What is the Best Cordless Drill under $100?
These days, there more different drill battery voltages and types than ever before, making life really confusing for the drill buyer to today. Whether it is 7.2, 12v, 18v, 20v or 24v, how do you know which battery voltage is right for you? Add on top of that whether to buy Ni-CAD, Ni-MH or Lithium based batteries, and it's sufficient to make your head spin!
Voltage
You probably don't need the highest voltage drill out there. In fact, unless you are a professional, stick with a good 12v or 18v drill, and you'll be great. Skip into the next paragraph if you're a homeowner or hobbyist.
However, if you do work your tools hard, a higher voltage cordless drill is going to offer you the power you need to do tougher jobs, such as drilling through hard and thick materials and sinking 3" deck screws. If you try to do these tasks with a lower-voltage drill, you'll really be disappointed in your results. Consider getting a little 12v drill for around the house repairs, and then buying one of the big guns for the heavy work!
Battery Types
Drill batteries can be found in 3 types- Ni-CAD, Ni-MH, and Lithium Ion based batteries. They each have their positives and negatives, so it's important to evaluate your circumstance before choosing wisely! You could literally spend all day researching and learning the differences between battery types, but instead, I'll just simply it for you.
Ni-CAD batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable battery that is still on the market today. Though they can develop memory problems and die prematurely, they are still the best battery in extreme cold or hot weather. Because of this Dewalt XRP tools and otheres still use these batteries to this day.
Ni-MH batteries boost the technology of Ni-CAD cells by reducing the memory effect and increasing size. Ni-MH batteries tend to have a longer life before they are useless, but they are weakened by cold and heat. I can tell you from experience that they will don't stand a chance below 30 degrees.
Lithium Ion batteries are the newest kids on the street, and they promise higher performance and no memory effect. However, it's important to know that they won't last as long before they are useless, and they carry a higher cost. Still, they are a developing type of battery, and there's a lot of hope for their future!
Voltage
You probably don't need the highest voltage drill out there. In fact, unless you are a professional, stick with a good 12v or 18v drill, and you'll be great. Skip into the next paragraph if you're a homeowner or hobbyist.
However, if you do work your tools hard, a higher voltage cordless drill is going to offer you the power you need to do tougher jobs, such as drilling through hard and thick materials and sinking 3" deck screws. If you try to do these tasks with a lower-voltage drill, you'll really be disappointed in your results. Consider getting a little 12v drill for around the house repairs, and then buying one of the big guns for the heavy work!
Battery Types
Drill batteries can be found in 3 types- Ni-CAD, Ni-MH, and Lithium Ion based batteries. They each have their positives and negatives, so it's important to evaluate your circumstance before choosing wisely! You could literally spend all day researching and learning the differences between battery types, but instead, I'll just simply it for you.
Ni-CAD batteries are the oldest type of rechargeable battery that is still on the market today. Though they can develop memory problems and die prematurely, they are still the best battery in extreme cold or hot weather. Because of this Dewalt XRP tools and otheres still use these batteries to this day.
Ni-MH batteries boost the technology of Ni-CAD cells by reducing the memory effect and increasing size. Ni-MH batteries tend to have a longer life before they are useless, but they are weakened by cold and heat. I can tell you from experience that they will don't stand a chance below 30 degrees.
Lithium Ion batteries are the newest kids on the street, and they promise higher performance and no memory effect. However, it's important to know that they won't last as long before they are useless, and they carry a higher cost. Still, they are a developing type of battery, and there's a lot of hope for their future!