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Rockwell 16-volt MaxLithium Drill/Driver, Impact Driver
Issue: Issue 319
Posted Date: 2/5/2013
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Rockwell Tools recently launched two new MaxLithium models: a Drill/Driver and Impact Driver. Both are rated at 16 volts, which sets them apart from the rest of the professional tool marketplace for voltage these days. The company hopes the duo will fill a niche between 12- and 18- to 20-volt rated tools, providing more power than the former and with less bulk than the latter. The 2.75-lb. Drill/Driver has a 3/8-in. keyless, single-sleeve Jacobs chuck with an automatic spindle lock. Its two-speed gearbox and variable-speed trigger spin the chuck at 0-400 rpm or 0-1,500 rpm; 16 clutch settings adjust it for various driving tasks. It will drill holes up to 1-in.-diameter in wood or 3/8-in. in steel, and it develops up to 302 in. pounds of torque. A soft grip, belt hook and LED worklight are added creature comforts on this Drill/Driver, which comes with two 1.3Ah Lithium-Ion batteries, a 30-minute charger and carrying bag for $139.99.
Rockwell's MaxLithium Impact Driver, weighing in at 2.5 lbs., has a couple of innovative features not found on competitor tools: its headstock is shorter for better maneuvering in close quarters, and it is pitched upward instead of being perpendicular to the grip for improved ergonomics and handling. 
A 1/4-in. hex chuck and all-metal gearbox are incorporated, for added durability. Variable-speed provides 0-2,400 rpm and up to 3,000 beats per minute. Maximum torque output is rated at 950 in. pounds. The Impact Driver stands on its battery pack for convenience when not in use (the Drill/Driver is also balanced to stand up). It shares the Drill/Driver's features of soft grip, belt hook and LED worklight, which blinks on both tools to indicate when battery charge is low. The tool comes with the same batteries and charger as the Drill/Driver, as well as a carrying bag to stow it, for $139.99.
Rockwell reports that both new MaxLithium tools matched or exceeded all industry leading 12-volt tools in a range of fastener-driving tests. They also are covered under Rockwell's Free Batteries for Life warranty umbrella: Rockwell will replace batteries for the life of the tool free of charge to registered users. They say the cost savings by owning a Rockwell cordless tool is between 40 and 70 percent compared with other tools without a battery warranty of this kind. To learn more about these new tools, visit rockwelltools.com.