Lew Hodgett wrote:
Having been visited by members of the sticky finger club,
I have been without tools for some time.

Made the decision to get at least a battery powered drill.

Last time around it was an 18 VDC DeWalt complete
with a couple of batteries and a panel saw as a kit
that cost $400-$600.

This time, something for an occasional hole drilling
or screw driving will get the job done.

Time to look at Harbor Freight.

Found a 3/8, 900 RPM 18 VDC drill with a charger
and one battery for $16.99.

Probably has plastic gears, has only a 90 day guarantee
from Harbor Freight, and a charging system that just plain
sucks.

It requires 3-5 hours to charge.

It has a red and a green pilot light.

The green light indicates it is connected to shore power.

The red light indicates the battery is being charged.

There is no indication when the battery is recharged.

Plug it in and wait 3-5 hours, that's it.

Assuming that the drill will perform, a work around
exists for a charging system.

Buy a 2nd drill.

You now have two (2) batteries (NiCad), a back up charger,
and a 2nd drill which is always handy.

Best of all, you have less than $40 invested.

Not a bad deal, if it works.

Time will tell.

Lew

I use a corded 3/8 variable speed for sanding the inside of bowls. I
try to keep the dust blown out of it but in the last 14 years I have
gone through two DeWalts and a BD. In all of them the switch failed,
and a new switch costs nearly as much as another drill. This time I
got a HF for $12. The cord is stiffer than a DeWalt but otherwise it
works well. As you say, time will tell.

--
 GW Ross 

 Fife. n. Small shrill instrument that 
 rhymes with wife.