Your cordless drill – all of them – just disappeared.
Poof. No more drill.
Which do you buy today to replace it?
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You can buy another cordless drill down the road, so this doesn’t have to be an “I need the best and most powerful drill available” type of scenario – although it can be.
I’d be tempted to look at heavy duty models by Milwaukee and Dewalt, but I use a more compact drill maybe 95% of the time.
I also don’t stick to just one brand, although I do have my favorites.
I would go with an 18V-class compact brushless drill, but not necessarily a value-centered model. The voltage might not be 18V – it might be 22V, 24V Max, or even 36V or 40V Max.
I narrowed my choice to 3 models, but don’t want to risk influencing yours.
Is money an option? Would having a bigger budget change your answer?
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Now for a tougher question – does your hypothetical pick align with your current kit, or cordless drills you’re already using? Or would you split from what you use and go with something completely different?
Does the brand or cordless battery system play a part in your choice? What other factors influenced your decision?
Ron
I’d lean towards buying an M18 hammer drill. But I do like my M12 Fuel drill driver.
Mike
Please chime in if you use your hammer drill function regularly, and educate me on the typical use cases.
Thanks.
JD
All the time. Putting holes in block walls and concrete. The first time I used a hammer drill, even a cheap one, I felt like an idiot waiting so long to get one. Using a masonry bit in a normal drill is just torture.
MM
The hammer function is for drilling in masonry. Like JD said it is much faster than just using a normal drill without the hammer function. However, it is also the “lite” version of a masonry drill. A proper “rotary hammer” is even faster than a hammer drill, is capable of drilling much larger diameter holes, and usually can be used in hammer-only mode with chisels and similar tools making it the superior tool if you are working with masonry often or if you have to drill larger holes. But if you need to occasionally drill holes in masonry and they’re under 3/8″ dia or so? Hammer drill can do that.
CMF
Like JD & MM said, drilling into concrete.
A great example, doing a job with Tapcon screws. If you have 20 + screws to do, hammer drill is so good. With a masonry bit and regular drill, you will call someone to do the job after the 4-5th screw.
A W
I’m happy with the most recent one I bought: the Milwaukee Fuel 2904.
If all my M18 tools went poof tomorrow, I would probably start with the Surge impact driver and build things back up from there.
AllenN
M12 Fuel whatever variety
Richard
I would buy a “M12 Fuel whatever” TBH
jsbson
Don’t care much for my M12 fuel impact driver. I’d replkace it with another HPT tripple hammer. I like the M12 fuel hammer drill but it’s heavy.
Perry
If I were starting over, I’d probably buy into metabo HPTs lineup. I like the ergonomics as much as my makita lxt, the price is better, and they have a surprisingly broad array of tools, along with the 18/36v options and an AC adapter
Blocky
I’m in this camp as well. Hpt are superior for the money and that’s probably what I’d buy if it had to be current model.
For me, Bosch nailed 2 optimal designs with the 12v ps-32 and 18v hds183, which are both now discontinued.
Metabo (actual Metabo) 12v installation driver would also be on the short list. I’ve never had one, and I expect it would be quite good.
Plain+grainy
Metabo 36volt vacuum is very nice!
CMF
Do you have one? Curious to how they are, any comments, good or bad, appreciated.
Waylon
Most of my cordless tools are Makita LXT, a few XGT and some specialty M12 tools.
Being tired of waiting on Makita to release decent nail guns, I got Metabo HPT brad and finish nailers. Started looking more at their tools and they have a few that look really good and some that Makita don’t have. Price is good too compared to some Makita tools.
Just ordered a grinder with free starter kit with 4.0/8.0 amp battery from Acmetools. I’m going to get the 36v vacuum and the nibbler soon.
Mike
Metabo HPT KC18DEX – kit includes midsize drill with metal chuck, ok impact driver and 2 batteries and charger… for $97.
Pretty much any pro-sumer or better drill is decent these days. I really like subcompact 18v drills for small bits and screws, never really wanted to invest in 12v, maybe I’m missing out.
I use a subcompact for maybe half my tasks, which are usually 1-20 small holes or screws. So light and handy in tote bag and on hip, and great for awkward angles, tight spaces or overhead.
