" wrote:
On Apr 28, 7:43 pm, wrote:
On Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:26:50 -0700, mike wrote:
On 4/28/2013 5:04 PM, wrote:
I'm assuming the cheaper cordless drills at Harbor Freight are
disposable junk that will die in short order. Anyone have experience with them?

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-t...s/cordless-dri...

It's not clear to me what the difference is between the above model
and this moderately more expensive unit. Both seem to have similar
stats - 18v, 900 rpm, reversible, variable speed.

http://www.harborfreight.com/power-t...s/18-volt-3-8-...

What would you consider to be the next tier for a cordless drill? Just
light to moderate occasional home handyman use. What features do you
think make a big difference?

Thanks for all input

I've found HF tools to be acceptable for occasional use.
Problem is that all the batteries seem to be CRAP.

Problem with occasional use of rechargeable tools is that they're always
dead when you need 'em.
NiCd's seem to short if left discharged forever.

So, you can leave 'em on the charger and guarantee the batteries die.
Or you can plan ahead to charge before needed and hope they still work.

You can expect better results from high-end tools, but it's nearly
impossible to tell without just trying it. They're optimized for
contractor use where they're in continuous use.

LiIon batteries are much better in these regards but you aren't likely
to find them in cheap tools. Life is too short to use cheap tools
anyway.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Once you get the batteries charged, a charger on a timer for 10 - 20
minutes per day will keep them up without overheating and shortening
their life.

Great idea. I never tried my digital timer. The mechanical ones don't go
that short.
My lithium drill charger will charge in one hour. Some or most nicad
chargers don't shut off. I had one that had a fixed charge interval, good
old Kawasaki. They had problems with variable trigger switch, two, which I
could have ordered replacement parts, but never did.

Greg