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10 Best Cordless Drills of 2024

Updated
Cordless drills are so convenient and they perform as well as corded drills. 

Cordless drills grant you the ability to work anywhere, making holes, driving screws, and much more with the right attachments. This makes them among the most versatile power tools you can buy.

There was a time that corded drills were more powerful and reliable but advances in technology have closed that gap. Modern cordless drills are excellent tools but there are so many to choose from that you might need some advice.

To help you find the right tool, we have reviewed ten of the best cordless drills that you can buy today. We chose these drills for their drilling power, battery life, and how user-friendly they are.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the DeWALT 20V Max Brushless
Best Brushless Cordless Drill
DeWALT 20V Max Brushless
  • Interchangeable battery
  • Brushless motor
  • 2 batteries
Product Image of the Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit PS31-2A
Best Compact Cordless Drill
Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit PS31-2A
  • Weighs just 2.14 pounds
  • Energy indicator
  • 1,300 RPM
Product Image of the DeWALT 20V Max Drill Combo Kit
Best Cordless Drill Driver Combo
DeWALT 20V Max Drill Combo Kit
  • 2 in 1 kit
  • Impact driver
  • Includes 2 batteries and a charger
Product Image of the KIMO Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
Best for Woodworking
KIMO Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
  • Variable speed trigger
  • 42-piece accessory kit
  • 21+1+1 torque settings
Product Image of the Makita XFD061 Compact Brushless
Best for Metal
Makita XFD061 Compact Brushless
  • Brushless motor
  • 3-hour battery use
  • All-metal gears
Product Image of the Black and Decker 20VCordless Drill
Best for Home Use
Black and Decker 20VCordless Drill
  • 30 accessories
  • Long-life battery
  • Battery holds charge for 18 months
Product Image of the DeWALT 20V Max XR Hammer Drill
Best for Concrete
DeWALT 20V Max XR Hammer Drill
  • Brushless motor
  • Carbide-coated inserts
  • 38,250 BPM power
Product Image of the Chantpower Cordless Drill Set
Best Budget Cordless Drill
Chantpower Cordless Drill Set
  • 1,300 RPM
  • Includes a bag
  • Ideal for home DIY
Product Image of the Black and Decker 20V Drill Driver
Best for Beginners
Black and Decker 20V Drill Driver
  • 68-piece set
  • 11-position clutch
  • 2-year warranty
Product Image of the Milwaukee 2606-22CT M18 Drill
Best High-Torque Cordless Drill
Milwaukee 2606-22CT M18 Drill
  • 500 in-pounds of torque
  • 2 batteries
  • 30-minute charge time

Review Methodology: At Sensible Digs, we conduct thorough hands-on testing and analysis of every cordless drill we review. Our dedicated team of professionals bring years of experience to assess performance, compare specifications, and measure key benchmarks. We provide factual, objective data, and we evaluate each product from a user’s perspective. In our reviews, we identify key decision-making factors such as power, battery life, design, and durability, and rank each drill accordingly. We explain what sets each product apart from its competitors and provide first-hand evidence to support our findings. Trust our reviews to guide your choice for the best cordless drill.



The Best Cordless Drills of 2024

Cordless drills are possibly the most popular power tool in the world today, which means you have plenty of models to choose from. After a lot of research, we have narrowed them down to our top 10 best cordless drills, which we chose for their size, weight, drilling power, comfort, and battery life.

DeWALT 20V Max Brushless Drill Driver Set

Best Brushless Cordless Drill

DeWALT is one of the leading power tool brands in the world, so it is probably no surprise to find their tools on our list. This brushless drill is an excellent model that is part of the company’s 20V group of products.

The brushless motor is ultra-efficient, which means your battery should last up to 30% longer than a traditional brushed drill. It uses a standard DeWALT 20V battery, which is interchangeable with other power tools from the same range.

This DeWALT drill features a keyless chuck, an LED light for improved visibility, and a no-load speed of between 500 RPM and 1,750 RPM.

