I want to buy a drill. Not fancy, but enough that I can do basic household things like hang shelves and curtain rods and maybe some simple crafts or construction projects. I want it to be simple to operate, last forever, come with all the standard bits, and not cost a fortune. I tend to go with Black and Decker products, but I really don't know the best brands. Any suggestions?
Pawn Shop!!!
Construction guys have been selling their tools like crazy these past few years... And you can get nearly ANY of the good names there for a fraction of new cost. $20-50
I would prob go with your fave brand but make sure you don't get the least amps. I did that and my drill does not do enough for me.
My DH has a Ryobi he's been happy with for basic household tasks (and stuff like hanging kitchen cabinets).
Craftsman....I love my Craftsman tools, because they can really take a beating and last so long you get tired of looking at them. Also, you have to decide if you want a chargable or corded. I like the corded, because I dont' have to worry about it loosing its charge, but you might like the cordless since it can go anywhere. Sears Craftsman also stands by their stuff. Hubby broke his hammer he got years ago and Sears replaced it with a brand new one, no questions asked. I have a Craftsman palm sander and a Craftsman hand router. At first my hubby couldn't understand why I wanted a hand router for Christmas, but now he uses it to fix our doors when they settle. Hand routers are so handy. I even used it to carve a dragon on my son's staff that he designed.
My parents got me a DeWalt DCD710 drill. It is a smaller, lighter weight drill. We love it! It even has a little light on it, so when you pull the "trigger" you can see what you are doing!
My dad has been into woodworking & all kinds of DIY projects all my life. He likes DeWalt tools. They are very good tools.
Another vote for Ryobi.
I love my Black & Decker drill. Even when workers come to the house and have had to use mine they are impressed. It is definitely not "girly" but a serious piece of equipment. I've had it for well over 10 years and it is still going strong. Never had a problem with it ever.
I got a Ryobi set for Christmas and I LOVE it! It has the cordless drill, 2 batteries, and a skill saw, small one you might use to cut easy stuff. They come in different kits, but I really like it. My husband keeps borrowing it for me. My mom and sis also have one. I don't know if brand matters as long as its major, but, I do know you want CORDLESS!
I use a Ryobi for small stuff around the house, it's small and light. For bigger jobs I use the DeWalt, it is great for big jobs. I bring the big one when doing work at any of our rental properties. I wouldn’t buy used unless you know the person selling it, it may be faulty or not work properly.
Craftsman and Black and Decker are really good brands.
I have a rechargeable cordless with a bit kit and I love it. It's easy to use and I have bits in all sizes.
I actually have quite a lot of tools. A good set of allen wrenches always seems to come in handy too.
Black & Decker makes a cute little Lithium-Ion rechargeable drill that I love (and actually, Makita and DeWalt make them now, too). It's so small it fits right in the palm of your hand, but does just fine for your basic around-the-house projects. I'm a general contractor, and so in our shop, we have everything from corded 1/2" drills (WAY overkill for what you need! ;), cordless 3/8" drills (I have Black & Decker, DeWalt, and Milwaukee - all have lived for a long time and do just fine), but for hanging pictures or other lightweight projects, I really love the mini Black & Decker drill. I want to say it was in the $50 range and came with standard screwdriver bits, and maybe even came with US-measure drill bits, but don't quote me on it. Anyway, go to Home Depot or Lowe's and hold all their drills - whichever one feels best in your hand, go with it.
Your other option is to go to Harbor Freight, which has really inexpensive tools. Yes, they're off-brands, but we've had fantastic luck with them. I have several tools that we bought there, sort of expecting them to be disposable (use them on one job, if they die, I'm ok with it) - and they've held up for years. So if there's a Harbor Freight near you, go there and check it out.
Black & Decker
http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-25ecodZ5yc1v/R-202671986/...
If you can get a DeWalt, then I recommend that more than anything. They don't have to be prohibitively expensive, but they will cost a little more than others. They are worth it. They are great quality, last forever, and have fantastic warranties. Hope this helps! :-)
Can't recall the make I have, but make sure it's cordless! I used to curse out the plug-in one I had.
Black and Decker and DeWalt are both pretty good brands that aren't too crazy expensive.