I use the midsize for most other tasks which might be a few or a lot of midsize holes or more/larger screws, especially when I don’t want the noise of impacts.
I use a heavy duty drill infrequently, usually for paddle or auger bits, especially when doing lots of holes or driving big/long screws, although a 1/2″ impact wrench works well driving when noise is no concern. 3 speed gives high speed for lots of holes/screws or high torque for high torque, and great safety and control with removable side handle.
If you have the budget, I see absolutely no point in a hammer drill, just get an sds+ rotary hammer. Obviously a hammer drill has virtually no overlap with an SDS max, etc.
I would not get a 40v midsize drill. I nearly always carry a compact battery on the subcompact and compact/midsize drills. I love how the Metabo HPT allows 18650 10 cell or even 26500 10 cell when doing lots of drilling vs 5 cell for lots of carrying.
I don’t think it’s a big deal to have 2 battery chargers types though, 1 for drills, drivers, multi tools, etc. and a 40v for heavier draw tools. If you’re using power tools all day you’ll have multiple or multi bay chargers anyway and you’re not using compact batteries on big tools.
Mark M.
I’ve gotten away from trying to buy a do-it-all drill. My 12v Dewalt gets used 90% of the time and this tasks get an older M18 that I don’t love or a new high-torque Ridgid. But if all my drills/impacts went away, it’d be the M12 Surge and then fill in gaps from there.
Mark M.
*big tasks
Kurt
I love the M12 system. I rarely run into a situation where one of mine won’t do the job, and I have an old corded Skill hammer drill on hand for then, or when I need to put an anchor into concrete.
Sleepy
I have small hands and the Makita LXT system usually is the most comfortable/ergonomic. That said I do have some Milwaukee envy as far as certain tools like the M12 palm nailer.
A previous comment about Metabo HPT having similar ergonomics makes me think that I should check them out (not that I can justify a swap but thinking in terms of the question as posed).
Monanoke
I have owned 5 primary drills over too many years, always getting smaller. M12 2505 has been my EDC for 3 years now. No complaints and no regrets. Will be my pick from now on.
AaS
The Skil 12V lineup is surprisingly good and ridiculously cheap. I’m too deep into M12 to start over on my compact lineup, but like you said, if they all went poof, yeah I’d give Skil a shot.
DRT42
Makita 18v LXT. Best ergonomics of anything I have tried. Would avoid “black” compact and only get teal – chuck on black compact isn’t as good.
Blocky
This is true. Those chucks often slip on round shank drills, even when cranked down.
Mike
These Makita subcompacts can be broken. They will drive some pretty big stuff without crying, but durability will suffer. I try to use for 1/4″ ish holes in soft wood and steer clear of deck screws etc., but usually for electrical, trim, appliance type stuff. Use the clutch if you’re pushing its limits. If it’s slipping before getting home, maybe grab a bigger drill or driver.
I understand why Makita couldn’t introduce 26650 for LXT, and like how they beefed up the battery interface rails for XGT.
I think they should introduce an 18V XGT light system with 5 cell 18650 (or even 5×26650?) and acknowledge LXT as a budget/legacy system.
Munklepunk
The new subcompact don’t break. The old subcompact drills can be converted into electric screwdrivers for about $40 when they do, best upgrade ever and takes about 5 minutes.
I primarily use the subcompact until I need anything bigger drilled then I have the XPH14. The weight and size of the subcompact are to good to piss up
Tom Forward
Agreed. I use the subcompact for lots of tasks. I also have the XPH 14.
DRT42
Yeah, that’s exactly what I meant. I do like the size and weight of the compact, but the d*** chuck slips on round shank drill bits. Really have to use the hex shank bits.
Tom Forward
I replaced my chuck with a Rohm. Much better
Jesse
M18 Fuel hammer drill.
M12 would fit nice in my bag, but I’d stay with m18 for the drill I think.
Considering an m12 surge and m12 5/8 sds just for tapcons and anchors. I run a lot at work, and my m18 fuel 1 1/8 sds is just wayyyy too much and the hammer drill is slow.
VindalooDiesel
M12 Surge would cover 95% of my needs.
Andy
Same. Love my M12 surge and would buy one again in a heartbeat.
