Direct me to an awesome tool set

[Donuthole]

I've had my Makita 9.6v cordless drill for 16 years now. I bought it in high school when I was working summers as a finish carpenter, and it has served me well in life. About a month ago the battery charger died, and I've gone to use the thing at least a dozen times, before remembering that it wouldn't work. I've shopped around a bit, and it'll be nearly $75 (plus shipping) to buy a new charger. For that much, I might as well look into a new drill (right?).

So here's my question. Is it worth buying name brand (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee) for the extra price, or are the cheaper brands (Ryobi, Black&Decker, Hitachi, etc.) just as good? I will say, I loved my Makita, and I'm tempted to stay loyal to that brand just because of how great it has been. But I don't want to be the brand whore if something cheaper will do just as well.

[FMCoug]

http://www.cougarboard.com

[UtahDan]

http://www.cougaruteforum.com/showthread.php?t=8759

[creekster]

http://www.cougaruteforum.com/showthread.php?t=8759

Lol

[wuapinmon]

I use needle-nosed pliers at least once a week. A great way to find good tools is to go to estate sales. While everyone is in the house yapping about furniture, linens, and dishes, you can clean up in the tool shed. I got tons of tools in New Orleans this way. Good stuff that's 50-60 years old, and is still in perfect shape. All in the $2- $3 range.

[FN Phat]

I've had my Makita 9.6v cordless drill for 16 years now. I bought it in high school when I was working summers as a finish carpenter, and it has served me well in life. About a month ago the battery charger died, and I've gone to use the thing at least a dozen times, before remembering that it wouldn't work. I've shopped around a bit, and it'll be nearly $75 (plus shipping) to buy a new charger. For that much, I might as well look into a new drill (right?).

So here's my question. Is it worth buying name brand (Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee) for the extra price, or are the cheaper brands (Ryobi, Black&Decker, Hitachi, etc.) just as good? I will say, I loved my Makita, and I'm tempted to stay loyal to that brand just because of how great it has been. But I don't want to be the brand whore if something cheaper will do just as well.

I love the Makita Lithium Ion drill/impact driver combo I got last year. You will end up spending a little extra coin but you will not regret it. I use it at least once a week. I have used it to work on my deck, installed mouldings, install an overhead garage door, hand pictures, etc.

I give it 5 stars.

[FN Phat]

http://www.cougaruteforum.com/showthread.php?t=8759

Lol

[Donuthole]

I love the Makita Lithium Ion drill/impact driver combo I got last year. You will end up spending a little extra coin but you will not regret it. I use it at least once a week. I have used it to work on my deck, installed mouldings, install an overhead garage door, hand pictures, etc.

I give it 5 stars.

I really like how small that set is. 18v have been all the rage for the last 5-6 years, but they are so bulky and heavy. I've yet to encounter a job that my 9.6v couldn't do.

What kind of around-the-house things do you use the impact driver for? That tacks an extra $90-100 onto the purchase, but I'm not sure I'd use it enough to make it worthwhile.

[FN Phat]

I really like how small that set is. 18v have been all the rage for the last 5-6 years, but they are so bulky and heavy. I've yet to encounter a job that my 9.6v couldn't do.

What kind of around-the-house things do you use the impact driver for? That tacks an extra $90-100 onto the purchase, but I'm not sure I'd use it enough to make it worthwhile.

Anything that requires driving in screws. It is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. You will not regret the impact driver the first time that you use it. The size of the drill/driver makes it very handy for around the house. Both the drill/driver are quick release. Both have an LED flashlight that comes on with the pull of the trigger. Very nice.

[Donuthole]

Anything that requires driving in screws. It is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. You will not regret the impact driver the first time that you use it. The size of the drill/driver makes it very handy for around the house. Both the drill/driver are quick release. Both have an LED flashlight that comes on with the pull of the trigger. Very nice.

Ok, now i'm intrigued. That would have come in seriously handy when I was building my garage shelves and my garden planter box.

[FN Phat]

Ok, now i'm intrigued. That would have come in seriously handy when I was building my garage shelves and my garden planter box.

Go to a local hardware store, Lowe's, Home Depot, etc. I am sure that they have one to try out. Ask Surfah his opinion. Once you use an impact driver to drive a screw, you will never want to use a drill again.

[creekster]

Anything that requires driving in screws. It is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. You will not regret the impact driver the first time that you use it. The size of the drill/driver makes it very handy for around the house. Both the drill/driver are quick release. Both have an LED flashlight that comes on with the pull of the trigger. Very nice.

This should probably go in th e pet peeve thread, but it always annoys me that those lights don't come on until you pull the trigger. I don't need the freakin light once the bit is turning, I need it BEFORE the bit starts to turn so I can see where I am setting the point. They should design them like a camera shutter, where a slight depression turns the light on, allowing you to set the point, and then the real pull on the trigger turns the bit.

[FN Phat]

This should probably go in th e pet peeve thread, but it always annoys me that those lights don't come on until you pull the trigger. I don't need the freakin light once the bit is turning, I need it BEFORE the bit starts to turn so I can see where I am setting the point. They should design them like a camera shutter, where a slight depression turns the light on, allowing you to set the point, and then the real pull on the trigger turns the bit.

It is all in the trigger finger. A slight pull will start the light and then you will know where to put the tip. It is so easy, even a monkey can do it.

[creekster]

It is all in the trigger finger. A slight pull will start the light and then you will know where to put the tip. It is so easy, even a monkey can do it.

My drill must be too old; it doesnt work that way. But they SHOULD, dagnabbit.

[FN Phat]

My drill must be too old; it doesnt work that way. But they SHOULD, dagnabbit.

May I suggest a replacement?