No drill today

[Eddie nuff]

As is the way with things the day I need to use my drills is the day they both decide to pack in. I had a couple of jobs lined up yesterday to fill in my time and both my electric and battery drills went pop. I'm going to need to replace them fairly quickly but first, what are the better makes out there and what are the ones to keep away from. I'm looking for something of decent quality that will last, if not necessarily top notch stuff that costs the earth.

Also, whilst we're at it, I'm in need of a petrol hedge trimmer. Standard length is okay but it must be capable of being extended to reach a fair distance. Same question really, good 'uns, bad 'uns etc.

[Peter.N.]

I have bought several cheap rechargeable drills that have lasted me for years. I only use the for DIY not continuously but I bought a couple from Macro for about £15 each about 10 years ago and they are still good, they were 18v, one had two batteries and one of them seems to be always charged. I bought a Draper 18v hammer drill from ebay for about £45 and its been excellent and very powerful. I also bought a Dewalt SDS drill and it failed after 12 months! I now have one from ebay for about £35 pounds and it works a treat.

I have a Ryobi long reach hedge trimmer with a strimmer, brush cutter and chainsaw attachment which has also been very good, the chain saw particularly, I have been able to cut easily through 6" branches with it. The whole thing was about £200 again from ebay, it also has electric start.

Peter

[Eddie nuff]

Thanks for the advice, Peter. I'm not wanting to spend a fortune on top quality goods which turn out to be worthless for the amount of use they are going to get, but they have to be able to do the job. Will have a look around on ye olde fleebay.

Ryobi seems to be good stuff that also keeps its good reputation.

[White Exec]

Our home has been full of Bosch for a long time - drills, saws, chainsaw, sanders, planer, washing machines, even an iron. The tools are of the green variety, rather than the expensive blue Professional. Nothing much seems to fail, except one pair of 24v drill brushes (after 12 years of use), and a washing machine emptying pump (10 years). On-line, Bosch stock and supply parts for everything, for immediate delivery and at easy prices. Amazon a good place to buy original kit.

PS Wasn't there a song with the title of this thread...
No drill today
It wasn't always so
My love has gone away
The end of all my dreams
...or some such