The rotary action of this tool comfortably, and safely, trims your pets nails. 6,000/12,000 RPM, 6 volts of power. Two speeds for light duty precision jobs. Operates on 4 AA batteries (not included). Includes Dremel unit, one 1/4 in. sanding drum, and four 1/4 in. coarse (60-grit) sanding sleeves

It's a rare human who actually enjoys clipping a dog's nails; and rarer still, the dog who enjoys it. Enter Dremel's cordless groomer, a quiet, battery-powered rotary tool that gently grinds down your pet's nails without cutting.

We happen to know a particular hound named Sophie who's endured more than her share of cracked nails and bleeding nail beds, the result of the standard guillotine-type nail trimmers. Though she was a bit wary of the Dremel, she sniffed at it and decided it was harmless. Then we set it on the floor and turned it on.

Sophie seemed concerned for a minute, but then lost interest. We let her get used to the sound of the Dremel for a few minutes, then got down to business. We expected her to cringe and pull away when we took paw in hand, for what usually follows is not pleasant for her. She submitted reluctantly at first to the Dremel, probably expecting the worst, but once we distracted her with a piece of rawhide, she forgot about the nail hubbub and let us carry on.

The whole thing was quick and painless, which made a change for Sophie, and was actually kind of soothing for the humans, which definitely made a change for us.

We followed the advice in the manual and alternated between two paws at a time, not keeping the abrasive on any nail for more than a couple of seconds, and we made sure each nail was cool before grinding it a second time.

If we had a criticism, it would be to wish only that Dremel would include the ½-inch drum for larger dogs like Sophie as well as the smaller one. Other than that, it's a tail-wagger. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Designed for drilling, sanding, shaping, detailing and other light-duty jobs, this compact, go-anywhere, use-anytime tool comes in extremely handy in and around the house. It features two speeds and can be used with any Dremel accessory bit with up to a 1/8" shank.

We started counting all the uses for this little dynamo, but we stopped at 967. We like it for delicate tasks and finer work because it isn't as powerful as its big brothers, so it's easier to control. It's light, extremely maneuverable, the switch is exactly where you want it and heck, it's just plain fun to use. It's perfect for jewelry, electronics, tiny woodworking crafts like dollhouse furniture and other intricate hobbies. It uses Dremel's wide array of bits, so there's virtually no limit to what you can do with this. Sure, there are store brands on the market for less, but Dremel is king when it comes to rotary tools, and we think they outdid themselves with this one.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Ready to go on a minute's notice, this two-speed cordless tool and the 50 included bits are perfect for a wide variety of do-it-yourself jobs inside or out. Capable of doing almost anything the standard MultiPro does - except plug into an electrical outlet or accept attachments - you'll want to keep it charged up and handy at all times.

 

Built for the do-it-yourselfer, Dremel's cordless MultiPro kit delivers the versatility you expect from a Dremel--with the added advantage of being cordless. Lightweight at only 9 ounces, this compact unit maneuvers comfortably in tight spaces. What will you use it for? Remove old grout in your bathtub, polish your flatware, remove a broken tile, etch glass, hang miniblinds, cut out a pet door, install a new car stereo, sand off a spot of hard-to-reach rust, clean your boat's outboard engine parts, refinish ornate woodwork, install a mortise lock, and much, much more. The kit comes with 50 bits, including a high-speed cutter, a bristle brush, a cutoff wheel, sanding discs, a felt polishing wheel, a grinding wheel, and more--all the tools you need to tackle projects around the home. The tool's ball-bearing shaft affords minimal vibration. The shaft-lock button and unique knurled collet nut make changing bits easy, too, with no wrench required. A three-hour battery charger and a carrying case are included. --Jon Groebner

Experience the power and reduced weight of the new lithium-ion technology, without the high cost. Lithium-ion cordless tools provide more power with less weight. This cordless drill-driver is a more compact, lighter-weight version of the LXT 18 volt tool. It has a 1.5 amp hr battery, which is half the size of the LXT 3.0 Amp hr batteries. This is not a light-duty tool by any means; it kicks butt in the 18-volt category. It boasts 450 in./lbs. of torque! You can even use the longer run time 18-volt LXT 3.0 Amp-hr batteries in this tool (the higher the amp hr rating, the longer the battery will last before it needs to be recharged).

