By using power drills, you can accomplish various tasks very quickly. A cordless drill is a great means to complete project as per the deadline. It can accomplish tasks which cannot be done manually. You can go for portable as well as cordless drills as per your convenience. They will consume little power and you can transport them very easily. There are endless options with the current generation cordless drills. As you go through the cordless drill reviews, you will settle for the best drill without any issues. As you go through the reviews, you will understand various features, pros and cons of different models. The drill that best serves your needs can be selected by comparing various models.
Features:
Power capability
While the power of the corded drill is measured in amps, the power of the cordless drills will be measured in volts. There are low-end drills whose power is less than 10 volts. You can go for cordless drills of 24 volts to manage complex jobs. If the voltage of the drill is high, the performance of the drill will be high. However, it is based on the technology and type of the motor as well.
Interchangeable bits
The greatest advantage with power drill is that you can interchange drill bits as per the task. Even though some drills come with a drill set, you might want to purchase drill set separately to extend the functionality of the power drill. Wide range of drilling operations can be done on various kinds of materials like wood, metal and plastic based on the type of the bit.
Brushless motor
Power drills which are made with brushless motors will be controlled by the in-built microprocessor chip. As the efficiency of the motor is very high, the battery life will be extended.
Trigger
Trigger is the prominent feature in a cordless drill. It is used to control the rotation, drilling and fastening in a very efficient manner. If you increase the pressure on the trigger, the rotational speed will increase.
Keyless chuck
If you go through an old drill, you will want to use a key to fasten, rotate and drill a hole. The new models released in the market come with keyless chuck. You will be able to insert and remove bits without using a key. If you go for ratcheted keyless chuck, they can be tightened by using your hand. They can be operated very easily. If you go for a keyless chuck, you will not want to safeguard the key.
Chuck jaws
To hold the bits in their places in a tight way, you should go for chuck jaws. If you tighten the keyless chuck, the jaws will move closer to each other and the drill bit will be held in a secured manner. It is very much important to keep the drill bit in tight position so that holes are made accurately and the drill bit life will not decrease.
The most common sizes of chucks are ¼”, 3/8” and ½”. If you have a set of drill bits, the chuck should support the drill bit. If you are targeting a power drill, the chuck size can be 3/8”.
Clutch
The chuck will be connected to the body of the drill with the help of the clutch. There are various kinds of tension settings on the clutch. The amount of resistance the drill can take before coming to the halt will be decided by the clutch setting. If you are drilling a hole in a drywall, the drill bit will stop automatically based on the clutch setting.
The clutch mechanism will be helpful when you are dealing with various kinds of materials. The application of pressure on the screw should be per the load bearing capacity of the material.
Speed transmission
Most of the drills come with dual speed transmission. The speed transmission will be in tune with the pressure exerted by your fingers on the trigger. Ideally, the slow speed can be used to fasten screws and the high speed can be used to bore holes.
Forward and reverse operation
You can use the forward and reverse operation to screw and unscrew very easily. In some cases, the drill bit will get struck in wall. You can use the reverse switch so that it will come off from the wall easily without damaging the bit or wall. Most of the new generation drills come with reversible operation. If you do not have the revere operation feasibility, you will want to remove screws manually by using a screw driver. It will be a time-consuming job and it demands more effort as well. As the productivity will go for toss, you should focus on the key features that will help improve the productivity and you will be able to complete various projects in the shortest possible time.
Handle
You should have a firm grip so that you can handle the drill very easily. The grip shape and material varies from one model to another model. If you go for expensive version, you will get a handle with comfortable grip. Reputed brands focus on ergonomic design so that there will be least fatigue to the operator.
Drill set accessories
The same drill will perform various tasks based on the attachment provided to the drill. If you do not get sufficient number of accessories, you can buy them as per your needs.
You can consider some or all of the following accessories to improve the productivity as well as convenience:
Drill gauge – By using a drill gauge, you can figure out the size of the drill bit very easily. You can quickly identify the most appropriate drill bit for the given task and it will save time and money. You will want to insert the drill bit into the holes available on the drill gauge and you can quickly identify the drill bit’s size.
Battery
The drill battery is positioned beneath the handle. Battery is the power source for cordless drills. The battery will be the deciding factor in the selection of the best cordless drill. There will be variation in the battery as per the brand, technology and price. The power rating will be high if the voltage mentioned on the battery is high. Most of the high-end cordless drills come with 18 V and above voltage capacity.
