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Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
By:Malcolm Schweizer
Date: 6/9/2012, 7:24 am

Well folks, it is time for a compact drill-driver kit. I have a dewalt 14.4v cordless that I love and a Hitachi that I suffer through. I am now looking for a 12v lithium ion drill/driver set for small jobs and tight spaces.

I love the Porter Cable, but it looks like they don't sell a flashlight for it (something I would really like) and the reviews often mention that the chuck often loosens on its own. That's why I hate my Hitachi. (Along with poor torque and battery life even for a Ni-Cad.)

The Ridgid was about to win but there are lots of bad reviews on the battery and charger.

Bosch is out due to numerous reviews on chuck run-out. (One humorous one from a lady who bought one for her husband and said the "nozzle" wobbled.)

Makita seems to be a strong competitor. A bit more pricey but I am OK with that if it is better.

Milwaukee is getting good reviews and has a lot of accessories in the 12v lineup including a video inspection scope (cool factor 10+) but after destroying two of their ROS's just sanding simple flat projects I am shy of Milwaukee.

Ryobi appears to have a "professional" lineup but they have for years produced worthless junk so I am skeptical of anything they make. Too bad because they have a lot of accessories with their 12v lineup.

So I am reaching out to the folks I trust most... Or mostly trust! Post your reviews. Only interested in 12v lithium and looking for compactness. I also would like a flashlight option (separate flashlight) and like the idea of a built-in light on the drill. I prefer a kit with drill and driver for pilot holes, counter-sinking, and screwing without swapping bits which is the bulk of what I do with cordless drills.

Messages In This Thread

Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Malcolm Schweizer -- 6/9/2012, 7:24 am
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Malcolm Schweizer -- 6/9/2012, 7:39 am
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Rob Macks/Laughing Loon CC&K -- 6/9/2012, 10:28 am
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Malcolm Schweizer -- 6/9/2012, 1:01 pm
Went with the Milwaukee.
Malcolm Schweizer -- 6/10/2012, 9:30 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Marc Upchurch -- 6/9/2012, 3:44 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Jerome Jankowski -- 6/9/2012, 4:58 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Will N 2 Go -- 6/9/2012, 5:26 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Jerome Jankowski -- 6/10/2012, 12:52 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Kirk Fredericks -- 6/9/2012, 7:09 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Don Goss -- 6/10/2012, 10:47 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Bill Hamm -- 6/11/2012, 2:07 am
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Dan Beatty -- 6/15/2012, 11:34 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Dan Caouette -- 6/16/2012, 7:27 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Malcolm Schweizer -- 6/17/2012, 10:37 pm
Re: Tools: Which 12v li-ion drill/driver?
Bill Hamm -- 6/18/2012, 1:06 am