If you're having trouble finding cordless tools that pack enough punch, give this 24-volt drill and reciprocating saw combo kit from Bosch a try. With a maximum torque rating of 500 inch-pounds, the cordless drill is among the toughest available. This kind of torque necessitates the included removable side handle and is likely to make the user thankful for the cushion grip. While it offers only 16 clutch settings--a small number compared to the 18 to 24 settings on competing drills--this heavy-duty tool is really intended as more drill than driver, and in most applications we can imagine, 16 settings is plenty. The keyless chuck has a grip tough enough to match the motor's high torque and can hold the big bits you'll want to use with this drill. Bosch's 24-volt reciprocating saw provides plenty of heavy-duty cutting power without the leash. Its 0 to 2,300 spm speed ranks it with many corded reciprocating saws in raw cutting speed. It features tool-free blade changing and shoe adjustments. In a feature unique to Bosch's reciprocating saws, the user can switch the stroke length from 3/4 inch for plunge and precision cuts to 1-1/4 inch for faster cuts. As with all its 24-volt tools, Bosch gives the reciprocating saw a comfortable rubber grip. For a reciprocating saw, it's relatively easy on the arms, and for a cordless model, its power can't be beat.
The batteries on Bosch's 24-volt tools are 2 amp hr ni-cads, made for Bosch by Panasonic. While we really like the padded grips Bosch uses on its cordless tools, the 24-volt battery does add a little extra heft to these tools, and no matter how nice the grip is, you will notice the extra weight if you carry this in your hand all day. This kit is ideal for contractors and other professionals looking for heavy-duty tools at a great price. The full kit includes the 1/2-inch drill, 6-1/2-inch circular saw, two 24-volt batteries, a one-hour charger, a drill bit, the side handle for the drill, a carbide circular saw blade, a rip fence, two reciprocating saw blades, and a case that holds it all. --Brian Trinen