Ni-Cad and Li-Ion are the two main types of batteries available in the market. There are advantages and disadvantages with each type of battery. The charge will retain for a long period of time with Li-Ion battery. You can find many drills in compact design with Li-Ion batteries. The battery can be kept under charging in between the usages and it will not be damaged. The charging speed of the Li-Ion battery is high. The drawback of Li-Ion battery is that it is expensive. They will fail to deliver the goods in cool climatic conditions. The life of Li-Ion battery is in between 2 and 3 years. Even though you do not use the battery on regular basis, you will want to replace the battery at regular intervals.
Ni-Cad is the most common battery used in cordless drills. The drawback of these batteries is that they are heavy and the size is large. The battery should not be kept on continuous charging as they will be damaged very easily. The life of the Ni-Cad battery is long and you will be able to use these batteries in cold climatic conditions as well.
If you are using cordless power drill for a long period, you should focus on batteries that deliver best backup. If the power drill fails to perform in the middle of a project, there will be great annoyance. Hence, you are advised to have one or more batteries as a backup so that there will not be interruption to the task. You will be able to complete the project as per the deadline without any issues. Before buying a battery, you should verify the compatibility of the battery with the drill as well as the charging station.
Buffing pads
Buffing pads are made with soft material and there are cut in circular shape. When they are attached to the drill, it is possible to buff floors, furniture and vehicles in a very efficient manner. The etch marks can be removed with the help of buffing pads. You can use these pads along with polishing liquid or powder so that it will be very effective.
Hole saw
A hole saw comes with a serrated edge. It is useful to cut perfect holes in wood. Hole saws are available in various sizes and it is possible to create a rectangular cut with the help of hole saw.
Bit holder
With the help of magnetic holders, you will be able to hold bits in a very efficient manner. Bit holders are available in various sizes and shapes.
How to choose the best drill?
The selection of the drill is based on the features, price, warranty and durability. It should perform the intended operations in a very efficient manner so that you can make the most of your investment. There are cordless less of various brands including Makita cordless drill, Dewalt and Bosch. You should be educated about various types of drills available in the market so that you can invest on the most appropriate drill as per your needs.
It is worthwhile to go through the reviews even though you are buying a power drill for the first time or for a backup. You should have access to the best drill as well as drill bit so that the intended operations will be performed successfully. If your drill can accommodate the finest drill bit, you will be able to perform the job with great precision. The project can be completed as per the schedule and you can exceed the expectations of the client as well.
For most of the home projects and DIY jobs, you can go for 18V cordless drill made by a reputed brand. For powerful operations, you can consider drills with 24V and 36V as well. The price of the product will increase if you go for higher rated drills.
Selection of a drill
- You should be aware of the type of battery and power rating of the battery. The battery should hold the charge for an extended period of time.
- The power of the drill is indicated with the voltage. The power rating will be in between 6 volts and 36 volts.
- The drill bit holding capacity is determined with the chuck size. The most common sizes of drill bits are 3/8” and 1/2”.
- The drill speed is denoted by RPM. The RPM of the drill should be in between 300 and 1500 so that you will be able to perform various kinds of tasks in a very efficient manner.
- Most of the drill comes with two speeds. The lower speed can be applied to drive screws and the higher speed can be applied to drill holes.
- Drills with auto shift technology will perform at peak performance automatically. You should choose the optimum speed and torque so that there will be great potential to save time.
- There are drill kits which come with main as well as secondary chargers. You will get additional drill bits and carrying case as well.
- If the drill is lightweight you can carry various kinds of operations very easily.
- As you go through the cordless drill sale pages, you should not compromise on the safety aspect as well.
Benefits of a power drill
With the help of a cordless drill, you will perform many kinds of tasks. The cordless drill can be used to bore holes and to screw and unscrew operations. You should use a power drill where the operation cannot be performed with hand. You should have a power drill to do most of the day-to-day operations at home. A handy power drill will help you hang a wall clock or picture frame on the well very easily. Students can learn from tiny DIY projects.
The first drill was invented by Arthur James Arnot in 1889. The earliest drill could rotate in one direction only. The portable drill was developed in 1895. The current generation drill has the capability to perform multiple tasks with the help of accessories. It has become one of the important tools in the tool box. You can shop for a power drill online and you will come across an endless number of models. The selection of a drill will be difficult. However, you will be guided by the useful information offered by reviews so that a drill with the right kind of accessories can be selected without any issues.
Type of drill
There are cordless drills and corded drills in the market. If you have access to the power source, you can go for a corded power drill. The corded drill will deliver great power and you will be able to accomplish power-intensive and heavy jobs very easily. You will not only be able to accomplish tasks quickly and they will be completed very efficiently as well. If you can manage a cordless drill with best power backup, there will be great convenience. You can hold the drill with a single hand and holes can be made in the ceiling as well.
