Best Guide to Cordless Drills 2021

Introduction

A cordless drill is an essential power tool that you should have. It comes in handy when you are getting any significant projects done like remodeling your kitchen or constructing a deck. You can also use it for smaller errands such as assembling furniture and setting up fixtures. A drill can even be used to service and fix your other tools.

Article Overview

Cordless drills used to be the preserve of contractors and their companies but time has seen them become available for consumers and at fairly reasonable prices. You can find these tools in brushed and brushless motors. Brushed motors use up way too much power because they maintain the same rate irrespective of whether you are drilling into hardwood or softwood. Brushless motors, on the other hand, can be adjusted to different resistance levels, conserving energy in the process.

Brushless motor drills also run with minimal friction compared to their brushed counterparts, thus providing more efficient service. They have fewer moving parts and do not require the frequent replacements associated with brushed motors.

We have put together a list of the best and latest cordless drill designs in the market so you can easily compare and choose the best value for your money. Let’s take a look at their features, their best aspects, and what we don’t like about them.

Top Rated Cordless Drills- Review and Buyers Guide

1) Bosch PS32-O2 Cordless Driver

Best 12v Cordless Drill

This compact drill is powered by a 12-volt battery and brushless motor. It has a universal chuck that supports a single three-eighth inch bit and has automatic shaft locks in place. Its RPM can be adjusted between zero and four hundred torque and zero to three hundred drilling speed dj rolex cellini mens m50509 0016 39mm watch settings. It also comes with a belt clip and holder.

Summary

This device is best suited for contractors who are working on fixtures that are extended or hard to reach. Its feather-like lightness ensures that you do not experience fatigue when working for especially long hours.

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2) DeWalt Xtreme Cordless Driver 

Best Cordless Power Drill

This brushless design enjoys a 12-volt battery with a three-eighth-bit chuck size. The chuck is ratcheting and can comfortably accommodate several bit types. It performs with a 2-speed transmission and comes with a bright LED light for illumination. The device also has an adjustable speed trigger, LED light, and a belt hook.

Summary

Its short make provides a better grip so you can handle your work with better balance and less fatigue. The fact that the chuck holds all types of bits is also a huge plus. It also spins relatively fast so you can drill with efficiency.

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3) DeWalt Brushless Drill

Best 20v Cordless Drill

This high-performance gadget runs on a brushless motor which has more than 57% run time than its brushed counterparts. It is made entirely of metal and enjoys a 3-speed transmission. The chuck can accommodate a wide variety of half-inch bits with carbide inserts. Its LED light is up to twenty times brighter packwood pre rolls than previous models. It also comes with a 360-degree side handle, charger, belt hook, and a kit box.

Summary

This gadget is ideal for drilling into both wood and concrete all thanks to its high power and large bit size. This means that it might be heavier than other model sizes but you are guaranteed that it will get the job done.

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4) DeWalt Hammer Drill

Best Cordless Hammer Drill

This heavy-weight gadget has a maximum initial voltage of 12 which comes to a practical 18- volt power. Its brushless motor provides up to 75% more run time and efficiency compared to brushed drills that have similar voltage.

It comes with a tool device that can connect to the drill via a mobile app or Bluetooth and a “disable when out of range” feature in case someone steals or borrows it without your authorization.

Summary

This gadget is truly revolutionary considering its ability to connect to Bluetooth devices for tracking. You can set it such that no one can use it when it is out of your tool device range, rendering it useless to whoever might want to steal it.

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5) RIDGID Octane Brushless Hammer Drill

Best 18v Brushless Hammer Drill

This 18-volt Octane heavy-duty gadget features a powerful brushless motor and advanced electronic technology for maximum efficiency. It enjoys speeds of up to two thousand revolutions per minute and up to 31,000 beats per minute. The device also enjoys 1300 pounds of torque.

Summary

Although the device comes as a bare tool and requires you to buy the charger and batteries, it is quite cost-effective. It is very powerful and can drill through the board, wood, and brick. The best feature is its lightness despite its high-voltage battery capacity.

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6) Makita Hammer Drill

Best 18-Volt Brushless Motor

This brushless gadget boasts of an 18-volt capacity in a 5.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery. The battery attains full charge in less than 45 minutes. Its brushless motor delivers a maximum torque of 1090 pounds. The chuck is compatible with all types of half-inch bits. It also comes with advanced computer controls that monitor use to prevent overheating, over-discharging, or overloading.

