Bolted wrote:
On 14 Aug, 19:14, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
Mark wrote:
On Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:22:20 GMT, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:

wrote:
I'm also looking for a cordless drill which I can use as a
screwdriver (or a cordless screwdriver). Up until now, I've been
using a cheapo Woolies cordless drill as a screwdriver which,
although useful, isn't a lot of use for anything the slightest bit
heavy. The battery also doesn't last long.

I need to have another look at the Screwfix catalogue to see
what's available.

This has got to be the best offer ever;
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/38686/...kita-8280DWPE-...

I don't think these come with batteries. It doesn't mention any.

Doesn't mention 'bare'. Click the picture & it shows the tools with
batteries & charger in a case.

--
Dave - The Medway Handymanwww.medwayhandyman.co.uk

Those are the ones B&Q were selling at around the same price.

One of the problems with Makita is they will build anything to meet a
price level. Or should I say that one of their geniuses is doing so
without apparently denting their brand reputation too much. I guess
that means they are good at it.

The main way they achieve these prices is to supply 1.3a/hr NiCd batteries,
the red ones I've been running the 14.4v for 3 years in daily use & the
NiCds are just starting to fail. I bought a 2.6a/hr NiMh (black) a while
ago for £40 on offer & the difference is amazing.

The 12v 1.3a/hr batteries have lasted extreemly well considering. I bought
a kit containing a 12v driver & a 12v impact driver (with 3 x 1.3a/hr
NiCd's) just over 3 years ago & have used the impact driver a lot on
decking jobs. Last year I bought a Makita mains impact driver to take the
strain off the 12v batteries - it was about the same cost as a battery.

When the 12v NiCd's start failing I'll do the same - buy one 12v NiMh & keep
the NiCd's as back ups.

The chucks on the cheaper Makitas aren't brilliant, I changed the 14.4v one
for a better make & upgraded to 13mm for about £20 at my mates hire place.

Bosch & DeWalt have a similar ploy with cheap end batteries.

TBH though, any of the big three names is going to give great service in a
DIY situation, compared to shed own label ****e.



--
Dave - The Medway Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk