i'm like the Bermuda Triangle for tool batteries..

[jyl]

I killed all my Makita NiMH batteries by leaving them in the chargers. I didn't realize the chargers were stupid and wouldn't shut off. So I bought a new set of batteries and now run the chargers on timers. The LiON tools are light and great but it was still much cheaper to replace the old batteries.

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by JavaBrewer

I had a '90s vintage Dewalt 14.4V drill that I was really happy with. When the time came I replaced it with a cheap Kawasaki cordless drill that I never liked. The batteries were horrible. Since then I lived with my really old corded Milwaukee drill.

We recently moved and I have a crap ton of projects so I splurged with the latest Bosch 18v LI drill and impact driver set.

Amazon Bosch-18-Volt-Lithium-Ion

I bought mine at Lowes on sale with a coupon for $180. Tools, 2 batteries, charger, and carry case. WOW what a killer setup these are. Lightweight, really powerful, and I can use the tool all darn day on a single battery charge. Amazingly handy. The impact driver makes 2.5" wood screws a one handed affair. And the built in lights are really handy for those low light under counter top situations. Do yourself a favor and upgrade to LI driven tools.

IMO, Bosch tools are the best. But they can be pricey.

I've avoided any battery operated tools because of battery life, weak operation, etc.

But then I bought a 20v LiO Dewalt impact driver, and was hooked. I still have my Bosch corded hammer drill, but I use the Dewalt 24v drill and impact driver more. I use the hell out of these tools. They came with 2 battery packs each, so I have now 4 interchangable batteries and can work for days before needing a recharge. And the cordless impact driver might have more torque than the corded hammer drill. I don't know how they achieved this, but the little impact driver is very very handy. I use the impact socket set with deep sockets. If you buy one of these, you'll be blown away.

Edit: Sorry I meant "20V" Max Li Ion