what would you do and why

db5 · Post by **db5** » Thu May 16, 2013 8:47 pm

I have a 9.6v Makita drill (found it in 1996) in office space just leased along with the charger, automobile charger and case. It was under a pile of junk. I've replaced the batteries twice ($25 the first time and $30 the second) so my total investment is $60. The latest battery is going south. I can get a new one for $20 on the internet and additional batteries to rebuild the one I have for another $12. These are NiMH ones which don't come close to the new Lithium Ion batteries. I like the Makita drill because it is balanced and not bottom heavy as the newer ones are.

I can get a new Ryobi or Porter Cable drill with charger and two Lithium Ion batteries for around $100. Decisions - decisions.

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Thu May 16, 2013 8:59 pm

db5 wrote:I have a 9.6v Makita drill (found it in 1996) in office space just leased along with the charger, automobile charger and case. It was under a pile of junk. I've replaced the batteries twice ($25 the first time and $30 the second) so my total investment is $60. The latest battery is going south. I can get a new one for $20 on the internet and additional batteries to rebuild the one I have for another $12. These are NiMH ones which don't come close to the new Lithium Ion batteries. I like the Makita drill because it is balanced and not bottom heavy as the newer ones are.

I can get a new Ryobi or Porter Cable drill with charger and two Lithium Ion batteries for around $100. Decisions - decisions.

So how is their 'balance'?;)

FWIW, I like 12v versions(can be altered to run on car battery).

db5 · Post by **db5** » Thu May 16, 2013 9:31 pm

Frankly, balance sucks. That's why I'm not enamored with the bottom heavy drills. The manufactures haven't done a good job of considering user ergonomics but rather what they think will sell. The original Makita drill was well balanced but that was "WAY BACK THEN", When I think more attention was paid to the end-user. Even the toilet paper manufactures are paying more attention to the end-user now than tool manufactures. They have the right idea: Always keep the end-users in mind. Sore butts don't make for repeat customers.

shipwright · Post by **shipwright** » Thu May 16, 2013 10:00 pm

I'd huck it and get one of these. I have one and it is a really nice drill. I got on sale ,no coupon at ~$35. I've had some much more expensive ones that weren't as good.

Paul M

reddog5362 · Post by **reddog5362** » Fri May 17, 2013 7:04 am

I used to have one of the old Makita's it was a nice handling tool. I'm using this Bosch now. This drill and an impact driver were in a kit at the Borg for about $140, came with the charger and 3 batteries. I like the size (very compact) and the balance.

http://www.boschtools.com/Products/Tools/Pages/BoschProductDetail.aspx?pid=PS31-2A

frank81 · Post by **frank81** » Fri May 17, 2013 9:31 am

If I already liked the drill I'd buy the new battery. You're getting at least 5 years out of your batteries, so for $100 you could buy 25+ years of batteries.

It would certainly be nice to have the new and improved technology, but if the 9.6v Makita is already meeting your needs with no complaints then the $80 is being spent on "fun" or whatever you want to call it...which there is nothing wrong with doing (otherwise we would all drive smart cars).

Ed in Tampa · Post by **Ed in Tampa** » Fri May 17, 2013 11:00 am

My question why not Ridgid that offers lifetime battery replacement if you register the tool?

I don't like buying batteries that cost nearly the price of the drill, 2 batteries and charger initially did.