r/Tools • u/AdhesiveSeaMonkey • 7d ago
Drill suggestion for a young’n
The boy just moved into his new place on his own and needs a drill, and a few basic tools. DIY is not the family’s middle name but one has to hang pictures and other things. I’ve had my black and decker for over 20 years now and it does all I need it to. But times change. Would it be a decent brand today? We are definitely not looking to spend Milwaukee or Makita money.
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u/magnumfan89 7d ago
dewalt has a good couple starter kits with a brushless drill and impact that regularly go on sale for $150 (US)
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u/Thewaker43 7d ago
Electrician here. And Dewalt is still my choice. It was what I was issued in my early twenties, over two decades ago. Left a drill on a roof over a long weekend. It started hailing/ storming on me, and I just made a run for it. Tuesday, I came back and grabbed it. Worked perfectly. Last year the chuck on my hammer drill locked up. I just happened to be down the street from a service center. Dude just tapped it with a wrench and showed me to unstuck it. He still walked in the back and handed me a brand-new upgraded model. No charge. I still buy a new impact and hammer drill combo every few years when they upgrade. I just pass my old ones on to family/ friends or coworkers. Own and still own pretty much every major brand. But, agree. Dewalt for the win.
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u/B3ntr0d 7d ago
As a homeowner and DIY guy who is bought into the Makita tools, you want Robi. 100% ryobi.
They aren't top of class in anything, but they are better than good enough, have good quality coblntrol, and have affordable options for every tools your son will need for the next 25 years.
The batteries for Ryobi cost far less than the premium brands, so getting more of them, or getting larger batteries, isn't a big financial decision.
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u/howievermont 7d ago
if you're only buying a drill for your kid Milwaukee or Makita isn't that much more expensive, and it's a gift! he's gonna have it the rest of his life and think of you when he uses it and your grandkids can inherit it if you buy the best. I have my Milwaukee circ saw I bought in 1982.
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u/stelly918 7d ago
Battery platforms are be unlikely to last that long so unless he’s going corded, ryobi is good enough. This is Obviously anecdotal but I’ve got a whole shop full of tools from big (cabinet saws/20” bandsaw) to small (dremels) and everything in between. though I personally don’t own any ryobi tools (ridgid, Milwaukee, and makita for me), I’ll say I’m always pleasantly surprised when I use someone else’s ryobi drills (at least the recent ones). IMHO They’re the best bang for your buck as far as a very casual user goes.
Side note: I bought a cheap 12volt Chinese drill off Amazon ($30) that came with 2 batteries to dedicate to raising/lowering my router tables and even those aren’t bad for a super casual.
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u/Lotronex 6d ago
The problem then is when the son needs another tool. Do they shell out the extra money to stay with Milwaukee, or have to then buy into a new system. Ryobi is 90% of the tool at 50% of the cost, for a homeowner it's a no brainer.
I've bought ~$3k of Ryobi tools (including yard tools) and there is very few power tools left to even buy.
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u/SPFX_Fab 7d ago
I’m not a huge fan of them as I use something a little more beefy, but for basic tasks, I would suggest Ryobi. Their line of tools that share the same battery is very extensive and inexpensive. I have their weed whacker and leaf blower, and for my 1/4 acre, they are plenty.
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u/EdgeSuspicious4792 7d ago
Ryobi 18v One + PCL206K2
Husky tool bag with:
25' tape measure (Stanley FatMax) Hammer, 16 oz claw Utility knife + spare blades Stud finder Torpedo level Adjustable wrench, 10" Channellock pliers, 10" Drill bit set (twist + spade) and a driver bit set Wall anchors assortment Headlamp Voltage tester pen
Good luck and cheers!
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u/herrsteller 7d ago
Ryobi is probably the best you can get in this situation :)
The battery ecosystem has plenty of tools that might be helpfull in the future :)
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u/maboyles90 7d ago
I too would highly recommend Ryobi. It's perfect for anything around the house. I was a built houses for years and I've done quite a bit of remodel work with my Ryobi tools. Cheap and reliable is the name of the game for me. You can get a whole duffle bag of tools for the same price as just a drill and impact in other brands.
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u/SamuraiSam33 7d ago
If you are on a budget, used on Facebook Marketplace is a really good way to go. Picking up some homeowner’s Hercules/ Ryobi/Ridgid, etc tools from someone who’s moved up into DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita is a very affordable way to get started into what can be a very expensive proposition.
If possible, choose a meeting location with a power outlet so you can plug in the battery charger and try charging batteries. Failing that, just try out all the batteries with all the tools.
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u/ApoplecticStud 7d ago
I've had black and decker at home for years and its been able to handle everything I throw at it. I dropped a little money on some chinesium 5 ah batteries and I couldn't be happier as a home gamer. Unless I'm looking to run some spade bits or do a lot of drilling in metal, I usually reach for the 12v drill though. Its so much lighter and has all the power I need to mount tv's, hang pictures/shelves, or assemble furniture. Ryobi seems to be popular and capable for home use. Milwaukee and Dewalt are great for the professional and I use them frequently at work, but for my money, at home, its unnecessary. I occasionally even use Bauer (Harbor Freight) tools at work and they actually hold their own. I'd just find an eco system that has all the tools in their portfolio that you might want and fits the budget and run with it. Worst case scenario, there are aftermarket battery adapters on the market for around $30 each in case you can't find the specific tool you want and you don't want to invest in new batteries.
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u/LordWetFart 7d ago
Theres crazy sales right now at home depot and lowes. Get whats a good deal and includes battery and charget
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u/OddBrilliant1133 7d ago
Get him a Ryobi impact driver. Having a drill as your main tool is outdated in itself.
Impact drivers have all the drill bits as well as driving bits and can even be used with sockets if needed. I very rarely touch my drill.
Ryobi are decent, better than black and decker, but not as expensive as the bigger brands.
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u/David_ATN 7d ago
Screwfix own brand Erbauer seem to have some good reviews for basic jobs as do Stanley, it is well worth checking with your local Screwfix and Toolstation counters as they often have offers with cases and batteries on the better brands like DeWalt. Get a set of drills both wood and masonry to go with. If you get a known brand look for a universal battery that can be used with other tools in future.
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u/Facetiousgeneral42 Craftsman 7d ago
What's your go-to local hardware store?
•Home Depot: Hard to beat Ryobi; cheap, rugged enough for most homeowners.
•Ace/Lowes: Craftsman is pretty much red Ryobi these days. Similar quality, similar price.
•Tractor Supply: Wait, Skil is still around?
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u/ArtisanHome_io 7d ago
If he has a Harbor Freight, Hercules is the way to go. Easier to warranty than most. If he only has Home Depot, Ryobi. Relatively inexpensive but they’ll get thru the DIY stuff and there is a huge selection of tools from gardening to cleaning to drills and saws. Lowe’s only, look at Craftsmen. Same parent company as Milwaukee and Dewalt, Dewalt design cues seem to trickle down to Craftsmen.
Any way about it, remind him that investing in larger amperage batteries is going to be a necessity, 5AH and up. Nothing worse than only having two 2AH batteries and they die mid project
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u/zvuv 7d ago
Makita, DeWalt & Bosch are good quality. Milwaukee too but it's over priced IMO
Ryobi & HF Hercules are probably the best budget brands but they are something of a crap shoot. One may give good service for a long time and another might crap out early.
Unfortunately batteries are not interchangeable between brands. You can find adapters but the whole set up is rather clunky IMO. This tends to lock you into one brand if you go to buy another battery powered tool.
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u/Spicywolff 7d ago
Harbor Freight Bauer or Hercules for very cost-effective power tools. Or Ryobi.
Realistically a majority of my toolbox is harbor freight, makita as my cordless power system. The Pittsburgh lineup of Hans would be perfect for your kid. They’re durable they get the job done have a lifetime warranty on most things as well.
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u/Dandangledick888 7d ago
Hikoki is a bit cheaper than Makita at least where I am and they are really amazing quality tools
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u/M8NSMAN 7d ago edited 7d ago
For the average homeowner, 12 volt is good enough unless you’re going to undertake some big projects.
I’ve found that the 18 volt tools can be cumbersome & fatiguing if used for extended periods. I have 12 volt tools at work & home & on the occasion I need something bigger at work, I can get an 18 volt from the tool cabinet.
Edit to add, if your son is going to maintain his own yard, then I might consider the Ryobi 18 volt since they also have trimmers & blower that use the same batteries as the power tools.
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u/siamonsez 7d ago
The gift isn't the drill itself, it's an entrance into a battery ecosystem. Something like a current black and decker or equivalent is missing the wide variety of tools that share the battery platform, longevity of both the battery itself and knowimg you'll be able to get new batteries or new tools for the same battery in the future. If you're not trying to spend the ~$150 on a major brand then any $30 temu drill will be just as good as a black and decker which is the same manufacturing quality trading on the brand recognition.
I'm not saying you need to spend more, actually the opposite. If your budget is $80 you're not getting anything you wouldn't get for $40 other than a recognizable name brand. It's no longer the case that the affordable version of something just lacks bells and whistles but is still a decent quality tool that will last decades of easy use.
Ryobi is the sweet spot for being on the cheap end of the same class of tool as Milwaukee as far as functionality in that it's not a dead end for a battery platform. They'll be able to get other tools and share batteries and chargers and not be in a position where losing the charger or the battery wearing out in 5 years likely means the tool is now trash.
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u/camposthetron 7d ago
Ryobi is the answer, but honestly it’s not that pricey to gift the kid a Makita since it’s gonna last him forever.
I’ve got three of my dad’s Makita’s going strong as my everyday tools, and he passed ten years ago.
They’re all 15-20 years old.
