Regardless of if you are simply learning the basics of uncomplicated maintenance or are a proper professional, a good cordless drill is a necessity. Our best cordless drill buyer's guide is designed to help people choose the right model for their requirements. A cordless model ensures easy usage and simultaneous uses – you can drill holes and insert screws at the same time, without having to look for the nearest outlet to power the drill.
For starters, a cordless drill is an electric drill, usually used at construction sites or projects regarding home renovations. These drills, which run on rechargeable batteries, have an edge over the age-old cable drills due to their ease of usage and mobility – making them the more viable choice. It is easy to be confused or swayed away due to the overload of information on the topic, but a cordless drill review like this one helps you sift through the unnecessary and keep an eye out for what’s important.
1Hitachi DS18DSAL 18-Volt with Flashlight - Best for 18 volt battery
While talking of powerful drills and drivers, one may not have the name of Hitachi on the top of their minds, but the Hitachi DS18DSAL is certainly one of the best buy items in this category. This compact and lightweight cordless drill offers a long list of pro-level features that make it a must-have item in the toolbox of any construction worker.
Features of Hitachi DS18DSAL
Compact design
Measuring only 7.7 inches and weighing just 3.5 pounds, the compact design of the Hitachi DS18DSAL is ideal for workers who labor for long hours without causing any fatigue to their wrists or arms.
Lightweight 1.5 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries
The Hitachi DS18DSAL is powered by 1.5 Ah Lithium-ion batteries which are not only long lasting but lightweight as well. The sliding batteries glide into their designated socket, allowing this cordless drill to offer an ergonomically designed handle to its user.
Best in class torque
460 in/lbs. The torque of this cordless driver drill allows the user to take on and accomplish any heavy duty drilling task. Be it hardwoods or heavy masonry work, the powerful torque of this easy-to-handle model makes the toughest task easy to accomplish.
Variable speed
The model features a variable speed trigger that allows the speed to be set from 0 to 350 rpm or 0 to 1500 rpm. This means, you can control the speed of this 22 clutch drill to match your needs. The special drilling mode of the unit allows both precision driving along with high torque applications.
Lithium ion flashlight
The Hitachi DS18DSAL features the adjustable Lithium-ion flashlight UB18DAL that can be adjusted to five different lighting positions. This means that you can illuminate the target area easily and carry out your drilling task seamlessly.
Advantages of Hitachi DS18DSAL
It is certain that top-rated cordless drills like the Hitachi DS18DSAL will have an array of advantages attached to them. While talking about the pros and cons of the different cordless drill reviews, not many disadvantages could be found. The list of advantages goes like this.
Quick charging
The 1.5 Ah Lithium-ion batteries take only thirty minutes to get fully charged, and the discharge rate is much slower than the regular NiCad or NiMH batteries. The batteries weigh half of what the other batteries usually weigh.
Comfortable to use
The light weight of 3.5 pounds and the ergonomic grip of the DS18DSAL makes it very comfortable for use over long hours and in tight spaces.
Powerful torque
You would not get a torque as powerful as 460 in/lb in a drill machine of this class or at this price range. This makes the unit compatible with the toughest drilling jobs on even the hardest surfaces. The brushes of the unit are easily accessible, which allows the user to replace them easily and conveniently.
Onboard lighting system
The 5-position flashlight on the DS18DSAL allows you to work in dark conditions as well. The light can be adjusted and focused on the area where the drilling is carried out.
Warranty
The unit comes with 10-year lithium ion tool warranty and 2-year Li-ion battery warranty which is not available with many drill drivers of this price range.
Pros
One can have a compact drill design in this model, which will have a length of only 7.7 inches. It will thereby facilitate longer hours of work.
This drill comes with Li-ion batteries, which can help you to have a longer service life.
Using these batteries will even benefit from having the lightweight of the component. It also provides the needed torque for drilling at variable speeds
In the case of usage in low illuminated areas, it will also work as a flashlight, which is working on the Lithium-ion batteries.
