Tools!

[lvanhen]

I've got a 1/4" B&D metal case drill that I got when I was 13,for my birthday. I'm 63 now and the thing still works. The switch is starting to go but it works. I also have a 9.6 makita drill I've had for about 12 years that still works good too,been thru about 10 batteries though. Battery maintenance is the key to keeping these things working I think.

I'm 64 & got the same drill for 6th grade graduation!!  Ex still has it & it still works!!  I also have a B&D sawsall with a metal housing, a Stanley belt sander, and a Thor 1/2" drill, all over 30 years old!! 

 That said, B&D today makes junk, and DeWalt isn't much better.  Yes, some DeWalts will last for years, but they let the customers do the QC checking!!  Ask any retailer about the return percentage on new DeWalt tools!! 

Comments have been made about torque on corded vs cordless drills.  Take a hex shank bit and chuck both drills on it.  The cordless will make the corded back up in most cases.  They are designed with a lot of torque because today they are used more as screwdrivers than drills. 

Any tool will heat up with continous use, but not to the point of being too hot to handle, unless it's low quality or bad design - B&D/DeWalt for example.!

Buy quality.  Yes, there are occaisional "cheap" tools that will perform, but these are few & far between, and a cheap tool that breaks when being used can cause injury!

 

[grayfox1119]

Frank, I understand what you are saying, but I feel there is a place for both types. When I need the torque, and power is readily available, I use my corded tools, but when I am doing some quick jobs, or working around the layout, or far from power, I use the battery powered portables. I hate dragging extension cords around. There is a time and place for both types wouldn't you say?

[loathar]

A good tool will outlast cheapies by the double or even more time and more important will handle better,often ending up being the cheapest tool to own on the long run.

There are always exceptions to the rule.  Years ago I purchased a Cummins tool sale set of 1/2 inch drive deep well impact sockets.  I use the 3/4 one almost daily.  In that time I've been through 3 Mac Tools 15mm, 1/2 inch drive shallow impact sockets (Rounded each one out).  My Cummins 3/4 socket shows no wear, except that the paint wore off.

I agree with you 110% on that one! I ordered a bunch of Cummins tools from Harbor Freight about 20 years ago. GREAT tools for the money. Too bad all mine got stolen with my roller box.

[da_kraut]

Panasonic makes the cordless drills for Hilti, so they are top of the line cordless drills.  From my experience it does not matter which brand of cordless tool you have the batteries only last two, max three years.  This is with the best cordless tools any of the manufacturers have to offer.  So it makes sense to purchase corded tools, they last longer, have more torque and are always ready to work and power is always close at hand wherever a layout is being build.

It is rather surprising as to how cheap corded tools have become considering how much  lets say a compound mitre saw was 10 years ago compared to today.  Not even top of the line cordless tools can come close to corded tools half the price.  

It sure makes construction easier with the proper equipment, and it can always be used for other projects around the house as well.  At least that is my excuse.

Frank 

[warhammerdriver]

A good tool will outlast cheapies by the double or even more time and more important will handle better,often ending up being the cheapest tool to own on the long run.

There are always exceptions to the rule.  Years ago I purchased a Cummins tool sale set of 1/2 inch drive deep well impact sockets.  I use the 3/4 one almost daily.  In that time I've been through 3 Mac Tools 15mm, 1/2 inch drive shallow impact sockets (Rounded each one out).  My Cummins 3/4 socket shows no wear, except that the paint wore off.

[grayfox1119]

Greyfox,

The source of confusion, for you and many other Americans, is the trade name, "Panasonic."

Originally it only referred to the audio (and video) products of a giant conglomerate better known in Japan as, "National."  The product line of the parent company resembles that of GE - including locomotives!  Since Panasonic had name recognition in the U.S., they put it on all of the products they ship here.  (No locomotives yet - at least, I don't think so!  But if anybody can report sighting a boxy-looking Bo-Bo-Bo electric on American rails all bets are off.)

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

CHUCK:  Thanks for the info on Panasonic, that was all new info for me. I must say, the Panasonic cordless drill has been a real workhorse......I am well pleased with it's performance.

[reklein]

I've got a 1/4" B&D metal case drill that I got when I was 13,for my birthday. I'm 63 now and the thing still works. The switch is starting to go but it works. I also have a 9.6 makita drill I've had for about 12 years that still works good too,been thru about 10 batteries though. Battery maintenance is the key to keeping these things working I think.

[jbloch]

I guess I've been luckier than JW and some others--my 18 volt cordless DeWalt drill has done well(had it about 4 years)--two battery system seems to work fine.  I have kept my old Craftsman corded drill, however, though have not had to use it yet for any household projects, I haven't started on my benchwork yet, either.

