For corded tools, I have the Milwaukee right-angle drill with the removable two-speed angle head. I want to get the 30" angled extension for it. Plus, a Bosch SDS-max rotary hammer. This is the best tool in the world for drilling in masonry or concrete, and for driving ground rods, too.
I have a trio of DeWalt 24-volt tools: the hammer-drill, reciprocating saw, and circular saw. Thses tools are as powerful as their corded versions, and I also have the battery eliminator. See:
http://www.dewalt.com/us/cordless/cordless_systems/24volt.asp As for worn-out batteries, there is a store near me called
Batteries Plus that will rebuild any battery pack for 3.50 per cell, if I remember correctly. Just divide your battery voltage by 1.2 to determine the cell count.