Cons
Flashlight provided in the drill is not of high quality to get the desired illumination of the targeted area.
While some users are not very happy with the quality of the integrated flashlight of the DS18DSAL (they find it not as bright as LED work lights), this 18V pro driver drill is still one of the best-in-class products that Hitachi has produced. Priced at just about $130, you will hardly find a drill that hosts so many pro-level features. The ergonomic handle of the tool gives it a cool look and the highly effective torque gives it the power, which makes the DS18DSAL a highly versatile mid-range best Hitachi cordless drill.
2DEWALT DCD760KL 18-Volt - Best Cordless Drill For Home Use
People who are looking look for tools that will help them accomplish simple repair tasks at home and work should use the DEWALT DCD760KL. This is one of the top-rated cordless drills available at a competitive price of about $190 on sites like Amazon.
Features of DEWALT DCD760KL
The DEWALT DCD760KL is a compact and lightweight 18V cordless drill that minimizes user fatigue and makes the work fast and enjoyable. This 4 lb cordless drill comes with LED work light which enhances visibility in spaces which are not very highly illuminated. The main features of the unit include:
Light weight design
The machine weighs just 4 lbs, which makes it very lightweight for regular use. Being lightweight, it does not cause any strain on the wrists or the hands causing less fatigue to the user and can be used for longer periods without a break.
LED work light
What makes the DEWALT DCD760KL the best cordless drill is that it can be used in areas that are dark and poorly-lit. The LED work light illuminates the working area and allows the work to get done without any interruption owing to improper illumination.
Compact size
The whole unit measures just 8.2”, which makes it easy to be used in tight spaces as well. Be it under the sink or inside a closet or in the corners, you can use this drill everywhere without much trouble.
Dual speed range
The dual speed range of 0-500/0-1700 rpm of the drill allows the delivery of optimal performance, which boosts the productivity manifolds.
Quick charging with Lithium-Ion batteries
The compact Li-Ion batteries that are used to power the DEWALT DCD760KL are extremely lightweight and charge within 30 minutes of time. As the durability of these batteries is longer than the regular NiCad batteries, there is hardly any downtime while using this best cordless drill.
Clutch settings
With 17 clutch settings, the unit offers a high degree of versatility and can be used for a number of professional construction works.
Advantages of DEWALT DCD760KL
Owing to the many striking features that the unit has to offer, the DEWALT DCD760KL has proven itself to be one of the best cordless drills currently available on the market. Going through the various cordless drill reviews will confirm that the unit has the following advantages.
Longer working periods
The light weight of the drill allows the user to work with it for the whole day without tiring their wrists and arms.
Ideal for tight spaces
The compact design allows the tool to be used in absolute cramped corners and under the sink or tables.
Extended battery life
The use of Li-ion batteries gives the cordless drill an extended battery life.
Impeccable warranty services
The Li-ion drill/driver unit comes with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free servicing and 90-day money back guarantee. The unit also offers a 2-year free service contract on the batteries as well.
Pros
This drill is designed based on the requirements of the customer regarding the lightweight, compact, and capable of working for an extended period of time.
It will even provide dual speed ranges for the people using this drill for the case of optimal performance.
Li-ion batteries available in this model also help in keeping the weight of the model lower for its effective usage.
Cons
The battery of this drill can die down without providing any warning to the user of the drill.
The DEWALT DCD760KL is undoubtedly one of the best drill machines as it saves the users from buying different tools for carrying out the array of different types of jobs. While some users do not like the idea of the battery dying without any warning, it is certain that the Li-ion batteries also help in keeping the overall weight of the tool to the minimum. The unit comes with two 18V Li-ion batteries and a 30-minute charger. You can check out sites like Amazon and get this great cordless drill at attractive prices.
3Makita LCT209W 12-Volt - Best for 12 volt battery
The Makita LCT209W 12V cordless compact kit comprises of a drill and a driver. Looking at the small and compact size of the ergonomically designed drill and driver, one would not be able to understand the power of these tools. This kit contains a best Makita cordless drill for small repair jobs and projects around the house.