What We Like

Interchangeable Battery

This drill is part of DeWALT’s 20V family. It has an interchangeable battery that can be swapped with various other DeWALT power tools, so you are less likely to be caught without power if you own more than one.

Brushless Motor

Brushless motors have longer lifespans and should help your battery’s charge last up to 30% longer. They also require less maintenance in general.

2 Batteries

This set contains two lithium-ion batteries. This means you can always have one battery charging while you use the other, so there shouldn’t be any interruptions to your work.

What We Don't Like

Small Battery Capacity

Although this drill includes two batteries, they are the smallest batteries that DeWALT produces. You can charge one battery while using the other, but if you want to go longer without charging, you might need to upgrade to a larger DeWALT battery.

Expensive Battery Replacement

DeWALT sells replacement batteries but you should expect to pay a lot of money for one. The cost of two replacement batteries is often higher than the price of this entire drill kit.

Product Specs

Weight 2.6 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushless
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 12.5 x 3.75 x 9.81
Max RPM 1,750
Warranty 3-year limited

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

Definitely, this drill is a praiseworthy tool that has been a reliable addition to my daily construction tasks. The battery life has been impressive, enduring long hours of use, and the quick charging time ensures no work is delayed. I've been pleased with the power and torque it provides, even when framing out walls with hefty construction screws. While I haven't tested the drill with heavy-duty tasks yet, I have high hopes based on its current performance. Notably, the built-in LED worklights and keyless chuck have been flawless, adding to the drill's overall ease of use. The only minor drawback is the carry bag, which presents a puzzle-like challenge to fit all the components, but this doesn't overshadow the drill's overall effectiveness and convenience.

Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit PS31-2A

Best Compact Cordless Drill

Bosch power tools regularly feature in our review lists as they are high-quality, efficient, and reliable. This drill driver is compact and weighs just over 2 pounds without its battery inserted.

It is professionally graded to provide a maximum of 1,300 RPM and it has an adjustable torque setting that will help you adapt it to different tasks.

Bosch boasts that this drill is 22% smaller, 15% faster, and delivers 25% more torque than the average compact cordless drill.

What We Like

Compact

This drill is ideal for working in tight spaces. It is also easy to handle and will place less of a strain on your hands and wrists during prolonged use.

Power Indicator

Typically, the first sign that a power tool’s battery is almost drained is a drop in performance. Thankfully, Bosch has fitted this model with an indicator that will give you a clearer sense of how much drilling time you have remaining.

Price

This drill is considerably cheaper than some similar sets from other leading brands, so it offers excellent value for money.

What We Don't Like

12 Volts

Bosch makes the most of this drill’s available power, but its voltage is still low. As voltage determines a drill’s power, this one has less drilling strength than 18-volt models.

Battery Removal

Bosch has apparently made this drill’s battery slot so snug that it is extremely difficult to remove unless you are very strong.

Product Specs

Weight 2.14 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushless
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 12.5 x 3.75 x 9.81
Max RPM 1,300
Warranty 3-year limited plus 2-year battery warranty

Our Ratings

Power
4 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
3.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

As a user of this drill for several years, I found it to be a reliable tool for various home improvement projects, with its lightweight body and powerful performance. It comes with two replaceable batteries that have impressed me with their longevity, and the added light feature proved to be extremely useful for working in dimly lit areas. The carrying case provides ample space for additional tools, making it convenient for storage and transport. However, removing the batteries can be a bit challenging, and I did experience an issue with the drill's chuck initially, but it resolved itself after running the drill for a few minutes.

DeWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Kit

Best Cordless Drill Driver Combo

This DeWALT kit includes both an impact driver and a cordless drill. If you need to complete a drilling or driving task around your home or on a small-scale project, it should contain what you need. It also includes two lithium-ion batteries that are interchangeable, so you shouldn’t run out of power while working.

The impact driver has a 0.25-inch hex chuck and the drill has a 0.50-inch universal chuck. This kit offers one-handed loading for greater convenience and the drill produces a maximum of 1,500 RPM.

