Had It Up To Here With Battery-Powered Drills
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Had It Up To Here With Battery-Powered Drills
Batteries for my Makita 14.4 1/2-inch drill are up to $70.
So 2 years ago I bought a Craftsman 19.2V drill kit, with 2 batteries, a bunch of drills and bits, a stud finder, charger, all in a nice bag for $69.
I'm on my 4th battery, now up to $35 each.
Darn things always run out shortly after starting a job. So.....
I would like to buy a 110VAC 1/2-inch drill that has the power of the Sears 19.2 volt drill, and a decent tooless chuck. Any suggestions? This is for homeowner use, not for daily commercial use.
So 2 years ago I bought a Craftsman 19.2V drill kit, with 2 batteries, a bunch of drills and bits, a stud finder, charger, all in a nice bag for $69.
I'm on my 4th battery, now up to $35 each.
Darn things always run out shortly after starting a job. So.....
I would like to buy a 110VAC 1/2-inch drill that has the power of the Sears 19.2 volt drill, and a decent tooless chuck. Any suggestions? This is for homeowner use, not for daily commercial use.
#2
Member
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SE Minnesota
Posts: 158
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Most electric drills...
Most electric drills will give you the same power or more than the Craftman 19.2v. I currently have a Dewalt that I picked up for less than $50 has the keyless chuck and works good.
Curious what you're doing with your cordless drills though? Unless you are doing more than average home owner type work with you are having bad luck with batteries. I have the 19.2 v Craftsman set for a couple years now and have used it to build a deck, a 450' wooden fence with over 5000 2" screws and several other home projects and my batteries are still doing pretty good - I can charge one and use the 2nd and have the 1st recharged before I need it still.
Curious what you're doing with your cordless drills though? Unless you are doing more than average home owner type work with you are having bad luck with batteries. I have the 19.2 v Craftsman set for a couple years now and have used it to build a deck, a 450' wooden fence with over 5000 2" screws and several other home projects and my batteries are still doing pretty good - I can charge one and use the 2nd and have the 1st recharged before I need it still.
#3
thats one of the things I like about ryobi , the 18 volt battries are 39.00 for a two pack
rumor is the craftsman 19.2 is the same as the ryobi 18 (just hype for the extra 1.2 volts ), you might want to check it out . go to the Ryobi site and click on forums there has been some discussion there about the craftsman 19.2 / ryobi link . ( I cnat link here or I would )
like GSR said any corded drill will have the power of the cordless .
I have a Milwaukee hole shooter I picked up used for 25.00 that I supplement my cordless with
rumor is the craftsman 19.2 is the same as the ryobi 18 (just hype for the extra 1.2 volts ), you might want to check it out . go to the Ryobi site and click on forums there has been some discussion there about the craftsman 19.2 / ryobi link . ( I cnat link here or I would )
like GSR said any corded drill will have the power of the cordless .
I have a Milwaukee hole shooter I picked up used for 25.00 that I supplement my cordless with
#4
Member
I have the same comment as GSR. I have a Dewalt 14.2v drill that I've had for 3-4 years. I'm still on the same batteries. I use it quite a bit. Before that I had a Dewalt 12v for probably 10 years. I never had to replace a battery. I have a corded drill that I use in my shop, but I would never give up my battery operated drill.
Do you keep your batteries charged? Is your charger working OK?
Do you keep your batteries charged? Is your charger working OK?
#5
Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Wilmington
Posts: 3,994
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
If your bats are always running on dead, try one of the newer lithium-ion bat drills. They are pricey, but the bats are supposed to deliver power much longer, and have better life. These bats are only appearing on contractor grade tools at this point. But my 14V Dewalt runs rings around my buddies 19V Craftsman.
#7
Saw an ad, in Family Handyman I think, for a cordless that was basically gauranteed forever including replacement batteries. It was a name brand. Have to dig around and find it; the batteries in my 2-3 year old Craftsman are about shot, too.
#8
Found it; Ridgid ad in the Nov 2006 Family Handyman.
