We’ve taken a look at the future, or at least as it relates to cordless drills. That was our opinion after testing some new cordless drills.

These tools can be outfitted two ways, either with a big battery for long sessions of driving screws or boring holes. Or, a little battery that reduces their bulk and weight. Nonetheless, they possess an amazing ability to screw and bore.

We tested the tools’ performance after leaving them in a cool garage for a number of days. All the equipment has surpassed our expectations for value and performance.

Black & Decker LDX220SBFC

This is a solid home-repair tool. It’s compact and lightweight. That the B&D, but we also loved the comfortable, slim handle and its 10-position clutch that’s as smooth operating as ever.

DeWalt DCD980M2

DeWalt is the one for speed and brute strength. We were surprised by its power even after it was left in an unheated garage. But all that gusto is nothing without control and this one has it with a 22-clutch setting and three speed settings. Its ½-inch chuck has carbide jaws that resist wear.

Panasonic EY7460

The Panasonic is so solid that we feel it’s the sturdiest tool here. When you united those features with its exact trigger and its commanding power, you have the ideal tool for heavy-construction jobs.

Craftsman 16496

Strengths are versatility and power. The tool is a part of the Bolt-On line, equipment with a battery-powered motor on a pistol-grip base, and assorted power heads that snap-fit onto it.

Kobalt KT300A

The Kobalt is plenty of drill for the money and it seems to be a capable lag driver ideal for deck construction. We also love its oversized belt hook, very visible battery gauge, and the clip for hex-shank bits that secures onto the drill’s side. It’s a good thing to see a tool with a low-key design.