18v Cordless Drills

- Where can I get a charger for Black and Decker 18v NiCad cordless drill?
The charger plugs into the back of the drill and is not a separate unit where you take the battery out to place it into a charger. I lost mine and would like to purchase one but cannot find a part number even at the black and decker website.

A I've never heard of this type of charger for an 18 volt drill, unless it is for an old Firestorm, so I'd call a Black & Decker/DeWalt service center or 1 800 544-6986 to get the part number and information on how to find the charger. By the way, if the drill is more than 3 or 4 years old, I wouldn't bother because the battery may not be any good any more, whether it is used or not and the charger may cost more than a replacement drill, especially if you look into reconditioned tools at cpotools.com or recondtionedsales.com. You can often get professional quality equipment for less than you'd pay for DIY tools.

- Stihl MS440 parts diagram?
Where can i find something like this, http://www.ereplacementparts.com/dewalt-dc759-type-18v-cordless-drill-parts-c-1009_1162_2837.html?osCsid=taiu6p750bv3kjpftf8q4gr355 but for Stihl MS440 chainsaw. Thanks!

A Ask a Stihl dealer. You can not get them off of stihl.com like you could from toro.com.

- Cordless Ryobi vs Makita?
I am not a contractor, but I do most all the work around the house from repairs to major work for the most part. I use my cordless drill quite a bit around the house when something needs done. My Makita 14v cordless batteries finally gave out after 6+ years. I love the drill and got a gift card for HD and was going to purchase a new Makita since buying 2 batteries alone is rediculously priced. I see that Ryobi has an 18v cordless tool kit out that includes a drill, circular saw, reciprcating saw, jig saw, flashlight and 2 batteries for the same price as the Makita drill alone. Any thoughts good or bad concerning the Ryobi? I don't necessarily need all the extra tools that come with the Ryobi since I have those tools already, but they are not cordless so they seem pretty cool. I just don't want to buy it if the batteries are going to die after a year or two or if the tools themselves are cheap. Also I am wondering if the 18v stuff is big and heavy compared to the 14v Makita? Basically Ryobi tool set or Makita drill??

A Hi Ineedinfo, I’m Ken with The Home Depot. Good question as both tools can get the job done. First thing I would consider is going with Lithium-Ion batteries Vs Ni-Cad. Lithium runs longer, charges quicker and starts in cold temperatures and weighs less. There are many quality brands of cordless tools to fit whatever your needs are. I have used Ryobi and Makita. Both work equally well. What it comes down to is what is best for you. You really need to go into the store and put one of each drill in your hand and take it for a test drive. When it comes to which drill is better, there are more factors than just price. Both the Ryobi and Makita have a light weight Lithium –ion drill. Both have quick charge Lithium-ion batteries. Both Ryobi & Makita have great combo kits. Although some will say the Ryobi is for DIYer’s and Makita is for contractors. I have seen a lot of contractors using Ryobi Lithium-ion tools. It’s a matter of choice and budget. I’ve attached a link that is a guide to buying cordless power tools. http://ext.homedepot.com/video/?bcpid=207606409001&bctid=374666604001. Lastly take a look at the warranties each company offers. Hope this helps. For information on The Home Depot community click here. http://bit.ly/ey44bq

- Should I downgrade from my current drill/driver?
Two years ago, I bought a Makita 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2 In. Driver-Drill Kit Model # BDF452HW for baby-proofing and furniture assembly. Now I don't use it much, although I feel that I would like a drill/driver on hand. I feel that the 18V drill-driver is more than I need. I'd like to downgrade to the Makita LCT203W 10.8-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Two-Piece Combo Kit. The 18V drill kit includes a quick charger, an extra battery pack and a hard plastic carrying case. I bought drill bits from Walmart separately. The 2-piece driver-drill set that I want includes: driver drill, impact driver, two 10.8-volt lithium ion batteries, charger, and "heavy duty" aluminum case. Of course, the both tools in the 2-piece set have lower torque and max RPM than the 18V drill-driver, but I will have an impact driver in the exchange. Also the tools in the 2-piece set are smaller, which is more to my purpose (basic household maintenance). Should I sell the 18V (bought at $200 + tax), at a loss because it's used, and get the 2-piece set? I'm thinking $160 for the 18V and I'll throw in the drill bits. The 2-piece set is $160 shipped, from Amazon. (I'll need new bits, as the drill takes hex-shank bits.) Or should I keep the 18V, because you never know when you'll need the power? What do you think? The tools in the 2-piece set are less bulky than the 18V drill-driver. I foresee only light household drilling and screwdriving in the years to come.