Their website says this: "The Lifetime Service Agreement is available free of charge, for a limited time commencing April 15, 2005, on all RIDGID® Brand hand held power tools, stationary power tools and pneumatic tools, subject to the terms and conditions stated below".
According to the ad in TFH, it includes LIFETIME free battery replacement (I'm sure they'll charge something for S&H).
Don't own any Ridgid tools personally. Opinions???
Their website says this: "The Lifetime Service Agreement is available free of charge, for a limited time commencing April 15, 2005, on all RIDGID® Brand hand held power tools, stationary power tools and pneumatic tools, subject to the terms and conditions stated below".
According to the ad in TFH, it includes LIFETIME free battery replacement (I'm sure they'll charge something for S&H).
Don't own any Ridgid tools personally. Opinions???
#9
rigid is home depot only
Pricey ...
with cordless technology evolving I dont want to own the same drill forever .
higher voltages , lower weight , new battery technologies , more features etc
If I can get 5-6 years I'm ready for a new one
Ive some negatives on the rigid warranty service at other boards
Pricey ...
with cordless technology evolving I dont want to own the same drill forever .
higher voltages , lower weight , new battery technologies , more features etc
If I can get 5-6 years I'm ready for a new one
Ive some negatives on the rigid warranty service at other boards
#11
Member
Thread Starter
No, and that's the problem. As a DIYer, I do not use the drill (and thus do not exercise the batteries) daily. Often not even weekly. During the winter?? Hardly ever.
It's like car mileage. Drive a car around town and get 15 mpg, but drive it on the highway and get 25 using the same gas...
I'll take a look at the commercial grade AC drills.
Of course, if one o' them companies would come up with an AC adapter that has a 110 VAC plug on one end and a tool adapter (replaces an installed battery) on the other, well, that would be ideal!! I have it on my video and camera equipment, wouldn't take much to make one and stick it in one of those multi-tool kits that are so popular today...
#13
Group Moderator
Ni-cad batteries will discharge with time and if they discharge sufficiently, one or more of the 1.2 volt cells inside the battery can reverse polarity and will then never take a charge again. You might get more life out of your batteries by putting them on the charger every week or so instead of letting them sit for long periods.
#14
also heat and cold can kill them , you say you don't use them in winter if there left in a unheated space it will certainly lead to premature failure.
tow guy mentions rigid (way over priced in my opion ) the lifetime warranty covers corded tools also .
my recommendation based on what your saying your usage is would be to check out harbor freight great prices and there tools seem just to be fine for the occasional user
it really doesnt sound like you need to put the $$$ into commercial quality
tow guy mentions rigid (way over priced in my opion ) the lifetime warranty covers corded tools also .
my recommendation based on what your saying your usage is would be to check out harbor freight great prices and there tools seem just to be fine for the occasional user
it really doesnt sound like you need to put the $$$ into commercial quality
#15
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
First suggestion is would be to stop buying cheap tools. $69 for all that and in a nice bag should tell you not to expect much.
Expensive tools are expensive for a reason, although they probably dont need to be as expensive as they are.
#16
Battery re-build?
Some time ago there was a thread on one of these DIY.com forums about rebuilding batteries- that would solve a lot of the problems mentioned. I personally can't wait to try it.
#17
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: USA
Posts: 257
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Here is my 2 cents worth. I have gone thru expensive ones and cheap ones and have found what my problem was. The expensive ones have batteries last too long and with most of my projects were put back in the box in a still charged state but not fully charged and as a result were not discharged /charged cycled enough . With the cheaper sears models the batteries ran down but took forever to recharge back up because of the slow charger that came with those kits. I finally found a drill that had plenty of power but the batteries ran down enough to be cycled property and the batteries are cheap to replace without
having to sell my car to pay for them. The Ryobi 18 volt sold at Home Depot. I am on my second year and its does a great job and batteries are only 39 bucks for 2 pack.
Its not a commercial drill and is not a replacement for them . Its for the home guy that does not use his drill every day but does need one to work when he opens the box. It sure cured my problems.
having to sell my car to pay for them. The Ryobi 18 volt sold at Home Depot. I am on my second year and its does a great job and batteries are only 39 bucks for 2 pack.
