Cordless Drill Question and poll-Decision has been made

[bwickens]

Planned obsolescence is right. Had a similar problem with a cordless Ryobi when one then the other batteries stopped holding a charge. Couldn't find replacements. Ended up finding a source for refurbed/recycled batteries. They weren't cheap, but I didn't have to throw away a perfectly good drill. Now, when I shop for a new cordless anything, I try to pick one that'll do the job and that I can get plenty of spare batteries for, although the last power tool I bought DID have a cord.
Then again when I first heard the term "cordless screwdriver" years ago, I thought "What's the big deal? I've got a toolbox full of screwdrivers and not one has a cord on it."

 

[MK]

I just had to go through this with my 18v stuff.
I ended up buying a bunch of bulk 12v battery packs and
used three as is for 12v packs, and used two others to
gut the cells to build a new 18v.
I found that unless you really need the torque, my 12v
batteries run the 18v stuff fairly well. That kind of surprised
me. But I made a new 18v pack just in case I need manly
power.
One reason I just rebuilt new batteries was I have several tools
that run off the same batteries. IE: drill, skil saw, chain saw,
flashlight, etc.. And all the tools work fine, so why junk em..
I got all those bulk packs ultra cheap vs buying new batteries
from the tool maker. I originally planned to gut them all for the
new cells to rebuild 18v packs, but when I got them, they fit my
tools as is..
So I decided to use a few as is for 12v packs being most of the tools
run pretty good at that lower voltage.
BTW, I tried to resurrect my old packs by burning the shorts off
with bursts of higher voltage. It works.. At first.. But they quickly
started shorting again.. That method really doesn't do much good.
Once you have bad cells, they are pretty much toast. The zapping
tricks won't last. The only lasting solution is to replace the bad cells,
and in most cases, if some are bad, others will be close behind.
So I always go with all new cells if I have to change any of them.
It's really not very good to mix new cells with old ones, even if the
old ones are still working OK.

Anyway, I'd probably go with door #2 in your case.
IE: I think I'd rather buy a new drill and one battery for $90, vs
buying two new batteries for the same price.

 

[Stevens]

One battery of my DeWalt 12v died last year santa bit the bullett and bought me a new 12v De Walt with the 12v lithium batteries. it is very nice the batteries are much smaller, charge fast, last longer, and supposedly don't have "memory" so you can charge as soften as you like to keep them topped up. I believe the new unit with batteries charger and case was about 130.00 @ lowes
Steve W

 

[m657]

I've had a 1/2 dozen kinds that have all disappointed me. The best service I ever got was from a Makita now going on 24 years old. Finally had to replace the 1st replacement battery after all those years.

porter-cable was a great drill but total **** battery & the factory wanted more for replacement than the whole damn drill cost.

I'm with Chief38 at this point....nothing lasts like a corded model and only use the cordless for tiny jobs. Even then they are a PIA due to discharging issues.

 

[straightshooter1]

I'm sure no "Mr. Fixit," but I've had my share of cordless drills, and gone through the pain of finding out the batteries are just as expensive as a new Makita would be.

One day I was in the Home Depot just looking at the drills and trying to see which one might have batteries that lasted a really long time.

The guy in the tools section told me to try the Rigid 18V Drill. I told him that I always bought the better grade of tools and thought I'd just be buying another one in the near future if I took his advice.

He told me I just didn't understand-that the Rigid was warranted for life. And that included the batteries.

I went home, read some reviews, and returned asking another clerk about Rigid's warranty. He confirmed that batteries were warranted for life as long as I registered the drill within IIRC 30 days. I bought it and it worked fine for everything I needed.

Fastforward two years. The battery, when I needed it was dead. The second one lasted a good ten seconds and died too.

I dug out the paperwork, called the 800 number and they gave me the number of their warranty station in Tampa. I called them, gave them the serial number, they checked to see if I registered the drill and then said I could pick up two new batteries from them at no cost.

I went there with some skepticism, but, sure enough, they handed me two new lithium batteries and told me to call Rigid and update my warranty with the serial numbers of these batteries and that they'd see me again in a couple of years when I needed more and (the best part) they'd be free again.

The guy said the only trouble they ever saw with my particular model was the batteries failing, that the drill and charger, also warranted for my life, seemed to last and last.

I was really satisfied with Rigid's warranty as well as really liking the drill itself.