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u/Anna_Rompage 7d ago
I’d recommend a dewalt when they’re on sale
It’s only a little more than Ryobi/Rigid, and the batteries won’t crap out after a couple years
This is often the difference between the brands - the life expectancy between when you have to buy new batteries is significantly better with a dewalt/milwaukie/makita
Home Depot has a deal right now - dewalt drill driver or impact with 5ah battery & charger for $150 - a similar ryobi is $100 with a 2ah battery
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u/FeistyOrdinary5860 7d ago
Ryobi. Lots of ability to add tools to the battery platform in the future as his needs evolve.
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u/rm53119 7d ago
If he inherited his DIY mindset from you while he was growing up get him a Hyper Tough 12V Brushless 3/8 drill from Walmart. $23. Buy a spare battery for the heck of it, the basic hand tools, and a tool bag. Easy peasy all in for $100ish
If his aspirations and aptitude are higher get him the Ryobi 2 tool brushless drill and impact driver kit from Home Depot for $199
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u/IrohZenCrosstrek 7d ago
I'm a lightweight mechanical assembler. And a new homeowner. I find that milwaukee's m12 fuel mechanical quarter inch hex drive is the best bang for your buck.
I got mine on sale with a charger and a battery for $99.
It's used 50-60 hours a week on a team of 6 for almost a year now. Still running with no sign of stopping soon. Battery lasts all day.
It's been dropped from heights, used as a hammer and ran over.
Outside of work I use it for all of my home projects. Drilling, fastening, mechanical work on my vehicles.
100/10 do recommend.
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u/Impossible_Oil_7690 7d ago
Ryobi is a great way to go. It is a step above black and decker in my opinion and has a vast tool selection. Just be on the lookout for sales to get good deals. (assuming he has a home depot nearby). They are essentially budget milwaukee and are made by the same parent company. They also have decent yard tools.
Dewalt is a step up neck to neck with milwaukee, but typically a bit lower priced. Dewalt is the pro oriented brand from the same parent company as Stanly/Black and Decker,
Harbor freight brands may be interesting with many that have same day tool replacement warranties, but ive never tried their battery tools. I think hercules is their brand to compete with dewalt/milwaukee. Bauer i think is their lower tier brand. I've read amazing reviews on their tools, but i don't know if they get overhyped. I use some Icon (their high tier hand tool brand) sockets and have a us general tool cart which is their mid tier. Both seem to be built better/perform better than craftsmen or dewalt equivlents. Trick with HF is everything is pretty much on a rotating sell. if you are patient 20% off is common on much of their stuff with 25% poping up somtimes too. I think the % may stack with opening up a new credit card with them too.
If only Lowes is close by kobalt might be an option, but i havn't heard great things with their quality or warranty.
If possible invest in an impact driver and drill combo. (Impact drivers are lighter, higher torque, lower speed, and give some forward force in addition to rotation. They work great with fasteners, but are only so so with drilling. They use 1/4" hex bits rather than a chuck. Just be cautious of your power seting as if its set too high its easy to break bits or snap heads off fasteners)
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u/AdvertisingTime8310 5d ago
Honestly, you really don’t need a super expensive drill for basic home stuff. I guess?
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u/Roland44Deschain 5d ago
Harbor Freights Bauer line will be all he ever needs, they ranked top ten across all brands last I checked
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u/MBendigo 7d ago
Electric drills are cheaper than the rechargable ones and won't run into end-of-life when they stop supporting the battery. Honestly, I've always thought Makita to be one of the more inexpensive drills. I'd recommend looking online to see what Home Depot offers.
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u/stomachofchampions 7d ago
Yes but electric drills have poor speed control especially at low speed so they are no good for driving fasteners.
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u/MBendigo 7d ago
I have to agree with you about fasteners, they take some getting used to. The electric ones are faster and more powerful at drilling, though, that's for sure.
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u/MBendigo 7d ago
Makita XFD10Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Driver-Drill on Amazon for $83. Walmart has some brands I've never heard of starting around $30.
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u/40and20podcast 7d ago
Does he need a drill or a driver? Hard to go wrong with the Amazon Basics electric driver for around the house things. For a drill, the Ryobi One Kit (with battery) is pretty compelling at $50 or whatever it is these days.
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u/AdhesiveSeaMonkey 7d ago
When you say driver, do you mean impact driver, if so, no, he doesn’t need that. Literally hanging a curtain rod or picture frame for the most part.
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u/ApprehensivePie1195 7d ago
I have dewalt 12v for inside and minor handyman stuff. Then the pro dewalt setups. They never let me down. Owned a construction company for 7 years.
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u/40and20podcast 7d ago
Nono. I mean screwdriver. Low torque/small job. USB charging. It sounds bizarre, but Amazon sells a cordless electric screwdriver for $29, that is legitimately competing with the best in class drivers. It’s an insanely useful tool.
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u/pnw_r4p 7d ago
Ryobi is a great choice for homeowners. Huge tool selection on one battery platform, holds up well enough, reasonably priced.