NiMH or Lithium ion best for cordless tools?

My old 9.6v DeWalt DW926 NiCad drill/driver batteries don't last long any more. Looking for a replacement.

Which are the best and most long lasting batteries, NiMH or L ion? It appears that L ion batteries can recharge in 45 minutes. True?

Have heard that Panasonic makes the best drill/driver as the internals are metal, and the others are plastic. Is this a true statement?

Home Depot has a good deal on a set of four Ryobi tools, about $299.

Just a average Joe when it comes to fixing things around the house so I don't think I need an impact/drill/driver such as Panasonic 15.6v, Model EY6535GQW. Or do I? Northern Tool sells this kit for $290. 2 NiMH batteries, a 55 min charger, 1/2 in keyless chuck, 1/4 inch hex quick change chuck and a case. 286 in. lbs as a drill/driver and 1100 in lbs as impact/driver.

Also see a Panosonic EY7201GQKW impact wrench/driver. 12v This has 711 or 1060 in. lbs. $299 kit

Any suggestions out there for me?

 

I have used Ryobi (gave it to one of my helpers like a dummy), bought Ridgid and Dewalt. Wish I had my Ryobi back. Batteries for Ridgid and Dewalt run about $60 each, while Ryobi's run about $30. For a diyer, IMO a Ryobi would be your best shot as an initial investment. You can always justify upgrading later, but once you have bought the higher priced units, it's hard to let go.

 

I bought the Ryobi 12v lion drill driver to use primarily as a screw gun the day before thanksgiving
great tool light weight and lots of torque

Ive only had to charge the batteries twice

I have the ryobi 18volt nicads and Ive been well served by them . nice thing is the new lion batteries will work in the older tools but I haven't found a good deal on the lion 18v batteries yet

Ive owned most of them makita , Milwaukee , dewalt and Ryobi is the best bang for the buck in my opinion

 

Hi, I have several DeWalt...the newest one (DC900), 36 volt,is lithium ion and has an energy star rating. I've never run it down, yet, but it says one hour recharge time.

Panasonic makes a good television

 

Here's my recommendation:

For driving fasteners (screws and bolts) - cordless impact driver, either 14.4 or 18 volts. I would recommend NiMH batteries even though I have one with NiMH and another with Lion. The 45-minute vs. 60-minute charge time is never an issue for me. Countersinking a 4" deck screw is not a problem, but they are noisy and very lightweight.

For drilling holes - a corded 3/8" drill with a good set of drill bits. Unless you are going into very hard material, the impact driver is sufficient to sink the screw without pre-drilling.

Makita and Hitachi are the brands I prefer.

 

Lithium ion batteries do not work in the cold.

In this case, cold is defined as 40*F and below.

They do not charge well, or at all, and run time drops significantly near and below that temperature.

LiIon batteries are significantly lighter than NiMh batteries, and supposedly retain a charge for longer too.

Laptop batteries are LiIon now, and those don't have a great track record.

Batteries do not like to sit unused. I would go with a corded tool for infrquent use.

 

As one said.. Ryobi at is the best deal for home stuff. I have one that is 18 volt and new batteries are only 39 bucks for 2 batteries.

 

Lithium Ion is the way to go unless you leave them outside in the cold. They last longer, but can not be recharge as many times.

 

I have the Ryobi 4- piece set NICAD from HD (I paid $269 on sale).

Has been a very reliable set, the batteries are a bit heavy, but great for DIY home tasks. Good thing about Ryobi is the batteries are interchangeable with all Ryobi cordless power tools.