Help a Home Improvement Noob Pick a Drill

[sdifox]

Maynard has a b&d 1/2" corded for like 36. Get that.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/power-tools-accessories/power-drills-accessories/blackdecker-trade-1-2-drill-driver/p-1444425524024.htm?cm_vc=PDPZ1

 

[sdifox]

Actually this is decent for 27


http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4425531729-c-9072.htm?tid=5911314275829158249

 

[sdifox]

But the second is just a drill

 

[Red Squirrel]

lol $20 for a drill. I would not buy any of those. At least spend like $100 for a half decent brand like Dewalt or something. I'm not even sure how they manage to charge $20 for a drill. It must really be the super bottom of the barrel Wun Hung Lo brand of parts in there. The cordless ones would scare me, just buying the lithium ion cells alone would cost more money than the whole drill, kinda makes you wonder what kind of battery is in there and how safe it is.

I own like 5 half decent drills. Some situations it's just easier to have multiple going at once. Ex: screwing stuff together. Have one drill for predrilling holes and one for driving, instead of switching bits all the time. Consider your time's worth and how much time you will save if you have the right tools for a job. I used to be the same way, try to get by with cheap tools, or try to use a tool that will work even though it's not the right tool. Ex: my first cutting tool was a jig saw, it's very multi purpose, you can cut 2x4's with it, you can cut sheets of plywood etc... but it's not really the right tool in certain situations even though it will still work. I eventually bought a circular saw, and a mitre saw, and a job like cutting a 2x4 that may take like 1-2 minutes with a jig saw will take 3 seconds with the mitre saw and make a cleaner cut.

After a while you get into a mode where you just buy a tool without question because the time it saves you is worth it alone. I think my next major tool is probably going to be a table saw. Though a drill press would be nice too, as I often find I want to drill some nice straight holes in something and doing it by hand with a drill won't get as nice results as a drill press. Space is limited in my garage though, before I buy any stationary tools I need to actually build a shed so I can clear the garage, then finish the garage better. There are some tools where it does turn out to not be economical to buy either space wise or simply because of the low use. Like sometimes I think a planner would be nice, but I can probably get by with doing similar cuts with a table saw.

 

[spacejamz]

Have one drill for predrilling holes and one for driving, instead of switching bits all the time.

I bought two refurb'd Black and Decker 18v lithium ion drills from ebay ($40 each IIRC) for this exact reason and was one best things I have ever done...projects are so much easier after doing this...

 

[Kwatt]

Have one drill for predrilling holes and one for driving, instead of switching bits all the time.

Was working a job that issued these.
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW920K...1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I ordered me one the same week. I would go back to a corded drill before I give this up. Plenty of torque that is adjustable. And 2 batteries will last me a 10 hour day.

But, even though the ad says it can be used for pre-drilling. It is not good at it. It shines for turning screws. I'll use my drill for drilling and this for the screws.

.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Yeah, I own the home (or pay a mortgage on it, more accurately). I don't anticipate doing too many home improvement projects as it's new construction. I mostly just want to hang window blinds. Maybe one day I'll put up some medicine cabinets in the three bathrooms, and maybe an address plate on the front of the house. I'm not sure what else I would need to do with a drill, really.

What is a "Hammer Drill" and is it better than a normal drill?

These two on sale at Menards that Sdifox pointed out seem like good candidates:

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4425531729-c-9072.htm?tid=5911314275829158249

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...-drill-driver/p-1444425524024.htm?cm_vc=PDPZ1

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...425508402-c-9072.htm?tid=-4439541075952995965

I found a corded Ryobi for $30 at Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-5-5-Amp-3-8-in-Variable-Speed-Drill-D43K/205216326

Is Sears Craftsman any good?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-evol...p-00917217000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-corded-drill/p-00910114000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2812...p-00928126000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

 

[sdifox]

Yeah, I own the home (or pay a mortgage on it, more accurately). I don't anticipate doing too many home improvement projects as it's new construction. I mostly just want to hang window blinds. Maybe one day I'll put up some medicine cabinets in the three bathrooms, and maybe an address plate on the front of the house. I'm not sure what else I would need to do with a drill, really.

What is a "Hammer Drill" and is it better than a normal drill?

