With so many choices, it’s difficult to find and purchase the right tool. It will be even more confusing when tool manufacturers reach their goal of having all their electric-designed tools on batteries. Actually, it took me quite a while to decide to buy my first cordless drill because I had a mental block about using a battery vs. 120 volts of pure power. I know from personal experience as I test manufacturers’ cordless tools that they are not designed to replace electric tools. Both have their place in home improvement projects.
Battery life
Today’s cordless models can certainly give electric-powered tools a run for their money. The new high-capacity batteries, like the Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) extend running time over Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) batteries by 25 to 50 percent, depending on environmental and working conditions between charges. NiCad batteries hold their charges better between uses and work at lower temperatures. On the other hand, NiMH batteries are better for the environment because they contain no cadmium or mercury.
Of course, the new “smart” chargers really help manage battery life. They can correctly charge a battery in an hour or less, even if the batteries are hot from use, because they pulse the charge into the battery. A microprocessor inside the charger senses when each cell is fully charged, so the charger no longer relies on battery temperature to judge if charging is complete. This minimizes heat buildup so batteries last longer.
Bosch’s Bluecore battery system can recharge a battery in 30 minutes and its NiCad battery has cooling rods positioned between the pack’s individual cells to help cool the battery and allow it to function at optimal levels. Users can expect up to 50 percent longer battery life over previous Bosch batteries.
Milwaukee offers their new V28 Lithium Ion power tools system. Its 28-volt battery delivers up to 40 to 50 percent more power, and they claim it has twice the run time of a traditional 18-volt model, yet the battery weighs slightly less.
Meet your needs
As you shop for a cordless drill, be realistic about your needs so you don’t buy one too small or too large. They range in price from $79 to $1,200 and are rated from consumer to professional, depending on the package the manufacturer offers, from a 2.4-volt cordless screwdriver to a 36-volt cordless rotary hammerdrill. Cordless drills can run up to two times the cost of an electric drill depending on the model and its features.
Be sure you check out placement of the reverse lever switch. Can you easily activate this switch with your index finger only or do you need to use your index finger and thumb, (a one-handed operation)? I have found in most cases it is easier to activate the lever if you support the front of the drill with your opposite hand.
Keyed or keyless drill chuck?
Another area of concern is whether you prefer a keyed or keyless drill chuck. The chuck is the part of the drill that holds the bit; it may or may not require a key to loosen and tighten it so you can change drill bits.
For everyday projects, a keyless chuck works great. I prefer a keyed chuck if I am working in metal because I can tighten the jaws around the bit so it won’t slip, provided I use all three holes in the chuck. However, for drilling into metal, I recommend that you use an electric drill. Finding a keyed chuck on the market may be a challenge.
If you are considering a drill with a keyless drill chuck, specifically consider the upper sleeve and the chuck ring, the areas that you grab with both hands to tighten or loosen the jaws around the bit. You don’t want to hold the chuck with one hand and start the drill with the other in order to tighten the chuck jaws. Keyless chucks come in different combinations of materials and textures, and the chuck ring comes in different sizes, depending on the make and model. Handle the tools and operate the chucks to find a combination that is comfortable.
I prefer a wide chuck ring because it offers more surface area to hold. Also check out the materials and textures. I like an outer sleeve and a chuck ring made from knurled metal. Another good feature is a chuck completely encased in rubber. Both styles of chucks deliver great gripping surfaces.