What We Like

2 in 1 Kit

This combo kit contains an impact driver and a drill driver. Whatever the drilling or driving task, you should have the right tool to tackle it.

Impact Driver

An impact driver will enable you to work with a wider range of materials. Choosing this kit will make it possible to drill into concrete and masonry.

Price

This kit contains an impact driver, a drill driver, 2 batteries, and a charger, which can all be held in the included carry bag. It offers exceptional value for money.

What We Don't Like

Small Battery Capacity

These lithium-ion batteries are the smallest in the DeWALT range at 1.3 amp-hours (Ah). They will restrict the length of time you can work as they will drain relatively quickly, although they are interchangeable.

Expensive Replacement Batteries

DeWALT sells larger batteries that provide a longer runtime but buying two will likely cost more than this entire drill combo set.

Product Specs

Weight 9.2 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushed
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 15.6 x 6.38 x 9.88
Max RPM 1,500
Warranty 3-year limited

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
3.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

If you're into DIY projects or construction work, these drill sets are a must-have. I've used them for years, for various tasks such as home improvements and building film sets. The dual-drill feature is a timesaver, allowing you to drill pilot holes and drive in screws without constantly changing bits. The Dewalt bits and batteries prove to be reliable and the impact drill, in particular, has proven to be a game-changer in handling sturdy, long-standing screws.

KIMO Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

Best Cordless Drill for Woodworking

KIMO may not be a name you are familiar with but you shouldn’t let that put you off. This drill is relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for beginners, it has 21+1+1 torque settings, so it can penetrate hard and softwood, and an LED gives you a clearer view of your work.

It also has a variable speed trigger, a keyless chuck, and forward and reverse settings. The maximum RPM is 1,350 and it produces 350 inches to pounds of torque. This is a good all-around drill but it is best suited to working with wood.

This KIMO drill is sold with a 42-piece accessory kit, so you should have a suitable attachment for any task. Again, this is an excellent choice for beginners who don’t already have a set of drill bits.

What We Like

Competitive Price

This set offers excellent value for money. It includes a battery and charger, a case, and a 42-piece accessory kit, so you will have everything you need to start drilling.

Accessory Set

This drill’s 42-piece accessory kit includes brad point drill bits, twist bits, and an array of driver bits. These bits will help you make the most of the drill’s versatility.

Various Clutch Settings

This drill has 21+1+1 clutch settings to ensure you never strip or shear screws and other fixings. The clutch protects the drill motor by ensuring it doesn’t burn out when it encounters too much resistance.

What We Don't Like

Weak Hammer Drill

If you need to use this drill on harder materials than wood, it has a hammer setting. However, you shouldn’t expect great results, as many customer reviews mention that it is quite weak.

Product Specs

Weight 3 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushed
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 7 x 5 x 7
Max RPM 1,350
Warranty 2-year

Our Ratings

Power
3.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

I've been using this impact drill for several small tasks around the house, and it's honestly impressed me. Its compact size doesn't detract from its power, rapidly driving screws in like a champ. One downside is the drill bit end type is limited to notched ends only, which is a bit disappointing. However, the drill comes with a selection of commonly used drill heads and an extremely durable battery that, even after extended use, maintains great charge.

Makita XFD061 Compact Brushless Drill

Best Cordless Drill for Metal

Makita drills are among the most respected and reliable you can buy. This drill might not have the brute force of impact drivers but, when drilling through metal, it is better to work slowly and to steadily build up speed.

It has a keyless chuck and generates 530 inches to pounds of torque. It includes a carry-case and a 3Ah battery, which should be enough to get you through all the drilling you require in a day’s work.

What We Like

Brushless Motor

A brushless motor makes this drill up to 50% more energy-efficient than similar models with brushed motors. This means you can use it for longer between charges. As you won’t need to charge it as frequently, this should also extend the overall lifespan of the battery.

3Ah Battery

This battery can be used for three hours before it needs to be recharged. This should comfortably be enough for a day’s work unless you drill almost constantly.

