I was introduced to cordless drills, by a locksmith who provided me a job. We used Skil 2230, which lasted about two years before the batteries would fail to hold charge. We used them both for drilling 1/8 holes, and also with screw driver tip for turning screws. I remember the drill cost about $40 back in 1986, and the replacement set of batteries was about $25. Back when gasoline was maybe 80 cents a gallon. Min wage was 3.55 an hour, I think. So, a drill cost about 12 hours wage, before taxes. Now days that works out to about $93.
Not sure what it is, with HF. I have a couple of their 12 volt cordless drills, that keep going after years of use. The batteries slide off, forward. Don't think they make that kind of cell.
I bought one on clearance, that had 18 volt battery that drops out like a handgun pistol magazine. Howver, it has nearly no power. Got a couple of 18 volters from Ebay, also batteries that drop out towards the floor. They look same, but won't fit in each others charges. Also nearly useless in terms of power or life.
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It's not clear to me what the difference is between the above model and this moderately more expensive unit. Both seem to have similar stats -
18v, 900 rpm, reversible, variable speed.
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What would you consider to be the next tier for a cordless drill? Just light to moderate occasional home handyman use. What features do you think make a big difference?
Thanks for all input