Replies

1. 
   Ted W. | Apr 23, 2009 06:06pm | #1

   The deal seems good, but I'd be more concerned about battery compatablility. If you use a variety of cordless tools you want to keep with the same battery as much as possible. But if you only have the drill, I'm guessing it will serve your needs well.

   Also consider you already have the DW drill. If you go with the same you keep that drill working along with the new one.

    

   ~ Ted W ~

   Cheap Tools! - MyToolbox.net
   Meet me at House & Builder!

   
   

   ---

   Edited 4/23/2009 11:08 am by Ted W.

1. 
   DonK | Apr 23, 2009 07:03pm | #5

   I have a few cordless tools. I find that I am happier with corded in many cases. The drill is really the cordless  tool that I use most often. Compatability has never been a big factor for me.

   I do have a couple backups, and the guys that work with me generally bring their own.

   Don K.

   EJG Homes   Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

2. 
   DaveRicheson | Apr 23, 2009 06:19pm | #2

   Keep an eye on the NiCad batteties at Lowes And HD. Ussually around the fall of the year they run specials on them. I picked up 2 for around $100 last year.

   Or just bite the bullet and buy new new lithium ion batteries and a charger for the Dewalt. They are backwards compatable. You'll love the decrease in weight and the slightly smaller size.

   No experience with the PC 18v.

1. 
   DonK | Apr 23, 2009 07:06pm | #6

   I've been looking for replacement batteries for a while, since the fall. If they ran a sale, I missed it. I'll probably keep the drill and keep my eye open for a sale.

   I had not seen the lithium bats at my local store. Will look into it too. Thanks.

   Don K.

   EJG Homes   Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

    

1. 
   [email protected] | Apr 25, 2009 06:55am | #10

   Lowes and HomeDesperate have historically had them on sale the week before Father's day. Two 18-v batteries for around $100.

1. 
   DonK | Apr 25, 2009 02:11pm | #11

   I will be on the lookout for them. That's only a couple weeks away. Thanks.

   Don K.

   EJG Homes   Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

2. 
   DonK | Apr 25, 2009 05:50am | #9

   At the show that I went to, one of the vendors had a new lithium battery and charger for $100. I did think about it briefly, but for the same price, I get the new machine and two batteries.

   Didn't do it.

   Don K.

   EJG Homes    Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Apr 28, 2009 01:22pm | #13

   I know the feeling with that one.

   One of the tool stores I frequent was going to break up the Dewalt and Milwaukee combo packs and sell individual tools and battery sets. They had not come out with a priceing for them the last time I was in there. Baterry cost at the time were as part of the combo back or strickly replacements.

   I'll have to call and see whart kind of prices they have come up with.

3. 
   RobWes | Apr 23, 2009 06:34pm | #3

   I have a 14 PC that is very old and it's been a great drill. Much better tool than the Milwaukee of the same voltage and newer vintage. No idea on the new PC's.

4. 
   Ryan1 | Apr 23, 2009 06:40pm | #4

   DonK,
   I have not actually used one of the new porter cable drills, but I did stop to play with one for a minute while in Lowes and I have to admit that I was impressed.

   It felt very solid, with a metal chuck and the clutch had very solid detents for its different settings. It felt like a solid tool to me, but who knows how it will perform in the field?

   FYI, around Christmas time Lowes had the 18 volt drill, charger, 2 batts, soft case, and a cordless circ saw (6 1/2" me thinks) for either $110 or $120. I thought they both felt like good tools.

1. 
   DonK | Apr 23, 2009 07:11pm | #7

   Yeah, they are running the same sale - saw, drill, batteries and "free" flashlight IIRC for around $129. The last cordless saw I bought hasn't gotten much use. Don't see any sense in getting another one to take up space. I'd probably go for the drill only.

   Don K.

   EJG Homes   Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

    

1. 
   DonK | Apr 23, 2009 07:15pm | #8

   To everyone -

   Thanks for the replies. I'm getting ready to head to PA for a short trip (Carlisle car show for an old truck for "work") so I probably won't get back on board until Saturday.

   Don K.

   EJG Homes    Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

5. 
   woodturner9 | Apr 26, 2009 09:48pm | #12

   HD is running a pretty good deal on Milwaukee LiIon 18V 4 tool kit  $274, free tool by mail, so you get a drill, hammer drill, driver, light, circular saw, and sawzall for that price.

1. 
   DonK | Apr 30, 2009 08:47pm | #14

   Well, I bought the Porter Cable. Initial feeling is that it's moderately heavy, unlike some of the cheapies out there. Balance is a little different than the DW. It also seems a little shorter. No big difference. Charger supposedly brings the batteries up in an hour. The first charge took longer. Standard plastic case, with no extra room for bits so I'll do what I did last time and velcro the bit box to the outside of the case.

   I had another emergency (funeral) out of state and haven't gotten to play with it yet.

   Don K.

   EJG Homes   Renovations - New Construction - Rentals

6. 
   leftisright | Apr 30, 2009 09:19pm | #15

   They are junk, First round was recalled by Lowe's.

   FWIW I've had better luck with Rigid from Depot