Features of Makita LCT209W
The pair of driving, drilling, and fastening tools that come with the kit are powered by 12V Li-ion batteries and get charged with the ENERGY STAR rated Makita charger. The multiple features of this tool make it ideal to be included in the everyday set of power tools. The many features of the unit include:
Compact design
Measuring only 6-1/8 inch in length and weighing just about 2.0 lbs, the Makita LCT209W is ideal for use on overhead applications and in tight spaces like corners or beneath something.
Torque
The cordless impact driver unit has a variable speed with 800 in. lbs. of torque and the drill unit that comes with keyless chuck has a variable speed with 200 in. lbs. of torque.
Speed
The drill/driver unit of the LCT209W has 2 speeds: 0-350 rpm and 0-1300 rpm. The impact driver has a variable speed of 0-2400 rpm and 0-3000 impacts per minute.
LED work light
Attached LED work light on the drill and driver allows them to be used in confined spaces and poorly-lit conditions.
Clutch settings
16 clutch settings allow the user to match the torque as per the task by having complete control over the torque settings.
Lithium-ion batteries
The Makita 12V max Li-ion batteries ensure a longer lifespan and a slower discharge rate of the batteries, which makes the LCT209W ideal to be used for long hours without interruption.
Advantages of Makita LCT209W
The combo kit not only saves the user a lot of money but also offers a lot of other advantages to its users. What is worth noting is that most cordless drill reviews about the LCT209W have only positive points. There are hardly any cons or disadvantages that have been reported by the users of this wonderful 2-piece cordless drill kit.
Ergonomic design
Both the tools that are included in the LCT209W kit are designed ergonomically to offer better grip and hassle-free usage.
Lightweight
The compact design of the unit contributes to its light weight. Being lightweight, the unit allows the user to work for long hours without straining the hands or getting fatigued.
Easy control
The LCT209W allows better control of the torque settings, thanks to the 16 clutch settings that are offered by the kit.
Quick charging batteries
The 12V max Li-ion batteries and the Makita Energy Rated charger allow the whole unit to be charged within 30 minutes’ time.
Great performance
The variable speed and powerful torque of the drill and the impact driver unit of the LCT209W ensure that you get a powerful performance to accomplish your job in a faster and better way.
Pros
The design of this drill is compact with only 6-1/8 inch in length, which will facilitate its effective usage.
It comes with an LED work light, which will facilitate its use even in poorly lit conditions.
It uses Li-ion batteries, which will permit a longer lifespan and a slower discharge rate.
This drill is capable of providing the best ergonomic design with maximum performance.
Cons
Still, no specific disadvantages or cons are reported for this drill model.
To sum it up, the LCT209W is one of those top rated cordless drills that will surprise you with its powerful performance and compact size. There are certainly many cordless drills available on the market, but when it comes to getting something powerful at the reasonably low price of around $150 only, there are hardly any alternatives to the Makita LCT209W 12-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo Kit.
4Bosch DDS181A-02 18V - Best for homeowner
When it comes to cordless drills, Bosch has the reputation of producing some of the best cordless drills in the industry. The DDS181A-02 adds to the legacy of Bosch drills as this powerful and smart looking drill machine hosts a number of features to cater to almost all home-based needs.
Features of Bosch DDS181A-02
Power
The four pole open frame motor of the DDS181A-02 offers great power and makes it one of the most powerful tools at this size.
Compact design
Measuring just 7.5 inches and weighing just 3.38 lbs, this powerful drill machine fits into the tightest spaces and delivers the ultimate in powerful performance.
Comfort
The ergonomic design of the handle and the soft-grip wrap housing offers a wonderful grip, which makes it highly comfortable for the user to grip the tool and work with it for extended hours.
Performance
The heavy-duty all-metal chuck and the 600in/lbs torque of the DDS181A-02 make it capable of carrying out a wide range of heavyweight applications.
Control
The variable speed trigger of the DDS181A-02 allows maximum control to the user who can match the rpm rating of the drill as per the need of the task. The two speeds are 0-500 rpm and 0-1900 rpm and are meant as settings for larger and smaller diameter bits respectively.
LED light
The onboard LED work lights make it possible to work in dark and poor light conditions as well.
Bosch Lithium-ion HC batteries
The Li-ion batteries take half the time to get fully charged and offer almost 50% more runtime as compared to NiMH or NiCad batteries. These batteries can perform in extremely cold temperatures of -4º as well.
Advantages of Bosch DDS181A-02
Great power in small package
The DDS181A-02 offers impressive, powerful performance out of its compact design, which is not very common among other drills of this class.
Highly durable
The Durashield housing construction of the unit allows it to be exposed to most hostile job site conditions without harming the tool at all.
Extended battery life
The use of Bosch Li-Ion HC batteries makes the drill run longer than its counterparts and ensures it is charged at a faster rate than other units of its class.
Extra comfort
The ergonomic design and comparative light weight of the DDS181A-02 make it highly comfortable for use over extended hours. This means users will not strain their muscles or get fatigued at all.
Higher versatility
With 18 setting clutch and ability to function with all Bosch 18V Li-ion batteries, this is one of the most versatile drilling tools that have hit the shelves in recent years.
Pros
It provides a compact and comfortable design for usage. The drill comes in a compact 7.5 inches and has an ergonomic design.
The heavy-duty chuck and the torque that it provides enables this drill to be used even where there is a requirement of high loads.
Complete control over the performance with 2 speeds will allow you to perform for both low performance and high-performance applications.
Li-ion batteries provide 50% more runtime and are also capable of performing under extreme conditions.
Cons
This unit might not be a good fit for construction workers, which require heavy duty drilling.
All in all, the DDS181A-02 may not be fit for use by heavy-duty construction workers, but the unit is ideal for homeowners as they can carry out almost all basic repair and fastening jobs with this powerful drill. As the unit comes with a whole kit that comprises of all related accessories, it can be used by mobile craftsmen who are always in search of lightweight but reliable drilling tools.
5Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt - Best for the money
If you are looking for an 18V powerful and best cordless drill, the Milwaukee 2691-22 is the ideal piece for you. It has been regarded as one of the most essential tools for any professional to have in his toolkit. The best part is that you do need not to be a professional yourself to operate this powerful drill unit. This easy-to-use drill kit is designed to offer superior performance and high levels of precision. This can be easily regarded as a one-stop solution for those who are looking for a combination of performance, precision, and power from their cordless drill machine.
Features of Milwaukee 2691-22
Two pieces
The Milwaukee 2691-22 kit contains a compact ½” drill driver and ¼”Hex impact driver, which make it practical for any light to medium jobs at home or work.
Variable speeds
The unit offers low and high range of speeds that are adjustable. The two speeds of 0-450 rpm and 1-1,800 rpm help in yielding an accurate and professional outcome
Compact design
Although the Milwaukee 2691-22 weighs a little more than its counterparts of the same class, the 4-pound unit has a compact design and measures just 7.75 inches at length. This allows the unit to be used in areas where space is a serious constraint.
Very powerful
The impact driver has a 4-pole frameless motor which generates up to 1400 in/lbs of torque. This makes it suitable to carry out heavy-duty jobs without much strain for the users.
Batteries
The driver drill kit uses 18V lightweight Li-Ion batteries that not only last longer, but the fuel gauge on the unit also lets the user know that it is now time to recharge. This leads to lessened downtime. Also, if the unit is not used for weeks, the battery doesn’t get discharged, which is a bonus.
Advantages of Milwaukee 2691-22
Highly comfortable
The ergonomically designed handle and the lightweight batteries of the Milwaukee 2691-22 make it highly comfortable for use over extended periods of time.
