Have you ever been shopping with someone who’s trying their very best to convince you that what you want is not as good as what they want you to want? Okay, a little confusing but let me backtrack to explain…
When I started this furniture painting business, I was super lucky {and I still am} to have M-M-M’s support and know-how… not to mention all his hand-me-down tools.
I’ve been using his Milwaukee drill and impact driver for months now. These tools are HUGE, HEAVY and AWKWARD… especially the drill.
You figure, if a 6’2″ – 215lb construction guy with GINORMOUS hands used this drill, it’s probably not the ideal tool for me.
Yesterday, we went shopping for a new drill and I fell in love with the DeWalt 12V Drill and Driver set. The set was light weight, the handle a perfect size for my grip, and DeWalt is a very reliable brand. I just knew from the moment I picked them up that that’s exactly what I wanted.
M-M-M wasn’t convinced it was the right set for me.
We bantered back and forth about ~staying loyal to a brand ~ interchangeable battery packs ~ warranty ~ price ~ this one has more power ~ this one is angled weird ~ this one is too heavy ~ this handle is too fat… you get the picture. I know you weren’t there, but I’ll bet you know exactly which points were HIS and which were mine….lol!
We even drove to three different stores to see what other options were available. Every store we went to, I kept pointing out the same frigg’n set!
I held my ground and ended up with the exact drill set I wanted. Yaaay!
M-M-M even treated me to a brand new DeWalt Orbital Sander. I’ve already used today and it strips really well.
I’m learning that having the right tools to repair and refinish furniture can make my job faster and easier while creating a higher quality finish. I decided our shopping trip was ‘blog-worthy’ because tools can make a big difference; and if you’re going to take the time and expense to go tool shopping, it’s SOOO important to choose the tool that feels comfortable for YOU!
I’m so happy with my new drill set. And because I always like to show you a before and after… 😉
And to M-M-M… thank you… I love you with all my heart. <3
Here’s a sneak peak at a few things I’m working on with my new tools. I hope you pop back in real soon to see the complete re-styling.
If you have any tool shopping tips or shopping stories.. I’d love to hear them so don’t be shy… leave a comment!
Have a fabulous Friday and a fun relaxing weekend.
Denise x
Hello again... I'm so happy you dropped by! Let's keep in touch! Follow me on social media or sign up for a dose of furniture painting inspiration and diy tutorials. :) 
Please tell me the model of that Milwaukee drill. It has been IMPOSSIBLE to Google, but it looks like the exact one.
I do mean the one on the right in the last picture, by the way; the larger one
Hmmm, I’m not sure Danny. I’ll ask MMM if they still make it because they seem to update/change and this one was pretty old.
Thanks! I’m pretty sure I have one somewhere in need of new batteries, but I want to find the model now and see what there is to know about it.
Okay, I’ll see if I can get a little more info on this model Danny.
Hi again. 🙂 MMM thinks he originally purchased the Milwaukee V18 Lithium Ion 1/2″ Drill around 2005. It was the first Lithium Ion that Milwaukee came out with. He also thinks replacement batteries can still be purchased at Home Depot or online. Hope this helps.
Perfect! The “V18” ended up being the keyword I needed, after searching so hard for this model. 😕 Thank you!
Pleasure… so glad you found it! 🙂
About a week ago, I too was using hubby’s drill and got frustrated with how heavy and awkward it was to use (after using it for the past year and a half). You’re spot on that the right tools make life so much easier. I opted for a lightweight Ryobi impact drill and have been thrilled to not have the arm fatigue.
I use a belt sander, palm sander and mouse sander … but haven’t used an orbital sander. What sander do you like the most?
I have been reading about your ASCP and DIY chalk paint spraying … I rarely use my sprayer because I hate the clean up. It seems like spraying takes the longest because of getting the viscosity right in the front end and cleaning the spray gun at the back end. I wish it was easier!
Thanks for your great posts.
Those big heavy drills are killers after a while aren’t they Cynthia…lol. I’ve only used the orbital sander on one piece so far but it seems to work wonders for heavier stripping/sanding. I also really like my Skil palm sander and DeWalt. My little mouse sander didn’t last long at all.
My husband got a set of those drills this year. LOVE THEM! The impact driver saves your arm! I don’t have to push so hard any more. Good job standing your ground Dewalt is the way to go! The brand is well made but won’t break the bank!
I agree Shelly… I’m really loving this set… and the sander! 🙂