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.

I expect to be doing a reasonable amount of work with it as I go around
the house (flatpack assembly, shelves, you name it).

Any recommendations?

Thanks

Roger

wrote in message
...
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.

I expect to be doing a reasonable amount of work with it as I go around
the house (flatpack assembly, shelves, you name it).

Any recommendations?

De-Walt £ 200+

On Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:14:08 -0500, 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.

I expect to be doing a reasonable amount of work with it as I go around
the house (flatpack assembly, shelves, you name it).

Any recommendations?

I find that I need two. One to keep a drill bit in (for the pilot holes)
and another to keep a screw bit in. Otherwise I spend too much time
whizzing the driver round to release the drillbit, then whizzing it back
again to tighten the driver bit. Apart from the (admittedly small) battery
drain, it takes up time, is an inconvenience and rapidly beomes a PITA.
Of course, any organised person would drill the pilot holes and _then_ do
the screwing - however, this is me I' on about :-)
If you get two the same, it saves hassle with chargers, batteries etc.
- Oh yes, get one (two?) with 2 batteries each - so you can keep one charging
while using the other.

In article ,
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.

I expect to be doing a reasonable amount of work with it as I go around
the house (flatpack assembly, shelves, you name it).

Any cordless drill will be ok for screwdriving. Your one must be a fairly
useless drill too if it can't drive in reasonable sized screws - although
it might just be a knackered battery.

For serious screw driving an impact driver is best. They take the hex
bits directly - no chuck involved. But they are more expensive and need
special drill bits to use as a drill.

The little Makita TD020D is a superb impact type which punches well above
its weight and is small enough to fit into gaps an ordinary screwdriver
would - but where a normal cordless drill is too big. Other beauty with an
impact type is it doesn't tug at your wrist. It's also less likely to jump
out of the screw slot etc. So brilliant for use on painted over slotted
ones.

--
*There's two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 10 Aug, 12:50, "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
In article ,
* 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.
I expect to be doing a reasonable amount of work with it as I go around
the house (flatpack assembly, shelves, you name it).

Any cordless drill will be ok for screwdriving. Your one must be a fairly
useless drill too if it can't drive in reasonable sized screws - although
it might just be a knackered battery.

*For serious screw driving an impact driver is best. They take the hex
bits directly - no chuck involved. But they are more expensive and need
special drill bits to use as a drill.

*The little Makita TD020D is a superb impact type which punches well above
its weight and is small enough to fit into gaps an ordinary screwdriver
would - but where a normal cordless drill is too big. Other beauty with an
impact type is it doesn't tug at your wrist. It's also less likely to jump
out of the screw slot etc. So brilliant for use on painted over slotted
ones.

--
*There's two theories to arguing with a woman. Neither one works *

* * Dave Plowman * * * * * * * * London SW
* * * * * * * * * To e-mail, change noise into sound.

We have a Bosch one, it's good but the battery life is crap

On Aug 10, 11:14*am, 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.

I expect to be doing a reasonable amount of work with it as I go around
the house (flatpack assembly, shelves, you name it).

Any recommendations?

Thanks

Roger

I bought a Makita 12v cordless set with 3 batteries from Axminster
just over 1.5 years ago. Reasonably expensive but well worth it.
This set from Screwfix looks to me to be a complete bargain -
http://www.screwfix.com/prods/38686?ts=14567#

I built a deck requiring in excess of 800 screws and never had to wait
for batteries to charge or run out took quickly. There was enough
power in the 12v drill to drill through 4 inches of pine (probably
done the motor no favours, but it worked!) and its always been tough
enough to screw in or out any stubborn screw I've come across. Best
tool I ever bought.

I would add, pair any decent drill-driver up with a supply of good
quality bits, and match the pozi's to the pozi's, the phillips to the
phillips, and you won't go far wrong!

Matt

On Aug 10, 3:47*pm, larkim wrote:
On Aug 10, 11:14*am, 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.

I expect to be doing a reasonable amount of work with it as I go around
the house (flatpack assembly, shelves, you name it).

Any recommendations?

Thanks

Roger

I bought a Makita 12v cordless set with 3 batteries from Axminster
just over 1.5 years ago. *Reasonably expensive but well worth it.
This set from Screwfix looks to me to be a complete bargain -http://www.screwfix.com/prods/38686?ts=14567#

I built a deck requiring in excess of 800 screws and never had to wait
for batteries to charge or run out took quickly. *There was enough
power in the 12v drill to drill through 4 inches of pine (probably
done the motor no favours, but it worked!) and its always been tough
enough to screw in or out any stubborn screw I've come across. *Best
tool I ever bought.

