2007 Cordless Drill/Drivers

Tester Comments
This tool was disappointing in the power department. It felt a little heavy and the grip was too fat. It has an odd onboard bit holder that only fits a magnetic bit extension. It provides some bit slots in the case.

Price
$290

Contact
Bosch
877-267-2499
www.boschtools.com

Tester Comments
This tool is a true winner. Its super power and the highest rpm of the group in all three speeds really set the pace. Plus, it was the most comfortable. It includes nice extra-long bit storage on the tool that even fits pilot bits. The case was well thought out with plenty of room for bits and accessories.

Price
$299

Contact
DeWalt Industrial Tool
800-433-9258
www.dewalt.com

Tester Comments
This was a generally disappointing performer, with poor ergonomics and no real bells or whistles. It came with a depth-stop rod for hammerdrilling. It had mid-line results in the power test, but had an awkward feel. It lacks a bit holder on the tool and extra storage space in the case.

Price
$167

Contact
Fein Power Tools
800-441-9878
www.feinus.com

Tester Comments
One of the two non-hammerdrill tools, it seemed a bit outclassed in this test, although it is the lowest voltage and the smallest model. Unique chuck options add versatility and really set it apart, but it seems better suited for life in the shop building cabinets. Festool makes a superior tool with a great case.

Price
$408

Contact
Festool
888-337-8600
www.festoolusa.com

Tester Comments
Our crew felt this was a passable tool, but really more of a DIY model. It’s sold as a tool only, but the price reflects tool, charger, and two batteries, which are available separately. We tested its higher-amp-hour batteries, but overall the tool performed at the lower end of our test. It has decent onboard bit storage.

Price
$175 (as tested)

Contact
Firestorm by Black & Decker
800-544-6986
www.firestormtools.com

Tester Comments
This was a very good tool that performed near the top of the power test. Three speeds add utility. We wish there was a place to store bits on the tool, and the loose inner tray in the case causes bits to get lost easily and makes for messy storage. This is a top-quality tool, but not the best performer.

Price
$439

Contact
Hilti
800-879-8000
www.us.hilti.com

Tester Comments
A top performer and one of the lightest and most comfortable. The tool and the charger accept LI, NiMH, and nicad batteries. It has a nice belt hook/light. It has an interesting trigger limiting switch, but we didn’t find it useful. The tool has adequate onboard bit storage and a giant compartment for bits in the case.

Price
$299

Contact
Hitachi Power Tools
800-829-4752
www.hitachipowertools.com

Tester Comments
This lightweight powerhouse really shined. Its three-speed design allows high torque for heavy work. Dual headlights are handy. It has a reversible belt hook and long bit holders on the base. The case is well laid out, with a large divided storage bin built in. It also included a depth-stop rod for hammerdrilling.

Price
$299

Contact
Makita
800-462-5482
www.makita.com

Tester Comments
This heavy tool was a low performer across the board. The forward/reverse switch was difficult to use one-handed. There is limited onboard bit storage and no decent place for bits in the case. The tool has a pulse feature that mimics a slow impact driver to help with stripped screw heads, but we rarely needed it.

Price
$369

Contact
Metabo
800-638-2264
www.metabousa.com

Tester Comments
A great performer, this tool was among the best in balance and comfort, and it placed third in the power test. The tool and charger work with both LI and nicad batteries. Its reversible battery positioning feature improves balance and accessibility. The fuel gauge on the batteries is especially helpful. Long bits can be stored on board and the case has a secure, dedicated storage locker.

Price
$329

Contact
Milwaukee Electric Tool
800-729-3878
www.milwaukeetool.com

Tester Comments
This is a decent tool with a few neat features, including a battery fuel gauge and a small, built-in bubble level. But it’s no comfort or performance winner. Its power was unacceptably low in our test. It has nice onboard bit storage, but no available storage in the case. It comes with a depth stop rod for hammerdrilling.

Price
$249

Contact
Moty-Ko Professional Power Tools
317-322-5265
www.motyko.com

Tester Comments
This was an awkward tool; it’s not too heavy, but the battery made it feel out of balance. It performed in the middle of the power test, but it just didn’t win raves from anyone. There’s no bit storage on the tool, but there is a great shelf built into the case.

Price
$299

Contact
Panasonic
800-338-0552
www.panasonic.com

Tester Comments
A good tool with a good feel. It scored high marks for comfort but low marks in the power test. It comes with interchangeable grip inserts. Two bits store on the tool and the case was well thought out with a secure locker for bits and screws. We were a little disappointed that the larger 19.2-volt battery didn’t deliver more in the power test, but it was capable enough for most work.

Price
$239

Contact
Porter-Cable
888-848-5175
www.porter-cable.com

Tester Comments
This was the heaviest tool. And though it had decent balance and power, it didn’t really test well, and the chuck gave us problems. The carrying case is a duffel bag, a detail everybody loved; it provided great storage space. One bit will fit on the base of the tool itself. A decent tool with good power, but needs to lose a half a pound and gain more comfort to catch up to the competition.

Price
$249

Contact
Ridgid
www.ridgid.com

Tester Comments
The other non-hammerdrill in the test, it wasn’t really up to most of the challenges. Its inability to perform in the power test placed it at the low end of the competition. Overall it seemed like an inexpensive model intended for DIY use. Some features we liked included its magnetic pad for screws and bits and the fact that it’s one of the lightest tools. The case has a small bit storage area.

Price
$90 (P811 kit w/light)

Contact
Ryobi
800-525-2579
www.ryobitools.com