Cordless drill recommendations

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jonathan18

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#191850 18-Feb-2016 09:17

I was hoping to be able to get a bit of a steer in selecting a decent-quality but affordable cordless drill and impact driver set. Yep, I know this is a common topic on GZ, and I've re-read many of these threads, but I'm still not sure what I should go for!

My budget could make it to $400 for the two-tool set, and I'd stretch to no more than $600 if it included further useful tools. Given this is for just general home handy(or not-so-handy)man stuff, I don't need the latest and greatest Milwaukee or Makita, but I also want something that'll last the distance both in use and in longevity.

At this point I'm considering:

AEG - c. $370(?), which includes 2x 2 Ah batteries plus an LED light (which would be useful as our rechargeable torch has recently given up; this set is at my local Bunnings but not on their website - it's similar to this pack here but a bit cheaper and replaces the radio with the light) http://www.bunnings.co.nz/aeg-18v-cordless-combo-kit-3pc_p06230208. I've read positive things of the AEG tools here, including the long warranty (six years tools; three years batteries); I'd considered the 12v unit, but felt this was limiting (even if it was powerful enough), given the ability with the 18v set to buy additional tools at a later date. That said, the AEG skins aren't cheap...

Ryobi + One 2-piece kit for $248 with 2 x 1.3 Ah batteries - http://www.bunnings.co.nz/ryobi-one-18v-combo-kit-5pc_p06210640 . Benefits include the price and the wider One+ ecosystem, right up to the 2x 18v lawnmower, but I've read varying comments on the quality of Ryobi. (Plus my last cordless was a Ryobi, and it was a dog; though that was NiMH.) Also wondered about the five-piece kit for $499, which adds a circular saw, small sander and a torch, plus 2.5Ah batteries (http://www.bunnings.co.nz/ryobi-one-18v-combo-kit-5pc_p06210640). I don't really need the circular saw (have a corded Hitachi), and the torch uses a standard bulb, so not sure if this is worth the extra?

The guy at Bunnings tried to sell me on the more "flash" Ozito range, arguing they were acceptable quality and with the long replacement warranty it wouldn't matter if it broke down in that period, but I'm not that comfortable with this throw-away approach (they also didn't have any kits, so buying skins and batteries separately meant the total cost wasn't much of a saver over the other brands). I've not seen anything else within my budget which floats my boat, but would welcome some pointers. I also read so many disparate comments on brands like DeWalt, where there seems to be a common argument is not what it once was (and is clearly playing on the previous reputation to offer affordable tools).

Any recommendations and advice would be gratefully received!

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#1494665 18-Feb-2016 09:37

I've got the AEG kit you linked to and love it.

Both AEG and Ryobi are from the same manufacturer (Techtronic) but AEG overall seems to be more robust (better parts? lower tolerances?). I think Ryobi targets the home user, and AEG the prosumer/trade customer.

That said, there are far more tools in the Ryobi One+ (I've had my eye on the caulking gun and the nailers for a while). If there are tools in that that you might use, it might be worth going for the Ryobi ecosystem, since it's usually not worth buying batteries just for those skins.

Personally, I avoid the higher drain stuff (saws and grinders) as red herrings, as they just pillage your battery. While they're probably handy for a cut or two if you're at the top of a ladder (and how often does that happen), for anything else you are getting better and longer lasting performance from a corded option.

timmmay

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#1494688 18-Feb-2016 10:06

I have an 18V Bosch drill, had it 18 months or so, it works well :) I don't know much about tools or what the best tool brand is but I know everything I have that's Bosch (drill, dishwasher, waterblaster) works and is reliable.

networkn

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#1494690 18-Feb-2016 10:10

I went to purchase a Ryobi, and ended up with a Ozito, and I have to say I am pretty pleased with it. Get the red and black ones, not the older ones.

Jase2985

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#1494712 18-Feb-2016 10:42

I brought this one, but it had at the time a 4ah and 1.5ah battery in the kit, it does hammer, impact and drill functions so you don't need a separate drill for that

http://www.bunnings.co.nz/ryobi-one-18v-hammer-drill-driver-kit_p06210662

does everything the home handyman needs and it quiet solidly built.

