MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
Looking for a new Makita 18v combi drill. I seem to have two choices. Either a cheaper set with 2x 1.3Ah batteries
[url= http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-tools/drilling-screwdriving/drilling/cordless/-brand-Makita/Makita-18V-Li-Combi-Drill-with-2-Batteries-12508633?view-all=brand ]B&Q Makita[/url]
or a more expensive set with a single 3Ah battery.
[url= http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-bhp453rftk-18v-3ah-li-ion-cordless-combi-drill-w-101pc-accessory-kit/20547# ]Screw fix[/url]
I'm doing normal DIY stuff. What would you suggest? Any good deals about?
not a makita, but I've just bought a boosch psr 18 volt with 2 batteries for 70 quid at errr homebase IIRC.
very very impressed. it easily drils the stated diameter holes in wood and metal and a single battery seems to run and run, even though I've not cycled them much yet
Ive got that makita with 2 small batteries and its perfect for me. The bats charge in about 20 mins and last longer than that most of the time so a fully rolling system can be used.
2x 1.3Ah imo, that way you never need to stop working whilst your battery is charging. Also it will make your drill slightly lighter, which is nice specially if you have a lot of high level drilling/screwing to do.
Neilnevill, keep the receipt for when the batteries fail, I had 3 replacements 🙁
Li ion or nicad/nihm batterys north wind?
My bosch li ion has been grand.
2 small batterys for me as it makes the unit lighter to use 😉
Not going down the Bosch route. I've had three angle grinders fail with motor problems. My dad has had two routers fail, a power drill and an electric screwdriver fail!
Everyone seems to pointing at the smaller batteries. Hadn't considered the weight issue. My current B&D drill is pretty heavy so lighter might be better.
To be honest in a DIY environment you're not often going to flatten a 3ah battery in a day, and being Li you can pop it on charge any time you put the kettle on anyway, as well as part charge them if they do go flat. It'll take 20 mins to fully charge but they get the first 80% of charge very quickly (the red and green lights on the charger both light up at 80%) too. There'll be a marginal weight benefit with smaller batteries but you're not really going to notice.
If weight matters then go the whole hog and get the tiny 10.8v makita sets - they punch way above their weight.
trail_rat - MemberLi ion or nicad/nihm batterys north wind?
Nicad as per the link- total pish.
oh dear, mine is the ni-cad version. now where did I put that receipt....
It's always the batteries that fail in the end mind, but I would/will be peeved if they don't last a few years of sporadic diy activity. fitting a kitchen currently and they are getting more use than either of the 'proper drills' - the wickes 750 watt hammer, or the dewalt SDS+ !
but I would/will be peeved if they don't last a few years of sporadic diy activity
sporadic is the problem. Months of non-use will goose even the best batteries.
that's one reason why I went wit hthe Nicads. the li-ions are danaged by that sort of non-use I understand. Nicads seep power but aren't damaged, they just need a few cycles again