Skil Factory-Reconditioned 2585-RT 14.4V 2-Speed Cordless 3/8" Hammer Drill/Driver
- Thread starter OfficeLinebacker
- Start date
grohl
Platinum Member
- Jun 27, 2004
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I am a firm believer in "you get what you pay for" regarding cordless tools. That being said, I would save my money for a more recognized brand if you are a serious DIY'er (Ridgid, Dewalt, etc). There are deals on these if you look for them. I picked up my Ridgid cordless set (18v) when Home Depot was introducing this line and have lifetime warranty including battery. I can drill through masonry like butter. I probably drove 10000 screws with it before the chuck broke, and I went to the store and got a brand new one on exchange.
If you are a casual cordless tool user I suppose this might work for you though.
If you are a casual cordless tool user I suppose this might work for you though.
I had a Skill Top Gun drill for over a decade and it served me very well. I've got a skill 77 saw that will outlast me and probably my sons. I could, of course, borrow my father-in-law's 'cause he's really a nice man and would loan it to me. He doesn't need it after using it his entire life as a framing carpenter.
Skill is a well known brand and, while they seem to have created a lot of tools for the homeowner that isn't a semi-pro, they've certainly outfitted lots of carpenters and tradesmen who couldn't have done the job without their Skill tools.
My 77 will only need the transmission fluid changed on occasion and new saw blades as they wear out.
As far as the"more recognized brand" comment:
The sidewinder circular saw used by almost everyone is commonly known as a "skillsaw". the name comes from the saws that Skill made.
I haven't laid hands on this drill, OfficeLinebacker, but I suspect what you thought is correct.
I own a Skill Drill and a Ridgid Drill. I like them both. I do like the lifetime warrantee I got on my Rigid drill but I like the feel and workability of my Top Gun Skill drill best.
Thanks for the post. I might pick up one of these for my son.
Skill is a well known brand and, while they seem to have created a lot of tools for the homeowner that isn't a semi-pro, they've certainly outfitted lots of carpenters and tradesmen who couldn't have done the job without their Skill tools.
My 77 will only need the transmission fluid changed on occasion and new saw blades as they wear out.
As far as the"more recognized brand" comment:
The sidewinder circular saw used by almost everyone is commonly known as a "skillsaw". the name comes from the saws that Skill made.
I haven't laid hands on this drill, OfficeLinebacker, but I suspect what you thought is correct.
I own a Skill Drill and a Ridgid Drill. I like them both. I do like the lifetime warrantee I got on my Rigid drill but I like the feel and workability of my Top Gun Skill drill best.
Thanks for the post. I might pick up one of these for my son.
my dad has a skillsaw and an handheld corded drill which are both older than me (i've graduated college) and both work great.
Also a thing to consider is the tools of their past may not be the same quality as skill's new versions. I'd say for 70 bucks though out the door you really can't go wrong.
Also a thing to consider is the tools of their past may not be the same quality as skill's new versions. I'd say for 70 bucks though out the door you really can't go wrong.
ooooh just read the 14.4 volt though
hmmm a deal breaker for me.... a hammer drill is something you'll want the extra juice
hmmm a deal breaker for me.... a hammer drill is something you'll want the extra juice
grohl
Platinum Member
- Jun 27, 2004
- 2,849
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For the record, I have some older corded tools that serve me well. I have a reconditioned Craftsman circular saw my dad bought in 1975 that works fine. Skil has a long history of making quality corded tools. What I worry about is the cheaper cordless market and people really getting what they pay for. I doubt this drill could stand any serious daily use as I mentioned previously.
I don't think you can put Skil a notch belopw everyone else in your list. Ridgid and Dewalt have their own problems. Sure they'r emounted on the sides of NASCAR cars, but that don't mean aquat if it didn't work.
I just really like the idea of getting a nice solig gun for taking apart and putting together my cimputers that will never wear out, and maybe be occasionally asked to put a hole in a 2x4 or drywall.
This thing, by all accounts, should serve me BEAUTIFULLY.
quote:
"I don't think you can put Skil a notch belopw everyone else in your list. Ridgid and Dewalt have their own problems. Sure they'r emounted on the sides of NASCAR cars, but that don't mean aquat if it didn't work.
I just really like the idea of getting a nice solig gun for taking apart and putting together my cimputers that will never wear out, and maybe be occasionally asked to put a hole in a 2x4 or drywall.
