any input on cordless driver/drills for basic use for a novice?

Kathy P
by Kathy P
  20 answers
  • ToolSelect.com ToolSelect.com on Dec 13, 2011
    Kathy, we would love to help you out. ToolSelect does not sell tools, we do unbiased reviews on products you may be interested in. Here is a video about Cordless Drill/Drivers. A lot of drills look similar. However, they all have specific functions depending on your application and price points. This video helps understand the difference. http://youtu.be/xN_iFDm9SgQ If this video isn't enough, here is a "How to Choose" a drill driver Article http://toolselect.com/news/article/11 Once you decide on which kind of drill/driver is right for you, we have a comparison tool that will help you define your requirements and the price your willing to pay. http://toolselect.com/search/category/Cordless-Drills-and-Drivers Once you choose a tool that is right for you, click our "Pricing" tab and we will show you the lowest price online to get this tool. We hope this helps. Let us know if we can be further assistance.
  • Kathy P Kathy P on Dec 13, 2011
    thanks for the info but i ams till confused as to what to buy. i just want it simple and reliable
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Dec 13, 2011
    Kathy... I have 3 Dewalt 18 volt cordless drivers / drill. Two of them are the heavier duty impact drill type with 3 speeds...one is the more basic (older) 2 speed no impact. I would recommend it in a minute. Look at the reviews...it has better than 95% five star ratings. http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Power-Tools-Drills/DEWALT/h_d1/N-5yc1vZaqxhZ4j2/R-202019943/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 If you want to get a "newer tech" version the Lithium ion ones will have better battery life. but at nearly 3 times the cost. http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Power-Tools-Drills/DEWALT/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ4j2Zaqxh/R-202922437/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053 I have found some good deals at Amazon.
  • Kathy P Kathy P on Dec 13, 2011
    Thanks for the answers, but I'm still hoping for more ideas.
  • Kathy P Kathy P on Dec 13, 2011
    just checked the site and i was not expecting the price to be so high. i was looking more for a drill for an occasional project, more light duty.
  • The Ryobi drills at Home Depot are pretty good. I have a bunch of them. They are pretty sturdy, batteries last a fairly long time. Not real expensive so if you loose it or it breaks your not loosing to much money. In fact that is why I use them. I have lots of people working for me from time to time. When they do not have their own tools, rather then giving them by Bosch or Makita equipment, I give them the Ryobi stuff. Their basic drill works like a charm. Can drill lots of holes, or can drive lots of screws as well. Perfect for the weekend warrior.
  • Shane Tallant Shane Tallant on Dec 13, 2011
    Kathy P- Ive always used Dewalt, but just last night asked 'Santa' for this Ryobi that I saw at Home Depot. It's a middle of the road drill with a name that you can rely on. http://goo.gl/6LT7f Good Luck!
  • Go with the Ryobi ones. The Dewalts are great tool, but more for the professional. The Ryobis are a good compromise of quality and price.
  • Charles R Charles R on Dec 13, 2011
    Yep, keep it plugged in! I can't tell you how many times I reach for mine and guess what? Battery is dead!
  • Harold M Harold M on Dec 13, 2011
    I'm with KMS. Go with Dewalt 18v. A cordless drill is one of the most used tools in my arsenal. Don't go cheap or you'll be unhappy
  • LandlightS LandlightS on Dec 13, 2011
    Kathy....I would strongly suggest the Bosch 18volt Li-ion Hammer Drill/Driver. It may be overkill, but you pay for what you get. Ryobi is a private label of Home Depot as is their Rigid line of power tools......both made by Black and Decker/DeWalt. I use the hammer drill feature to mount transformer to brick and concrete walls. Great battery life and very well balanced. In metro Atlanta, Lowes is selling the Bosch drill for $159.00 and is a great value, for the price, when compared to all others. Just my humble opinion Have a good holiday Gary
  • Kathy, I assume from your name that you are a female. I have multiple cordless tools but find the additional weight from the battery to be difficult to handle. This is especially true when you are working above shoulder height. As the battery gets older, they do not last as long and are not cheap to replace. Unless you use it frequently and are in to pumping iron, I keep reaching for the lighter weight drill and the extension cord. I have a nifty cord that can be rolled up like a water hose . . . easy to use and store. Also, most power tools are designed for a man's hand. When buying power tools, I go with a reputable brand that is the most comfortable in MY hand. A lot of the contractors laugh at my "girl tools". But guess who they come to when they need to borrow something!!! LOL
  • Karen M Karen M on Dec 14, 2011
    I'm a very very occasional drill user and i have a ryobi that seems fine for the few things i do every year.
  • KMS Woodworks KMS Woodworks on Dec 14, 2011
    One of the differences, between the 80 dollar Ryobi and the 100 dollar Dewalt is the 3/8 vs 1/2 shank size. Nearly all of my drill bits are full shank which means these large sizes would not fit in the smaller ryobi drill. other common complaints are its lack of power and torque or clutch ability. In my book the extra 20 bucks is well worth it. I do have a very small 4.5 volt "baby" ryobi...which is handy for small detail work...you just need to know that its primary role is driving small hardware type screw...installing a deck screw? forget it.
  • ToolSelect.com ToolSelect.com on Dec 15, 2011
    Kathy, not sure if your still on the hunt for a drill, but a light duty DIY tool at a low cost is the http://youtu.be/1_6TKq17uMo You can also look at Craftsman Nextec Drills. http://youtu.be/sblqTqiRGdA Check it out here. Affordable price and a diverse battery platform to power other tools.
  • Capncraigagain Capncraigagain on Dec 16, 2011
    Above all, be sure that it fits comfortably in your hand and you feel good balance to the tool. You will also want to consider its weight, the lighter the tool the longer you will be able to work with it. My wife is petite, but loves to work with me on home improvement projects. We went out last fall and searched around for a good drill/driver for her. The one she selected was the DeWalt Compact Drill Driver with the Lithium battery. Its a great tool for her and I find myself using it more and more over my Black and Decker.
  • Bill C Bill C on Dec 16, 2011
    Try the Milwaukee 12 V drill with the XC battery, it is small and will do all of your drilling needs
  • Ryobi for reliability and cost.Around the house jobs.
  • Harold M Harold M on Jan 14, 2012
    I'm with KMS on this. Remember "You get what you pay for" Especially when it comes to tools
  • Kathy P Kathy P on Jan 14, 2012
    thank you. my son bought me one for christmas. he got me a black and deckeer which i have yet to use.