SATTV

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#1494719 18-Feb-2016 10:51

My wife got me an Ozito 18v cordless drill for my Birthday last year.

It is considerably better than my Bosch drill.

I have done some heavy duty drilling with speedbits and the like and it is no issue. I could not do this with the Bosch, it would let out magic blue smoke.

It came with two batteries, charger, basic drills and a carry case.

The batteries last a very long time.

John

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stevenz

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#1494724 18-Feb-2016 10:54

FWIW I got an Ozito 18V Lithium unit with 2 batteries for (IIRC) $98. Very pleased with it, has had reasonable use so far and hasn't missed a beat, as above the batteries last for ages. Quality seems good. Would recommend.

@KnightNZ

jonathan18

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#1494776 18-Feb-2016 11:15

Thanks for all the replies.

It's interesting to read the number of people who are happy with their Ozito drills; there's a "twin pack" including impact driver at $147 (http://www.bunnings.co.nz/ozito-cordless-impact-drill-driver-kit-18v-li-ion_p00270312), which certainly is affordable (and is part of the red and black series mentioned above).

In regards to the two quality ranges of Ozito - they don't seem to have any of the higher-quality range on the Bunnings website, indeed there are no Ozito power tool skins let alone more expensive packages. Perhaps there's a different level of warranty offered on the two ranges? Has anyone experience with this higher-price Ozito range? Must go back to the store to check this out properly, but as mentioned earlier the cost of needing to buy each component separately probably doesn't make this a viable alternative; the cheap range, on the other hand, may be adequate going by the feedback here.

Good idea re a one-tool solution that does impact driving as well as drilling (re jase2985's post above), but how well will that drill do acting as an impact driver, given its relatively low levels of torque compared to a dedicated tool? (the combo drill has 49Nm; the dedicated impact driver has 170Nm). The other disadvantage I see is having to change bits between drill and screwdriver, which can get tedious after a while.

Note: I see I pasted the wrong link to the two-item Ryobi set - it's this one here http://www.bunnings.co.nz/ryobi-one-18v-2-piece-combo-kit_p00290788

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Adamww

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#1494874 18-Feb-2016 12:46

I recently brought the newest Brushless Ryobi one+ drill (~$329). After a few days I noticed the torque control did not work so I took that back. The replacement worked good for about a month then got hard to change gears then eventually stuck in low gear so I took that back. They gave me a new one and this time I pulled it out of the box in store and tested it before walking away, the torque control didn't work on that one either and after the store rep played with it a bit it died completely and wouldn't even run. I figured 3 out of 3 wasn't good odds so got a refund. The only other brushless in my price range was the AEG, a bit pricey but it has been perfect since.

I'm in bunnings regular since I'm in the middle of a big reno and notice people at the returns counter with a Ryobi box nearly every time I go in.

Also at bunnings at the moment is a Dewalt 18V 2 piece set - drill+ impact driver + 2 batts and charger for either $249 or $259 (cant remember) - pretty hard to beat... Its not on their website but I have seen them on display for the last month or so and thought it was a deal.

richms

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#1494883 18-Feb-2016 12:54

The torque control on the brushless ryobi is weird and I didnt like it. Their hammer one is great, the non hammer one has a gearbox that will strip out if you use it in low gear on something that is tough going. Sounds like the clutch slipping but its some gears jumping.

I have no issues with the circ saw in the ryobi range, and the blade goes the other way on the cordless ones so you get a nicer cut on the top surface and plunging seems easier than with a larger mains powered one.

Richard rich.ms

mdf

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#1494898 18-Feb-2016 13:05

richms:

I have no issues with the circ saw in the ryobi range, and the blade goes the other way on the cordless ones so you get a nicer cut on the top surface and plunging seems easier than with a larger mains powered one.

Really? I've seen this on a very little saw, but on a full blow circular saw? Won't it "walk" down the wood?

jonathan18

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#1494900 18-Feb-2016 13:07

Adamww: (cut)

Also at bunnings at the moment is a Dewalt 18V 2 piece set - drill+ impact driver + 2 batts and charger for either $249 or $259 (cant remember) - pretty hard to beat... Its not on their website but I have seen them on display for the last month or so and thought it was a deal.

