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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Melbourne
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    105

    Default Which Cordless Drill?

    Hi Folks,

    As I mentioned in another thread, I'm getting rid of some old cordless drills which I inherited and which don't work any more due to failed batteries. As a result I'm on the lookout for a new cordless drill. In general, I like quality. I use the drill for a couple of different things - general DIY stuff around the house (and relatives houses!) but also for woodwork (for projects where I need to get things done quickly).

    I was thinking of getting a Metabo 18V brushless (see https://sydneytools.com.au/metabo-bs...iver-combo-kit) however they're quite a bit more than others such as a Makita 18V (https://www.justtools.com.au/makita-...rill-bdf444rfe).

    Am I going a bit overboard with the Metabo? Would something like the Makita be "good enough"?

    Cheers,

    Chris

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    May 2012
    Location
    Woodstock (Cowra)
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    74
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    3,369

    Default

    Makita
    The person who never made a mistake never made anything

    Cheers
    Ray

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,741

    Default

    I've had two brushless Makita's for a year now and I really like em so I will probably buy a 3rd. They seem to go for ever on one charge,

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2013
    Location
    Montmorency Victoria
    Posts
    554

    Default

    It is a bit of a cliche .... but the tool's gotta match the job.

    The brushless tools are great for the tradie .. but a good quality brush tools (brushes are replaceable) is fine for the DIY woodworker IMHO

    I'd be looking for at least 4ah batteries because many of the addons such as grinders will need the extra power ... variable speed and variable torque as well as a hammer function are important

    I have Makita (brush type) drill, driver and grinder with 4ah batteries. Can't fault them.

    Regards

    Rob

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
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    Lost in Space
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    53
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    2,406

    Default

    Any of the Modern Drill Drivers will do the Job for what your wanting to do

    ....................My choice is the smallest 18V Bosch

    Im in the camp of quality also so you dont end up with ticking landfill................If i was recommending for Long Production run Trade work

    Id go an Hitachi most tradies consider their gear bulletproof...............when I was a boiler maker 'the boss' swore by Hitachi

    I can say all the Drills, Drill Drivers, JAck HAmmers didnt fail once in 5 years................I watched Metabo stuff die all the time and killed 2 of their 9 Inch Grinders Myself

    Just my 2 bobs worth

    Regards Lou
    Just Do The Best You Can With What You HAve At The Time

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    105

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by NewLou View Post
    Any of the Modern Drill Drivers will do the Job for what your wanting to do

    ....................My choice is the smallest 18V Bosch
    WRT Bosch, is this what you mean:

    https://www.gettoolsdirect.com.au/bo...iker2-0ah.html

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Mornington Peninsula
    Posts
    2,741

    Default

    This thread may help

    Cordless Drill Replacement

    I ended up with a DeWalt, and am very happy.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
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    53
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by cpsmusic View Post
    Check out the WoodKnight on YouTube he does a good review and highlights some of the the features that are worthwhile looking out for:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwAQ...67nIAE&index=6

    He's Aussie too so you'll get some good local knowledge..................Hope this helps

    Regards Lou
    Just Do The Best You Can With What You HAve At The Time

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    se Melbourne
    Age
    62
    Posts
    2,567

    Default

    One of the problems is sometimes we have too much choice and no way to really compare them. Even in the same make there is a wide variety of offerings.
    As an example, Makita have about eight different Driver Drills, as well as eight Hammer Driver Drills.
    For over six years I have been using a Makita drill driver in my Handyman business. At times it does not have quiet the power I would like it to have. When I only had 1.5 Ah batteries, yes at times I could flatten them on bigger jobs. Have not had the same problem since I started using 3 Ah batteries. The newer batteries, ending in B have a gauge to tell you the charge left. A useful feature.
    Another Makita drill driver that I bought (as a kit at Bunnings) seems to be a lower spec, and lower power so I use it at home, more so when constructing in the workshop - does not go on the road.

    Where I work full time we have AEG drill drivers. These have more power than the Makita, and the batteries have a fuel gauge. But the one item they lack is a free ring on the end of the chuck which I find useful to steady the bit when starting a fine hole. Can also prevent damage if working in a confined space.

    Lots of choice out there. Go to a dedicated tool shop (such as Just Tools) and ask for advice. Handle the tool (with a battery) and see how it fits you. If you have a traddie working for you or nearby, see what they use and if you can ask for their comments.

    While you are probably not even thinking of it, what other tools could you use with the same battery and charger. Circular saws, jig saws, chain saws, grinder, sander, fans, blowers, garden edger, hedge trimmer, torches, lights, radio, lawn mower and coffee maker are all available. Not to mention heated jackets and vacuum cleaners for when you have finished on a cold day.

