Thread: what is best high end cordless drill

Originally Posted by butcherboy

Looking for a higher cordless drill. I really like German made products. Have anyone had any expiernce with festool, metabolic, kress, stihl or protool. I know stihl is am Austrian country which are German to me and I think metro makes there cordless drills anyway. Your expiernced with any of these drills or impact drivers would be appreciated. I own a 3 Bosch 18v , 1 dewalt 18v (which I don't like, way to heavy) and a 12v hilt good tool but not enough power for what I do. Thanks, James

Butcherboy, I think the best "high end" drill for you is the one that fits the best.

So I'll answer with a question (or two).

What I'm suggesting is that nobody but you knows which drill will work best for your specific requirements. The drills you currently have are all highly regarded makes from reputable manufacturers. If you don't like them any more, then that's a good place to start. Having used them all, you will know them all intimately; their individual strengths and weaknesses.

When comparing these drills to what's currently available in the marketplace, you will be able to use this knowledge to determine which current make or model is better suited.

Some points to consider: how's the ergonomics? Is the grip too fat or slim? Is the drill well balanced; not top or front heavy?

Can the drill be easily set down on it's battery/picked up again, without looking, from the ground, or hung from you belt if required? Can a lanyard be easily attached for safe working at height?

Are the gearchange and direction buttons or levers intuitively place and easy to operate?

Does the drill have a high enough top speed for drilling with fine bits (if you use them), and slow and powerful enough for large augers and spade bits, if required?

While lithium cells are advantageous in a number of ways, they don't as yet have the longevity of nicads, which can last for literally thousands of charge cycles. Or do you require the lack of memory, light weight and long term discharge characteristics of lithium cells?

How's the weight? Will the drill be tiring to use for extended periods overhead or, for example, stretched right out @ arm's length from a ladder or scissor lift?

Is the clutch variable yet strong enough for driving the heaviest and largest screws and lags you envisage using?

Is the trigger (speed) control delicate enough for the smallest fixings that you use, allowing you to both just feather or drive really hard, as required?

Which features do you require: 2, 3 or even 4 speeds, hammer function, a variable clutch, electronic torque control, a one handed (locking) chuck? Features add weight and complexity. Do you need a heavyweight industrial model, or something lighter that can be used with finesse. In my experience, the two are mutually exclusive.

Does the manufacturer offer system accessories that are also suitable? Do you need accessory cordless saws, hammers, blowers, vacs., radios, planers etc. etc. and does one size of battery/charger fit them all?

Perhaps you begin your selection process by carefully assessing your needs to avoid an ill advised choice, which I'm assuming you've made with your five other drills!

I own two Panasonic 15.6v 3.5 amp/hr cordless drills. I have mainly used them for cabinet making and some capentry work. These drills have driven ten of thousands of holes and screws from my cabinet making days and are still going strong 6 years later! My cousin is a builder and has tried Dewalt and Makita cordless drills, before swapping to Panasonic. He treats his tools terribly and his Pansonics are still alive. I also know a lot a few sparkies who swear by Panasonic cordless drills.

They've got heaps of grunt. I read a tool review/comparison in one of the Australian Wood Review mags a few years ago - their testing revealed that the Pansonic drove more than twice as many screws as the Festool on one battery!

I'm a roofie and for a good balance between quality (steel chuck) ok speed (1800 rpm) impact, and affordability its the Hitachi DV18DL for me. I also have a WH18Dl impact driver which I love too! When (not if) my workers drop one off the roof it's $150 for a new skin on ebay with tax invoice.

but im not sure what you want a drill for.

For my woodworking projects at home I use my work drills and they do everything I need.

When I was on the tools I bought gear that was available, affordable, reliable, and replaceable. Ergonomics and prestige didn't come into it, try using a Makita 5900B or 3601B all day and you'll soon understand what ergonomics is and, more importantly, what it isn't. I have also purchased several Kress and Metabo tools and everyone of these has either been stolen or has failed. My point is this: if your high end tools are going to be used in your shed/workshop by you and you alone, then you can more afford to move away from the workhorse-only mindset and get something you personally desire. If, however, the tool is going to be carted around and used on-site by several others and is at greater risk of abuse, then I would go back to the workhorse-only theory.

When I was working full time, I only bought Makita tools.
Mainly because the back up and service here in Hobart is second to none.
Plus they are good tools.

The downside of Makita battery tools, is the batteries cannot be rebuilt and must be bought new every time you need a battery. Approx cost here at $100 each.

I now have quite a few cheaper tools. G.M.C. etc.

These batteries can be rebuilt by a specialist and come out better than new, for a fraction of replacement cost.

Just my 1c worth.

Paul.

My Son and I have a fleet of Panasonics (superseded 15.6V NiMH) that have taken a hell of a beating and are nearly bombproof. They are used for everything and I would replace them with Panas again - if I ever need to. A few broken cases and worn gearboxes have been easy and cheap to replace and they soldier on. A seriously heavy duty tool that will serve a woodworker for a lifetime.

Another Panasonic fan.

I have a 12v that is now about 12 years old. Repacked the battery twice, but the drill is fantastic - lots of power and light, which is perfect in the workshop.

I have also had a 15.6v for about 9 years. A powerhouse. Replaced the batteries as well. Bomb proof.

It is not possible to tell whether these, or similar, would suit - mine are old anyway - but Panasonic are very reliable tools. So my recommendation is for the brand not a particular drill.

Regards from Perth

Derek

Protool Quad drive looks a beast but cannot comment on them. Would like to though

A workmate has had his 2x TDK 12 Festools and 3x batteries for the past 14 or so years, and replaced his first battery earlier this year. When my makitas pass on, which they will, I'll be tracking down some old TDKs.