excellent cordless screw driver
I second the opinion on all the positive things that about this cordless screw driver. I used this tool to set screws when I built a deck earlier this year. This tool may not be too well suited to drill many large diameter holes in wood or other materials -- just because the rpm is low. When you set hundreds of screws or drill many, many holes a corded drill may be better suited. I would like to add the following details:
1) Invest in a good set of driver bits that match the screws you are using
2) the stud-finder is a bit flimsy and works so-so, but I used it once or twice successfully
3) buy a second battery for example on a major auctioning web-page. You should be able to get one for 1/4 the price of this tool. That helped me a lot
4) once you have this tool you are not very likely to use your hand screw drivers any longerenjoy -- this is a great purchase!!!!
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Bosch's Other Tool Line
When you consider that you could buy four and a half of these for one of those "yellow" branded tools, and that Skil is a Bosch subsidiary, it kinda' puts things in perspective. OK, so the yellow brand is an excellent professional tool, but for most of us in the real world this Skil will do just fine.
My wife bought mine as a gift to me almost three years ago when my old corded drill took a powder. I have to admit that I was disappointed when I saw the brand she had chosen. After all, what do most women know about tools, huh? But after that time it has helped me build a deck, put up doors and moulding, and numerous other projects, and it is an indispensable staple in my workshop. I hardly know what a regular screwdriver looks like anymore. And I don't have to tell most of you what a convenience the cordless feature is.
Since then I have purchased an 18 volt Skil combo pack containing a 1/2" drill and 5-3/8" circular saw and I am just as happy with this purchase. (Four Amazon Stars)
My drill/driver has the now older 5 position (plus lockup) clutch which I personally find useless in anything but "5" or the lockup position, but it does have enough power to twist your arm off if you get caught off guard, so be careful!!
Also mine doesn't have the built in stud finder, or work light that is the current (but useful) gimmick.
As a left-hander I find it comfortable to use with either hand.
I would like Skil to include an extra battery and perhaps the one hour charger in place of the three hour version that is standard. Mine died, but I suspect it's because it was plugged in most of the time. Replacement batteries can be hard to find too, but not impossible. I now have five of them from several different sources, including the original which has seen better days. I've found them to be between $...-$...depending on the source. That's not bad by comparison.
Read and follow their very complete instructions for handling of the batteries and chargers. It's good information to get the maximum life out of both. And, unlike me, UNPLUG THE CHARGER WHEN NOT IN USE!!
If you have a little more to spend, get the combo pack. Two tools, two batteries and the one hour charger, plus carrying case for about twice as much, but worth it. Both are an excellent deal if you ask me.
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