cordless drills

I have a question. Does anyone have any experience with the newish generation of compact 12V drills. I'm looking at Bosch, Makita and Milwaukee. With this kind of work I only need to drill for pin switches, occasionally a bulkhead and LED/Valet switches so I'm after reliability, handling with compact size and swap-over for screwdriving. I still have my Bosch 18V lithium for heavier work. I can only get the 10.8V versions in the UK, why???. And don't even go there on the UK prices. Reminds me of 30 years ago, as soon as we landed in the US, ostensibly on holiday, we went out chasing down Snap-On vans and visiting Sears Stores. Just realised why I'm divorced! So if any of you have used the above professionally and have any thoughts let me know please. I've got a friend staying in Florida in 2 weeks who'll get it for me.

I have a Craftsman 19.2volt for my heavy duty work but I have a much more compact Craftsman 12volt lithium ion drill for the small work. I love it because it is very compact but the battery lasts me multiple installs without having to change it. It's also nice because I can use it as a 'bench test' power pack for small electronics (LED strips, small lights, etc). Yes I know this isn't really the safest action (especially for the battery), but it works nicely in a pinch. Here is the drill: http://www.sears.com/craftsman-17586-nextec-12.0v-lithium-ion-drill-driver/p-00917586000P?prdNo=15&blockNo=15&blockType=G15 Unfortunately I don't know how accessible Craftsman is over there...Kenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205

I actually have this 'kit'. The LED light is actually very handy. It can be a little pain to aim it where I need though. I did pick up the flourescent light from the 'series' but I end up using the LED light more often. I end up having to swap the battery in the flour. light 2-3 times in one install. I wish they'd make an LED version of it because the light output from it is great. http://www.sears.com/craftsman-12.0-volt-lithium-ion-drill-and-led/p-00930286000P?prdNo=11&blockNo=11&blockType=G11Kenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205

Going to that site puts me straight to their UK listing at $60. That's a good 50% less than the others, except their specs., especially the Milwaukee are far higher, metal gearing 2 x more powerful batteries etc. I'm assuming the chargers are all switched power supplies so I'll have no problems changing the wall outlet US 110V to the UK/Europe 230V. Most switched power supplies as against transformers will run from 90-250V with no problems. How do you think I charge the Viper remotes?

I love mine. I drill out hood pin switches and everything with it. The only time I ever end up using my 18 volt is if I have to drill into thick metal or through wood. I even bought a second one that I keep in my office for prepping (twisting wires); and as a back-up just in case. I don't use the power supply though when testing small circuits, I use the battery itself. They even make it easier by labeling the + and - for me.. haha.Kenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205

What do you use for a work light? I hate having cords everywhere and I usually end up getting tangled in them... which is why I picked up the butane soldering iron for the small gauge wires. But most of the LED work lights I find are just too bulky and get in the way. I just need something small, compact, decent brightness, and will last at least 3 hours on a full charge. I'm almost debating pulling my flourescent light apart and making my own LED light.Kenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205

I use a Bosch 12v lithium drill. Comes with 2 batteries and the adjustable angle head makes it so convenient for any tight spots. http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=PS11-2A

It seems Howard has eliminated the "cheap" maybes... and sticks to Lithium (forget NiCads & NiMH). A Quality & experienced man indeed!    I like the gearbox types but that's for more general mech work, Otherwise a high speed (not just up to 200 or 400RPM etc) for drilling as well as faster screwing. Light wise - yeah LEDs. I've had various 3xAAA puck types with strong magnetic bases and hooks. The best are the push lens to toggle on/off; rim switches can be tricky to find. I've recently been using an Aldi hi/lo rechargeable with magnet etc and size ~1.5x TV remotes (lengthwise). Also nice as power fail light - ie, sits in cradle normally charging/floating and automatically turns on when AC power fails (at lo/dim level). And then there are the cap mounting or headband spots. The later IMO must be dimmable and have adjustable lenses. Often used mobile when the pucks can't be used conveniently else are more for general lighting.    I like fluoros, but I think they have had their "tactical" day.

The flouro works great, it just doesn't quite last as long as I'd like. It does provide plenty of lighting though. I used to use a cap light but found that I usually ripped my hat off and threw it within 5 minutes into the install. It would always get in the way when I was trying to get my head up behind the dash. While we're talking tools here (and sorry to hijack Howie... please don't hate me... haha). What the hell is the board called that sits on the door sill and allows you to not break your back? I'm getting tired of sitting on a cold and wet floor trying to do these installs.Kenny

Owner / Technician

KKD Garage LLC

Albany, NY 12205

Actually I call mine a Snap-On foam mat but I didn't get it from Sap-On, far cheaper from a regular motor parts store. Back in the days when we added lots of door actuators and power window conversions, we'd sit on a low stool.