How to choose a cordless drill.

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    Cordless drills are everywhere these days and are one of the most handy power tools you can own. The large selection can be mind numbing and confusing. The main feature is there is no power cord and you can take them anywhere. No cord to get tangled up and you don’t have to hunt for a power outlet. But, cordless drills offer so much more than just portability. Most have features that only the most expensive corded drills have.
    One of the best features is the adjustable clutch mechanism. It is a ring just behind the chuck with indexed marks to display the selected torque setting. This great feature allows the cordless drill to be used a fastener as well as driving in screws into tough wood. All you need to do is dial the torque to a low setting and you safely drive screws into plastic without damaging it or crank the setting up to drive a heavy wood screw into that thick plank of wood. They are very versatile.
    Cordless drills generally have variable-speed control on the trigger. The tighter you squeeze the more power you get or it will allow you to start a screw slowly and speed it up. Another convenience is the keyless chuck. With a simple twist of the hand, you can quickly change out a bit. No more hunting around for the little key that came attached to the power cord that is now long gone.
    Cordless drills come in a variety of battery sizes and this is where most people get confused. The batteries generally range from 7.2 volts all the way to a whopping 24 volts. If you are a homeowner doing light duty drilling and fastening screws, 7.2 volt will work just fine. The advantage to a 7.2 volt is they are much lighter and easier to handle. Most do it yourselfers will opt for 12 or 14.4 volt. They are a good middle of the road choice. They still pack some power and are a light enough to carry. If you are a professional contractor and work in a variety of applications, 24 volt cordless drill is for you. They have the most power available and can handle just about anything you can throw at them.