This thing, by all accounts, should serve me BEAUTIFULLY. "
Agreed (overkill!)but keep the clutch adjusted low or you'll strip the cabinet threads.
oh...and don't use the hammer function on your computers!
"I don't think you can put Skil a notch belopw everyone else in your list. Ridgid and Dewalt have their own problems. Sure they'r emounted on the sides of NASCAR cars, but that don't mean aquat if it didn't work.
I just really like the idea of getting a nice solig gun for taking apart and putting together my cimputers that will never wear out, and maybe be occasionally asked to put a hole in a 2x4 or drywall.
This thing, by all accounts, should serve me BEAUTIFULLY. "
Agreed (overkill!)but keep the clutch adjusted low or you'll strip the cabinet threads.
oh...and don't use the hammer function on your computers!
Scarpozzi
Lifer
- Jun 13, 2000
- 26,391
- 1,780
- 126
I believe Skil is related to Craftsman somehow. I know I've seen a lot of their refurbished tools at my local Sears scratch and dent store.
I would rate their quality to be a 6-7 on a 10 scale. For cordless drills you'll AT LEAST want to buy a 12 volt to get the power needed to drill through metal or hard wood. So, getting a 14.4 volt drill for this price is a very good deal and probably equivalent to buying a Black & Decker....but not quite as good as if it were a DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee....
Good deal.
I would rate their quality to be a 6-7 on a 10 scale. For cordless drills you'll AT LEAST want to buy a 12 volt to get the power needed to drill through metal or hard wood. So, getting a 14.4 volt drill for this price is a very good deal and probably equivalent to buying a Black & Decker....but not quite as good as if it were a DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee....
Good deal.
I've been hearing lots of ads for the Milwaukee 28 volt line of power tools, but I bet they are expensive.
As someone who has used a Skil circular saw, and owned a Skil cordless 14.4 volt drill, I can tell you that ...
SKIL SUCKS.
I've had the drill for about two or three years now. It only came with one battery, and it only lasts about 5 minutes of continuous use.
If you're not a contractor, but just a normal home owner that would like a solid drill, go CORDED. Trust me. Batteries wear out. And corded drills/screw guns are much more powerful. Also, you can get them for about 1/3 the cost of a cordless drill. Rather than this, I'd rather head to menards and buy a nice Dewalt corded hammer drill. It will last you for the rest of your life, and it will probably cost you less than $100.
SKIL SUCKS.
I've had the drill for about two or three years now. It only came with one battery, and it only lasts about 5 minutes of continuous use.
If you're not a contractor, but just a normal home owner that would like a solid drill, go CORDED. Trust me. Batteries wear out. And corded drills/screw guns are much more powerful. Also, you can get them for about 1/3 the cost of a cordless drill. Rather than this, I'd rather head to menards and buy a nice Dewalt corded hammer drill. It will last you for the rest of your life, and it will probably cost you less than $100.
Good point Lebe. I indeed have two corded drills for the heavy duty stuff. This cordless is more for driving screws and such...like assembling computers.
however there are times that I have used the cordless because it's just easier. I figure having this unit will be overkill, and the number of times I can use it for real drilling will easily be 4x that of the old cheapie one that broke.
As for the batteries in my unit, my son spent almost 10 min of continuous use grinding away some action figures he had and the drill seemed to lose no power to my unskilled touch. Also note this offer comes with two batteries and a simple charger that charges the battery only (on my old one you coudl operate in while the battery was charging, presumably on wall power or very close).
however there are times that I have used the cordless because it's just easier. I figure having this unit will be overkill, and the number of times I can use it for real drilling will easily be 4x that of the old cheapie one that broke.
As for the batteries in my unit, my son spent almost 10 min of continuous use grinding away some action figures he had and the drill seemed to lose no power to my unskilled touch. Also note this offer comes with two batteries and a simple charger that charges the battery only (on my old one you coudl operate in while the battery was charging, presumably on wall power or very close).
Just wanted to mention that I just zapped off and on a set of license plates. It was 35 degrees out and the drill hadn't been charged (or used much) for a couple of weeks.
The bolts were semi-siezed on there.
What I liked most was the good power even in low temps.
Now if I ever move again, I am not waiting for THE COLDEST PART OF WINTER to get plates again.
The bolts were semi-siezed on there.
What I liked most was the good power even in low temps.
Now if I ever move again, I am not waiting for THE COLDEST PART OF WINTER to get plates again.
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