Cordless drill - battery to outlet conversion ?

[youdontwannaknow]

This is for a Skil 14.4v cordless drill.
Pathetic battery life. Are there any such things as "conversion kits" available that just substitute the battery with outlet/corded power ?

 

[tom slick]

The amperage draw of a 14.4v powered drill makes "conversion kits" impractical.

 

[expat]

I had one I converted to take power from a Car (or Lawnmower battery) Via a cord and clips.

 

[hr1940]

You would be better off buying a quality cordless drill. When you consider the cost of the conversion kit (if you can find one and the time involved) you will save by replacing the drill. I use a Makita and I have the flash light also. I like the cordless feature because when I am outside working on something I do not worry about finding an extension cord or the dogs "helping" by chewing the cord. Mine is 25 years old and still going strong. There are several good brands on the market.

 

[youdontwannaknow]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
The amperage draw of a 14.4v powered drill makes "conversion kits" impractical.

I was afraid about that. How much approx would a typical 3/8" drill draw at moderate-heavy loads ?

This drill doesn't see much use. So even a $40 new battery is going to die without doing much duty.

 

[pidster]

Originally Posted By: hr1940
You would be better off buying a quality cordless drill.


I learned this as well. No more cheap garbage tools for me, they cost more in the long run.

I have a DeWalt and while not really the best of the best brands anymore the drill I have has been fantastic for about 5 years now, lots of power, great battery life on the original 2 batteries. And they've seen a lot of use (contracting is my side job, 1-2 days per week).

 

[wrcsixeight]

I've wired many drills so they can be hooked to car batteries.

my 9.6 v craftsman draws just under 35 amps max over 10 feet of 10 awg

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: hr1940
You would be better off buying a quality cordless drill.

Or you can go the route I did and eventually bought a quality corded drill for a small fraction of the cost and it'll last just about forever. I still keep a 12V Craftsman cordless around for light-duty stuff, when I need torque and long-lasting power, I pull out my corded Black & Decker.

 

[HTSS_TR]

+1

Quality corded drill will last forever for very low cost.

 

[morris]

back in 1972 i bought a corded 1/2 " 1/2 hp craftsman drill, $20. i needed a 1/2 hp to spin oil pumps on big block engines. use it for lots of stuff, its still working great. if my son would just return it. i would look for a older corded drill.

 

[The_Jeff]

You could rig something up with an old computer power supply; they make tons of amps at 12 volts.

But it would look goofy and run slightly slowly.

Might be able to get your battery pack rebuilt for about $45 or one on ebay.

 

[volvos_rock]

Just replaced all my Ryobi cordless tools

(a bit under powered) with Ridgid tools

LIFETIME service agreement with Ridgid INCLUDING replacement batteries (I think they are looking to take down Dewalt). These tools see hard DIY/homeowner use.

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: volvos_rock
Just replaced all my Ryobi cordless tools

(a bit under powered) with Ridgid tools

LIFETIME service agreement with Ridgid INCLUDING replacement batteries (I think they are looking to take down Dewalt). These tools see hard DIY/homeowner use.

+1 This is my conclusion on cordless tools as well. I have a perfectly healthy 14.4V Milwaukie drill, but for the cost of 2 new batteries, I got a rigid 18V hammer drill 50ft/lb monster with a lifetime of batteries.

 

[morris]

i think a switching power supply will no run an electric motor, i think. you need a transformer power supply to run a motor, i think.

 

[stephen9666]

Originally Posted By: volvos_rock
Just replaced all my Ryobi cordless tools

(a bit under powered) with Ridgid tools

LIFETIME service agreement with Ridgid INCLUDING replacement batteries (I think they are looking to take down Dewalt). These tools see hard DIY/homeowner use.


I don't want to be a downer, but I think you should google their "lifetime" warranty. Members on another forum have found that it is very difficult to use.

If memory serves, you can't take them back to the store, you have to find a service center and they can make it difficult.

 

[RH+G]

Yes u need to look this "lifetime" warranty up. Its really more of a buying gimmick over anything. I have thrown away rigid tools cause i was denied warranty claims

 

[01rangerxl]

Originally Posted By: volvos_rock
Just replaced all my Ryobi cordless tools

(a bit under powered) with Ridgid tools

LIFETIME service agreement with Ridgid INCLUDING replacement batteries (I think they are looking to take down Dewalt). These tools see hard DIY/homeowner use.


Make sure you register the tools and get an LSA (lifetime service agreement) number to take advantage of that warranty.

Personally, I really like my corded Hitachi. No lifetime warranty, but I probably won't need one anyway.