I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate some
of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch, articulated
head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits, multi
speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years while the
cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a new set of
batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there is little
profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in general. So
will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded cordless tools?
I don't know about that. I have a Dewalt that is a far cry from what drills
used to be. Better designed case so you can get your hand in line with the
drill axis, GOOD keyless chuck, fairly compact, built in level (can't see
much use for that but its there), built in belt clip.
"# Fred #" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
> transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
> the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
> excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
> research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
> we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate
some
> of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch,
articulated
> head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits, multi
> speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years while the
> cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a new set of
> batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there is little
> profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in general.
So
> will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded cordless tools?
>
>
Got a couple of those myself. Wouldn't be without them.
"Old guy" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:jAfkh.192900$aJ.192869@attbi_s21...
> I have a cordless drill with no battery problems whatever. Keyless
chuck,
> light weight, seldom needs recharging. Just a few simple hand motions
> drills the hole. Made by Miller Falls, many years ago.
>
> Got another for bigger holes, made by Stanley too.
>
> Old Guy
Eugene wrote:
> # Fred # wrote:
>
> > I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
> > transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
> > the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
> > excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
> > research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
> > we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate
> > some of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch,
> > articulated head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for
> > bits, multi speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years
> > while the cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a
> > new set of batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there
> > is little profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in
> > general. So will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded
> > cordless tools?
>
> Stop buying your cordless with a bunch of silly features and buy ones that
> last, mine are over 10 years old and still used all the time. .Articulated
> head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits are
> gimmick features you find on toy cordless drills that are throw away
> quality.
What he said except... :)
Keyless chucks and clutches/hammer drills _are_ readily available
cordless.
Articulated head _may_ have some special purpose advantage, but agree
it's a specialty tool item.
I agree w/ most of the rest of the list of gimmicky features although
certainly bit storage isn't much in the high-tech realm and has a high
return. Quite a few tailed drills do have level bubbles or depth
stops, etc., as I have a couple that do. No really big deal, but
useful on the rare occasion.
For OP, unless these are really of the Wal-Mart/Harbor Freight/etc.
variety, it is normally quite cost-effective to get battery packs
rebuilt at a local battery rebuilder/supply. If they are the
"cheapies", then they may indeed be nothing but throwaways...
I agree also w/ you, Fred -- my Milwaukee's have been going a long time
already and I have no expectation of them not continuing for quite some
additonal time.
I have had a DeWalt 9.6V for 9 yrs with the original batteries (also
use the batteries for a flashlight-when camping)
I use the same model at work and have found the B&D FireStorm 9.6
replacement battery will fit in the Dewalt charger and drill if you
remove the "keys", one on top, one on the bottom.
About half the price of the Dewalt replacement and has 30 more power
than the old one.
Just a thought...what is with you guys? Thinking about your drill at
Christmas time!
# Fred # wrote:
> I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
> transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
> the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
> excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
> research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
> we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate some
> of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch, articulated
> head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits, multi
> speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years while the
> cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a new set of
> batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there is little
> profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in general. So
> will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded cordless tools?
I would recommended seeing if you can open up the battery cases to view
the individual cells. There are several online battery sources that
you can replace the cells instead of the whole pack.
I'd done it for my UPS unit, and for my robot lawnmower. The mower
battery back was something like $120, and it was $40 for just the cells.
On Jan 6, 2:51 pm, "Larry Bud" <[email protected]> wrote:
> # Fred # wrote:
> > I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
> > transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
> > the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
> > excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
> > research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
> > we see corded drills anymore in ten years?
I have a 3/8" Craftsman Professional drill thats strong, strong,
strong. Its big and heavy, it takes a while for the chuck to stop
spinning. If you are driving a screw too fast and it bottoms out the
drill may unscrew your arm for you. Good keyless chuck, two speed
ranges, nothing fancy about this brute. It runs, its reliable, the
balance is pretty good. I know the Craftsman brand may be getting a
bad name but they do make some good stuff.
