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Home repair tool thread for the DIY

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Old 03-31-2013 | 06:12 AM
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Default Home repair tool thread for the DIY

I have an old Makita 9.6v NiCad Drill that I've had for a very long time but the batteries are giving up the ghost .
Rather than replacing the batteries at $$$ for an old unit, I've been looking at replacing it all.

I've noticed that the combo packs frequently have impact drivers as well as drills.
Does anyone have experience with these?
The other feature I'm not as thrilled about is a lot of the manufacturers seem to have gone away from a chuck key to secure the drill bit in place.
They have a knurled barrel to tighten the bits. Anyone have good or bad experience with that as well?
Old 03-31-2013 | 06:22 AM
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Originally Posted by boltonblue
I have an old Makita 9.6v NiCad Drill that I've had for a very long time but the batteries are giving up the ghost .
Rather than replacing the batteries at $$$ for an old unit, I've been looking at replacing it all.

I've noticed that the combo packs frequently have impact drivers as well as drills.
Does anyone have experience with these?
The other feature I'm not as thrilled about is a lot of the manufacturers seem to have gone away from a chuck key to secure the drill bit in place.
They have a knurled barrel to tighten the bits. Anyone have good or bad experience with that as well?
I have two drills with the knurled barrel. They work great!

I don't know about the smaller impact drivers, but I have a 24v, 1/2" drive impact driver that I use on the cars. Yesterday I was trying to drive 5" lag bolts through a pressure treated 2x6 into another 2x6 on end. Attempted it with a corded drill and it just wasn't going to do it. Broke out the impact driver and it was a piece of cake.

If it is in your budget, go for Lithium instead of NiCad.
Old 03-31-2013 | 06:39 AM
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the world or at least porter cable anyways appears to be going over to 20v from 18v right now.
Lowes is discounting the 18v lithium stuff to get rid of their "old' inventory.
it's interesting to price batteries by themselves vs the combo kits.
at retail pricing, when you look at the individual price of two batteries and charger vs the combo kit with two batteries included, the tools are basically free.
of course I'm keeping that in mind that i will eventually have to also buy more batteries.
Old 03-31-2013 | 10:42 AM
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I am sold on Hitachi tools and have been buying "reconditioned" tools from these guys for a while. I have bought new, reconditioned "B" stock, and reconditioned "C" stock.

That said Li-ION is definitely the way to go.
Old 03-31-2013 | 12:35 PM
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I've been using the Sears Craftsman C3 19.2V tools for a couple of years and am quite happy with them.

I have a 1/2" Drill with knurled chuck. No problems with it except occasionally when drilling hardwood, concrete or metal when I get lazy and don't tighten it enough .... or maybe I'm just getting weak.

I also have the Reciprocating Saw and the Chain Saw which I use almost exclusively to maintain the trees and fences on our lot and cut up firewood. They are a lot handier than firing up the gas chain saw for anything 6 inches in diameter and under. That Chain Saw is one of the best investments I ever made...!!!

For outside work in weather under 45~50F the only way to go is the Li-I batteries.....the Ni-Cads are virtually useless.

My 2 cents.
Old 03-31-2013 | 04:04 PM
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I've been very satisfied with the Ryobi One Plus (18V) from Home Depot that I've acquired over the years. One thing I liked was that when they went to Lithium Ion batteries, the the new batteries fit the old tools. Some of their new chargers will charge either NiCad or Lithium Ion batteries. Home Depot has both batteries on the shelf. I currently have a couple of each type of battery.

I own:
1. Cordless Drill: does what one should do. I've never had any problem with the keyless chuck on this or any other drill.
2. Impact Driver: the small one for 1/4" hex bits. It does a very good job as a screw driver or for small bolts or nuts.
3. Flashlight: quite handy, although LED bulb would be desirable in this day and age.
4. Cordless Vacuum: also quite handy for a quick cleanup. It will pull a surprising amount of dirt out of auto carpets.
5. Reciprocating saw: with a 12" wood blade I use it for tree limbs when I'm not cutting enough to justify the extension cords. They make a cordless pruner that's found in the garden section that would probably be better, but I only trim limbs about twice a year.
6. String trimmer: strictly a light-duty tool, but the lawn service does the trimming. I only need this for an occasional light task.
7. Cordless Radio: I use it often when I'm in the yard.
8. Cordless lantern: purchased in anticipation of the next blackout; hasn't been used yet. LED bulb in 360* housing.
9. Fan: again, purchased to take the edge off a hot-weather blackout and unused to date. But it does move some air.
10. Hedge trimmer: works about as well as the corded one I used to use.
Old 03-31-2013 | 04:48 PM
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I buy relatively cheap battery powered drills for quick jobs. They last 8 to 10 years. Anything serious and I break out the extension cord for the electric tools, turn on the compressor for the air tools, or grab the gas can for the self powered equipment.
Old 03-31-2013 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Legal Bill
I buy relatively cheap battery powered drills for quick jobs. They last 8 to 10 years. Anything serious and I break out the extension cord for the electric tools, turn on the compressor for the air tools, or grab the gas can for the self powered equipment.
same here.. take drills: cheap Harbor Freight orange drill for portable needs, good old fashion electric drill for high torque needs, and air drill when I need a drill to stop on a dime.
Old 04-01-2013 | 03:23 AM
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DeWalt cordless impact wrench..... got one that had the most torque......

Cordless drill, no idea what brand...

Would love to have a cordless 3/8" ratchet, but can't see spending the $150 on one.....
Old 04-01-2013 | 04:19 AM
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I have always purchased Milwaukee cordless tools for for but when they changed over to Lithium Ion batteries we have had nothing but trouble with them. Recently I started to change out the Milwaukees (we have about 50 of them) with the DeWalt 12V #DCD710 3/8" drill. The guys love them. They are light weight with a fair amount of torque. This will be our drill of choice form here out.

I try to stay away from the much heavier 18V and about. It causes to much wrist strain holding those damn heavy things up! If you need that much torque get a corded drill.


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