DeWalt launches 18-volt lithium-ion cordless tools

A new lineup of Dewalt tools

Long one of the leaders in the cordless tool industry, DeWalt has waited to add lithium-ion batteries to its lineup until it found the formula that works best with its tools. There are many different formulas for lithium-ion batteries, and DeWalt has chosen a nano-phosphate combination with lithium (billed as NANO Technology) that they say delivers -- versus nickel-cadmium and nickel-metal-hydride batteries -- longer battery life, lighter weight, faster charge times, and less power drain when sitting idle. But this technology comes at a cost, so expect to pay slightly more for Li-Ion batteries and tools than for Ni-Cd tools.