Lithium Ion Drill Recommendation

MiamiCuse · 2009-09-24T01:24:43+00:00

My 12V Dewalt drill is no longer functioning due to the the two Nicad batteries no longer lasting more than 2 minutes after fully charged. I bought some instructions off Ebay on some magical RVD process that would revive the batteries, tried them and did not make a difference. So now my options are to get two new batteries - which of course are very expensive and I suspect one year from now I would be in the same situation.I read about Lithium Ion batteries lasting longer and does not have this memory effect. So now I am considering just getting a brand new lithium ion battery drill.I do have a Makita corded hammer drill which I use, but when I am up in the attic doing framing repair, or cutting holes in the top plate to drop wiring down, or out in the yard repairing wood fences or on a ladder repairing soffit etc...there is nothing better than a cordless.Would appreciate if someone can share their cordless drill experiene.Is the decision to go with a lithium ion drill instead of getting two new batteries a correct one?If getting a lithium ion drill what is a good one to get? I am thinking Milaukee because I like the sawzall I got from them.What kind of torgue do I get from a 18v lithium ion drill? The old Dewalt 12V I remember having problems driving 3" wood screws into 2x4s.Thanks in advance,MC

Sep 24, 2009 25 Replies

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Mike 16 years ago

That was my thought when I bought the Ridgid 18v Drill/Impact Driver combo a few months back. I just returned the whole kit to HD (with a long session of bitching to the manager to get them to take it back). The batteries stopped holding a charge for very long, would self drain from sitting on the shelf for a week or so. Home Depot wanted me to go to some third party service to have the batteries repaired/replaced under the lifetime warranty. Place was only open Mon-Thurs from 9am to

4pm, and sorry, I have a day job, so that really wasn't an option.

I ended up convincing the HD manager to return the set, and purchased the Makita 18v Drill/Driver kit. I couldn't be more happy with it. The drill is considerably smaller than the Rigid was, but the batteries have twice the AmpHours - which is the most important factor in battery power. The impact driver will run 3" deck screws all day and not even blink. Right now, HD has a special going on where if you spend $300 on power tools, you get $75 instant rebate. Ended up spending $225 for the kit - a great deal.

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Jim Elbrecht 16 years ago

-snip-

I lied- 15minutes to 85%- 30 minutes to full on the Bosch. Can't find a time offhand on the Milwaukee- but I've never drained a battery before the next one was ready.

Never felt a hot battery, but I pay little attention to them until I'm ready to use them.

I doubt slower charging would make the batteries last longer or manufacturers would sell a slow charge charger & tout its benefits. And I probably wouldn't buy one. It is a tool- not a collectible that I want to hang on to forever. If I get 2 yrs [the warranty period] out of the tool I'm happy, it has made my life $100 easier-- and there will be a new & better technology out there.

Jim

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Mike Dobony 16 years ago

I recently also did my homework and came upon several dissatisfied customers for whom Ridgid refused to register their product for the lifetime warrantee.

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Mike Paulsen 16 years ago

Mike Dobony wrote: (snip)

Those were probably the old drills that had K & T wiring. No company will give you a warranty on those -- they're inherently dangerous. (And your homeowners insurance won't cover them either.)

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The Daring Dufas 16 years ago

A little Google search will show all sorts of power tools made for the bedroom. ROTFL

TDD

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Jim Yanik 16 years ago

Smitty Two wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@newsfarm.iad.highwinds-media.com:

I suspect the roadster has a sophisticated battery monitor/charging circuit,probably much better than what a driver battery pack would have.

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