14.4V Cordless Drill Buying Guide

• The average price of a 14.4V cordless drill is $180. Prices generally range from a low of $75 to a high of $300.
• The goal is to buy an 14.4V drill with above-average capabilities for a below-average price.

Power

• More power is good, but it has to be balanced against weight and cost.
• The average 14.4V cordless drill delivers up to 400 in-lbs of maximum torque.
• Top-end 14.4V drills can generate up to 600 in-lbs, more than the average 18V drill.

Speed

• Higher speeds help you drill holes faster and easier, especially when using large drill bits, or working with steel.
• Average 14.4V drills can generate speeds up to 1,500 RPM.
• The best have top speeds around 1,800 RPM.

Weight

• If you don't think one or two pounds makes a difference, think again. Drill weight is important, and can make the job more or less difficult.
• The average 14.4V cordless drill weighs about 4.5-lbs, about the same as a half-gallon of milk.
• The lightest drills only weigh about 3.5-lbs.

Battery

• You'll find a mixture of NiCd, NiMH, or Li-ion batteries in the 14.4V class.
• Li-ion technology helps reduce drill weight and extend battery life, but it's also more expensive.
• Battery run-time between charges is important, and can be excellent with any of these 3 battery types.
• Check the battery amp-hour (Ah) rating. It indicates how much run-time you'll achieve.
• The average 14.4V drill battery rating is 2.2 Ah.
• The best batteries are rated up to 3.5 Ah.

Features

• Chuck size: 1/2" is standard on most 14.4V drills, with a few having 3/8".
• Spindle-lock: The chuck automatically locks so you can change drill bits with one hand. Generally standard on a 14.4V drill.
• Integrated LED work light: Optional.
• Belt-hook: Optional.
• Side-handle: Optional feature that helps you control higher levels of torque.
• Fuel gauge: Great feature that's generally not available on 14.4V drills.

Durability

• Look for an all-metal chuck. Plastic chuck sleeves are lighter weight, but they can sometimes crack if dropped or hit.
• Some drills in this class have motor brushes that can be accessed externally, making it much easier to replace them.
• If you're a professional and durability is important, look for one of the few 14.4V drills with an all-metal gearbox.
• The average warranty for an 14.4V cordless drill is about 3-years, with the worst at one-year, and the best at 10-years or more.

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