Hey everyone! I'm a woodworker who specializes in making sofas and armchairs, and I'm on the lookout for a high-quality cordless electric screwdriver. I've been thinking about going with a Makita, but I really want something with a steel shaft and the option to replace the carbon brushes if needed. I'd love to hear your recommendations, especially if they're available on the European market!
9 Answers
As a US homeowner, I've been using my Makita set for more than a decade, and it's been super reliable. They offer really good performance for the price!
I’ve seen a model that looks great for what you're after: TPC 18/4 5.0/4.0 I-Set/XL, but I’m not sure about the quality in Europe compared to the US versions. I think models under 200 euros feel a bit less professional. Any thoughts on that?
You might want to consider investing in a Festool. They have a great selection of models and battery options. You can find something that fits your needs quite well!
What do you mean by having a steel shaft? Just a heads up, most high-end tools these days have gone brushless, which means no brushes to replace. Although, if you need to, some tools do allow for brush replacement, but it's a more hands-on process. For your needs, I would suggest checking out the Makita CXT range or Milwaukee’s M12 line. They’re really compact and light, making them perfect for tight spaces, and they pack a lot of power. I particularly like the Milwaukee because it comes with several chuck attachments, including a driver, drill, angle drill, and offset chuck for getting into tricky spots! Make sure to check this out: [Milwaukee Tool](https://www.milwaukeetool.eu/en-eu/m12-sub-compact-drill-driver-with-removable-chuck/m12-bddx/)
I recently got this Milwaukee model: [M12 Fuel Installation Drill](https://www.milwaukeetool.eu/en-eu/m12-fuel-installation-drill-driver-with-interchangeable-heads/m12-fddx/). I love it for pretty much everything. It handles most tasks effortlessly, making it my go-to tool. Just keep in mind it works a bit differently than regular drills, but once you get the hang of it, the extra attachments make it really versatile for tight spots. If I ever break mine, I’d buy another immediately!
If you're after reliable brands, Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt are the most common over here. Just remember to stick with your favorite brand for batteries and chargers to keep things simple!
I've owned an M12 for a couple of years now and have to say, I’m pretty impressed with its power and clutch. I've used it on various projects, from softwood to composite decking, and it never lets me down. Definitely worth considering if you can find it in Europe!
Just so you know, technically, if you’re making sofas and chairs, you could be classified more as a woodworker than a carpenter. Anyway, I’ve recently tried the Milwaukee M12 and it’s been a fantastic tool! If you're looking for something more versatile, the M12 Fuel drill-driver is also a great pick. Just depends on what you need!
I found this Skil model at Menards for just $32, and honestly, it works great for basic tasks. Sometimes budget options do a nice job!

Thanks for clarifying! I've been looking at this model, but I worry it might not be up to pro standards. Still, here's what my work involves: [imgur link](https://imgur.com/a/QuErZki)!