JohnBCS
I’d buy two drills and a hydraulic impact (release it already dewalt!). Ny big drill would be a DCD800. I don’t need anything bigger for the work I do, and I love how compact and powerful it is with a 5.0 powerstack battery. My second drill would be a multi-head installation driver. I’ve had the milwaukee; it was decent, but I sold it and bought the dewalt extreme instead. I like it a lot better. Better grip, more power and shorter head length. I thought about the CXS-12 from festool, but I’m not a fan of buying into a new battery system that has only a tool or two I’d actually use.
Anxiously waiting for dewalt to release the hydraulic impact…
Dustysa4
Makita subcompact 18v drill. I have various drills, but this little drill is my go to. It’s lightweight and has more than enough torque for 95% of the stuff I use a drill for.
KC
I have several drills and impact drivers, mostly Dewalt 20V, that I use for varying tasks. I have some of the lower end ones that came in multi-tool sets. I use them mostly when I am doing woodworking to drill pilot holes & countersinks. I have higher end brushless versions that I use to drive in screws, etc., especially when working with hardwoods, as well as for drilling larger holes or installing larger fasteners in a variety of materials. It is handier and faster for me to have multiple drills instead of the constant bit changes. I find the Dewalt 20V line to be plenty adequate for most of my tasks.
As a side note, I purchased a 20V SDS hammerdrill a couple of years ago and it really impressed me. It seems more powerful than the larger corded version I own. I can drill into granite nearly twice as fast with it, especially for holes up to 3/4” when pinning two pieces together. I only say this to back up my assertion that the 20V line from Dewalt is a robust product.
I do think that a drill is really task oriented and not a one-size fits all tool. Given the opportunity, I will always want a variety. I want a lighter weight, lower powered drill to install hardware on cabinets and drawers so I don’t over tighten and break something. I also want a variety of battery sizes for my drills. I went down the rabbit hole years ago with the Dewalt 18V line and found out rather quickly that bigger isn’t always better. I was so willing to convert when the 20V line came out and the batteries were much lighter. In some ways, I wish that I could have bought maybe a 12V Dewalt back then for the lighter tasks. But I was younger and had other things I need more than a collection of drills & drivers to suit each task. Budget is definitely a consideration. If I could only have one, I would definitely buy the brushless hammer drill with a 1/2” chuck at the upper end of the 20V line to cover most anything I might have to do.
I will add another angle on this and certainly not for everyone. I recently purchased some Milwaukee M12 products, including a Fuel Surge impact driver. My reasoning was to have a different set of tools to carry in my truck when working on the irrigation system at my contract job. The M12 line has things for some of this work that Dewalt does not offer or accessories that don’t hold up. So purchasing the red tools just made sense, at least for me. And I don’t have to work with wood using tools that spend time in dirt and mud. Also, I can just grab the red boxes and know I have what I need when I work on irrigation away from home.
I do find the M12 Fuel Surge impact driver to be a little less powerful than I had expected. I have a stand-alone chuck that has a hex adapter on it. I tried to use a hole saw (2”) to drill into pvc pipe. While I got the hole drilled, it was more time-consuming than expected. The right angle M12 drill that was in a set simply wouldn’t do it. I really expected the Fuel Surge to have a lot more power, especially when drilling into PVC. I would not use it for the same task in wood. To be honest, I was using a 3.0 battery. Maybe the high output 5.0 would be a better choice. I just don’t have those. At least not yet.
I fully realize that many would look at what I describe above as excessive, a stupid waste of money or just pure luxury. I find that it makes my work easier and my productivity better. So I stand by my decisions to have multiple drills across two platforms.
ColeTrain
Your other tool Guy you would know what’s better more than all of us. Most people on here Milwaukee homers. I would personally go the DeWalt route and I like the looks of the new Makita stuff. I am like you and 80% of what I use is the small lightweight stuff now and for that I’ve been tempted to buy into the Milwaukee 12 volt and it just still seems so expensive for 12 volts. I ended up buying some Skil 12v Stuff since I wanted some lightweight stuff and Lowe’s has been practically giving it away. So far it’s far better than I expected. 5-year warranty on the chargers and batteries is pretty good too. I’m impressed with the impact and how light it is and how long the battery lasts and the fact you could charge your phone or tablet from the battery is a plus. Chevron and Lowe’s will probably bail though. That’s pretty wild how many quality products will go unnoticed in a saturated market until the price is too good to ignore. I would have avoided the Skil stuff forever until I walked by and saw that it was sub harbor freight prices. So far these things are awesome
Chris S
M12 Fuel hammer drill and then put it in the bag most of the time for the M12 Surge.
