Power Tools & General Tools Recommendations & Advice

I'm just about to take the plunge and get a Bosch GSB 18v EC Combi and GDR 18 V-Li impact driver, costing me about £200 all in to replace my old green Bosch that I've had for years and the batteries are dying. Are there any others worth considering at this price point or are they all pretty much the same? I did look at some of the DeWalt stuff such as the 985 combi and 886 driver but it was a bit pricer (about £50) and I probably wouldn't notice the difference. They'll be used for general DIY, putting up stud walls, putting up gates etc.
 
Good shout on the DCD795, I didn't spot that one. I'd need the hammer action so the 790 is out. The 795 seems a bit more powerful than the Bosch and lighter too. I can get that and the Dewalt driver for about £30 more than the Bosch pairing and both will be brushless.
 
Any drill bit (except SDS) will fit these - all saw blades should fit etc - you would have to buy the battery specific for this make of tool if you wanted a spare one but one of the drill packs comes with two batteries. 18v but only 1.5amp

I think Homebase do a three year warranty same as Lidl - if it breaks just take it back.
 
Random question regarding combi drills; Why is it that the tendency is to not have a side handle on most drills? My old bosch green has one, but any of the (sub £150) newer bosch blue or makita/dewalt etc don't have them. I await the first person to state that the pro tools are designed to be used be "real men" who don't need a side handle!

Cheers

Dave
 
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All my Dewalt drills have come with them, although i haven't bought a new drill for a good few years. The more expensive drills aimed at trade will be 60nm+ torque and can twist your wrist pretty good if using one handed. Even if they don't come with one they will usually have a metal collar near the chuck to allow for one as an optional extra.

I personally never use them as they just get in my way. I mainly use my combi for drilling tasks and my impact driver for driving screws and bolts. The impact driver is amazing as it'll put out 150nm torque and wont twist your wrist at all, even using one handed. One of the best tools I have bought.

I'm guessing cheaper drills aimed at DIY (bosch green) will come with one as someone who isn't as used to using a drill might feel more comfortable having an extra handle.
 
I find the side grip handy for masonry drilling and using a paddle mixer. Can't think of any other uses for it.

I'm wanting to get rid of my Bosch Green Combi for something with a 13mm chuck (instead of 10mm that I have now) and something that shares it's batteries with an impact driver so I can get one of them too!

Dave
 
Yeah they are handy for using with a paddle. Always keep your side handles when getting rid of a tool as theres a chance it'll fit the new one if they are no longer supplying them. Or there are loads on ebay for cheap. As long as the drill you choose has the metal collar on the front it should be compatible with a handle.
 
Personally I'd avoid the 10v system as its a little weak, I got the 14v twin pack for less than that which I find perfect for most jobs but I also have a corded drill that I can use for anything that needs a huge amount of power.

I went for 14v over 18v as the drills themselves were a little smaller/lighter so offer a bit more control, however if I wanted just a cordless solution I'd have opted for 18.
 
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