Drill/driver confusion

[leaf]

I'm know there are plenty of posts regarding the ever popular topicof drill drivers but i am totally confused by them all.

I have a corded drill for heavier stuff like drilling into walls, but i'm fed up with having to use an extension cord whenever i need to put up a picture or getting blisters from tough screwdriving. So basically, all i'm after is a good drill/driver for odd jobs round the house and in the garden.

Having read a few comments about needing lighter tools for those overhead jobs (curtain rails, lighting, etc.), i can see the benefit of Li-ion batteries but i really didn't want to spend much over the 50 quid mark.

I've seen a 14.4v model in Homebase made by Works for about 50 quid but i'm dubious as to whether this is an own brand, and after hearing of the poor quality of B&Q own brand tools, i'd rather not waste money on going for the cheap option.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated and thanks in advance.

[ultimatehandyman]

Hi Leaf,

welcome to the forum.

Higher voltage drills are normall heavier than the lower voltage counterparts, but have less power.

The cheaper drill/drivers normally take a few hours for the batteries to charge and they normally do not last long from one charge.

This is a cheap one- http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 2&ts=30789

This is a mid priced one that will last a bit longer then the one above- http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 9&ts=30896

and this is a better one- http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 6&ts=30975


The hitachi will last you a few years, the erbauer a few months and the really cheap one a few months.

You do get a guarantee with them all though and so if it breaks you can send it back.

The choice is yours!

If you can wait 3-5 hours for the battery to charge then the first drill is a bargain, although there will be p&p on top.

You could always buy two of them and keep one for spares, then you would have 2 batteries.

Personally I would get the Hithachi, but it is a little dearer!

Hope this helps a little

[Hitch]

For £50 you wont get lithium ion.
But if your only diying, a few holes every few weeks, weight shouldnt be much of a problem.

Any 14.4v should be capable of drilling a wall, but make it easy for yourself- buy a good set or drills- these are good in corless drills.

http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 9&id=88598

If its only going to come out once a month, go down the erbauer route, any more, go for the hitachi.

If you leave it for weeks at a time in between use, be prepared to charge the batteries before use, especially on cheaper tools.

[honeymonster]

Ryobi are pretty good and it will be much better then any of the home made brands from the sheds as many of these are poorly made.