/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gifHi John,... Having sent many drills to the Valhalla of power tooldom since getting my first electric drill in 1955 at age 12, I have noticed that the ones that went the greatest distance; did the most work; took the most abuse; and generally held themselves together the best were the ones with multiple reduction gears. Many drills have a spiral gear on the motor, and a big helical gear on the output, no intermediate reduction shaft. In order to get the speed down the spiral gear has to be horribly small, and has few teeth engaged, whereas the ones utilizing an intermediate shaft can have the motor spinning faster, larger gear, and produce lots more torque for getting bigger bits through without burning. Look for AMPs above 3.5, and speed below 1500, preferrably below 1200. Hope this helps, you have my condolences, there are a lot of drills from which to choose./wwwthreads_images/icons/crazy.gif

CJDave

 

I've generally discovered you get what you pay for with tools, power tools included. As far as power tools go, I've always had good luck with Makita, especially if you are looking for cordless.

Brad (from the 4 Wheeling center of the universe, 4 corners USA)

 

If you buy good tools, they will generally stay with you for years and years. They will pay for themselves over and over again if you use them and don't have to replace them.
Electric tools - stay with made is USA or Japan, and actually name brand USA are usually better than Japan - and more expensive. Seems that USA electric motors are about the best out there - again name brand. Sears has a life time guarantee, and I buy Sears and have bought Sears since the 50s, but the truth is there are better tools on the mkt. I had an old Thor 1/2" heavy duty drill that was given to me by my grandfather in the late 40s. He had had it for years. You could put your entire weight on that thing and it wouldn't quit. I lost track of it in the late 80s when it was sold in a garage sale by mistake, and it was still going strong.
DeWalt is good, Milwaukee is good, Skil - so, so, Mikita is pretty good, Sears - so, so, but good warranty, Porter Cable is good, but don't know if they make drills or not. If you are young, 40s or less, don't lose tools and take reasonably good care of tools, appreciate them and use them instead of hiring work done, go with the best. It will be cheaper in the long run. If you tend to leave tools out, let them get a little rusty, maybe loan them out and forget where they went, or leave them on the side of the trail, get cheaper stuff. The cheap stuff will probably last til you lose it anyway. Not being a smart alec, but it doesn't make sense to buy a new $175 drill every 3 years when a $49.95 one will do the job and last for 4 or 5 years - well past the time you lose it or loan it out.

Doug '97 TJ
My Web Site

 

/wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif Darn good practical advice, Doug; couldn't have said it better m'self./wwwthreads_images/icons/wink.gif

CJDave

 

Thank you gentleman, you have just made my life a little easier.

Thanks CJDave.

Doug, I'm sorry about the loss of your grandfathers drill, what a shame. Even thought I am only 34 years old, I've come to appreciate older things like cars, tools, furniture, etc. I feel that most of the stuff manufactured today aren't meant to last too long: I guess it's all about money nowadays...
Fortunately I live in NY so you can't leave anything outside in the yard.

Thanks Cjjeepercreeper. Do you think I should go with a cord or cordless? Does the cordless have the same strength/power than the corded one?

Again, thanks guys!

John C.

Cinquej@remltd.com

 

/wwwthreads_images/icons/tongue.gif Cordless is nice, but for occasional use the problem is the batteries will not always last that long. If it isn't really necessary, it is better in the long run to not go to the expense of a cordless. They do have their limitations, but mainly it is a matter of use. You sound like you would cherish your tools, so buy good stuff and it will pay you back every time you pick it up./wwwthreads_images/icons/smile.gif

CJDave