Enhanced portability
The compact size of the unit makes it easy to be carried from one place to another. Working in tight places and awkward angles is a fairly simple job when the Milwaukee 2691-22 is put to use.
Provides power and accuracy
Drilling through tough surfaces like concrete or metal is made easy with the enhanced grip for bit retention and variable speed range.
More runtime and less downtime
Thanks to the 18V Li-Ion batteries, the Milwaukee 2691-22 does not get discharged when not in use for weeks. The charging time of the batteries is just half an hour, and the charge lasts longer than other batteries. The fuel gauge helps the user understand the levels of remaining charge and that reduces downtime to a great extent.
Pros
This unit is available in 2 pieces with variable speed to be used for a number of different applications.
Design of this drill is compact in nature with a dimension length of just 7.75 inches.
Despite being compact in design, it provides high power drilling applications.
The kit uses 18 V Li-ion batteries that provide the benefit of a longer life, and the guage on the unit makes it easy to know when it should be charged.
Cons
The unit is slightly heavier than other units at 4 pounds, which can hinder its application under extreme conditions.
With great torque and power, extra comfortable grips, and an LED light on the unit, it is a total solution for craftsmen who want power and precision out of their drilling machines. While the only challenge of this unit is its comparatively higher weight of 4 pounds, it still is certainly one of the best cordless drills that are available on the internet.
Buyer's Guide
As drills get used for minuscule household repair work to heavy-duty professional construction, there are different types of the machine available to cater to different needs. The most common types of cordless drills that are available in the market are the cordless hammer drills, drill drivers, cordless screwdrivers, angle drills, and impact drivers. While the hammer drills should be owned by every homeowner, the impact driver is a type of cordless drill which is a must have an item in the toolbox of the professional construction worker. The hammer drill looks more or less like the simple pistol-grip drill and can drill holes into any substance like brick, wood or even concrete.
The cordless drill drivers are more compact in size and lighter than other types of cordless drills. The powerful battery and motor of the drill make it a handy tool for a variety of applications like drilling holes or driving screws into almost all types of surfaces.
The best impact driver allows the user to drive multiple screws in eye blinking time, which speeds up the construction work and allows contractors to finish the work fast. Cordless screwdrivers are very handy and extremely lightweight units that allow faster driving of screws into surfaces which would have otherwise taken a long time.
Let us quickly check out some of the most popular cordless drill machines to understand which one will suit your needs the most.
Cordless Screwdriver
House repair tasks can easily be accomplished with the help of a cordless screwdriver. These are low voltage tools that can insert and remove screws in low pushing power situations. This includes removal of cabinet doors and assembling of furniture.
Drill Driver
These cordless drill drivers are the most widely used kinds of drills. This drill driver can drive fasteners and drill through a diverse range of materials. The tool-devoid chuck gives space for the user to switch between bits with ease. This is a traditional drill driver and is thus not suited for constricted spaces.
Impact Driver
This kind of a driver has a noticeable higher pushing power than the regular drill drivers and, therefore, is great for installation and removal of bolts, fasteners, and screws. Due to its compact nature, the impact driver has more access to the constricted areas that the usual drill is unable to reach. Unfortunately, due to their aggressive disposition, these impact drivers are not suited for drilling holes. This is a powerful tool that is great for carpentry and automotive projects.
Hammer Drill
Rotations and forward thrusts are what usually cordless hammer drills are used for. This allows hammer drills to work through masonry items along with inserting fasteners. These drills weigh more and, thus, require more power than the regular cordless drills. Used by those who work with materials like concrete, wood, and metal regularly, these hammer drills are best for professionals.
Rotary Hammer
A larger and high power model of the aforementioned hammer drills is the rotary hammer. Designed to work through masonry items, rotary hammers are a job-specific tool. They are more precise than combination hammer drill/drivers when it comes to removal of material. These cordless rotary hammers provide amazing mobility compared to their electric version. The only problem is that they weigh more, often more than ten pounds. This is a drill specifically for professionals who intend to chisel through masonry material on a regular basis. Rotary hammer drills are larger, high-powered versions of hammer drills. They are designed to drill and chisel through masonry materials.