Adam
I have a makita 18 volt, and a Panasonic 18 volt, I like the Festool but it’s expensive.
Stu Pidasso
Hilti. Duh.
Stu Pidasso
Ok previously I said Hilti. But for those who cannot afford Hilti nor need the reliability go Metabo. It’s cheaper and almost always as robust as the Hilti kit.
James
Very tough question and hopefully one I don’t have to answer. In my van I have: Bosch 18V 1 1/8” SDS, Bosch 18V hammer drill/driver, M12 hammer drill driver, M12 impact, and M12 installation drill. In the shop I have a couple of Bosch 18V hammer drill/drivers (one brushless) and at home M12 first gen, Ryobi, and another Bosch.
If I could only choose one, I would be giving up a lot of versatility. I think the brushless Bosch from the lot I own would cover the most bases, but if I was starting out and knew I could add to the arsenal, I think I’d start with the M12 installation driver. I use that thing constantly, and I would beg and borrow for hammer drill capabilities.
Now if you’re drill hardwood or 3/8” steel plate, the installation driver won’t cut it, but for 85% of what I do, it’s my favourite.
Addicted2Red
Depends on what you need it for.
If I had no tools what so ever and was only going to use 1 drill for the next decade, then pick a color and go with an 18V-24 to cover my basis. Probably Flex.
If I absolutely knew that I wouldn’t be drilling through my house or plate steel then a Milwaukee 12V Fuel covers 95% of a homeowners usage.
w00dy
I have a few drills. Starting over I would definitely go for a compact unit (prob 12V) first as I find I use my small 12V brushless Metabo (not HPT) with the Quick Chuck and Bitholder 97% of the time. It’s plenty strong. And only will buy a big 18V-ish drill when a task is planned that will need more power.
Not having any battery platform anymore would lead me to really consider HiKOKI (Metabo HPT) for that first drill. As I’m really impressed by their price/build quality ratio.
Joe H
A Milwaukee cordless brace and bit.
Hon Cho
I prefer Japanese cordless braces, so Makita for me
Michael F
If I could only buy one drill today, I’d get a Makita LXT hammer. With that said, I can’t imagine only having one drill. I generally like to have an impact driver, full size hammer drill, and a compact drill/driver around for various fastening tasks that arise.
Dan
I just bought a Dewalt DCD805 for its versatility. I have bigger drills for bigger tasks and more compact drills for smaller ones, but I feel like the 805 is compact enough for the smaller ones while being powerful enough for 99% of my needs. If I had to choose just one, this might be it.
If I had to choose just TWO, I’d take a bigger one like a 996/998/999, and a smaller one like an Atomic or a 12v.
A-A-Ron
The Metabo HPT DS18DEX is my new favorite drill. It’s compact, the trigger control is the best I’ve used, it’s the smallest drill I know which has anti-kickback, and it’s on sale at amazon for less than $99 and comes bundled with an impact driver.
The 4th-gen M18 Fuel would be my second choice. Small but with a ton of power and also with anti-kickback tech. A bit on the heavier side but will handle anything I throw at it.
A-A-Ron
Figured I’d post a link to the Metabo HPT, since a few people have shown interest in the brand.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BVPS2ZYN?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details&th=1
ben
can’t have 1 drill.
I’m lucky to be able to try quite a few for my business and we really punish them.
Milwaukee 12v install drill for small tasks (the one with the right angle attachments, great drill)
festool tpc for workshop (the 4 speeds are quite handy and it is the smoothest drill ive used)
Makita drill 40v for site work (feels more powerful than Milwaukee but it cuts the power if you over load it, Milwaukee doesn’t but they don’t last for us. I have 6 Milwaukee drills and at one point all were in for repair., they are getting to about 3 years old with heavy use though.)
