What Type Of Drill Is Best?

[keypalsman]

Lately I have been searching for a drill suitable for the construction on our set? I don't know if a dewalt, craftsman, Black & Decker, or some other brand would work. I have already tested 3 drills out. The first was a Skil 14.4volt (it was too weak), the second was a Kawasaki 18v (it had massive amounts of lead in its paint), and right now I am working with a Craftsman 14.4volt (it is alright I guess). OPINIONS PLEASE?

[goldbird22]

While, it does depend on your budget and also how much you'll actually be using it, but I have always used Dewalts and been very satisfied with them (specifically build quality and reliability).  If your Craftsman 14.4v is "alright, I guess", then maybe a 18v Dewalt would give you the power you needed?

[KMC]

If you're going to be doing a lot of actual drilling for long periods of time (as opposed to using it as a screw gun) you may want to look into buying an actual corded drill.  Drilling through wood or steel really eats batteries if you're using cordless drill, while with a corded drill you don't have to worry about the batteries running out.

[Mac Calder]

Dewalt - hands down. I have had my dewalt for close to 10 years now (yes, I got my first drill at a very young age) -and by following a proper battery maintenance regime, I am still on the original batteries.

[megf]

I second Mac's thoughts - my Dewalt has seen me through show after show. 

If you should decide to invest in one - and it can be a significant investment, depending on your budget - take care to label the tool and all peripheral items so they don't walk away!

[avkid]

Makita.
Mine is over 25 years old(older than I) and still going strong on the original batteries.
Which confuses the heck out of me.

[wtcsrstaph4life]

If you can I would suggest trying to get a lithium Ion battery for which ever brand you get, though I suggest either Dewalt or Makita. It might cost more to the the Lithium battery, but it does last longer between charges, and also you don't have to worry about the battery's memory, you can charge it no matter how low it is on power and you wont lose the max charge. I just purchased an 18v Makita with the Lithium Ion battery. It's really nice cause it weights about the same as a 12v but has the power of the 18v, and it has a light on it which is really useful for working in dark spaces. but that's my opinion.

[Jessie_K]

I would count on my Dewalt 14.4v in any situation.  I love her.

[chops]

Makita, I've been using it since I framed houses in High School.  Although I'm not on the original batteries.

Whatever you do just buy a spare battery or two and keep them charged at all times. Put everyone in the shop through a training session on how to use and not break the new equipment.  I found that giving names to expensive equipment helps people not destroy it.  For example our Genie lift is called Charlie Chong.  It likes to elevate it's height. 

[Tempest]

I'm going to chime in on behalf of the Dewalt 14.4, as well.
I've worked in a lot of shops, with a lot of drills, and the Dewalt 14.4 is my second favorite (and the drill I own, and baby, and love to pieces).  I've not run into anything that drill couldn't do for me.
My first favorite is the Porter-Cable 18v, but it's got too much torque for me, and I've got skinny wrists.  *snap* is not a good sound.   

[ljh007]

I have a Dewalt 18v, and I love my husband forever for giving it to me as a Christmas present a few years ago.

[Mac Calder]

Nothing says "I love you" like powertools

[avkid]

Nothing says "I love you" like powertools

Quite true.

[LiLz]

I'm a big fan of DeWalt and Bosch.  Also, I agree that a corded drill is important, though I understand the convenience of cordless.  I had both and that's what I'd recommend.

[avkid]

Also, I agree that a corded drill is important

There are some tasks that are darn near impossible to do with a cordless drill.
There is just something comforting about having a 15 amp high RPM corded power drill in the shop, should the need arise.