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I doo some do-it-yourself projects around the house periodically. Typically it's sporadic, I may go months and not do anything and then only do something very simple like reinforcing or refreshing something already there. Thus, usually my needs aren't great, but lately I've doing a lot more and wondering if maybe it's time to get a cordless drill to keep those cords out of my way. I tend to do more "driving" in screws vs actually drilling, unless I "pre-drill" a hole so that a screw goes in easier.
If I elect to get a cordless drill, what voltage do I want to look for in order to have decent battery life and power that won't make me significantly miss the corded drills I have? Any other tips to consider?
Since you don't use the dril for long periods you will want to get a "Lithium Ion" type as they hold charge much better than the older NiCad or Nickle Hydride. 18 volt is pretty much the standard. I would not pay extra for 22volt, but if you find a deal on those with such a rating (or higher) then you might as well consider it.
My experience is the best way to avoid missing the corded drills is to use a corded drill.
Cordless drills may work well if you use and charge them daily. If you go months between projects they may be more hassle than they are worth unless you are really good about charging and maintaining them.
I do some do-it-yourself projects around the house periodically.
Typically it's sporadic, I may go months and not do anything...
...wondering if maybe it's time to get a cordless drill to keep those cords out of my way.
I'll say no. Corded 120V tools cost less and are more powerful.
As with any cordless tool/device, the higher the voltage, the higher the heat it produces. The higher the heat, the less "life" the battery will have.
For what you do and the amount of use a cordless drill/driver would see, you would probably be better off with a 12 or 14.4 niCad type tool. The lower voltage would give you a longer overall life and the price would be better justified for your intended use.
I use a Dewalt 18v drill/driver almost everyday in some fashion or another. Battery packs last about 1.5yrs- that when I start to notice run-times falling off. I'm on my second set of cells in 2yrs.; when these start fading the driver will probably start fading also. Then I look at replacing both.
I also have 12 and 14.4v drill/drivers at home that are strictly for those odd jobs around the house. Those cells have lasted about 5yrs- but are showing signs of depleted run times.
I have tried all the big name brands except Hilti. Ridgid's x4 hyper li-ion set is the best I have tried and owned. Its a bit more expensive but has the best warranty (lifetime: even batteries) so if you keep it it actually becomes less expensive than competing brands. I did not have a need for the impact driver so I sold that. They have sets with fewer tools,but, the saws are worth the price even if you use a multi-function drill the most. Amazing tools with great batteries that hold a charge. I did buy a better storage kit with bit, blade and fastener storage. Li-ion technology has come a long way for sure.
I doo some do-it-yourself projects around the house periodically. Typically it's sporadic, I may go months and not do anything and then only do something very simple like reinforcing or refreshing something already there. Thus, usually my needs aren't great, but lately I've doing a lot more and wondering if maybe it's time to get a cordless drill to keep those cords out of my way. I tend to do more "driving" in screws vs actually drilling, unless I "pre-drill" a hole so that a screw goes in easier.
If I elect to get a cordless drill, what voltage do I want to look for in order to have decent battery life and power that won't make me significantly miss the corded drills I have? Any other tips to consider?
Odd you ask. My brother is the best handyman around his house. He does all sorts of things and even is restoring two cars. Well, I visited him recently and, although he still had some battery powered tools, he said they were too much trouble. They always seem to need charging and you need to have the charger and alway keep it handy.
I feel he is right and plan to change from my battery powered tools to corded ones. This can be done gradually and giving priority to the ones where the battery is the most trouble, as in when I can't find the right charger or it is too heavy.
The latter point is one that I did not figure on. Sometimes the batteries on these tools are heavier than the tools themselves, or so it seems. That makes it hard to work where you need to hold the tool up or work for a long time.
We have 4 Craftsman cordless drills, two angled and two straight, and they all are on 18 volt lithium batteries. We keep the batteries on their chargers all the time and get amazing amounts of run time on each one before it needs charged. We also have corded drills but always reach for the cordless ones unless we are drilling something really tough, like a big hole saw, that might damage the cordless ones.
I know there are lots of other brands out there, and Craftsman tools are not what they once were, but these drills have actually been very good and durable.
Add in another vote for corded for all the reasons stated above.
But, if you absolutely Must have cordless and from the sound of your use, you only really need a lightweight drill/driver. If you don't have a corded/real drill first, get one, but I've been nothing but pleased with my Bosch units ~ Amazon.com: Bosch CLPK27-120 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit (Drill/Driver and Impact Driver) with 2 Batteries, Charger and Case: Home Improvement I've had them for about 6~7 years now and the strong points are that the batteries hold a charge very well for months on end, charge quickly and the units are smaller/lighter without sacrificing too much on power. I use mine mostly for motorcycle mechanics where I'm frequently taking off 400 screws to remove motorcycle bodywork but have used them for drilling through ceramic tile to mount shower rods, as well as wood and a Little bit of metal drilling. It's really best as a bit driver, and I've used it to drywall, even through cement backer board in showers. Those times when I don't want to deal with my 400lb gorilla of a corded drill or can't physically get it into the space needed.
20 years from now, your corded drill will still work fine.
A few years from now, your cordless drill will need a new battery. And, you will find: "We don't don't make that anymore, everyone has moved on to [insert latest technology here]. So, now you own a paperweight.
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Stick to a Corded Drill
