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Best cordless screwdriver
- Superior speed and power in its class
- Power meter on Li-ion batteries
- 30-minute charger
- Bits lock in, eject with one hand
- Good balance, feel
- Single speed
- Less comfortable for small hands
The Milwaukee 2401-22 is a 12-volt cordless screwdriver, often called a subcompact driver, that earns top marks for its combination of power plus compact size and light weight (2.1 pounds). The extra power plus a clutch, which adds control, make it suitable for driving screws of varying sizes, even large screws. The lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries recharge in just 30 minutes. Tests at the Journal of Light Construction find that on one battery charge, this model can drill 19 holes through nominal 2-by lumber, even in temperatures below freezing, or drive 94 3-inch deck screws into pilot holes in pressure-treated wood. The five-year warranty is another plus. If you mainly want to drive a few small screws at a time, however, consider the smaller, lighter Black & Decker PD600 (*Est. $30).
ConsumerReports.org and Wood magazine include the Milwaukee 2401-22 cordless driver in their objective comparison tests, as do two publications aimed at professionals: Tools of the Trade and the Journal of Light Construction. As a brand, Milwaukee earns top ranking in two large surveys: the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 survey of cordless-drill buyers, plus a 2008 survey of professional builders. We found a detailed single-product review of the Milwaukee 2401-22 driver by the About.com guide to woodworking, based on hands-on usage. We also found useful ratings and reviews from owners at Amazon.com and HomeDepot.com.
| Milwaukee 2401-22 12-Volt Li-Ion Compact Driver Kit | |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.org
Experts here test 10 cordless screwdrivers, including the Milwaukee 2401-22, as part of their cordless drill test. They rate each model's speed, power, run time, charge time, noise and handling before picking the best buys.
Review: Cordless Drill Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Testers here use 10 cordless screwdrivers to sink lag bolts, drive drywall screws and drill holes. They choose the best models based on speed, power and run time.
Review: Shop Tested: Cordless Micro-drivers, Bob Hunter and Doug Ley, July 2010
The Milwaukee 2401-22 driver earns top ranking among the four subcompact Li-ion drivers tested here that take hex-shank bits. The Milwaukee is praised for "the best feel of any subcompact" plus superior performance and features, including the most convenient bit holder.
Review: Tool Test: Compact and Subcompact Drill/Drivers, David Getts, Feb. 2009
4. Journal of Light Construction
Objective tests for this detailed, well-illustrated comparison review find the Milwaukee 2401-22 more powerful than five other subcompact Li-ion drivers, capable of performing well even in sub-freezing temperatures. Drawbacks include the single speed range plus a handle comfortable only for large hands.
Review: Tool Test: Subcompact Drill/Drivers, Dave Northup, Feb. 2009
Milwaukee earns top ranking among 12 brands in this customer-satisfaction survey of nearly 5,000 people who bought a cordless drill during the previous year.
Review: 2010 Cordless Drill/Driver Satisfaction Study, Editors of J.D. Power and Associates, June 2, 2010
Milwaukee also takes top ranking in this survey of more than 3,400 builders, compared with 16 other brands that also make cordless drills and drivers.
Review: 2008 Builder Brand Study, Hanley Wood, 2008
7. About.com
The Milwaukee 2401-22 cordless driver earns 4.5 stars here out of a possible 5, with praise for its combination of power and light weight. It's described as "a solid, well-built woodworking tool." The main drawback is that it lacks on-board bit storage. (ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Milwaukee 2401-22 Heavy-Duty 12v Compact Driver Review, Chris Baylor
8. Amazon.com
About 170 owners have reviewed the Milwaukee 2401-22 here, making it one of the top-rated cordless drivers. We found relatively few complaints of quality control issues; most owners praise the tool's convenience and power.
Review: Milwaukee 2401-22 12-Volt Li-Ion Compact Driver Kit, Contributors to Amazon.com
The 20 owners reviewing the Milwaukee 2401-22 driver here give it high praise for its convenient bit changing and overall balance and power.
Review: Milwaukee M12 1/4 in. 12-Volt Cordless Screwdriver, Contributors to HomeDepot.com