Guys,
Looking to get a cordless drill for a relative - plan on spending $100-$120. Would like an 18v. I see Ryobi and Skil got rated very good. Anyone ever use these brand drills? I know Milwaukee and Dewalt etc are the best, but I cannot spend that much, so what is next in line then? For home-use only, but still want something that I won't regret buying later.
Thanks!

 

Makita----Hitachi

 

Not saying you have to but I got the Dewalt Cordless hammer drill / 16 guage cordless finishing nailgun and i love this drill. Not sure on price but it takes a fucking beating and keeps going.

 

At Amazon:
Hitachi DS18DVF3 18 volt Cordless Drill Kit $99 http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...5B7SW&v=glance

Makita 6347DWDE 18-Volt Cordless Driver-Drill Kit $180-$50 rebate= $130
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...5OK47&v=glance

 

Honestly, my preference is a good corded drill rather than a moderate cordless.

 

Damn, these are awsome deals. I had my Makita for 5 years, still going strong. And drop that several time too. Pay almost twice back then.

 

But the convienence of cordless is tough to beat. I have a 14v Makita and it has plenty of power for what I do.

 

I agree. Most of what I do is limited to light around the house stuff. I had an inexpensive cordless. The batteries were more trouble than they were worth and it didn't have the power to do much of anything.

Now I have about a $40-50 corded drill. Using the extension cord in teh garage isn't such a big thing. Perhaps these drills are better. If I were to get another cordless, I'd probably buy one of those kits with a couple tools that all use the same battery and a few extra batteries. Maybe even two chargers. nothing sucks worse than not being able to finish your project because all teh abtteries are dead.

 

Two batteries are more than plenty. I have never had to wait for battery to charge, one depleted and the other is charged.

The $40-50 corded drill, they don't cut it when mixing thin set cement.

 

Ryobi...

The ability to interchange batteries amongst most of their tools is priceless... I only wish I had been buying Ryobi products all along. I'd of saved a ton of money.

What products I do have, are quality.

Bang for the buck, I think Ryobi are the best bet these days.

 

Two batteries is not enough, IMO.

I fried three in an hour last weekend cutting through 1/2 in rock and 1/2 firring strips with a hole saw.

 

How many holes? Time to invest money in another hole saw.

I use corded when power is needed. A Dewalt industrial duty 1/2" keyed drill, low speed, up to 600 rpm variable speed.

 

I was using a 19,2V craftsman. It's fine.

I have a heavy duty corded Bosch, I could have used that... I've cut through solid steel and cement with that thing. However, you try spending an hour cutting holes in a ceiling with a heavy corded drill...

I'll switch batteries a couple times thank you very much

 

Actually, a corded weight less than your craftsman 19.2V. Correct me if I am wrong.
Just the corded is kinded cumbersome.

 

Yeah, cumbersome indeed. Weight I'd say is about even, but the corded is much larger... and having a wire pulling on you while youre shuffling around a ladder is just no fun at all.

By the time a battery dies, you're ready for a break anyway... so no biggie to swap it out.

 

1/2 inch or 3/8 better? I have no idea what my current craftsman is - but it has been fine. What is the std.?

 

3/8" is for pussies.

 

1/2"

 

Dewalt hands down. And 1/2 is a must

 

Ryobi. If you are just using for "around the house" projects...don't spend the money on Dewalt, Hitachi, Makita...etc. If you are a pro, and are going to use this drill all the time, then go with the more expensive drill.

For around the house stuff, the Ryobi will do its job and then some.