Hey everyone! I'm a brand new homeowner in my early 20s with a limited tool collection, and I'm feeling totally overwhelmed by all the drill and driver options out there. I want to buy a reliable drill set that can handle everything from home repairs to building decks and fences. My goal is to buy tools that are high quality, preferably brushless, and something I can count on, especially since I live in a very rural area.
I'm looking to spend up to $700, but I certainly don't need to break the bank. Here's what I'm considering:
1. DeWalt 20V Max XR Hammerdrill and Impact Driver Combo with 2x 5Ah batteries for $570
2. DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Hammer Drill Driver and Impact Driver Combo with 2x 4Ah batteries for $348
3. DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Drill Combo Kit with Power Detect Technology and 2x 8Ah batteries for $449.
I have a few questions:
- Should I go for 12V or 20V? I think 20V provides more power but may be heavier.
- How important is it to have a powerful hammer drill with a side handle? I currently have a heavy Bosch SDS drill but it's tough to work with indoors.
- Is the difference between 4Ah and 5Ah batteries significant? Do I even need 8Ah?
- Can I use 5Ah and 8Ah batteries interchangeably? If the 8Ah ones are bulky, do the 5Ah batteries still fit?
Any advice would really help me since I'm brand new to buying tools and not just building. Thanks so much!
2 Answers
Hey there! Congrats on your new home! It sounds like you're on the right track with your choices. I’d recommend sticking with the 20V platforms; they’re definitely more powerful, which is great for your projects. I agree that the $570 combo might be a bit overpriced, but it does offer quality. Don’t forget to look for sales, as they pop up regularly. As for battery size, two 4Ah batteries are totally fine and can actually be beneficial since you can keep one charged while using the other. You probably won't need the 8Ah unless you're using bigger tools, like saws. Hope that helps a bit!
Hi! Just wanted to jump in. It’s awesome that you’re looking to invest in quality tools right off the bat. I recently got the DeWalt drill/driver combo that you mentioned, and I really like the power and reliability. I think the hammer drill option is crucial for heavier tasks, particularly if you’re doing masonry or drilling into tougher materials. As for the batteries, the 5Ah should be more than sufficient for general tasks, but I prefer having the option for 8Ah when I’m working on larger jobs. It’s all about what fits your specific needs!
Definitely, the extra Ah can be handy! It really comes down to how much heavy-duty work you're planning to do, but for most DIY projects, 5Ah should work perfectly.
Yeah, I’d echo what HandyMandy said. Definitely check Lowe's for deals. They often have great promotions, and it's usually safer than buying from Amazon with the flexibility of returns!