Drills

Makita BDF452HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Driver Drill Kit

Experience the power and reduced weight of the new lithium-ion technology, without the high cost. Lithium-ion cordless tools provide more power with less weight. This cordless drill-driver is a more compact, lighter-weight version of the LXT 18 volt tool. It has a 1.5 amp hr battery, which is half the size of the LXT 3.0 Amp hr batteries. This is not a light-duty tool by any means; it kicks butt in the 18-volt category. It boasts 450 in./lbs. of torque! You can even use the longer run time 18-volt LXT 3.0 Amp-hr batteries in this tool (the higher the amp hr rating, the longer the battery will last before it needs to be recharged).

This cordless drill weighs only 3.5 pounds, the lightest yet of any professional 18 volt. It has a comfortable grip and excellent ergonomics, which is ideal for continual use. Located just above the trigger, are two "headlights." Headlights refer to small LED lights that provide light where you need it most. I was skeptical about this feature, thinking it was just another gimmick, but after using it for some time, I've come to depend on it. From lighting my way to the house in the dark, when bringing the batteries/tools on cold nights to providing light in a dark cabinet, closet, or under a desk, this a must-have feature. Rubber grips adorn the exterior of this tool and protect it during impact if it falls. For all that you get with this tool package, the price is unbelievably low. This 18 volt is perfect for the professional who needs a powerful cordless to use all day long.

This Makita drill also has the most advanced charging system available and it charges in only 15 minutes! Generically, it's called a "smart charging system." A computer chip inside the battery lets the charger know exactly how to optimally charge the battery, to completely charge each cell within the battery and for maximum battery life. Each battery is made up of smaller 1.2 volt cells. Often a battery will drain unevenly during normal use, at different rates within these internal cells. A normal charger will stop charging the battery when one cell reaches maximum capacity, not all of them. Once this happens once, it will continue to do so as long as you use the battery. What this means is your 18-volt battery is now a 16- or 17-volt battery and it can drop even lower. A "smart charger" will charge every cell independently until each cell is fully charged, so your 18-volt battery will remain 18 volts for its entire life. This charger has a fan in it and blows air through the battery to cool it down before charging so the battery can be charged right away, unlike other brands, where the charger waits until the battery cools, or even worse attempts to charge a hot battery pack and damages it or decreases the life of the battery. These Makita lithium-ion batteries will last longer than standard batteries and can be charged over 1200 times, as opposed to the standard of 600 to 800 times, which alone can justify the slightly higher price tag. -- Gabriel Shantara Ford

What's in the Box
Driver drill; compact lithium-ion batteries (2); 15-minute Rapid Charger; carrying case

DEWALT DC759KA Heavy-Duty 18-Volt Ni-Cad 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

You need power, but you don't want to hoist a ton. Here's the answer. DeWalt's revamped 18-volt compact drill/driver delivers on both counts, with a 1/2-inch chuck that grips beefy bits, an 18-position adjustable clutch, and a high-performance motor for the torque you need, packaged in a truly lightweight, comfortable drill. The variable speed has a high and low range for any application, and the reverse switch is right above the curved trigger for easy access. The included charger juices up a spent battery in an hour. We especially like the light weight, even more so because it doesn't cost in the power department. Lots of pluses: on-board bit storage, two batteries, hard case. We think contractors will be pleased with this drill, especially after a long day.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

18V, 1/2", Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit, Delivers 400 INLB Of Maximum Torque, Built With 1/2" Keyless Ratcheting Chuck, All Metal Planetary Gears, Includes 2 "XR" Battery Packs, Charger & Kit Box.

