Hey, who is using a cordless drill to raise their PU roof? I hear one might use a cordless drill with a slight mod to raise one. I have a 99 Niagara with roof air. Any suggestions? Bphillips@cfl.rr.com
PhillipsThe mod you need is sold right here on the PUT store. It is called the socket Jenie.
http://www.popuptimes.com/miva/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=P&Category_Code=RV
[:)]
PhillipsAs for the drill, the general minimum spec s that have been hashed out over the last year or so are. 1/2 chuck, 300 inch pound torque minimum for PU without AC, 350 inch pounds torque for PU with AC, metal double or triple reduction gearing, (plastic gears last less than a year), drill should have no more than 600 rpm ouput maximum. These are ALL MINIMUMS and going higher will not hurt only help.
If any " bargain" drill you look at doesn t show a torque rating, don t even bother to ask about it, it won t raise anything but your blood pressure.
The Socket Genie s are great, but for the diehard DIY er a regular deep well socket can be easily modified to match the end of you crank handle.
There are 18 volt drills that meet the above spec s, but the majority of users are using 24 volt drills.
IMO get a second battery. Sooner or later that first one will die and at the rate manufacturers " remodel" tools you could be extrending the life of your drill. I have several older ones in the cellar that I can buy replacement drill for what I can buy the now obselete battery for.
mike4947Wow! great details and I appreciate the prompt response. Bill and Pam
PhillipsEverything Mike said! The only 18v drill that has enough torque, that I know of, is the Dewalt 18v XRP. Several people have had good things to say about buying from Tool King www.toolking.com I got lucky at Sears and found a Craftsman 24v w/550 in# of torque on clearance for $180. Only problem is, I haven t had a chance to try it! If you want to make your own socket, a 5/8" deep well works just right.