On Sat, 29 Nov 2008 18:55:50 -0800, SteveB wrote:

"Ed Pawlowski" wrote in message
...

"Harlan Messinger" wrote in message
...
I've accepted that my power drill/driver disappeared last year, though
I've still got one battery and the charger. I need to decide what kind of
replacement to get.

Do I need 18V? I assume not. My intended uses are in the home, including
renovation: putting up drywall, mounting cabinet doors. I doubt I'll want
to drill masonry on my own. I also assume I don't want a hammer driver.

Of what's available at Home Depot or Lowe's, what's recommended? What
considerations are there? Some of the products are distinguish from each
other only by features whose usefulness to me I can't ascertain.

Depends on how you actually use the tool. IMO, 18V stuff is just too heavy
for 95% of typical homeowner use. I have a 15.6V Panasonic that I love
because of the weight/power ratio. I bought a 12V Rigid for one of the
guys to use in the shop where he was going to be working on a ladder or
lift. Plenty of power for driving small sheet metal screws and gets the
job done for $49.

Ditto on that. I got an 18v Dewalt for a gift, after previously owning 9.6
Makita for decades. I still get out the 9.6 for smaller jobs, as it is
lighter. I would like a battery hammer drill, and a handheld screwdriver
for those times when those would do best. One size does not do all.

Steve

Avoid the DeWalt DW925 hammerdrill. In fact, I would avoid DeWalt all
together. I got the DW925 hammerdrill as part of a kit. The locking chuck
does not lock, dropping drill bits all the time. The clutch is worthless,
driving deck screws through the wood on setting 1. I have had the set for
a little over a year. I am on my 3rd drill! Give me a Milwaukee any day.
Or a Makita or Hitachi. Porter Cable used to make good stuff, but now
bought out by B&D.