Summary

This gadget is ideal for demanding commercial projects and can comfortably drill through both wood and concrete. It might be a bit heavier than other low-power devices but its efficiency is well worth it.

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7) Hilti Cordless Drill

Best High Torque Drill/Driver

This 22-volt high power device is powered by Lithium-Ion batteries and enjoys 4-speed transmissions. The gadget has active torque control which protects it from over-rotation especially when the bits get stuck on the material. The batteries have a charge indicator to show you how far they are to full charge.

Summary

This gadget is ideal for heavy tasks because of its high voltage and reliable run time. It can drill through all sorts of materials with ease and is also lighter than drills of the same voltage capacity.

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8) DeWalt Cordless Driver Kit

Best Cordless Driver Kit

This spectacular drill enjoys 20 volts in battery capacity and up to two thousand RPM. Its brushless motor delivers more than 55% run time compared to its brushed counterparts.

The gadget is powered by two XR Lithium-Ion batteries which have a full gauge of up to 33% more capacity. It has 2-speed transmission settings and 3-Mode LED lights for better vision in dark spaces. The chuck’s half-inch capacity is compatible with sturdy bits of all forms.

Summary

Finding a heavy-duty drill that is light enough for prolonged use without arm fatigue is extremely rare but this one fits the mark. You can buy it to set up fixtures at home but it’s ideal for commercial purposes because of its ability to bore holes through brick or concrete.

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9) Milwaukee Brushless Drill

Great 18-Volt Cordless Driver Kit

This 18-Volt gadget runs on Lithium-Ion batteries and enjoys a brushless motor for optimal capabilities. The chuck can hold half-inch bits for different functions. Its compact size is very rare in gadgets that enjoy similar voltage capacity.

Summary

This gadget is ideal for drilling through wood, brick, and board. Its small stature makes it comfortable to use for long periods or on fixtures that require one to stretch without arm fatigue. The only downside is the fact that the manufacturer usually packages the drills for wholesale.

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10) TACKLIFE Cordless Drill

Best Cordless Drill For Home Use

This 12-volt gadget has a 19+1 clutch with one of the highest torque adjustment capacity we have seen. It boasts of a maximum torque capacity of 240 pounds which enables it to drill through wood, metal, and concrete with ease. Its 2.0Ah high capacity Lithium-Ion battery provides adequate power for big tasks and projects. The gadget can drill up to 150 holes in softwood, fasten 150 screws and drill 30 holes in steel, all with a single charge.

Its three-eighth bit chuck has a keyless shaft lock and is compatible with a wide variety of bits. It also comes with an LED light that can be turned on just by flipping a trigger just like the forward/reverse switch. That’s not all, it comes with the following accessories:

• User manual
•  Carrying case
•  Driveshaft
•  Extension bit holder
•  Six 25mm driver bits
•  Eight 50mm driver bits
•  Six drill bits
•  A charger
•  One 2.0Ah Lithium-Ion battery

Summary

This is the ideal kit for anyone looking to buy an entire set of drilling accessories. You get value for your money and you don’t even have to look for bits to start working with. The gadget is best suited for completing tasks around the home such as assembling furniture, drilling wood, drywall and plastic, and repairing home electric devices.

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Buyer’s Guide

There are several other tests carried out by experts to calculate the run time, determine the depth of holes it can drill, and the size of fasteners it can comfortably drive. They also test the feel, balance, and comfortability in the use and adjustment of the speed and chuck. These tests also measure the sound emitted by each model. According to experts, you should use hearing protection for all drills save for the small ones.

Performance

Cordless drills are most commonly classified based on their voltage. It is important to remember that 18 to 20-volt drills may be more powerful but they are also heavier and more difficult to handle. The 12-volt drills in the market today can comfortably drive several hundred deck screws without being recharged and are the perfect tool for a homeowner. However, you might consider a strong 18-volt design if you need to drive large bolts or drill through concrete and brick blocks.

We have divided them into three classes based on their power and your preferred use for them. These include:

• Heavy-duty
• General-use
• Light-duty

We determine in which category a drill lies based on the size of the chuck, the clamp that holds bits at the working end of the drill. These bits enable a drill to cut holes and screw in fasteners. A drill’s chuck capacity determines the bit size it can hold and its overall power. It also dictates whether a drill is heavy-duty or light-duty.