A If you try to sell a used Drill then people will think its no good. You wont get a fair price. You'll regret ever starting the process. Drills of less than 12 Volts are just toys.Keep with the 18V. "If it aint broke dont fix it"

- I dreamt of broken winding stairs. What do you think?
Last night I dreamt my family and I were at the ocean. There were huge rock cliffs with a motel built in to the side of one. There were wrought iron winding stairs that lead up to the rooms. Everyone else was already at the top, around the corner facing the ocean and enjoying the view. My hands were full with bags, a coat and whatnot and I was going very slowly because I am extremely afraid of heights and the thin metal railing was difficult to hang onto. You could see the ground far below through the grates of the steps, but I was overcoming me fear and climbing anyways. Suddenly, I came to a spot where all the stairs and railing had collapsed and was just dangling from one hinge. The railing attached to the cliff side was ripped and jagged. Above me I saw my family and oddly asked them to complain to hotel maintenance. The maintenance man came wearing a tool belt, with a cordless drill in his hand. He did not seem very concerned, but turned a few screws with the drill, then walked back up the stairs and disappeared without having fixed anything. I could not go up and I was too terrified to go down. It seems my family ambivalently went off to do their thing and thought I'd be along eventually once the stairs were fixed. Then I woke up.

A Hi Dee, well.....it reminds me a little bit of a dream I had once of climbing a mountain with a back pack that was too heavy, and I chucked some of the stuff out of the backpack to lighten the load so that I could make it to the top. I feel these burdens you carry are fears and issues that hold you back in your life. Whatever these burdens represent, the only one who can "fix" it, is you. As you grow and progress in your life, you know there is no turning back to who you were before, but the path ahead of you is a bit scary right now. Sometimes, even though you know a fear or issue is holding you back, there is a certain comfort in keeping them around, at least you know where you stand, where the alternative is an unknown. It does seem as though you feel your family doesn't offer you enough help or support to get where you need to go, it feels that way from the attitudes they express here. If they are supportive of you or not though, ultimately the journey is yours to make. How much easier would that journey be, if you were relieved of these burdens, and able to grab on with both hands to support yourself better? That you fight your fears and make progress during this dream sounds good to me though, but it seems that you have a few more fears you need to address right now, some "emotional baggage" that you need to let go of in order to climb higher. Good luck to you....

- Ryobi or Hitachi 18v cordless drill , which should i buy?
looking at these 2 drills which are on sale Ryobi comes with an impact driver ,which i have no use for. 99$ plus tax Hitachi comes with a flashlight and some bits which i guess i could kind of use 109$ plus tax The thing is i'd take the better drill no matter what the accesories any suggestions?

A Hitachi is by far the better make, i would also look at the battery's and see what type your getting probably nicad at that price but also amp hrs is also worth looking at. There probably isn't much in it in terms of the battery's but its always a good idea to check just to see what your getting for your money as most people don't. Either way i would go with the Hitachi.

- How do the little drill bits fit?
I just bought a Bosch 18V Cordless drill and bought a 14 piece set of Milwaukee drill bits and was wondering how the 1/16 to 5/32 fit? Doesnt seem like they can go down to the very bottom, is their an adaptor you buy or what? cool, thanks.

A You don't need them to go down to the bottom. Drill bits are held in place by the pressure of the "jaws". When you drill you should drill slowly enough so you don't have to put too much pressure on the tip of the bit. Let the spinning of the bit cut its own way into the surface you are drilling. You can adjust the depth of the bit to accommodate the depth you need to drill.

- Anyone got a battery charger for a Marksman 18v cordless drill set please?


A Try B&Q or similar DIY store. Or go back to the store where you bought it for advice.

- I have a fixit 18v cordless drill I have lost the charger?
The drill works great I have two batterys but no charger I have look in e bay for one with no luck. It looks like I will have to buy the whole set. I have found a battery but no charger. Is there any charger that would work with that battery?

A Take it to Home Depot, or a real tool store, and see if they have anything that might work.