Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
Drill - with 12v car adaptor? Drill - with 12v car adaptor?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Drill - with 12v car adaptor?
Hi there,

we are thinking about taking a drill with us when we leave to travel in our landy. Does anyone know if you can get a small, cordless drill that can be charged off a 12v battery?

Or perhaps I should just take a little hand drill?

What are peoples thoughts.

I searched the web and could only find one on e-bay for £135.

Just thinking aloud at the moment, so if you think a drill is just going one step too far tell me too. I wil then turn my attention back to how to carry our canoe!

Cheers

Ollie
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Apr 2008
silver G's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
I bought a 12v charger for my makita chordless, a bit slow but works.
There is no reason not to justget a 12v drill, take out the battery and solder some wires to the contacts, crocodile clips on the other end and away you go.
Alternatively, if you have a compressor use an air drill.

Re:- canoe -drill a hole through the bottom and bolt it down
__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
quick!
man that was quick

I like the canoe/drill combo .

thanks
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Apr 2008
silver G's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: south Cumbria
Posts: 364
Quote:
Originally Posted by CornishDeity View Post
man that was quick

I like the canoe/drill combo .

thanks
right place, right time
__________________
Chris
-----------------
"Never have a stupid argument with an idiot - he gets a lot more practice than you"
there I go again
not too hard really
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
I have charged Makita 18 volt cordless in my van using a small 12v/240 volt inverter without any problems.

No reason you couldn't run a 12 volt cordless off your car battery
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Southampton
Posts: 671
Inverter
OK - we have an inverter already in situ, so perhaps thats the way to go. we are trying to get 12v chargers for all things we can though.

Is Makita a good drill? It's not really an area I know much about, but two mentions so far.

thanks for help

cheers

Ollie
__________________
Ollie

www.jollyfollies.com

Land's End to Sydney 2009
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
Quote:
Originally Posted by CornishDeity View Post
Is Makita a good drill? It's not really an area I know much about, but two mentions so far.
I think they are tough drills. We use them all day everyday at work and they last better than most. Can take being dropped and thrown.

Very good value.

Makita 6280 DWPE3 Drill Driver 14.4V - Screwfix.com, Where the Trade Buys

Keep an eye on the website. They often have an offer on with an extra battery and accessories for £99.00. That's when I buy mine

Laters
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Big Yellow Tractor's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: England
Posts: 649
Actually, I've just looked at that link again and that price is with three batteries. Bloody good value.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 65
We bought a 9.6v battery drill for £9 in one of those really cheap elect shops, dumped the battery and chargers and crimped the wires into the contacts with alligater clips at other end.. Really powerful and light and boy did we need it - with a rusty land rover. Pop rivets and rivet gun were very useful too.

Perfect:
9.6V DRILL DRIVER, Brand New, 501794 on eBay, also Drills, Drills, Power Tools, Business, Office Industrial (end time 05-Apr-08 15:32:00 BST)
Last edited by Richardq; 1 Apr 2008 at 18:52. Reason: found ebay link
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Apr 2008
MarkLG's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
Get yourself on ebay and do a search for '12v drill body'.
The quality brands sell drills on their own without batteries and charger (which make up a large percentage of the caost of a full kit).
You should be able to get a decent one from Makita, Bosch or Dewalt for about £50. Make sure it's got 2 speeds and produces a decent amount of torque.
You'll need to open it up to remove the battery connectors inside and attach a power cable to connect to your battery.
I buy Bosch profesional kit for work these days - I've killed a few makitas recently.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Philadelphia, US
Posts: 646
Quote:
Originally Posted by Big Yellow Tractor View Post
I have charged Makita 18 volt cordless in my van using a small 12v/240 volt inverter without any problems.

No reason you couldn't run a 12 volt cordless off your car battery
Inverter is the way to go...more appliances can use this, including battery chargers for you camera, etc.

BUT size your inverter properly and test it out before you leave
__________________
edde
93 BMW K75s
www.motoedde.com
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 1 Apr 2008
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
I say 12 volt everything and avoid using an inverter, except for a drill. 12 volt doesn't have enough poke to it. A Higher voltage is much better - you will use it most before you go - almost worth looking out for a manual drill to take instead - bit probably not ;-)

I think taking a direct charge from your battery isn't great for it - or is that welding from them?
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
The new Makita 18v with Lion batteries are very good .But check that your inverter has enough jam to charge the batteries , otherwise go 12 volt and rig up a direct connection to your vehicle battery .Milwaukee 12 volt drills are very good .
My advice would be to avoid Dewalt [ if they are available in UK ] and Black and Decker .

What about taking a cheap generator ?
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 1 Apr 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Ireland
Posts: 65
The downside to using an inverter/charger combination is if you do need to drill something it is more than likely going to be metal and a small 12v drill battery will be flat very quickly drilling this stuff. If however you take it straight of the vehicle 12v battery as described in earlier posts you can keep the engine ticking over and drill all day loing....
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 1 Apr 2008
langebaan sunset's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: South Africa
Posts: 91
B&q
Ollie

B&Q do a pretty good / cheap / robust cordless drill with charger that would neatly plug into a 12 V inverter unit you have......I have used it in hammer action mode on masonary and its pretty tough....holds charge well too

Give us a call

Nick
__________________
Langebaan Sunset - Africa Overland
http://langebaan-sunset.blogspot.co.za/
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
UK-South America power adaptor *Touring Ted* South America 3 3 Oct 2007 05:54
Touratech bracket adaptor when no cross brace ? *Touring Ted* Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 3 12 Aug 2007 14:40
12v dc adaptor futronix Yamaha Tech 12 3 Apr 2006 06:41

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:51.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top