When getting into optimum condition, a fighter leans out, both to meet the weigh-in goal, and also to perform at a higher level with less baggage to throw around. Ingersoll Rand recently debuted a new leaner, meaner lineup of cordless tools in a new voltage size that is more compact, much lighter, and has solid ergonomics for less user fatigue. For 2014, Ingersoll Rand released a 12V cordless line called the IQ V12 Series. This venture into the 12V world provides Ingersoll Rand with a full cordless lineup that includes 14.4V and the much-heralded IQ V20. Key to the engineering of the IQ V12 cordless tools was maximizing performance with the lightest, most compact package possible. Did they achieve this admirable goal? To find out, we ordered five of the most common cordless tools and put them through a bevy of tests.
As of this writing, there are eight available tools in the IQ V12 lineup, so for us to test five, that’s a pretty good representation of the ergonomics, power, and battery life of the new Ingersoll Rand tools. First off, the tools are light and easy to grasp in your hand. The new 12V Lithium-Ion battery is compact and balances the tools nicely. We used the 1/4-inch hex quick-change impact wrench (PN: W1110) first, and let us warn you, it has some cojones (up to 100 lb-ft of torque). This isn’t your typical 12V tool purchased down at the warehouse store, this is a purpose-built tool designed to tackle both large and small jobs. Thanks to its small size, it fits where other larger impact wrenches can’t, and with an aluminum casing, you don’t feel bad beating on it when using it. The controls are similar to other IR tools, with a forward and reverse lever mounted directly above where your forefinger would be, and as an added benefit, it has a built-in LED light.
We also tested the 3/8-inch cordless drill driver (PN: D1130) with equal success, as it had no problem drilling through wood, plastic, and metal. Again, the compact size and light weight of the drill came in handy when using it to drill holes under the dash (as did the built-in light). Our final drive tool tested was the cordless screwdriver (PN: D1410), and we appreciated the motor’s two speeds and 15-position clutch, which prevented any fastener damage due to over torquing. The head has a magnetic, pin-detent holder for any type of 1/4-inch fastener. When massive torque isn’t needed from the impact wrench, this screwdriver was extremely useful for door panel and trim screws. Also in our test, we evaluated the LED task light (PN: L1110). Similar to the one used in the 20V lineup, the light features a multi-position head, which is important because with 180 lumens, you can illuminate exactly what you’re working on. During our test, the battery lasted more than six hours on one charge, which beats a common flashlight any day.
| We also tested the ¼-inch cordless ratchet wrench (PN: R1120), which proved invaluable when working under the hood and removing hard-to-reach fasteners and bolts.
| The head is compact yet powerful (IR claims up to 30 lb-ft of torque), but what we really liked was the ability to loosen a bolt manually and then zip it off with the ratchet wrench. Once you have one, you’ll wonder how you survived without it—it saves so much time. Despite being lightweight and only 12 volts, the new 1⁄4-inch hex impact driver has the strength to handle medium-duty jobs, and yet fits where larger impacts can’t.
