More cordless tools turn on to lithium-ion power

New lithium-ion power promises longer run times, more power and less weight. Here is what tool manufacturers are introducing at winter trade shows.

The new chapter of the cordless tool story – lithium-ion (Li-Ion) – is quickly unfolding at trade shows this winter, and the plot will thicken as the new models get in users’ hands.

Milwaukee started the epic just a year ago with its introduction of V28 technology, a 28-volt system that uses lithium-manganese chemistry to power tools.

At press time, DeWalt, Bosch and Milwaukee shared general details about their new introductions into Li-Ion cordless tools and promise to be more specific once the units are closer to being in the field.

Makita already has unveiled its 18-volt Li-Ion line (see Nov.-Dec. 2005 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies).

In all cases, the Li-Ion technology wallops more punch per pound, so cordless tools can weigh less, yet deliver more power and fade-free run time.

Each manufacturer has its own take on the new technology, and it will be interesting to see how this plot develops.

Here’s a sneak peak at what’s going to appear in the next few pages of the saga of cordless tools:

Milwaukee expands V28 line and adds V18 batteries
This year, Milwaukee expands its V Technology Li-Ion tool line with a rotary hammer, metal-cutting circular saw, jobsite radio and right-angle drill. What’s more exciting is the introduction of its V18 18-volt battery packs that are interchangeable with its popular 18-volt Ni-Cd-powered cordless tool line. There are 11 tools in the V18 lineup, based on Milwaukee’s 18-volt Ni-Cd line.

The battery chemistry is based on an exclusive 4.0-volt lithium-manganese cell and a circuit technology that manages power output while protecting the battery during charging and use. The V18 charger can charge Milwaukee 18-volt Li-Ion batteries in one hour and 18-volt Ni-Cd batteries in 30 minutes.

The batteries are equipped with a fuel gauge so users know how much power remains in the pack before starting on a job. They will be available mid-2006. Item 159

Makita offers LXT 18-volt power in a 12-volt weight
Makita introduces new LXT tools that feature a battery and tool combination that offers 18-volt power in a lighter weight that one would expect from a 12-volt tool.

Plus, the tools use a new Makita four-pole motor that yields more power when compared with conventional two-pole motors common in cordless tools.

The new LXT line includes a hammer drill, driver-drill, impact driver, circular saw, recip saw, flashlight and charger.

Makita experts report the new battery system can offer 280 percent more lifetime work when compared with Ni-Cd batteries. The batteries can be fully recharged in 45 minutes, thanks to the built-in memory chip and a battery and charger design that manages heat with sufficient airflow. Item 160

DeWalt doubles voltage: 36-volt tools!
No, it’s not a boat anchor. DeWalt’s new 36-volt Li-Ion tool line weighs in nearly the same as its 18-volt Ni-Cd cousins, but that’s about where the similarity ends. DeWalt engineers designed these tools to provide users with a cordless solution to corded applications.

The new 36-volt system uses nano-phosphate Li-Ion technology for power tools, licensed from A123Systems based on technology developed and exclusively licensed from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

DeWalt spokespersons claim the 36-volt batteries can be charged about 2,000 cycles, which it claims is more than twice as many cycles as Ni-Cd batteries and as many as three times more than other Li-Ion technology batteries.

The new tool line includes a 1/2" drill, three-speed hammer drill that DeWalt tests report can make 67 2 9/16" holes per charge; a 7 1/4" circular saw; a jig saw with a four-position orbital design and cam lock for bevel cuts; and a 1/2" high-torque impact wrench. The tool line also includes a SDS rotary hammer with a shock absorbing system that makes the tool feel as if it is a common drill driver, even in hammer mode.

The recip saw has a four-position blade clamp for cut accessibility and a three-position shoe adjustment. At 3,000 spm, the unit weighs about the same as DeWalt’s 18-volt Ni-Cd recip saw. A flashlight with a flexible neck and smart charger with fuel gauge for the battery round out the line. Item 161

Bosch Litheon technology in 10.8-volt and 36-volt lines
Bosch Power Tools and Accessories introduced the first Li-Ion-powered 1-inch rotary hammer to the world in Europe last year, and will offer the technology in the United States mid-2006.

It has coined its Li-Ion technology as “Litheon” and will introduce two voltages that separate the tools into more task-specific functions.

The 36-volt Litheon tools pack the punch of large corded tools for big jobs, while the 10.8-volt Litheon tools are built for compact size and surprising power.

The 36-volt tools are built for maximum power and longer run time without the weight penalty associated with higher voltage Ni-Cd/NiMh batteries. The company says its battery packs manage heat to extend cycle-life three to five times longer than competitive Li-Ion and Ni-Cd batteries, matching the life of its Bluecore Ni-Cd batteries – and its two-year guarantee. The first tool to feature the 36-volt Litheon technology is a 1" Bulldog rotary hammer; a hammer drill/driver, recip saw and circular saw will be introduced later in 2006.

The 10.8-volt tools are compact and powerful, comfortably fitting into the palm of your hand. The 10.8-volt Pocket Driver has a T-handle shape and offers up to 1/2" drilling capacity and a built-in LED light to illuminate the work area. The I-Driver has a five-position 3.5" long pivoting head that articulates fully to 90 degrees for getting into tight areas. The lightweight tools are built to fit in a tool belt pouch, yet complete the vast majority of drilling and fastening jobs users do on a daily basis.

The 10.8-volt battery packs can charge in 30 minutes and the 36-volt packs fully charge in 60 minutes, but reach 80 percent in 30 minutes. Like the 36-volt line, additional tools will be added to the 10.8-volt line by the end of 2006. Item 162

Published in the January/February 2006 issue of Contractor Tools and Supplies magazine.