Milwaukee Electric believes it has addressed all of these concerns in the V28. On the one hand, the company says, users get power for doing heavy-duty jobs or cutting very hard materials. On the other hand, Sara says, it offers twice the run time of traditional 18-volt models yet weighs slightly less. The company says lithium-ion battery technology made it all possible.
Considered to be the superior technology available, lithium-ion will make many things possible, manufacturers agree, such as huge gains in run time, torque, and power. NiCd is still very good and will always be around, Sara says, but lithium-ion is the future.
For more product information, visit ebuild, Hanley Wood's interactive product catalog, at www.builderonline.com or www.ebuild.com.
GOOD DRIVERS: The XRP cordless hammer drill/drivers are a perfect blend of performance, run time, and durability enhancements, the manufacturer says. The 18-volt tool features 500 inch pounds of torque, a three-speed transmission, and a newly designed switch with larger contact pads for durability and reliability. The line includes 23 tools that use the same battery platform. DeWalt. 800-433-9258. www.dewalt.com.
SPIN CONTROL: Stressing ergonomics and ease of use, the WORX line of tools includes this circular saw with revolver fluid motion—a feature the company says allows users 60 degrees of rotation when cutting. It gives them the best possible drilling and cutting position without having to strain their wrists or arms, the company says. Featuring a die-cast magnesium foot plate and blade guards, the 18-volt tool weighs 9 ½ pounds and has 15 amps. Positec USA. 704-523-8811. www.positecindustrial.com.
POWER PLAY: The 0719 Sawzall reciprocating saw uses the new 28-volt lithium-ion battery pack that weighs less than an 18-volt yet delivers twice the run time, the manufacturer says. The tool has a variable speed trigger with two-speed range: 0-2000 strokes per minute (spm) for metal and other hard materials and 0-3000 spm for wood. A nonslip, soft-grip handle reduces vibration, the company says. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. 262-783-8311. www.milwaukeetool.com.
COOL IT: BLUECORE is a new NiCd battery technology that provides up to 50 percent more life, the company says. Because heat buildup is the main culprit in reduced battery life, the product integrates rods that absorb the heat and dissipate it to keep the battery cool. Completely compatible with the company's existing cordless tools, the new system is available for 9.6-, 12-, 14.4-, 18-, and 24-volt tools. Bosch Power Tools. 877-267-2499. www.boschtools.com.
PRO CIRCUIT: The Hitachi DV18DMR is a new 18-volt cordless hammer drill that delivers 550 inch pounds of torque. Designed for professionals, the unit has a two-piece, rare-earth magnet motor for reliable power and an air circulation feature that cools the motor and helps to protect the drill from overload, the company says. It comes with two NiMH batteries that offer 50 percent longer run time between charges, the manufacturer adds. Hitachi Power Tools. 800-829-4752. www.hitachipowertools.com.