Whether you're a trade professional or a DIY home improver, a drill is a toolbox essential. You can loosen or tighten screws, bore holes, or chip away wood and concrete. It's a nearly all-around device to undertake whichever construction task you may need. In this article, we will know the types of drills with a focus on cordless drills and their qualities.
We will also get to know the pros and cons. If you feel uninformed when searching for the right cordless drill, our handy guide might be able to assist you. We will also list down the brands available in the market nowadays, plus some tips and tricks before we end the article.
Quick List - Top Cordless Drills
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Popular with DIY enthusiasts, cordless drills are the handiest, yet powerful tool that anyone could have on their toolshed. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using a cordless electric drill.
In this time and age of wireless technology, a cordless tool is the most convenient thing to have, such as the case with cordless drills. You are not confined by the availability of a power socket anywhere you may need to work. Plus, it adds some level of safety by eliminating cables that someone might trip over during a construction project.
These small machines are powered by rechargeable batteries which can be charged at the end of every working day. Just plug the charging dock for a few hours and you're ready to work again on the next day.
The strain that you put on your hand and wrist each time you drive a screw into a wall withers away. All you need now is to whip out your cordless drill and drive that screw in less than 5 seconds. It is fast, convenient, and safe with no cord restrictions.
Cordless drills use rechargeable batteries that are commonly found below the handle. The bulkiness and weight could give the user a hard time keeping it upright when drilling at a wall or holding it above your head for hours. It wears you out faster and could sometimes get in the way when you're working on tight spaces.
The much telling downside is the lack of power due to its battery limitations. Some tasks require more energy to get accomplished so professionals think twice before purchasing this type of drill. Yes, corded drills have cable restrictions, but the power and performance are consistent.
Before you click that "Add to Cart" button or drive down to your favorite hardware shop, consider the following tips first.
In cordless drills, the voltage of its battery dictates the power it could put to work. A higher voltage produces more torque strength to overcome resistance. Nowadays, the battery voltage ranges from 6V to 24V.
If you need a drill for medium projects inside the house, you could go for the 12V variant. These are considerably lighter than higher voltage models but still has enough power to effectively do the job.
But if your task extends to the garden or backyard, you might need more power to handle harder surfaces such as concrete or slabs. However, a 24V battery weighs more because of the size.
Most corded drills have pistol-grips, where the handle is behind the motor, as with a gun. With cordless drills, it was redesigned to a T-handle where the motor is on top of the handle, to provide a better overall balance and prevent slippage. The base is flared to accommodate the rechargeable battery and serve as a stand whenever idle.
If you need more force in heavy-duty drilling, you might as well use a corded drill, since the handle is directly behind the motor which allows you to put more effort into it.
Cordless drills have an adjustable clutch which doesn't exist on corded drills. You can find it behind the chuck and when you rotate it, a clicking sound is heard when a preset level of resistance is met. The clutch provides control so you don't strip a screw or overdrive it and accidentally remove the screw head.
The number of clutch settings would vary from brand to brand, but a good drill must have at least 24 settings. This allows you to fine-tune the power it delivers and set it depending on the job to be done.
The forward and reverse action is an efficient feature when it comes to screw driving. This allows the user to remove and redo the job if the screw is uneven or askew. The reverse function is very handy for quick disassembly of a piece of furniture or appliance. You can let the drill do all the work for you.
Speeds on a drill are measured in RPM or revolutions per minute. Standard drills run at a single speed only, but most have two fixed speeds at 300rpm and 800rpm. There is a switch to shift from high to low speed and vice versa. Low speed is for screw driving, while the high speed is for boring holes.
If you're doing mostly repair or carpentry duties, look for a cordless drill that has a dual-speed with a maximum rpm of 1000. Whereas, when you perform more hole boring than driving, choose a model that has at least 1000rpm.
Li-Ion battery is the newest addition to the roster, and it is the most expensive of all, but also the lightest. This type trumps the other two batteries in terms of capacity and quick-charging. It requires little to no maintenance and has no memory effect at all. Its only downside is the shorter life cycle at 500 charges.
We could conclude that Li-Ion is the best way to go, but the price point has a significant effect on its merits. NiCd and NiMH aren't bad choices but you must need to look at the purpose of the cordless drill and the work that you intend to do to determine the right battery for the job.
There are several classes of drills to choose from today. Some may come with cord and others are cordless, depending on the configuration. They all differ in terms of usage and power factor, so it's best to know the correct type that you will suit your task ahead.
As the name implies, these compact power-driven tool is specially made for screw driving tasks around the house. Mostly cordless, they are easy to operate and allows you to work on tighter spaces. A handy tool to use on knocked-down furniture assembly or disassembly because of its forward and reverse functions.
This type of drill is an upgrade of the power screwdriver. It could come in a corded or cordless version with an added feature. It can do light wood-boring with its replaceable wood drill bits.
