I want to give a cordless drill driver as a present. Before buying the new tool I will do a cordless drill comparison to make sure the recipient gets a drill driver that meets his needs. I have been looking at cordless power tool combo kits and saw that one of the major differences in cordless drill drivers is the battery. I decided that the first part of my cordless drill comparison would be to take as look at what makes a lithium ion (Li-ion) battery different than a Nicad battery.
For this cordless drill comparison I decided that the chemical properties weren't important to me. What mattered was why an Li-ion battery may be better than a nicad battery. My drill comparison came up with 2 major reasons. Li-ion batteries weight is about half that of a nicad battery. In other words when you hold a 18 volt lithium ion powered cordless drill driver over your head you will notice a major difference in the weight over that of a 18 volt nicad drill driver.
Cordless Driver Drill
This cordless driver comparison showed that Lithium-ion batteries hold a charge a lot longer than a nicad battery. A fully charged Lithium-ion batteries can hold a charge for up to a year. My cordless driver comparison did clarify to me that when comparing drivers its important to compare cordless drivers with similar power. Power wise a 12 volt Nicad battery has the same power as a 12 volt Lithium ion battery and a 18 volt nicad battery has the same power as a 18 volt Li-ion battery. So don't expect the same torque found in a 18 volt nicad cordless drver from a new 12 volt li-ion cordless driver.
My drill comparison showed many drills are now listed as drill drivers instead of just a cordless drill. Cordless drivers have a clutch. The clutch controls the amount of torque applied. When the preset resistance has been reached It disengages the drill driver's drive shaft making a clicking sound. By setting the clutch correctly you won't strip a screw or overdrive it once it's snug. So its important to pay attention to the clutch settings so you are able to take advantage of clutch and not strip the screws. Also, part of my cordless driver comparison is also to check the number of clutch settings each drill driver has.
My cordless driver comparison also revealed that most cordless drill drivers have keyless chucks that are tightened by hand, no chuck key to loose. Keyless chucks are usually 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch. This drill comparison also revealed some consumer level cordless drill drivers have keyless chucks that only take quick connect bits. So since I'm buying the cordless driver as a gift I'm making sure what type of bits the recipient uses.
I concluded through this cordless drill comparison that the most important feature to consider is how the drill feels in your hand. Does the drill point straight ahead without tipping up or down? Is it too heavy working overhead? Since the drill I'm buying is a gift I'm checking return policies before I buy, especially if I'm buying online.
Besides helping me discover what cordless drill to buy as a gift, my cordless driver comparison helped me to better understand my tool. I now know how and why to use the clutch settings and am now taking the time to set it correctly.
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Makita LXFD01CW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit Feature
- 4-pole motor for 480 in./lbs. max torque; 2-speed transmission (0-400 / 0-1, 500 RPM)
- 7-9/16 inches long; weighs only 3.3 lbs.
- Built-in LED light illuminates work area
- Battery and charger produce 430% more total lifetime work, 2.5X more cycles
- 3-year warranty on tool; 1-year warranty on battery and charger
Makita LXFD01CW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill Kit Overview
The Makita LXFD01CW 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2-Inch Driver-Drill delivers power, performance, and improved ergonomics in a compact size. The LXFD01CW weighs only 3.3 pounds, and the 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion battery reaches a full charge in only 15 minutes on Makita's ENERGY STAR qualified Rapid Optimum Battery Charger for more work and less downtime. View larger | ||||
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The LXFD01CW features a Makita-built four-pole motor that delivers 480 inch-pounds of max torque and 290 inch-pounds PTI Torque, with an all-metal two-speed transmission (0-400/0-1,500 rpm) to cover a wide range of drilling and driving applications. At only 7-9/16 inches long and 3.3 pounds, the LXFD01CW has a compact and ergonomic design for reduced operator fatigue and a new rubberized soft grip for increased comfort on the job. The built-in LED light illuminates the job area for applications in low-light conditions and close quarters.
Versatile Design for a Range of Applications
The LXFD01CW is engineered for a range of drilling and driving applications and is ideal for HVAC, electrical, plumbing, remodeling, and woodworking. The combination of power and performance in a compact size makes the LXFD01CW ideal for any professional contractor who requires a best-in-class engineered compact cordless driver-drill. The LXFD01CW is another example of Makita's commitment to innovative technology and best-in-class engineering.
About Makita's 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Tool Series
As one of the pioneers driving the cordless tool revolution, Makita changed the game with its breakthrough 18-Volt LXT lithium-in cordless series. Five years after its debut, Makita's LXT series has grown from 7 to over 35 tools, providing a wide range of cordless solutions for professional tradesmen. Makita also added 18-volt compact lithium-ion for cordless power in a more compact size.
Makita's 18-volt lithium-ion batteries and ENERGY STAR rated Optimum Charging system provide several benefits over old battery technology. When compared to traditional 18-volt NiCad batteries, Makita's 18-volt lithium-ion batteries have 40 percent less weight, longer run time, and five-times lower self-discharge to keep cells active and ready to use at any time. Makita's 18-volt lithium-ion battery delivers 2,000 cycles--two-and-a-half times more than a NiCad battery. In addition, built-in shock-absorbing features help protect the battery, and sixteen firm-holding contact terminals deliver constant high power.
During the charging process, a built-in memory chip in the battery communicates with the Optimum Charger for a more efficient charge, extending the battery life. Makita's Optimum Charger is also fast: it will charge an 18-volt LXT lithium-ion battery in just 30 minutes and an 18-volt compact lithium-ion battery in only 15 minutes. Makita also offers a Rapid Automotive Charger for 18-volt LXT and 18-volt compact lithium-ion batteries that plugs into 12-volt DC sockets equipped in most automobiles and trucks for added mobility.
About Makita
Makita is a worldwide manufacturer of industrial-quality power tools and offers a wide range of industrial accessories. Makita applies leading-edge innovation to engineer power tools that are compact and energy efficient, yet deliver industrial-strength power and results. Makita U.S.A., Inc. is located in La Mirada, California, and operates an extensive distribution network located throughout the U.S. Makita is Best in Class Engineering.
Warranty
Every Makita lithium-ion tool is backed by Makita's 3-year warranty that covers repair due to defects in materials or workmanship up to three years from the date of original purchase. Makita lithium-ion batteries and chargers have a limited 1-year warranty.
What's in the Box
Makita LXFD01CW 18-volt compact lithium-ion cordless 1/2-inch driver-drill, two 18-volt compact lithium-ion batteries, 15-minute rapid optimum charger, tool belt clip, double-ended bit (Phillips and slotted), and tool case.
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