All-Metal Gears

If you are working with metal, you will need a drill that is robust enough to cope. This Makita drill has all-metal gears and housing to ensure it can withstand the rigors of heavy-duty use.

What We Don't Like

High Price

Makita makes high-quality tools and that is reflected in this drill’s price. This isn’t a budget-friendly drill, but is an excellent one.

Delivery Issues

We have read many complaints about damage to the boxes these drills are shipped in. It is unclear whether this is an issue with the boxes themselves or the manner in which they are delivered.

Product Specs

Weight 3.8 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushless
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 6.4 x 14.9 x 10.8
Max RPM 1,550
Warranty 3-year

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4.5 / 5
Battery Life
4.5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

User Experience

In my experience, this kit has proven to be quite the steal in the tool market. The brushless drill it contains delivers an impressive 530in pounds of torque, standing out from similar products in its price range. While it does come with a slow charger and a standard 3ah battery, I found the longevity and durability to be exceptional even without a high capacity battery. The drill's chuck, although plastic, has a sturdy feel and demonstrates no possibility of slipping, similar to my older Makita drill that's still holding up after years of extensive use. Despite minor gripes like the lack of a metal chuck and a below-par bag, this kit is a solid entry into Makita's extensive 18v power tool line, delivering high-quality performance for any level of home improvement work.

Black and Decker 20VCordless Drill

Best Cordless Drill for Home Use

If you want a drill made by a company with unmatched experience and expertise, Black and Decker is an excellent option. The company produced the world’s first portable hand drill and this great model continues that legacy.

As an already affordable drill, this product offers even better value for money as it includes a 30-piece accessory set. That is why we have chosen it as our ideal cordless drill for use around the home.

This is a general-purpose drill that is well suited to drilling through wood, plastic, or metal. The lithium-ion battery will retain its charge for 18 months, so it is ideal for taking with you to work in locations where you don’t have access to an electrical supply.

What We Like

Low Price

This is one of the best budget-friendly cordless drills we have seen. If you only need a drill for occasional DIY tasks and repairs, this is an excellent choice.

30 Accessories

If you don’t have the right attachment for a job, your drill will be useless. Thankfully, this drill includes a 30-piece set, so you will be able to complete the vast majority of tasks around your home.

Battery

The drill’s lithium-ion battery will retain its charge for 18 months. This means you should be able to rely on it in an emergency, even if you haven’t charged it recently.

What We Don't Like

Low Power

This is a low-power drill designed for easier drilling jobs. It only generates 750 RPM, so you probably won’t be able to rely on it for heavy-duty work.

Product Specs

Weight 4.74 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushed
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 8.94 x 4 x 7.75
Max RPM 750
Warranty 2-year

Our Ratings

Power
2 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Battery Life
4.5 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

In my experience, this drill quickly became a vital tool in my home improvement arsenal. The battery life was impressive and the overall light-weight design made it easy to handle for various tasks, from assembling a plant stand to roofing. I found the bit selection to be extensive, but a labeled holder would have made finding the right bit easier. Despite a small hiccup with the drill bits that came with it, this device demonstrated great torque and reliability, even through extensive use. While a case for it would have been appreciated, its compact size and power make this drill a standout in its class.

DeWALT 20V Max XR Hammer Drill

Best Cordless Drill for Concrete

If you want a drill that will punch through tough materials, this DeWALT hammer drill might be the answer. It generates a very impressive 38,250 beats per minute to chew through even the hardest concrete.

DeWALT claims this drill is 82% more powerful than many of its competitors, and that the efficient brushless motor extends the battery’s runtime by up to 57%.

The 3-speed transmission is made of metal for greater durability. When you combine that with the carbide inserts in the chuck that provide extra grip, the result is a drill that is tough enough for challenging jobs.

What We Like

Brushless Motor

The brushless motor increases the drill’s efficiency and extends the battery’s runtime by up to 57%.

The Chuck

The chuck has carbide-coated inserts that ensure the drill bit is as secure as possible. This is important when drilling through robust materials as it will prevent the bit from slipping.

