I am looking at buying a set of lithium ion type drill and drivers for myself for Christmas. I was at the local big chain hardware store and saw some makita and dewalt ones. Anything from 12v-20v, brush or brushless. I just want to find something light weight and to use around the garage and house. Most 2 piece sets were around $200. Anyone have any recommendations?
__________________
Chris
1968 Camaro SS
LS3/T56
Full of DSE and Holley parts
Second the Milwaukee, also the Bosch impact driver has impressive torque specs if you need it. Based on the experiences of two friends that are motorcycle mechanics. Ryobi's drill/impact kit appears to have good specs and a good price point choice.
As with all the cordless equipment I've owned the batteries fail well before the tool itself (Makita, Porter Cable, Craftsman brands). So factor consumer vs. commercial usage vs. battery life & replacement cost into your decision.
I have Makita, Milwaukee, and Bosch between home and work, to me the Makita and Milwaukee both have good feel to them both in hand and quality. I use my makita daily, abuse the crap out of it and have had no issues, my Milwaukee had a battery crap out before the first year. The Bosch I'm not overly impressed with the feel but the price was right and have had no problems.
__________________
Matt (amateur jack stand class)
73 Camaro in slooow process
69 Firebird LS1 4l60E
70 Chevelle 402bb tko600
I have used them all professionally and i have had the best luck with ridgid.i think its relabeled dewalt/ black and decker and i have some over 10 yrs old and i use them alot.i want to say that batteries are lifetime on new tools now.i also have the full line of porter cable 18v that are my around the house tools that are priced well and work great.dewalt,makita,milwakee are overpriced and fail at the same rate as the cheaper brands and i dont feel as bad when my cheap drill dies.
I have the Rigid impact driver and it's great. Won't take lugs off but it works in a lot of cases. If you want something strong enough for lugs you'll need to look for one of the 1/2" ones.
I've heard that ryobi batteries are always backwards compatible (think it was them). That is a nice plus as when you buy another cordless tool the battery will work in your old tools.
I had to make a similar decision a couple months back and went with the Milwaukee M18 Fuel setup. So far it is awesome.
They also just rolled out some additional tools for the line. I picked up a 3/8" lmpact on Cyber Monday for a great price. I'm curious to see how it does with lugs since it is rated at 200 ft/lbs.
__________________
John
'71 Nova (Build thread)
FFR Roadster
Ryobi's drill/impact 18v kit, best bang for the buck! Stuff takes a beating, had mine for 1 1/2 years and I have not been nice to them and has not let me down.