The forward and reverse function is still present for tightening or removing screws. The ideal tool for putting up shelves or assembling pieces of furniture.
Combi drills, or 3-in-1s, were made to resemble a drill driver in all its functions, but the significant difference is the inclusion of hammer action. This type is a corded or cordless all-rounder with a feature that allows light drilling into masonry or bricks.
These drills were made for heavy-duty driving or constant screwdriver workloads. Its impact mechanism reduces strain on the wrist and relieves most of the hard work from you.
Higher torque capacity is need when drilling into the metal or tightening bolt heads, so this drill is the ideal tool for the job. Plus, it also has the forward and reverse actions.
If you need a powerful drilling tool for hard surfaces, the hammer drill is what you're looking for. Also known as impact drills or percussion drills, it is made for heavy-duty tasks.
You can adjust the power via the multiple torque settings to bust through solid materials while restricting damage to the surface area. There's no reverse function on this tool, but you won't be needing it anyway.
This type of drill works the same as the hammer drill but with a slight difference in the piston action where it pushes forward and back like a hammer. SDS or Slotted Drive System hammer drills have specialized drill bits that aren't prone to slipping and could withstand intense hammering action while chiseling or chasing.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Power Rating | Handle Grip Type | Number of Clutch Levels | Speed | Dual Rotation | Variable Speed | Battery Type | Weight | Category of Drill | |||||
1 | Bosch Professional Cordless Impact Drill|GSB 180 | ![]() | Reliable Performance for Professional Drilling | 18 V | Ergonomic、Textured | 22 | 1900 RPM | Li-ion | 1700 g | Impact Driver、Drill Driver | |||
2 | DeWALT Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill|DCD796M2 | ![]() | Versatile Power for Tough Drilling Jobs | 48 V | Rubberized、Ergonomic | 16 | 2000 RPM | Li-ion | 1340 g | Drill Driver、Hammer Drill | |||
3 | Ingco Brushless Compact Impact Drill | ![]() | Compact Brushless Drill for Smooth Tasks | 20 V | Rubberized、Ergonomic | 24 | 2000 RPM | Li-ion | 1300 g | Impact Driver、Drill Driver | |||
4 | Makita Cordless Hammer Driver Drill|HP331DWYE | ![]() | Lightweight Drill for Everyday Projects | 12 V | Rubberized、Ergonomic | 20 | 1700 RPM | Li-ion | 1000 g | Hammer Drill、Drill Driver | |||
5 | Tolsen Cordless Combo Kit Drill & Impact Wrench | ![]() | Dual Tool Kit for Versatile DIY | 20 V | Ergonomic、Textured | 22 | 1500 RPM | Li-ion | 2400 g | Combo | |||
6 | Mitsushi Cordless Drill Driver 12V | ![]() | Budget-Friendly Set for Light Drilling | 12 V | Ergonomic、Rubberized | 20 | 1300 RPM | Li-ion | 1200 g | Drill Driver | |||
7 | KEELAT Cordless Drill | ![]() | Multipurpose Drill Set for Starters | 12 V | Rubberized、Ergonomic | 28 | 1550 RPM | Li-ion | 920 g | Impact Driver、Drill Driver | |||
8 | Lotus Cordless Drill / Driver + 9pcs Bit Set| LTDD12-30VLI | ![]() | Simple Cordless Driver with Bit Set | 12 V | Ergonomic、Rubberized | 20 | 700 RPM | Li-ion | 1000 g | Drill Driver | |||
9 | Powerhouse Portable Cordless Drill Driver | ![]() | Sturdy Drill for Heavy-Duty Work | 12 V | Rubberized、Ergonomic | 22 | 1800 RPM | Li-ion | 1000 g | Drill Driver | |||
10 | Xiaomi Cordless Brushless Electric Drill Kit Electric Screw/Drill 2 in 1 | ![]() | Smart Drill Kit with Brushless Tech | 12 V | Ergonomic、Textured | 30 | 1500 RPM | Li-ion | 850 g | Drill Driver |
Users praise its strong performance and rich accessory set, highlighting it as great value for professionals and DIYers. Many mention the long battery life and portability, though a few wished for more detailed instructions. Most buyers note satisfaction with the reliability and brand reputation.
Power Rating | 18 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Ergonomic、Textured |
Number of Clutch Levels | 22 |
Speed | 1900 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 1700 g |
Category of Drill | Impact Driver、Drill Driver |
Reviews mention:
Many users appreciate the tool’s powerful performance and ability to handle various materials easily. The inclusion of two batteries is praised for allowing longer work time, but some users have questions about battery charging and the placement of charging ports. Overall, buyers highlight quick delivery and the product arriving as described, with several noting the drill is a “strong and handy” addition for both home and jobsite needs.