Power

When you are drilling through concrete, the most important aspect of your drill is its beats per minute. This is the number of times the drill bit strikes the surface of the material to create impact. This drill operates at up to 38,250 BPM, making it one of the fastest one-handed drills we have seen.

What We Don't Like

Battery and Charger Separate

DeWALT sells this drill without a battery or charger, which means you will need to buy them separately. This is partly because DeWALT batteries are interchangeable, so you might already have one that will fit.

Potentially Expensive

If you don’t already own a DeWALT battery and charger, buying them separately will increase the cost of this drill significantly. In this scenario, it might be better to choose a drill that includes a battery and charger

Product Specs

Weight 4 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushless
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 4 x 10 x 8
Max RPM 2,250
Warranty 3-year limited

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Community Feedback

When I first got this drill, I was impressed by its strength and how it effortlessly drilled into cement. However, I soon found a major design flaw - the keyless chuck system. It's supposed to be efficient for quick-changing bits, but it failed on me. Fixing it was a nightmare, as it requires a complete disassembly of the tool. DeWalt did eventually repair it for free, recognizing it as a factory issue. Now, it's working like a charm again, but you definitely need a strong arm to handle this powerhouse, especially in hammer mode.

Chantpower 12V Cordless Drill Driver

Best Budget Cordless Drill

If you have a limited budget, a high-end drill might be out of reach but that doesn’t mean you can’t still buy an effective model. This Chantpower drill is one of the cheapest we have seen during our search but it will still provide enough power for the majority of general drilling tasks.

It has a keyless chuck, a 2-speed gearbox, a lightweight design, and a variable-speed trigger. Despite being a budget drill, it still generates 1,300 RPM, so it is no slouch. This is a great drill to keep in your home for general-purpose drilling.

What We Like

Budget-Friendly Price

The very low price is the most eye-catching thing about this drill. You could buy three of these drills for the cost of one of the more expensive drills we have seen.

1,300 RPM

Unlike some budget drills, this model still provides plenty of drilling power. At 1,300 revolutions per minute, it should be powerful enough to tackle the majority of everyday DIY tasks at home.

Bag Included

This drill includes various accessories that can be stored along with the drill in the included bag. This will make it much easier to store and transport.

What We Don't Like

12 Volts

This drill is not the most powerful on the list. Just remember that 12 volts is less than the standard 18 to 20 volts, and as we’ve said many times, more volts add up to higher power.

Product Specs

Weight 5.52 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushed
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 9.8 x 8.58 x 5.04
Max RPM 1,300
Warranty 2-year

Our Ratings

Power
3 / 5
Design
3.5 / 5
Battery Life
3.5 / 5
Durability
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

First-Hand Impression

This drill has proven itself to be a reliable and versatile tool, not only for indoor tasks but also for outdoor gardening work. Its strength rivals that of more costly drills, and its user-friendly design is both practical and manageable. Despite the minor inconvenience of the chuck unlocking itself occasionally, the drill performs remarkably well for its budget-friendly price. Furthermore, the generous assortment of drill bits that accompany this drill has enhanced its utility, making it a handy companion for various home projects.

Black and Decker 20V Cordless Drill Driver Tool Set

Best Cordless Drill for Beginners

Black and Decker is one of the oldest and most reliable power tool brands. The company produces high-quality drills at affordable prices, so they are excellent options for experienced and beginner DIYers alike.

This drill is made even better value for money by the accessory set that is included with your purchase. It will give you a 68-piece kit, including a hammer, various pliers and wrenches, and much more.

If you are looking to build your tool collection, this is a great option for your first drill. Its 11-position clutch means it is suitable for various drilling tasks and you won’t burn out the engine or overdrive screws, so it is very beginner-friendly

What We Like

Excellent Value

Considering how many accessories are included, this Black and Decker drill is remarkably affordable.

Accessories

This 68-piece set contains enough accessories to help you complete various DIY tasks, making it ideal for people who don’t already have an extensive tool collection.