These two on sale at Menards that Sdifox pointed out seem like good candidates:

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4425531729-c-9072.htm?tid=5911314275829158249

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...-drill-driver/p-1444425524024.htm?cm_vc=PDPZ1

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...425508402-c-9072.htm?tid=-4439541075952995965

I found a corded Ryobi for $30 at Home Depot:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-5-5-Amp-3-8-in-Variable-Speed-Drill-D43K/205216326

Is Sears Craftsman any good?

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-evol...p-00917217000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-corded-drill/p-00910114000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2812...p-00928126000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

hammer drill is useful for drilling into masonry. Think of it as drill with a bit of jackhammer thrown in.

 

[mvbighead]

I realize everyone is pimping the 18V+ train, but I did wind up getting a set of 12V Craftsman for odd jobs in tight places and they have plenty of oomf for most jobs. I still reach for bigger drills when I can, but the Craftsman 12V series I have laying around are pretty much always ready for any job, and the battery have been quite good too.

I am having a hard time finding the kits I bought, but there was one I grabbed at Costco for $80 that had 3-4 items, 2 batteries, and a charger. I still use them regularly. I wouldn't use them to screw in deck boards or anything of the like, but for the tasks you mentioned they're more than adequate.

 

[tortoise]

don't anticipate doing too many home improvement projects . . found a corded Ryobi for $30 at Home Depot

Ryobi Corded Clutch Driver

In addition to furniture assembly, also works well for SOME powersports maintenance . . example.

 

[gorcorps]

I realize everyone is pimping the 18V+ train, but I did wind up getting a set of 12V Craftsman for odd jobs in tight places and they have plenty of oomf for most jobs. I still reach for bigger drills when I can, but the Craftsman 12V series I have laying around are pretty much always ready for any job, and the battery have been quite good too.

I am having a hard time finding the kits I bought, but there was one I grabbed at Costco for $80 that had 3-4 items, 2 batteries, and a charger. I still use them regularly. I wouldn't use them to screw in deck boards or anything of the like, but for the tasks you mentioned they're more than adequate.

Just depends on what you need, and how many battery types you want to deal with.

I bought one of the dewalt gyroscopic screwdrivers, which is quite expensive for just a cordless screwdriver, but still awesome. There's only one button, and you hold it and tilt the tool in whatever direction you want to screwdriver to turn. Turn it further and it goes faster. Works great for anything that already has a pilot hole or threads. Obviously a large cordless drill is still needed for bigger jobs, but for a screwdriver I've really liked this one.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

So, which one of these would you pick?

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4425531729-c-9072.htm?tid=5911314275829158249

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...-drill-driver/p-1444425524024.htm?cm_vc=PDPZ1

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...425508402-c-9072.htm?tid=-4439541075952995965

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-5-5-Amp-3-8-in-Variable-Speed-Drill-D43K/205216326

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-evol...p-00917217000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-corded-drill/p-00910114000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2812...p-00928126000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

 

[gorcorps]

So, which one of these would you pick?

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4425531729-c-9072.htm?tid=5911314275829158249

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...-drill-driver/p-1444425524024.htm?cm_vc=PDPZ1

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...425508402-c-9072.htm?tid=-4439541075952995965

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-5-5-Amp-3-8-in-Variable-Speed-Drill-D43K/205216326

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-evol...p-00917217000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-8-corded-drill/p-00910114000P?prdNo=2&blockNo=2&blockType=G2

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2812...p-00928126000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

Out of those? The 3rd one, but this would be better:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-5-...ersible-Compact-Clutch-Driver-D48CK/205216292


The minimum you need IMO is a driver with a clutch. If you're not sure what the clutch is used for, here's a quick video regarding its function:

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/video/0,,20648103,00.html

The 3rd one on your list is the only option you have with a clutch, but it's a low power option... possibly due to the modular design. Spend $40, get the Ryobi clutch driver, and you're good.

 

[13Gigatons]

Going to disagree with everyone in this thread so far.

I have purchased the cheaper tools and if taken care of they will last for years.

The lithium ion will stay charged longer but you really can't beat a $20 18v drill for value.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4448117717-c-9072.htm?tid=7996854428257727349

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...436496682-c-9072.htm?tid=-4474643129584453723

 

[gorcorps]

Going to disagree with everyone in this thread so far.

I have purchased the cheaper tools and if taken care of they will last for years.

The lithium ion will stay charged longer but you really can't beat a $20 18v drill for value.