This cordless drill weighs only 3.5 pounds, the lightest yet of any professional 18 volt. It has a comfortable grip and excellent ergonomics, which is ideal for continual use. Located just above the trigger, are two "headlights." Headlights refer to small LED lights that provide light where you need it most. I was skeptical about this feature, thinking it was just another gimmick, but after using it for some time, I've come to depend on it. From lighting my way to the house in the dark, when bringing the batteries/tools on cold nights to providing light in a dark cabinet, closet, or under a desk, this a must-have feature. Rubber grips adorn the exterior of this tool and protect it during impact if it falls. For all that you get with this tool package, the price is unbelievably low. This 18 volt is perfect for the professional who needs a powerful cordless to use all day long.

This Makita drill also has the most advanced charging system available and it charges in only 15 minutes! Generically, it's called a "smart charging system." A computer chip inside the battery lets the charger know exactly how to optimally charge the battery, to completely charge each cell within the battery and for maximum battery life. Each battery is made up of smaller 1.2 volt cells. Often a battery will drain unevenly during normal use, at different rates within these internal cells. A normal charger will stop charging the battery when one cell reaches maximum capacity, not all of them. Once this happens once, it will continue to do so as long as you use the battery. What this means is your 18-volt battery is now a 16- or 17-volt battery and it can drop even lower. A "smart charger" will charge every cell independently until each cell is fully charged, so your 18-volt battery will remain 18 volts for its entire life. This charger has a fan in it and blows air through the battery to cool it down before charging so the battery can be charged right away, unlike other brands, where the charger waits until the battery cools, or even worse attempts to charge a hot battery pack and damages it or decreases the life of the battery. These Makita lithium-ion batteries will last longer than standard batteries and can be charged over 1200 times, as opposed to the standard of 600 to 800 times, which alone can justify the slightly higher price tag. -- Gabriel Shantara Ford

What's in the Box
Driver drill; compact lithium-ion batteries (2); 15-minute Rapid Charger; carrying case

7.2V Heavy Duty Cordless Screwdriver, With Adjustable 2 Position Handle, Variable Speed, Reversing 0-500 RPM, Industrial Quick Release Keyless Chuck & 16 Position Adjustable Clutch With 80 INLB Of Maximum Torque, Includes DW9118 Compact Battery Charger, Kit Box & 2 Screwdriver Bits

Cordless screwdrivers are nothing new, but this model from DeWalt puts a heavy-duty twist on the idea, and professionals are sure to appreciate it. DeWalt's 7.2-volt has the most powerful battery pack of any cordless screwdriver on the market, without sacrificing compact design. This screwdriver gets into all the tight spots cordless drills can't, and unlike other cordless screwdrivers, it won't leave you wishing for more power once there. Its 80 inch-pounds of torque is beyond even the toughest competing model, and with 16 clutch settings, it's easy to avoid stripping out screws. We also like this tool's quick-change keyless chuck and the extra maneuverability provided by the two-position handle. This is a generous kit, including the driver, a charger, two batteries, two bits, and a tough case. It may not be a revolution, but it does seem to be the first serious cordless screwdriver designed with professionals in mind. --Brian Trinen

Makita 3 pc Combo Kit includes BTD142HW BDF452HW BML185W

18V, 1/2", Cordless Compact Drill/Driver Kit, Delivers 400 INLB Of Maximum Torque, Built With 1/2" Keyless Ratcheting Chuck, All Metal Planetary Gears, Includes 2 "XR" Battery Packs, Charger & Kit Box.

