Best sort of drill for garden DIY?

[Noosner]

Thanks again, everyone. I probably won't use the drill that much, Bill - but like Taff, I can already feel a whole world of new and possibly unnecessary projects opening up! Exciting.

Thank you for assuming I was of slight build, by the way, PTD. I am not... unfortunately! But I have pathetic muscle tone in my arms. Bashing a computer key is as strenuous as it gets in my working life...

[WilliamD]

I hope you don't end up wishing you'd never asked..
Makita every time for me, but as above they're expensive.
Aldi/Lidl-style tools: may not be very modern (lighweight, small, LithiumIon batteries) but price will be great and you can still afford to buy a good set of bits and accessories.
Do try and get an 18v though; the first time you struggle to drill through brick with a 12v you'll know why. And make it a combi too if you can. That'll drive screws, drill wood and steel and have a hammer mode to get through brick and concrete, with torque options and often a safety clutch. If there isn't one out of the box on display, pick the whole box up and judge the weight. That's the weight you'll be holding in one hand when using it. If it's too heavy, a 12 or 14v may be best after all.
HTH. It's not my profession, just a keen DIYer.

[RedThorn]

Personally I like the new dewalt range ..... Just to throw a spanner in the works


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[Potstubsdustbins]

Oh dear, Oh dear.

I am here to grovel, apologies to Bill and Makita. Its the DeWalt that the yellow coated Black & Decker.

I'll get me coat.

[bearded bloke]

I've had battery drills by Skil,Hitachi,DeWalt,Erbhaur,Makita,black & decker & another the make of which escapes me,but ignore that lot.

Any tool is always a trade off,what you need to do is balance the cost against the anticipated frequency of use,also bear in mind that a cheap machine with a good drill bit will work better than an expensive machine with a cheap drill bit.

[Noosner]

Again, thanks everyone - I really can't get enough of this info so no worries, William D. By, but you've had a lot of drills, BB!

I feel there is some sort of (vagueish) consensus forming...

In the city today (Leeds) there was amazingly more than one opportunity to view drills. A new tool shop has opened up right by Leeds station and I was able to converse with some fluency there, given my new knowledge of voltages and batteries. The chap actually said, 'There's no pulling the wool over your eyes, madam.' It was obvious flattery as he could probably spot my pride in the new know-how! Then of course there was Argos, and various options. The best offer was a make called Works, or Worx, or summat, but I didn't succumb as I'm not sure about unknown brands.

So... no purchase made as yet but I will be sussing out the two local DIY stores on Friday and the new cold frame will hopefully be being constructed over the weekend!

[bearded bloke]

I have been using a Worx corded jigsaw for years without problem

Was it this one ? .. worx drill

If so then go to B+Q & look at .. Mac-Allister-18V-Li-Combi-Drill .. only one battery but it will be a LOT lighter in weight.

[Potstubsdustbins]

The problem with Worx is that as far as I know like Bosch they have two ranges. Cheapo for the DIY person and the more expensive range for the professional.

I think they use a similar chuck as I find both come loose when on hammer action and your giving it some push.

[Noosner]

That does look like the one, BB. I notice it's got good reviews. But yes, I do want to be able to lift the thing! B&Q it is as quite a few of you Grapes have mentioned it and there's one in Keighley, which isn't too far from here.

[ButternutSquash]

Note that if you buy brand X, you will be able to use the battery in other brand X tools in the same range. So if you do shell out a good wad, it is worth choosing a respected brand. I use my Bosch batteries in a drill, hedge trimmer and strimmer.

[Madasafish]

I use a Bosch non professional 10.8V cordless. Light, easily carried, very powerful.

Bosch GSR10.8VLi 10.8V 1.5Ah Li-Ion Drill Driver | Cordless Drill Drivers | Screwfix.com

(you can buy it cheaper - I did.)

(The Makita version is - I believe- identical)

[Noosner]

Right - I have bought my drill!! It is a cordless 18V combi Lithium battery Hitachi and I bought it at Screwfix this afternoon. It's 1.6kg so is nice and light.

I nearly bought a Makita, Bill H, but then veered onto the Hitachi because it was a better price, lighter weight at 1.6kg and also it was GREEN, My fave colour!!

I have already predrilled and started putting my cold frame together, with the wonderful power assisted screwdriver facility and it is immensely satisfying not to have to petition Mr Noosner to help, lovely and helpful though he is.

I can't wait to make some raised beds! And no doubt many other things.

Thanks a million, everyone. I wouldn't have known what to get without all your advice and me and my new drill are going to be very happy together, I just know it.

p.s. I bought a De Walt set of drill bits too.

[Bigmallly]

I nearly bought a Makita, Bill H, but then veered onto the Hitachi because it was a better price, lighter weight at 1.6kg and also it was GREEN, My fave colour!!

So glad you managed to find your fav colour.....................enjoy your new toy......

[RedThorn]

Well done and enjoy. Happy building

[Noosner]

Thanks guys! And guyesses! Thrilled with the way the screws just sink in like a knife into butter!