I am considering purchasing a Makita 9.6 volt cordless angle drill that uses the old stick style batteries- I already have a standard drill and drywall gun from Makita that use this battery so it seemed like a logical progression…The 9.6 volt reciprocating saw also looked interesting, but I dont think the circ saw is anything great
If anyone has any of the 9.6 stick tools, I would really be interested in hearing about what they can and cannot do. I know I couldn’t run an auger bit with it, but how about a paddle bit? Up to what size?
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Way back when, that stick was the first cordless thing we had around here. As the technology grew, I never considered keeping one until a few years ago. And I have to say, I really don't use it very often. I didn't get it for being cordless, I got it for being such a light, compact, right angle drill. It will drive cabinet screws for hinges in tight spaces. It will do a few other things, but few of them with anywhere near enough power to make anyone accustomed to today's NiCd and Lion batteries happy. I suspect your paddle bit would trip the breaker on the side of the tool if you were drilling through anything firmer than cold butter.
Nevertheless, I hang on to it. Invariably, I find those times where it really is just the right bugger to get in to a spot and it saves me frustration there.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
I have one, since I had one of just about all Makita's 9.6V stick battery line. It is really the least gutsy of the line, but nice for tight spots. There is a little circuit breaker near the trigger which will pop any time you stall it, like on a tight screw. It is handy for drilling small holes, recently used it to drill out 1/8" steel and aluminum pop rivits. Proabably around 1/4" max hole size.
A specialty tool, not for general use, but sometimes just the ticket.
Hope this helps. Rich.
Yo, Bubba
The 9.6 volt reciprocating saw also looked interesting
That's the handiest damn thing for a lot of little jobs.
but I dont think the circ saw is anything great
That thing with a diamond blade is also pretty useful occasionally. I bought a genuine Makita diamond blade yearrrrrrrrrrrs ago & it's still good.
If the price is right buy it, you'll use it.
Joe H
I have the 12 volt with the diamond blade that came with it. Used with great care, it makes short work of grout saw jobs. It's also good for cutting into old lath and plaster cleanly enough that trim will cover it, and you don't have to mess with wet plaster patching.
-- J.S.
I've gt one it's pretty nice for tight spaces. Good battery too.
http://www.hay98.com/
I have one I'd probably sell you along with a 9.6 flashlight and a few newer good NMiH batteries along with it.
I now have the 14.4 system with impact and just picked up a Hitachi stick screwdriver so the makita 9.6 stuff has not been used for a while.
It's a great angle drill - but dream on if you think it'll handle a paddle bit over 3/8". Probably wouldn't do that very well.
JT
I have had a 9.6 Makita angle drill for about 10 years .IMHO it is useful but lacks low speed torque .It is 0-800 rpm only .What it needs is 2 speeds with one being 0-400 like the old 9.6 stick drills.Having said that you can probably pick one up for peanuts so it may be worth it.If I were purchasing another I would look for a manufacturer of 2speed types
It'll spin a good paddle bit (irwin speedbor, for example, with the little ears at the OD of the paddle) up to 3/4" for a good long while - 5/8 seems easier on it.
Mine is pretty old, been using it to drill holes in I-joists for pulling wire. Ran the 5/8 through double 2-by mat'l; although it won't do many of those between charges.
I don't know if they still come this way, but mine has a little green pop out circuit breaker on the side. The paddle bit does fine but sometimes sticks right when it is just breakeing through and it pops the little breaker.
The plumber has the little saw, uses it for cutting the pvc DWV pipes.
I've been eyeing the rigid impact driver that looks like the old Mak. (not a stick battery though). I admit being drawn to the sub $150 price for an impact driver.
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I have the little 3 3/8 trim saw and use it a surprising amount. As some has just said, it isn't the gutsiest thing around but does a surprisingly good job with thin plywood, thin trim, and drywall. For straight drywall cuts, I actually prefer it to my Rotozip. Makes less dust and cuts much faster. It may not have a lot of power, but it can certainly yank itself out of your hands if you aren't paying attention...