Its not a commercial drill and is not a replacement for them . Its for the home guy that does not use his drill every day but does need one to work when he opens the box. It sure cured my problems.
#18
Member
Thread Starter
You know, I'm going there today or tomorrow and I'll take a look. I appreciate the suggestion!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
#19
The Ryobi 18 volt sold at Home Depot. I am on my second year and its does a great job and batteries are only 39 bucks for 2 pack.
Its not a commercial drill and is not a replacement for them . Its for the home guy that does not use his drill every day but does need one to work when he opens the box. It sure cured my problems.
Its not a commercial drill and is not a replacement for them . Its for the home guy that does not use his drill every day but does need one to work when he opens the box. It sure cured my problems.
Ive used them "commercially" for 9 years or so now , not the most heavy duty but does what I need as well as the prior , Milwaukee's , dewalt and makitas for a whole lot less money
#21
I'll second (or is it third?) the Ryobi, I own just about every cordless Ryobi tool there is and they all perform wonderfully. The batteries are cheap and charge quickly. Catch a local HD cleaning up their displays and you can get 4 or 5 batteries for less than $10 each.
The batteries themselves, like most, are 1.2v cells. You can rebuild them using replacement cells from places like DigiKey.
If money were no factor, I'd buy a Dewalt 36v LiIon, but who wants to spend $800 on a cordless drill?
The batteries themselves, like most, are 1.2v cells. You can rebuild them using replacement cells from places like DigiKey.
If money were no factor, I'd buy a Dewalt 36v LiIon, but who wants to spend $800 on a cordless drill?
#22
Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Knoxville
Posts: 1
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I've heard that putting a bad battery in a Ryobi charger will burn out the charger where it won't work anymore. well, I say "heard" but actually this happened to me with an older (5+ years old) 12v cordless drill, and now I'm looking for a new one. Is this problem fixed with the newer 18v set?
Last edited by nyd; 01-27-07 at 07:44 PM.
#23
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 58
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I've got the full Ryobi 18v kit, and the drill is very good. Most of the other stuff is complete crap... Oh, the light works good.
Panasonic makes the best cordless drills, and their batteries are very good.
You can get your cordless batteries rebuilt at the local battery store - mine charges about $25 for an 18volt nicad and $50 for a Nimh
Panasonic makes the best cordless drills, and their batteries are very good.
You can get your cordless batteries rebuilt at the local battery store - mine charges about $25 for an 18volt nicad and $50 for a Nimh
#24
Thanks for the Digikey tip
I checked out the Digikey website- looks very comprehensive, and they have Panasonic rechargeable batteries, which were recommended to use (in another DIY post) if you rebuild your own batteries for cordless equp.
I just checked my Ryobi cordless drill (both batts slowing down) and saw the battery cases are held closed with screws, so the rebuild process should be that much easier.
Interesting comment about Panasonic drills- the local Costco sells them, and frankly I was put off by the green and silver and whatever cosmetic finish- but it makes sense if they have the battery know how. I thought it was just another rider on the "make it cordless and add a laser" bandwagon.
I just checked my Ryobi cordless drill (both batts slowing down) and saw the battery cases are held closed with screws, so the rebuild process should be that much easier.
Interesting comment about Panasonic drills- the local Costco sells them, and frankly I was put off by the green and silver and whatever cosmetic finish- but it makes sense if they have the battery know how. I thought it was just another rider on the "make it cordless and add a laser" bandwagon.
#25
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 58
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Your thinking of Hitachi drills- the green and silver ones - not in the same league as panasonic. Panasonic drills are black with yellow trim.
Look for them at the big name online bookstore turned everything retailer.
Look for them at the big name online bookstore turned everything retailer.
