18v Cordless Drills

- 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"