How We Test

Our goal is simple: make your next battery decision obvious. We run standardized, repeatable tests so you can compare performance across ecosystems with confidence.

Test Environment and Setup

• Materials: SPF framing lumber, select pine, 3/16"–3/8" mild steel, and 3,000–4,000 PSI concrete for hammer mode.
• Bits and fasteners: standardized 3" construction screws, brad-point and twist bits, select hole saw diameters (e.g., 1-1/2").
• Batteries: we test with common pack sizes by class to normalize results.
  • 12V class: 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah
  • 18/20V class: 2.0Ah and 5.0Ah
• Controls: ambient temperature logged, rest intervals timed, and fresh workpieces rotated to minimize heat and grain bias.

Core Benchmarks

• Runtime-per-Wh: tasks completed per watt-hour to size batteries intelligently and minimize total pack count.
• Hole-count per charge: number of specified holes or screws driven until protective cutoff, measured for each pack size.
• Torque-per-gram: peak or sustained torque relative to tool weight (with a defined battery) for fair power-to-weight comparisons.
• Charge-time curves: 0–100% and 20–80% measurements to plan fast-charging workflows.
• Thermal recovery: time to safe operating temp after a defined load; we log throttle limiting and thermal cutbacks.
• Fatigue scoring: composite of mass, balance, grip, trigger smoothness, and vibration; validated by timed task sets.

Accuracy and Control Tests

• Chuck runout: dial indicator at the jaws and 1" out; we note variance bands.
• Clutch precision: repeatability driving to a surface without breakout across multiple clutch settings.
• Low-speed control: stall/creep behavior and PWM smoothness under delicate tasks (e.g., hinge pilot holes).
• Safety: e-clutch and kickback behavior in bind-up scenarios, with controlled fixtures and PPE.

Data Integrity

Each test is repeated across fresh packs, rotated operators (to balance technique), and randomized order. We report medians and ranges when appropriate and highlight meaningful differences. If firmware or pack revisions change results, we re-test and annotate updates.

From Data to Picks

We translate results into Platform Paths: start with the right drill and two batteries, then add an impact driver, hammer drill, and saws without redundant chargers. We call out when a 12V compact covers 80–90% of tasks, and when stepping to 18/20V saves time or reduces strain.

Limitations

Wood is a natural material; performance varies by species and moisture. Battery health and temperature affect results. Our numbers reflect controlled scenarios to make comparisons fair, not the absolute maximum you might see on a single job. When uncertainty matters, we say so—and we publish why a recommendation changes.