[herr_oberst]

I get the ones that are the best value at the time. I've had 2 makita 9volts, 3 Bosch 12 volt and right now I have 3 Hitachi 18 volt. I just start over when the batteries need replacement, because, like you discovered, it's way too expensive to replace batteries, especially when there are plenty of discounts available for a drill motor and two batteries.(like right now, for instance, during the annual Christmas shopping extravaganza)