Milwaukee impact driver for site work (power is unmatched, but have lots of reliability issues)
Makita impact for workshop (not as smooth as festool but much more powerful and has some handy modes)
Mnoswad
Just bought a m18 fuel hammer drill and my first use of it was mixing some setting compound. It immediately started throttling the power even on speed 1 with a 5ah battery. I was very concerned that I got a dud. Switching to an 8ah battery it worked well enough. And I’ve concluded that the bigger battery is needed with a high draw application like spinning a paint mixer in joint compound. Just fyi to m18 fuel drill
Users.
Mitherial
Mixing is something very viscous is a very heavy duty task, and regular drills typically don’t have the right gearing for it; if this is something you do regularly, Milwaukee sells a stand-alone mixer tool (designed to be mounted on the top of a 5-gallon bucket) that is well regarded.
eddie sky
I have 7 Dewalt batteries so that would probably make it another DeWalt. But, I wouldn’t rule out Makita.
However, my most reliable and longest lasting drill/driver is made by Panasonic.
I would replace it with this:
https://www.panasonic-powertools.eu/en/construction/products/Drill-Driver/Cordless-Drill-Driver-EY74A2-LJ2G—EY74A2PN2G—EY74A2X_p357657
I’ve a corded Milwaukee Hammerdrill so no need for that replacement (used less than a car vacuum).
Not interested in Hart, Rigid, Ryobi.
Robert
But where can you buy the Panasonic? I looked out of curiosity, and didn’t have luck on a quick search. I remember years ago they had a very high voltage drill, like 60v, when everyone else was 18V, but it was expensive. Not a SDS.
jeff
Dang, That is a hard call, I have worked hard to stay married to a single ecosystem, and miss my right angle rigid impact often enough. That being said I am currently makita teal, and ego for OPE. I still have gas echo PAS, and have struggled with getting a third battery system just to keep the attachments in play.
If my all my tools went poof, I think I would get a makita lxt hammer drill and impact driver again. The ergonomics are great, and the batteries seem to last for ever even with serious use. I am impressed with all the other toys ryobi has to offer, but now with battery adapters becoming more ubiquitous I can finally have an lxt powered nailer.
MikeG
Just went through that exact scenario and picked up the M18 2904 Hammer Drill.
Jamie Lee Davis
My favourite is M12 Fuel Gen 2. So…. M12 Gen 3 Fuel.
MM
Like many have said already I too have gotten away from using one “full size” drill for everything and I find myself using my M12 installation driver for a lot of basic drilling tasks. And I also have a stud and joist drill for the big stuff. But ifall my cordless drills are gone then I can’t use either of those, so now I’m back to needing an all-in-one sort of solution, at least temporarily.
I’d pick up a DCD997, which as far as I can recall is the latest full-size Dewalt which has bind-up protection/E-clutch. And from there I’d go about replacing my installation driver & Stud-and-joist models with the same.
Jared
Me too – I use a compact drill the majority of the time. In my case I’d probably pick a compact brushless 18-20v of some variety, maybe a Dewalt atomic. I would want a high-power option eventually, but realistically something light and small does most of my work.
That sort of aligns with my current choice, but my compact drill is a very dated Bosch and my high power drill is Ridgid. I wouldn’t replace them with the same, but that doesn’t mean they were the wrong choices back when I got them.
Nate
If only my cordless drills disappeared, I’d replace with the exact same Ryobi PSBDD01, because it fits all my existing batteries. The stem-pack form-factor sucks but they’ve made the best of it.
If ALL my cordless tools disappeared and I was starting over with a blank slate on a new battery platform… They all suck but I think Milwaukee or Makita sucks least.
Charlie_D
I like my Bosch 12V Max Drill/Driver with interchangeable noses.
MFC
I’d cry. I have 20+ for different applications. But the most universal replacement would be my DCD996 or similar. I’ve had two of those for years and they’ve done well for 90% of my needs. My battery system is a huge pull toward the next tool I buy, but I have 7 systems that I use. However, on four of those systems I use adapters and dewalt batteries.
