We met with Rockwell at the 2009 International Builders Show and were pleased to see big signs all over which read: FREE FOR LIFE PROGRAM. What does Free for Life mean? Simple. If you have a qualifying cordless product (which includes these new Lithium Ion tools), and your battery ever dies. You just mail it back in and they will ship you a new one - free of charge. The entire policy is detailed here.

The new Lithium Ion tools have a compact design, are lightweight, and feature high torque capability and a fast charge time. The new kit includes an 18-volt 1/2-in. drill/driver (#RK2810K2) and an 18-volt, impact driver (#RK2800K2). It also includes an 18-volt lithium-ion battery pack (#RW9161), and 18-volt lithium-ion charger (#RW9162).

On its own, the drill/driver is priced at $199. The impact driver is $214.99 and the lithium ion battery pack is $79.99 (the charger is also available separately for $54.99). Put it all together, however and the entire kit (#RK1801K2) can be had for just $269.99. Here's a tip: buy the kit.

While Rockwell still sells their Ni-Cd models, LithiumTech tools have higher torque-to-weight-ratios, weigh less, and recharge in only 35 minutes, giving them a clear edge over their Ni-Cd counterparts.

LithiumTech 18-volt 1/2-in. Cordless drill/driver (RK2810K2)
Weighing in at just 3.9 lbs., the LithiumTech driver develops 330 in-lbs. of torque. It features a keyless chuck, two-speed gearbox (low, 0-350; high, 0-1300) and a 24-position clutch for tasks ranging from driving drywall screws to masonry drilling. For more rugged duty, the LithiumTech 18-volt, 1/2-in. high-performance cordless drill/driver (#RW2812K2) delivers 490 in.-lbs. of torque and weighs 4.6 lbs. It has a keyless chuck, two-speed gear box (low, 0-400 and high, 0-1300) and 22-position clutch.

LithiumTech 18-volt cordless impact driver (#RK2800K2)
At just 3.1 lbs. – the LithiumTech 18-volt cordless impact driver (#RK2800K2) is capable of 1160 in-lbs. of torque. It develops no load speeds up to 2400 rpm and 3000 impacts per minute. All of Rockwell’s new LithiumTech cordless tools are powered by the slim-profile LithiumTech 18-volt lithium-ion battery pack that recharges in only 35 minutes.

Conclusion

Rockwell's Lithium Tech 18-volt cordless tools will be available in Spring, 2009 at rockwelltoolsdirect.com and other popular websites, including Amazon.com. It is also available through Menards and other local and national home improvement retailers. This is a brand that we are watching closely. According to our contacts at the company, Rockwell is really going after the Ryobi market which seems to be very successful in the DIY and homeowner crowd. As these new products hit the market, consumers are going to have more and more choices for affordable lithium-ion 18V drills and drivers that will make repairs and projects much easier. We look forward to reviewing these new tools and putting them through our suite of tests.