• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Best compact drill driver...

...for occasional use? I am thinking Milwaukee, but there are always trade-offs with these things. I am not doing contractor work, just stuff around the house. I have a Dewalt DW235G which is great, but I want something smaller and lighter for general use.

TIA
You get what you pay for and that includes light. If a drill is light it's battery isn't strong.

I have two Milwaukees and used to own Dewalt everything prior. Now it's Milwaukee or nothing!
 
I'll throw in a vote for Ridgid. I have their 18v drill/impact driver set and it's been fantastic. Had another Ridgid before that that was also very good. Not a contractor here - hardcore DIYer that built my own 2400 sf house, decks, fences, etc etc etc.... You also can't go wrong with Makita or Milwaukee. Bosch and DeWalt are not what they used to be.
 
...for occasional use? I am thinking Milwaukee, but there are always trade-offs with these things. I am not doing contractor work, just stuff around the house. I have a Dewalt DW235G which is great, but I want something smaller and lighter for general use.

TIA

I have been VERY happy with my Hitachi.

I had a Makita about 15 years ago... the batteries went bad and it started leaking oil.
 
Sounds like you're describing an old car! :D

Yeah, I wish it didn't happen, but it did! Right down the middle of the body of the Makita where there was a seam, I started seeing oil.

Shame because my dad had a Makita when I was growing up and it was great. He's still a Makita man today after we bought him some new toys for Father's Day a few years ago.

But after my bad luck with Makita, I went in a different direction and bought a Hitachi... got one of their 18-volt drills a few years ago and I love it!
 
Quick report: I've been using the Milwaukee 2504-20 for just about everyday this past week on the window project (not as easy and straightforward as I was expecting). It is really nice to have the adjustability it does, this being my first torque adjustable drill and first cordless one, too, and is quite comfortable to hold in different positions (down low, up over my head, etc.) The batteries last for a good long time; after the second full charging up of the compact 2.0 Ah (the first time was when I first got the drill) it has not stopped or run out of juice, yet. The 4.0 Ah battery seems to go on forever, not having to recharge it since first getting it. Actually, the 2.0Ah battery has been what I've used so far except for a short while to try the bigger one. Nice!

My only criticism is that I wish the LED light were lower down the handle and aimed up slightly to clear the chuck better; the chuck creates a shadow right where the light is needed most.

This drill is very powerful, certainly all I really need for just about any task I would do. I'm glad I looked at this vs. 18V drills; I certainly don't need what they offer, power-wise, and the size and weight savings is great with this 12V model for my (getting older) hands and wrists. Having a 1/2" chuck is nice so I can use all the same bits and other accessories that I have available for my Dewalt DW235G corded drill. At first I was looking at 3/8" chuck models, but then realized the price increase to the 2504-22 kit was well worth it, as the higher price gave me two much higher capacity batteries and a hard case instead of the two 1.5Ah batteries and soft bag that comes with the 2407-22 kit (both come with the same charger). Those items, alone, cost well north of the difference in price, and I would have bought the higher capacity batteries, anyway, so this really saved me money while giving me the better drill at the same time.

Thanks for all your advice. :cool: I hope this helps someone else, down the road, looking to buy one of these.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Gaolee and Dave W
Good deal! Using my Milwaukee 2504-20 as an electrician, batteries lasted a few weeks before needing to be charged. It would depend on how much work I was actually doing with it, but I'd say that's a pretty good run time. I could charge a 2.0 battery during lunch time as well, quick!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Jeff Scott
I suppose I should post a photo of the drill I got, eh? :D

Milwaukee 2504-22 01.png


Milwaukee 2504-22 03.png


Milwaukee 2504-22 05.png


Milwaukee 2504-22 07.png


Milwaukee 2504-22 10.png


Milwaukee 2504-22 13.gif


Sorry for the stock photos. eventually I'll make something show my SO using it. :smug:
 
Last edited: