ElectronGuru
Flashaholic
Most powertool threads revolve around battery harvesting, so heres one about the tools themselves.
I grew up using metal bodied drills. One speed, forward only, no brake, a button to keep the trigger engaged, and a bowl full of chuck keys. When I was old enough to start investing in my own power tools, I picked out a drill with all the modern conveniences. Variable speed trigger, brakes to stop the drill when released, 2 speed transmission, keyless chuck, reverse, 7 setting clutch, and most of all, batteries. At the risk of overstating things, I waited as long as I could, then bought the best I could (dewalt 14.4).
Fast forward 20 years, the drill etc are still going strong. Save new batteries and one new motor, the entire set is fully functional, with another 10 years in it. Including the breaking of hundreds of Z41 tailcaps a year (custom bit). But looking around at the current power tool market, my trusty companion is simply obsolete. Really really obsolete. Impact drive, hammer drill, extra tranny speed, 15 extra clutch settings, lithium ion batteries, brushless motors, built in LEDs, instant chuck.
Half the size/weight at twice the power. Techno-lust aside, it simply isn't practical not to upgrade.
I grew up using metal bodied drills. One speed, forward only, no brake, a button to keep the trigger engaged, and a bowl full of chuck keys. When I was old enough to start investing in my own power tools, I picked out a drill with all the modern conveniences. Variable speed trigger, brakes to stop the drill when released, 2 speed transmission, keyless chuck, reverse, 7 setting clutch, and most of all, batteries. At the risk of overstating things, I waited as long as I could, then bought the best I could (dewalt 14.4).
Fast forward 20 years, the drill etc are still going strong. Save new batteries and one new motor, the entire set is fully functional, with another 10 years in it. Including the breaking of hundreds of Z41 tailcaps a year (custom bit). But looking around at the current power tool market, my trusty companion is simply obsolete. Really really obsolete. Impact drive, hammer drill, extra tranny speed, 15 extra clutch settings, lithium ion batteries, brushless motors, built in LEDs, instant chuck.
Half the size/weight at twice the power. Techno-lust aside, it simply isn't practical not to upgrade.
Last edited: