Oldie but a goldie...

The batteries are what you need to be good. They are also what cost. I would take a good 12V battery over a budget 18V or even 24V. They last longer and provide good power/torque.

Christian.

But having said that, all things being equal, voltage does translate to power.

-- Mike W

Well, sort of. I bet some decent 12V batteries can produce more than 50% more current than some 18V ones. Especially after a few months' use.

Christian.

Consider how often you actually use the drill where getting an extension cord to it would be awkward.

Not sure that matters given a decent 12 volt can do most things. Everything being equal the higher voltage should give longer battery 'life'.

My Bosch Pro angle drill is only 7.2 volts but has loads of oomph and a charge lasts a decent time. £100 though.

Buy yourself something nice in the Bosch blue range - and get them to throw in a pro drill as a sweetener.

Have you tried cordless torque drivers? They're brilliant - can drive in the largest screw effortlessly - no torque reaction.

I managed to negotiate a bosch blue 9.6v as a freebie with a bosch

But torque drivers seem to be displacing cordless drills - you could buy him one and borrow it back!

So if I can get the same power tool in 110 or 240V I should go for the latter - ?

:-)

The message from John Stumbles contains these words:

Only if the knob goes up to 11.

Cordless torque drivers? Wot be they? Do you mean on impact driver?

Correct! Apologies for misleading wording.

I have used 9.6volt for years starting with the makita. I have upgraded to 12 volt and also a light 14.4 volt bosch and am amazed at the power it has. I honestly cannot see the reason for the big heavy 18v and 24 volt tools about. Perhaps a window fitter with his big sds, may be. Got to say though that with the monti fixings all you require is a 6mm hole and my little 14.4v has just fitted me a house full of windows, no bother. Screwfix recently had a 14.4v makita for 74.99. Not tried that particular model but being makita should be okay. regards Legin

I have used 9.6volt for years starting with the makita. I have upgraded to 12 volt and also a light 14.4 volt bosch and am amazed at the power it has. I honestly cannot see the reason for the big heavy 18v and 24 volt tools about. Perhaps a window fitter with his big sds, may be. Got to say though that with the monti fixings all you require is a 6mm hole and my little 14.4v has just fitted me a house full of windows, no bother. Screwfix recently had a 14.4v makita for 74.99. Not tried that particular model but being makita should be okay. regards Legin

I've got a green Bosch 14.4v drill/driver. It's powerful enough for me but the batteries go flat in no time - even if it's not used. What ever you buy I suggest that you get plenty of batteries.

Mark

That shouldn't happen - although it depends on what you mean 'in no time'.

I was in Homebase today & the Black & Decker HP148FBT looks a good buy.

I have used 9.6volt for years starting with the makita. I have upgraded to 12 volt and also a light 14.4 volt bosch and am amazed at the power it has. I honestly cannot see the reason for the big heavy 18v and 24 volt tools about. Perhaps a window fitter with his big sds, may be. Got to say though that with the monti fixings all you require is a 6mm hole and my little 14.4v has just fitted me a house full of windows, no bother. Screwfix recently had a 14.4v makita for 74.99. Not tried that particular model but being makita should be okay. regards Legin

Cheers, orderd the Makita. Not bad value for £75 and I'm sure it will do everything he needs. If not he can alwys *borrow* mine again.

I use it most weekends so I guess I mean about a week. I put them away fully charged.

Mark