I saw that Dewalt pack in my local Bunnings (it's frustrating that so many of their products are missing from their website!), and agree it looked a good deal; what's made me wary is what I've been told and read about the claimed declining quality of Dewalt products.

At that price, it's not a lot more than a B&D, which makes me concerned the Dewalt is a repackaged B&D unit as opposed to being a prosumer drill, which is what people have typically expected from the brand.

Has anyone experience with the entry-level Dewalt drills?

mrdrifter

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#1494906 18-Feb-2016 13:11

I've heard varying reports on the newer Ryobi drill. My current cordless Ryobi is over 6 years old and still works well - Blue older style and was second hand when I picked it up as part of the roller box kit. I upgraded the battery to a Lithium model when the last one died and have been using the new battery for 2 - 3 years. The drill itself has been very extensively used along with the battery powered skill saw and drop saw while building a smallish climbing wall.

My biggest complaint is the bunnings exclusivity, when both bunnings and mitre 10 sold them, the price match made the batteries cheaper!

Adamww

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#1494908 18-Feb-2016 13:13

richms:

The torque control on the brushless ryobi is weird and I didnt like it. Their hammer one is great, the non hammer one has a gearbox that will strip out if you use it in low gear on something that is tough going. Sounds like the clutch slipping but its some gears jumping.

On the good one of mine the torque control was funny but did work, on the other 2 even on the lowest setting I could drive the head of a 10G screw right through a 4x2 and out the other side...

The gearbox didn't strip it just got harder and harder to move the gear change switch until it got to the point you could no longer move it by hand.

I agree though not all of the Ryobi one+ stuff is bad, we have a drill at work that's been going strong in an industrial environment for 3 years or more (actually the charger did die once). My comments were just to highlight that it seems they are a bit hit and miss with their QC. Seems more miss than hit in my experience.

I had no drama getting replacements and refunds etc, so you can try your luck but unless you need the range of tools that the One+ offers then I think there's better options.

richms

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#1494955 18-Feb-2016 14:24

Dewalt, Stanley fatmax and Black and Decker are all the same company. The batteries are almost identical but have tabs on them to stop them going onto other brands.

The cheap ones all seem to have a lot in common with each other which I dont know if is a good thing or not.

Richard rich.ms

Fred99

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#1494956 18-Feb-2016 14:24

jonathan18:

Adamww: (cut)

Also at bunnings at the moment is a Dewalt 18V 2 piece set - drill+ impact driver + 2 batts and charger for either $249 or $259 (cant remember) - pretty hard to beat... Its not on their website but I have seen them on display for the last month or so and thought it was a deal.

I saw that Dewalt pack in my local Bunnings (it's frustrating that so many of their products are missing from their website!), and agree it looked a good deal; what's made me wary is what I've been told and read about the claimed declining quality of Dewalt products.

At that price, it's not a lot more than a B&D, which makes me concerned the Dewalt is a repackaged B&D unit as opposed to being a prosumer drill, which is what people have typically expected from the brand.

Has anyone experience with the entry-level Dewalt drills?

Link? All I could find was this in Aussie - which is a very good deal.

Possible I suppose that some old non-brushless models are being sold off.

Note that the pro range of tools (ie DeWalt vs B&D, Milwaukee vs Ryobi, Makita vs Maktec, Bosch blue vs green etc) usually come with extended trade-use warranties, CGA does not cover trade/business use. The Ozito tools usually have tags on them stating "not suitable for trade use" or similar. That said, some of the Ozito stuff seems to be very ruggedly made (and some of it is awful) and it's very cheap.

As for DeWalt cordless drills, I had a 10.8v drill/driver combo which was excellent quality, despite being conventional motor and only 10.8V (called 12V by other makers and by DeWalt for US market) it probably exceeded what most home DIY folks need, also very light-weight, easy to handle and rugged. Other benefit was that when I did need cordless tools with more grunt (18v), the DeWalt kit was very easy to sell on TM for a reasonable price.

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