Power Tools & General Tools Recommendations & Advice

[Attu90]

Don't forget also the weight difference between 1.5Ah and 4Ah batteries. If using single-handed up a ladder or in other slightly awkward locations, you'll be glad of the weight saving.

That was my thought initially but after a bit of searching the Makita 456 weighs 1.6kg with a 4ah battery and the DeWalt DCD785 is exactly the same at 1.6kg.

The battery has to weigh more on the Makita so its actual drill must be lighter, the DeWalt DCD785 with a 4ah battery is 1.88kg,

I guess some would say that the DeWalt must be stronger, better built, better quality ....would last longer etc etc but that's pure speculation with no facts so id never say any thing so contrived

 

[Imy]

1.6kg with a 4Ah battery sounds very light to the point I'm a little suspicious that's even correct.

You sure that's not the weight excluding battery?

I'm not very familiar with Makita's range but Bosch's 4Ah batteries alone weigh 600g.

 

[abbotsmike]

Don't forget also the weight difference between 1.5Ah and 4Ah batteries. If using single-handed up a ladder or in other slightly awkward locations, you'll be glad of the weight saving.

Much less of an issue with lithiums though, I assume a 4Ah lithium is far lighter than an old Ni-Cad, and they aren't too much trouble!

 

[Imy]

I wouldn't know, I've only ever had a Li-on battery powered cordless drill. The tech has been around for a long time now.

Regardless, a 1.5Ah battery is going to be about half the weight of a 4Ah one (same tech).

In the Bosch range, a 4Ah battery is 600g and 1.5Ah is 340g. The difference is about the same weight as 2 smartphones.

Plus if you have two batteries, capacity becomes a bit of a mute point as you can have it so there is always one fully charged battery available to you.

Larger capacity batteries also take longer to charge up.

 

[Mark A]

Thanks.

Now thinking of the DeWalt DCD785 or a Makita 456. Which I think I'm right in thinking they're a much of a muchness?

Dewalt comes with 2x 1.5Ah XR batteries and the Makita comes with a 4Ah LXT

The dewalt has faster drill and drive speed 600/2000rpm vs 400/1500rpm, which also translates to more BPM for the hammer action. I also like that they have added a collar for a front handle on it.

I think to compare with the DCD785 you would have to be looking at the Makita 458.

 

[Westyfield2]

I haven't tried the smaller ones, but the Makita 18v 4Ah li-ion battery weighs exactly the same as the Makita 18v 3Ah li-ion battery.

 

[Kappa]

I think to compare with the DCD785 you would have to be looking at the Makita 458.

I did see the 458 but its just a bit too much at 200 notes

 

[Mark A]

I did see the 458 but its just a bit too much at 200 notes

I don't think you could do any better than the Dewalt at £135. That's a great price and a very good drill for the money. A few people have bought them on here and been very happy with it.

 

[jellybeard999]

For domestic use, which would be a better buy;

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-to...rill-with-2-Batteries-12988839?skuId=13499666

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-to...rill-with-2-Batteries-11227751?skuId=11738455

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-to...thium-ion-Combi-Drill-13748703?skuId=14219409

Each seem better value than the screwfix offers, taking into account a 10% 60+ discount!

I'm unlikely to need compatability with other tools, but some likelihood being able to buy replacement batteries in the future would be nice.

I'll be drilling wood and masonry mainly. Are 2 batteries advantageous, given charge time? Having 1 battery would mean it's used more regularly, as most jobs wont eat into a 2nd battery. Will that prolong their life?

 

[Nzyme]

Can anyone recommend a hedge trimmer?

 

[Attu90]

For domestic use, which would be a better buy;

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-to...rill-with-2-Batteries-12988839?skuId=13499666

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-to...rill-with-2-Batteries-11227751?skuId=11738455

http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-to...thium-ion-Combi-Drill-13748703?skuId=14219409

Each seem better value than the screwfix offers, taking into account a 10% 60+ discount!

I'm unlikely to need compatability with other tools, but some likelihood being able to buy replacement batteries in the future would be nice.

I'll be drilling wood and masonry mainly. Are 2 batteries advantageous, given charge time? Having 1 battery would mean it's used more regularly, as most jobs wont eat into a 2nd battery. Will that prolong their life?

If your just after an occasional use drill then this isn't bad for the price Ryobi-OnePlus-18V-Hammer-Drill-and-1-x-1-3Ah-Battery-and-Charger-no-bag-13168696

I picked up the same drill today apart from having 2 batteries and a bag as I already have a Ryobi impact driver I now had 5 batteries between them.

My DeWalt 785 will still be the main one I use though.

I havnt tried the Ryobi yet but from initial feelings its not a bad drill.

 

[Westyfield2]

Can anyone recommend a hedge trimmer?