Black & Decker PD600 Pivot Plus 6-Volt Nicad Cordless Screwdriver with Articulating Head

We can't think of anything we'd want to add to this little hummer. It's incredible what B&D has engineered into this system (we don't think it's fair to call it a "screwdriver"). Dual speed range lets you drill holes at high speed and drive screws at the slower speed. A 23-position clutch, just like what's on the big boys, will keep you from stripping your screws. But get this: Unlike conventional cordless screwdrivers and regular power drills, this tool's handle easily locks in three positions for tight areas and awkward spots. Genius! And just like the "real" drills, this one's got an accessible forward/reverse rocker switch for backing screws out, too. Here's something, though, that the big-boy drill makers should pick up: It's got on integrated light so you can always see your work surface clearly. For the money, we haven't seen anything like it. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Panasonic EY6432GQKW 15.6-Volt NiMH 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

This model features the longest running 3.5 Amp Ni-Mh batteries in the industry, compared to other 18 Volt tools. The drill/driver weighs only 4.8 pounds but delivers 390 in./lbs. of torque. Max. Torque (in.-lbs.): 390, Volts: 15.6, Chuck Size (in.): 1/2, Keyless Chuck: Yes, Clutch Settings: 18, Reversible: Yes, Variable Speed: Yes, Side Handle: No, Battery Amp/Hour: 3.5Ah, Battery Included: Yes, (2) 3.5Ah Ni-MH batteries, Charger Included: Yes, 55-minute charger, Case Included: Yes, Tool Weight (lbs.): 4.8

It's easy to see why this drill was rated a 2006 "best buy" by a leading consumer magazine. Impressively compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use, Panasonic's 15.6-volt drill/driver fits into tight spaces where other bulkier drills won't. The 3-1/2 amp NiMH batteries deliver remarkable run time per charge, which is a big plus, especially if you need a tool for continuous use. What about power? This Panasonic packs up to 390 inch-pounds of torque--as much (if not more) than anyone needs in a cordless tool. The motor's speed control allows full torque at any speed, so you can apply full torque while still maintaining control.

The tool features dual speed ranges of 65 to 450 and 200 to 1,450 rpm. The 1/2-inch chuck takes bigger bits. The first thing you notice about this tool, however, is how compact it is (the chassis measures only 8-1/2 inches) and how comfortable it feels in your hand. The soft-pad grip provides extra cushion and the tool's balance is superb, two important features if you wield a cordless day in and day out. The tool lacks an onboard bit holder, but that's about all it lacks. The 3-1/2 amp batteries are ventilated, so they last longer, delivering up to 1,200 charges and recharges.

This drill is a smart buy for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and even woodworkers--in short, anyone who wants a small, compact drill that packs a lot of torque and is built to last. The package includes a 55-minute universal charger and hard-plastic carrying case. --Jon Groebner

Impressively compact, lightweight, and comfortable to use, Panasonic's 15.6-volt drill/driver fits into tight spaces where other bulkier drills won't. The 3-1/2 amp NiMH batteries deliver remarkable run time per charge, which is a big plus, especially if you need a tool for continuous use. What about power? This Panasonic packs up to 390 inch-pounds of torque--as much (if not more) than anyone needs in a cordless tool. The motor's speed control allows full torque at any speed, so you can apply full torque while still maintaining control. The tool features dual speed ranges of 65 to 450 and 200 to 1,450 rpm. The 1/2-inch chuck takes bigger bits. The first thing you notice about this tool, however, is how compact it is (the chassis measures only 8-1/2 inches) and how comfortable it feels in your hand. The soft-pad grip provides extra cushion and the tool's balance is superb, two important features if you wield a cordless day in and day out. The tool lacks an onboard bit holder, but that's about all it lacks. The 3-1/2 amp batteries are ventilated, so they last longer, delivering up to 1,200 charges and recharges. This drill is a smart buy for plumbers, electricians, carpenters, and even woodworkers--in short, anyone who wants a small, compact drill that packs a lot of torque and is built to last. The package includes a 55-minute universal charger and hard-plastic carrying case. --Jon Groebner

Black & Decker XD1200K 12-Volt Ni-Cad 1/4-Inch Hex Cordless 5-Position Drill/Driver Kit