Richard
On Jan 6, 3:41 pm, "Richard" <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Jan 6, 2:51 pm, "Larry Bud" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
I have a 3/8" Craftsman Professional drill thats strong, strong,
> strong. Its big and heavy, it takes a while for the chuck to stop
> spinning. If you are driving a screw too fast and it bottoms out the
> drill may unscrew your arm for you. Good keyless chuck, two speed
> ranges, nothing fancy about this brute. It runs, its reliable, the
> balance is pretty good. I know the Craftsman brand may be getting a
> bad name but they do make some good stuff.
Oh yes, I almost forgot. It has a good, long cordl- gives you plenty
of reach.
Richard
Charley wrote:
> I've been looking for a corded driver/drill for several years, but the
> manufacturers don't seem to make a decent quality corded drill with low
> speed and high torque for driving screws. I would love to have a corded
> drill with a high/low speed transmission, an electric brake, and a torque
> clutch with the same screw driving features as are available on the battery
> operated drills. All of the corded drills on the market seem to be designed
> for drilling holes only. They are too fast and have too little torque to
> drive screws.
I disagree with this. If you buy a quality corded 1/2" drill you will
have no problem driving screws.
The problem is too much torque, not a shortage.. so you have to slow
the speed down. I've driven
thousands of screws into decks and subfloors with mine, as well as more
delicate tasks like screwing
in an outlet screw.
If you are using a cheapy 3/8" drill, then you might have trouble
driving screws in.
"Eugene" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
># Fred # wrote:
>
>> I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
>> transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking
>> at
>> the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far
>> if
>> excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
>> research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes,
>> will
>> we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate
>> some of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch,
>> articulated head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for
>> bits, multi speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years
>> while the cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a
>> new set of batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so
>> there
>> is little profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in
>> general. So will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded
>> cordless tools?
>
> Stop buying your cordless with a bunch of silly features and buy ones that
> last, mine are over 10 years old and still used all the time.
> .Articulated
> head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits are
> gimmick features you find on toy cordless drills that are throw away
> quality.
>
My experience is like the OP's. I have bought B&D commercial, back when they
made good tools, Makita, Milwaukee, and lately, DeWalt. Using the drill
daily I rarely get more than 3 years from batteries. Then what do you do?
Two batteries cost almost as much as the drill. Even rebuilding them in not
a real cheap answer. The last corded drill I had I tossed in the garbage one
day. My neighbor happened to stop by and picked it up and asked what it
needed, just batteries. He brought it home and I noticed it in his garbage a
week later!
I buy corded, or air powered for use in the shop, all of them are over
twenty years old and still good as new. Luckily for my job the boss provides
a cordless, other wise I may not even have one!
Greg
# Fred # wrote:
> I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
> transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
> the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
> excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
> research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
> we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate
> some of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch,
> articulated head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for
> bits, multi speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years
> while the cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a
> new set of batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there
> is little profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in
> general. So will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded
> cordless tools?
Stop buying your cordless with a bunch of silly features and buy ones that
last, mine are over 10 years old and still used all the time. .Articulated
head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits are
gimmick features you find on toy cordless drills that are throw away
quality.
On Mon, 25 Dec 2006 08:43:38 -0800, "# Fred #" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
>transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
>the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
>excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
>research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
>we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate some
>of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch, articulated
>head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits, multi
>speed and so on.
Ryobi has a keyless corded drill with clutch, levels, and storage for
a couple driver bits. Pretty comfortable grip too. Not going to last
20 years though.
-Leuf
[email protected] wrote:
>
> A good corded drill last 20 or more years.
> I agreed with that.
> I have a electric corded Rockwell 3/8. It was purchased in 1964 for $ 29.99
> CAD. It does not have variable speed, reverse, high RPM or keyless chuck.
> But its still working. The electrical cord is pure rubber and it is in good
> shape. It does not get used as before because it does not have all the new
> features. I also have a corded B&D bough in 1972 for about $11.00 CAD.
> This B&D will soon have to be retired as its starting to make strange noises
> and lite sparks. I already purchased a 6.25 A to replace it.
> FWIW
>
"Strange noises and little sparks" probably mean it's just due for a
trip to the motor shop for a commutator cleaning and new brushes.
Cleaning and relubing bearings and gearbox probably wouldn't hurt
either.
Pete C.
