Cordless Drill Batteries

For cordless drills, power is measured in battery voltage.

Higher voltage means more torque-spinning strength to overcome resistance.

Over the last decade, top-end voltage has increased from 9.6 to 18V, but the range of models include 6, 7.2, 9.6, 12, 14.4 and 18V.

Today's higher-voltage drills have enough power to bore big holes in framing lumber and flooring.

The trade-off for power is weight. A typical 9.6V drill weighs 3 1/2 lbs., while an 18V model weighs up to 10 lbs.

Cordless drill photo and parts

What to Look For in a Cordless Drill

1. Chuck jaws: Maximum capacity on most drills is 3/8 inches. Some 14.4 and 18V drills can handle 1/2-inch-diameter bits.
2. Clutch: More settings give you greater control of the depth screws are driven.
3. Speed-range switch: High is for drilling; low is for driving screws. Look for the widest range between them.
4. Forward/reverse switch: Should be easy to operate with your thumb and trigger finger.
5. Hand grip: Texture and contour should aid your grip; try out the grip before you buy.
6. Voltage: More voltage means more power but also added weight.
7. Battery: Two are better than one. New NiMH batteries offer some advantages.
8. Trigger: Make sure your index finger fits around it comfortably when gripping drill. Variable speed offers the greatest control.
9. Keyless chuck: Hand-turn it to open and close the chuck jaws.

Cordless Drills

Whether you are just learning the basics of simple maintenance or are taking on a second addition to the house, a good drill is essential.

If it's a cordless model, you can drill holes and drive screws with the same tool — and not have to worry about finding an outlet near the work to power the drill.

The good news:

There are hundreds of these drills on the market; prices range from $40 to $230.

The bad news:

It's not always clear which drills you should be considering.

Safety Tip Reminder

Woodworking Shop Safety
10 Safety Tips to Post in Your Shop

1) Think Before You Cut – The most powerful tool in your shop is your brain, use it. Thinking your cuts and movements through before acting can help save both fingers and scrapwood.

2) Keep a Clean Shop – A cluttered shop is an accident waiting to happen. Keeping your shop clean will help protect you, and your tools, from tripping hazards.

3) Avoid Distractions – Pay attention to your actions. Looking up to watch the shop TV or visitor can result in your hand contacting the blade. Always wait until you have completed your cut before you take your eyes off the blade.

4) Don’t Rush – Keep in mind that this is just a hobby and take a break when you feel rushed or frustrated with a project. Mistakes happen when we rush to complete a job.

5) Don’t Force It – If your saw is resisting the cut, stop and see what’s wrong. A misaligned rip fence or improperly seated throat plate can sometimes cause a board to get stuck in mid cut. Forcing the board in these situations may cause kickback or contact with the blade. Take a moment to evaluate the situation and determine the problem.

6) Protect Yourself – Wearing the proper shop protection is an important part of safe tool operation. Goggles, Ear Protection, and Lung Protection should be used when operating tools. Use push sticks when working close to the blade and make sure the tool's safety features are in place.

7) Let the Tool Stop – Giving the power tool time to wind down after a cut is an often-overlooked safety mistake. Even without power, the spinning blade can still do a lot of damage.

8) Fumes and Dust – Solvent fumes and airborne dust can present health and explosion hazards. Care should be taken to ensure a supply of fresh air and use only explosion proof vent fans.

9) Wear Appropriate Clothing – Loose clothing or hair can get caught in power tools and cause severe injury.

10) No Alcohol – Too many woodworkers have been injured because Alcohol clouded their judgment. Avoid their mistakes and wait until after you’re done in the shop.

Ionization Smoke Detectors

Kidde Basic


Where to buy While this no-frills ionization model is good at detecting high-flame fires, it is less adept at sensing smoky fires, such as those caused by smoldering bedding.

That’s why ionization smoke detectors are not the best choice for bedrooms.

Experts prefer models such as the First Alert Dual Sensor, which also has a photoelectric sensor for detecting slow, smoldering blazes.


KidSmart Brand Vocal Fire Alarm

Reviews say the KidSmart combats a major problem involving children and house fires.

Studies show that children often sleep through a normal smoke detector's alarm -- or else they respond so slowly that they cannot escape the house within the critical two-minute time window.

The KidSmart is a photoelectric detector that allows parents to record a message in their own voice.

Studies say that children are much more likely to respond quickly to a parent's voice, and the majority of kids in tests were awake and moving within 32 seconds of the KidSmart's alarm.

Since this model is photoelectric only, you'll also want to install ionization alarms.

Smoke Alarm with Lithium Battery

First Alert 10-year Lithium Smoke Alarm

This unit features a ten-year non-replaceable lithium battery, which spares you from changing a battery each year, but this smoke alarm has only an ionization sensor, so it’s less effective at detecting smoky fires.

Reviews say this is a good choice if you want a detector with a very long battery life, but since it lacks a dual sensor, it is best used with a photoelectric detector.

The cost of a second detector can eat up the savings from not having to replace the batteries in this unit.

Setting up a fire escape route out of your home is a must if you have small children. Contact the local Fire Marchall's Office or you nearest Fire Station for help in planning your escape route from you home or apartment.