24V Cordless Drill: What to Know Before You Buy

Buying a 24V cordless drill represents a significant expense. True, it isn’t as expensive as a fast automobile or a new condo, but a top quality 24 Volt Cordless drill will still set you back in excess of $350 (approx £225). For many workmen this is a significant proportion of a weekly wage packet. Even if you are buying for a business you still want to see a good return on your investment. You can of course buy cheaper models than this, but sometimes you get what you pay for and buying a power tool is no exception.

(Edit 2015: Black and Decker appear to no longer sell a model in this range, SDS Max or otherwise. Best advice appears to be to check reviews on Amazon for replacement items, but be wary of fake review writers – compare article comment with other comments by same author. A helpful review by real users will often show “verified purchase” and make mention of any problem the user experienced, not just the sales and purchase information!)

If you are buying an item like this then most likely you are looking for max power as well as freedom of movement and flexibility. The good news is that almost any cordless power tool of this rating will supply what you seek. The 24 volt option is still comparatively new to manufacturers and this means that most tools are modern in design, with all the benefits this brings. Accessories may still be limited in some ranges, investigate this before purchase.

What to Look for in a 24v Cordless Drill

Photo by axiepicsLook for a tool that offers rotary stop, or a hammer only setting. On a drill this powerful it would be a complete waste if it couldn’t also be used for chasing or light demolition work. SDS (or SDS Max) is a standard fitting these days on products of this rating, but check and make sure anyway.

Two settings (high and low) are desirable to allow for more choice over power output (rotation speed, torque or hammer impact may be specified separately on certain models). This will aid with control on finer work or on more delicate materials or fixings. Usually lower rotary speeds means higher torque on that setting, but check and see if this is the case. A variable speed trigger is an advantage, but might not be a necessity, depending on how you plan to use your purchase. These beasts are too strong to realistically use as a conventional driver, but that does not mean it should not come with a reverse gear. A reverse function can aid in loosening all sorts of fixings and might save you having to get a cordless impact wrench out to do the job instead.

Any “kit” or accessories type product should include two lithium or ion type batteries and a charger. A case isn’t 100% necessary, but is a nice addition if it comes as part of the price. The reason that two batteries are an absolute must is that with a spare battery you can continue to work using one while the other is on charge. This saves amazing amounts of time as even fast chargers often take two hours to reach full capacity. Although the whole concept of cordless power tools is one of mobility, it is a drag to carry a 7lb or so dead weight around if it needs a fresh battery.

Any way you look at it a cordless 24v drill is a great investment. Most models have double the run time (before battery discharge) of an 18 volt lithium or ion equivalent model. This means more time at the job and less down time. With many models now outputting over 500in.lbs of torque the output is considerable too and compares favourably with the corded tools of yesterday. When the job calls for mobility and power, a professional 24v cordless drill is the right tool for the job.

Makita Power Tools – Cordless SDS Hammer Drill

By Handyman

Makita Power Tools – Cordless SDS Hammer Drill

After discovering how good Makita power tools really are I admit that my aging corded SDS Plus hammer drill might have competition. I freely admit a bias for cordless power tools and my current SDS Plus drill is corded. It is a Kress (German) and came from a UK store called Wickes. While it performs admirably and has lasted over ten years, I still hanker after a cordless drill.

Improvements in battery technology mean that the old slowing effects you used to get as a battery neared the end of its charged are almost absent. Modern cordless drills are almost as powerful as my old corded drill is and so a lack of power is not a consideration as my old drill has never held me back. So it seems I can get the freedom of a cordless product and not lose a great deal in terms of performance it looks like a purchase is coming…

So what drill would I choose?

Makita 18 volt LXT Li-Ion Battery 7/8 Inch SDS Plus Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill

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This Makita cordless drill looks like being everything I want. I don’t need anything to do heavy demolition so a larger capacity drill is unnecessary. This kind of energy output will easily enable me to quickly chase walls and strip plaster if I need it, as this SDS Plus drill also has a non-rotary, hammer only setting.

Here are the manufacturers details.

Product Description – Makita 18 volt SDS Plus Cordless Hammer Drill

Makita 18V LXT Li-Ion 7/8″ SDS-Plus Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill Kit FREE 18V LXT 3-Speed Impact Driver with Purchase Makita 18V LXT Li-Ion 7/8 Inch SDS-Plus Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill Kit features: Triple Mode Switch for rotation only, hammer with rotation, or hammer only. Double speed drilling with synchronized RPM and BPM for increased efficiency. Built-in torque limited clutch disengages if the bit jams. Chisel rotates 360° with 40 different locking positions to give you the best working angle. Compact design at only 16-1/8″ long and weighs only 7.1 lbs. for reduced operator fatigue. Comes with a 3 year warranty on the tool and a 1 year warranty on battery. The tool kit includes 2x LXT Lithium Ion batteries rated at 3.0 Amp hour, with a 45-minute smart charger. Tool case, BHR240Z (Tool Only) Capacity Steel 1/2 Inch Wood 1 1/2 Inch Concrete 1 Inch No Load RPM 0 -1,100 Blows/Min.(BPM) 0 – 4,000 Impact Energy (Joules) 1.9 Battery (Ah) 18 Volt Length 16 1/8 Inch Net Weight (.lbs w/battery) 7.0

Makita also have a tool only version if you do not need a battery or charger.

