[Shop-talk] Battery-operated tools

[Bob Spidell]

Thanks for all the tips and advice, folks.  Got enough info to move on.

Bob

On 4/9/2016 9:02 AM, Bob Spidell wrote:
> Folks,
>
> I realize this is like bringing up 'best oil' or 'best tires' on a car 
> list, but I'm in the market for a battery drill/driver/sander/etc. 
> combo to replace my ancient--but still working--Makita 9V 
> driver-drill.  I want something with all the 'goodies;' I'll need the 
> usual driver/drill, but also need a portable sander (belt and/or 
> disc), and at least the option for more attachments.
>
> I know I probably can't lose with DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita or even 
> Craftsman--hell, they might all come out of the same factory in China 
> for all I know--but would like to see if there's a consensus on best 
> overall.  Is more voltage always better, or is 14.4V better for some 
> reason than 19.2V, etc.?    My main issue, and the reason I haven't 
> retired the old Makita yet, is that the batteries always seem to lose 
> capacity over time.  The 9V Makita is nickel-metal-hydride, and both 
> the OEM--which are too expensive IMO--and cheap, off-brand aftermarket 
> ones all lose charge when not used, and lose capacity after repeated 
> charging.  I know Li-Ion is better, but a battery is a battery, and 
> they all will lose some capacity over time.
>
> Any and all opinions, rants, etc. welcome.
>
> Bob
>
>
>