Cordless Drill

Best Cordless Drill Featured in This Roundup:

List of the Best Cordless Drill

1. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill

Pros
  • Small and lightweight design 
  • Uses a heavy-duty battery
  • Ideal for plastic, wood and metal materials
Cons
  • May have a poor quality drill and drill head   
  • The battery may die and stop taking in a charge after only a few months
Bottom Line

All in all, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill is worth our attention and the price tag it comes with. For its low price of $60, we get to go home with a cordless and flexible drill that can work with plastic, wood, and metal materials and comes complete with all the accessories we need. While it may not always deliver the results we expect, its flaws have only been present in a small percentage of its products, which is a risk we're willing to take for the fantastic value for money it offers. 

 

In the end, even with its few manufacturing defects, it is still the best cordless drill for this year and tops the charts with its unparalleled versatility and powerful capabilities. So if you're in the market for your first or your next cordless drill, this is the best way to go, whether you're making your first project or a pro looking for a more natural approach to maneuver while working. Believe us when we say that you won't find another drill that is as functional and as affordable as the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill — get your hands on it now while you still can at these prices! 

Read our in-depth BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill Review here.

2. Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill

Pros
  • Delivers 300 unit watts of power  
  • Provides two speeds to fit all your needs  
  • Uses an ergonomic handle for your comfort
Cons
  • May have battery issues after a few uses   
  • Has a higher price tag compared to the competition
Bottom Line

While the Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill shows promising results and has been tried and tested by many customers, many are still apprehensive about getting their hands on this cordless drill. Because of its reported battery malfunctions, this drill gets negative feedback and has disappointed quite a few people. But we believe that this flaw can still be addressed by the company so that they can one day give us a perfect drill in both the design and functionality aspects. 

 

In the end, the Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill produces brilliant results when it works at its best. Even with its flawed battery life, it is still one of the best cordless drills available now in the market, and its price is also an excellent option for those wanting to get their hands on a durable and sturdy drill. So don't waste time and get one of these versatile and high-quality cordless drills now, before you miss out! 

Read our in-depth Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill Review here.

3. Avid Power 20V MAX Lithium Ion Cordless Drill

Pros
  • Comes with a multifunctional battery pack
  • Compact, lightweight and ergonomic design
  • Comes with an LED light to illuminate dark areas
Cons
  • May have battery issues   
  • May be sent to your door with defective parts
Bottom Line

The Avid Power 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill is quite a hit and miss when it comes to its high-quality performance but subpar battery life and customer service. While it can produce fantastic results when it does work, the company doesn't have enough consistency in its manufacturing for everyone to get a unit that will deliver on all its promises. However, many people are still swayed to purchase a unit since it comes at the most affordable price in the market at only $40. 

 

For such a small asking price, the Avid Power 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill comes with everything we could need in a cordless drill, including features that aren't found in other cordless drills, such as its LED lights. But even with its flaws, it is still one of the best cordless drills in the market, and if you don't mind the possibility of wasting $40 for a chance of getting one of the better units, then this cordless drill may be the best choice for you. Not only does it have great features on offer, but it also provides you with a complete kit to help you with any home project. 

Read our in-depth Avid Power 20V MAX Lithium Ion Cordless Drill Review here.

4. BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill

Pros
  • Ideal for use on wood, plastic, and metal
  • Lighter and more compact 
  • 11 Position Clutches to provide precise control
Cons
  • May not be strong enough to do heavy-duty jobs  
  • May have defective units  
Bottom Line

In the end, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill doesn't deliver enough of a wow factor to stand out from the competition. Aside from costing more than other models, it doesn't have as many features as other brands like it. And there isn't much else it can offer to try and make up for its shortcomings. 

 

All in all, the BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill could do much better in terms of performance and customer service. Its design may be adequate and promotes pain-free use, but it isn't able to give us the results we want for our projects. Unfortunately, this drill may not be the best pick, so we suggest to look for another drill unless you're on a tight budget. 

Read our in-depth BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill Review here.

5. KIMO Cordless Drill Driver Kit, 20V Max Impact Hammer Drill

Pros
  • Over 25 years of experience in manufacturing power tools
  • Comes with a 46-piece accessory kit
  • Equipped with three functions: screw-driving, drilling and impact drilling
Cons
  • May not effectively work as a hammer drill   
  • Customer service is not the best
Bottom Line

While the KIMO Cordless Drill Driver Kit shows a lot of promise, it has some flaws that compromise its overall performance and appeal. Its complete accessories kit indeed lures many customers in, along with its fantastic price, its drilling power could use improvement to give us our money's worth. 

 

However, for every customer that gets a correctly working KIMO Cordless Drill Driver Kit, this product is the epitome of a tool that can help us through all our projects. Whether we use it for professional or home applications, the KIMO Cordless Drill Driver Kit has the potential to do great things and comes close to giving us everything we look for in a cordless drill. All in all, it is still worth our money and is an excellent go-to product for our drilling needs.

Read our in-depth KIMO Cordless Drill Driver Kit, 20V Max Impact Hammer Drill Review here.

Cordless Drill Buyers Guide

Cordless drills are huge time savers. It offers portability and some nifty features that will make it easy for you to embark on a variety of projects. The right drill allows you to accomplish a great deal of work in your home or workshop. Although all drills operate in essentially the same way, there are certain factors that could set one apart from its peers.

This guide will help you choose the right cordless drill for your projects. For starters, you would want a reliable drill with more power and longer run times. So you can install fixtures, hang that vintage clock, or build a deck without losing your wits.

The history of the electric and cordless drill

The first portable electric drill with a trigger switch and pistol handle was introduced by Black + Decker in 1916. Since the first electric drills were heavy, stationary machines used in industrial facilities, the convenience of a lightweight and portable tool was embraced by the do-it-yourself market. It has since been an indispensable tool for pros, woodworkers, or DIYers after over a hundred years.