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...4448117717-c-9072.htm?tid=7996854428257727349

http://www.menards.com/main/tools-h...436496682-c-9072.htm?tid=-4474643129584453723

I'd buy a cheap corded drill, but not a cordless drill. I wouldn't trust those batteries, and I much prefer buying into a system where I could use the batteries on any of my tools... so buying cheap isn't the best option for me. I much prefer going with dewalt or Ryobi, where I could get a few batteries and use them on the drill, saw, flashlight, and lawn tools.

 

[sontakke]

If you need to research for days on $40 item, I think you have come to wrong place. We are all Black Card Centurion holder and don't give a second thought to $40 purchase

Kidding aside, seriously,
1) lithium ion
2) driver (aka impact)
3) clutch
in that order. Buy something in your budget and get it over with.

If the $100 item needs to be thrown away after few years, big f deal!

 

[BarkingGhostar]

Its not like he's mounting blinds on something special. Hell, he could use liquid nails and get away with it.

 

[13Gigatons]

I'd buy a cheap corded drill, but not a cordless drill. I wouldn't trust those batteries, and I much prefer buying into a system where I could use the batteries on any of my tools... so buying cheap isn't the best option for me. I much prefer going with dewalt or Ryobi, where I could get a few batteries and use them on the drill, saw, flashlight, and lawn tools.

It's only $20 if the battery fails just buy another $20 drill. They last 10 years you've gotten the best out of them.

Rules for cheap tools:

Keep them clean.
Keep them indoors.
Don't beat on them.
Do not lend them to anybody.


On the other hand there is nothing wrong with buying a good quality tool set.

 

[effowe]

As most others have said, spend the extra money and get a proper drill. I have a Dewalt and it's worth every penny. If you cheap out now, you're going to end up getting a better one later on and you will have wasted money on the crap drill.

 

[WhipperSnapper]

Out of those? The 3rd one, but this would be better:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-5-...ersible-Compact-Clutch-Driver-D48CK/205216292

That Ryobi seems like a good candidate. I did watch the video about the clutch and it seems like a great feature. What do you guys think about this Craftsman? (I don't think it has the clutch feature.)

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2812...p-00928126000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

 

[13Gigatons]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-5-...ersible-Compact-Clutch-Driver-D48CK/205216292

That Ryobi seems like a good candidate. I did watch the video about the clutch and it seems like a great feature. What do you guys think about this Craftsman? (I don't think it has the clutch feature.)

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-2812...p-00928126000P?prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3

Just buy one and stop looking.

 

[shimpster]

any of them. most r labeled as a certain brand, but majority r built by 2-3 companiez.
much like home appliances, mtd makes almost all box store riding mowers (including those labeled as john deere).
as an american consumer, remember that u r, thru the eyez of the manufacturerz, nuthing more than a dumb TuRd.

 

[Beer4Me]

For the price, I've had great luck with Ryobi. Home Depot regularly runs sales on Ryobi "kits" for very good deals.

 

[Muse]

When I buy electronic tools I buy the good stull and don't worry about it again. Been down the cheap tool route with Black and Decker and some other brands, now I own Dewalt. Lots of yellow in my building.

I've always loved my Dewalt 9v cordlesses, but their NiCD batteries usually were run down pretty good every time I got around to reaching for them. They felt very good in the hand.

I think I did very well indeed when I got this deal 3 months ago:

Ebay - Porter-Cable PCL212IDC-2 12-Volt Max Compact Lithium-Ion 2-Tool Kit, Item# 291691031689 (Factory Refurb)l $76.99 shipped

The seller is rfbdirect

These are relatively light, can do 95+% of anything I'll want to do with them. Highly rated at Amazon.com

 

[xgsound]

For dirt cheap use get a corded drill. No batteries to wear out.
Get one with a clutch (for screws and such) if at all possible. You will also need drill/ screw/ socket bits. Save a trip and get these bits for $13 link: http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-Speed-Load-Plus-Driving-Kit-68-Piece-AR20791/202518720

Even if you only need a drill this deal is hard to beat. It includes a cordless 1/2 inch clutched drill. Do NOT get a Nicad battery drill at all. When you are ready get this 4 tool Ryobi set currently $129 to start you off. I use the light all the time. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ON...rdless-Super-Combo-Kit-4-Piece-P883/203466914


Jim