Features of cordless drills
Cordless drills have multiple advantages: these drills are designed for convenience and are not difficult to handle, as is the case of past corded drills. These cordless drills carry out various jobs seamlessly: putting or removing screws, drilling holes, driving bolts into concrete and a lot more .
Drills are used for in a variety of settings from household repair work to professional construction. Thus, there exist different kinds of cordless drills to cater to particular requirements. The most widely available types of cordless drills on the market are the cordless hammer drills, drill drivers, cordless screwdrivers, angle drills, and impact drivers to name a few.
Power
Moving on, we come to the topic of power. Power in a drill is quite essential but not exactly crucial. The penetration required by a drill makes the pushing power of the drill (or its torque) one of the core operating forces needed by the operator. The higher the torque, the more it can push a lower RPM bit through tougher materials. However, it would be an incorrect conclusion to select a drill simply because it has the highest available RPM. This is because high RPMs can actually act as an obstacle when cutting through certain particular materials as the faster a bit moves, the more the motor and bit heat up.
Clutch
The size of the clutch is important as well, but in most cases, ½” is the correct choice to make as a bigger clutch would force you to delve into specialized applications, seldom fulfilled by a cordless drill, while a smaller clutch would cause you to miss out on a ton of power.
Speed
Speed is yet another factor to be contemplated upon: the most cost-effective drills run at a single speed. However, the majority have two fixed speeds in particular: 300 rpm and 800 rpm. A slide switch or trigger allows the user to choose between high or low speeds. These drills are most suitable for lightweight applications. For more sophisticated carpentry and repair work, select a drill that has the same two-speed switch and a trigger with varying speed control that lets you change the speed from 0 rpm to the top of every range.
Batteries And Charger
When it comes to the subject of batteries, the main concern here is, close to always, the recharge time. This is less important for the DIY inclined than it is in the field. It is best to go with lithium batteries, no matter what. The runtime is hard to assume, though, as these drills are not used incessantly in the duration of a project. Most usually, a solitary charge alone will get you through a day of work.
More important than perusing through top-rated drills on the internet, it is best to go through factors like user comfort, speed, power, advantages, clutch, battery, and cordless drill reviews. Simply searching for superiorly ranked grills will only confuse you as they do not differ much in price range or benefits and features. Things like customer opinions of the cordless drills and runtime of batteries can help you make an informed choice on your purchase of a cordless drill of your preference.
Conclusion
If you happen to search the internet for top-rated cordless drills, you will find plenty of them. The price range of these cordless drills will not very much and neither will the features and benefits of these. What matters the most is whether you are getting the one best suited to your needs or not. Some of the things that you need to check before buying the top rated cordless drills include the comfort of use, the speed range of the drill, power offered by the drill, the runtime of the batteries and obviously what the customer have to tell about the drill.
You may want to note that running blindly after power may not be the right thing while buying a cordless drill. It is obvious that the higher the volts, the higher will be the power of the unit. However, if you are buying a cordless drill for domestic purposes or amateur use, anything beyond 18V could be too much for you to handle. A good quality 18V drill would be able to get big jobs done for you seamlessly. As the basic functions will not vary, what you need to check out additionally is the list of accessories that are offered by the companies. And don't forget about the charger kit, carrying bags, etc., are just some of the accessory items that should be on your radar while you are out shopping.
Now that you are aware of the different aspects that you need to look into, do make an educated purchase as a cordless drill is one of the most crucial tools that you can have in your toolkit. A good purchase will gift you not only a handy tool but also years of loyal service. Try to avoid worrying yourself with excess information so as to not confuse yourself at the outset. If you’re too unsure, then simply buy a regular cordless drill as that alone works for most instances. However, if you’re sure about the purpose of your purchase, then a specialized drill is definitely the way to go.
