The indispensable cordless tools, how did we
ever get along without them? If your cordless
tools are more than a few years old maybe it is
time to take a look at the new breed of tools
available.

The most noticeable advancements have been
in the battery life, charging time, ergonomics,
and torque. If your cordless tools are more than
a few years old, maybe you should consider
taking a look at what's new in the market. Over
the years it's been my experience that when it
comes to cordless tools, you actually get what
you pay for! This does not mean you need to
purchase the most expensive tool on the shelf.

So maybe you have decided to take a look for
yourself? There are many factors to consider
when it comes to cordless tools. Will it be used
all day long or only once in a blue moon? If you
are a homeowner and only use cordless tools
around the house for minor projects and repairs,
there is no need to buy the top of the line tools.
However as I stated before you actually get what
you pay for, with this in mind I would strongly
recommend staying away from the cheaper tools.

Let's just pretend you are driving past the local
Mega-lumber/roofing/tool store when you
suddenly remember you have been wanting to
stop in and check out a new cordless drill. You
arrive in the tool aisle and you see a 25 ft. long
shelf, three levels deep, with nothing but
cordless drills. Aqua blue, black, bright orange,
light green, putrid green, red, yellow, amongst
others which I can not identify. Where does a
person start?

Here are a few ideas to help get you started. Ask
your dad, brother, brother-in-law, co-worker,
father-in-law, or local handyman. Still do not
have an answer, then please read on.

Battery strength is one of the most important
factors when choosing any cordless tool. Be
wary when evaluating battery strength, higher
voltage batteries are not always the best. The
type of battery plays a big factor in how the drill
will perform over a period of time Nick-Cad
(Good), Lithium-Ion (Best). Amp/hr is where the
cheaper tools fall on their face 1.4 (bad) 2.4
(good).

Chuck size is another factor in determining the
purchase of a cordless drill. For the average
homeowner a 3/8" should be fine, however for
heavier work a 1/2" drill should be considered.

Torque means how hard can the drill twist, the
higher the better.
Great Books


How to Choose the Best Cordless Tools in
Todays Crowded Marketplace
Weight of the drill can actually give you a good idea of how well its built, after all, steel gears are heavier
than plastic ones.

Color can also tell you quite a bit about a drill, specifically, where it is manufactured. Aqua blue
(Switzerland), red (Czech), yellow (Mexico), and sometimes the name will even give it away, Nissan etc.

Aqua blue is my color of choice. I realize there is no comparison between a watch and a cordless drill,
but by the same token, there is no comparison between a Swiss watch and a Chinese watch either.

I purchased a cordless tool combo-kit of the 18-volt aqua blue variety in the late summer of 2006. The
bag contained a quick 30 minute charger, two 2.4 amp/hr batteries, sawzall, circular saw, flashlight, drill,
and a jigsaw. I took it home and fully charged the batteries as the manufacturer recommended. Within a
couple of days I had to drive approximately 1,500 3" screws in treated lumber. My new aqua blue drill
performed this task with room to spare, something that would have sucked the blood out of my yellow
drill. As of this writing I have no complaints about my aqua blue tools, and would recommend them to
everyone.

As far as I know there are no longer any cordless tools manufactured in America and until such a time
my hat is off to the Swiss and aqua blue! More information is available on my website.
http://www.constructiontoolstore.com
About The Author
Rickie Bell of this article has 28 years experience working in the highly competitive housing
market of the west and southwest suburbs of Chicago as a carpenter. His job titles have
included Master Roof Cutter, Apprentice, and everything in between. Most of his experience is
in the high end custom home marketplace, including all aspects of fine homebuilding. For
more information go to my website.