I need to buy a new drill. I dont use it frequently but it is used occasionally. I see many are battery operated, my concern it will be used so infrequently I am concerned batteries will be an issue when it comes time to use it. I am thinking of getting a corded one as it be over a year between use.
1/2" drill
- Thread starter raaizin
- Start date
If you’re going to work it hard when you (infrequently) use it, then a corded one is the way to go. I have a Skil 1/2” corded one on the work van that doesn’t get used a lot, but gets worked hard when it does-and it’s over 20 years old! If you do need to go cordless, the Ridgid tools do have a lifetime battery warranty.
I really like my Makita DP4000, unlike most things these days that are made in china, this one is still made in Japan.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-7-Amp-1-2-in-900-RPM-Drill-DP4000/202517726
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-7-Amp-1-2-in-900-RPM-Drill-DP4000/202517726
Infrequent use = Harbor Freight
I have a corded 1/2" drill, a low-speed 1/2" "spade handle" drill (for mixing mortar), and a 1/2" hammer drill from HF, all corded, all that work great in their seldom uses. The low speed drill in particular, when in use it's heavy use and it was ~1/4 the price of the "equivalent" brand name model, a Bosch. Have 12v Makita drill and impact driver for "everyday" use.
jeff
I have a corded 1/2" drill, a low-speed 1/2" "spade handle" drill (for mixing mortar), and a 1/2" hammer drill from HF, all corded, all that work great in their seldom uses. The low speed drill in particular, when in use it's heavy use and it was ~1/4 the price of the "equivalent" brand name model, a Bosch. Have 12v Makita drill and impact driver for "everyday" use.
jeff
Right. Corded HF drill. At my age anything I buy at HF is going to outlive me. 
I did the same thing in the past, as I have two 12V DeWalt Ni-Cd drills which are both near-new, but all of the batteries are toast. When the last of the batteries failed, I bought a corded store-brand drill and used it on the rare occasions I needed it.
Then came time to replace flooring during renos at my last house, and I went on a subfloor-screwing rampage to get rid of squeaks. Dragging the cord around would have been a pain, so I bought a DeWalt 20V impact driver and drill combo. They were worth it for that one project alone, and are still going strong while being used semi-regularly for miscellaneous purposes around the house. I had never used an impact driver before, and was astounded at how well they keep the bit in the screw head (Robertson or Torx).
The corded drill got relegated to hard use jobs, such as mixing floor levelling compound and grout.
Moral of the story - your plan makes sense, but:
1) Get a drill with a clutch (corded or not) if you need it for driving fasteners which are prone to over-torquing;
2) Consider a combo with an impact driver if you hate it as much as I do when a standard drill makes a Philips-head bit cam out;
3) Think about whether dragging a cord around is worth the cost savings associated with battery replacement.
Also, it looks like Ridgid tools still offer a lifetime battery warranty if you register (free) within 90 days of purchase: https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/3-year-limited-warranty
Then came time to replace flooring during renos at my last house, and I went on a subfloor-screwing rampage to get rid of squeaks. Dragging the cord around would have been a pain, so I bought a DeWalt 20V impact driver and drill combo. They were worth it for that one project alone, and are still going strong while being used semi-regularly for miscellaneous purposes around the house. I had never used an impact driver before, and was astounded at how well they keep the bit in the screw head (Robertson or Torx).
The corded drill got relegated to hard use jobs, such as mixing floor levelling compound and grout.
Moral of the story - your plan makes sense, but:
1) Get a drill with a clutch (corded or not) if you need it for driving fasteners which are prone to over-torquing;
2) Consider a combo with an impact driver if you hate it as much as I do when a standard drill makes a Philips-head bit cam out;
3) Think about whether dragging a cord around is worth the cost savings associated with battery replacement.
Also, it looks like Ridgid tools still offer a lifetime battery warranty if you register (free) within 90 days of purchase: https://www.ridgid.com/us/en/3-year-limited-warranty
https://www.harborfreight.com/power...mp-12-in-single-speed-hammer-drill-58457.html
I have this. It’s been awesome for the price.
I have this. It’s been awesome for the price.
- Joined
- Jul 11, 2014
- Messages
- 4,117
My ryobi lithium batteries are plenty of years old and haven't given me any issues. I also haven't had any issues with any of my competitor lithium powered tools and some sit around for a year. This is nothing like the quick to die nicad's used years ago, which were nothing but a headache.
One thing I like is that some brands make bazillion tools compatible with their battery so you might end of with some more tools in the future, and more batteries.
Hart at walmart is another worth considering, after visiting LowesDepotAce and comparing the pricing.
One thing I like is that some brands make bazillion tools compatible with their battery so you might end of with some more tools in the future, and more batteries.
Hart at walmart is another worth considering, after visiting LowesDepotAce and comparing the pricing.
I have a Makita corded drill and can speak for the quality and power it has. This thing has been dropped so many times, works perfectly. I've had it a few years now, and bought it after using my father's Makita drill that is probably from the 1970s and still works great to this day.
I bought a Milwaukee corded HD 1/2" drill in the past. Used it for a year or two infrequently. Maybe three years. Croak and burn. It died WAY prematurely IMHO.
I needed another so I bought the HF equivalent. Still working.
I needed another so I bought the HF equivalent. Still working.
I had some battery operated tools and never loved them. Luckily I kept my plug in stuff. I am sticking with those - pulling a cord is really no issue. If its too far away I'll just bring my generator - ha!
Three years....you could have at least sent it in on Milwaukee's FedEx dime and had it repaired for a spare. Doesn't cost you anything but some toner, a random box and some shipping tape.
Nope. I called them and they wouldn't do anything even if I shipped it on my dime. As I stated this was some time ago (~2005). I think they are much better now.
My point really was the HF drill seems to be hanging in there.
Like this one: https://www.harborfreight.com/63-am...d-drill-69452.html?_br_psugg_q=1/2+inch+drill
Of course the best thing is to avoid Philips-head screws.
I wasn't paying attention at the store recently and bought 3" Philips instead of star-head screws. "Oh well, I'll use them anyway." what a PITA.
Anyway, if you don't really have a use for cordless, get corded. My main cordless driver is a 7v cheapie since it's small, lightweight, and is plenty for typical household things. Pretty much any household project I'd put 3" screws in can be reached with an extension cord.
Cordless makes more sense the more you'd use the batteries. Such as in a string trimmer. And then use the same battery in a drill.
I wouldn't bet on it, unless you're counting the minutes.Right. Corded HF drill. At my age anything I buy at HF is going to outlive me.
My first choice would be a Bosch 1/2'' drive drill if they still made them. The next best thing might be this DeWalt:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...riable-Speed-Reversing-Drill-DW235G/100050769
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...riable-Speed-Reversing-Drill-DW235G/100050769
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If you have any other battery operated tools, just get something that uses the same batteries. Otherwise get corded.
Do you still find philips head screws? they're all pozidriv here. Use a philips bit and yes it'll be a headache.
I use a 20-volt Dewall drill and love it. Learn how to keep batteries fresh and you will not have any issues.
Mainly I use M12 drills but when I grab my 20V Max I forget how **** torquey they are
