I know this is radical, but I am thinking about NOT bringing my favorite cordless drill this year. Drill, battery, extra battery, charger -- all together they weigh a lot, and I hardly used them last year. But I'd feel naked without some way to make holes in stuff. I could bring my antique corded drill that doesn't even have reverse. It's a LITTLE lighter. I could bring my really-antique hand crank drill :).But I wonder if something exists that y'all could point me to because my computer is having problems and won't cooperate with Amazon. Something LIGHTWEIGHT, and rechargeable and reasonably cheap. It doesn't have to be high-powered. Worst case, I might drill an 1/8" pilot hole in my steel bike frame, but more likely just in plastic or wood.

I really like and carry a Ryobi TEK4 4 volt screwdriver. It has two speeds, one for drilling and one for driving. It certainly works well for drilling smaller holes 1/4" and down. I mainly use it for some sort of repair that has a lot of screws that need to be taken in and out. They also make very bright flashlights (at least 3 styles) that use the same battery. I've had it about three years now. Home Depot also sells them. $35.Ryobi AmazonBill

I carry a little Hitachi 12 volt. Case, drill, 2 batt., charger weighs all of 2 1/2 lbs. If I have to worry about carrying an extra 2 1/2 lbs, than I have bigger problems than that.Grumpy

Trackrig wrote:I really like and carry a Ryobi TEK4 4 volt screwdriver. It has two speeds, one for drilling and one for driving. It certainly works well for drilling smaller holes 1/4" and down. I mainly use it for some sort of repair that has a lot of screws that need to be taken in and out. They also make very bright flashlights (at least 3 styles) that use the same battery. I've had it about three years now. Home Depot also sells them. $35.Ryobi AmazonBillThanks, Bill!When you say 1/4" holes, what materials do you mean? Plastic and wood? 1/2" plate steel? :B.

Trackrig wrote:I really like and carry a Ryobi TEK4 4 volt screwdriver. It has two speeds, one for drilling and one for driving. It certainly works well for drilling smaller holes 1/4" and down. I mainly use it for some sort of repair that has a lot of screws that need to be taken in and out. They also make very bright flashlights (at least 3 styles) that use the same battery. I've had it about three years now. Home Depot also sells them. $35.Ryobi AmazonBilllink doesn't work?I think any smaller 12 v driver'/drill would be adequate. plus like my 18 v ryobi other attachments are available, light, etc.bumpy

Thanks, Bill!When you say 1/4" holes, what materials do you mean? Plastic and wood? 1/2" plate steel? :B.Yeh, it might not do the 1/2" plate steel or the frame under your RV, but other than that it does quit well, the batteries charge quickly and note how small the charger is. I think it's the smallest and lightest I've every seen.Bill

Recommend me a tool? | Good Sam Community

23 Replies

stevenal
Nomad II
Aug 24, 2015
A cordless drill that requires no charger or battery and is easy to pack Run time determined by the operator.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
Versatility -capability - run time -power - type of chuck infinetly more important.
westend
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
Drill, batteries, and charger weigh what, 5 lbs.? This is a non-issue.
p220sigman
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
I bought a small, cheap corded one to keep in the camper. I don't even remember what brand it is right off the top of my head. It was like $30. It is in a plastic case and I don't have to worry about charging batteries. I've had to use it once in 5 years.
MrWizard
Moderator
Aug 24, 2015
ryobi link that works
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
Just picked up a 5-1/2" hole saw and now I have an excellent first use for it. Might cause a Tsunami hazmat flood and kill a lot of steelhead though..Draw flies too.

Naio, go Lithium for the battery. The higher the voltage generally speaking, the faster and stronger it will be. Devices that hinge will fit into tighter places. Good luck!
RJsfishin
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
Quote:
Drill, battery, extra battery, charger -- all together they weigh a lot,
---------------------------------------------------------------
Yeah, perdy heavy,...mite blow tires. Maybe just drive in the morning, so the tires have a better chance. 2nd thought, just rent a drill if/when you need one.
That would be cheaper than blowin tires from haulin that heavy drill,.....oh yeah, I forgot about the cat and litter and food etc etc.That stuff is really heavy.
You in big trouble, thats all there is to it !! :)
JimBollman
Explorer
Aug 24, 2015
I have this Makita set, no need for the old heavy drill anymore. If you want to go light leave one at home and since the battery will last a long time for your limited use leave the charger home to.
Naio
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2015
Thanks, everyone! I go off for the day and I come back to all these drills to look at :).

My drills are all all the old, heavy, batteries (or corded). I did not realise the newfangled ones, some of them, are so light but strong!

The weight issue is that my van is not a camper, and now I gotta bring the sick kittycat and all his stuff -- litter and food is heavy. And I have my new ex650...
john_bet
Explorer II
Aug 23, 2015
I carry my 10 year old 18v Dewalt 1/2" hammer drill/driver in its case and do not think it heavy. I used it at work every day, so use to it. I also have some drill bits and and magnetic nut setters in the case.

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Recommend me a tool?

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