This question crops up every now and then. I have a Makita screwdriver/drill but the batteries are all but gone dead. New batteries cost much the same as a new machine [which includes two batteries] so what is the forum wisdom on replacement screwdriver/drill?
A new Makita is one option but the probability of the second battery fitting my old Makita is almost zero. DeWalt is the default choice of the TV builder type guys. This may be because DeWalt often sponsor such programs.
I need something that is strong, reliable and does not eat batteries. Suggestions please....
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. [Albert Einstein]
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https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-gsb-18-2-li-plus-18v-4-0ah-li-ion-cordless-combi-drill/7434k
https://www.screwfix.com/p/festool-564512-10-8v-2-6ah-li-ion-cordless-txs-combi-drill/6628V?kpid=6628V&ds_rl=1245250&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7cmvo8u81wIVyrvtCh3niA8kEAQYBiABEgIQIvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=COTOud3LvNcCFYwQGwod77wLzg
Not much between it and the blue Bosch stuff I imagine.
Here's the 18v effort:
https://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dcd776s2t-gb-18v-1-5ah-li-ion-cordless-combi-drill/2710p
https://shop.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/product/cordless-screwdriver-gsr-12v-20-hx--100040725
Hmmm....
It hasn't seen a lot of work but has flew through anything that I've needed it for. Drilling through brick on a hammer setting and blasting in screws is no issue whatsoever.
I paid about £90 from screwfix and got two batteries and a brilliant torch!
The big brands cost because they have good gears etc. Watch some yootoob vids for a selection of shootouts.
OR
I recently blew £34.99 on a 2 battery pack cordless 18v drill from Aldi. It's a backup/second device to my Makita (I can set one as a drill and one as a driver to save time) but I'm heavy DIY not professional. Had it less than a month, but so far (it's published specs are very similar) it has matched performance of the Makita that cost three times that much 5 years ago in the sales.
So it might be an option for some users, I'd like the 'comfort' of a big brand tool for pro work, but this Aldi unit is slightly smaller and lighter, only has a fabric tool bag but two batteries and a small charger.
https://www.aldi.co.uk/workzone-18v-li-ion-cordless-drill/p/079027166616800
So I have a big 18v multi-head drill driver and 18v cordless angle grinder, and then a 10.8v drill driver and (soon) the multi-head 12v driver which will take the batteries from the 10.8.
Also the batteries seem to last and last without any babying.
I wouldn't base things too much on what you see on building sites - I've seen Makita, Dewalt, Hilti, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Bosch Pro, and more. Even Festool on well-controlled sites once the builders are gone. It's more about going one step up from what B&Q and Homebase sell, at which point you're into tools that will handle trade use.
Most builders will be brand loyal, generally because of batteries. So I wouldn't see too much into what brand they have
Or just get Hilti if you want to show off to a local builder for whatever reason
Stuff for sale:
OWC Thunderbolt 2 Dock (12 port) & Apple Time Capsule 2TB
Thanks for the suggestions guys.
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00L3XK06C/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Tried it out drilling some wiring channels in an alder body and it is plenty powerful. Well worth the money.
Titan 18v cordless drill with 2 batteries & case from Screwfix £55
I have 3 Titan tools out of Screwfix and all been bloody good to date
Bosch IXO 5 cordless screwdriver with the attachments set
Both very good pcs of kit. Watch some of the cordless drills....they only have 10mm chucks & I want up to 13mm and very nearly ordered a Bosch with a 10mm chuck in error...so check the specs carefully
Satisfy my DIY needs...obviously if you are using them all day every day then you gonna be looking at more professional equipment
forget the 1.5-2.5Mah batteries tho, the 4.0-5.0Mah ones are well worth the investment... I with a fully charged 4.0Mah used the circular and jig saws to lay a large laminate floor and then the circular saw and drill/driver built a large chicken coop
That was the good news.
I looked at both Hitachi and DeWalt driver/drills. Both looked to be fine tools, solid and well built. Both balanced very well in the hand. Either would be a good buy, spare batteries available and in stock in the shop. The Hitachi sold for €269, the DeWalt for €239 with the 5 amp battery. Pushing a little, the Hitachi could be sold for €239, no scope for price reduction on the DeWalt. The assistant showed me a Dreaper equivalent at a third of the price but it looked it's price and felt awkward in the hand.
Thinking now that I might wait 'till after Christmas - there might be price reductions early in the New Year.
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https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00FYU4E7Q/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1