You need power, but you don't want to hoist a ton. Here's the answer. DeWalt's revamped 18-volt compact drill/driver delivers on both counts, with a 1/2-inch chuck that grips beefy bits, an 18-position adjustable clutch, and a high-performance motor for the torque you need, packaged in a truly lightweight, comfortable drill. The variable speed has a high and low range for any application, and the reverse switch is right above the curved trigger for easy access. The included charger juices up a spent battery in an hour. We especially like the light weight, even more so because it doesn't cost in the power department. Lots of pluses: on-board bit storage, two batteries, hard case. We think contractors will be pleased with this drill, especially after a long day.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Heavy Duty, 18V, Cordless Flexible Floodlight, Wide Angle Beam Is Brighter Than Traditional Flashlights , Flexible Neck Allows For Hands Free Operation & Light To Be Projected In Any Direction Whether It Is Standing On Its Base, Wrapped Around A Pipe Or Hanging From Rafters Overhead, Lockable Head Clip Offers Versatility & Convenience Of A Lantern, Extra Bright Xenon Bulb Maximizes Brightness Of The Beam , Battery Sold Separately, Applications, Hands Free Baseboard Lighting, Light Up In Early Mornings & Late Afternoons, Multiple People Can Work Off Of 1 Light, Spotlight For Roughing In Basement & Bathrooms, Basement & Bathroom Spotlighting, Wrap Around Studs To Provide Light For Tapping New Lines, Wrap Around Studs In Remodeling, Voltage 18V, Bulb Xenon, Run Time 3 Hours, Warranty Specifications, 90 Day Money Back Guarantee, 1 Year Free Service Contract, 3 Year Limited Warranty.

12V Compact Drill Diver, Delivers The Most Power, Up To 25% More Torque 100" LB Of Torque, Has The Longest Run Time, Drives Up To 30% More Screws On A Single Charge, Drives 130 3" Screws, 0-500 RPM, Quick Bit Loading 1/4" Hex Chuck For 1 Handed Bit Insertion & Release, Metal Gear House, Battery Fuel Gauge For Displaying Remaining Run Time, Built-In LED For Illuminating Of Dark Work Spots.

- 2-Finger Variable Speed Trigger - Battery Charge Indicator - Bit Index accurately matches drill bit to screw size - Forward/Reverse Indicator shows drilling direction - Side-assist Handle for controlled, accurate drilling - Soft Grip ergonomic grip for comfort and control - Two Speed Gear BoxSpecifications - Battery - SB18A 18V Slide Pack Battery - Certification - cULus - Charger - SC118 1 Hour Charger - Chuck Size - 3/8" Keyless Chuck - No Load RPM (Revolutions per Minute) - 0 to 350 / 0 to 1,400 - Speed - Variable Two Speed - Voltage - 18VIncludes - 1-Hour Quick Charger - 2 Batteries - Carrying Case

No workshop or tool box is complete without at least one dependable and powerful cordless drill/driver. Skil's 2887-05, 3/8-inch keyless chuck drill/driver has a two-speed gear box that allows the user to shift from high speed drilling to high torque for driving screws or bolts. The gear change lever is located on top of the tool housing above the two-finger variable speed trigger. The forward/reverse switch on this drill is located just above the trigger so that you can switch direction without changing your grip, and there is a forward/reverse indicator light on top of the housing. There is a built-in bit storage compartment on top of the housing. Especially handy is the built-in bit index No more guessing at which bit is needed for which screw. Simply place a screw in the index and you'll find the bit size you will need. The 2887-05 also comes with a removable side handle for added two-fisted leverage when drilling or driving on high torque.

The drill/driver is powered by an 18-volt Ni-Cad battery which gives the user superior power and extended battery life. The battery slides easily onto the bottom of the tool giving the drill/driver optimum balance. Included with the 2587-05 is an extra battery, a one-hour charger and carrying case. --C. Dwight Barnett

