I have a Makita cordless drill. Back about 6 years ago when I purchased the drill, it came with a factory rechargable "Japan Made" battery. When I needed to replace the battery, it cost 50.00 and is now made in China (it's labeled PA09 9.6 v 1.3Ah) It is not holding a charge. It's useless to spend .00 on a battery when I can purchase a new drill w/factory battery for about 0.00 Makita make. I've had it for just 2 years. I'd like to know if there are other rechargable batteries for cordless tools made in China that are having the same problem. I can't find a site to inquire or see if this is an ongoing problem. I'd like a refund or a better replacement.

Taking into consideration of the tool the durability, quality of construction, reliability, toughness, power, and ease of use.

(I'm going to be buying a new drill for work.)

As of right now I'm leaning towards either Makita or Milwaukee but Milwaukee is a bit on the steep side.

Please pick a brand... I want to hear what people think about cordless drills and which brands they like better... I have a Makita and the I wasn't crazy about the power it provided, I had a Black and Decker and found i wasn't crazy about the operations of it, I have a new DeWalt and found that my battery dies really fast!. Remember the drill I am buying will be 18V no matter what brand it is... you can pick a drill from the list below or add in a brand that you like..

Black & Decker
DeWalt
Hitachi
Makita
Ryobi
Porter Cable
Skill
??

Please answer honestly and you may add reason in to why you chose the drill!! Any past experiences?

de walt, bosch or makita?

In the big box stores I see Dewalt and other brand 70-100 piece drill bit sets for good prices. If I'm using a Makita should I search for Makita bits or would any brand bit work the same?
The main reason I'm curious is because when I was at Home Depot recently,the guy helping me said that the Bosch drills are picky with the fitting of other brand bits. That's what made me wonder if it applies to Makita too.

I'm in the market for a cordless drill/driver. I would like to get one that is of superb quality and has as many applications as possible.

For example, I would like it to have a built-in level for both vertical and horizontal drilling. I wouldn't mind it having a light for use in dark places (e.g attic & basement). Also, I think an optional hammer feature may come in handy from time to time but isn't absolutely necessary.

I would prefer something well balanced with a comfortable grip. I'm not a professional contractor, but I am in the process of fixing up a house so the drill will see moderate use is the future.

I've read that when it comes to battery technology Lithium Ion is the way to go for a nice balance between power, weight, and longevity - or holding charge. I think an 18v Lithium Ion would be nice but am not dead set against considering something else - perhaps 14.4v.

I've looked at Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt. They all seem to make a nice product. Online searches say Panasonic makes a good one as well as Bosch. I'm torn. Any help from personal experience or even anecdotal is much appreciated.

Please offer your opinion regardless of price. Again, I desire a drill that has many of the above features and such a comprehensive drill/driver will have extreme value for me in the years to come whatever the price.

Thanks in advance.

I would like to know is Porter cable cordless drill a good drill for the money? They claim it has 410in LBS of torque. That is more than a makita. Does anyone have good experiences with this drill?
I left a link to show which one I am talking about.

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=76712-79992-PC180DK-2&lpage=none

I'm in the market for a cordless drill/driver. I would like to get one that is of superb quality and has as many applications as possible.

For example, I would like it to have a built-in level for both vertical and horizontal drilling. I wouldn't mind it having a light for use in dark places (e.g attic & basement). Also, I think an optional hammer feature may come in handy from time to time but isn't absolutely necessary.

I would prefer something well balanced with a comfortable grip. I'm not a professional contractor, but I am in the process of fixing up a house so the drill will see moderate use is the future.

I've read that when it comes to battery technology Lithium Ion is the way to go for a nice balance between power, weight, and longevity - or holding charge. I think an 18v Lithium Ion would be nice but am not dead set against considering something else - perhaps 14.4v.

I've looked at Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt. They all seem to make a nice product. Online searches say Panasonic makes a good one as well as Bosch. I'm torn. Any help from personal experience or even anecdotal is much appreciated.

Please offer your opinion regardless of price. Again, I desire a drill that has many of the above features and such a comprehensive drill/driver will have extreme value for me in the years to come whatever the price.

Thanks in advance.