Power Tool Advice

[jims-terrano]

OK I know we have some tradesmen on here so I guess this one may be for you but any others are welcome too.

For the last 10 years I've had a Bosch 24V Drill that has been totally brilliant but for the last 3 or 4 years the batteries have been getting worse and worse but I've put up with it. Now the time has come to treat myself because I have a few large projects coming up this year. I thought they had stopped selling nicads but looks like they are still being sold though I'm not keen on Nicads.

So I've seen this drill and read the reviews which seem ok, a bit more than I was wanting to pay but I know I'll get use out of it.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-gsb-18v-li-18v-4ah-li-ion-cordless-combi-drill-coolpack-battery/69942#

[kitchenman]

Take one of the batteries apart, there is possibly 20 batteries in there, if so try Maplin they sell batteries with tags you can solder together, could be a low cost fix

[rustic]

Take one of the batteries apart, there is possibly 20 batteries in there, if so try Maplin they sell batteries with tags you can solder together, could be a low cost fix

Good advice there, but if the batteries are odd sizes, then you need to look at CPC Farnell.:thumb2

[jonela]

I have been in the building trade for over 25 years and in that time i have had every make of drill on the market and I always end up going back to Makita .I know there Li Ion drills are very expensive but I would recommend a makita ni cad any day over a cheep Li Ion . I have had several Makita ni Cad's and the batteries have never given in and the drills last longer than other cheaper and some more expensive makes .

[rakerman]

You'll need to add the cost of a 2nd battery to that one maybe? My youngest brothers a joiner and reckons Hitachi cordless aren't bad. He mostly uses Milwaukee cordless gear but doesn't like taking a £300 drill onto a roof. His Hitachi is 5 years old and used a lot more than the dearer one and still going strong. Whatever make and model you choose Google it and see if you can get it with an extra battery in with it:thumbs

[jims-terrano]

Thanks for the replies so far. I don't want to mess about with the batteries as the drill is 12 years old now so it's served me well.

Have been doing a bit more digging and found this one.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-dhp453rftk-18v-3ah-li-ion-cordless-combi-drill-w-101pc-accessory-kit/20547

[rakerman]

I like how they offer a £50 saving on a second battery, pity their battery costs twice what you can buy them foe elsewhere!

[jims-terrano]

Yeah I noticed that too but to be honest much as I want a good drill the second battery doesn't matter with such a short charge time, I'll have a cuppa whilst it's charging:thumbs

[solarman216]

agreed battery far too dear, but for DIY use and a 22min charge do you need a 2nd battery, nice drill otherwise, Rick

[clivvy]

well, I have to agree with Jonela - Li-Ion powered tools are superb and that's the direction I would be going for battery powered tools. More expensive, but far superior to NiCad in terms of battery power, stamina and charge times.

My favourite tool is my little li-ion cordless driver, I use it for small tasks around the home/shed and its awesome.

[clivvy]

have a look at ToolTime also, here is an example

http://www.tooltime.co.uk/shoppingcart/products/Draper-Expert-03289-18%252dVolt-Li%252dIon-Cordless-Rotary-Combi-Drill-%252b-2-Li%252dIon-Batteries.html

ok its Draper, but I've never had a problem with any Draper tools.

[solarman216]

have a look at ToolTime also, here is an example

http://www.tooltime.co.uk/shoppingcart/products/Draper-Expert-03289-18%252dVolt-Li%252dIon-Cordless-Rotary-Combi-Drill-%252b-2-Li%252dIon-Batteries.html

ok its Draper, but I've never had a problem with any Draper tools.

nice drill but at 1.3 ah battery very low on power, but of course depends what you want it for, I for instance want to be able to drive in a hundred or more 4 inch screws on a charge, so 4 ah is minimum requirement, but if you are only assembling kitchen units then this will do fine, Rick

[rakerman]

This is the one I've got but with 2 batteries cos they take an hour to charge and I couldn't handle that much coffee! 4ah and twice the torque of a Makita, but as Rick says it all depends what you expect of it:nenau

http://directbrandtools.com/Detail.asp?qsFullScr=Yes&qsProd=DV18DSDL/JV

[clivvy]

agreed, personally id go for the biggest battery I could, in Li-Ion form:thumbs

[walshie]

Makita all the way for me, I have a no-cad which has been unstoppable, but if I were buying new now it would be li-ion Makita.
Matt

[kitchenman]

I agree I had a Makita and the battery seemed unstoppable
Also the Makita mentioned has a 3 maH battery, the tooline one is 1.3, perhaps that is why they supply two:confused:

[macabethiel]

I have a Makita cordless screwdriver its NiCad now 8 years old and both batteries still hold charge.

My drill was bought at the same time a De Walte with 3 batteries niCad all now failed and new batteries cost more than a drill.

Replaced the De Walt with a Hitachi 18 volt Lion from screwfix came with 2 batteries when on offer. Its a better keyless chuck than the De Walt that was replaced under warranty when it fell apart. Charge seems to last longer too.

[jims-terrano]

Dam Dam Dam Dam

Have not had chance to go and get a drill and now the Makita has gone up by £50 :doh:doh:doh:doh:doh