
poppi
Replies
You will get many opinions. I will just go on record that Makita makes a very good drill, and often has a flashlite or Impact driver with the kit. You will spend more than 100 bucks tho' , but it is well worth it...shop around, the newer L-Ion s are out and the older 18v Nicad can be had on sales..or reconditioned.
http://www.toolking.com often has recons that have a good warranty.
Have a serious look at Panasonic I don't know what the prices are like in the US have had an old 9.6 volt for fourteen years has had two new batteries in that time have also current versions would not look at anything else.
You can make it fool proof but not idiot proof
If you really love the drill you may be able to get the batteries rebuilt or exchange the cells yourself. Is this the style? Appears to be for your model. Some are glued cases and the rebuilders won't mess with them.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Skil-18V-Battery-18-Volt-SB18A-Skill-BRAND-NEW-18V_W0QQitemZ230146055094QQihZ013QQcategoryZ50393QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/18-Volt-Skill-Battery-SB18A_W0QQitemZ180131876582QQihZ008QQcategoryZ50393QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://www.woodweb.com/knowledge_base/Rebuilding_CordlessTool_Batteries.html
Bob
Edited 6/24/2007 9:26 pm ET by rasconc
Edited 6/24/2007 9:35 pm ET by rasconc
Edited 6/24/2007 10:32 pm ET by rasconc
I've got a drill (Craftsman Professional 14.4) that I've had for 10 years. It's my favorite cordless drill and I've gone through at least 4 batteries so far. Each time the batteries die, I buy another whole kit because it's only about $10 more than the cost of 2 batteries. So now I've got 3 drills, 3 chargers, 3 cases and 2 good batteries.
So, if you like the Skil, consider buying another kit. My favorite drill has a 3/8" chuck, but I have other drills with 1/2" chucks. I haven't had any need for the 1/2" chuck. I'm not sure what the advantage is.
You can't beat this panasonic for 112 dollars from amazon. I have been using these for the last 13 years and like them for their power to weight ratio, balance and battery life.
This is a killer deal at this price. The batteries in the pic are 3.5 amp but the description says three amp. Either way they are high capacity nimh batteries and I think I paid two hundred for my first panasonic thirteen years ago with nicad two amp batteries.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00006IIO5/102-2686645-2548956
Karl
I just bought the Panasonic 12 volt Ni-Cd from Amazon. I should have bought it a few weeks ealier when it was only $76 (got it instead for $99). I haven't used it a lot so far and always hesitated on buying a cordless drill because I like the infinite battery life of a plug-in but the Panasonic feels really nice. The balance is great.
I'd caution against Black & Decker. I borrowed one from my Dad and it nearly burned the house down. One night it just started running and smoking. The trigger literally melted. I must say the name "Firestorm" is appropriate however.
You can't go wrong with Makita. I use the Milwaukee 18v hammer regularly which is a real great tool as well. I have 2 Makita 14v which are my back ups and a little Makita 12v impact which is the envy of all.
ditto on the Makitas and Milwaukee, I have the same combo except just 1 14v Makita drill. The Makita 12v impact is the best of the bunch, I first bought the Dewalt impact because it was $20 cheaper and it came with a free 1/2" drill. Didnt like it and returned them both for the little Makita.
we've been using these. Loved the first so much, bought another.
http://www.amazon.com/Makita-BDF452HW-Compact-Lithium-Ion-Driver/dp/B000K6ILDW/ref=pd_bbs_sr_3/103-9021610-7039823?ie=UTF8&s=hi&qid=1183418648&sr=8-3
Li-on batteries, 15 minute charger, super light, tons of power. 1.5 am batt's instead of their 3.0's but it sure makes it alot more comfortable on the joints (less weight) Also, you'll fall in love with that dumb little light. it just helps in alot of situations.
I bought a 14.4V Makita probably 6+ years ago, and am still on the same batteries. I'd recommend it to anybody. I think you can get a newer model, 14.4v NiMH for somewhere in the $130-140 range.