Choose the right cordless drill

Trying

Asking for advice here please. Looking to buy a new cordless drill for general household use.

Too many choices have left me totally confused.

Booked on Saturday to Bunnings workshop for advice before purchase, but interested in what Workshoppers can tell me.

Thanks in advance for your input. Cheers.

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Comments

JDE

Trying I have used ryobi one for years with bigger lithium batteries sometimes boarding on commercial use and love it. My son is an electrician and he uses Milwaukee, its got more huff than mine but costs a lot more too. For everyday handyman stuff I recommend the ryobi.
James

Rick64

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4467#Comment_4467

I bought a Dewalt 18 volt kit grinder/drill/imact driver. about 2 years ago. The warranty runs out after 12 months but the battery charger died in January. I took it into bunnings and it was replace for no charge. It took two months but Dewalt sent me a new one free of charge. I use these tools pretty hard some days especially the grinder and they have performed very well.

Jason

Great to see you have already got some fantastic advice @Trying.

You might also be interested in this previous Workshop discussion: What's the difference between a cordless drill and cordless driver?

Jason

Prof

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4468#Comment_4468

For general household use you don't have to spend a lot of money..Even the most expensive drills can break down and the likes of Dewalt aren't worth it for general use..
I bought an Ozito 18V. cordless drill 4 years ago, which came with a spare battery, for $79.00!! and it's still going strong and does any thing I need it for..
Don't waste your money is my advice..

LePallet

Hey there.

it really is a personal preference but also you want to make sure you choose the right drill that will not just do the job but to last you it’s value.

You also want to look at what will you be using it for, by the looks it will he used just the usual DIY around the house then I would be looking at Makita, Ryobi or even Boch.

ProjectPete

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4469#Comment_4469

@Trying Makita is a fav of mine but it comes down to cost and practicality. I now stick with Ryobi for the compatible battery benefits and Ryobi are top quality for their price and you can often squeeze a 6yr warranty out of them. For round the house use and the avid DIYer, Ryobi are more than sufficient. I wouldn't recommend spending extra cash on some other brands for what you intend to use yours for.

ProjectPete

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64387#Comment_64387

@Trying This is a great kit both in the quality of the drill itself - it'll do big jobs and small. But also in the value and it's a great way to get your Ryobi tool collection started with the two batteries https://www.bunnings.com.au/ryobi-one-18v-brushless-hammer-drill-kit_p6210652 Register the drill in the online toolbox to get 6 year warranty. Winning!

Trying

Thank you to everyone for your excellent advice - now it's off to see the guys at Bunnings on Saturday. Cheers.

Trying

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4468#Comment_4468

Thank you Jason. That article was very informative. It always amazes me the knowledge and experience that Workshoppers have, and that they share so willingly. I'm proud to be one of their number, even if I don't have their level of knowledge or experience. Thank you again.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64388#Comment_64388

No problem at all @Trying, great to see so many Workshop members assist you with helpful advice. We love having you as one of our members and always enjoy your posts.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64388#Comment_64388

Hi @Trying,

Hope all is well.

Just wondering how you went with choosing a drill?

Jason

Trying

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94826#Comment_94826

Hi @Jason, thanks for your interest. I presented myself to the Bunnings Workshop class as previously discussed and then selected an Ozito 18v drill kit with the charger and a 2hr battery included ! It feels good in my hand and I think it will do the jobs I have in mind nicely. The battery will also fit other products in the range should I need them at a later date. I found most of the other brands were too heavy for me to be comfortable with, and the other thing was the good price @ $99 !! I'm happy with my choice, and will be starting the list of jobs with putting up a new blockout blind this weekend. Thank you again to everyone for their very helpful advice. Cheers, Marlane.

Trying

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64385#Comment_64385

Thanks @Prof . Followed your advice and I'm very happy. You're a legend ! Cheers.

Prof

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94830#Comment_94830

Glad I was able to help..

Adam_W

@TryingI’ve found the Ryobi ONE+ gear to be excellent especially their top range drills. Big advantage of the range being interchangability of batteries across an enormous range of tools.

I see some of their gear as being in a ‘pro-sumer’ area – above consumer but below pro.
For my seriously heavy-duty stuff I have a set of AEG professional cordless drills.

And just a fun fact… Ryobi & AEG are part of the same uber-brand. What this means is technology sharing, so over time features & tech from the professional grade AEG gear finds it way into the Ryobi range.

Trying

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/4643#Comment_4643

Thanks @Adam_W for your input, but I have already purchased a drill set from Bunnings last month. Thanks again though for your interest and advice. Cheers.

Mjay

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64388#Comment_64388

I've had 2 cordless drills over the years. One I cannot remember the brand, but even after a full charge it would be flat within 20 mins of use.
I now have a Milwaukee drill and driver set, which my son bought me. I use it quite a bit, and am still yet to recharge the batteries from the last charging around 8 months ago!
They are quite expensive, so it would depend on what exactly you are planning on doing on what would be the best to buy.