Remember how cool we all thought that first Dremel was? We're reliving the feeling with this one: lighter, faster, smarter, better, and stronger. The main improvement over the last generation is the battery source: lithium-ion. There are so many reasons to applaud. Lithium holds its charge up to six times longer in storage than nickel-cadmium batteries, so it's ready when you are. Remember the disappointment when you were ready and your battery was low? That won't happen with this one. It's got a battery fuel gauge that tells you how much life is left before a recharge, so you won't be caught without your Dremel, and if you choose to keep it on its charger, you won't cause memory and shorten the charge capacity. It's small, it's light, it's comfortable and maneuverable; it's everything the corded models are, but without the cord. We love it.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Higher speeds 5,000 35,000 rpm, same as Dremel corded models. High capacity 10.8V Lithium Ion battery pack for longer run times. Battery fuel gauge lets you know when its time to recharge. Variable speed to handle a greater range of applicat

Dremel 400 Series XPR Rotary Tool Plus, Attachments Included: XPR Deluxe Storage Case, XPR Multisaw, XPR Planer, Flex Shaft, Flex Lite, Cutting Guide, Circle Cutter & 90 Assorted Accessories.

The Dremel rotary tool idea was great to begin with, but now, they've revved up the basic rotary tool and added some exclusive attachments that make the XPR series one of the coolest tools we get to try.

This one's got all the bells and whistles of previous models and tackles the same tasks: you can carve, grind, polish, trim, sand, cut a wide range of material, shape, sharpen, clean, remove grout, smooth, drill, rout, sculpt, engrave, strip finishes. Similarly, it has Dremel's huge array of accessory possibilities and the variable speed (from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm), but it has almost twice the amperage of its predecessors for plenty of power. In addition, the speed selector switch is separate from the power switch, allowing you to leave the tool at a certain speed setting for next time. Its design is a bit of departure, and that's a matter of user preference, but after some getting-used to, we like it.

The primary reason you'd step up to this model from another rotary, though, is the plethora of great attachments made only for the XPR that emulate shop full of tools. Hands down, our favorite is the MultiSaw. Just attach it and your rotary tool becomes a mini reciprocating saw, making straight and curved cuts in a variety of materials. Using standard jigsaw blades, you can cut soft and hard wood, ply, metal, PVC, plastic and more.

Next, there's the planer head that turns your Dremel into a portable planer. It's designed for two types of planing - straight and at 45 degrees, with a width capacity of 2-1/8 inches, perfect for a warped or sticking door. Though we didn't try any shaping or carving with it, we think it would do a great job of it, too. There's also a flex light exclusive to this series that dovetails easily into a groove on the rear of the tool. It's powered by lithium ion batteries (included) and does a fantastic job illuminating detailed work pieces. As with all the other Dremel rotaries, you can attach the flex shaft for super-fine detail work as well as reaching into places practically no tool has gone before. The circle cutter's easy to use, too, and works like a charm, giving you perfect circular cutouts every time. And everything has its place in the well-designed storage case, making the whole shebang perfectly portable. If you're a rotary tool fan, you'll love the XPR. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

We can't think of anything we'd want to add to this little hummer. It's incredible what B&D has engineered into this system (we don't think it's fair to call it a "screwdriver"). Dual speed range lets you drill holes at high speed and drive screws at the slower speed. A 23-position clutch, just like what's on the big boys, will keep you from stripping your screws. But get this: Unlike conventional cordless screwdrivers and regular power drills, this tool's handle easily locks in three positions for tight areas and awkward spots. Genius! And just like the "real" drills, this one's got an accessible forward/reverse rocker switch for backing screws out, too. Here's something, though, that the big-boy drill makers should pick up: It's got on integrated light so you can always see your work surface clearly. For the money, we haven't seen anything like it. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste

While there are a number of rotary tools on the market made by a host of different manufacturers, the Dremel Moto Tool is the one they all strive to copy. Dremel's MultiPro variable-speed model is great for a huge range of projects, from home improvement tasks to hobbies and crafting. It has a continuously adjustable speed range from 5,000 to 35,000 rpm, which allows the user to effectively work with materials as soft as balsa wood and as hard as ceramics. The flexible shaft that comes with this model is great for working in tight spots many rotary tools can't touch. The kit also comes with an assortment of accessories and a handy carrying case. Others may copy it, but Dremel has been making rotary tools so long they've come close to perfecting the idea. --Brian Trinen

LXT Lithium-Ion battery and optimum charging system produces 280% total lifetime work with 2x more cycles. Combo kit includes 1/2in. hammer driver-drill, 1/2in. impact driver, reciprocating saw and 4-position Xenon flashlight.