Most heavy-duty drills enjoy a half-inch chuck size while general-use and lightweight drills have three-eighth and quarter-inch chucks respectively.

• Heavy-Duty Gadgets

These drills come in batteries between 18 to 24 volts in capacity and can easily drive large bolts and drill holes through thick materials. Their half-inch chucks can fit all bit sizes and can even drill through concrete. Their wide capabilities also mean that they are heavier and more expensive.

• General-Use Gadgets

This model strikes a balance between high power and comfortable use. Their 12-volt battery is highly powerful and can cut through wood with ease and drive hundreds of screws with no need for a recharge. It is even possible to charge it as you work and swap out batteries so you never run out of charge.

• Light-Duty Gadgets

These lightweight drills are ideal for small tasks around the house. They can be used to assemble light furniture, change light fixtures, or drill into drywall. They carry batteries ranging between 12 and 20 volts but their motors are smaller in size and power compared to the higher classes. The quarter-inch chuck size is fixed and cannot accept larger hex bits, making it very limiting to use. Still, it is a handy tool to have in your toolbox.

Types of Drills

• Drill/drivers

These are deals for drilling holes and screwing fasteners into plastic, wood, or metal materials.

• Hammer drills

They are heavier than drill/drivers and best suited for drilling into stone and concrete because the hammer setting rocks the bit in and out.

• Rotary hammer

It’s basically a hammer drill that is suited for more heavy-duty projects.

• Impact drivers

These are designed specifically for screwing and loosening bolts and screws.

Buying Cordless Drills

Cordless drills are usually sold as follows:

• As a single tool with a battery or two and a charger
•  A kit with several cordless devices from the same manufacturer
• As a standalone device without a battery or a charger

It is advisable to buy a drill kit if you do not own batteries, a charger, or other complementary tools. They come with a work light, a circular and reciprocating saw, an impact driver, and even a pouch of screws if you are lucky. Sellers package these tools to suit the needs of every buyer so you ought to consider each to avoid purchasing things you already have.

Essential Cordless Drill Features

Let’s have a look at the five most essential features in a cordless drill that you should consider when shopping for one.

• Chuck Size

We have already delved a bit into this feature but it is important to remember that chuck size determines the size of bits you can use and consequently the size of holes you can drill or fasteners you can screw.

• Charge Indicator and Charger

Li-ion batteries from the past were required to be used and charged under specific conditions to ensure optimum performance. Nowadays batteries and chargers have been built to prevent overcharging, do away with the need to drain batteries before charging, and ensure longer product life. They also have indicator lights that show the level of charge in your battery.

• Batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are best gauged by their voltage and power. 18-volt drills are more powerful than 12-volt drills from the same manufacturers but you may find a 14.4 -volt cordless drill that has less power than a regular 12-volt drill from different brands.

The amp-hours show the amount of fuel in a battery and directly translates to the run time. Batteries with more amp-hours may be better suited for different tasks but they are also heavier.

• Brushless Motor

Brushless motors are very convenient. They significantly reduce friction and adjust their power based on the resistance offered by the material you are working on. This helps the drill to last long and work more efficiently.

Most heavy-duty and high-power general-use cordless drills feature brushless motors. It is advisable to opt for a brushless model because their manufacturers offer more attractive warranties. You get between three and five years for new tools or just three for older models.

• Extra Features

Most cordless drills have in-built LED work lights, one Phillips end, and accessories like hard-covered cases and several belt clips. Some brands are known for having more accessories than others. Milwaukee, for instance, provides chargers that are compatible with 12 and 18-volt batteries that can charge them simultaneously. They also come with a cable that has an LED flashlight powered by a 20-volt battery.

Target Market

Cordless drills are made for both homeowners and contractors. It is important to have one in your house for small tasks here and there. Some contractors even charge lower if you need something fixed but you have your own tools. They also come in handy if you are the kind of person that likes to delve into DIY projects now and then.

Common Terms

Several technical terms are surrounding the use of cordless drills may not be too easy to understand. Take a look at some of them and what they mean.

Amps

These are measurements for the power a cordless drill can master.

Blades

These are the bits used to cut holes by removing material in a circular motion.

Electric Brakes

Electric brakes are powered by electricity. They stop the chuck from turning as soon as you release the speed regulation trigger.

Blade Guards

These are usually made of heavy plastic which protects your blades from corrosion in humid areas and prolongs the life of your drill.