#26
I've got the full Ryobi 18v kit, and the drill is very good. Most of the other stuff is complete crap... Oh, the light works good.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
gotta disagree with you there , I have two 18 volt drills , half inch and hammer , reciprocating saw , and circular saw both do very well , jigsaw works fine . Fan is great like you saw , light is greeat (I have two )
chainsaw is a joke , vacuum is ok
all my ryobi stuff together cost less than a panasonic drill and know what ?
holes I drill work just as well
if it gives you a "kick " to buy name tools go for it
but don't go calling ryobi "crap"
walk on any job site around here and you would be hard pressed to find a Panasonic drill in use
well over half will be using ryobi "crap"
-------------------------------------------------------------------
gotta disagree with you there , I have two 18 volt drills , half inch and hammer , reciprocating saw , and circular saw both do very well , jigsaw works fine . Fan is great like you saw , light is greeat (I have two )
chainsaw is a joke , vacuum is ok
all my ryobi stuff together cost less than a panasonic drill and know what ?
holes I drill work just as well
if it gives you a "kick " to buy name tools go for it
but don't go calling ryobi "crap"
walk on any job site around here and you would be hard pressed to find a Panasonic drill in use
well over half will be using ryobi "crap"
#28
Member
Thread Starter
loose vs. tight mechanical tolerances
fast wear-out vs. slow wear-out of sliding surfaces
plastic vs. metal gears
thin vs. thick housing
electrical cord
small parts design (weak, thin, cheap material)
quality control and inspections (i.e. a lower passing standard means more out the door and less rework)
#29
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 58
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Mango,
We'll just have to disagree about the Ryobi tools.
My wife bought me the kit, and for very light duty work, they do OK, but if you want to do anything heavy, they just don't cut it - except for the drill, which is quite good.
Jigsaw is really flimsy
Vacuum can't suck anything up
Chainsaw - as you said is a joke
Recip saw doesn't have much power - It works good for about 2 minutes on a charge
Circular saw can't cut more than 1-2 2x4's before it is dead
But other than that they are OK.
Actually, you probably don't need the Panasonic drills any more - about 10 years ago they were head and shoulders above anything else, but that Ryobi drill works nearly as good as my 8 year old Panasonic drill. I don't know why Panasonics never caught on here in America - just go try one.
We'll just have to disagree about the Ryobi tools.
My wife bought me the kit, and for very light duty work, they do OK, but if you want to do anything heavy, they just don't cut it - except for the drill, which is quite good.
Jigsaw is really flimsy
Vacuum can't suck anything up
Chainsaw - as you said is a joke
Recip saw doesn't have much power - It works good for about 2 minutes on a charge
Circular saw can't cut more than 1-2 2x4's before it is dead
But other than that they are OK.
Actually, you probably don't need the Panasonic drills any more - about 10 years ago they were head and shoulders above anything else, but that Ryobi drill works nearly as good as my 8 year old Panasonic drill. I don't know why Panasonics never caught on here in America - just go try one.
#30
It sounds to me like the problem here isn't the tool, but the user.
Ryobi's work just fine *for the work they are intended to do*.
The circular saw is a good example, it's not made, designed or meant to be cutting 2x4's. However, it will cut a good many 1x2's, paneling and other thin goods without any difficulty, which is what it's designed for.
I've had my Ryobi kit virtually since HD started selling them.
Ryobi's work just fine *for the work they are intended to do*.
The circular saw is a good example, it's not made, designed or meant to be cutting 2x4's. However, it will cut a good many 1x2's, paneling and other thin goods without any difficulty, which is what it's designed for.
I've had my Ryobi kit virtually since HD started selling them.
#31
Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 583
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Maybe this thread is dead but when I saw the title, I had to chime in. One of the batteries died on my Black & Decker Fire Storm 14.4 so I thought I'd look around for a replacement. Turns out there's only one dealer in our town that carries B & D parts. He warned that he might not have them in stock since they were so expensive. He had 2 -- $84 each!
Now I've had the drill for 5 years so I guess I got my money's worth but still, the drill is in too good shape to throw away.
I jumped through all the hoops at the B & D web site trying to send them an email comment only to find that the email doodad on their site won't accept anything without a Product Number ?!? (what a 'Product Number' is I have no idea since the drop-down selection box doesn't contain any to choose from)
Oh well, off to HD for a Ryobi I guess.
