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.

I'm thinking about installing inside-mount window blinds myself. If you've done this before, you'd know that a part of this involves in drilling a few holes near corners of a window. In fact, it's so close to the corner that a normal cordless drill (like these: http://www.amazon.com/b?node=561138) won't be able to drill holes parallel/perpendicular to the window frame.

So my question is, is that OK? I'm assuming it is, but I can't spot tutorials or videos that actually confirms this.
sppedy -- thanks for the tip on how to drill a straight hole, but in this case the challenge comes from the fact that the hole needs to be made very close to the corner of a window, making it impossible to position it straight (because the body of a drill has some thickness, and it hits the side of the window.)

Tedkell -- if I understand you correctly, you are saying you normally just screw the brackets without drilling holes first (thus thinner and longer screws help), but you think it's OK if the screws have slight angle.

West Side -- I'm not sure how I can position brackets 6" from the sides and still make it work. I mean, mounting brackets hold the blinds from both ends, and we all want window blinds to completely fill the window, so the brackets necessarily have to be very close to the window corners, right?

My dad is like the ultimate "Do-it-Yourself-er" and has almost every tool I can think of. Is there some cool tool or jig that might he might like? He also really likes going to church and bible study. Anything you can think of besides a cordless drill or a bible cover? Thanks.
If you could post a URL or address for the gift that'd be great.

Years ago I bought a Craftsman Professional corded 1/2" chuck drill. It was almost like a cordless drill with a cord instead of with batteries. What I mean is that there was a High and Low speed switch on the top of it. When I needed to drive lag screws into a post, that sucker did it with ease. It was really wonderful. I don't remember if the tool got lost or broken.

I can't find a drill that features this anywhere today. Does anybody have any ideas? Craftsman does not appear to carry that drill any more, as if it was a limited edition or something. I just can't believe that the High/Low speed switch (not a variable speed trigger, but a switch that changes the torque abaility) isn't found on any drill that is more than 6 amps. That feature is so amazing.

I just need to put up some blinds from Ikea.

I live in Boston and the moldings (mouldings?) in this apartment are old hardwood. The walls are plaster. I have a hard time hanging anything.

I just spent forty-five minutes trying to get six screws into the window moldings. Three of the screws broke. One was stripped. The others went in, but took forever.

I am using an inexpensive cordless drill from Black and Decker. I tried changing the bit (both a larger and a smaller one): no luck.

What is going on?? Is my drill too cheap? Is the wood too hard? I asked the man at the hardware store today, and he said that as long as it wasn't metal (it's definitiely wood), the screw "should go right in." I haven't used power tools since I used to build sets in high school, but I don't remember having this much trouble with such a basic project.

Help!!

I wasn't sure where to post this question but anyway, I am looking to purchase a new drill for my husband for Christmas but I'm not sure what to look for when buying. Is there much difference btwn these 4 drills? Which would be better? Also if you have better recommendations that'd be great too. Thanx!

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productCompare&lpage=none&referurl=productList%26No%3D0%26Ntt%3Ddrills%26Ntk%3Di_tools

Sorry bout the link...here are the ones I was asking opinions on...

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productList&No=0&Ne=9000&category=DeWalt&N=0+5000967+4294966746

Thanx everyone....ummm except "cindy h"...no, not ALL men love Craftsman. My husband prefers DeWalt just as some of the guys here... As for asking me...Ralph Lauren or No Boundaries...well I'd have to say neither.....Wish I could give most of all the rest of you guys 10 points as you've all been very helpful. Thanx much!

I'd like to spend as little as I can get away with, obviously, but I'm willing to spend as much as I need to. I'm looking for something that I can use for everyday-around-the-house tasks like hanging curtain rods and blinds, paintings and basic repairs like if a cabinet door or something needs to be fixed but I also want something heavy-duty enough that I can do larger projects like building a deck or a picnic table.

I understand Makita is a great brand but I also see a lot of Dewault drills around too.

What kind of torque do I need? Should it be 3/8"? What about voltage? 18 volts?

i have been wondering how im am going to attach a square pole (3" x 3") to a tree, and i was thinking that i could use a big nail. unfortunatly, im pretty sure that the nail will split the wood. what can i do?

(i am going to be nailing the post to the tree as the base of a treehouse, so it needs to be able to support weight. also, i dont own or intend to buy a cordless drill. i could borrow one, but if at all possible i would like to avioid that. i do own screwdrivers.)