Which 240V drill - small'ish?

[Richard10002]

The batteries on rechargeable drills sometimes don't last long enough, or have enough ooomph... So I want a 240V corded drill to run off the generator, or the inverter. I find my cordless is OK for wood, but has trouble with the 4mm steel on a narrowboat.

I like the idea of the Makita brand, and I'd like a compact drill to get into the tight spots on a boat, rather than the big chunky drills that they have on the shelves at B&Q etc..

Had a look on eBay thinking of an older 2nd hand drill, and came across the Makita 6413 for just over £50.

http://www.powertools2u.co.uk/Rotary-Drills/Makita-6413-10mm-Rotary-Drill.htm

Is this a good drill, and proper Makita quality.

Any other recommendations?

Many Thanks

Richard

 

[Norman_E]

For use on the boat I bought a £10 drill from B&Q. Its only single geared, but has reasonable torque even with the speed turned down, and at that price its no great loss if I do drop it in the briny. The B&Q drill has a keyed chuck, which I consider an advantage as the keyless type fitted to small drills is hard to tighten sufficiently, and will probably slip when drilling metal, as the drill breaks through. Its this one http://www.diy.com/nav/fix/power-tools/drills/500W-Hammer-Drill-10957605 I see its now £15!

 

[William_H]

I would suggest you haunt the retailers nearby. Look for one the size you have in mind. I would also suggest that if you can find one with 2 speed by gearbox that is far better for steel. As said keyless chucks are horrible. get one witha key if you can. I think all electric drills I have seen are brush type motors so will run on any sort of waveform. (inverter or gen) Unlike a drill press using a induction motor which may give trouble.
However if you are having problems with batteries on cordless drills then try opening an old one up and connecting wires to run on ships 12v battery. You should get plenty of power unless it is an 18v drill. Lower voltage drills than 12v seem to be OK but may not last that long. OK if the batteries are dead anyway and you were going to throw it away.
good luck olewill