Getting Started

You're likely to hear a lot about lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries this year as they power more drills and drivers. Added power and run time per pound over the familiar nickel-cadmium (NiCd) cells are the major talking points. Greener design is also a plus, since Li-Ion batteries don't contain toxic cadmium, which can leach into ground water if spent NiCd batteries are thrown into the trash instead of recycled. But Li-Ion cells could die an early death if you aren't careful.

Several lithium batteries from multiple brands couldn't be recharged after we ran them down to full discharge. That makes using every last minute of run time a potentially expensive mistake, because replacement Li-Ion cells can cost $100 or more. You can also shorten their life span if you let them sit longer than six months with a full charge, say manufacturers.

Although all the advantages and added cost of Li-Ion batteries also apply to nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries, Li-Ion cells are currently the hot items in the industry. But NiCd-powered tools still make up most of the market, thanks to their lower cost and decent performance for most needs.

Not everyone needs maximum power and run time. Nearly any drill will do for hanging pictures and other easy tasks. Decide how much speed and power you really need. And don't buy strictly by voltage. Some 14.4-volt and 15.6-volt models had more oomph and staying power than some 18-volt models.

Hold it in your hand
Besides checking the drill's weight, check its balance by gripping it firmly and lifting it to a wall as if to drive a screw. The drill's chuck should point straight ahead and not tilt up or down.

For kits, check all the tools
Most cordless tool kits include a drill, reciprocating saw, and circular saw for $300 to $500. But many cordless circular saws still can't match corded versions, and some reciprocating saws proved to be slow and weak-especially those in lower-priced kits.

Weigh the pros and cons of specialized drivers
You'll also see more Li-Ion impact drivers and small, lightweight cordless screwdrivers that weigh 1 pound or less. But our tests revealed some notable drawbacks.

Impact drivers add twisting power using an internal hammer that pulses the chuck and bit back and forth as it spins. But that process made every model we tested loud enough to require hearing protection. And as appealing as a pocket-sized cordless screwdriver may be, those we tested were slow and shy on power, yet can cost well over $100. Our advice: Spend $10 or so for a good set of old-fashioned hand screwdrivers.

Types

Unless you're handling strictly light-duty tasks, you're likely to be disappointed with the least-expensive models. Here's a guide to the types of cordless drills and drill kits to consider.

These are best for fast drilling and most screw driving. NiCd-powered models can handle most jobs, but Li-Ion and NiMH tools performed best in our tests. The 18-volt drills (typical these days) weigh about twice as much as 9.6-volt models.

These are best for driving long fasteners or loosening stuck ones, thanks to their added torque, or twisting force. Most can handle the lug nuts on car wheels and other tough tasks without twisting out of your hands. But all the models we tested required hearing protection. They also require special hex-shank bits for drilling holes, and were slower than most cordless drills in their drilling mode.

These models are small enough to fit in your pocket and typically weigh 1 pound or less. Bendable power heads make them convenient for tight spaces, and the lithium-ion batteries in some are supposed to hold a battery charge for as long as 18 months. But cordless screwdrivers are adequate only for the lightest of tasks. You'll find more-capable, if larger and heavier, drills for the same or less money.

Along with a drill, reciprocating saw, and circular saw, some kits include a work light or other auxiliary tool. And all share the same battery, which helps to make kits less expensive than the tools, batteries, and chargers would be if bought individually. But our tests revealed significant differences in performance, especially when the price dips below $300. Indeed, you could wind up with a collection of sub-par tools, particularly when it comes to circular saws. Only the best we tested can rival corded versions.

Features

The most capable drills and drivers have long run times, letting you do more work with fewer pauses to charge or change batteries. Recharge times of 30 minutes or less are another advantage. Some manufacturers offer a variety of tools without batteries and chargers so that you can power them with the ones you might already have. Here are the cordless drill features to consider.

All but the least-expensive drills come with two batteries so you can use one while the other is charging. While you can't share batteries and chargers between brands, Craftsman's and DeWalt's 18-volt tools let you use each brand's lithium cells in its 18-volt, nickel-cadmium tools. Both brands, and Black & Decker, also let you buy drills, saws, and other tools without batteries and chargers, saving you money by letting you share both among multiple tools as you would with a cordless kit.

A "smart" charger on many models can recharge the battery in 15 to 60 minutes, compared with three to five hours or more for conventional chargers. It also helps to extend battery life by adjusting the charge as needed. A few models can charge two batteries at once-handy for big projects. The box typically lists the recharge time.

More models now have a meter that indicates the remaining charge. This feature is especially helpful with lithium-ion batteries, which can be damaged if you allow them to run down fully before recharging.

Many cordless drills have a low speed range with more torque, or twisting force, for driving screws and a high-speed range with added speed for drilling. All have a variable-speed trigger to make starting a hole easier, and most have an adjustable clutch that reduces maximum torque to avoid driving a screw too far into soft wood or wallboard. All are reversible-handy for freeing a stuck drill bit.

Most cordless drills have a 3?8-inch chuck, but some heavier-duty models have a 1/2-inch chuck for larger, 1/2-inch drill bits. Note that large-diameter bits are available with a reduced shank to fit smaller chucks.

Some models have a second, side handle so that you can hold the drill with two hands-helpful for counteracting twisting force when tightening or loosening.

This can be handy in dark places, flooding the work area with light. Some kits include a separate work light.

Some makers bundle their drills with other tools in kits that typically include circular and reciprocating saws and a flashlight in a carrying case. Some kits are a good deal, while others are a collection of mediocre tools.