Cordless Drills?

[Paul Stamser]

Cordless Drills?

I'm looking for a new cordless drill and wonder which brands/models you guys have had luck with in RV useage. That is, luck with charging the drill batteries using an 120 volt AC inverter off of your 12 volt RV battery systems.

I ask because some guys say that modified sine wave (MSW) inverters can fry or kill the drill battery charger unit. With my old Dewalt cordless drill I did not have this problem, but am wondering what you guys are using and what results you have had. I'm looking for a 1/2 inch chuck cordless drill probably with Nicad batteries.

But which brands work well off MSW inverter power without destroying the battery charger in the process?

Thanks!

[ng2951]

I use the cheap cordless drills. If I kill the drill I am not worried. I would not use a good drill since this kind of usage is rough on the needle bearings...

[dlhoppe]

Charging is rough on the needle bearings? You're not supposed to hand crank the drill to charge the batteries. Hee hee, just kidding.

I use Milwaukee brand. Not the cheapest, but they are bullet-proof. I've had mine for over twelve years now and it's done a lot of hard work. Drill and charger are going strong. I did replace the battery packs once though. I have two packs and alternate them, keeping them topped off when stored.

[dlhoppe]

Can you even get them with Nicads any more? I wouldn't go with Nicads unless you're meticulous about battery care. The newer chemistries are much better, deliver more amps, less prone to problems from neglect, etc.

[cfsoistman]

I use the Sears Craftsman C-3 Series Battery Drill. Mostly because there are so many other useful tools in that series that use the same battery. I bought the 6 piece kit with a right angle drill which will come in handy should I ever need to manually close any slide-outs.

[Herk7769]

I use a DeWalt 18 Volt 1/2 inch hammer drill. I also carry the 18 volt DeWalt Saws-All with a course tooth saw blade for tree limbs, Handy for cutting fire wood and potential overhead branches that could beat on the roof in a storm.

The charger has never burped when charging with the inverter or on shore power.

[RubenZ]

Love DeWalt. This one is a good one. You can purchase just the Drill by itself if you already have a Charger and battery from another 18v deWalt.

[Herk7769]

Amazon.com: Ricardo's review of DEWALT DC9180 18 -Volt Lithium-Ion Batter...

has a very good review of the two DeWalt 18 volt batteries (old vs New Nano). Short Bus answer... The new batteries work just fine in the old 18 volt drill and saws.

[Idle_Idylist]

I carry a Milwaukee in the camper and it works like a champ! Its about 5 years old and been around the block but does great for my needs camping. Plus the batteries power the weather proof shop radio i carry which is really nice.

[MtnGuy]

The missus gave me a Porter Cable set for Christmas. A drill, circular saw, reciprocating saw, and a flashlight, including 2 batteries and a charger. She spent about as much as what some drills alone cost. The stuff works great, although the circular saw will take a battery down quickly with 2" boards.

[jtstromsburg]

I love my dewalt 18v impactor! tons of power for using it to raise/lower gear and such, plus it will drive screws and bolts without hurting your wrist. I actually have the full realm of dewalt cordless and love them. The 3/8 impact is also very handy.

[TURBS]

i use these


they do anything i need them to do and best of all they are lithium ion .

[acadianbob]

I've been using an inexpensive (<$200) 18 volt kit from Ryobi with 2 batteries, circular saw, drill, light, vacuum, reciprocating saw. It is 7 years old and going strong. Not heavy duty like Milwaukee (for regular, commerical use IMO) but a good consumer unit that holds up well.

[onetonford]

Originally Posted by acadianbob

I've been using an inexpensive (<$200) 18 volt kit from Ryobi with 2 batteries, circular saw, drill, light, vacuum, reciprocating saw. It is 7 years old and going strong. Not heavy duty like Milwaukee (for regular, commerical use IMO) but a good consumer unit that holds up well.

Same here I have the litum ion and just recently bought a charger that plugs into the twelve volt system and if the battey in the vehicle gets to low it shuts off.

[tentcamper1]

I use the DW (not de walt but- de wife)

[chadster1]

I use a Snap-on CT6850 1/2 drive 18 volt cordless impact to raise and lower the stabilizer jacks. It is also handy to have if I ever need need to change a tire.

I am a Snap-on dealer so I am somewhat biased.

[ng2951]

The reason why I sue the cheap drills is that sometimes the jacks are a little rough on the drill. With all the slugging it can do the shaft I rather damage a $40 drill rather than damage a $180 one.

[TURBS]

my last drill broke putting up and down the jacks so much i threw the drill away and bought a 5er with electric jacks .
problem solved !

[18CrewDually]

I use the el'cheapo $20 18v Harbor frieght that I leave in the 5'er. I save my good drills for real work at home.

[KyDan]

I've just been using my craftsman 19.2 volt.
It's at least 7 years old. Been jacking my trailer for most of that time.
A good drill won't be damaged by running the jacks up and down IMO.
No idea about the charger vs plug in inverter.
IF I needed to charge mine with an inverter, I'd do it but so far 2 batteries
have taken me thru my longest vacation without needing a charge.

I wonder about folks who use the new impact drill/drivers. They sure are LOUD
and I wonder if they might some day shear a pin in the jack or something??