Black & Decker SC1400 14.4-Volt Cordless Super Compact Drill with Lithium-Ion Technology

Tired of that battery-powered drill being dead when you need it most? Here’s an alternative. Surprisingly powerful and stunningly lightweight, Black & Decker’s SC1400 18-Volt Cordless drill kit features the best energy-to-weight ratio and longest-lasting charge available. A very forgiving power drill for those who hate cords but forget to recharge, this tool is powered by a lithium-ion battery that holds a charge up to 18 months longer than nickel-cadmium tools.

A state-of-charge indicator tells you how much battery power is left so you know when it’s time for a recharge. And, a fixed, internal battery lets you just drop the whole tool into the included charging base, rather than detaching the battery from the tool and then attaching it to the charger, a procedure that sometimes takes longer than just drilling the darn hole.

And, for even less downtime, the tool’s single sleeve all-metal chuck means easier and faster bit swaps. Designed for tough drilling and driving applications, the tool packs 200 percent more power than traditional 18-volt drills. It’s also 40 percent smaller and 30 percent lighter for easier handling, even in tight quarters. The purchase is covered by a manufacturer 2-year warranty. --Brian Olson

What's in the Box: cordless drill/driver, charging base, 16 bits (8 driving tips and 8 drill bits).

Powerful and precise, this ultra-lightweight, compact drill from Black & Decker is easy to handle and hold--even in hard-to-reach areas or when working with tough materials. The SC1400 owes its robust performance to its fixed, internal 14.4-volt Lithium-ion battery, which provides 200 percent more power than other 18-volt drills. Additionally, the battery holds its charge up to 18 months longer than NiCad batteries, and the innovative charge indicator makes it clear when it's time to slide the tool into the included charging base. For added convenience, the SC1400 has a 100-percent metal single sleeve chuck for effortless bit tightening and changing, and it comes with an assortment of eight driving tips and eight drill bits to help keep your projects on-track.