I've been looking for a corded driver/drill for several years, but the
manufacturers don't seem to make a decent quality corded drill with low
speed and high torque for driving screws. I would love to have a corded
drill with a high/low speed transmission, an electric brake, and a torque
clutch with the same screw driving features as are available on the battery
operated drills. All of the corded drills on the market seem to be designed
for drilling holes only. They are too fast and have too little torque to
drive screws. When I'm working in the shop I would rather plug in my tools
and avoid battery charging and replacements, so in desperation I ended up
modifying an old dead battery pack for a 9 volt Makita and made a dc power
supply for it so I could have these capabilities, but it's a cobble job that
isn't near as good as they could make in production. Still, it has
significantly reduced the number of batteries that I've had to purchase. The
manufacturers seem to have totally overlooked the need for these and are
instead racing each other to make the highest voltage, highest torque
battery drill with all kinds of features like built in bit holders. In my
opinion, the new cordless drills are too heavy and too expensive to be
valuable for the cabinet and furniture makers of the world. Maybe NASCAR
needs that much power and torque, but cabinet makers and woodworkers don't.
I'm sure they could sell a lot of light weight corded driver/drills if they
offered them. Maybe they are making their profits on the batteries, sort of
like the razor blade, or the ink jet printer industries (give away the tool
at a low price to suck you in and then make their money on the replacements
that they know you'll be back for.
--
Charley
"Tom Watson" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Mon, 25 Dec 2006 08:43:38 -0800, "# Fred #" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
> >I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
> >transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking
at
> >the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far
if
> >excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
> >research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes,
will
> >we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate
some
> >of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch,
articulated
> >head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits, multi
> >speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years while the
> >cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a new set of
> >batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there is little
> >profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in general.
So
> >will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded cordless tools?
> >
>
>
> Ode to a Corded Drill
>
> Of cordless drills I've got a few
> 'Bout five they are in number
> They've chased their corded brethren out
> To rusted dusty slumber
>
>
> But came this morn I had a task
> 'Twas not within their compass
> I'd fifty two inch holes to drill
> This called for much more whoopass
>
>
> So to their box I guilty stole
> Flung up the shrieking lid
> They lay inside though long denied
> And in their coffin hid
>
>
> Their tails were coiled 'round them tight
> Their copper windings glistened
> I saw they hungered for the light
> Like babes just newly christened
>
>
> I held one high against the sky
> To read the ancient runes
> 'Milwaukee' read the word inscribed
> Not seen for many moons
>
>
> His tail was cracked and poorly patched
> His body caked in grime
> But 'twas a smile on his chuck
> He knew it was his time
>
>
> The old dog didn't ask for much
> A dusting and some oil
> He sighed at my familiar touch
> He'd never known but toil
>
>
> The shank of that great two inch bit
> He took into his maw
> I plugged him in and saw him grin
> Those cordless watched in awe
>
>
> As Old Milwaukee cut his holes
> With wild electric glee
> On and on with guts and brawn
> So happy to be free
>
>
> He never asked for quarter nay
> Nor quarter was he givin'
> He sang in that great light of day
> Till all the holes he'd riven
>
>
> And all too soon his task was done
> His body warmed with labor
> I laid him soft upon the bench
> A moment one should savor
>
>
> He'd labored well and I won't dwell
> Upon his cordless brothers
> Who hid their heads while he did work
> T'would make them call their mothers
>
>
> I won't give up my cordless drills
> They've got their time and place
> But so do drills with tails my friend
> And so they need a space
>
>
> Not locked away from light of day
> In never ending darkness
> But out in God's good working light
> And ready for the harness
>
>
> So now my ode is done my friends
> I'll tell you what I've learned
> Not soon again will that old drill
> Have cause to feel he's spurned
>
> Regards,
>
> Tom Watson
>
> tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)
>
> http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/
"Strange noises and little sparks" probably mean it's just due for a
trip to the motor shop for a commutator cleaning and new brushes.
Cleaning and relubing bearings and gearbox probably wouldn't hurt
either."
reply: Thanks, its a good idea
"Pete C." <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> [email protected] wrote:
>>
>> A good corded drill last 20 or more years.
>> I agreed with that.
>> I have a electric corded Rockwell 3/8. It was purchased in 1964 for $
>> 29.99
>> CAD. It does not have variable speed, reverse, high RPM or keyless
>> chuck.