I'm a fan of the Makita 18V Lithium-Ion LXT range. Collection currently is:

• BUC122 Mini Chainsaw
  [IMG ]http://i58.tinypic.com/29xj4f4.jpg[/IMG]
  
  
  
• BUH523 Hedge Trimmer
  
  
  
  
  
  
• BHP453 Combi Hammer Drill.
  Got it on a combibuy at screwfix with two 3AH batteries. At the time I hadn't read about the BHP458 & DHP480 being better, but the price was good and it's been good enough for my needs so far anyway.
  [IMG ]http://i59.tinypic.com/1zlzqx5.jpg[/IMG]
  
  
  
• BJV180 Jigsaw
  [IMG ]http://i60.tinypic.com/k4xs00.jpg[/IMG]
  
  
  
• BBO180 Random Orbit Sander
  [IMG ]http://i59.tinypic.com/2a2juv.jpg[/IMG]
  
  
  
• 18V 3.0AH Lithium-Ion batteries & charger.

Yep, I reckon its great. Was outside earlier this afternoon using it before coming in to watch the rugby.

We had a Bosch or Black & Decker cordless one years ago (14V NiCd) and it wasn't any good.
Then we had a McCulloch two-stroke petrol one. It was ridiculously heavy to use (man up etc ) and for the last few years it wouldn't idle & had to be revved to keep running. Then this year it wouldn't start and after a few minutes swearing trying to get the bolts holding the covers off I just gave up on it.

Obviously the Makita has got brand new sharp blades etc, but I reckon it's fantastic. And the fact that it takes the same 18V Li-ion batteries of the other tools is just amazing, and meant that we could get the cheaper body-only version.

 

[abbotsmike]

I'll be drilling wood and masonry mainly. Are 2 batteries advantageous, given charge time? Having 1 battery would mean it's used more regularly, as most jobs wont eat into a 2nd battery. Will that prolong their life?

Always two batteries, means you can run constantly. Run one, charge the other. Very very useful on some jobs!

 

[Lopéz]

Agreed, I love having 2 batteries. Also means I can use impact driver and drill together without needing to change batteries which I find extremely useful.

 

[Lopéz]

I'm looking for a tool but I don't know if such a beast exists.

Essentially I want a miniature Acrow prop - one that has a range say from 30 - 50 cm.

I could use a bottle jack but I'd rather something I can wind. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

[NickK]

Not strictly a power tool but for welding copper pipes:

http://www.diy.com/search/blow torch/GoSystem-Quick-Pro-Auto-Swivel-Torch-11248062

The the MAP/Pro gas bottle is about £15-18 a bottle and the inbuilt lighter is great too and the whole lot fits well in the hand.

This is a very, very good torch form the welding I did with copper. The flame is precise enough to weld under floor boards (with a heat mat). The flame is HOT (1600+degC) so you'll need less gas although on the flip side is that you can overheat a end-weld quickly but once you have the hang of it it literally takes a minute to heat and weld.. 15mm copper welding isn't a problem and the hot flame makes 22mm possible but you may want a bit wider flame.

 

[abbotsmike]

Not strictly a power tool but for welding copper pipes:

http://www.diy.com/search/blow torch/GoSystem-Quick-Pro-Auto-Swivel-Torch-11248062

The the MAP/Pro gas bottle is about £15-18 a bottle and the inbuilt lighter is great too and the whole lot fits well in the hand.

This is a very, very good torch form the welding I did with copper. The flame is precise enough to weld under floor boards (with a heat mat). The flame is HOT (1600+degC) so you'll need less gas although on the flip side is that you can overheat a end-weld quickly but once you have the hang of it it literally takes a minute to heat and weld.. 15mm copper welding isn't a problem and the hot flame makes 22mm possible but you may want a bit wider flame.

Do you actually mean welding or soldering?

 

[NickK]

Do you actually mean welding or soldering?

Soldering - sorry was writing in a hurry.

 

[NoNameNoNumber]

My second Bosch GSB 18v LI has failed today...

First one spat some bits of motor out at me within a couple of weeks. The second one (replaced by Screwfix) has just started to go wrong today... I was driving some 10x3" screws into CLS for a stud wall and the clutch went -like if I had it set to anything other than 'drill'. Does that make sense? It still works but now graunches under load as if I have the clutch set...

What are my legal rights with Screwfix? I know they are obliged to deal with it as it's well under 1 year old but can I stamp my feet and get a replacement immediately whilst they deal with the warranty?

I can't really afford to be without it :/

 

[Mark A]

That's not good . I think someone else just bought that drill a few weeks back. Seems like it's not built to Bosch's usual standard.

Have you tried going direct to Bosch about it? They are supposed to be industrial rated tools in the blue range, so they shouldn't be breaking while driving 3" screws.