So my 18v Ryobi's battery won't hold a charge and for the price of two new batteries I figured it was time for something new. One thing I've learned over the years is if you're doing some intense screwing or drilling (puns intended) you really need a corded drill.

So I picked up one of these. It's got an amazing amount of torque. Had to hang a flat screen tv in my bedroom and it had no problem putting in 4 - 3" lag bolts.

The nice thing about Rigid is they warranty their batteries FOREVER. My Dad has had one replaced and loves his 14.4. This one is only 12 volts but for what I need it for it feels like it puts out as much torque as my 18v ever did.

Oh and the feel is awesome. My arm used to get tired dragging the 18v around.

Used a 10% HD coupon and got it for a little over $100. Flashlight is useful too. Comes with 2 batteries and a carrying bag.



Here's a really good review of it: http://www.protoolreviews.com/review...mbo-kit-review

Building a new workbench this weekend so I'll post some pics.

 

Looks nice. I have a 13 year old Craftsman corded drill. For the amount of drilling I do (limited) needing to plug it in has never been an issue. I have a cheapo battery powered screwdriver (Black and Decker) that I like a lot. The thing keeping me from cordless is that I wouldn't use it enough and my limited experience with cordless stuff is that the battery gives out midway. But that's just me

BTW, how did you get that HD coupon? I have their credit card and they used to send me coupons all the time. I haven't received one in over a year.

 

Mover's coupon. Anyone can sign up. I got a bunch using different email addresses.

http://www.homedepotmoving.com/SignU...spx?PromoCode=

 

Those look really nice. I just bought new batteries for my 10 year old 19.2V PC hammer drill this year. I had forgotten just how much elbow dislocating torque that thing can generate.

Battery technology has really come a long way.

 

They have those 10% coupons at the post office along with the rest of the "movers coupons". IF you want to set foot in the post office.

 

Not worth having to take a bullet for a coupon.....I'll apply on line.

 

Nice! I've got to keep a battery on the charger for my 18v Ryobi. It'll run for hours on that battery, but it seems to discharge at the same rate whether I'm using it or not. I'd get new batteries, but they're just too expensive. This gives me something to think about now

 

So I received something in the mail from HD yesterday. It says "special offer inside." I'm like "DAMN they finally sent me a coupon!!" I open it up and it says, "Here's a special offer for you......spend $299 on your HD credit card and we will raise your credit limit $1500"

 

My kid decided to drain both batteries in my Rigid so I pulled an old Porter Cable 12V out of storage.

It's literally been in storage for 14 months. Oh and it''s 10+ years old (original batteries)

Charged it up overnight and godamm it's working like a charm. This thing is a workhorse.

Finishing up my workbench and driving 3" drywall screws into pine 2x4s and man it's taking everything I can give it.

Can't believe it's been sitting this long and still works great. This is definitely old-school battery technology.

Porter Cable FTMFW

 

Rigid seems to be a good brand. I have a random orbit sander that has seen a ton of use over the last 4 years, two tables, and every window in the house. Not to mention being dropped from a 2nd story window onto grass.

As far as drills go though, I have a 12v DeWalt and the thing is a tank. Everything from screwing in a thousand seats in a stadium, drilling into concrete, and building a deck it. The latest project is finishing the basement, it has taken everything I could throw at it, and going strong.