Now I've had the drill for 5 years so I guess I got my money's worth but still, the drill is in too good shape to throw away.
I jumped through all the hoops at the B & D web site trying to send them an email comment only to find that the email doodad on their site won't accept anything without a Product Number ?!? (what a 'Product Number' is I have no idea since the drop-down selection box doesn't contain any to choose from)
Oh well, off to HD for a Ryobi I guess.
#33
Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 583
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
We don't have a 'local battery store' up here (200 mi. north of Duluth MN). There was a local guy that tried to make a go of a battery repair deal but he went under. Too bad really.
I had a go at repairing a battery pack with some success but it only ran for a couple of months before another cell in the pack went dead. Connecting new cells is difficult. I learned from an electronics guy that the cells & connecting straps are stainless steel -- almost impossible to solder.
I had a go at repairing a battery pack with some success but it only ran for a couple of months before another cell in the pack went dead. Connecting new cells is difficult. I learned from an electronics guy that the cells & connecting straps are stainless steel -- almost impossible to solder.
#34
Member
Thread Starter
Editor,
Well, like I wrote when I started this thread, "I've had it up to here with batteries..."
I have a $675 piece of ham gear (handheld 2-band transceiver) that's worth about $6.75 now because it is EXTREMELY difficult to get batteries for it. Other than that, it works perfectly.
I have a Sony 8mm camcorder that works perfectly, except the batteries for it are over $80 now (10% of original camera cost).
I have a Sony CD-type digital camera for which the batteries are around $60 last time I checked (10% of initial camera cost).
Replacement batteries for electric shavers cost around $15 and have to be sought out and usually are special order. Replacement heads for shavers are between $30 and $40 a set. New shavers cost between $20 and $40 (unless one spends money for a bunch of crap that doesn't result in better shaves).
My Makita 14.4V 1/2-inch drill cost $200 new - batteries for it are now up to $85, when you can get them. That's almost half the cost of the new drill with a battery...
An old Penny's $50 drill I bought in 1975 still works. First time, every time. I wish it would up and die so I can buy a new corded drill!!!
Well, like I wrote when I started this thread, "I've had it up to here with batteries..."
I have a $675 piece of ham gear (handheld 2-band transceiver) that's worth about $6.75 now because it is EXTREMELY difficult to get batteries for it. Other than that, it works perfectly.
I have a Sony 8mm camcorder that works perfectly, except the batteries for it are over $80 now (10% of original camera cost).
I have a Sony CD-type digital camera for which the batteries are around $60 last time I checked (10% of initial camera cost).
Replacement batteries for electric shavers cost around $15 and have to be sought out and usually are special order. Replacement heads for shavers are between $30 and $40 a set. New shavers cost between $20 and $40 (unless one spends money for a bunch of crap that doesn't result in better shaves).
My Makita 14.4V 1/2-inch drill cost $200 new - batteries for it are now up to $85, when you can get them. That's almost half the cost of the new drill with a battery...
An old Penny's $50 drill I bought in 1975 still works. First time, every time. I wish it would up and die so I can buy a new corded drill!!!
#35
Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 583
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
You know, there's an old story about an American border guard named Al. Every day, a Canadian guy named Bob would ride up to Al's station on his bike.
"Anything to declare Bob?"
"Nope, nothing today"
Al would search Bob and his bike and wave him through. During the day, Al would talk to Ted, the Canadian border guard.
"Find anything today Al?"
"Nope. Nothing, as usual. I know he's smuggling something though."
"Well, maybe I'll get him on the way back."
Ted never found anything either and waved him through. A number of years later, Al and Ted were having a beer together when Bob walked into the bar.
"We haven't seen you for while," said Al, "where've you been?"
"Oh, I've been retired for the last couple of years."
"Well," said Ted, "if that's the case, would you mind telling us what you were smuggling all that time?"
Bob grinned and said "Bicycles."
And all these years WE think we've been buying drills, camcorders, razors, ...
"Anything to declare Bob?"
"Nope, nothing today"
Al would search Bob and his bike and wave him through. During the day, Al would talk to Ted, the Canadian border guard.
