Hi I am a newbie looking for a power drill

[colinwen]

Hi all,
Just new to this forum and timber work either.
As a oversea student, I try to do some easy timber work by myself.
Got some cheap jigsaw from local store already.
But still confused when searched around internet for best budget power drill (cordless or cord)

From some US website, they suggest the Makita 18V BHP454 is the best choice.
and Ryobi 18V P203 is the best budget, but its a old article.
I have not look around the local market, I only know the bosch is a big brand.
Does any one have suggestion?
My budget is under 200.-
What I need is a reliable drill and I can use that as a screwdriver as well.

Cheers
Colin

[colbra]

Hi Col welcome aboard
regards colbra

[munruben]

Welcome aboard Colin. I would just go for the drill that suits your own budget. There are so many out there varying from prices as low as under $30 to drills that cost hundreds of $$$s Personally I have several drills, both cordless and non cordless. None of my drills are really expensive but they do my job. I usually use 3 cordless drills on a single project, saves me changing over from a twist drill bit to a screw driver bit or countersink bit. I just grab the drill with the appropriate bit in it.
Just one tip though, if you buy cordless, make sure you get at least one spare battery. Nothing worse than having to wait to charge up your battery in the middle of a project.

[colinwen]

Cheers mate,
After reading some post around this forum, I have some idea and reply on the tool thread.
Welcome to give me more advice and suggestion.

Colin

[Bluegum]

Welcome to the forum Colin and yes I agree with what John has said. Buy the one that will do the best job for you when you need it. I do own a makita 12 volt and its a great drill, but brand wasn't really the big selling point at the time. It was on sale and after asking a few people I decided it was the best value for money at the time.

[Christos]

Welcome to the forum.

[Bazzmate]

Hey Colin

I'm with Munruben (John) and over time have also ended up with three drills (including a Maximate cheapie from KMart) and a cordless drill. They all get an outing when there is a lot of drilling, coutersinking and screwing to do. I use the more expensive (approx. $350) corded drill for the tougher jobs like screwing screws into hardwood and am of the understanding (and may be wrong) that you will need to spend up to $600 to get a cordless drill with the grunt to screw into anything.

I would normally say 'buy quality' and go off to United Tools, Glenfords or some other specialist tool shop and get them to sell you the best drill you can get for less than $200.00. However, seeing you are just starting off and may eventually end up with two or three drills anyway, you might want to consider starting with a cheapie drill as this will only cost you approx. $30 and will allow you to buy a lot of other hand tools or maybe another power tool with your $200. The cheap drills nowadays come with the necessary features such as variable speed, forward/reverse and hammer drill, 12mths warranty and should be able to do all you need until you get around to buying that second, better quality drill.
Hope that helps.
Cheers

[The Bleeder]

My budget is under 200.-
What I need is a reliable drill and I can use that as a screwdriver as well.

Colin,

FWIW I would look for a reasonable quality corded drill. Then look for a cordless drill/driver with what money is left.

Even the 'el cheapo' cordless will drive screws in when the pilot holes are done correctly.

This is where a reasonable corded drill is a must and it will propably last you for some time to come.

When funds come available in the future then all you have to do is replace the 'el cheapo' with a better quality cordless.

BTW I still have the first corded drill I ever bought. It's a Ryobi but it was made in Japan (30+ years ago, cost $80 approx) and it still goes.

[colinwen]

Thanks everyone.
I understand what most people said, looking for what I need is very important.

However, I still wondering if I can buy one reliable and the battery exchangeable with other cordless tool, then I will kind of saving money on other stuff.

Recently, I found there is a Makita cordless one on sale at Bunnings, it is 215.-.
Its a bit over my budget, but since this brand is quite good, I am thinking go after it.
Any other suggestion?

[Bluegum]

Hi Colin,

My local Bunnings had a Bosch blue cordless 14.4v I think for $199 last weekend. looked like a good unit. Don't know if that's any help to you in your search.