Dewalt Cordless drill swap time.

[ajshobby]

sorry for the novel just explaining my thought process.

My tool supplier at work is running a special right now.  If i trade in my 18v xrp drill (10 years old and batteries are shot) for the 20volt version and pay full price - my work discount i can get a second tool free.  That means 2 sets of batteries and 2 chargers.  I've already decided to get do the drill and impact driver and get one tool with a set of 5 amp hour batteries and the other with 2 amp hour batteries.  This gives me longer run time when i need it and lighter batteries when im working overhead or on ladders for extended periods. 

The option I am debating on is what drill to get.  I can either do the full size 20v drill or the compact version Both drills are available with or less the hammer drill function.

The differences I noticed are:
The full size version has 3 speed range settings vs the compact at 2 speed ranges.  Both top out the same and have a variable speed trigger.
The compact is almost 2 lbs lighter
The compact is close to half the power of the full size version.  Compact is close to same power as my old xrp.
I currently have a festool CXS for a small drill and use it for final assembly stuff.  I will mainly be using this drill for drilling larger holes, pocket hole drilling, secondary setup when needed to avoid repeated change outs, paperweight for holding down blue prints.

I was able to actually compare and use the 2 drills today but was only able to use a 3/4 forstner bit with them.  both had no problem drilling through 8/4" oak.  However, I do use a 2 9/16 forstner on a semi regular basis through construction grade lumber to run pipe.  This would be the most I would ask of this drill. 

I have a cordless hilti hammer drill for large anchors. However, i do occasionally use my old dewalts hammer drill function for some specific tasks.  wouldn't be that big of a deal to give this option up.

I am leaning towards the full size drill however the compact just felt like it was more comfortable. 

any feedback would be appreciated. 

AJ in Minneapolis

 

[Mort]

Full size, brushless if possible. If it's used for the heavy duty stuff, I'd go for max power with the slight trade off of a little more weight. Especially if you already have a CXS for light duty tasks.

 

[Huxleywood]

http://toolguyd.com/dewalt-cordless-starter-kit-free-tools-deal-h2016/

Not sure how the deal compares to what you are considering since you didn't post prices...

 

[ajshobby]

ill be paying about $240 us total for the full size brushless motor hammer drill with 2 batteries, charger and case.  I will also get a impact driver free that comes with brushless motor, 2 batteries, charger and case as well.  then i can just bare tool the sawsall, circ saw and impact driver once they get brushless motor options.  I haven't seen a better deal yet to upgrade to the 20v brushless stuff and since my xrp batteries are basically dead its time to start to upgrade.

 

[pixelated]

I have the 20V brushless drill, at the time I bought mine there were no compact vs full size versions as I recall, but mine seems to be the same size as the current compact, it's 2 speed. For my purposes, it has no lack of power, I've used it with 36mm Forstners, and various size hole saws with no problems, and I use it a lot for driving large screws where I don't need the grunt of the impact driver. It has no problem driving a 3 inch #10 screw completely through pine if you want it to. Hardwoods aren't a problem either.

FWIW, they do have an adaptor to use the 20v batteries on older tools, it's around 150 for the adaptor, two batteries and a charger. But it sounds like a  tool upgrade makes more sense for you.

The charge lasts forever on these, BTW, I'm only a "weekend warrior", but for most projects I can swap 1 battery between the saw, drill, and impact at will for as long as I want on one charge.

 

[ajshobby]

Salesman had the DeWalt rep call me.  Is dropping off both drills for me to use at home for a week.  Is also giving me a 16 gauge nailer, the jigsaw (claims it's as good as my Bosch) and the oscillating multitool to try out as well.  Should be fun.  Kinda interested in the multitool as the only one I have used is a corded Fein. 

 

[ajshobby]

View attachment 1
So I am definitely getting the big drill.  Has better fine controls as there are 3 speed range selections instead of 2 and will work better for the large bit applications I need to use it for. 

The jig saw compared to my bosch is a home run up to 8/4 material using the same bosch blades.  Only limiting factor is the amount of accessories.  Only have found the dust collection attachments so far.  No circle cutter or track adapter.  Hoping the DeWalt rep can help me out with that stuff. 

Nailer works better than I would have thought.  However it is heavy even with a smaller battery.  Think I'm going to stick with my air powered nailers for now. 

Multi tool is a great cordless option.  I rarely use my Fein as it is.  May sell the Fein and buy the DeWalt but definitely not on my priority list. 

I do have to say the DeWalt 20 volt stuff is a significant step up from the old 18v xrp.  I wouldn't say it's a ton better from any of the other major brands (have Milwaukee,bosch, makita, and rigid at work that I have used) but they seem like a great value for the price I'm getting.  Just hope the longevity is the same as the original xrp stuff I bought 16 years ago.