Makita 18V LXT Li-Ion 7/8 Inch SDS Plus Cordless Rotary Hammer Drill (No Battery, Tool Only)

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This product offers a significant saving over the full kit version.

Product Description

Makita 18V LXT Li-Ion 7/8″ SDS-Plus Cordless Rotary Hammer (No Battery, Tool Only)

Capacities: Steel: 1/2″, Wood: 1 1/2″ Concrete: 1″

No Load RPM 0 -1,100. BPM 0-4,000 Impact Energy (Joules). 1.9Ah 18 volt battery (Amp/hour). Length 16 1/8″ Inch. Net Weight 7.0lbs (with battery).

Final Considerations – Spare Battery, SDS Plus Accessories

If you are like me you will want a spare battery or two to go with your new power tool. Although the first package comes with two batteries I might still be tempted to buy a third, especially if there is more than one Makita cordless tool being used.

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What is a drill without drill bits? These bits are Dewalt, but I have used them and found them excellent. As SDS Plus is a standard fitting they are of course compatible with the Makita SDS Plus Hammer Drill.

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Product Description – SDS Plus Drill Bits

The DeWalt DW5470, 5 Piece, SDS-Plus Drill Bit Set

Features: An improved flute design that pulls dust quickly for faster drilling. PILOT POINT tip starts holes on contact for greater accuracy. Serrated titanium carbide tip provides extreme durability. Fits all rotary hammer drills that use SDS Plus Shank Bits. The DeWalt DW5470 Includes: 3/16, 1/4(2ea), 3/8, 1/2 bits in a smart plastic case.

Handyman.

Benefits of Power Tools – Air, Electric and Fossil Fuel

By Handyman

Benefits of Power Tools

We All Use Tools

An identifying feature of a human being is tool use. We have been tool users since pre-historic times, from basic hammers and flint axes to tools for hunting like skinning knives or a basic hand drill for making jewellery.

During the Industrial Revolution these hand tools increasingly became machine power tools, for example the hand spindle became a spinning jenny and the productivity of wool manufacture took a large step forward.

In our technological age we use tools powered by a variety of sources; compressed air, electricity, carbon fuels etc. All of these rich energy sources have been exploited to provide further leaps forward in productivity.

Types of Power Tool

Perhaps most commonly, power tools are powered by electricity, both from cables and from batteries. Air tools were once only used in garages, but in recent times air tools are frequently used in the construction industry. Some tools are driven by fossil fuels such as petrol (gasoline) or diesel.

Tools driven by air compressors or electric power from a cable tend to have limited mobility but greater power available than battery driven cordless tools. Battery powered or cordless tools are gaining in power and popularity as battery technology marches ever forward. Petrol driven tools are the least common and tend to be used in open air environments due gas emissions and noise levels they generate. A popular type of petrol driven power tool is a chain saw.

Downside to Using Power Tools

The primary problems with power tools are noise pollution, which may contribute to deafness at levels above 85db and vibration, which can give rise to diseases such as white finger. Power tool manufacturers such as Makita and Ryobi have worked to reduce the both the noise and vibration caused by their tools.

Noise pollution can be offset by the use of protective equipment such as ear defenders. The effects of excessive or high frequency vibration can, to a limited extent, be offset by use of specialist gloves and limiting exposure times to use of the tool.

Are Electric Power Tools the Future?

It seems likely that apart from a truly global catastrophe we will remain capable of generating electricity.

Technological advances have improved battery life and allow battery powered cordless tools to be more powerful and run for longer. Motor technology has changed less in basic efficiency, but has improved with regard to noise and vibration.

Air tools are likely to be with us for as long as we can compress the air to power them, most likely by electric motors.

The future for fossil fuel driven tools looks less certain. While we will always need highly mobile tools that are usable far from civilisation it is increasingly likely that this niche will be filled by electrically powered tools. Perhaps one day we might see solar cells capable of charging a powerful cordless tool? If that happens then the days of fossil powered tools will truly be numbered.

Handyman.

DeWalt Power Tools – Cordless Right-Angle Drills

By Handyman

DeWalt Power Tools – Cordless Right-Angle Drills

My girlfriend has crazy ideas about me fitting kitchens and so thought I would review my choices of right angle drill for the job.

Dewalt Corded Right Angle Drill – My Current Power Tool

I currently have a DeWalt Corded Right Angle Drill, the DeWalt DW160.

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It is OK for what it is, a mid range product aimed primarily at the “serious” DIY or light trade use markets. It has been 100% reliable for many years. However, I miss having no reverse and no variable speed on it on occasion, but as I mostly use it for drilling between joists this is only a small problem. If I did more kitchen-fitting, or similar, a product with more features would clearly be needed.

The Dewalt power tools I have used have generally impressed me and despite the lack of features on my own drill I would buy another right angle drill from them as the gearbox and motor has been solid. After all, I knew about the drills features when I bought it and it has never broken despite some serious use.

