18v Cordless Drills

- Keep the 18V Makita Li-ion cordless drill?
Hi guys. I have just bought a new Makita 18V Li-ion cordless impact drill - for an arm and a leg. I decided fork out for something that will last me for years (with sensible battery rotation) for regular trade use. I haven't use it yet. My local hardware shop is having a Dewalt sale soon, where I could take it back for an 18V 3Ah (NiCd) impact hammer drill. Is anyone in a position to directly compare the two? Is there a difference in performance and/or build quality? There's almost no feedback out there on the new Li-ion Mak's, and certainly no comparisons with other brands, like Dewalt. Cheers.

A Makita has always been considered the cadilac of tools but because of price has seen limited production. The dewalt because of price and durability has been virtually adopted as the tool of choice for the construction industry. i currently own 2 14v cordless Dewalt;s and they have stood up to a 12 foot drop from a roof, installing over 10 lbs of 3" deck screws without a problem. My Makita cordless 18v i got for x-mas still sits in its box. Didnt really care for the fit in my hand for large projects and heavy use.

- Pros and cons of a 18V Makita Cordless drill with lithium-ion battery, and of a 18V Dewalt cordless drill?
Looking at one or the other for my dad for Christmas.. need some tips on the better drill and the better deal?.. Thanks!

A Makita has a chip in the battery that prevents battery memory from prematurely failing. The replacement batteries are more affordable, The drill is lighter, The better ones have a headlight. I am very disappointed in the makita saws-all though, not very strong and yet very heavy. I hate DeWalt, I have broke more of them due to cheap inner parts that even Ryobi. Go to http://www.tylertool.com/makita.html that is where I got mine new at the lowest price you can find ANYWHERE!!!!!!! You can buy virtually any Brand from this site whatever you decide. Thank GOD it's not a store I can drive too lol I'd go broke lol