The hammer drill/driver is only 9-1/2 inches long and it's very lightweight.

The impact driver is compact and lightweight, with an ergonomic shape that's comfortable to hold and use.

The reciprocating saw offers one-hand, tool-less blade changes and shoe adjustments.

The flashlight is rechargeable, and it comes with an extra Xenon bulb.

A Comprehensive Power Tool Assortment from Makita
Makita really knows how to put a kit together, and this 18-volt cordless combo set is a fine example of how one purchase can flesh out an entire workshop. The LXT407 set includes a 1/2-inch hammer drill/driver (BHP452), an impact driver (BTD140), a reciprocating saw (BJR182), and a rechargeable flashlight (BML185) -- plus two LXT Lithium-Ion 3.0Ah batteries (BL1830), a 30-minute rapid charger (DC18RA), and a rugged contractor's bag to tote and store the whole collection.

The Hammer Drill/Driver
The BHP452 boasts a Makita-built, 4-pole maximum torque motor that delivers 450 in./lbs. of torque in a lightweight body. Its Shift-Lock drive system sleeve quickly shifts from "hammer drill" to "driver" mode for swift shifting between projects with less downtime, and the 2-speed design (0-400/0-1500) covers a wide range of drilling and driving applications. This drill/driver's compact design is only 9-1/2 inches long and weighs just 3.9 pounds, so it won't weigh down your wrist and it's easy to use for long stretches of time. There's even a trigger-forward built-in LED light for a helpful touch of extra light in dark corners.

Key Technical Specs:

• Chuck Size: 1/2-inch
• No-load RPM: 0-400 (low), 0-1500 (high)
• BPM in Hammer Mode: 0-6000 (low), 0-22,500 (high)
• Torque: 450 in./lbs.
• Watt hours: 54

The Impact Driver
The BTD140 impact driver is stocked with a Makita-built, 4-pole maximum torque motor that delivers 1,280 in./lbs. of efficient torque in a compact design that's only 5-3/4 inches long. This driver's ergonomic shape fits like a glove and weighs just 3.3 pounds, for less operator fatigue and better control. This advanced, efficient driver also features a built-in LED light to let you see into all those narrow, dark corners, plus an electric brake for immediate stops and minimized kickback. Its two-piece armature and field, combined with externally accessible brushes, mean easy serviceability and a longer motor life.

Key Technical Specs:

• Hex Shank: 1/4-inch
• No-load RPM: 0-2300
• Impacts/minute: 0-3200
• Torque: 1280 in./lbs.
• Watt hours: 54

The Reciprocating Saw
The BJR182 reciprocating saw comes standard with a Makita-built, D35 high-torque motor that delivers 50-percent faster cutting, with a 1-1/8-inch stroke that cuts at a speed of 2900 SPM. This saw's compact design is only 17-3/4 inches long and weighs just 8.1 pounds, so it's easy to use and control -- even for long periods of time -- and its ergonomic shape fits your palm like a glove. This versatile saw offers one-handed, fast and tool-less blade changes and shoe adjustments, plus a two-piece armature and field and externally accessible brushes for simple serviceability and longer motor life.

Key Technical Specs:

• Maximum Cutting Capacity (pipe): 5-1/8 inches
• Maximum Cutting Capacity (wood): 10 inches
• Length of stroke: 1-1/8 inch
• Cutting speed: 0-2900 SPM

The Rechargeable Flashlight
The BML185 flashlight produces a high-illumination beam that emits high power at 4,500 lux. The Xenon bulb creates extraordinary brightness with the help of the LXT lithium-ion battery. This light boasts a compact design that's only 11-1/8 inches long and weighs less than a pound.

Key Technical Specs:

• Includes shoulder strap and 2 Xenon bulbs
• Run time: up to 5 hours
• Net weight (with battery): .75 pound

Warranty
The power tools in this collection are all covered by a three-year warranty, and the batteries are covered by a one-year warranty.

