Q&A: Should I buy a lithium-ion-powered cordless drill?

I’m considering finally replacing my trusty corded drill with a new cordless model. Does it pay to spend more for a lithium-ion tool?

We’ve seen more makers of cordless drills and cordless tool kits abandoning nickel-cadmium batteries for lithium-ion, or Li-Ion, cells, which promise lighter weight and/or longer run times. How you plan on using the tool would play a critical role in that decision. If you’re an infrequent, light-duty user, it probably wouldn’t make sense to pay a premium for a Li-Ion-powered drill. If you use the tool frequently for heavy-duty tasks, it might make sense to buy a Li-Ion drill.

But our latest tests, in the November 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, reveal that you might need to follow different charging and use patterns with Li-Ion batteries; otherwise they might not last as long as you’d expect. What’s more, Li-Ion replacement batteries are more expensive than the nickel-cadmium ones and can cost more than $100 apiece.

Read our new review of cordless tools to drill down to the details on lithium-ion tools, use our buying advice to find the right model, and use our tips for better drilling.

Essential information: Watch our exclusive videos on cordless tools, including pieces on how we test drills (right), basic shopping advice, and a tool kit with a problematic saw.