Shopsmith Forums

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.

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).

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.

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

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

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).

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.