What's in the Box
Makita hammer drill/driver with a tool belt hook; impact driver; reciprocating saw with blades; flashlight with 2 Xenon bulbs and a shoulder strap; 2 LXT lithium-ion batteries; 30-minute charger; contractor's bag.

Makita: Dedicated to Quality
Makita owes its reputation for building outstanding quality power tools to the drive and determination for excellence that began over 90 years ago as a manufacturer of electric motors. In 1958, Makita introduced their first electric tool. Today Makita is one of the world's largest power tool manufacturers with seven manufacturing facilities globally and a selection of over 350 superior, innovative tools and well over 4,500 accessories.

V18, Compact Driver/Drill Kit, Compact Size With A Lightweight Design, Battery Fuel Gauge Displays Remaining Run Time, Li-Ion Manganese Chemistry Provides Fade Free Power Until End Of Charge, Superior Bit Grip With Yukiwa Chuck For Greater Bit Grip & Longer Life, Built In Led Light Illuminates Work Area, Metal Gear Box For Added Durability, Kit Includes Driver/Drill, 2- 18V Li-Ion Battery Packs, 30 Minute Charger, Screwdriver Bit, Bit Holder, Belt Hook & Carrying Case.

The Black & Decker AS600 6-Volt Alkaline Battery Cordless Screwdriver features an automatic spindle lock for greater control when starting and finishing screws or for manual use if desired. This screwdriver has a forward/reverse switch and a narrow nose-piece for extended reach in tight places. Rubber grips provide comfort and control while a narrow nose piece for extended reach in tight places. The motor performs at 130 RMP and offers 20 inches/pound of torque. This screwdriver is great for furniture assembly, installing blinds and other projects that need a quick fix around the house. This cordless screwdriver includes 4 "AA" batteries and a double-ended screwdriving bit

The Black & Decker AS600 6-Volt Alkaline Battery Cordless Screwdriver features an automatic spindle lock for greater control when starting and finishing screws or for manual use if desired. This screwdriver has a forward/reverse switch and a narrow nose-piece for extended reach in tight places. Rubber grips provide comfort and control while a narrow nose piece for extended reach in tight places. The motor performs at 130 RMP and offers 20 inches/pound of torque. This screwdriver is great for furniture assembly, installing blinds and other projects that need a quick fix around the house. This cordless screwdriver includes 4 "AA" batteries and a double-ended screwdriving bit.

LXT Lithium-Ion battery and optimum charging system produces 280% total lifetime work with 2x more cycles * ?" Hammer Driver-Drill has a new 4-pole motor for 560 in. lbs. of torque and weighs only 4.9 lbs. * Impact Driver is 40% more compact, 1,280 in.lbs. of torque with 0-3,200 IPM and is 3.3 lbs * 3-year warranty on tools and 1-year warranty on battery

Just the essentials. A cordless hammer drill for masonry and stucco drilling and an impact driver for the power to drive long screws and heavy-duty fasteners with ease. Every professional needs one cordless for drilling and one for driving.

Lithium-ion tools have more power with less weight. They have more power than a regular 18-volt tool because each battery cell within the battery pack has more juice than a standard battery and can deliver more power to the tool. These tools are also as light as a 12-volt tool because lithium is lighter than the nickel and cadmium in standard battery packs. 18- volt lithium-ion tools have the best power-to-weight ratio of any cordless tool. These tools come with the slide-in battery system and have more contact area than other tools. This means that more battery power will be transferred at a faster rate. I've seen other cordless tools with 2 small contacts and even worse, with loose connections. A tool with loose connections will not perform as advertised and may even cause premature death of the battery.

