Replies

1. 
   BenA | Mar 20, 2006 02:59pm | #1

   IMO look at the impact drivers , once you use one you won't go back to a drill type gun. What to look for. Stay away from the no name brands , just buy fron compaines that offer repair and replacment parts for your tools, the worst thing you can have is a tool that you can't get parts or service for if there a problem with it. good luck

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Mar 20, 2006 03:38pm | #2

   Ditto on the impact driver advice. Drills are for making holes. Impact drivers are for driving screws, bolts, etc.

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

3. 
   dukeone | Mar 20, 2006 06:01pm | #3

   B.S.1: I've had a Milwaukee 0516-20 14.4volt for years with no problems. The last time it needed new batteries I went for the NiMh replacements, they run alot longer but cost more. I just bought for my son as a gift a Panasonic 15.4volt drill; it looks real good and comes standard with NiMh batteries for about $200. I think I'd get one of these for me if the Millwaukee ever bites the dust.

   Duke 

   Kenneth Duke Masters
   The Bill of Rights
   December 15 1791
   NRA Endowment Member
   LEAA Life Member
   CRPA Member
4. 
   mudman | Mar 20, 2006 06:29pm | #4

   Another vote for impact drivers. Much much better

   Mike

5. 
   John_D | Mar 21, 2006 04:04am | #5

   I already had an impact driver but wanted a drill I could use all day.  Got the DeWalt, but I did get the 18v, no direct experience with the 14.4.  Very dependable and tough, though it's fidgety as you switch the torque settings (there are three).  When you're driving a lot of screws it's great to have a quality drill to do the pilots and countersinks, and a separate impact driver for driving in the screws...  Anything (like leaving off the hammer portion) that makes the drill lighter makes using it for its intended purpose, all day long, easier.  Then again the impact version wasn't that much heavier or more expensive...

   My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
1. 
   bakesale1 | Mar 22, 2006 12:25am | #6

   Thanks for the suggestions.  I really need the combination of a screw gun/drill. 

1. 
   John_D | Mar 22, 2006 06:29pm | #7

   If you're going to use it to drive screws, there's no way you want to pass up on an impact hammer.  Even the crappiest impact hammer does an awesome job driving deck screws... my cheap 14.4v Craftsman impact driver will outdrive my fancy 18v DeWalt drill, no contest (though I'd not want it to drive drill bits, the DeWalt kicks butt there).

   Now that I know you want to drive screws and not just drill, I'll withdraw my previous DeWalt recommendation (not aware of problems, but haven't used the impact hammer version).My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.

1. 
   bakesale1 | Mar 22, 2006 11:56pm | #8

   Thanks for responding John. I need it to perform both functions, drill and screw. Do they make impact drivers that are cheap enough that I could get a good drill and buy the cheapy impact driver?

1. 
   Greg80 | Mar 23, 2006 07:22am | #9

   Panasonic.  They work until you drop them off a roof. Nothing else comes close.  I'm on my sixth set of batteries with mine, which is, I think, close to ten years old now.

2. 
   bakesale1 | Mar 23, 2006 09:51pm | #13

   Thanks, Gregg.  Any opinion of the Hilti 15.6 volt?  I can get a pretty good deal on it locally.

3. 
   mudman | Mar 23, 2006 05:44pm | #11

   Depends on your budget. I have a 12v. Hitachi impact driver that I got on sale for $150. And impact drivers a good for drilling holes less than 1/8". The problems are that you have to use bits with the QR shank and if the driver starts impacting (they don't impact untill the turque exceeds the clutch on the winding spring) it can break the bit in the hole. For light duty weekend work Ryobi is a great deal. I think that you can get a Ryobi cordless drill for less than $150. they actuall sell a impact driver as well and then you would not have to buy the batteries twice. I bet you could get the two of them for $250.

   Mike

4. 
   bakesale1 | Mar 23, 2006 09:50pm | #12

    

6. 
   Pondfish | Mar 23, 2006 01:11pm | #10

   I use the DW 14.4 and am very happy with it.  I like the three speed/torque options and use them a lot.  I started working with a crew lately and find that they all use the DW 14.4 as well.

   Impact drivers are great, though noisy.  The DW will have no problems driving screws; if you want a versatile driver drill, this is a good choice. 

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
7. 
   csacoe | Mar 24, 2006 02:18am | #14

   I purchased the Makita 14v. drill with the impact as a set with two ni batteries and the quick charger for around two something. Real pleased. Makita will be around for a while. Still have the 9v. that I got 12 years ago and it runs fine.