Tapping with battery drills

[ennismaple]

A while ago I was one of the people pushing the benefits of using a Tanaka gas powered drill to tap. After the last couple days I've changed my tune! I put in almost 1900 taps using 18V cordless drills in about 14 hours of tapping by myself and my hands and shoulders have never felt better! It was nice to be able to tap one handed, use either hand and get into tighter spaces that I couldn't get at with the larger gas drill. I'll only use the gas powered drill for 7/16 taps from now on.

[RileySugarbush]

That's pretty impressive work. My son and I just finished 70 7/16 taps using a 12V drill. Plenty of torque, and the 12V battery pack is nice and light.

[VtSugarhouse]

We tap with the Millwalkee 28 volt lithium ion hammer drill.
These drills are amazing. They will last out in the field as long as you can drill a hole. Each team usually cab do at least 400-500 taps a day and the battery's have never failed to last all day long. The 7/16 hole does take longer to drill and takes more power. The 5/16 are just so east and have a very little drain on the battery. I am sure one battery would go at least 2 days without re-charging.

It works for me!!

[homefarm]

im using a dewalt 18 volt drill for 5/16 taps one battery seems to go all day works good for me....homefarm....

[ennismaple]

I was getting between 250 and 280 5/16 taps per charge with the 18V Dewalt. We got the drills used so I'm not sure how new the batteries are. I have a zippered water bottle holder that clips to your belt I used to carry a spare. That means I can tap all morning, recharge both batteries in 40 minutes at lunch and be good again for the afternoon.

We also got 18V Milwaukee and Rigid drills that didn't get nearly as many taps per charge as the Dewalt.

[Bucket Head]

We use a De Walt 18v cordless. No complaint's. Gas powered drill's should be hanging on the saphouse wall's, along with the other antique and retired sappin' equipment that's on display.

Steve

[H. Walker]

Until I switch over to the 5/16" spiles I think I will stick with the Gas!

[maplecrest]

interstate battery co makes dewalt drill 18 volt batteries. at half the cost of dewalt and out last the dewalt. you may need to order them in advance from your interestate dealer. i bought 2 last year and two this year.most guys around here just go buy new drills for the batteries. works out at same price with drill thrown in.

[sapman]

Jeff,
That's interesting what you say about the Interstate batteries. I bought one from a local lumber dealer, and it only lasted a few months. They replaced it, and that one didn't go much longer. I picked up a dual pack of Dewalts at Home Depot this winter for $90, I think. Hopefully, they go awhile.

Tim

[ibby458]

Our 19.2V Craftsman drills worked great for 5/16" holes, but 7/16" eats batteries like candy. We put in 500 taps yesterday, but it took 9 (NINE) batteries. Got another 500 to go in today and tomorrow. I gotta get me a couple 12V chargers!

[Homestead Maple]

Anyone using the DeWalt lithium batteries? I wonder if they last any longer than the NiCd batteries in the 18 volt drills?

[ennismaple]

Our Milwaukee 18V lithium drill didn't last half as long as the DeWalt 18V NiCd batteries. The Rigid NiCd was about the same as the Milwaukee lithium.