DEWALT DC728KA Heavy-Duty 14.4-Volt Ni-Cad Cordless 1/2-Inch Drill/Driver Kit

We weren't expecting a lot of power when we picked up this drill for the first time: It's terrifically light and compact. Boy, were we wrong—-this drill's got all the power and torque of the heavyweights. With a speed range of 440 to 1,400 rpm and 17 clutch settings, it also delivers 400 in./lbs. of torque. It handles a hole saw and Forstners beautifully with power to spare, and the balance in hand is perfect. But what sets this drill apart is its size and weight and how that translates to easier work for you. We've used some big-boy drills and imagined what a carpenter would feel like after eight hours of hoisting them; we have to say that this drill is the one we'd want on the job, whether it's electrical work, cabinetry, heating and cooling or woodworking, slipping easily into the tightest workspaces and really cutting down on fatigue. Another dimension is how easily it handles for women with smaller hands, because in addition to its size and weight, the drill's rubber grip is compact and comfortable. Auto tune-ups should keep this machine working for you for a long, long time. -- Kris Jensen-Van Heste