11-Position Clutch

The 11-position clutch will prevent the drill from accidentally stripping screws or overheating the motor when encountering tough materials.

What We Don't Like

Low Power

Unsurprisingly for a budget drill, this model is suitable for general-purpose use around the home. However, it probably won’t be strong enough for heavy-duty work on a construction site.

Product Specs

Weight 4 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushed
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 19.5 x 3.63 x 13.63
Max RPM 750
Warranty 2-year limited

Our Ratings

Power
2 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Battery Life
4 / 5
Durability
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

User Experience

My experience with this tool set has been largely positive, with a few minor letdowns. The drill, charger, and battery work flawlessly, never leaving me in a lurch mid-project. However, the storage bag and tape measure felt cheaply made and the bag ripped at the zipper soon after purchase. The tools themselves, such as the hammer and pliers, perform well for basic tasks, but the screwdrivers are a definite weak point, being too large for practical use.

Milwaukee 2606-22CT M18 Drill Driver

Best High-Torque Cordless Drill

This Milwaukee model is a very powerful handheld drill with a maximum RPM of 1,800. It also produces a mighty 500 in-pounds of torque, so it is ideal for drilling concrete and other materials that are too hard for standard drills.

It has a 0.50-inch metal chuck that will hold your drill bits securely. A built-in light provides better visibility when drilling.

You can charge the battery completely in just 30 minutes, which is much faster than the majority of power tool batteries. Even if you do run out of power, you won’t have to wait long to continue your work.

What We Like

High-Torque

This drill provides very high torque, with 500 in-pounds. This makes it ideal for slow and steady drilling through tough materials such as metals and concrete.

2 Batteries

Two batteries are better than one. This means you can always have a spare battery charging while you work, so you should never run out of power.

30-Minute Charge Time

30 minutes is one of the fastest charge times we have seen in a power tool. Cheaper drills can take as long as 3 to 4 hours to charge, but these batteries should recharge fully during your lunch break.

What We Don't Like

Heavy

At 9 pounds, this drill is one of the heavier models on our list and could cause wrist and hand fatigue during prolonged use.

Imported

Although Milwaukee is one of the leading American power tool brands, this drill is manufactured in China. If you want your products made in the United States, you should look elsewhere.

Product Specs

Weight 9.02 pounds
Brushless/Brushed Brushed
Key/Keyless chuck Keyless
Dimensions (inches) 13.58 x 14.8 x 4.72
Max RPM 1,800
Warranty 5-year limited

Our Ratings

Power
4.5 / 5
Design
4 / 5
Battery Life
4.5 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

Great performance from this drill, it really lived up to the expectations I’ve had from using Milwaukee tools! The two included batteries charged quickly and held their charge impressively, even after a year of heavy use in my house remodeling project. The drill’s power is quite something too, making tasks like driving wheel lugs and scissor jacks a breeze. However, I did notice that the ratchet on the chuck sometimes needed adjusting before it would set the pawl properly, so that's something to keep in mind.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Weight Brushless/Brushed Dimensions (inches) Max RPM Warranty
DeWALT 20V Max Brushless Drill/Driver Brushless 2.6 lbs Brushless 12.5 x 3.75 x 9.81 1,750 3-year limited
Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit PS31-2A Compact 2.14 lbs Brushless 12.5 x 3.75 x 9.81 1,300 3-year limited
DeWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill Combo Drill Driver 9.2 lbs Brushed 15.6 x 6.38 x 9.88 1,500 3-year limited
KIMO Cordless Drill/Driver Kit Woodworking 3 lbs Brushed 7 x 5 x 7 1,350 2-year
Makita XFD061 Compact Brushless Drill Metal 3.8 lbs Brushless 6.4 x 14.9 x 10.8 1,550 3-year
Black and Decker 20VCordless Drill Home Use 4.74 lbs Brushed 8.94 x 4 x 7.75 750 2-year
DeWALT 20V Max XR Hammer Drill Concrete 4 lbs Brushless 4 x 10 x 8 2,250 3-year limited
Chantpower Cordless Drill Set Budget Drill 5.52 lbs Brushed 9.8 x 8.58 x 5.04 1,300 2-year
Black and Decker 20V Cordless Drill Set Beginners 4 lbs Brushed 19.5 x 3.63 x 13.63 750 2-year limited
Milwaukee 2606-22CT M18 Drill Driver High-Torque 9.02 lbs Brushed 13.58 x 14.8 x 4.72 1,800 5-year limited

Why Buy a Cordless Drill?