>> But its still working. The electrical cord is pure rubber and it is in
>> good
>> shape. It does not get used as before because it does not have all the
>> new
>> features. I also have a corded B&D bough in 1972 for about $11.00 CAD.
>> This B&D will soon have to be retired as its starting to make strange
>> noises
>> and lite sparks. I already purchased a 6.25 A to replace it.
>> FWIW
>>
>
> "Strange noises and little sparks" probably mean it's just due for a
> trip to the motor shop for a commutator cleaning and new brushes.
> Cleaning and relubing bearings and gearbox probably wouldn't hurt
> either.
>
> Pete C.
A good corded drill last 20 or more years.
I agreed with that.
I have a electric corded Rockwell 3/8. It was purchased in 1964 for $ 29.99
CAD. It does not have variable speed, reverse, high RPM or keyless chuck.
But its still working. The electrical cord is pure rubber and it is in good
shape. It does not get used as before because it does not have all the new
features. I also have a corded B&D bough in 1972 for about $11.00 CAD.
This B&D will soon have to be retired as its starting to make strange noises
and lite sparks. I already purchased a 6.25 A to replace it.
FWIW
"resrfglc" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:N4Vjh.646$6_.306@trnddc07...
> Welcome to Capitalism and the disposable society. Where ya been?
>
>
> "# Fred #" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
>>I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
>>transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
>>the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
>>excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
>>research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
>>we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate
>>some of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch,
>>articulated head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for
>>bits, multi speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years
>>while the cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a
>>new set of batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there
>>is little profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in
>>general. So will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded
>>cordless tools?
>>
>
>
In article <[email protected]>, [email protected]
says...
>
> I've been looking for a corded driver/drill for several years, but the
> manufacturers don't seem to make a decent quality corded drill with low
> speed and high torque for driving screws. I would love to have a corded
> drill with a high/low speed transmission, an electric brake, and a torque
> clutch with the same screw driving features as are available on the battery
> operated drills.
>
Metabo corded drills were, for a while, coming out with good speed control, and
a hexagonal hole in the shaft so you could take the chuck off and stick your
driver bits straight in the spindle. Don't think they had a torque limiter
though, not the ones I saw (but that was Quite Some Time ago). All metal
gearbox, 2 speed mechanical, plus electronic speed dial and in some models an
additional electronic high-low ratio. I haven't kept up with the latest models,
but I expect they still have those features. Two of mine died not long ago, one
at 25 yo, the other at 34 yo. One survivor is going strong and sitting in the
drill press in the shop right now. Also older than 20 years by now...
-Peter
--
=========================================
firstname dot lastname at gmail fullstop com
Welcome to Capitalism and the disposable society. Where ya been?
"# Fred #" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
>transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
>the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
>excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
>research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
>we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate
>some of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch,
>articulated head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for
>bits, multi speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years
>while the cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a new
>set of batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there is
>little profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in
>general. So will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded cordless
>tools?
>
> Stop buying your cordless with a bunch of silly features and buy ones that
> last, mine are over 10 years old and still used all the time.
> .Articulated
> head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits are
> gimmick features you find on toy cordless drills that are throw away
> quality.
>
I don't have any cordless lasted over 5 years including the Panasonics. The
drill may last forever but the batteries won't. I didn't think my Panasonics
were a throw away quality but if you factor in the price of batteries and
the depreciation of the drills, it will just be.
Maybe gimmick to some but when I was high up on a ladder, for example,
trying to screw in an exhaust fan in a recessed space that is both dark and
tight like the other day, a drill with a compact articulated head and
built-in light would be nice. You cannot throw enough light into this
recessed space as my drill and hand will block any useful light on the work
area. Anyway, hanging up in the air, leaning toward one side of the ladder
and trying to keep balance at the same time with a flashlight in one hand, a
corded in-close-quarter drill in the other, keeping the fan from falling
with my elbow of whatever spare body part I'm not using at the time, is not
an experience I like to have too often. I agree they put articulated heads
on cheap cordless but if that feature plus the compact design is
incorporated on a good corded drill than I don't have to carry three
different corded drills with me.
I can't count how many times I'm up on the ladder, or even worse in a tight
crawl space, that I needed to change bits and that I forgot to put extra
bits in my pocket. Bit storage in the drill would be a time and frustration
saver. The level would be nice too when the use of a drill press is not
practical. Its gimmick most of the time until those features are needed.