Power Rating | 48 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Rubberized、Ergonomic |
Number of Clutch Levels | 16 |
Speed | 2000 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 1340 g |
Category of Drill | Drill Driver、Hammer Drill |
Most users say this drill is powerful yet quiet, and the brushless motor lasts longer than brushed versions. Many like the combo with hand mixer, boosting its versatility. Some mention initial setup confusion but are overall happy with the tool’s performance and value.
Power Rating | 20 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Rubberized、Ergonomic |
Number of Clutch Levels | 24 |
Speed | 2000 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 1300 g |
Category of Drill | Impact Driver、Drill Driver |
Reviews mention:
Buyers report this drill is easy to handle and ideal for common home repairs. The lightweight design draws positive attention, especially for overhead tasks. Some wish the battery were included, but overall quality gets top marks.
Power Rating | 12 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Rubberized、Ergonomic |
Number of Clutch Levels | 20 |
Speed | 1700 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 1000 g |
Category of Drill | Hammer Drill、Drill Driver |
Reviewers appreciate having a drill and impact wrench in one set and note the convenience of extra batteries. The build feels durable, though a few wish for more bits in the package. Users also mention the handy storage bag for organization.
Power Rating | 20 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Ergonomic、Textured |
Number of Clutch Levels | 22 |
Speed | 1500 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 2400 g |
Category of Drill | Combo |
Customers love the affordability and the complete set of bits and accessories. Many find it suitable for everyday chores, like assembling furniture. Some feel the power is limited for heavy-duty jobs, but for the price, say it’s excellent for home use.
Power Rating | 12 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Ergonomic、Rubberized |
Number of Clutch Levels | 20 |
Speed | 1300 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 1200 g |
Category of Drill | Drill Driver |
Users appreciate the drill’s reliable power and effective hammer function, finding it suitable for various home DIY tasks. The battery life is generally satisfactory, and the included accessories add good value. Some buyers suggest the drill is best for light to medium use, with limited feedback on its performance in heavy-duty applications.
Power Rating | 12 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Rubberized、Ergonomic |
Number of Clutch Levels | 28 |
Speed | 1550 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 920 g |
Category of Drill | Impact Driver、Drill Driver |
Users appreciate the portability and convenience of this cordless drill with its compact and lightweight design, making it ideal for various DIY and light professional tasks. The included bit set adds versatility, and the tool's battery life and ease of bit changes receive positive remarks. Some users note that while it performs well for general drilling and driving needs, it may lack the power required for heavy-duty jobs, and a few suggest improvements in battery capacity for longer continuous use. Overall, it's favored for being a practical and affordable cordless drill for everyday tasks.
Power Rating | 12 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Ergonomic、Rubberized |
Number of Clutch Levels | 20 |
Speed | 700 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 1000 g |
Category of Drill | Drill Driver |
Reviews mention:
Users praise this cordless drill driver for its portability and solid performance in typical household and light construction tasks. The battery life and quick charging are appreciated for minimizing downtime during work. However, some users note that while it handles light to medium jobs well, it may struggle with very heavy-duty applications, and upgrading drill bits might be needed for tougher materials. Overall, it is seen as a reliable and convenient tool for DIY enthusiasts and prosumers looking for an affordable, all-in-one set
Power Rating | 12 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Rubberized、Ergonomic |
Number of Clutch Levels | 22 |
Speed | 1800 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 1000 g |
Category of Drill | Drill Driver |
Users praise the drill for its quiet, smooth performance and modern look. Many highlight the convenience of switching modes for both drilling and screwing. A few users noted a learning curve with the controls, but overall satisfaction is high.
Power Rating | 12 V |
---|---|
Handle Grip Type | Ergonomic、Textured |
Number of Clutch Levels | 30 |
Speed | 1500 RPM |
Dual Rotation | |
Variable Speed | |
Battery Type | Li-ion |
Weight | 850 g |
Category of Drill | Drill Driver |
Still trying to plan and assemble your study table? We know you have the right cordless drill but why sweat over it when you could have it delivered right at your doorstep. Know the latest brands today by clicking on the link to the article below. You can also find the perfect items to add to your desk!
Your DIY project shouldn't be put on hold because of inferior tools. Get a reliable cordless drill that delivers just the right amount of torque and power to deal with any of your pending tasks. We've already provided the guide, and now, it's all up to your informed evaluation to find the correct product for the right job.
Author: Chafi Lacson
No. 1: Bosch|Professional Cordless Impact Drill|GSB 180
No. 2: DeWALT|Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill|DCD796M2
No. 3: Ingco|Brushless Compact Impact Drill
No. 4: Makita|Cordless Hammer Driver Drill|HP331DWYE
No. 5: Tolsen |Cordless Combo Kit Drill & Impact Wrench
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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