Cordless screwdriver recommendation

The obvius answer to my skepticism is to spend a lot of money and buy the "Cadillac." However, there is a limit to that approach.

My knowledge is pretty limited and consists of an article or two from which I gather that the higher voltage, the more power, the better. That's about it for my knowledge on the subject.

What brand and model would you all suggest for that kind of use and for ongoing use - non-industrial, personal home/farm use. I don't mind spending money for good equipment, but neither do I care to overspend - too much Scotch in my Hungarian/Russian heritage. :) That leads to the second question, given a brand and model, where will I find the best price?

Thanks for your suggestions!

The B&D gets heavy at end of day due to weight being in the chuck area. The Dewalt was very well balanced. Both have adjustable rpm and chuck. I finished the shop and sold the B&D for $50, kept the Dewalt.

I built it useing my Makita modle #6095, 9.6 volt drill, This is the cordless drill Makita has made forever, it's cheap in cost and high in quality, batteries charge fast and last, it's light in whieght and has a good "Feel" when useing it.

You can buy this drill with 2 batteries,charger,carrying case and sometimes even a flash light.

later,dave

Question on steel roofing. Is it better to put the screws on the ridges or the flat part?

always on the high rib with the neophrene washers and and roofing felt vapor barrier under the sheet for condensastion control.

T_Bone

they also have a deal with drill circular saw & light w/ 2 batts & charger for 143.99

Milwaukee makes the best. Porter-Cable, Makita, Bosch, and DeWalt are all on the same level as far as I'm concerned. Makita's quality's slipped in the last few years. You really can't go wrong with any of them. There are also smaller high-quality brands like Panasonic and Metabo, but dealer support is limited and they are expensive.

Harbor Freight and Amazon.com both sell several brands of reconditioned tools. Lots of DeWalt for pretty good prices. I buy used off eBay, but your milage may vary going that route.

I bought a 14.4 DeWalt, VSR with clutch and an extra battery. Drove a potfull of screws with it roofing my barn, and was well pleased. The clutch is important so you don't over-drive the screws, distort the washer and cause leaks.

Battery recycle time was fine, by the time I flattened one driving screws, the other was charged and ready to go. Doesn't hurt that I also have a DeWalt 4" trim saw that uses the same batteries and charger.

When it comes to cordless drill motors theres only two choices in my opinion, Makita and Milwaukee. The 18v seam to be very popular but will get heavy by the end of the day. Whatever you do get two battery's and the quick charger.

My son just bought a new 1/2" 18v Milwuakee and it lives upto the name. Well made and well balanced with a good pistol grip. Extra battery, faster charger and carryig case, $228. Where I can't tell you until tomorrow as he's working. Using it with a drill motor hanger then I don't see a problem with the weight.

I had a Makita 7.3v 3/8" for years. Lighter than the 18v models and good torque. I could drive about 2hrs of screws before changing battery's, metal to metal drill head or tek screws.

If your driving metal to metal then no worry on a 7.3v. Metal to wood maybe an 1hr per battery depending on the size of screw diameter.

Don't skimp on the screw quality. The neophrene washer lets the skin pull when the wind is blowing and is a better seal. Without the washer the screw will pull thru the skin, no if ands or butts, just give it time.

T_Bone