Jim 

[Jacktal]

I feel that battery powered tools have a nice purpose as field tools where there's no electrical supply and only minor work is at hand.For heavy duty work,they're too slow and don't last long enough for me to even consider bringing them.My lady owns a small camp in a wooded area that we use in the summer and when renovations are required,I bring the 2200W AC generator and my corded tools.It is noisier and heavier indeed,not counting the hassle of carrying gas,but I can't stand poor tool performance and battery powered tools would get thrown in the woods in no time.

The same with corded tools though.I like good quality tools and stay away from cheap stuff.A good tool will outlast cheapies by the double or even more time and more important will handle better,often ending up being the cheapest tool to own on the long run.

[CP5415]

Any power tool being used for a long period of time will heat up.

I was cutting up some skids to use for garage shelving last weekend, my recipricating saw was starting to get warm. It happens.

My wifes 14.4v Dewalt Cordless drill went through a war zone over the first 4 years we owned our home. We used that drill to screw down the sub floor in the kitchen. That was a lot of screws!!!!!!!

It still works, mind you since I got my Craftsman 19.2v cordless a few years ago, the Dewalt sits most of the time now unless the wife is helping.

I had a B&D 2amp jigsaw, bought brand new, shelf model at Home Depot. I burned it out because I used it to cut the opening for the sink on my new kitchen countertop. Over an inch think in some spots. OOPS!

Home Depot, after contacting B&D, replaced it under warranty. I have no issues with B&D.

I went & bought a 4 amp B&D jigsaw, MORE POWER (insert Tim Allen grunt here) works great.

Tools are great, as long as you don't abuse them too often, kinda like cars, but that's another story.

Gordon

[IRONROOSTER]

My Makita 12V cordless is over 12 years old and keeps on going.  I have 2 batteries and the only time they aren't enough is when I forget to charge one. Paid more than double what my Makita corded cost (which is still going strong).  So I have to agree that costwise the corded give you more bang for the buck, but I do love the convenience of cordless. 

My first 3/8" drill was a B&D bought over 30 years ago.  It worked great for about 15 years until the switch broke, the next B&D was junk - lasted a couple of years. 

Enjoy

Paul 

[tomikawaTT]

Greyfox,

The source of confusion, for you and many other Americans, is the trade name, "Panasonic."

Originally it only referred to the audio (and video) products of a giant conglomerate better known in Japan as, "National."  The product line of the parent company resembles that of GE - including locomotives!  Since Panasonic had name recognition in the U.S., they put it on all of the products they ship here.  (No locomotives yet - at least, I don't think so!  But if anybody can report sighting a boxy-looking Bo-Bo-Bo electric on American rails all bets are off.)

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[grayfox1119]

I bought a cordless Panasonic Drill 6 years ago, it has 15.6V battery ( odd sized ) from the then Woodworkers Warehouse. The guy who sold it to me said i would be very pleased with it. I was very uneasy about it because I just didn't associate "Panasonic" with power tools. Well after 6 years and a  lot of use, this baby still works great, and I am still using the original battery and one spare battery, and the charger that came with it. I have had very good results also with Sears Craftsman power tools, as well as Milwaukee, and yes DeWalt 12" sliding/mitre chop saw.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

That explains my father's workshop and my mother's shoe closet!

Which was larger ? 

 

Her shoe closet is an entire 15 x 14 room! His workshop is a 12 x 20 cinderblock building.

[jbinkley60]

That explains my father's workshop and my mother's shoe closet!

Which was larger ? 

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

That explains my father's workshop and my mother's shoe closet!

[jbinkley60]

This is the reason why I have more than one drill both corded & cordless!

The wife thinks I'm nuts for having 6 drills, but I'm able to finish the job if a battery dies.

One thing I make sure I do with my cordless drills, I make sure I drain the battery as much as possible. I have a flashlight for my Craftsman 19.2v system & I put the battery on it, turn it on & let it drain the battery before I charge it again.

Gordon

A man can never have enough tools and a woman can never have enough shoes.  I have found that they are able to understand this comparison. 

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

You don't have to tell me about DeWalt QC issues. I work in a wood shop on contract work building desks, tables and shelves. The DeWalt drills they have get so hot that they're hard to hold onto. The cordless drills we have there go through batteries like they're going out of style and tend to burn the batteries out.