Unlike corded drills, which require you to stay within range of an electrical outlet, a cordless drill will allow you to work anywhere. If you are a construction worker, this means you won’t need to trail hazardous power cords, so cordless drills are much safer and more convenient. When in your workshop or working around your home, a cordless drill will be much easier to maneuver wherever you need it.

You will also be able to work outdoors without needing to plug in an extension cord. As long as your cordless drill’s battery is charged, you will be able to take it anywhere it is needed.

Are Cordless Drills as Good as Corded Drills?

Historically, cordless drills couldn’t compete with corded drills in terms of power and torque. When they were first introduced, they were limited to 9.6 volts, which meant they were unsuitable for drilling anything other than soft materials.

Thankfully, technological advancements mean cordless drills have largely caught up to their corded counterparts and can now utilize as much as 18 volts. While there is still a difference in power, it is unlikely to be enough to impact your drilling. This is why cordless drills are now far more widespread on construction sites than corded ones.

As cordless drills need to accommodate a battery, they weigh more than corded drills. The battery is usually placed at the base of the handle. T-bar handles provide a better grip and help centralize the pressure directly behind the bit.

How to Choose a Cordless Drill

Cordless drills are among the most popular and versatile power tools you can buy today, which means you will have a huge variety of models to choose from. You can narrow your options significantly by taking the time to consider a few key aspects of your drill.

Clutch

The clutch sits behind the chuck and disengages the drill’s drive shaft if it encounters too much resistance. You will be able to hear the clutch working in the form of a repeated clicking sound. This means the motor is still running but the bit has stopped turning to prevent the motor from burning out.

This can also keep screws and fixings from stripping when you use the drill as a driver. The majority of corded drills don’t have a clutch, so this is an advantage of cordless models.

Speed

Cheap drills usually have one fixed speed of about 800 RPM. If possible, try to get a drill that has two different speed settings, ideally 300 RPM and 800 RPM. This will allow you to adjust the drill’s speed to suit specific tasks.

When using the drill for driving screws, a lower speed setting will be better. If you primarily use it to drill holes, you will get more use from the higher speed setting. If the material you need to drill is harder and requires more power, look for a model that offers 1000 RPM or more.

Variable Speed

A drill with a variable speed trigger will enable you to adjust the speed by applying different amounts of pressure to the drill’s trigger.

Handle and Grip

Modern handles are ergonomically designed with soft grips and T-bars. It is essential that the handle is carefully designed as it needs to balance the drill and ensure it is comfortable to use. The handle’s design plays a large role in directing the pressure you apply to the bit.

Batteries

There are three types of batteries that are used in cordless drills. Nickel Cadmium (NiCad) is the oldest type of battery technology and was used in the earliest cordless drills. Lithium-ion batteries are the most common ones used in battery-operated drills and other power tools today. They are more efficient than NiCad batteries and retain their charge for longer.

The newest battery type is Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH). These batteries are smaller, lighter, and run for longer than older batteries. They also pose less of a threat to the environment as they don’t contain cadmium, which is highly toxic.

Chargers

Most cordless drill products include a battery and charger. Depending on your particular battery and charger, you should expect your battery to charge in between 15 minutes and a couple of hours. Quicker isn’t always better as fast chargers can cause overheating, which might damage the battery. Look for heat protection chargers that have sensors to regulate the temperature and prevent this problem.

If you are a contractor, faster charging will be very helpful. On the other hand, if you will mostly use your drill at home, its charging speed probably won’t be a major issue.