The usage of the drill will increase with the availability of features. You can go for a simple power drill to accomplish the household tasks very easily. Even though the drill delivers average power, it comes with reversible action and the drill with variable speed will help you in delivering various kinds of tasks very easily. If you are undertaking complex projects, you should go for advanced power drill.
The Best Cordless Drills
1. Milwaukee Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
The Milwaukee compact drill was made in US and it comes with a plastic body. The compact drill is 7.75 inches long and it delivers 400 inch-pounds of torque. The weight of the unit is 4 pounds. The kit has a 4-pole frameless motor and it can deliver 1400 inch-pounds of torque.
You can control the cordless drill very easily as it has variable speed triggers and battery fuel gauges as well. It is possible to charge the drill in advance so that your project will not come to a halt. The kit includes 18-volt compact drill-cum-driver, 0.25” hex impact driver, compact batteries (2 Nos.), charger, one belt clip and a carrying case.
The innovative product has 4-pole frameless motor. The unit is ideal to perform various tasks in a precise manner. The tool is ideal for professionals. The greatest advantage with the drill is that you can keep it in your truck and it can be used regularly or occasionally as per your needs. Even though your use the drill occasionally, it holds the charge without any issues.
If you are not using the unit for a longtime, you can drain the batteries by connecting to other devices such as flash lights so that the battery life will not come down. The product can be ordered so that it will be delivered at your doorsteps.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Variable speed triggers
- 5-year warranty
Cons
- Not suitable for large-size tasks
- It takes half an hour to recharge batteries
2. Dewalt DCD771C2 20V Compact Drill Driver Kit
If you are in search of the best cordless drill, you can go through the details of Dewalt Compact Drill Driver Kit as it comes with promising features. The unit is compact and light in weight. It is designed to be used in tight areas.
The unit can deliver very high performance with the help of 300 UWO and it is apt to accomplish various kinds of applications. The unit delivers performance in two speeds. You can take advantage of 0 to 450 rpm and 1500 rpm as per drilling and fastening requirements.
There will be great control on the drill bit by using the 3-speed settings. The precision drilling will help you accomplish tasks very easily. The user can handle the unit in a convenient manner as it comes with ergonomic design. The bit can be held very strong with the help of 0.5” single sleeve ratcheting chuck.
The noise generated by the drill is very low. The kit has two 1.3Ah Lithium-ion batteries. Dewalt produces high quality power tools and you will not find any reason for disappointment. You will find various accessories to perform different tasks so that the project can be completed very easily.
Pros
- Precision drive for added control
- LED lights with 20-second delay trigger
- Batteries deliver power in an excellent manner
- Durable drill
- Reputed brand
Cons
- The battery pack is not fully charged with the pack
- For professionals, drill with higher power rating is suggested
3. Hitachi DS18DBFL2 18V Cordless Brushless Drill
The brushless motor technology will deliver higher power efficiency. You can take advantage of long life of the tool and various kinds of tasks can be completed very quickly.
The professional drill can deliver 620 inches/pounds of torque and the torque will be up to 1, 800 rpm. The drill is powered by powerful batteries. The weight of Lithium-Ion batteries is less than Nickel Cadmium batteries. The bit replacement will be done very quickly with the help of 2/1” keyless ratchet. The power will be held in a secured manner and bit replacement will be done in an effortless manner.
The unit delivers 22 torque settings and the drill mode will help you make a precise hole on a consistent base. The unit has a wear-resistant trigger assembly and the speed actuation will be very efficient with the help of optical trigger switch. The dark workspaces will be illuminated with the presence of LED light.
The brushless drill is ideal to accomplish various kinds of home projects in a very efficient way. It is a reliable drill so that you can make the most of your investment. The flashlight will rotate up and down so that you can accomplish small jobs very easily. The drill size is smaller than most of the cordless drills available in the market.
You will not wait for the batteries as the unit comes with two batteries. The work will not come to halt and various household projects and DIY projects can be completed with the help of the best power drill from Hitachi.
Pros
- Minimizes unnecessary power loss
- Longer runtime between charges
- Durable drill
- Ergonomic design
- 22 torque settings
Cons
- Bulky flashlight
- Not ideal for professional-grade jobs
4. Makita XPH012 18V cordless hammer driver-drill kit
The Makita is pioneer in the production of various kinds of machine tools. You can accomplish various projects with the help of the reputed drill kit. The manufacturer offers 3-year warranty on tool and 1-year warranty on battery.
