That's it. I've had enough.
I've just spent a hideous couple of hours
Lifting floor boards in the loft. All held down
With no less than 3 billion screws each. All had
Been screwed in with an electric drill thing.
I was armed with a puny right arm, a collection
Of crappy screw drivers and a Bosch electric
Jobbie that wasn't on charge, doesn't last long
On a charge and it's still weaker than my
Aforementioned arm.
Many times I've mentioned to the other half
That we should get a decent cordless drill
Come screw driver thing. A waste of money for all
We'd use it she says and so every time we end up
Sweating and cursing.

So, you all seem practical types. Can you
Recommend me a good cordless drill that will
Also do screwing? The battery packs must be
Easy to take on and off due to arthritic hands
On the missus.
When I (note "I") get one I'll post pics of us
Screwing happily.

Forgive the formatting I'm on an iPhone.
Hands are now too weak to use a keyboard.

Stuart

Have a look at Macallister at b&Q

But what you need is one with 2 batteries, one to use whilst the others charging for an hour, but by the sounds of it the amount of screws will have sucked to power before the other wold have charged

Ratio 1&2 are important too, as 1 will keep going due to the gearing ratio

I have a Bosch Green, but that was a insurance replacement, if I was going to buy again I would buy Bosch Blue, Dewalt or Makita Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

DeWalt are expensive but very good. If you can find one on offer (I got mine half-price in a Screwfix sale) it's worth paying a few extra pounds for it. I wouldn't pay full price unless you're going to be using it a lot though. Also be aware that their general quality and indestructability comes at a cost in terms of weight as well as ££. (Recently watched a roofer using his DeWalt to hammer down lead flashing!)

Pop down to Screwfix or check on line, for the money you will a Makita or a Bosch.is a good buy, don't waste your money on unknown cheap makes, the batteries never hold the charge very well, whenever you want to use it the batteries are flat.

Just for screwing with light drilling, you don't want anything heavy.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-8281dwpe-...rill/39849


This will be ok for general screwing and drilling, 18v with three batteries.

http://www.screwfix.com/p/hitachi-dv18dvc2...rill/75200

Screw fix (who are owned by b&q) always have some good deals. I got a makita about 6 years ago and it's still going strong. I use it quite often. It was 100 quid came with 2 batteries and drill bit set. Black MY2013 SD4 GS Auto, Wood Company Armrest, Freel2 sticker.
Gone MY2010 Freelander 2 Manual TD4.e S, Alaska White.

I too came on this dilemma a while back and decided this time NOT to get the Bosch (green) or black and decker B&Q obvious choice so I pushed the boat out and bought something that lasts and works! I had to build a raised decking area (7m x 5m) and used all screws and no nails - boxes of the bloody things!

I bought a Makita BHP452 (which I think might now be superseded?) 18v 3ah lithium-ion (DON'T GET anything NI-CAD). It only came with one battery, but it lasts forever and charges real quick. The batteries are expensive so if you really want two (I've only ever needed the one) buy it with the package at the start.

I've been amazed at the difference between a high end and a low end drill. Having used low/medium end stuff for years saying "this must be the way things are", I could have paid a bit extra from the start and had a much better experience and not had to keep chucking stuff out - it's a false economy! This is one time when you really do get what you pay for!

Things that I like: two speed gearing. keyless chuck. Speedy charger. long lasting battery. strong motor that will twist your arm off before it packs up.

Things I don't like: getting over the initial purchase price - but it was worth it!

Andy.

If you are arthritic then I'd suggest something like the Bosch 10.8V kit. Lithium ion so will hold charge even if you use it infrequently. I got the drill and impact driver set and it is amazing what it can do. It will outperform the cheap shed 18V kit. The impact driver is particularly amazing for its size

http://www.axminster.co.uk/bosch-bosch-gsr...rod896285/

The disadvantage of pro kit is that it can be heavy (as better made)

...

+1 for DeWalt

... ...

Be true to yourself. That way happiness lies...

I'll take all your suggestions on board.
For the record, the other half is slightly
Arthritic and I'm acutely lethargic.
She's much more practical than I am and is
Always up to some job or other. So I might
Look into 10.8v options.

Stuart

Id say go for an 18v makita or Dewalt.
They arent really that heavy and if you pop into screwfix, get them to let you have a look at some and feel the weight.

The reason i say get an 18v is that the more torque the better and its always better to have more than you think you will need.


Rob

Costco do a range of power tools, Bosch, Dewalt and Mikita and with there endless returns policy it might be worth looking if your a member Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

18v DeWalt or Makita all the way.
B&Q do deals on these for £99.

I would go Makita,Have had one for 6 years but make sure it has a Torc ajuster and a hammer thing..Come's in handy for Pain in the ass screw's and the odd bit of 4 be 4... Iain

I'm in the trade and would normaly say makita all the way, but they are not the easiest batteries to remove, even without arthritis. I would suggest trying a few, but makita are very good, an impact driver will be smaller and lighter, but only good for screwing, a drll driver will do both but be bigger, and heavier.

Andy

Stevie5tapes wrote:

Screw fix (who are owned by b&q) always have some good deals.......