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• PRO

  James Brett October 8, 2014 at 5:43pm

  I run a dewalt 14.4v 3AH for anything that needs a drill and its light enough to use all day but still packs a huge punch. will drive 4 inch screws into solid oak happily. will be upping to a 18v next year as it is much more expandable for cordless tools. like circa saw, jig saw, grinder, RADIO!!!

  Me and my old man did a gazebo for him using my 14.4 and his one i bought him. 6 full batteries were used along with 600 8x2, 200 8x1 200 10x3, 200 8x3 and probably some more that i can't remember, all pilot holed and counter sunk.
• PRO

  Geoffrey King October 8, 2014 at 6:01pm

  Also bear in mind, how fast they recharge
  I spent a lot of time looking at drills recently, depending on their potential use you might want to look at the 10.8v models
  e.g
  http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dewalt-DCK211S2-Subcompact-Impact-Driver/dp...
  clearly the higher the ampage the better, Makita model is 1.3amp, in terms of holding power, higher voltage more powerful, but also heavier
  An all round good voltage in Li-on batteries is 14v for heavier work, if just screwdriving see above
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  Benedict Simmons October 8, 2014 at 6:03pm

  What are you using it for gary. For fixings I use an Makita 18v lithium ion impact driver. Its bloody fantastic for all screwing applications from decking screws to big hex head screws and coach screws. Makes them fly into wood without a pilot hole (so it's quick too). Also great for the workshop, working on mowers etc. For drilling i use the matching 18v makita drill. Its a good drill for light - medium tasks but has its limitations.
• PRO

  Gary RK October 8, 2014 at 6:11pm

  They all seem to charge fast now ~45mins (assuming my van power inverter does not limit it). I think the 3 & 5 amp/hr are 18volts For general use - we do a range of small jobs - gates, fences, signs, repairs etc
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  Benedict Simmons October 8, 2014 at 6:16pm

  Impact driver and drill set sounds ideal for you then. Charge time is 22m in a mains charger.
• PRO

  Geoffrey King October 8, 2014 at 6:22pm

  Why not get yourself along to a toolhire place, get some views on reliability,etc
  
  Gary RK said:

  They all seem to charge fast now ~45mins (assuming my van power inverter does not limit it). I think the 3 & 5 amp/hr are 18volts For general use - we do a range of small jobs - gates, fences, signs, repairs etc
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  Benedict Simmons October 8, 2014 at 6:23pm

  http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-dlx6000-18v-3-0ah-li-ion-cordless-... I bought this set when I started out and it's been fantastic
• PRO

  Gary RK October 8, 2014 at 6:24pm

  Found very few tool hire places 'stock/hire' new and/or top of the range products. Most are generally well (ab)used :-(
  
  Geoffrey King said:

  Why not get yourself along to a toolhire place, get some views on reliability,etc
  
  Gary RK said:

  They all seem to charge fast now ~45mins (assuming my van power inverter does not limit it). I think the 3 & 5 amp/hr are 18volts For general use - we do a range of small jobs - gates, fences, signs, repairs etc
• PRO

  Gary RK October 8, 2014 at 6:29pm

  ooooohhhhhh plenty of toys there, Ben :-)
  
  Benedict Simmons said:

  http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-dlx6000-18v-3-0ah-li-ion-cordless-... I bought this set when I started out and it's been fantastic
• PRO

  Nick @ NM Garden Services Ltd October 8, 2014 at 6:30pm

  We use the 3amp/hr 18v Lion Makita drills/impact drivers. (plus we have a small grinder as well running off the same batteries)

  They charge in around 20 minutes and seem to hold their charge for a long time. With the fast charging we often find that they can be plugged in on site when we arrive and are charged by the time we have set everything up!