Introduction
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Are you tired of struggling to find the perfect cordless power drill that meets all your needs?
With so many options available on the market, choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze.
Finding the ideal one doesn't have to be a daunting task.
In this guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know to make an informed decision and choose the perfect cordless power drill for your needs.
Let's dive in and unlock the secrets!
What is a Cordless Power Drill?
A cordless power drill is a portable tool powered by rechargeable batteries, eliminating the need for a cord. It features a motor that rotates a drill bit to create holes in various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. Cordless drills offer convenience and flexibility for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals.
Benefits of buying a Cordless Power Drill
Investing in the right cordless power drill can be a game-changer for homeowners. Whether you're tackling simple repairs or ambitious renovation projects, having the right tool at your disposal can save you time, effort, and frustration. From assembling furniture to drilling into tough materials, a quality cordless drill is a versatile companion that can handle a variety of tasks with ease.
Cordless Power Drill Features
Cordless power drills are equipped with various features, each serving a specific function to enhance performance and usability. Understanding these features is essential for making an informed purchasing decision. Here's a breakdown of the key features found in most drills:
Power
Power is measured in battery voltage. This metric directly correlates with the tool's torque, its ability to overcome resistance. Over the past decade, top-tier voltage has surged from 9.6 to 18V, presenting a spectrum of options ranging from 6 to 18V. Contemporary high-voltage drills boast formidable power, capable of effortlessly penetrating framing lumber and flooring. Nevertheless, this enhanced power comes with a trade-off: weight. A conventional 9.6V drill weighs a modest 3 1/2 lbs., whereas an 18V counterpart can tip the scales at up to 10 lbs., signifying a notable increase in bulk.
Handles
Handles come in two primary configurations: the pistol grip and the T-handle. Historically, pistol grips dominated the scene, with the handle positioned behind the motor, akin to a gun's handle. However, contemporary cordless models predominantly feature the T-handle design.
The base of the handle widens to prevent hand slippage and accommodate the battery. This placement ensures the battery's weight is centralized beneath the motor, enhancing overall balance, particularly in heavier drills.
Moreover, T-handle drills offer added maneuverability in tight spaces, as the hand is positioned centrally on the drill. Conversely, for tasks requiring robust drilling and driving force, the pistol grip shines, enabling pressure application closer to the bit, thereby exerting greater force on the work piece.
Torque Settings (AKA the Clutch)
The clutch serves as a distinguishing feature setting apart cordless drills/drivers. Situated just behind the chuck, this mechanism disengages the drive shaft upon encountering a predetermined resistance, emitting a distinctive clicking sound.
This action allows the motor to continue running while halting the rotation of the screwdriver bit.
The clutch provides users with precise control, preventing the stripping or overdriving of screws once they're snugly in place. Additionally, it safeguards the motor from damage when encountering significant resistance during screw driving or bolt tightening.
The number of clutch settings varies across drills, with higher-quality models boasting a minimum of 24 settings. With such a range, users can finely adjust the power output of the drill. Lower settings cater to smaller screws, while higher settings are tailored for larger screws. Furthermore, most clutches offer a dedicated drill setting, enabling the motor to operate at full power for drilling tasks.
Speed/Gears
While basic models operate at a single speed, most offer two fixed speeds: 300 rpm and 800 rpm.
The lower speed setting is optimal for driving screws, whereas the higher speed setting is ideal for drilling holes.
A convenient slide switch or trigger mechanism allows users to toggle between high and low speeds, catering to various tasks.
For more intricate carpentry and repair endeavors, opt for a drill featuring the same dual-speed functionality alongside a trigger equipped with variable speed control. This enables users to adjust the speed from 0 rpm to the maximum of each range, providing greater precision and adaptability.
Furthermore, if your projects primarily involve drilling holes rather than driving screws, seek drills offering higher speeds, ideally exceeding 1,000 rpm at the upper end of the spectrum.
Batteries and Chargers
Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries represent the latest breakthrough in batteries. They offer enhanced performance, being smaller yet more long-lasting compared to standard nickel-cadmium (Nicad) batteries. Moreover, NiMH batteries present a safer disposal option as they lack cadmium, a highly toxic element found in Nicads.
Leading manufacturers such as Makita, Bosch, Hitachi, and DeWalt have embraced NiMH technology, with others poised to follow suit.
Each cordless drill comes accompanied by a battery charger, featuring varying recharge times ranging from 15 minutes to three hours. However, faster charging isn't always advantageous.
While contractors may prioritize swift recharges, slower charging rates are generally acceptable for home use, especially if multiple batteries are available. Moreover, rapid charging can potentially harm batteries by generating excessive heat, unless the charger is specifically designed to mitigate this risk.
For those seeking expedited recharging, tools from Makita, Hitachi, or Panasonic offer viable solutions. Equipped with "smart" chargers featuring temperature sensors and feedback circuitry, these units safeguard batteries from damage while providing a rapid charge in as little as nine minutes.
