I have a lot of home improvement jobs to do, tiling,drywall, carpentry, plumbing,etc. I am seeing a lot of 18 volt power tools advertised. Are these good buys, especially when bought as a package? What's special about an 18 volt system as opposed to using
regular electrical power tools? Are the 18 volt tools just as effective? Thanks.
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Hi Tim,
I have a 14.4v drill and an 18v (several years old Makitas) as well as a couple of their 9.6v tools (which I've had a loooonnng time).
Personally, I prefer the 14.4v (over the 18) drill/driver for most work. I think it has great weight and balance, and is better for reaching above my head to do work. The 18 is a bit heavy for me, although I certainly break it out for some tasks. I actually still reach for the 9.6v a surprising amount of the time. It won't drive lag bolts, but it's still pretty handy!
I really like the 18v circular saw (came in a kit with the drill--the whole set was actually a gift from my wife several years ago--DO I HAVE HER TRAINED OR WHAT?! :) and I really use that thing a lot. It won't match a corded saw for long, but it sure beats it for quick cuts when I'm on a project.
Plus, if I'd find I'd have my 120v circular saw loaded with something like a masonry cutting blade, or an "old" blade (for rough cuts)--it was handy to have the cordless handy for clean cuts.
As far as a drill/driver, cordless is (I'd say) almost as effective as 120v--esp. for most things. Battery life is great (just look how much pros use them these days!). I've even used it to 'snake' drains (an area where I prefer not to have 120v present). It's not the monster snake that roto-rooter uses, but you get the idea.
But I'd recommend trying them out for weight, feel, balance beforehand. And if you end up needing bigger and better down the road, why, heck, you'll just have two! Not the end of the world, considering how useful they are. Plenty of times I'll have different drill sizes in each, or a screwdriver in one, or whatever. The more the merrier!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
I have a 14.4v drill and an 18v (several years old Makitas) as well as a couple of their 9.6v tools (which I've had a loooonnng time).
Personally, I prefer the 14.4v (over the 18) drill/driver for most work. I think it has great weight and balance, and is better for reaching above my head to do work. The 18 is a bit heavy for me, although I certainly break it out for some tasks. I actually still reach for the 9.6v a surprising amount of the time. It won't drive lag bolts, but it's still pretty handy!
I really like the 18v circular saw (came in a kit with the drill--the whole set was actually a gift from my wife several years ago--DO I HAVE HER TRAINED OR WHAT?! :) and I really use that thing a lot. It won't match a corded saw for long, but it sure beats it for quick cuts when I'm on a project.
Plus, if I'd find I'd have my 120v circular saw loaded with something like a masonry cutting blade, or an "old" blade (for rough cuts)--it was handy to have the cordless handy for clean cuts.
As far as a drill/driver, cordless is (I'd say) almost as effective as 120v--esp. for most things. Battery life is great (just look how much pros use them these days!). I've even used it to 'snake' drains (an area where I prefer not to have 120v present). It's not the monster snake that roto-rooter uses, but you get the idea.
But I'd recommend trying them out for weight, feel, balance beforehand. And if you end up needing bigger and better down the road, why, heck, you'll just have two! Not the end of the world, considering how useful they are. Plenty of times I'll have different drill sizes in each, or a screwdriver in one, or whatever. The more the merrier!
Regards,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