If your work requires you to drill or drive in a lot of tight or awkward places (under sinks, overhead, inside cabinets, between pipes, etc.), this Black & Decker five-position drill/driver may be the perfect tool for you. The drill features a compact design and swiveling head that rotates 90 degrees front and back of center, with 45-degree stops along the way. A straightaway, inline stop even provides added reach for tight spaces in which a standard power drill might not fit. Lightweight and nimble, this Black & Decker drill is extremely maneuverable, as well. A comfort-grip handle and three-finger trigger provide excellent control, while a 24-position clutch and variable speeds of 0 to 700 rpm allow the drill to power through wood, steel, or masonry without damaging bits or stripping screws along the way. --Carl Thress

12V, Extender Drill Kit With Quick Connect Bit Change System, 24 Position Clutch With Screw Icons, 3 Finger Trigger For Comfort & Control In All Positions, Includes Battery, Charger, 15 Accessories & Kit Box.

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Black & Decker VPX1212X Li-Ion 14.4-Volt VPX Drill Driver

Black & Decker SC1400 14.4-Volt Cordless Super Compact Drill with Lithium-Ion Technology

Tired of that battery-powered drill being dead when you need it most? Here's an alternative. Surprisingly powerful and stunningly lightweight, Black & Decker's SC1400 18-Volt Cordless drill kit features the best energy-to-weight ratio and longest-lasting charge available. A very forgiving power drill for those who hate cords but forget to recharge, this tool is powered by a lithium-ion battery that holds a charge up to 18 months longer than nickel-cadmium tools.

A state-of-charge indicator tells you how much battery power is left so you know when it's time for a recharge. And, a fixed, internal battery lets you just drop the whole tool into the included charging base, rather than detaching the battery from the tool and then attaching it to the charger, a procedure that sometimes takes longer than just drilling the darn hole.

And, for even less downtime, the tool's single sleeve all-metal chuck means easier and faster bit swaps. Designed for tough drilling and driving applications, the tool packs 200 percent more power than traditional 18-volt drills. It's also 40 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter for easier handling, even in tight quarters. The purchase is covered by a manufacturer 2-year warranty. --Brian Olson

What's in the Box: cordless drill/driver, charging base, 16 bits (8 driving tips and 8 drill bits).

Factory-Reconditioned Makita BDF452HW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Driver Drill Kit

Includes 18 Volt Cordless LXT Lithium-Ion 1/2" Driver-Drill - BDF452HW-R, (2) 18 Volt 1.5 Ah LXT Lithium-Ion Batteries - 194309-1, Rapid Optimum Charger - DC18RA, Tool Case - 824774-7, Operating Manual.

DEWALT DW960K-2 Heavy-Duty 3/8-Inch 18-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless Right Angl

If you own a drill/driver, sooner rather than later you'll find the need for a right angle drill/driver. And once you've used the Dewalt DW960K-2, you'll wonder how you ever got along without one. Using an ordinary drill/driver set at a crazy angle or with a flexible drive shaft or a right angle attachment, you know there is not enough torque to meet most needs. The DW960-K delivers 310 in./lbs. of torque with an easily switched variable speed reversing control that removes a stuck bit in a hurry. It also removes screws, bolts, or nuts in seemingly inaccessible places in a snap. Add to this the convenience of a cordless tool that can be incorporated into any of Dewalt's 18-volt Cordless Tool System. Ideal for carpenters, plumbers, electricians, HVAC contractors, mechanics, cable installers, remodeling contractors, flooring contractors, masonry and concrete contractors, and more. -- C. Dwight Barnett

18V, Cordless 3/8", 10MM, Right Angle Drill/Driver Kit With 2 Speed Ranges Of 0-500/0-1,500 RPM & 310 Inch LBS Of Torque, Multi-Grip Trigger, Variable Speed, Reversing & Includes Kit Box 2 XRBattery Packs & Charger.

Hitachi DS12DVF3 12-Volt Ni-Cad 3/8-Inch Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

We'd be hard-pressed to name another drill that packs as much power yet weighs as little as this one does. When you pick it up, it's so lightweight that you can't imagine it can tackle much, but just draw back the trigger and be amazed.