Positive Stops

A positive stop ensures that the drill stops when it comes into contact with another surface. You might want to use a drill with such a feature if you are drilling on a countertop or table.

Depth Stops

Depth stops allow you to drill up to a certain depth. They come in handy when you are drilling into masonry, wood, or boards. Some people just leave them in the box but they can help you to avoid drilling too deep and rendering your plugs useless.

Laser Guides

They mark the exact spot where you want to drill and ensure accuracy especially if you are working with specific measurements.

Fences

These allow you to drill consecutive holes along a singular line.

Dust Chutes

They filter and separate dust and debris when you are working, giving you a clean and smooth experience. They also take in dust and pollutants from the air, thus prevent allergies and respiratory issues.

Shaft Locks

They connect the hub to the shaft tightly so that torque can be transmitted effectively.

Table Extensions

These are work surfaces that come in handy when doing all sorts of projects, especially metalwork.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the best cordless drill brands?

There are various manufacturers in the market but the most renowned brands are:

• Bosch
• DeWalt
• Black + Decker
• Craftsman
• Milwaukee
• Hitachi
• Porter-Cable
• Ryobi
• Makita

What features to look for in a cordless drill?

A good drill for home or commercial use must have the following features:

• Chuck jaws
• Clutch
• Speed-range trigger
• A forward/reverse trigger
• Handgrip
• Voltage
• Battery
• Keyless shaft lock

How to use a cordless drill

It is operated using the trigger on the base handle. The chuck starts to rotate when you press this trigger. You can flip the forward/reverse trigger at the back of the device to change rotation direction. For example, screwing in a bolt requires forward rotation while taking one out needs the reverse rotation direction.

Most cordless drills also have a button to control the torque and speed. It is usually situated at the top of the drill. You can set high torque for driving fasteners and high speed for cutting holes. The switch allows you to alternate between both options with ease.

How long do cordless drill batteries last?

Some of the best high-quality drills enjoy up to six hours while others can go as long as eight hours on a full charge which is more than ample time to complete average tasks. You should also consider the charging power of the specific charger to determine how long it takes to fully charge.

How to choose drill voltage

Lightweight cordless drills can sufficiently run by 4 to 8 volts while general use drills for homes have between 12 and 18 volts, depending on the manufacturer. High-power drills handle bigger tasks that require higher voltage but this translates to bigger, hefty batteries.

Where to store a cordless drill

Leaving your cordless drill on your workbench or just a random corner will expose it to dust and debris which can cause damage to your gadget. Some brands provide storage cases and if you have one, it would be best to store your device inside it when you are done using it. You can also buy one from hardware stores. Above everything else, remember these three tips:

•  Store it in a dry place
• Keep it away from heat
• Do not leave it on the ground

How to clean your cordless drill

You should clean your gadget after each use: wiping it down with a clean piece of cloth will suffice. However, you should carry out a proper maintenance routine every few days: this involves cleaning the ventilation slots with compressed air to remove any particles that may lead to clogging.

Your drill also requires frequent lubrication to prevent corrosion, overheating, and chaffing from friction. It is also essential to check for stuck pieces of material at the base of the chuck: these might affect how your drill bit spins.

Most new model gadgets come with advanced controls to prevent overloading and overheating but if yours does not come with this feature, it is upon you to ensure that it does overheat.

Common Brands

Bosch

Like most cordless drill manufacturers, Bosch is geared towards contractor use. They sell drills in all voltages and weights and are allied to the Skil model. Their drills are widely available online, at Lowe’s and different hardware stores throughout the country.

Hitachi

This manufacturer leans more towards the contactor market but you can find a good home version for lightweight tasks. You can find different sizes and voltages online or in hardware stores.

Milwaukee

Milwaukee specializes in power tools for contractors with a wide range to include cordless drills, cordless screwdrivers, and impact drivers. They are also readily available in stores and online platforms.

DeWalt

They are among the top cordless drill marketers and manufacturers. They are considered ideal for contractors. It comes in various voltages, weights, and sizes. DeWalt drills are available online and in hardware and home stores.

Makita

These cordless drills are available for both home and commercial use. You can find them in all voltages and sizes at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or hardware stores.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cordless drill isn’t just about the brand. You need to familiarize yourself with all their features and functions so you know what you are looking for. We hope that this post has answered all your questions concerning cordless drills. Feel free to consult this piece whenever you need to compare different drills and brands. Happy Drilling!