Keyless Chuck
The chuck at the end of the drill tightens the bits. Adding a bit involves opening the chuck to spread the teeth wide, then tightening it by hand.
Depth Stop
Positioned near the drill bit, the depth stop prevents drilling beyond the desired depth. It is adjustable to accommodate different tasks.
Auxiliary Handle
This provides additional safety and precision during drilling. It can be attached to the left or right side according to your dexterity for better control.
Forward/Reverse Setting
This is a sliding switch feature that changes the direction of the drill's rotation. It is useful for backing out of bored holes or removing screws.
LED Work Light
Positioned above the trigger, this feature illuminates darker work areas, such as attics or basements. It’s activated when the trigger is pressed.
Belt Clip
It allows you to hang the drill from your belt, keeping it within reach for quick access and freeing your hands for other tasks.
Matching the Tool to the Job
Choosing the right cordless drill can be a daunting task amidst the plethora of options available. However, it's essential to match the tool to the job at hand to ensure optimal performance and value for money.
Light Maintenance and Repair
For tasks like installing drapery brackets or assembling furniture, a drill with one battery will suffice.
Look for a drill with two fixed speeds, variable speed options, and an adjustable clutch for drilling holes and driving screws accurately.
Models in the 6 to 7.2V range, such as the Ryobi HP61 or Black & Decker 9099KB, offer a perfect blend of power, portability, and affordability.
Repair and Remodeling
Projects involving building storage racks or hanging drywall require more power.
Opt for at least a 9.6V tool, or preferably a 12V drill for increased power.
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Look for features like variable speed, two speed ranges, a clutch, and a T-handle for enhanced control and efficiency.
Consider professional-level models like the Hitachi FDS10DVA or Makita 6222DWLEK, which offer the necessary features for these tasks.
Heavy-Duty Construction
Projects such as drilling into pressure-treated wood or masonry walls demand high-voltage tools.
Invest in a minimum 12V or preferably a 14.4V model for these heavy-duty tasks.
Look for features like a 1/2-inch chuck to handle larger bits and longer-lasting NiMH batteries for extended usage.
Consider premium models like the Hitachi DS14DV, Porter-Cable 9873, or Makita 6333DWAE for pure power and reliability.
Factors to Consider When Buying a Cordless Power Drill
When purchasing a cordless power drill, several factors merit consideration to ensure the selection aligns with your needs and preferences:
Battery Voltage: Determine the required power level based on intended tasks. Higher voltage offers greater torque for demanding applications.
Battery Type: Choose between nickel-cadmium (NiCad) or lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Li-ion batteries tend to be lighter, have no memory effect, and offer longer runtimes.
Chuck Size: Consider the chuck size, which dictates the maximum diameter of drill bits the tool can accommodate. Common sizes include 3/8-inch and 1/2-inch chucks.
Weight and Ergonomics: Opt for a drill that feels comfortable to handle, especially for extended use. Lightweight and ergonomically designed models reduce fatigue.
Speed Settings: Evaluate the available speed settings to ensure versatility. Multiple speed options enable precise control for various drilling and driving tasks.
Clutch Settings: Look for a drill with an adjustable clutch to prevent overdriving screws or damaging materials. A higher number of clutch settings provides finer control.
Chuck Type: Decide between keyless and keyed chucks based on convenience and preference. Keyless chucks allow for tool-less bit changes, while keyed chucks offer enhanced bit retention.
Additional Features: Consider features such as built-in LED lights for improved visibility in dimly lit areas, auxiliary handles for stability, and onboard storage for bits and accessories.
Brand Reputation and Warranty: Research reputable brands known for quality and reliability. Ensure the drill comes with a warranty for added peace of mind.
Price and Value: Balance the features and performance against the budget. Invest in a drill that offers the best value for your specific needs and usage frequency.
Sources
Consumer Reports
Wirecutter
CNET
Amazon Customer Reviews
Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics
Journal of Cleaner Production
Journal of Power Sources
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Construction Industry Institute (CII)
Popular Mechanics
This Old House
Family Handyman
Home Depot
Lowe's
ToolGuyd
Fine Homebuilding
Pro Tool Reviews
The Spruce
DIY Network
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After drilling over 1,000 holes and sinking at least 60 pounds of screws in drill tests dating back to 2013, we’ve found the DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit to be the best one yet.
Manufacturers like to market them to pros, but don’t be put off: For all of those slightly-more-involved home tasks—from hanging a baby gate to mounting shelving—a drill will make the work faster, easier, and more enjoyable. And you’ll be more likely to achieve solid, professional-looking results than if you used hand tools alone.
Cordless drills are more powerful than they’ve ever been. Yet they’ve also gotten so compact and lightweight that you can probably handle one even if you’ve never picked up a drill in your life.
This DeWalt is similar to the 18-volt Milwaukee, but it offers a little more battery life and an LED that can be used independent of the drill. It also has a higher price tag.
