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These orange drills are one of the best new tools of 1998 because they're a great deal for the home woodworker on a tight budget. We used the 18- and 12-volt drills around the shop and were pleased with the look, feel and performance of the tools. Most important, they sport commercial features found on their DeWalt cousins -- but for one-third less money. So we asked a technical representative from Black & Decker (which owns DeWalt) what sets the two lines apart. In a nutshell: longevity. The Firestorm's battery, gearing and motor life expectancy are designed for casual use; DeWalts are designed for daily use. Available in 9.6, 12, 14.4 and 18 volts, each drill offers center-handle design, an electronic brake, two gear ranges, a 24-position clutch, two NiCd batteries and a three-hour charger. All four have keyless chucks, with the 14.4 and 18 volts sporting a one-handed keyless chuck with automatic spindle lock. Suggested retail price (which could fall 15 to 20 percent due to market competition) starts at $79 (9.6 volt) and moves up to $99 (12 volt), $129 (14.4 volt), and $149 for the 18 volt.  Home |
Firestorm Drills: All the Bells & Whistles Not a Lot of Money