I would add, pair any decent drill-driver up with a supply of good
quality bits, and match the pozi's to the pozi's, the phillips to the
phillips, and you won't go far wrong!

Matt

I'd add that the product I linked to doesn't do variable speed driving
- I got the http://www.screwfix.com/prods/97593/...s-Drill-Driver
instead, but paid a little less for it.

Matt

On Mon, 10 Aug 2009 05:14:08 -0500, wrote:

I'm also looking for a cordless drill which I can use as a screwdriver
(or a cordless screwdriver).

Personally I find "L" shaped drill/drivers awkward to use. I much
prefer a straight one but they appear to be getting as common as hens
teeth these days.

Drill/drivers are less controlable than a decently geared driver,
particulary if you need any torque. To get the torque you have to
give it lots of welly from the trigger which either drives the thing
in too fast once the stiction is over come or generates far more
damage if the bit disengages from the screw. An nicly geared
relatively slow driver has plenty of torque at a sensible speed.

--
Cheers
Dave.

In article o.uk,
Dave Liquorice wrote:
I'm also looking for a cordless drill which I can use as a screwdriver
(or a cordless screwdriver).

Personally I find "L" shaped drill/drivers awkward to use. I much
prefer a straight one but they appear to be getting as common as hens
teeth these days.

The little Makita TD020D can be either - the handle swivels from pistol
grip to inline. It's a brilliant bit of kit.

--
*Just give me chocolate and nobody gets hurt

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

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.

I expect to be doing a reasonable amount of work with it as I go around
the house (flatpack assembly, shelves, you name it).

Any recommendations?

The Bosch 12v (21623) looks fine at £70, or Axminster are doing a 12v Makita
with extras (702739) for £85

Keep your cheapo as a screwdriver, saves changing bits all the time.

Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

The little Makita TD020D is a superb impact type which punches well
above its weight and is small enough to fit into gaps an ordinary
screwdriver would - but where a normal cordless drill is too big.
Other beauty with an impact type is it doesn't tug at your wrist.
It's also less likely to jump out of the screw slot etc. So brilliant
for use on painted over slotted ones.

Seconded.


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

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/...ill-Driver-Kit

Currently out of stock, but 'back soon'. Makita are the mutts nuts.


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

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/...ill-Driver-Kit

Currently out of stock, but 'back soon'. Makita are the mutts nuts.

I agree - discard my recommendation, stalk that one for restocking!

In article , (Steve
Walker) wrote:

*From:* "Steve Walker"
*Date:* Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:42:02 +0100

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.

I expect to be doing a reasonable amount of work with it as I go
around
the house (flatpack assembly, shelves, you name it).

Any recommendations?

The Bosch 12v (21623) looks fine at £70, or Axminster are doing a
12v Makita with extras (702739) for £85

Keep your cheapo as a screwdriver, saves changing bits all the
time.



In the end, because I need it soon, I bought the combined Bosch package
(26072) which is on the back of the current Screwfix catalogue.

This has the GBH2400 SDS drill and the GSR12-2 drill driver for £99. When
I looked up the spec for the drill driver, it seemed to be the same as the
21623-GSR12-23, except that the 12-23 comes with three batteries, whereas
the 12-2 in the package comes with 2.

When I went to collect it from Screwfix (they had to get the package
delivered to the store as they were out of stock on Wed) last night, I saw
the 6Kg Titan SDS plus on display on the counter, complete with accessory
kit (55238) on offer at £53.99 instead of cat price £89.99. This had been
recommended by somebody in my SDS posting, so I decided to get that as
well as that may come in handy for some more bulky work like concrete
bashing!. Three new drills is a bit over the top, but at least I now have
a selection of drills and it's only cost me just over £150.

I haven't actually played with the Titan yet, as I couldn't manage to
bring it home with the other drills (Screwfix are about a 5 minute walk
from my house and I didn't have a car). SO I'm going to pick it up this
morning. I don't know how good the accessories are that supplied with it.
I'm assuming that they're probably not the best quality, but at least
they'll give me something to try out until I decide what bits etc. I
actually want.