Trying

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/94884#Comment_94884

Hello @Mjay. Many thanks for your advice but I have already purchased my drill. Thanks again for your interest though. Cheers.

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/113921#Comment_113921

@Trying

We welcome any additional opinions and experiences on this topic as it is a discussion that will benefit many Workshop members in the future.

Keep the replies coming everyone!

Thanks,

Jason

grog_polymer

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/124626#Comment_124626

Well two things - modern brushless kit is amazing for torque and battery life. It costs. I bought a makita 8 piece set of brushless tools for about 2K with dual concurrent charger and 3 batteries (2x5AH and 1x4AH). That is a lot but a drill, impact driver a single charger and battery can be around $600. So that makes a grinder, circular saw, light, radio, SDS Rotary Hammer, reciprocating saw and a Canvas bag all cheap compared to buying skins. That price tag isn't for everyone. BUT Unless you actually try a brushless tool you will not know how amazing they are. The side handle that screws onto the the front of the drill is about 14 inches longs so you can imagine how much torque these things have.

In fact, you need to really consider how to correctly hold the handles on these devices because if you don't use the handle, or don't use it correctly you could break your wrist. Charge time for the 5AH battery is about 1:15 from flat from memory so no more charging a battery the day before for no run time. Lion batteries are great that way. With the dual charger, I could stick two batteries on the charger for 15 minutes and one will have enough to run for ages and I could have 2 more on the charger while using whatever tool.

Being able to pick up a saw or grinder and just take it to the work is absolutely amazing. I have since purchased a reciprocating saw and a planer skin.

If you doubt there could be that much difference, look at youtube. Some poor saps tried different makes of brushless drivers to see how many screws they could drive. I don't remember but I am sure it was at least 300 if not 600 for some drivers on a single charge. As for correct safety handling people really should look at this from Bosch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psvLw1TdAlU

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/131813#Comment_131813

Many thanks for joining in the discussion @grog_polymer. Your input is really valued. It sounds like you have a lot of experience and knowledge to share. We look forward to reading more of your posts soon, and hope that you also get plenty of helpful information and inspiration for your own projects from our members.

Please let me know if you ever have any suggestions about how we can make Workshop more useful to you.

Welcome to the community,

Jason

Big-Paul

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/64385#Comment_64385

Here Here for the Ozito..

I have used the 18v model forever and a day, DIY Home Maint stuff only,

But it never misses a beat.

i even lashed out and grabbed the hammer version 18v also

Love em

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/95595#Comment_95595

Many thanks for joining in the discussion and sharing your experience @Big-Paul. Looking forward to seeing more of your posts soon!

Feel free to post anytime you need a hand or have something to share. We have clever and creative members sharing helpful advice and project inspiration on the site every day, so we're sure you'll fit right in.

Welcome to Workshop,

Jason

Pineapple

Been shopping in Bunnings for years, “ they don’t lie, they don’t lie, they don’t lie.
When I suffer from BSF....ie “Big Shed Fatigue,” their meat pies and coffee give me the strength to “push on.”

Just sayin.

Ronnie Bell

Adam_W

Okay... thought it might be worth an update from me on this one for what it's worth...
We've been doing an enormous amount of construction & renovation work around our home as owner-builders. This means I've been seriously endurance-testing my gear & adding to my kit.
Here's what I've found...
- Ryobi One+ - exceeded all expectations. I would call this gear 'pro-sumer'. It's above basic DIY and wee bit below trade. I pushed a range of drills to their absolute max & not one has blown. Some do smell kinda' funky when they are under stress these days as they've been pushed beyond their intended uses. I did find that for the hardest jobs they just didn't have the grunt and they are a little inclined to get warm and chew through batteries fast when under stress. But by hardest jobs I'm talking about multiple 13mm holes through 100mm seasoned hardwood or same through steel posts and frames.
All-in-all I would say that for the vast majority of home & heavy DIY, or even light trade, use the One+ is an excellent choice that's great value for money. Our builder was very impressed with how well they managed the work & survived.
I should just add that within the One+ range their are tiers of quality & the drills in my kit are the upper level ones.
- AEG - Just awesome. True trade-grade gear. I have yet to encounter any job that these drills couldn't handle. The level of torque on my biggest drill is just crazy. Without exaggeration it could easily snap your wrist if you used it without the handle... just sayin'...
Santa was good enough to top-up my kit with their compact 12V kit too 😉
Their extended warranty is excellent when you register on-line and they often have very good bonus redemption offers too.

So hope this helps 🙂

Jason

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/7163#Comment_7163

Many thanks for joining in the discussion Ronnie (@Pineapple).

We are looking forward to reading all about your projects and plans for around the house and garden. And feel free to post if you ever need a hand with anything.

Jason

Visitors to this extremely popular discussion should find this resource helpful - How to choose the right drill for the job.

Please let us know if you need a hand with product recommendations for your project. We're here to help.

Jason

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