The new set arrived Tuesday and I put it to work immediately. First task was drilling a 4" hole in the basement wall by drilling a bunch of small holes an knocking out the center. Hammer drill was impressive. No lack of power over my old corded hammer drill. It is large and a little heavy compared to my old drill, but the extra power more than makes up for it. Drilled probably 40 holes on one battery charge. Haven't used the impact much yet. I do like the adjustable power switch. Setting 1 for delicate stuff, setting 2 for driving 3" screws. Haven't used setting 3 yet, but I imagine it is full-on hulk mode.
Update. These things are not lacking in power. I was drilling a 6" hole on low speed, got in a bind, and damm near tore my hand off. The if the drill is on speed 2 or 3 it will torque out and stop, but in speed 1 it is full send.
I was in a very very similar situation about 2 months ago. My 18v hitachi (now metabo) impact driver just went. I've had it for years probably close to 8yrs maybe more and use it often. I pondered back and forth about getting a whole new combo kit and brand especially those newer brushless ones. But for $40 bucks I was able to buy just the tool. I also took into consideration the battery platform. I have 3 batteries with this system. I also have a spotlight and a cordless circular saw that runs on those hitachi batteries so that was a big factor for me. Fast forward to 2 weeks ago, the drill went..........Again I thought of switching to an entire new kit/brand but again for $80 I got a brand new brushless Metabo drill, battery, and new charger. I am a weekend warrior, DIYer and use them pretty often but am no pro who is beating them up everyday so the lesser brands serve me well and get the job done. If I get close to another 8yrs out of them I'll be happy. The brushless drill is taking getting use to, not sure about all of them but this one seems to have a slight delay that am not use to just yet. Works great though, very strong.
Love all my dewalt 20v brushless tools. I’ve used dealt cordless since ‘98 and still have them all though the 18v batteries aren’t worth replacing imo. 7 1/4 brushless circ saw is amazing and so is the grinder/cut off tool. Sounds like you got the winner of 1/4” impact if it’s the 3 speed/torque optioned one. I have that at work and it’s much nicer than my one at home, although they both get the job done. Now you can watch for a sale on the chainsaw, blower, weed whip, pole saw, etc etc etc
I have found instead of buying bare tool, I get the tool kit, sometimes on sale for same price. Get new charger, battery and case.
I have a few older 18v tools and have the 20v adapter which works well although a PITA to get it out when i use the 18v batteries. My 20v batteries are only 2 amp. What amps are your 20v batteries and do they last longer when charged jtstromsburg?
I’ve got four batteries. Two are 4 amp and two are 5 amp. Seem to work great for my applications. And I have several of the giant 20/60 v packs at work I can use when longer run times are desired. Like you said, I find the kits best value but I did buy the hedge trimmer and pole saw as bare tools.
Many years ago i signd up for a Home Depot credit card and got a discount on a 18v six piece set including case. If approved i got a voucher for an extra tool and i got the jigsaw. Ill slowly get 20v to replace them. I have the 20v "shorty" sawzall and oscillating saw so far. Use mostly for work I dropped an 18V Dewalt circular saw from 25' rooftop. I survived despite being slightly bent. Im sold. Like the old Timex commercial...takes a licking but keeps on ticking! I wont buy any other brand cordless tool.