I usually buy the better brands of stuff, but this time, cheaper was really better.

Bob

 

[nogoodnamesleft]

My Milwaukee has served me well for years...

 

[billdeserthills]

Check out Interstate Battery, they will rebuild the old ones, but I just bough some 18V Dewalt batteries from them & they are making the whole battery now, & their guarantee does really exist. If they are near you they'll pick up the old batteries & deliver the new ones too!

 

[billdeserthills]

I'm sure no "Mr. Fixit," but I've had my share of cordless drills, and gone through the pain of finding out the batteries are just as expensive as a new Makita would be.

One day I was in the Home Depot just looking at the drills and trying to see which one might have batteries that lasted a really long time.

The guy in the tools section told me to try the Rigid 18V Drill. I told him that I always bought the better grade of tools and thought I'd just be buying another one in the near future if I took his advice.

He told me I just didn't understand-that the Rigid was warranted for life. And that included the batteries.

I went home, read some reviews, and returned asking another clerk about Rigid's warranty. He confirmed that batteries were warranted for life as long as I registered the drill within IIRC 30 days. I bought it and it worked fine for everything I needed.

Fastforward two years. The battery, when I needed it was dead. The second one lasted a good ten seconds and died too.

I dug out the paperwork, called the 800 number and they gave me the number of their warranty station in Tampa. I called them, gave them the serial number, they checked to see if I registered the drill and then said I could pick up two new batteries from them at no cost.

I went there with some skepticism, but, sure enough, they handed me two new lithium batteries and told me to call Rigid and update my warranty with the serial numbers of these batteries and that they'd see me again in a couple of years when I needed more and (the best part) they'd be free again.

The guy said the only trouble they ever saw with my particular model was the batteries failing, that the drill and charger, also warranted for my life, seemed to last and last.

I was really satisfied with Rigid's warranty as well as really liking the drill itself.

I usually buy the better brands of stuff, but this time, cheaper was really better.

Bob

Damn, I have a Rigid 9.6 power screwdriver and like a sucker I've been buying batteries for it.

 

[Andy Griffith]

I bought a corded Ryobi about three years ago...

I had to get it because it doesn't have the speed my 40+ year old Black & Decker has...

Perhaps I'm just not into things...but I don't really understand the battery operated drill. They will never be charged when I'd want to use one- unless I left the battery in the charger all the time. Certainly, it might not be as handy- but the few times I've used it, I would have gone through several charges had it been a rechargeable.

I think it cost me $30, and no batteries to change- priceless.

When I need torque, the old B&D comes out.

 

[oldman45]

14.4 volt here. Dewalt or Makita both are durable. the 18 volt have too much power (not according to Tooltime Tim) but I have snapped screwheads with a 18 volt, I have a Dewalt that survived my Housefire and 3 batteries, they are all over 5 years old and work great.

There is a lot to be said about snapping off screw heads. But the full power will countersink a 3" screw into a 4X4 oak board. However, that is why there are multiple power settings on the Dewalt 18v.

 

[blujax01]

Off topic and interesting. Ads for Makita are showing up under the poll question. Ads for Northern Tools are showing up under the response window.

"He loved Big Brother..."

 

[JcMack]

I wandered in a Sears "hardware" store about 6 years ago and bought a craftsman 19.2v drill with 2 batteries on clearance for $49. I needed something that would drill holes in a stainless counter. That thing would drill a hole in most anything. The batteries would last pretty good too. The batteries finally gave up about 3 months ago. I went to Home Depot and talked to a guy working there that said he was a former Ryobi rep.. He said Craftsman drills were made by Ryobi. I don't need a heavy duty drill anymore. I bought a Ryobi "kit" 18v, 2 drills, one standard, one 90 degree angle, 2 batteries, for $79. I get it home and it looked pretty good. I'm thinking "where's the kicker"?? The kicker was the charger was "over night". I almost brought it back, but instead I bought a Ryobi quick charger for $15. If you look at a cordless "deal" check out what kind of charger you get. I prefer corded drills but if you have to walk around, or work on a ladder the cordless is the only way to go. The project I bought the new drill for 3 months ago is still waiting.

Looking at the Lowes WS it shows a Bosch on sale but no price. That drill comes with 2 lith. batts., quick charger, and it's 1/2". I'd jump on that if I was still in the market.