"Find anything today Al?"
"Nope. Nothing, as usual. I know he's smuggling something though."
"Well, maybe I'll get him on the way back."
Ted never found anything either and waved him through. A number of years later, Al and Ted were having a beer together when Bob walked into the bar.
"We haven't seen you for while," said Al, "where've you been?"
"Oh, I've been retired for the last couple of years."
"Well," said Ted, "if that's the case, would you mind telling us what you were smuggling all that time?"
Bob grinned and said "Bicycles."
And all these years WE think we've been buying drills, camcorders, razors, ...
#36
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Editor,
Well, like I wrote when I started this thread, "I've had it up to here with batteries..."
I have a $675 piece of ham gear (handheld 2-band transceiver) that's worth about $6.75 now because it is EXTREMELY difficult to get batteries for it. Other than that, it works perfectly.
Well, like I wrote when I started this thread, "I've had it up to here with batteries..."
I have a $675 piece of ham gear (handheld 2-band transceiver) that's worth about $6.75 now because it is EXTREMELY difficult to get batteries for it. Other than that, it works perfectly.
#37
Member
Thread Starter
Well, you WOULD have to call my bluff. Hope you never sit at MY poker table!!
The HH is a Standard 144/220MHz in mint condition. Haven't used it since moving to western CO where 220 is unheard of. In the big cities where 220 was (is??) popular it was the thing to have. ALL the bells and whistles. Xband repeat, tones, alerts and alarms, private alarms, etc. I can't remember how much stuff it has.
What's something like that worth nowadays??
The HH is a Standard 144/220MHz in mint condition. Haven't used it since moving to western CO where 220 is unheard of. In the big cities where 220 was (is??) popular it was the thing to have. ALL the bells and whistles. Xband repeat, tones, alerts and alarms, private alarms, etc. I can't remember how much stuff it has.
What's something like that worth nowadays??
#38
Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: So Cal
Posts: 123
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
I have quite a few DeWalt 14.4v cordless tools, so I always have a couple of battery chargers running.
When I was building a deck and laying the deck boards, my 14.4 was always running out. I purchased a 3/8 corded DeWalt corded drill. It has plent of torque, enough so that I hold the end of the handle if I'm doing a tough job as it will try to whip on me.
I use the cordless drill all the time.
www.tylertool.com of Denver is a good place to buy tools. I get all of my DeWalt reconditioned tools from them at a good price and with the same warrenty as a new tool.
When I was building a deck and laying the deck boards, my 14.4 was always running out. I purchased a 3/8 corded DeWalt corded drill. It has plent of torque, enough so that I hold the end of the handle if I'm doing a tough job as it will try to whip on me.
I use the cordless drill all the time.
www.tylertool.com of Denver is a good place to buy tools. I get all of my DeWalt reconditioned tools from them at a good price and with the same warrenty as a new tool.
#39
Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 8
Upvotes: 0
Received 0 Upvotes
on
0 Posts
Unfortunatly 220 MHz ain't so hot around here either in Alberta, Canada. Pretty much non-existant, so its not of much value to me either. Sorry.
Now 144/440 and we'd have deal in a heart beat.
Now 144/440 and we'd have deal in a heart beat.
#40
Member
Thread Starter
I
When I was building a deck and laying the deck boards, my 14.4 was always running out. I purchased a 3/8 corded DeWalt corded drill. It has plent of torque, enough so that I hold the end of the handle if I'm doing a tough job as it will try to whip on me.
I use the cordless drill all the time.
When I was building a deck and laying the deck boards, my 14.4 was always running out. I purchased a 3/8 corded DeWalt corded drill. It has plent of torque, enough so that I hold the end of the handle if I'm doing a tough job as it will try to whip on me.
I use the cordless drill all the time.
No kiddin'! I had a 14.4 Makita 1/2-inch and it was pretty hefty! Light-weight, really nice to use. Now batteries for it cost $84+, so I don't use it anymore.
I was seriously considering the 8-amp, 1/2-inch corded Dewalt, but I would miss the dual speed. And I just hate key-chucks as well.