Hitachi DB10DL cordless screwdriver

Need a lightweight, compact easy-to-use cordless screwdriver/drill? Take a look at the Hitachi DB10DL 10.8-volt lithium-ion-powered tool.

The DB10DL doesn't match full-sized cordless drills, but it offers greater speed and power than other mini-screwdrivers we recently tested for our upcoming November 2008 report.

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: Lithium-Ion Tools Move Into the Mainstream

It wasn’t all that long ago that you had to pay a premium for cordless tools with lighter, longer-life lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. But during my visits to the booths of several big tool manufacturers at the International Builders’ Show, I noticed that several big companies are now offering higher-tech Li-Ion cells for less.

Much of the action is happening with lower-volt batteries. Ryobi’s new 12-volt Li-Ion drill-driver ($79) weighs less than 2 pounds and comes with some big claims: Its battery is 30 percent smaller, 33 percent lighter, and offers four times more recharge cycles than the company’s 12-volt NiCad cell, says the manufacturer of this Home Depot exclusive. Ryobi is also offering a new 18-volt Li-Ion four-piece cordless kit (shown), with a drill, circular and reciprocating saws, flashlight, two batteries, and charger ($179). The battery fits Ryobi’s earlier One+ NiCad tools. You can also buy an 18-volt battery and one-hour charger alone for $99 to upgrade earlier Ryobi NiCad tools.

Ridgid’s 12-volt Li-Ion drill-driver joins the company’s other lithium-powered tools debuting this spring. A major talking point for the $129 drill is that you get free replacement batteries, parts, and service for as long as you own the drill. This tool features 30-minute recharging instead of the typical hour or more. Also new from Ridgid is a four-piece kit with an 18-volt hammer drill, reciprocating and circular saws, and impact driver ($499). Ridgid tools are sold at Home Depot.

The new Li-Ion battery on the new Craftsman (Sears) 16-volt drill ($119 with a flashlight) features inline cells for flatness and, like other Li-Ion batteries, has built-in protection against overheating and overcharging. A cushioned chuck is another perk. If you’re too tough for a “homeowner” drill, check out Craftsman’s two new Professional Li-Ion-ion drills with beefier, all-cast-aluminum gearboxes. The 12-volt drill runs $180; the 16-volt version (shown), $200. Both kits include a charger, second battery, and utility bag.—Bob Markovich

Essential information: Read our latest report on cordless drills to find the right tool for your workshop. For more information on cordless tools, click here. And see how we test cordless drills in our new video hub. Click on Home & Garden and scroll down to Cordless Drill Testing.

International Builders’ Show Product Preview: DeWalt Nano Technology Cordless Tools

Nanotechnology refers to the control of matter sized as small as a nanometer—a billionth of a meter. But DeWalt hopes its new Nano Technology 18-volt DC927KL hammer drill and DC827KL impact driver will be a big hit on the shelves.

DeWalt’s nano-phosphate lithium-ion battery boosts power for its weight as well as life—2,000 recharge cycles, claims the manufacturer. The 18-volt cell fits every other 18-volt tool DeWalt has made since 1996, and the charger also works on the company’s earlier 18-volt or lower batteries.

The hammer drill costs $369, while the higher-torque for impact driver runs $349; each comes with two batteries and charger. Four- and six-tool 18-volt kits are also due this spring, and DeWalt also sells 28- and 36-volt Nano tools.

Our recent report on cordless drills found DeWalt’s 36-volt drill, $450, capable but pricier than several models that outscored it overall. We’ll see how the 18-volt Nano fares in our future tests.—Robert Markovich

Recent home-product-related CPSC recalls

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced these home-related product recalls. Click on each item for detailed information from the CPSC.

To learn how to stay informed about product recalls, read “CPSC steps out with million-consumer march.” And be sure to subscribe to the Consumer Reports Safety blog for the latest on product-safety news. See all recent product recalls here.

Recall of 346,000 DeWalt cordless drills due to fire hazard (shown)

Recall of 50,000 North American Breaker Co. counterfeit circuit breakers due to fire hazard

Recall of 43,000 Lenox covered warmer dishes due to fire and burn hazards

Recall of 38,250 Manttra Inc. pressure cookers due to burn hazard (shown)

Recall of 8,500 Intermatic digital timers due to shock hazard

Recall of 90,000 L G Sourcing, Inc. incandescent torchère lamps due to fire hazard

Recall of 6,300 A.O. Smith exhaust fan electric motors due to fire hazard

Recall of 1,300 Wick & Petal Co. jar candles due to fire hazard

Recall of 185,000 Pottery Barn round and egg-shaped decorative Candles due to fire hazard

Tip of the day: Cordless tool kits might be a good buy

In selecting cordless drills and other power tools to test, we commonly include products that are sold as part of a multitool kit as well as individual items. Kits from companies like Craftsman, DeWalt, Ryobi (shown), and many others usually  include at least two batteries and a charger, a cordless drill, a circular and a reciprocating saw, and a flashlight. They typically cost as little as half the price you’d pay for all the gear à la carte and come in a spiffy case that neatly carries all the tools.

There's something cool about having a set of matching tools. For some of us, a kit transports us back to our youth when we toted around a carrying case for Matchbox cars. For others, a kit fulfills the desire to have a sharp-looking matching set on the shelves in the workshop or garage . . . and to make the neighbors envious. Plus, similar-looking tools might make it easier to ID and retrieve long-lost borrowed items.

Practical advantages exist, too. New lithium-ion batteries available for Ryobi’s One+ tools fit earlier NiCd-powered versions from the company. (Note that some manufacturers sell individual tools without the battery and charger. If you already own other tools from the same company, you might be able to save a few dollars by buying just a drill or a saw, for instance.) Another benefit to a kit is that if you end up needing a specific tool for a job, you’ve got it with you.

But you know the drill . . . some makers seem to add tools to bundled sets that might not otherwise be a success on their own. And while cordless technology is getting better, not every power tool is meant for liberation from the cord. A cordless circular saw is best for light-duty trim work, while you’ll want to use a corded saw for serious work.

Whether you’re buying a cordless kit for yourself or as a holiday present, keep these tips in mind:

Focus on the tools you need. You’ll use the drill most frequently, so make sure that your kits has one that performs well; see our Ratings of cordless drills (available to subscribers) to find a high-scoring model. The tool you’ll likely pull out second most is the circular saw; note that with their limited battery power, circular saws are most useful for  cutting a few 2x4s or ripping a sheet of plywood but not for big jobs like building a deck. You might consider the flashlight to be just a way to fill out a kit, but a portable light can come in handy when you’re working under a sink or in a dark area. Most have a flexible head that let you focus the light where you need it. Soft-fabric carry bags are growing in popularity because they eliminate your having to position the tool in its correct slot each time you put it away. They also have pockets for various bits, blades, and screws.

Handle each tool to judge how it feels. Lighter-duty tools might suffice if you use them occasionally or if you have low arm and wrist strength.

Compare prices. If the tools you need or want cost more when sold separately than in a kit that includes other gear, buy the kit. You never know when you’ll need a recip saw.—Ed Perratore

Essential information: Visit our Tools & Power Equipment page for more information on a range of tools and gear, including chain saws and wet/dry vacs.