 

[ohiobuckeye]

Forget buying anything with Ni Cads....go with the Lithium Ion. Much better than Ni Cad and well worth the extra cost. Retains charge longer when not in use and lasts much longer when in use. Also has a much flatter discharge curve.

 

[Pete99004]

I voted to replace the batteries - one of two votes for that one. It's sad we throw away perfectly good equipment for this reason and I understand where it comes from as I have replaced ink jet printers rather than buying new ink cartridges due to the price being close - or less - to replace the printer than buying the ink cartridges. I always feel bad about doing that for some reason - guess I was brought up to take care of things and use what I have until it's not usable rather than replace it. Says something about our society today doesn't it?

I'm not a tree hugger but sometimes things just don't make sense to me today. This morning I got an email from my local feed store telling me they are "Going Green" and in appreciation for allowing them to send me their sale ad via email instead of printing and mailing it, they are going to give me a 10% discount on my next purchase. All I need do is simply print out this email and bring it in with me to receive my discount. DUH - how is this being "Green"?

Go buy the new batteries and recycle the old ones - use your drill until it will no longer do the job for you. When it finally dies then go buy a new drill. By then they will be Made in America again - and solar powered. Have a nice day.

 

[Snapping Twig]

I bought an 18v, 1/2" DeWalt @ 11 years ago. The batteries finally gave up the ghost, so I bought a two pack of replacement (and improved) batteries for it.

Runs great!

 

[Maximumbob54]

I want to second Rigid power tools. What was already stated about their warranty is fully true. But as stated you MUST register the tool before thirty days. The battery you receive from your turn in at the repair center may be refurbished but it will still be new to you and fully functional. Add to that it will be free. I used to work the Pro Sales desk at a Home Depot and I used to make a lot of add on sales just by showing customers that warranty. It’s not like the Sears Craftsman deal where you do to the store and swap it out though. You call then drive or ship it to a repair center which I still see as a better deal than buying new all the time.

As a side issue… Google up “TTi” and see the brands they make and label. Let me tell you straight from one of the sales guys that those are far from the only brands they make and market under. They have disclosure agreements to not advertize they manufacture certain other brands. All I know is that if you look at the chucks in some of the drill display models you will see some of the big name brands can swap parts between each other or are exactly the same with different shades of colored plastic and rubber grips...

 

[judge]

Needed a new one last year, went to a local repair shop which services all major brands. Asked the staff which brand they recommended - Rigid, without a doubt. Lifetime warranty, and top quality product. Mines a winner, best one I ever had. Fantastic drill.

 

[DOEBOY1]

Take your 12 volt battery charger and ZAP the Dewalt battery.

ZAP: determine battery polarity, turn on battery charger, touch charger clamps to battery poles for 10 SECONDS. The battery will now take a charge normally.

Don't know all the battery chemistry on why it works, but it does. 24 volts (2 chargers in series) does the job on 18 volt batteries.

how bout a picture of that, I have about 10 18 volt batteries that would tickle me fuzzy if they would work again. I need some details. Doeboy

 

[BillBingham2]

Corded and a good cord would be my choice.

B2

 

[DOEBOY1]

ok Here's my opinion I have 3 skill saws, 3 sawalls, 7 drills 3 of which are hammer drills, 2 impact drivers, and 3 hand drills all of which are 18 volt all are dewalt. I am locked into dewalt because it wouldn't be cost effective for me to change brands. I love my dewalts but feel their quality is going down hill. But I have no proof just that many of my drills and saws that are newer are broken. I have the original drill that I bought when the 18 volts first came out and it still works great. I have a hammer drill that I had for 2 months that the handle broke off of. Dewalt is more expensive and with the competition with makita rigid and hitachi they seem to be pulling back. I believe that more power is better in all cases (you can always use the clutch). the hand drills are not 18 volt but are what I use the most. The majority of my work is doing electrical service work so a cordless tool in a multimillion dollars house is a neccesity. But if I had to start over again buying my tools I would still go with dewalt. This long winded explanation is to say forget about buying a drill you're a lawyer hire someone to drill the hole for you. I hired an out of work electrician at $13/hour to wire my shop while I was doing service work making $65/ hour. If you insist on a tool which ever one be sure and go to the post office and get a change of address packet there is ( atleast here) 10% off coupon for lowes and best buy and a few more. good luck which ever you do. Doeboy