My 8 y/o 14.4 volt Craftsman cordless drill NI-CD finally said f-u and I don't think I want to spend $60 for a replacement. Anyone have any good recommendation for sub $200? I'd like at least 14 volt and idealy 18 volt.

 

What about a Dewalt 18V?

 

makita. i bought my dad a new one for christmas so i could take his 12 year old makita. i could probley drop that thing off a 4 story building and it would still work.

but in all honesty its totally a personal decision. and dewalt is a great choice as well. we used them when i use to frame houses so they can take a beating as well

 

You cant beat Rigid for the price. I use a 12 volt Rigid everyday at work. Its held up well enough. Their warranty seems nice but if you dig around turnaround time is a *****. At home I use a Dewalt 12 volt XRP, which is a very nice drill. It was $200, so finding a Dewalt that fits your budget and power might be tough. Check out the Hitachi line at Lowes they seem to be lower priced and should be a better unit than your Craftsman. Makita and Milwaukee are other good choices.

 

My dewalt 18v has been through hell and back, first with a local contractor for 2 years, then with me for 2 years..(yard sale for $10 )

Can't beat their durability for the price.

 

As many have said the Dewalt has been reliable for me and as it happens it replaced a TIRED Craftsman.

 

Theres a ~$250 Ryobi from Home Cheapo that actually outperformed Makita, Dewalt, and Milwaulkee which I've read about in "Wired" magazine. Good review & great ratings. Myself, I'm a DeWalt guy. I throw that thing from 25' ladders and it laughs at me.

 

I think I'm going to go with a 18v lith-ion Rigid drill from Home Depot for $190. The feel of the chuck, drill adjustmests, etc has that nice substanial click and those components are metal compared to others that use plastic. The biggest advantage is that Rigid will replace the batteries for life. I'm going to see what goes on sale during Father's day or this weekend.

 

dewalt XRP 14.4v I have had one for about 4-5 years now, i beat on it and it still runs like a champ. I have or have had several other drills from rigid, dewalt and makita but the one that is most versitile is my xrp.