Hammer Drill
This hammer drill has more torque than any other 18 volt on the market today, and at 4.9 pounds it's also lighter than most. Makita redesigned their cordless tools when they released their LXT 18-volt lithium-ion technology. The Makita 4-pole, high-torque motor also delivers more efficient power than the competition, and does so in a more compact size. Most cordless drills only have a 2-pole motor. This cordless sensation comes with Makita's standard externally accessible brushes, so you can change the brushes at home or on site, rather than delivering it or mailing it out for repairs and waiting a week or two. This LXT has an all-metal, 3-speed transmission, producing 25 percent faster working speed. It drills fast through stucco, new concrete, commercial-grade (high psi) concrete, and even in aged concrete. This drill has the best belt clip on the market today. The clip doesn't rotate like it does on other brands, making it hard to remove. The drill stays in place in pants pockets, belts and tool belts with this heavy-duty steel belt clip. It can easily be relocated to the opposite side of the drill for lefties. This hammer drill has the best ergonomics of any 18 volt that I've tested, used or owned. Located just above the trigger, are two "headlights." Headlights refer to small LED lights that provide light where you need it most. I was skeptical about this feature, thinking it was just another gimmick, but after using it for some time, I've come to depend on it. From lighting my way to the house in the dark, when bringing the batteries/tools on cold nights to providing light in a dark cabinet, closet, or under a desk, this a must-have feature. Rubber grips adorn the exterior of this tool and protect it during impact if it falls.

Impact Driver
Once you use an impact driver and discover how light and powerful they are, you'll always reach for one first. They tear through the toughest jobs and still have plenty of power. They are compact too, and get into tight spaces. 18 volts offer the best performance, while remaining a useable weight. This impact driver has the best power-to-weight ratio of any tool.

This is an impact driver, not a screw gun/drill-driver. An impact driver provides, on average, four times the amount of torque because it "hammers" the chuck laterally as it turns. Makita uses their patented "hammer and anvil" technology to achieve this, which is one the best systems ever developed. A standard screw gun/drill-driver relies solely on the motor to turn the chuck, providing a 1:1 ratio of motor to output torque. Impact drivers do make more noise than regular drills, which becomes increasingly louder when driving larger fasteners like lag bolts and nuts for j-bolts, but it's not so loud that you have to wear hearing protection.

A variable speed trigger gives the user more control when driving smaller screws. Most impact drivers are only single speed, which means that all that torque they have will easily break small screws in half . Use slow speed for small screws and fast speed for large fasteners. This impact driver comes with the same great belt clip and headlights as the hammer drill. Another great feature on this tool is the all-metal, quick-change, hex, Insty bit chuck. The chuck only accepts drill bits and driver bits that have a hex shank at the opposite end of, for example, a no. 2 Phillips driver bit. This really speeds up bit changes. Hex Insty bits have really become the standard and are offered in every drill bit kit available. Rubber grips adorn the exterior of this tool and protect it during impact if it falls. Mine blew off the roof once and suffered no damage.

Charger and Batteries
This Makita tool has the most advanced charging system available. Generically, it's called a "smart charging system." A computer chip inside the battery lets the charger know exactly how to optimally charge the battery, to completely charge each cell within the battery and for maximum battery life. Each battery is made up of smaller 1.2-volt cells. Often a battery will drain unevenly during normal use, at different rates within these internal cells. A normal charger will stop charging the battery when one cell reaches maximum capacity, not all of them. Once this happens once, it will continue to do so as long as you use the battery. What this means is your 18-volt battery is now a 16- or 17-volt battery and it can drop even lower. A "smart charger" will charge every cell independently until each cell is fully charged, so your 18-volt battery will remain 18 volts for its entire life. This charger has a fan in it and blows air through the battery to cool it down before charging so the battery can be charged right away, unlike other brands, where the charger waits until the battery cools, or even worse attempts to charge a hot battery pack and damages it or decreases the life of the battery. These Makita lithium-ion batteries will last 280 percent longer than standard batteries and can be charged over 1400 times, as opposed to the standard of 600 to 800 times, which alone can justify the higher price tag. These slide-in batteries are 3.0 amp-hr batteries and they will provide power to the tool longer than standard 2.0 amp-hr batteries. The higher the amp-hr rating, the longer the battery will last before it needs to be recharged. For light-duty applications, these batteries will last all day or even several days before recharging. I le