Thread: New Triton 18V Cordless drill

I popped into bunning today and bought one. For those that can't find it at bunnings, may i suggest you ask them for it. The bunnngs i went into didn't have them on display but had 1 box left up on the shlelfs hidden away. The sales assistant said they don't have time to put them on display as they sell out very quicky, maybe they only get a very limited supply for now.

But as everyone has mentioned it is one big drill and weighs a fair bit. Will charge her up tomorrow and give it a good workout.

But for now all i can say its a good price for an 18v cordless drill

Bugger.... Looks like I've been bitten by the first batch quality issues I was worried about.

Have been using the drill for a month or so now and it seems to have died at the first big job. I've been drilling 10mm holes into single brick in hammer mode all day and now the drill will not return to normal drill mode. The mode selector/clutch ring rotates but doesn't stop the drill from impacting. I've emailed Triton so we'll see what their response is.

Another issue I've found with the battery charger is that sometimes it doesn't seem to sense when there is a battery plugged in. Sometimes it seems to take a few turn on/ turn off at the wall before the light on the front goes red and it starts to charge. I think the 1hr charge time is a little optimistic as well. Try 2 hours and you're closer to the mark.

These dramas aside, the drill has been bloody great. It really is a powerful drill. I've been worried about the bit hooking up and leaving me spinning on the other end I really was expecting to never use the worklight but it's surprising how often you find yourself in a dark place (roof, cupboards etc..) where it is really usefull.

The plunge mechanism is another thing I thought I'd use only now and then but it's so easy I'd say it's being used in 80% of the holes I'd drill. It's particularly handy when trying to line things up overhead or wherever it's difficult to change position and look at relative angles of the drill and workpiece. Having the drill stop so easy to set up as well is meaning that I'm using it in the places I should be rather than guessing the depth and making a balls-up out of the job because I can't be bothered setting up a depth marker.

Anyone elses comments?

Hi dalejw,

I have done some drilling into walls using the hammer action, but not as much as you have been doing. No problems there. I do agree that the 1 hour charge is optimistic. Mine takes about 1h30m to charge.
Les

used mine for the first time a couple of days ago. As already mentioned the charge took about 1.5 hours. I haven't used it in hammer mode only to drill some holes in a bookshelf i was building with moveable shelfs. So i had to drill a row of holes down the shelf. Usualy i would use the drill press for this work but i thought i would give the triton a shot with the plunge mechanism ann guide system. It worked brilliantly, with the guide system in place and the depth stop adjusted it was a breeze to drill all the holes accurately.
The only thing was that the drill is so damn heavy that after a while the arm get tired.
Haven't used the built in light as yet nor do i think i will need to but you never know.
For under $300 you can't realy ask for any more out of an 18v cordless drill

Originally Posted by johna

For under $300 you can't realy ask for any more out of an 18v cordless drill

Except maybe one that has a standard drill mode rather than being a dedicated hammer drill

No response from Triton as yet. Will ring em tomorrow.

Les
What's the cost of a Dewalt in Aus compared to the Triton?
I bought the 18volt Dewalt and have been so impressed.

DW959K2 $455
DW987K2 $545
DW987K3 $625

bothe are 18v the 3rd one comes with 3 batteries

Originally Posted by dalejw

Except maybe one that has a standard drill mode rather than being a dedicated hammer drill

No response from Triton as yet. Will ring em tomorrow.

Dale,
I am in Perth, but have always phoned the Triton guys in Melbourne with very good results - use the 1300 number. If you have not done so, it is better to call them direct.
Barry,
John has given the dewalt prices, so you can see that it is $160 AU to $330 AU cheaper depending on model.
Regards
Les

Les
Triton prices are 25 to 35% higher in the UK. With the drill at $295 in Aus what is the price of the Dewalt 18volt drill. I have one and have found this to be the Rolls Royce of drills.

Sorry I did not see the prices earlier I have a DC988. with 2.4ah NiCD battery
Triton here is not posting prices for the resporator or the steel saw yet. The drill maybe next year

"Triton prices are 25 to 35% higher in the UK."

I wonder – is any of that government tariffs, etc? :confused:

I have noted that the triton prices in the USA is also about 30% higher than OZ while browsing some of the ww tool sites.

Well the triton guys have come through. Got this via email today. Great service.

Dale,

We would certainly like to get the drill back for evaluation.
Please advise your postal details and we will send you a replacement drill and get you to send your drill back in the box the new one comes in marked "return to sender".

Regards,
Matt Roche.
Customer Service

The Dewalt prices in the Uk are the same as in AUS so the Triton should be cheaper in the Uk when it arrives.