Popular Woodworking 2001-10 № 124, страница 11

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Recommends

occasional user

' Hitachi FDS12DVA , Hitachi has the market cornered when it comes to bargain drills that perform. Though it doesn't produce the same amount of torque as more expensive models, you'll hardly notice.

' Ryobi HP1802MK2, If you want to save a few dollars, then check out this drill/driver, which has the heft, feel and features of a more expensive drill — without the price tag.

bits. In high speed, the rpms are increased, but with less torque. This is best for small diameter drill bits.

Clutches

Another finesse feature is the clutch, something available on only a few corded drills. The clutch allows you to disengage the motor when a certain amount of resistance is met. Why is this important? You can set the clutch to sink screws perfectly flush and then disengage the motor (it makes a clicking sound when it does this). The clutch also keeps you from ripping the head off that solid brass screw. Clutch settings range from none to 24, but we tend to think six or more settings is plenty for most work.

Chucks

Chucks on drills appear very similar, but closer inspection will show some important differences. To start, a maximum ³/sⁿ jaw opening is standard on many drills under 14.4 volt size. If you use bits with large shafts, buy a drill with a V2" chuck. Next, check the construction of the chuck. They can be mostly plastic with metal jaws, half metal and half plastic, or all metal. In most cases the half-and-half chuck is sufficient, but for more durability, an all-metal chuck is best. Finally, take a look at the jaws themselves. Do they close to allow no

opening whatsoever, or do they close with a small gap? The jaws should close to hold at least a ¹/16" drill bit.

One feature we recommend is a keyless chuck. Nearly universal on cordless drills, the keyless chuck makes changing from bit to driver a toolless job. Keyless chucks are now available in two-sleeve or single-sleeve designs. The two-sleeve variant requires both hands to loosen or tighten the chuck. Single-sleeve mechanisms allow one-handed operation. A built-in shaft lock provides the opposing force. One application where we usually recommend a keyed chuck over the keyless variety is when using hole saws, auger bits and other larger tooling. A keyed chuck allows you to close the jaws more tightly on a bit, reducing the chance of slippage. However, keyless chucks are beginning to close this gap, too.

One other feature worthy of comment is an electronic brake. While hardly a deal-breaker if not provided, a brake can speed up your work because you don't have to wait for the bit to spin down after each hole.

Chargers

Finally, a quick word about chargers. The industry standard is a one-hour charger, which for most applications is quick enough. Fifteen-minute chargers are available as an

serious home woodworker, advanced woodworker & professional user

' Metabo BST12 Impuls, This drill is definitely worth seeking out. It is decidedly a heavy-duty drill with an added feature no other drill has: a pulsing feature. This feature, which you can switch off, makes it easier to sink screws in difficult woods and remove stuck screws.

• Porter-Cable 9866, Porter-Cable's drill/drivers get better each year, and this one is priced to compete with anything out there. This is a shop favorite.

• Milwaukee 0501-23, Pros know that Milwaukee makes drills that are designed to take a beating. Pick one up, and you may never go back.

' Makita 6216DWBE, Makita excels at designing cordless tools, and its top-of-the-line 12-volt cordless drill is designed to run all day, everyday.

' Panasonic EY6407NQKW, Panasonic drills enjoy almost a cult-like following. These are tough and reliable drills.

These tools have been tested or used by

the editors of Popular Woodworking

and have earned their recommendation.