"# Fred #" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Except for the big brutes, will
> we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate
> some of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch,
> articulated head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for
> bits, multi speed and so on.
Strange, but my corded has a keyless, a bubble, is as compact as a universal
motor of appropriate power can be. Believe they make add-ons to take care
of all but the light. Might I suggest duct tape and a penlight? Or perhaps
one like the powerful one I strap over my head like a cap when I have to cut
someone out of a car in the middle of the night. Works well for
cross-country night skiing, too.
On Mon, 25 Dec 2006 08:43:38 -0800, "# Fred #" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
>transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
>the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
>excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
>research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
>we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate some
>of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch, articulated
>head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits, multi
>speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years while the
>cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a new set of
>batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there is little
>profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in general. So
>will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded cordless tools?
>
My cordless drill bit the dust 10 years ago and I replaced it with a
corded Milwaukee. I prefer the corded drill--lots of endless power
with a slight inconvenience of a cord.
I have a cordless drill with no battery problems whatever. Keyless chuck,
light weight, seldom needs recharging. Just a few simple hand motions
drills the hole. Made by Miller Falls, many years ago.
Got another for bigger holes, made by Stanley too.
Old Guy
"# Fred #" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
>transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
>the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
>excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
>research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
>we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate
>some of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch,
>articulated head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for
>bits, multi speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years
>while the cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a new
>set of batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there is
>little profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in
>general. So will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded cordless
>tools?
>
On Mon, 25 Dec 2006 08:43:38 -0800, "# Fred #" <[email protected]>
wrote:
>I have about a half a small closet full of cordless tools waiting to be
>transported to the dump if battery prices don't get reasonable. Looking at
>the tool section in Amazom.com, I see the number of cordless drills far if
>excess of the corded models. Doesn't seem like much effort is placed in
>research and development on corded drills. Except for the big brutes, will
>we see corded drills anymore in ten years? It would nice to incorporate some
>of the cordless features like keyless chuck, adjustable clutch, articulated
>head, compact design, built-in work light, level, storage for bits, multi
>speed and so on. A good corded drill last 20 or more years while the
>cordless perhaps 2 to 5 years before you decide to purchase a new set of
>batteries of just buy the next new cordless innovation so there is little
>profit in corded drills in particular and other corded tools in general. So
>will we be buried in exhausted batteries and discarded cordless tools?
>
Ode to a Corded Drill
Of cordless drills I've got a few
'Bout five they are in number
They've chased their corded brethren out
To rusted dusty slumber
But came this morn I had a task
'Twas not within their compass
I'd fifty two inch holes to drill
This called for much more whoopass
So to their box I guilty stole
Flung up the shrieking lid
They lay inside though long denied
And in their coffin hid
Their tails were coiled 'round them tight
Their copper windings glistened
I saw they hungered for the light
Like babes just newly christened
I held one high against the sky
To read the ancient runes
'Milwaukee' read the word inscribed
Not seen for many moons
His tail was cracked and poorly patched
His body caked in grime
But 'twas a smile on his chuck
He knew it was his time
The old dog didn't ask for much
A dusting and some oil
He sighed at my familiar touch
He'd never known but toil
The shank of that great two inch bit
He took into his maw
I plugged him in and saw him grin
Those cordless watched in awe
As Old Milwaukee cut his holes
With wild electric glee
On and on with guts and brawn
So happy to be free
He never asked for quarter nay
Nor quarter was he givin'
He sang in that great light of day
Till all the holes he'd riven
And all too soon his task was done
His body warmed with labor
I laid him soft upon the bench
A moment one should savor
He'd labored well and I won't dwell
Upon his cordless brothers
Who hid their heads while he did work
T'would make them call their mothers
I won't give up my cordless drills
They've got their time and place
But so do drills with tails my friend
And so they need a space
Not locked away from light of day
In never ending darkness
But out in God's good working light
And ready for the harness
So now my ode is done my friends
I'll tell you what I've learned
Not soon again will that old drill
Have cause to feel he's spurned
Regards,
Tom Watson
tjwatson1ATcomcastDOTnet (real email)
http://home.comcast.net/~tjwatson1/