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
    Location
    Macksville
    Age
    62
    Posts
    390

    Default

    I got this combo Milwaukee - M18 Brushless - 4.0Ah 2 Piece Combo Kit - M18BLPP2B402C | Total Tools a few months ago, they reduced the price to $499 with a bit of haggling. I use it at home & sometimes on site for work, where I'm drilling 12mm holes in heavy steel pipe. I see more Milwaukee tools on site than anything else. Get a combo with an impact driver, they're fantastic for driving screws.
    The only drawback I've found was when working laying down under my house, the 4Ah batteries are heavy & hard on the arms, I think I'd need to spend some time at the gym if I had their new 9Ah ones.

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Bundaberg
    Age
    54
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    3,399

    Default

    When I built my deck a few years ago I needed to upgrade from my old Blue Bosch so I bought an AEG 18V combo from the Big Green Shed. It came with the drill, an impact driver, a radio and a bag to carry the lot around in plus two 2.5Ah batteries. I've since added the circular saw and their "Omnitool" along with a pair of 5Ah batteries. Love the lot.

    What seriously put me off Makita, Bosch etc was that that they seem to make their tools in a series with no compatibility; ie the 18V battery from series XYZ wouldn't fit a drill from either series ABC or QRS.
    Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Aug 2016
    Location
    Brisbane
    Age
    57
    Posts
    1,311

    Default

    I went with Hitachi last year. I did have a problem with the first 2 batteries but these were replaced without question and the replacements have been fine.
    The Hitachi for me because, they are trade quality but not top range so good for a hobbyist that wants something decent. They have one of the largest range of tools, one of the largest batteries but they are slightly cheaper than Mikita. I quickly acquired various tools in the range. All have worked flawlessly.
    As an amateur, it doesn't make sense to me to spend too much on cordless tools because the technology keeps evolving.

    Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
    My YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/2_KPRN6I9SE

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Apr 2013
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    Macksville
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    62
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    390

    Default

    One small point about soft V's hard cases. You can put the tools with batteries fitted in a hard case in your checked luggage when flying, but not in soft bags. Probably not a worry for most people, but if you're like me & have to fly your tool kit to jobs, it's something to consider.

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Location
    Victoria
    Age
    47
    Posts
    52

    Default

    As a carpenter with over 20 years experience, (now a cabinet maker,) Ive seen and used many makes and models. As an apprentice, I remember lashing out and getting the 9.6v makita. Thought that was the best thing ever. haha. Slowly evolved into different 18 v models and still have my original lithium ion Malita 18v impact driver from 8-9 years ago. Back then the batteries were lucky to last 6 months with a poor design.

    At some point, I bought a Ryobi one + cordless trimmer/router (old blue colour) for door furniture etc, as they were and still are I believe the only cordless trimmer out there. Could be wrong. Anyway, as I had the batteries, I slowly got a few more of the one+ stuff. Not designed for trade use, but can not kill any of it. Have had a very good run with it and would be more than sufficient for DIY 'rs and the occasional users. Their little radio is awesome for reception compared to my makita one which I hardly use now. The Ryobi impact driver is 4 x more powerful than my old makita also.

    I have lately gone off buying Makita, due to price, and gone with the AEG, mainly due to 6 year trade warranty. Best in the business. Great stuff so far.

    As a guide, and from what I have seen on site, most tradies have either Milwaukee or Makita nowadays. Rarely see much else (in my area, could be different elsewhere) Milwaukee are a bit like Festool, way over priced IMO. AEG and Ryobi are both owned by Milwaukee so are decent quality and would not hesitate to recommend either. The AEG oil pulse (impact) driver is my go to driver now. So quiet, yet powerful. Bit heavy though.

    I also have the bosch blue 10.8 volt set (redemption from large purchase of cabinet hardware recently) Nice little machines for the small jobs.
    So yes, I have 4 brands of cordless tools/drills which can get confusing but have all charging at once so I always have power.

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Aug 2004
    Location
    Lost in Space
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    53
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    2,406

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by NewLou View Post
    Any of the Modern Drill Drivers will do the Job for what your wanting to do

    ....................My choice is the smallest 18V Bosch

    Im in the camp of quality also so you dont end up with ticking landfill................If i was recommending for Long Production run Trade work

    Id go an Hitachi most tradies consider their gear bulletproof.............

    Regards Lou
    Also check out AVE who has a PHD in Electrical Engineering I think.................................

    literally pulls down gear and gives you the Good Oil on whats Snake Oil.....................n The Real Deal

    FAcinating Stuff you'd be suprised what he has found in regards to Festool Gear; Dewally n Milwakee

    Heres His Link:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev7--VXfD_Y

    Regards Lou
    Just Do The Best You Can With What You HAve At The Time

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