Rog
I love the Makita LXT ergonomics, I would likely stick with them. But I would strongly consider the Dewalt 12v line for the size. It would do 95% of what I’d need from it.
IndianaJonesy (Matt J.)
To replace my 12v Bosch, it would definitely be Milwaukee stuff. I honestly am tempted to make that jump anyway and just sell the Bosch at this point, but probably won’t, but at some point I’ll dip my toe in the Milwaukee 12v universe and slowly make the switch.
Replacing my 18v Makita would be harder. I love the ergo, the chuck, and pretty much everything about it. That said – I would be tempted to move into a non-forked battery platform (either Milwaukee or Dewalt) as I’m concerned that Makita is going to slowly fade out the 18v stuff. I’ve used the Dewalt Atomic hammer drill and like it a good bit, but would definitely try out a few others as well. Having been on an also-ran brand for so long, I don’t think I’d consider Metabo HPT or Ridgid or any of those, although Flex is somewhat tempting. Haven’t used the drill, but their impact and circular saws are very good.
OldDominionDIYer
The Flex 24v hammer drill or the top of the line Milwaukee fuel M18 hammer drill. Wait I already own those? I would not change I like what I have but in reality I have several in various voltages and sizes for any job I need to get done.
Steve
I’m a DeWalt homer after making my way through Craftsman and Bosch to get there. If I lost them all I’d probably start over with 20v max again. They have never let me down.
Rx9
Likely an M18 model again. I’m also swapping in a Röhm chuck again. That has made a huge difference, especially with skinny drill bits.
John N.
In my work and DIY lifetime, I have owned and used extensively. Milwaukee, Bosche, Dewalt and Mikita. Admittedly I don’t have experience with the latest and greatest of each brands current line ups. But they were latest at the time I used them. My current roster is predominantly Milwaukee, with some Dewalt. I am a semi retired automotive mechanic, heavy use DIY’er and amatuer woodworker.
I prefer Milwaukee and would replace with Milwaukee had I to do it over. Dewalt had more woodworker centric tools for awhile, although Milwaukee is catching up.
Vp27
Currently rocking a brushed Ryobi cheapy, and going to upgrade to a Ridgid brushless since I’ve got a DTO local to me, but if I could start over I’d probably get an M12 fuel and a Makita XGT. I’m also taking a serious look at the Hercules, since they seem actually really good in the testing I’ve seen.
Anton
I have used a festool cxs, 12v metabo powermaxx and now own dewalt 708 and 800. If both Dewalt disappears, I’d get another Dewalt 708 (provided I still have all my dewalt batteries).
I prefer 708 over 800 because it’s a bit smaller, plastic chuck feels better in day to day use and I don’t care about light (which is much better on 800). And 800 model has an instant stop which I personally don’t like.
TxMike
That is a tough proposition. All I can go off is my experiences and info from sources like ToolGuyd. I had a DeWalt cordless drill almost 25 years ago – it was good and convenient. I had Hitatchi 12V drill and driver – probably my favorite; lightweight, good quality materials and trigger, and good ergonomics. I have Ingersoll as my main tools now, 20V and 12V driver, impact tools, ratchets – I really like the size, materials, power, great balance and trigger. The 12V Ingersoll drill is really nice. I recently bought into Milwaukee M12 for the riveter and right-angle drill, and got a drill and driver as part of the combo – the M12 tools ergonomics are terrible, the triggers aren’t very good, the fit/finish isn’t great, and they’re heavy which is compounded by bad balance. I would not recommend M12 but it’s hard to beat the vastness of the M12 system. I have friends that swear by the M18 system as heaven sent. At my job, our manufacturing facility uses HiKoki.
All that being said, I would probably go back to Hitachi-Koki (Metabo HPT).
Keep Left
Without a doubt I’d by the Festool CSX18V because it has the unique feature to be able to change the direction control so that the tool is the forward mode when it is pressed in from the left.
This is a much better arrangement for left-hand usage, which is what I use unless the situation forces the tool to be held in my right hand.
Michael F
I have a Festool CXS12 and while it doesn’t have the exact feature you mention it is, by far, the most ergonomic and enjoyable drill I have ever used.