So what will be my next purchase?

Dewalt 18v Cordless Right Angle Drills and Spare Battery

18 volt is a minimum standard for any kind of serious trade work and Dewalt offer a number of options for cordless power tools in this range.

I like to work in a neat and professional manner and so I will not throw tools in a “tool bin” or similar to transport them. An included case for a particular tool is a nice bonus in my eyes. Similarly a spare battery and an included charger are a must have feature.

It is also possible to buy a Dewalt Cordless Drill as a tool only package. The second listing is tool only, no spare battery, case etc. and is listed for completeness.

DEWALT DW960K-2 3/8-Inch 18 Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Right Angle Drill

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The above listing comes with case, charger and two batteries so you start off with a spare battery that can be charging while you continue to work.

Bare Tool Only – DEWALT DW960B 3/8 Inch 18 Volt Cordless Right Angle Drill/Driver (Tool Only, No Battery Included)

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Product Description for DW960B Cordless Drill/Driver

The DW960B has a 3/8″ chuck (or 10mm for those metric folks)and is an 18 Volt Right Angle Cordless Drill/Driver (tool only, no battery). It comes with 2 selectable speed ranges of 0-500rpm and 0-1,500 rpm for greater user flexibility. Maximum rated power of 320 watts for heavy-duty jobs such as turning larger bits, screws or other fasteners, which provides for a wide array of possible applications. Multiple trigger grip positions allows comfort and increased convenience by assisting access in tight spaces while still granting full access to the trigger. Variable speed and reverse setting gives the user the ability to control rotation speed or remove fastenings. Tool features a durable, right angle transmission, complete with sealed ball bearings for a longer power tool life. Specifications: Voltage 18 volt. Max Power 320W. Chuck Size 3/8 inch. Two speed settings, manufacturer rated at 0-500 and 0-1,500rpm. Plastic, ratcheting chuck. Tool Weight 2.8 lbs (tool only, no battery).

Right Angle Cordless Drill Technical Details

Delivers 0-500RPM for 310 in./lbs. of torque in low speed mode.
Delivers 0-1,500RPM for 80 in./lbs. of torque in high speed mode.
Unique design and variable grip trigger provide for high levels of versatility in awkward spaces
3/8″ chuck is a widely used size and allows use of a large variety of bits

Spare Battery

As with all cordless power tools a spare battery is a must. Although some of the products listed here do come with a second battery, spares are always useful.

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Dewalt also sell spare batteries in two packs, three’s and five packs.

Handyman.

Makita Power Tools – Cordless Drills and Batteries

By Handyman

Makita Power Tools – Cordless Drills and Batteries

One of the first power tools I bought and really liked was a Makita.

It was a Makita cordless drill, back when cordless drill’s were quite new. I thought it was a gimmick that would pass, as most of those cordless tools were weak (pf) and battery life was awful. I was still doubtful when I tried the Makita, but the idea of the freedom of electric tools with no wires had already won me over. There had been plenty of times when, dangling at the top of a ladder, or cherry picker, I grew to hate the trailing power leads over joists and beams that were the norm back then.

And yes, health and safety was not really a concern at the time. How times change!

Makita BHP452HW 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact Cordless Percussion-Driver Drill

Sadly the cordless drill I bought back then is no longer available, but these 18 volt drills are of very similar quality and durability. The big difference is that they are more powerful, with better battery life and such. 12 volt cordless drills might do a passable job for casual DIY but for serious use a more powerful tool is necessary, especially if you are forced to use the hammer action on combo lxt tools (SDS is king here).

Although I don’t actually own one of these models I have a friend that does. This has meant that I have handled and used it extensively while begging a *cough* “loan”. It is on this basis that I can recommend them as great kit. As ever, read the reviews on Amazon before making your choice – lxt accesories especially vary quite a lot on price.

Warranty

Every Makita Li-Ion tool is backed by a three year warranty which covers repair due to defects in workmanship or materials up to three years from the original date of purchase. Makita Li-Ion batteries and chargers have a limited one year warranty. Complete warranty details of accessories and electric tools are available at makitatools.com.

What’s in the Box
Makita BHP452HW uses 18 volt Li-Ion system, 1/2″ Cordless Drill/Driver, two 18 volt compact li-ion batteries, One fifteen minute, rapid, smart charger, and a tool case.

As with any cordless power tool you should make sure that you have a spare, or even two, charged batteries on hand. It is a certainty that they will power down when you need them if you only carry one battery.

Makita BL1815 18-Volt 1.5 Ah Compact Lithium-Ion Battery

Technical Details

1.5Ah rated(Amp Hours)

Rated for use only with the following Makita Charger models: DC18RA;DC18SC;DC24SA

Five times lower rate of self-discharge keeps batteries charged and ready for use even after a long period of storage

Charging at any level of charge will have no detrimental effect on battery life

This battery has a smart chip to communicate with the Makita battery charger to maximize battery life

A Final Note

This cordless drill/driver is a great product but some of the earlier battery packs held charge poorly. I am happy to say this isn’t something I ran into myself. I assume that Makita changed supplier for the batteries some time after initial release

Handyman.