Replies

1. 
   zorrosdens | Jan 25, 2006 04:26am | #1

   I know you said you were looking for a 18V, but Makita sells a 14.4V driver-drill/14.4v impact driver/flourecent 14.4V light at Home Depot for about $230.  If you haven't used a impact you are in for the biggest surprize of your "driving" life.  Actually the deal is a GREAT price compared to buying a impact drill seperately.  BOTH of these are TOP NOTCH and you LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the combo for all your drving/drilling needs.  The Makita will perform as well as almost ALL of the drills out there.  Just need to charge a very slight bit sooner.  Whichever way you go, good luck.

2. 
   nikkiwood | Jan 25, 2006 04:40am | #2

   I would guess the best main line brands are Panasonic, Bosch, Makita -- and some would add Hitachi and Milwaukee.

   Dewalt is popular, but you hear a lot of complaints about their batteries.

   But everybody and their brother seems to be coming out with cordless tools these days ---Fein, Metabo, Festool, even, I hear, Kawasaki -- but they don't yet have much of a track record.

   You remember that old saying -- "nobody ever got fired for buying IBM"? I don't think you you would get fired for buying any of the above. They might come after you, however, if you buy a Ryobi or some off brand..................

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

3. 
   tinkerer2 | Jan 25, 2006 08:17am | #3

        Most people probably buy several tools in a set.  If considering a set, Wood Magazine (I think) ran a study several months ago and recommended the Milwaukee over several brands including the Dewalt.

   For what it is worth. 
4. 
   zorrosdens | Jan 25, 2006 08:54am | #4

   Yes....the Panasonics are a great drill set up even if a bit more in cost....extremely sweet tools in the cordless range. Had a couple of the drills and still running one of the older ones.  The newer ones are even nicer light and more long run and very compact and balanced.  Kinda wish the old one would die so I might get the newer.

5. 
   Del | Jan 27, 2006 06:24pm | #5

   Hi Michael, I personally feel Milwaukee is top dog both in performance and value, but of course you get what you pay for these days. As far as Dewalt is concerned I believe Bosch and Ridgid make comparable units at some what less cost and Ridgid is offering a manufactures life time warranty on their tools.

1. 
   latech15 | Jan 28, 2006 01:44am | #6

   I bought a Skil for my first drill.  It was a 18v unit and I really dodn't like it because it was not bright yellow.  It worked fine, did ecverything I asked it to.  I even built my shop with it.  Then one day the battery would not charge and it died. 

   I went to lowes and bought a Dewalt.  I loved it...until I had to pick it up or srcew in an awkward position.  It is big and heavy.  I used it for about two years and one day while I was cleaning out the shop I came across that old skill in it's case.  On a whim, I went inside and got online and found the # for the skil customer service line.  Called them and sent the drill back in.  about t week later they sent me a new battery and charger and that is the drill that I reach for on a regular basis.

   I like it mainly because of it's weight.  It is small enough to fit in tight places and is light enought to use for extended periods of time.  It does take a lot longer to charge and it only came with one battery but I just put it on the charger when I am leaving and it is always ready to go the next day. 

   All that said...I would buy a 14.4 volt combo kit.  they are light and have a lot of power.  I like the hitachi or the new makita.  Popular woodworking did a test and I think Panasonic won the 14.4 vlot test.  I like popular woodworking but I would not buy a panasonic drill.  I think the milwaukee also comes very highly rated.  I just liek the green and black.

6. 
   michaelg | Jan 28, 2006 03:34am | #7

   Hey guys, thanks for all the info.  I am still not sure which brand to get, but now have several choices.  I also looked around the internet and found a few surveys that were done. Milwaukee seems to be their favorite. Good luck in all you do

7. 
   daveinnh | Jan 28, 2006 04:22am | #8

   I bought a reconditioned 12V Bosch drill/driver ~ 1998 and am still using it as a non-professional now with the original battery packs.  (Most of my portables are Bosch and I've found them to be a good, durable value). 

   I'm considering purchase of an 18V drill / driller (longer duration) - Amazon.com reviewers found poor battery life in the Milwaukee brand - built tough though.

   Stay with Bosch, Milwaukee, or DeWalt.  I've borrowed Hilti and think they're the best, but hard to justify the cost.  (Note what the local professional tradesmen use).

    

1. 
   lowangle | Jan 29, 2006 05:34pm | #9

   I've used Makitas, Dewalts and Porter Cables through the years.  Way back I liked the ergonomics of the Makita but felt they were underpowered compared to others.  The Dewalts had several problems - returned and replaced 3 or 4 times.  I used and liked the Porter Cables for about 5 or 6 years.  When I needed a new unit about 6 months ago I did the usual internet research and decided on the 15.6v Panasonic.  What a great drill!  Really compact, great feel in your hand, powerful and really holds a charge.  By far the best I've used.