This 12-volt two-speed drill/driver has a two-piece magnet motor and a 22-position clutch that together put an impressive 230 in./lbs. of torque in your hand so you can effortlessly drive screws into the hardest woods. The two-speed transmission is controlled with a one-touch button on top of the tool body, giving you the choice of 0 to 350 or 0 to 1,050 rpm, and operations are smooth at either speed. The 3/8-inch chuck is keyless, of course, for super-easy bit changes, and the jaws grab and hold the bit securely with zero runout.

We're always on the lookout for easy battery changes, and this one qualifies, because it's easy to disengage and slides off without a struggle. It's a good choice for smaller hands, and not just for the easy battery removal: the whole drill weighs just 3.3 pounds and measures up at not quite 8 inches long. The grip is extremely comfortable and again, great for smaller hands. Balance is perfect, and we can imagine working overhead for hours with this drill without strain. It maneuvers perfectly into the tightest spots, places that beefy 18-volters just can't go.

The belt hook is a nice feature, with five angles to choose from: 0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 degrees. We like the bit set that comes with this package, too, and have found Hitachi bits to be reliable and durable over the long run. The flashlight also is a nice addition, and it runs off the same battery as the drill. The beam is powerful and the light stands independently, and you can't ask for more than that. Finally, Hitachi's got one of the best warranties, with 5-year coverage. This is a set you won't regret buying. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

What's in the Box
Drill/driver, flashlight, two batteries, quick charger, carrying case, bits

The Hitachi Story
Hitachi was founded in 1910 as an electrical machinery repair shop by Japanese entrepreneur Namihei Odaira. Since then, Hitachi has grown into a global company operating in industries ranging from tools to computing. The company's flagship office remains in Japan, but it has offices all over the world.

Hitachi's history in the power tools business really got started in 1948 with the launch of Hitachi Koki, an electric power tool manufacturing unit designed to meet Hitachi's growing industrial needs. Hitachi Koki pushed the envelope few key areas, most notably high-speed motor, precision machining, and electronic control technologies. In 1973, Hitachi Koki began exporting tools to markets worldwide.

Hitachi Koki's goal from the start was to eventually produce and sell all of its products locally. In 1980, it launched Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A to market tools in the United States (it didn't start producing tools in the U.S. until 1994). During the 80s, Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. built its reputation for quality on the success of its pneumatic framing nailer and sliding compound miter saws. At the same time, it poured resources into research and development in other areas, leading it to a number of firsts power tool technology. Hitachi pioneered the sliding compound miter saw, cordless impact driver, collated automatic screw driver, pneumatic concrete nailer, cordless screw driver, metal stud cutter, portable rebar cutter/bender, 10-minute rapid charger, 2.0, 2.2, and 2.4 Ah Ni-Cad batteries, 3.0 Ni-MH batteries, and the use of rare earth magnet motors in cordless tools.

Hitachi Power Tools U.S.A. was renamed Hitachi Koki U.S.A. in 1994 to denote the addition of manufacturing to the United States. Today, it sells more than 1000 models of electric power tools, focusing on compact/high out-put motor technology. The company has obtained recognition under the ISO 9000 series international standards for quality assurance. Hitachi Koki also received ISO 14001 certification for environmentally sound management.

DS12DVF3, 12V, Cordless, Drill, Has Been Designed To Meet The Need For A Compact, Lightweight Drill That Has The Power & Durability To Stand Up To Tough Jobs, With Features Such As A 2 Speed Transmission, 22 Position Clutch Setting, Comfortable Non Slip Grip, 5 Position Belt Hook & 1.4AH Batteries, Features Include: Compact & Lightweight, Only 7.75" In Length & 3.3 LBS, Class Leading 230 INLBS Of Torque To Power Through The Toughest Jobs, 1.4AH Batteries Allow For Longer Run Time & Fewer Battery Charges, 22 Stage Clutch For High Torque And/Or Precision Driving, Convenient 5 Position Belt Hook Features An Integrated Bit Holder, 2 Speed Transmission & Variable Speed Switch Allow For Ultimate Speed Control, Soft, Non Slip Elastomer Grip For Increased User Comfort.