As the weight of the unit is 4 pounds, there will not be any fatigue on the operator. The length of the unit is 8-1/8”. The drill can perform various kinds of operations in a very efficient way. The unit is powered by Li-Ion battery. The slide-style battery gives great convenience. As the charge time is very fast, you can spend more time on doing various kinds of operations. The idle time will be low.
The unit comes with Star Protection Computer Controls so that there is great enhancement of performance as well as battery life. It will prevent over-charging and over-heating as well. The four pole motor deployed in Makita XPH012 will deliver 480 inch pounds of torque in a very efficient manner. The battery charging takes place in between 20 and 30 minutes.
The drill has remarkable features. The variable speed twin transmission is a great bonanza for users. The LED light has delayed turn off functionality. The unit can be carried very easily from one location to another location with the help of the carry case. You will not get battery or charger for the price offered by Makita. The product is ideal to accomplish lightweight operations including home projects.
Pros
- Affordable product
- Meant for versatile applications
- It has two speed gear box
- Faster charging
Cons
- LED light is located above the trigger
- Suggested for lighter applications
5. PORTER-CABLE PCCK600LB driver kit
If you are for best drill kit for small as well as large projects, you should go for PORTER-CABLE PCCK600LB driver kit. The ergonomically designed drill will reduce the fatigue on worker. The kit includes two batteries, double-ended bit tip and charger.
The charge remaining in the battery can be noticed through the battery fuel gauge. The bits will not slip in the chuck as it has metal ratcheting mechanism. If you are working in poor lighting conditions, there will be illumination with the LED light so that you can focus on the job very easily. The two speed gear box will let you deliver great speed in an effortless manner.
The length of the drill is 7 ¾ inch and the weight of the drill is 3.5 pounds. It can be used in tight areas as well without any issues. The drilling and fastening jobs can be handled very easily with the help of the innovative Li-Ion battery power. The charge will last for a long period of time.
Porter-Cable has more than 100 years of history in producing some of the best tools meant for various applications. The company is involved in the production of professional-grade tools as per the needs of clients.
Pros
- Two speed transmission
- Handle-type piston grip
- Clutch-style adjustability
- Can accomplish toughest drilling and fastening applications
- Eliminates user fatigue
- High output motor
Cons
- Generates noise
- Used brushed motor
6. Black & Decker GCO18SB-2 Cordless Drill
The Black & Decker GCO18SB-2 cordless drill comes with 2 batteries. Your work will not come to halt as you will be able to use the spare battery immediately. The storage bag is a convenient option to take all the spares in a convenient manner.
As the drill facilitates variable speeds, you can drill holes in a variety of materials without any issues. There will be great comfort for the user while making holes. The soft grip handle provides grip for the user. The weight of the unit is 7 pounds.
The unit can be used to make holes in metal, plastic and wood. You can drive screws in different materials very easily. You can change bits very easily with the keyless chuck. The screws will not be driven beyond the requirement with the help of the 24 position clutch. The kit comes with nonstandard batteries as it is meant to reduce the price of the product. The drill can fulfill your everyday needs without any issues.
Pros
- Keyless chuck
- 24 position clutch
- Soft grip handle
- Ability to drill holes in a variety of materials
- Affordable drill
Cons
- Poor quality batteries
- Battery-powered source
7. Bosch PS31-2A 2-Speed drill
The 2-speed drill from Bosch comes with a charger, 2-batteries and a case. If you are working in a very narrow area, you can go for Bosch PS31-2A drill. As a matter of fact, Bosch cordless drill is made to deliver high performance. The energy-efficient tools are made by the manufacturer to fulfill your needs.
The height of the unit is very low and the head length is very high. The product has 3/8inch single sleeve chuck which can accommodate most of the tasks in a very efficient manner. The fuel gauge facilitates the battery management. You can operate the drill in two speeds (0 to 350 RPM and 0 to 1,300 RPM). The driving and drilling capabilities of the unit are very high.
The work area illumination is very much enhanced with the help of the LED light. As the weight of the unit is 2.14 lbs, you can manage various kinds of operations very easily. The overhead operations and work in narrow areas can be accomplished with the help of the drill very easily. The drill delivers great power, speed and performance.
The unit can be used by professionals as well as hobbyists as per their needs. The variable speed regulator will help you control the speed in a perfect way. You can take advantage of the tool replacement warranty for the first year and the tool repair warranty on the second and third year. The product will be dispatched to your doorsteps in a certified frustration-free package.
