Archived from the Tools In Action forum (Power Tools). This thread is read-only.
Hello
I am new home owner and looking to buy some tools to have handy around the house. I have been doing some research and have come to my own conclusion that I want a corded drill. I dont believe i would be using the li-ion drill often enough to warrant spending the $$$ and not having the power when needed. So a corded drill fits those two clauses better: inexpensive and power ready.
Ii have come down to two options – there may be more out there, but am not aware…
Dewalt 115 – 3/8 chuck, 1200 rpms $79.99
comes with hard case
or
Dewalt 235 – 1/2 chuck, 850 rpms $99.99
no case or bag
My question is, what is the better buy for a DIY home user. I am handy around the house and do see myself building/fixing things.
Amitabh
Go with the dewalt 235. I like a bigger chuck in case you need the extra size. A 1/2″ comes in handy for so many things. Don’t worry about not having a case. I just bought a contractor bag
Hello
Thank you for the response, does speed matter?
Not for what you are doing. The bigger chuck has a slower RPM, but more torque to get through tougher work. If you are just drilling holes or using fasteners, either will work. My guess is the 1/2″ will be a bit heavier if that is OK. Its nice to have the 1/2″ if you need it, but if you think that will never be needed, go with the 3/8″ as it is lighter, you have a case. I have a 1/2″ milwaukee corded drill and no case. I used the 1/2″ chuck about three times in 5 years. Nice to have, but I could have figured something else out if I only had a 3/8″ chuck.
Well, where would having a 1/2 chuck be useful?
weight wise, they are about the same, but with the 3/8 chuck model the handle is in the middle, therefore spreading the weight evenly. I dont want to own many drills, prefer to have one that does 80% of the jobs and either borrow/rent if needed.
The 1/2″ will allow you to use more bits. Both guns have the same the amps and the weights are about the same. The 1/2″ gives you more capacity and more option for different bits. A mjority of home owners only really need a 3/8″ bit. Some examples where a 1/2″ has worked for me, I ran a line from my RO system in the basement to my freezer upstairs and the hole was 1″, so I did need a 1/2″ chuck for that bit. Again there are only a few times you really need the 1/2″. Balance is huge when using a drill and the 115 model will allow you more control.
Thank you for the information
I decided to with the DWD235g! 1/2 chuck, could use it for everything and when needed, i have the ability to use a 1/2 bit!
Good choice. You will be happy down the road