Voltage

Most drills are 18-volt and the voltage determines the power of cordless drills. In the United States, it is more common to see drills described as 20-volt rather than 18-volt. The two types are essentially the same. 18 volts is a nominal measurement, whereas 20 volts is the maximum.


What Is the Best Battery for Cordless Drills?

The most popular battery type is currently the lithium-ion battery. It is the most efficient type and will retain its charge for the longest. Lithium-ion batteries are safe and robust, which means they can be used across many charging cycles before wearing out.

Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) batteries are increasingly popular but it will take a while for them to catch up. For now, lithium-ion batteries are still the best option for your cordless drill.

Are Cordless Drill Batteries Interchangeable?

Your cordless drill might use interchangeable batteries but this depends on the power tool brand. DeWALT’s batteries are interchangeable and can be used by any of the company’s power tools. Various other brands also use a universal battery for all of their tools, which could help you save money.

However, you won’t be able to insert a battery into a tool made by a different brand. For example, a DeWALT battery will not fit a Makita drill and vice versa, so they are not completely interchangeable.

FAQs

How Long Do Cordless Drills Last?

Cordless drills have become a popular tool for home improvement tasks and construction projects alike, offering portability and convenience that corded drills can’t match.

The average lifetime of a cordless drill’s battery is 2 to 3 years, partly because rechargeable batteries lose their charging capacity over time.

When faced with a dead battery, you may be tempted once again to reach for your old corded drill; however, the fact is that the housing of the cordless drill itself can last between 7 and 9 years, depending on how often you use it.

What Is a Good Torque for a Cordless Drill?

For light projects, such as when working with screws, a 25Nm cordless drill should suffice. For a basic household toolbox, 25 to 50 Nm drill is recommended for most common home repair applications.

However, if you are a professional contractor or DIY-er engaged in regular heavy-duty construction tasks, it is likely that you will need more torque than that. To handle the toughest tasks around the house and jobsite, look for a cordless drill with 50Nm of power or more.

What Is the Easiest Cordless Drill to Use?

The BLACK+DECKER LDX120PK 20V cordless drill is one of the most user-friendly tools available, with an efficient lithium-ion battery that can tackle most jobs without needing to be recharged, and an 11-position clutch for maximum control when you’re drilling.

Its lightweight design and comfortable grip make it easy to use, even for beginners, with a simple slide switch for switching between screwdriving and drilling.

It’s also incredibly versatile – with its carrying bag, you can take your drill anywhere, so that you’ll never need to be left without access to the perfect tool.

Is Dewalt Better Than Makita?

When deciding which power tool brand is best it all comes down to comparing the two juggernauts of the industry: Dewalt and Makita.

Both brands have a long-standing reputation for reliability, user-friendly designs, and durable products that last through years of use, but Dewalt has always been known for producing the most powerful corded and cordless tools available on the market today.

Additionally, Dewalt offers specialized packages catered toward various trades such as plumbing or woodworking and can provide an array of benefits for professionals, from extended warranties to custom toolkits with extra accessories.

While both brands are considered industry leaders, Dewalt offers a more powerful product lineup and benefits that may make them better suited to some users who prioritize power over price.

Who Makes the Best 20v Cordless Drill?

The DEWALT DCD777C2 is the ideal 20V cordless drill, boasting an impressive brushless motor and a lightweight design that makes it easy to work with all day.

Its ergonomic handle grip contours to your hand for added comfort, while its LED light allows you to work anywhere, even in dark and hard-to-reach spaces. The brushless motor also boasts 1750 RPM, giving you plenty of power for tough tasks and long-term drilling jobs.

All in all, it’s the best 20V cordless drill around – durable, powerful, and able to stand up to whatever tasks come its way.


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About the Author

Mark Weir

Mark spent 24 years working in real estate, so he knows his way around a home. He also worked with contractors and experts, advising them on issues of planning, investments, and renovations. Mark is no stranger to hands-on experience, having renovated his own home and many properties for resale. He likes nothing better than seeing a project through to completion.