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Cordless Drills Buying Guide

Capable of any drilling or fastening chore, cordless drills just might be the ultimate home appliance. Unfettered by a cord and untethered to the nearest outlet, cordless drill/drivers are also fast, convenient, and just plain cool. They drill, they screw, and with the right accessories, they sand and polish. Why carefully pound a nail when you can draw your drill/driver and drive it in? If you want pure power in the palm of your hand, then it's time for a cordless drill/driver.

Drill/drivers are priced by brand and power output. While a tool boasting "high voltage" or "total torque" may appeal to your Tim Taylor sensibilities, there's no need to buy a Hummer when a Jeep suits your needs. With prices ranging from $80 to $600, your budget will benefit from your careful consideration of the following features.

Torque Rating

Measured in inch-pounds, a drill/driver's torque rating tells you the maximum amount of turning force a drill exerts. How much torque do you need? For basic household fixes, a drill with at least 40 inch-pounds of torque will get most jobs done. High-end drills have over 400 inch-pounds of torque, as well as adjustable clutches with up to 20 torque settings. Shifting into lower gears for tough jobs and higher gears for lightweight tasks gives you greater control over screw depth.

Battery Power

A bigger battery doesn't necessarily mean a drill will run longer. A 9.6-volt battery may run just as long on one cycle as a 14.4-volt battery, but the higher voltage battery will perform more work during that same time span. Because drills with higher voltage generally run at higher revolutions per minute, you get more revolutions on each battery charge, which equals more holes drilled or screws tightened.

Which Battery?

Thanks to improved battery technology, rechargeable cells are now pushing past 18 volts, but with increased battery size comes increased weight. Before purchasing a high-capacity battery, ask yourself if it's worth the additional weight. Unless you're using it professionally, a 9.6-volt drill will be adequate for almost any job around your house. Even with 18 volts available, many contractors prefer to alternate between two 14.4-volt batteries on the job site, keeping one on the charger at all times.

Electric Brakes

Save time on the job with an electric brake. Most drills are equipped with this feature, which brings the chuck to a stop as soon as you release the trigger. When hanging a sheet of drywall you don't want to wait for the chuck to stop spinning between every screw.

Keyless Chucks

Buy a drill with a keyless chuck. You'll find it easier to change bits, and there's no chance of losing the key. Don't worry about performance--the latest keyless chuck drills have just as much grip as the old keyed version.

Buying guide provided by Amazon.com