Cordless drills, opinions?

[csservices]

Also known as Erbauer

 

I've been running an Eraser for 6-7 years I think 18v one, been used with 19mm auger bit for ganging gates does that no problem and all the general drilling and screwing, has had alot of use, one battery is just starting to fail but can't fault it for the money.

[thtc]

I have used alot of cordless drills and by far the most powerful and reliable are the makita. If you want to spend the money try screwfix for the full combi pack. I dont know how i ever lived without it.

[cornish wood burner]

Also known as Erbauer

 

Glad someone can spell Erbauer. I should have been able to as we have had a few. Only bought the first, the rest were under guarantee. Screwfix are very good to deal with though.

[csservices]

I thought I did spell Erbauer apparently autocorrect thought better :@

[Haironyourchest]

Power tools are like chainsaws, wine and cars.

 

There are several variables that change from one decade to the next and from one year to the next.

 

Brands go through cycles of quality.

 

The quality differences between major brands are often so small they cannot realistically be quantified.

 

Certain models from certain brands from certain years prove to be duds. It could be that some little component in that particular model was sources from the 'wrong' factory in the 'wrong' country during the 'wrong' year. Only hindsight can identify the dud and then it's too late.

 

Likewise, the tools that become legendary are no longer available and the used ones are spun out....

 

I have read all the replies. How can it be that one guy finds (lets say) Makita batteries excellent and another finds them terrible??? Is it a case of a bad batch or bad tool management?

 

Personally I have mostly Hitachi stuff simply because that is what is available locally and is considerably cheaper than the other brands. I have not yet been let down by them.

 

I say buy the drill that feels best in the hand and make sure its a heavy duty model and with the highest amp hour batteries you can find. The higher the amp hour the less the drill will pull from each of the the cells and the less stressed the battery will be. Less heat generated and more efficient and more longevity.

 

Consider going cordless sds. They can do everything a normal drill can do plus drill serious holes in stone and also be a mini-jackhammer. Heavy, mostly, but there are also lighter versions out there.

[ally]

I remember looking at Hitachi drills maybe 15-20yrs ago at a dealers , they were great quality but much dearer than Bosch or Makita . Now I think they are cheaper if anything . They have either gone downmarket or are a real bargain .

[woody paul]

My brother bought a little green bosch drill years ago that drill went on and on. Used to take corn bins apart, old water tanks plus drill loads of hole. Do not make un like that any more .

[MR TREEBUS]

I remember looking at Hitachi drills maybe 15-20yrs ago at a dealers , they were great quality but much dearer than Bosch or Makita . Now I think they are cheaper if anything . They have either gone downmarket or are a real bargain .

 

After many years of cheap screwfix cordless drills and a couple of Erbauers I finally treated myself to a Hitachi 18v with two 5 ah lithium Li on batteries from ffx,had it about a year now and not done a massive amount of work, but I have to say mega impressed

Also it was the high torque spec one....im fairly sure some of the ones they have cheap at screwfix are not as high spec and are meant for light diy use.

Dont know if it will last. ...time will tell.

[mendiplogs]

After many years of cheap screwfix cordless drills and a couple of Erbauers I finally treated myself to a Hitachi 18v with two 5 ah lithium Li on batteries from ffx,had it about a year now and not done a massive amount of work, but I have to say mega impressed

Also it was the high torque spec one....im fairly sure some of the ones they have cheap at screwfix are not as high spec and are meant for light diy use.

Dont know if it will last. ...time will tell.

 

Hi tree I will look into them hitachi mate thanks Jon

[eggsarascal]

After many years of cheap screwfix cordless drills and a couple of Erbauers I finally treated myself to a Hitachi 18v with two 5 ah lithium Li on batteries from ffx,had it about a year now and not done a massive amount of work, but I have to say mega impressed

Also it was the high torque spec one....im fairly sure some of the ones they have cheap at screwfix are not as high spec and are meant for light diy use.

Dont know if it will last. ...time will tell.

 

Hey Mr T, not seen you about for ages!

 

I use Makita these days, find them good enough. I've also got an old Bosch, must be 12+ years old, it's so good that i got new batteries for it a couple of times.

 

Mate of mine uses the Hitachi cordless drills he swears by them and they are a lot lighter than most of the other makes.