As history tends to repeat itself, Black + Decker through the newly acquired Dewalt, launched the first cordless drill in 1961. While the original design was credited to Black + Decker, many would argue that it was Makita who made the first cordless drill available to the general public.

Corded vs Cordless Drills

The cordless drill has become the most widely used tool by pros and home handymen. The convenience of not having to waste time finding a power outlet or deal with a tangled cord significantly reduces the amount of time a contractor would have to spend on a job. High-quality models are multipurpose tools that can do more than boring holes.

Although cordless drills are great, there’s still a place for a corded drill in your tool kit. Cordless power drills rely on batteries. If you are someone who doesn’t touch a drill from one month to the next, you may find your unit’s battery depleted just when you badly need it.

The same could be true if you are an active builder, who needs to drive numerous fasteners and drill hundreds of holes for a large project. Having to stop and recharge the drill affects productivity. Perhaps the best solution is to have extra batteries, so you don’t have to wait for the unit to be fully recharged before continuing. But wouldn’t it be nice to have a drill that’s always ready to go? You will soon find many occasions when it’s very convenient to have both.

How to choose the right cordless drill

When buying a cordless drill you will face at least three options: a bare unit without battery or charger, a complete standalone unit with batteries and charger, and a cordless kit with several different types of tools. Consider combination kits if you are also looking for handy tools such as an impact driver, a hammer drill, a circular saw, or a work light. Inclusions vary from kit to kit, so check for the one that offers the best value.

What type of drill do you need?

Cordless Drill/Driver – this is the most popular type of drill in the market. It is used to drill holes and drive screws into metal, wood, and plastic. It is ideal for household tasks and maintenance and small construction jobs.

Hammer Drill – this tool is essentially a drill with a hammer setting that generates forward thrust and rotation. It is more powerful and heavier than a regular drill and is designed to handle concrete jobs and some masonry work.

Impact Driver – this machine is used for installing and removing screws, bolts, and fasteners. Not an ideal tool for drilling holes.

Rotary Hammer – also a combination of hammer and drill but larger and heavier. This is commonly used by professionals for drilling masonry.
Is it comfortable to hold?

A good drill should be comfortable to grasp even after periods of extended use. You can choose between a pistol grip drill or a T-handle. In a pistol-grip design, the handle is at the back of the drill and lets you apply more pressure higher up. With the T-handle, on the other hand, the handle is at the center of the drill’s body. It is generally more compact so you can get into tighter spaces. While it’s easier to maneuver, it’s harder to apply one-hand force using a T-handle drill.

Does it have enough power?

The power of a drill is measured by the voltage stored in its batteries. The voltage range of available models is between 6 to 36 volts. Higher voltage delivers more speed and torque or twisting strength. A drill with a higher voltage is usually heavier. The drill speed and torque are crucial factors depending on the job at hand. The higher a drill’s maximum speed, the less torque it can deliver. A drill powered by an 18-20V battery is best for heavy-duty or extended work. For most jobs around the house, a 12-volt battery will suffice.

Features to consider

A cordless drill is a multifunctional tool with a high degree of versatility and power. But a truly must-have tool should come with specific features that can handle nearly every drilling and driving task you will encounter.

Chuck Size

The available chuck sizes for a cordless drill are ½ inch and ⅜ inch. The chuck size dictates the maximum shank diameter the drill will accommodate. Find out the shank diameter of the bits you will be using, and then select your drill’s chuck size accordingly. A keyless chuck is also much more convenient because it allows you to loosen and tighten the chuck by hand.

Clutch

A drill with an adjustable clutch lets you choose the desired torque for driving screws to a precise depth. The higher the clutch setting, the higher the torque it puts out. When the preset torque is reached, the clutch disengages the shaft and stops turning. This prevents the bit from slipping off the crew or stripping the screw head.

Brushless Motor

Brushed and brushless motors both have the same operating mechanism but their overall design is different. The absence of brush in brushless design eliminates the problems of friction and overheating caused by the physical connection between the moving parts. Brushless motors are more reliable and have lower maintenance requirements. It also improves the power and extends the lifespan of your drill.

Reversing Switch

A reversing switch lets you change the rotation direction of the drill bit. Your drill’s reverse switch must be conveniently located but not prone to accidental switching. It should be locked in place to prevent you from switching it by accident.

Other options worth having:

Cordless Drills FAQ


Q: What’s the difference between a drill and a driver?

A: Cordless drills are better suited for boring holes and driving small fasteners while an impact driver is ideal for driving nuts, bolts, and crews.

Q: What’s the voltage rating of a good cordless drill?
A: A 12-volt drill is sufficient for basic household tasks such as basic carpentry and minor drywall repairs. Choose 18-24 volt batteries for more demanding jobs like drilling holes on metals, concrete, ceramic, and bricks. High voltage drills are typically heavier and more expensive.

Q: What’s the standard warranty of a cordless drill?
A: Standard warranties vary by brand or model. Lithium-ion power tools usually have a standard warranty of three years. High-end models may have 5-7 years of limited warranties. Some brands like Milwaukee offers lifetime limited warranty.

Q: How can I set the torque in a cordless drill?

A: In setting the slip clutch, it’s better to start at a midrange number. For example, if your drill has 20 clutch settings, choose 10 then drive in a screw. If the drill drives too deeply, adjust to a lower number. If it slips before the screw is driven, choose a higher clutch.

Q: How do I know the run times of my cordless drill battery?

A: Check the amp-hour (Ah) ratings. Higher voltage and higher amperes per hour provide a longer run time. For example, a 12-volt drill with a 4.0 Ah battery would last longer between charges than a 12-volt drill with 1.0 Ah battery.