Roger

In article ,
wrote:
I don't know how good the accessories are that supplied with it.
I'm assuming that they're probably not the best quality, but at least
they'll give me something to try out until I decide what bits etc. I
actually want.

I've got a variety of SDS drills and accessories bought from good
suppliers, Lidl and market stalls. They don't seem to vary much in quality.

--
*If at first you don't succeed, redefine success.

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

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/...ill-Driver-Kit

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

Currently out of stock, but 'back soon'. Makita are the mutts nuts.
--
(\__/) M.
(='.'=) Due to the amount of spam posted via googlegroups and
(")_(") their inaction to the problem. I am blocking most articles
posted from there. If you wish your postings to be seen by
everyone you will need use a different method of posting.
[Reply-to address valid until it is spammed.]

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/...ill-Driver-Kit

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 Handyman
www.medwayhandyman.co.uk

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.

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

On 15 Aug, 08:53, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
Bolted wrote:
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.

That's one way, as is the intelligence or stupidity of the charger,
and as you mention crappy chucks are another obvious sign. The
gearboxes are another, as is the motor, and the [fill in the list].
It's a brand name. A very flexible one. Mak hasn't lost as much
credibility as DeFault, but it is playing a similar game. I agree
that they are a better bet than any no-name clone crap, but to suggest
that a set they do is the bargain of the etc, is likely to over-state
the real position, which is that it was built to that price in the
first place (albeit maybe pretty much as well as can be done, unlike
others.)

Bolted wrote:
On 15 Aug, 08:53, "The Medway Handyman"
wrote:
Bolted wrote:
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.

That's one way, as is the intelligence or stupidity of the charger,
and as you mention crappy chucks are another obvious sign.

The chargers Makita supply with the cheap deals are actually very good - I
suspect they don't have a cheaper charger, so they throw it in with the
deal.

The
gearboxes are another, as is the motor, and the [fill in the list].

Dunno about that, all I can say is that the Mak cordless I have deliver
plenty of welly. My view is that Makita punch well above their weight.

It's a brand name. A very flexible one. Mak hasn't lost as much
credibility as DeFault, but it is playing a similar game. I agree
that they are a better bet than any no-name clone crap, but to suggest
that a set they do is the bargain of the etc, is likely to over-state
the real position, which is that it was built to that price in the
first place (albeit maybe pretty much as well as can be done, unlike
others.)

See what you mean. I think that the Makita stuff with the red NiCd's was at
one time marketed as Maktech, but that name was dropped.

Having said that, a 14.4v combi & a 14.4v driver with 2 x 1.3a/hr batteries
& and a Makita charger for £80 has to be a 'kin good deal for DIY use.
Similar has served me well for 3+ years of heavy trade use.


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

In article ,
The Medway Handyman wrote:
The chargers Makita supply with the cheap deals are actually very good -
I suspect they don't have a cheaper charger, so they throw it in with
the deal.

Might be economies of scale mean they might as well use the same one for
everything. And avoid warranty claims on batteries.

--
*Do infants enjoy infancy as much as adults enjoy adultery? *

Dave Plowman London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

On 16 Aug, 08:32, "Dave Plowman (News)" wrote:
In article ,
* *The Medway Handyman wrote:

The chargers Makita supply with the cheap deals are actually very good -
I suspect they don't have a cheaper charger, so they throw it in with
the deal.

Might be economies of scale mean they might as well use the same one for
everything. And avoid warranty claims on batteries.

TMH is probably right that they don't have a cheaper charger to chuck
in with the deals.

They do, however, have a more expensive one which I bet they don't
(but does come with their more expensive variants, which boast of the
faster charging).

http://www.mtmc.co.uk/prodtype.asp?c...PT_ID=12710279

All of this is fair enough, not everyone will want to pay for the top-
end stuff.

On Fri, 14 Aug 2009 18:14:42 GMT, "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/...ill-Driver-Kit

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.

It wouldn't be the first time a retailer shows a product with
accessories that are not part of the package. If it doesn't say it
includes batteries then I would assume it does not until I find out
otherwise.

--
(\__/) M.
(='.'=) Due to the amount of spam posted via googlegroups and
(")_(") their inaction to the problem. I am blocking most articles
posted from there. If you wish your postings to be seen by
everyone you will need use a different method of posting.
[Reply-to address valid until it is spammed.]