Which 18V Drill should I buy?

Oh, and the radio isn't dumb at all. I have one for my Ryobi batteries. I use it all the time.

 

If you buy the ridgid make sure you get the paperwork in on time or you lose the lifetime warranty. I've got a dead battery pack and didn't get it in on time so it's on me to rebuild the pack. Drill is great though. I don't have the lithium set though.

Friend of mine has the Milwaukee set and loves it. Great set, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a set.

 

I would go makita, Milwaukee, dewalt...in order of how well they work. I own Hilti impacts and drills but I am not sure if they still sell them there. Makita has a clip that I wish every tool I own had.

 

Ridgid for the Lifetime Batteries..

 

Panasonic...

 

Only problem I have ever had with batteries was freezing or not using them. Normally my tools are shot long before the battery gives up. I believe he said its just for around the home so lifetime batts would be a nice benefit.

 

They smell funny!

 

I bought a porter cable 1/2" drill and impact combo this go around. It was cheap and has a 3 year warranty. In 3 years some new fangled thing will be out that is a ton better, so if it outlasts the warranty I will be happy. I had a dewalt older model and the batteries all sucked so I was glad to get rid of it. Dewalt and porter cable are both black and decker anyway.

 

I love my Dewalt XRP combo. I have the hammer drill with light and reciprocating saw. The batteries charge in an hour. I bought a corded circular saw because I didn't think it would last too long on batteries.

My only complaint about DeWalt is that their radios are too expensive for what you get. I really wanted a rugged shop radio that would charge my batteries, but there are other brands (Bosch?) that have a lot more features (more outlets, sound inputs, better sound, etc) for a lot less cash. I've even seen reviews where people said they bought different brand radios and connected a DeWalt charger to them. I'm disappointed every time I look at them at Lowe's. C'mon DeWalt!!!

 

My DeWalt tools don't smell at all.

To the OP, some of the newer drills have a belt clip on the bottom so you can hang it on your belt while you go up a ladder. You might want to check that out as well. I've been thinking about adding one to my kit. Trying to carry a drill and whatever you're working on up a ladder at the same time isn't fun.

 

x2

just got an M18 Fuel hammer drill/impact combo kit

 

Whatever you end up getting, buy it from Lowes. You can return it after you soak it in water and get a new one. I worked there.

 

Ryobi with the new lithium batties fits perfect then.

 

Mine smell too. I'm selling my used Dewalt tools if anyone would be interested. Cordless. Used. Going to get me rigid.

I work in the plumbing industry and we go thru Dewalt and Ryobi like water thru paper. Porter cables and rigid last us longer

 

My votes for the Dewalt. I have the 20v hammer drill and it is awesome. It can break your wrist I swear. I have the bigger battery so it seems to last forever on a charge. I use mine almost daily at work, and don't treat it gently, drops bangs etc. Tough as nails, and I'd buy another in a heartbeat.

 

I used to swear by Panasonic , just recently replaced it all with Makita

 

Just until they get some use and are broken in

 

I didnt know panasonic made power tools

 

IMHO makita makes the best cordless drills/impact drivers. Get a impact with a brushless motor if you use it alot

 

Craftsman.




Kidding aside, I bought my set close to 10 years ago, and everything still works. I've added batteries so I've got 4 in rotation and two chargers, and I've worked all day and never run out of juice. Plenty of torque for just about any job, and I can't even count how many times I've knocked the drill driver off of high places and had to climb down and get it. Nothing has broken, needed repair, or fallen apart.

Plus, they've got a TON of tools as part of the C3 platform.