DH is currently in our garage building a game to take to a picnic next weekend. He came in and informed me that his cordless drill broke and that he will be needing a new one (18v) sometime in the near future. He said th at it could be a Christmas present, but I want to start looking now.

Does anyone have any suggestions? I know DeWalt is a great brand, but at $200 I think not! If you have suggestions as to where to buy them that would be great too. I know Lowes and Home Depot, but maybe some of you have some other insight!

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I don't think you are going to find an 18v drill for much under $200. Sometimes amazon has some really good prices and I have purchased tools from them before. My dh has a Makita which is a good brand as well(has had for about 8 yrs and still going strong) and I think I bought it at Sam's club. If he isn't set on a 18v you could get a lower volt one for cheaper....

This 14.4v Makita model claims to out-perform most 18v models
Amazon.com: Makita 6280DWPE 3/8-Inch 14.4-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Drill/Driver Kit: Home Improvement

My DH likes Ryobi brand, and so far I haven't managed to break it in my spate of destroying things. I used to to build that deck.

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Watch Target! I have been able to get DH and his work several 18V cordless drills for way under $200. I actually think Target's prices on drills are cheaper everyday than at the Home Improvement Stores. A couple of times a year Target will put the multipacks on sale or clearance (where it includes a drill, an extra battery, a saw or something else) and then it is really a good deal.
Now, I usually get Black and Decker, but DH and is crew don't seem to notice any differences in the brands. He is a full time residential painter, so he is always using his for carpentry work on his jobs and they seem to perform well.

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Mom to Kaylee (10/2006)
Waiting on our second bundle of joy to arrive January 2009!