A cordless drill is essential for anyone who enjoys woodworking, masonry, home improvement, or any other hands-on construction activities. This wonderful tool allows you convenience and mobility that is difficult to attain in a traditional corded model because there is no need for finding a close outlet or maneuvering around a heavy extension cord. There are thousands of models of cordless drills on the market today in prices ranging from well below 0 to more than ,000. How can you choose the cordless drill that is best suited for you? Selecting the perfect cordless drill can be easily accomplished by looking at a few important factors.
First you should evaluate your needs. Think of the conditions and durations for which you intend to use it. If you will only be using it for small, everyday activities, you hardly need a ,200 professional drill. Alternatively, if you plan to do massive projects or heavy-duty drilling, you may prefer a higher-end drill that has additional features such as a ½" chuck as opposed to the traditional 3/8" chuck. Also decide if you need a keyed or keyless chuck. A keyless chuck makes it faster and easier to change bits but a keyed chuck can be more secure for heavy jobs.
Cordless Drill Driver
Another thing to consider when choosing a cordless drill is the battery type and size. The newer Nickel-Metal-Hydride batteries are smaller and last longer than the Nickel-Cadmium batteries. If you only intend to use your drill occasionally for small jobs, the minimum recommended power is 9.6v. You may want to stay with 12v and above, however, if you will be doing larger jobs. Often, drills in the 14.4v to 18v range can be found for under 0 and provide a better value for the dollar than smaller drills. It is important to remember that more voltage means a higher drill weight, something to consider if you will be holding it for very long periods of time.
Once you have a basic idea of the type of cordless drill you are looking for, make a trip to your local home improvement store and try out several models for performance and function. Don't overlook things like padded or rubber grips. These seemingly unimportant features can make a big difference after holding the drill all day. While testing models, check for clutch change settings. The perfect setting for you depends on your strength and hand size. More available clutch setting choices give you more control over the speed of the drill.
After you have narrowed your choices down a bit, check the cost of replacement batteries. If you are buying a cordless drill to last, you don't want to find out later that the replacement batteries cost as much as a new drill. Also find out the life expectancy of the included batteries. You may find a slightly more expensive drill is a better value than a cheaper model once battery life and cost is added into the equation.
By taking the time to do your research and test several options, you can be assured that you will find a cordless drill that you will be happy with long-term. So do some testing, compare some options and prices, and pick your perfect drill. You will be checking items off of your to-do list in no time.
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Bosch 36618-02 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with 2 Slim Batteries Feature
- New compact, tough design for increased maneuverability and less user fatigue
- Features 0-500/0-1,600 RPM and 500 inch-pounds of torque
- 20-position clutch settings for precise driving applications
- State-of-the-art lithium-ion battery technology coupled with ECP system guarantees the optimal performance of tool and batteries
- LED light is great for dark or enclosed areas
Bosch 36618-02 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with 2 Slim Batteries Overview
New Bosch compact tough drills are built to be faster, run longer and be more durable than the competition. 1/2-inch chuck capacity with 20 clutch Settings.Bosch 36618-02 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with 2 Slim Batteries Specifications
Built tough, the Bosch 36618-02 18-Volt 1/2-Inch Compact-Tough Litheon Drill/Driver with Two Slim Pack Batteries is a durable, powerful, and compact tool for high-quality results. Featuring Durashield housing to guard against wear and tear, the 36618-02 utilizes an 18-volt Litheon battery, which provides 35% more runtime and two times the recharge cycles of its competitors.
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 Pictured with a Fat Pack battery. Even though this tool comes with 2 Slim Packs, you can purchase a Fat Pack separately and get more run time--2.6 Ah vs. 1.3 Ah with the Slim Pack. No other company provides this option. View larger. |
The 36618-02 utilizes state-of-art lithium-ion battery technology and Bosch's proprietary ECP (Electronic Cell Protection) system to provide maximum cycle life, minimum self-discharge, and no memory-effect. Best of all, Litheon batteries will fully charge in 30 minutes and will be at 85% capacity in just 15 minutes.
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 Handle grip with finger support provides maximum control. View larger. |
Unique, Flexible Power System
Like all tools in Bosch's 18-Volt line, this drill/driver can be used with either a 1.3-Ah BAT609 Slim Pack battery (two included) or a 2.6-Ah BAT318 Fat Pack. If you're looking for a lighter-weight option, the Slim Pack is the perfect choice. If longer runtime is what you need, the Fat Pack will do the job. Bosch is the only power tool manufacturer that provides this option.
Fast Speeds, High Torque, and Durable Construction for Reliable Results
The 36618-02 works at speeds up to 1,600 RPM and provides 500 in./lbs. of torque. Durashield housing, unibody construction, and a steel-reinforced collar help you withstand real-world conditions, like temperature extremes, rain, dirt, debris, and drops.
The 36618-02's Durashield Housing is constructed with ABS/Nylon composite, which makes the housing flexible and impenetrable. Unlike competitive tools, which use a conventional plastic housing, Durashield will not crack and can easily withstand 10-foot drops.
This tool also features unique unibody construction with three steel straps that keep the motor, gears, and clutch together. This ensures that the gears never separate from the motor, and it keeps the drill functioning even after drops.
Additionally, the 36618-02 boasts an exclusive steel-reinforced collar that protects the nose of the drill. It provides extra reinforcement in the event of drops on the chuck and prevents the chuck from bending or breaking off.
Easy Bit Changes and Balanced Design for Utmost Control
The 36618-02 comes complete with a single-sleeve 1/2-inch chuck for one-handed bit changes, as well as increased drill-bit capacity for versatility. And for maximum control, comfort, and balance, the tool boasts a newly designed handle-grip with finger support.
Smart Features for Easy Use
20 clutch settings and a variable-speed trigger help you match the best speed to the job, so you can achieve precise results. At the same time, the 36618-02's ergonomic design provides optimum comfort and control. And for even greater convenience, LEDs provide illumination when you are working in dark or enclosed areas.
ProVantage Guarantee
The 36618-02 comes with the ProVantage three-year protection plan, which guarantees two years of battery protection and one year of tool protection. Under this plan, you can receive two years of free battery replacements, tool replacement for one year, and a free tool repair package for the second and third years.
What's in the Box
Drill/driver; two Litheon Slim Packs; 30-minute charger; double-ended bit; and carrying case.
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| 18V Lithium Ion Family of Tools | ||||
| For more information, click on the images below | ||||
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