I need to buy a new cordless drill. Any recommendations?

[amerikat]

My Panasonic drill is now 10 years old and the batteries(15.6 volt NiMH) are not holding a charge. The drill body still works fine. I bought this drill because it was the first to have NiMH batteries and it was smaller and lighter than most drills at the time. I was working at a cabinet shop
at the time and was drilling and driving screws all day long. After I got
this drill everyone in the shop gave up their Dewalts and everyone bought the same drill that I had.

I looked at the Makita 14 volt Li-ion because they are made in the US, and
Li-ion batteries are a bit lighter.

After looking all over the web I'm thinking that I should just
get another Panasonic. They still make the same model. I would get a new
drill body, two new batteries, new charger and a new case.

That way I would have two drill bodies, two Chargers, two cases and
I can use the flashlight that came with the original drill.

I guess the question is, are the new drills that much better than my old drill?

I can replace the one I have for about $200. The Makita would be at
least $259 and then I would have to buy a new flashlight for another $50 bucks.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

1. I like the logic of having

two chargers and a extra drill. . Look into discount batteries on line. And if you ever have to loan out a drill=,give um the old one to use !

All we can really go by is the gook luck we have had with the tools that we use.Up grading in battery tools is essentially longer lasting power and lighter weight and more power. you already know that.

Although it is always cool to get out there to the store and look over the new stuff.
Home Depot has the display models out there for ya to try out.When spending $200.00 or more on a tool ,I always like to get a first hand look at it !

[amerikat]

2. 2 new batteries cost almost as much as an entire new drill.

I looked into sending the batteries out and that is almost as much as new ones.
Don't get me wrong I always get new batteries for my toothbrush, beard trimmer etc.
I have no problem soldering in new batteries when it makes sense to do so.

What make drill do you use?

The new panasonic comes with 3.5 milliamp batteries the original drill came with 3.0
milliamp batteries.

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

3. Still packing a 18 volt Dewalt

I have two smaller built in battery pacs with the litho batts. I am in the market for a new battery pac drill,but I just bought a new tile saw and that cost me a bundle than another $700.00for a replacement paint compressor ,so the new drill remains on hold until I recover somewhat !

But,you got me interested in the panasonic now, had my eye on those new makita's,small ,light weight and powerful.

[Stinky The Clown]

4. Bosch

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=26618-01

They also make a 14.4 volt jobbie for a few bucks less. It is lighter but still credibly powerful.

[amerikat]

5. Bosch makes great tools.

Never tried a Bosch drill driver, but I think their trim routers are the best.

I think the 1/4" hex drive is not the best for me. I prefer a 1/2" key-less chuck.
The 1/2" key-less lets me use all my hole saws and various other tools that aren't
1/4" hex.

[amerikat]

6. I bought another Panasonic.

I'm sure I did the right thing. It's nice having 2 good drills. I used the old flashlight with
one of the new batteries today. Next step is to use one of the many solar panels laying around here
to make the new drill truly cordless.