Phranq
I’d just get whatever was on the clearance shelf, or hot deal of the week. Doesn’t matter to me if it’s Makita, Dewalt, or Milwaukee. Metal chuck mandatory.
Mark Matthews
I have several different brands, and I like some things about all of them, but I would probably go back with Ridgid, as I’ve had pretty good luck with them, and specifically the lifetime service agreement. I have had to use local service centers in the past, but with the last year, Ridgid now offers in house repair, where they e mail you a label after you’ve filed a claim, box it up, send it to them and they either repair or replace the tool. I sent an 18 volt 18gauge nailer back to them for repair and they sent me a new one. Very happy with their service(and tool) so far(I have quite a few of the tools)
Nathan
Assumei g starting from scratch. I’d do what I did the first time. Look at the tools in the system and availability. I’d like to think I’d go DeWalt again. The dcd800 the compact one. Would have my attention. But I also lust after the 12v installation driver. So I might actually start with that
From there I don’t know that flexvolt mixer drill is appealing. (No not really)
I know I wouldn’t buy a drill and driver kit. Unless it was high end for both tools. I like my 3 speed drivers
Tucker
Had this happen (sort of) a couple years ago. Old Makita LXT hammer drill died mid project.
Spent some time going back and forth Dewalt vs Milwaukee. A new Makita was out since I still can’t figure out LXT vs XGT and what their plan is. Either way XGT would be new battery platform and might as well go with a system that has almost everything, even if it’s not all perfect.
Ended up with M18 since it had the best deal.
Happy with the M18, but day to day I use my M12 installation driver or the M12 Surge.
frobo
Up until a couple of months ago I would’ve probably gone with Skil, to replace the two 12V brushless ones I have. I always felt that they offered good value for the money spent, but now, I’m not so sure. The trigger on one of my Skil drills died and I thought it would be a simple matter of ordering a new trigger and installing it. I discovered, though, that Skil doesn’t sell replacement parts . None, as far as I can tell. Luckily I found one from an ebay site in China and after an hour of surgery, cutting harnesses and splicing wires together, the drill is up and running again. But, the fact that Skil has very poor aftermarket support means that I can’t recommend them as highly as I used to.
I think that if I had to start all over again, I’d go with Bosch 12V Max. I have a couple of those, plus a 12V max Flexiclick, an impact, and a right angle drill, and they’ve all been flawless. (Also have the new 12V Max die grinder from Bosch and it’s great as well). I have large hands so the fat grips on those tools don’t bother me. Like many others here, 12 volts is all I really need for virtually all my jobs these days.
I did pick up a Craftsman V20 drill recently (presumably for tougher work, but mostly because I have some other devices that use the V20 battery and the bare tool wasn’t all that much money), and it’s surprisingly nice. Good balance power, and controllability superior to the Skil drills. Time will tell about reliability, but so far so good.
Koko The Talking Ape
I might get a DeWalt 12V Max. I got M12 early on, when I thought I might be needing other M12 tools. Turns out I don’t (except maybe the rotary tool.)
Bonnie
I’d get another Makita 18v in a heart beat. Just feels right in my hand and I know they’re basically indestructible. *Maybe* I’d consider a DeWalt as the next closest in ergonomics.
Tool Junkie
I would get a drill, I prefer the quick change of an impact driver. I have several, from several brands, but I like the Surge and the Gen 3 M12 w/ 3 LEDs on the head.
Tool Junkie
Would NOT…
Scott K
This is tough. If I was starting from scratch it would be between a DeWalt drill/driver/hammer and Ryobi. Definitely a drill AND impact, though. I really like having a separate impact – huge time and frustration saver when working on some projects. People have rigid opinions about Ryob, but everything I’ve bought has exceeded my expectations. I do love my DeWalt hammer drill/driver and would strongly consider replacing it since I use it more than any other tool. I like that DeWalt is available on Amazon in addition to HD.
Chip
1991 I bought a second hand 14.4 Porter Cable drill,driver bits were not readily available so I cut the handles from screwdrivers and chucked them up.
For a single tool,definitely the 18v Bosch with 4 heads including the sds.
For myself I use Metabo 12v multi-head, not the most powerful but very ergonomic and the heads provide the value.
To that I add m12 sds and surge,+ 18v fuel hole hawg.
I rarely use a drill except for hard to reach areas and drilling cabinets for plumbing.
A drill press at home completes this dedicated for each task.
Chuck burn and twisted wrists has always had me reaching for other options.
About 2005 I bought a 3/8 drill chuck with a hex input shaft fitting an impact driver ,this continued with hex drill bits up to a unibit.
My electrician friend went from a drill- hole hawg-7/16 linesman’s impact.
Impact drilling is so much easier on your body when it isn’t thick steel.
William Adams
I’d replace my Makita w/ a Mafell A 18M bl Cordless Drill — I was quite impressed by my purchase of a Mafell FM 1000 WS for my CNC spindle, so my plan is to go with that brand for future small power tool purchases — but the only things I’m planning on are the drill, the P1cc jigsaw, and possibly a track saw (or maybe just the track and use the jigsaw for any powered sawing I might need), and the only other power tools I’m planning on are a bandsaw, and possibly a drill press.
Chip
Since Metabo(CAS) makes Mafell batteries that may be an option for you?
Currently only Metabo but Lamello and Mafell are lurking as well.
glenn
I had to have a good think about this as it would hypothetically give me an opportunity to swap brands.
I have already had Milwaukee M12 tools in the past, which I was happy with, but swapped to Makita CXT 12V at the time as a few of their tools were just better. Not to mention I was never really happy with the grip on most M12 stuff.
Bosch have some really interesting stuff in their 12V line, but there area few gaps and they are very expensive where I live, so that’s them out.
Despite the fact that they are no longer less expensive than the opposition, and that the Makita CXT line is stagnant with nothing new of any note in years and I while have sometimes regretted buying into the CXT line, due to that, I think I would just replace my current Makita drills. They are just nice to use.
Makita CXT 12V Brushless 1/4 hex drill driver.
Makita CXT 12V Brushed 1/4 hex drill driver.
Makita CXT 12V Brushless 10mm Drill.
Bought them about 7 or 8 years ago while I was still working and I still use them at least weekly. I like the compact size and find they have enough power to do everything I need from them. Granted, I am not working on anything heavy duty though.
Scott
Ridged compact brushless
JJ
I have M12 tools and while I love the Surge I’m not satisfied with the batteries and ergonomics.
I’d start with a DeWalt DCD805 with a powerstack battery, add their 12V installation drill and wait on their impulse driver.
Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Festool have installation drills. Makita, Milwaukee, and actually Ryobi have impulse drivers. DeWalt and Flex have pouch cell batteries. I like each of those but nowhere to get all three today – DeWalt may be the first.
Munklepunk
I don’t think any of the major brands will be a wrong choice.
I would probably stick with Makita since the economics are the best for me. Then Metabo or Bosch.
Sturio
Tried DW Makita and now Bosch.
I like B better then anything else.
4amps batteries are small like a 2amps of competitors. The new Drills profactors are very nice and powerfull. I have a soft spot for Bosch. Can you tell ?
Doresoom
If I had to start over:
First purchase would be the brushless Bosch 12V Flexiclick.
Then the M12 Surge.
Then a DeWalt 20V drill. My M18 Gen 3 Fuel drill recently struggled with overheating when mixing self leveling compound. The compact DeWalt Atomic 20V picked up where it left off and didn’t get nearly as hot while mixing the same amount.
Greg
Buy them all be a man
Stuart
Explain.
CMF
Wow, 91 comments as I write this, very popular topic.
As far as drill goes, any of the dozen or so main brands you can find has a decent enough drill.
I would look at depth & variety of catalog + price.
I would probably go with Dewalt #1. Good quality, good selection of tools, and with 20v and 60v systems being compatible, they get my vote.
2nd, as a value brand for oddball stuff, Ryobi. Example, I didn’t want to pay the high prices Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita or anyone else had for a caulking gun. The Ryobi, for $40 does what I need at a third of the price the others want.
Love Makita, but prices are starting to get prohibitive.
Milwaukee is good, but caters to people who care about drilling 3 more screws than others, winning YT races, and image too much for my liking.
Charles Richmond
construction here.
New M18 fuel hands down. Milwaukee continues to kill it (with some exceptions)