A cordless drill or cordless-tool kit is an ideal holiday gift for the DIYer in your life. Before you head out to buy a drill, check out our buyer's guide to cordless drills and kits (ratings, which include models from Black & Decker, Bosch, Craftsman, DeWalt, Hitachi, Makita, Milwaukee, Panasonic, Ryobi, and Skil, are available to subscribers) and keep these tips in mind as you shop:
1. In the tests for our latest report on cordless drills (watch our testing video, right), many drills powered by nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries, such as the Porter-Cable PC-180DK-2 and the Hitachi DS12DVF3, worked as well as more-expensive drills with lithium-ion batteries. Note that Li-Ion-powered drills tend to be lighter.
2. Many of our top-rated drills outperformed rivals with higher-voltage batteries. If you need a drill for heavier-duty work, consider the Hitachi DS18DMR, Bosch 33618-2G, Makita 6347DWDE, and DeWalt DCD 920KX, all of which cost around $200.
3. A drill with a 1/2-inch chuck instead of a 3/8-inch chuck will accept larger bits and more attachments for tasks like mixing paint, grout , or concrete and snaking out a clogged drain. (Apparently you can also mix drinks with your cordless drill.) Note: If you're eyeing an Awesome Auger, be sure to factor in the shipping and handling charges.
4. An extra battery can be handy, so look for models that come with a second battery or buy a backup. Also consider getting a cordless kit for active DIYers. The Porter-Cable PC418C-2 cordless-tool kit adds capable circular and reciprocating saws and a work light for about $60 more than the price of the Porter-Cable PC-180DK-2 drill alone.
5. Our past tests of cordless screwdrivers revealed them to be weaker and less versatile than cordless drills, so you might want to avoid buying one as a stocking stuffer.—Gian Trotta | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook
Essential information: Stay on top of the latest holiday-shopping news by reading Tightwad Tod on our Money blog and checking out the Holiday Shopping Guide.
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