The 18-volt Milwaukee 3601-22CT handles demanding work faster and easier than the smaller, 12-volt drills, yet it manages to retain the great ergonomics and other features of our top-pick DeWalt drill.
This Milwaukee isn’t as comfortable to hold as our top pick, but it has all-day power, especially when used with the high-capacity battery.
The Bosch PS31-2A 12V has power similar to that of the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it’s clunkier to hold. And the little touches, such as the LED, aren’t as nice.
The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme is the most comfortable drill we’ve ever held. It’s loaded with convenience features and packs enough strength and stamina to easily handle common jobs around the home.
The DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit combines power, comfort, and convenience in a way that none of the other tested drills do. In our tests, it bored 30 1-inch holes through a 2-by-10 on a single battery charge, showing it can handle just about anything within the four walls of a home (and even the occasional foray into more aggressive work, like a small decking repair). Other drills we tested had similar power, but the DeWalt DCD701F2 really excels in ergonomics and convenience features. The molded handle seems to account for every curve and bulge of the hand, the battery is designed so that the drill can stand upright when not in use (other drills, like the runner-up Bosch PS31-2A 12V, need to be placed on their side), and the LED is positioned so that it illuminates the drill front better than most. In all our years of testing, we haven’t found a drill that’s as much a pleasure to use as this one.
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SKIP ADVERTISEMENTIf the DeWalt DCD701F2 is overpriced or unavailable, we also like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 in. Drill/Driver Kit. In our tests, this 12-volt Bosch couldn’t drill as many 1-inch holes on a single charge as our top pick, but it still has more than enough power for general home tasks. In our own measurements, we found it to be about 5 ounces lighter than the DeWalt DCD701F2, but it feels heavier because the balance isn’t as nice. The Bosch battery slides up into the handle, making the grip fatter and not as contoured as the DeWalt’s. Also, the LED doesn’t illuminate as well. Even with these drawbacks, we’ve been using (and recommending) this drill for years, and we’ve seen firsthand a long track record of reliability.
If you’re looking for a real workhorse of a drill, or if you have other tools in the Milwaukee 12-volt ecosystem, we like the Milwaukee 3403-22 M12 Fuel 1/2 in. Drill/Driver. It’s pricey for a 12-volt tool, but when we tested it with the included 4.0 Ah high-capacity battery, it put up numbers that rivaled or exceeded many of those of the 18-volt drills we looked at. Its considerable power is emphasized by the fact that it comes with a 0.5-inch chuck (the nose of the drill, where the bits fit in), which is larger than what is found on a standard 12-volt drill. This allows the Milwaukee to accept larger drill bits. The downsides are that, like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V, the handle isn’t as comfortable as the DeWalt DCD701F2’s, and when using the lower-capacity battery, the tool can be placed only on its side when set down. We think most will be just fine with the capabilities and comfort of our top-pick DeWalt, but this Milwaukee can definitely get a lot of work done.
If you take on projects that have you drilling lots of holes and sinking long screws, we recommend stepping up to the Milwaukee 3601-22CT M18 Compact Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit. This 18-volt drill shares the most important characteristics of our less powerful top pick: It’s extremely comfortable to hold and use, and the little convenience features, such as the belt hook and LED, are spot-on. It’s also extremely short—shorter than even any of the 12-volt tools we tested—so it fits into tighter spots. Compared with our 12-volt Milwaukee pick, this larger drill completes tougher jobs much faster, doing the same work in less than half the time with a battery that lasts a lot longer. We tested drills during a kitchen remodel and a few smaller house renovations, and this is the drill we reached for over all the others.
If the Milwaukee 18-volt drill is not available, or if you have other 20-volt DeWalt tools and batteries, we also like the 20-volt DeWalt DCD800E2 20V Max XR Brushless Cordless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver Kit. It’s very similar to the 18-volt Milwaukee in power, ergonomics, and overall design. The DeWalt lasted a little longer in our battery test, and it has an LED that can also be switched on independently of the drill and slightly rotated, a unique feature that turns it into a rudimentary flashlight (which could come in handy in nearly any crawl space). The light is neat but not necessary, so we prefer the typically less expensive 18-volt Milwaukee, which is a little shorter and delivers roughly the same power and battery life.
If you’re looking for more power and battery life than what the 12-volt models provide, but you’re hesitant about the cost of the 18-volt Milwaukee and 20-volt DeWalt drills, we recommend the Ridgid R87012 18V Brushless SubCompact Cordless Drill/Driver Kit. It doesn’t have the same strength as the other two, but it has enough power for most midsize DIY projects, such as light framing. We see it as a good drill for someone starting out on the DIY road who might want a decent drill at a lower cost.
Ryobi’s 300-Piece Drill and Drive Kit and 95-Piece Drill and Impact Drive Kit are the best drill bit sets we’ve found in years of testing.
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