Pros
- Single sleeve chuck
- Compact size facilitates easy maneuverability in narrow spaces
- 20+1 clutch settings
- Lightweight
- Precise variable speed
Cons
- Ideal for home projects
- No clip attach additional driver bit
8. BLACK+DECKER LDX120C Cordless drill
The BLACK+DECKER LDX120C cordless drill is made with lightweight material. The operator will be able to hold the drill for a long period of time without any issues. It can be used to drill holes in narrow locations in a very efficient manner. As the unit can operate in variable speeds, it will allow countersinking and the material will not be damaged in this process.
You can drill holes in various materials such as wood, plastic and metal as per your needs. The battery is based on Lithium-Ion technology. It will give long life than other batteries present in the market. The operator will exercise great control while drilling holes and it is accomplished with the help of 11 position clutch.
There will be longer runtime and improved performance with the Li-Ion batteries. The weight of the unit is 3.4 pounds. You can take advantage of 2-year warranty offered by the manufacturer. The average battery life is one hour. The tool is ideal to accomplish small projects. BLACK+DECKER produces quality products and you can buy them online.
The body of the drill is made with plastic and it might affect the durability. The product is affordable and it comes with a battery which is compatible with most of the standard batteries.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Longer battery life
- Variable speed
- Drills into all kinds of materials
- 11 position clutch
Cons
- Small handle
- Suitable for home projects
9. DEWALT DC825B 1/4-Inch Cordless impact drill
The cordless impact drill was made in US as per the latest manufacturing standards. DEWALT produces amazing tools and equipment to cater to the needs of various kinds of tradesmen. Users will be able to use the product very confidently and it is possible to make the most of their investment.
The impact drill delivers 1330 in/lb of torque. You can accomplish various kinds of fastening jobs with the help of the impact drill. The variable speed control ranges from 0 to 2000 rpm and 0 to 2700 rpm. If you purchase tools made by Dewalt after October 2013, it is guaranteed that they are manufactured in US.
The Dewalt DC825B is compact in size and it will help you reach tighter spots without any difficulty. The unit will reduce the operator fatigue. The operator will be able to work for a long period of time as the unit has a comfortable handle. The unit comes with frameless motor so that the durability and life of the product is very much enhanced.
The user will have maximum comfort with the anti-slip grip. The ergonomic design facilitates easy handling of the unit. You should go through the user manual to use the product as per the recommendations of the manufacturer.
Pros
- Compact drill
- Reduces user fatigue
- Gives access to corners
- Frameless motor
- Enhanced serviceability with replaceable brushes
Cons
- No battery included
- No charger is available with the kit
10. WORX WX176L.1 Switchdriver 2-in-1 Cordless Drill and Driver
The WORX WX176L.1 cordless drill comes with rotating dual chucks. It has a 2-speed motor with which the drill can be controlled in a precise manner. You can switch from one drill bit to another drill bit very easily with the help of rotating dual chuck. Hence, you can expect a smoother operation with the chuck.
The screws can be stripped very easily with the help of precise electronic torque control. In this process, you can reduce the damage that takes place to the work surface. You can manage various kinds of drilling and driving operations with the help of variable 2-speed gear. The bit can be changed very quickly with the quick change chuck.
The work area will be illuminated by the LED light automatically. The unit will help you make holes like a professional. It is possible to accomplish any kind of project without any issues. If you push a button, the chuck will rotate in clockwise and anti-clockwise direction. Thus, you can switch over from drilling to driving with the press of a button.
The switch driver has electronic torque control mechanism and it will help in driving the screws precisely. They will not strip and users will not involve in accidents and the work surface will be protected. The weight of the product is 2.9 pounds.
Pros
- Compact
- No fatigue to operator
- Chuck operates very easily
- Simple and elegant design
- LED light illuminates the work area
Cons
- Battery life will decrease if you fail to remove from the charger
- No belt or hook
Conclusion
Cordless drill reviews will give you an insight about the latest and best cordless drills available in the market. You can go through the reviews and a product can be ordered as per your needs. Home projects can be finished very quickly by being in possession of the best cordless drill. You can accomplish difficult projects in a matter of few seconds with the help of a reliable drill. You should go through the features and various accessories to settle for the best cordless drill as per your business needs. The top drills listed here are made by reputed brands and features various from one model to another. Your toolbox deserves the space to accommodate the best cordless drill!
Mike Nikko is a blogger with over 15 years of experience. I will bring you the best product reviews and other useful life experiences, tips to increase height, tips to improve health… If you have any questions, feel free to ask Mike Nikko!