[lvanhen]

The first thing you did wrong was to buy a B & D tool.  They were good tools 25+ years ago, but have been pure since then.  Before someone gets up in arms, I'm a retired carpenter/cabinet maker, and wrote a tool column for a professional trade magazine for over ten years, so I do know a bit about tools.  Makita, PorterCable, Milwaukee, Bosch, Ridgid, and even Ryobi make better tools!  The newer battery powered tools are much better than they were even 10 years ago.  Drills are the better of the cordless tools, but saws are not the best, because of the high battery drain.  18v cordless are OK for drills, but the better 18v cordless are generally out of the practical price range for homeowners/hobbyists.  You are very lucky the B&D didn't start a fire - B&D/DeWalt had a number of recalls because of defective chargers/batteries about 5 or 6 years ago.  (Oh yea, DeWalt is owned by B&D, and has many quality control problems)  Since retiring from carpentry, I have been working at Home Depot in contractor services, so I keep up to date on tools.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

Now the computer is protected by a Cyber Power AVR 1500 UPS because electric power in Arkansas where I am is very "Dirty" in line sags, spikes or other issues that kill computer power supplies quickly.

Same thing here, only I use a big APC surge suppressor for all my electronics. It has a 3500 joule rating and protects against spikes, surges and drains.

[Anonymous]

Now the computer is protected by a Cyber Power AVR 1500 UPS because electric power in Arkansas where I am is very "Dirty" in line sags, spikes or other issues that kill computer power supplies quickly.

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I've had some cordless tools in the past and was not favorably impressed with them. They all hit the trash can within a year. The tools I use for my layout work are a B&D 1/4 sheet sander, a Dremel Multi-Pro model 395 rotary tool, a Weller 100w soldering iron, a B&D chuckless 3/8" drill, a B&D basic jig-saw, a Campbell Hausfeld compressor, an Electro-tech meter, a postal scale and a shop-vac. Of these tools the meter and the scale are the only ones that run on batteries. All the others are corded. Cordless tools are nice when you have 5 or 6 batteries for each one and don't have to worry about running out of battery power. I don't have the money it takes to buy all those batteries so I stick with the old reliable corded tools. Extension cords I have plenty of. Oh, and I must not forget the computer. I use it to plan out my track plans, print my decals, backdrops, billboards and stuff like that and to get answers to questions from you guys. It's corded too.

[Anonymous]

No cordless for me then.

Heck I run a electric chain saw off a 50 foot extension cord whenever I lose a limb. (Dont ask me how bad that sentence came out)

I have very small group of tools. A half inch power drill, Recip saw (Sabre?) and a power sander. That's it. IF they have to be replaced, I expect forced Obselence as manufactors continue to deliberately build out and away from current models to cut down on salvage value when a old tool dies.

[loathar]

I'm not a big fan of B&D cordless stuff. Their batteries don't last very long even if you drain them all the way as mentioned. I've had 2 drills and 1 screw driver from them and none lasted longer than a year. Those 14.4v batteries are $38 at Wally World. If I get another cordless, I'll save up and buy a Ryobi or Hitachi.

[cheese4432]

Know matter how many dc volts your cordless drill is the corded one will always win for speed torque and endurance.

seriously My dad has a corded and a cordless drill, well the cordless isn't fast @ 600rpm the corded always kills it.......Well except for drilling holes and placing screws in hard to reach places because the corded is about twice the size and weight. But in everthing else.......

[CP5415]

This is the reason why I have more than one drill both corded & cordless!

The wife thinks I'm nuts for having 6 drills, but I'm able to finish the job if a battery dies.

One thing I make sure I do with my cordless drills, I make sure I drain the battery as much as possible. I have a flashlight for my Craftsman 19.2v system & I put the battery on it, turn it on & let it drain the battery before I charge it again.

Gordon

[tomikawaTT]

Not quite the same, but almost...

The 12V rechargeable batteries were fine.  What died was the drill - about two weeks after the warranty expired.  In the meantime, the (deliberately nameless) manufacturer changed a basic design feature (chuck over chuck snap-on - inner holds apex driver, outer holds drill) as well as going to a non-removable battery.  Salvage value of the original drill - zero.

This afternoon I needed to cookie-cut the next sections of roadbed (for a part of the railroad that resembles a freeway interchange.)  Immediately available was a battery-powered saber saw with not one, but two fully charged batteries.  Each battery managed about four linear feet of cut before reaching the 'two red dot' charge level .  Needless to say, the second battery died long before the first had recharged.

So much for cutting cookies, right?  WRONG!  I did what I should have done in the first place; dug out my 30+ year old 120 volt saber saw, flipped it on and proceeded to complete the job - each foot of cut accomplished in about 1/3 the time the battery saw had taken when the batteries were fresh.

Let's hear it for power tools with the power of Hoover Dam behind them!  Save the batteries for wireless throttles - if you use them.

Chuck (modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)

[soumodeler]

I hate it when you really need the drill and go to charge the battery and find out that it's dead. Had that happen the other week.

[NeO6874]

that stinks Jim.   At least the charger didn't do something really bad... like explode the battery...