Sos Roofline Systems

I never realized the significant difference between different power ratings on cordless tools. I own about fifteen cordless tools by manufacturers such as Bosch, Dewalt, Makita, Milwaukee, and Porter Cable. Most are good quality tools that can get the job done, however most of them are in the 12 volt to 14.x volt range. This power rating is more than adequate for most jobs that non professionals will need to tackle. Sometimes, though, the extra power is needed.

The DeWalt and Makita drills and drivers that I have work great. I use them a lot when installing drywall. A 12 volt drill driver is more than enough to drive screws through drywall, using the guide attachment of course. Both are very ergonomic which was extremely helpful when I was installing new ceilings in the bedrooms. Working over your head and installing new drywall ceilings is no fun with a heavy corded tool. There was a problem when I was working on a framing job in the basement. I noticed that the drill with the makita 12v battery wasn’t quite getting the job done.

We were working with standard two by fours and for whatever reason the drill was not able to get the screws through one piece to attach it to another. I was surprised. Both the Dewalt and the Makita had been more than capable for past jobs. Not only was the lack of power noticeable, but the batteries were draining really fast. Neither tool was working for me. So I borrowed my neighbor’s new drill driver equipped with a makita 18v battery and one of those quick chargers. The difference was amazing. Who knew six volts could make such a difference (I know, I know – it isn’t just six volts, it 50% more power over my driver). The 18 volt driver drove the screws through effortlessly. The wood must have been slightly damp because sometimes as we drove the screw through it made a very loud screech.

The pace of work on the rough framing picked up considerably. It really is amazing how the right tool, and the right power capacity, is so critical to getting the job done. It never pays to try and work with incorrect or inadequate tools. You end up wasting so much time, and money. Needless to say I did buy a new cordless Makita 18 volt drill driver and an 18 volt circular saw. I was tempted to get the contractor grade 24 volt version but it was much more expensive and probably a bit of overkill. I hope to never have a job that my new 18 volt tools can’t handle. The next tool I have my eye on is a cordless reciprocating saw, which of course, will be at least as powerful as my new drill.

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