The best cordless drill for you depends on your specific needs. Consider power, battery life, ergonomics, and features. For general home use, a 12-volt drill is often sufficient, while heavier tasks might require a 18-volt model. Look for comfort and durability.
Ever felt overwhelmed staring at rows of shiny cordless drills? You’re not alone! Choosing the “best” one can seem like a huge decision, especially when you just want to hang a picture or build a simple shelf. Many drills look similar, but they perform very differently. This can lead to frustration when a drill struggles with a job, or you end up paying for features you’ll never use.
But don’t worry! We’re here to make this simple. This guide will break down what really matters when picking a cordless drill. We’ll cover everything from the basics of voltage to the handy features that make a real difference. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for to find the perfect drill for your DIY projects, big or small. Let’s dive in and find your ideal drill!
Understanding the Basics: What Makes a Cordless Drill Tick?
Before we get into which drill is “best,” let’s understand the core parts. This knowledge will help you make informed choices.
Motor: This is the heart of the drill. It powers the chuck to spin.
Chuck: This is the part that holds the drill bit or screwdriver bit. It usually has jaws that tighten around the bit.
Trigger: Controls the speed of the drill. Squeeze it gently for slow speeds, harder for faster ones.
Battery: This is what makes it cordless! It powers the motor. Battery voltage and capacity are key.
Gearing: Drills have gears that allow you to switch between high speed (for drilling holes) and high torque (for driving screws).
Clutch: This is a super important feature, especially for driving screws. It lets you set a torque limit, so you don’t overtighten or strip screws.
Voltage: The Powerhouse of Your Drill
When people ask “what cordless drill is the best,” voltage often comes up first. Voltage (V) is a measure of the electrical potential difference. In simpler terms, it tells you how much “push” the battery can give to the motor.
12-Volt Drills:
Pros: These are typically smaller, lighter, and more compact. They are perfect for light-duty tasks around the house, like assembling furniture, drilling small holes in drywall, or driving screws into softer materials. Their lightweight nature makes them comfortable for extended use or when working in tight spaces.
Cons: They generally have less power and torque than higher-voltage models. They might struggle with drilling into hard materials like concrete or driving large fasteners.
Best for: Homeowners, crafters, electronics enthusiasts, and anyone needing a compact drill for occasional, lighter tasks.
18-Volt (or 20V MAX) Drills:
Pros: These are the workhorses for most DIYers. They offer a great balance of power, torque, and runtime. They can handle a wider range of tasks, from drilling into wood and metal to driving larger screws and even some light masonry work with the right bit. The “20V MAX” naming convention refers to the peak voltage when the battery is fully charged; it drops to around 18V during use, hence the common 18V designation.
Cons: They are usually larger and heavier than 12V drills, which can be tiring for prolonged use or in awkward positions.
Best for: General home repairs, woodworking, light construction, and most common DIY projects.
36-Volt and Higher Drills:
Pros: These are professional-grade tools offering maximum power and torque. They are designed for heavy-duty applications like drilling large holes through dense materials, concrete, or metal, and driving very large fasteners.
Cons: They are significantly larger, heavier, and more expensive. They are often overkill for typical home use.
Best for: Professional contractors, serious woodworkers, and those who need extreme power for demanding jobs.
Recommendation: For most beginners and general home use, an 18V (or 20V MAX) cordless drill is the sweet spot. It provides enough power for most tasks without being overly heavy or expensive.
Torque and Speed Settings: Precision for Every Job
Torque is the rotational force a drill can deliver. Speed refers to how fast the chuck spins. Most cordless drills offer adjustable settings for both.
Torque Settings (Clutch):
Why it matters: The clutch prevents you from over-driving screws. When you set the torque, the drill will stop spinning or slip once that level of resistance is met.
Low settings: For delicate tasks or small screws. This prevents stripping the screw head or damaging the material.
High settings: For driving larger screws or when drilling into harder materials.
Drill/Impact Setting: Some drills have a dedicated “drill” setting (which uses the clutch) and an “impact” setting. The impact setting delivers percussive blows along with rotation, which is useful for driving long screws or drilling into tough materials. Note: This is different from an “impact driver,” which is a specialized tool for driving fasteners.
Speed Settings:
Typically 2 Speeds:
Speed 1 (Low Speed, High Torque): Ideal for driving screws, especially larger ones, and for drilling with larger bits.
Speed 2 (High Speed, Low Torque): Best for drilling holes, particularly in softer materials or with smaller drill bits.
How to Choose: Always start with a lower torque setting and gradually increase it until the screw drives in properly without stripping. For drilling, use the higher speed setting unless you’re drilling a very large hole or into a very hard material, in which case the lower speed might offer more control.
Battery Life and Type: Keeping You Powered Up
The battery is what makes your drill cordless, so its performance is crucial.
Voltage (Already discussed): Higher voltage generally means more power.
Amp-Hours (Ah): This measures the battery’s capacity – how much energy it stores. A higher Ah rating means the battery will last longer on a single charge.
A 2.0 Ah battery will typically last about half as long as a 4.0 Ah battery under the same usage.
For occasional home use, a 1.5 Ah or 2.0 Ah battery might be fine. For more frequent or demanding tasks, consider 4.0 Ah or higher.
Battery Chemistry:
Lithium-Ion (Li-ion): This is the standard for modern cordless tools. Li-ion batteries are lightweight, hold a charge well (low self-discharge), and don’t suffer from “memory effect” (where you have to fully discharge them before recharging). They are the best choice.
Nickel-Cadmium (NiCd): Older technology. These batteries are heavier, have a shorter lifespan, and suffer from memory effect. You’ll rarely find new drills with NiCd batteries.
What to Look For:
Consider buying a kit: Many drills are sold as kits that include one or two batteries and a charger. This is often more cost-effective than buying them separately.
Check the Ah rating: Match it to your expected usage.
Ensure it’s Li-ion: This is the modern standard.
Ergonomics and Comfort: Holding the Power
A drill might be powerful, but if it’s uncomfortable to hold, you won’t enjoy using it.
Grip: A rubberized, non-slip grip is essential for control and comfort, especially when working for extended periods or in slightly damp conditions.
Weight and Balance: A well-balanced drill feels natural in your hand. While higher voltage drills are heavier, good design can mitigate this. Try to hold the drill before buying if possible.
Trigger Feel: The trigger should be smooth and responsive, allowing for precise speed control.
Handle Shape: Ensure the handle fits your hand size comfortably.
Key Features to Consider: Beyond the Basics
Here are some extra features that can make a big difference in your drilling experience:
LED Work Light: Most modern drills have a built-in LED light that illuminates the work area. Look for one that stays on for a few seconds after you release the trigger. Some have lights that are positioned to minimize shadows.
Keyless Chuck: This allows you to tighten and loosen the chuck jaws by hand, without needing a separate chuck key. This is a standard feature on almost all modern cordless drills.
Variable Speed Trigger: As mentioned, this allows for precise control over the drill’s speed.
Forward/Reverse Switch: Essential for switching between drilling and driving screws, and for backing out screws or drill bits.
Built-in Level: Some drills have small bubble levels integrated into the body, which can help you drill straighter holes.
Belt Clip: A handy feature for keeping the drill readily accessible when you need your hands free.
Brushless Motor:
What it is: Traditional drill motors use carbon brushes that wear out over time and create friction. Brushless motors use electronic controls and magnets, eliminating brushes.
Benefits: Brushless drills are generally more powerful, more efficient (meaning longer battery life), run cooler, and have a longer motor lifespan.
Downside: They are typically more expensive.
Recommendation: If your budget allows, a brushless drill is a worthwhile investment for its performance and longevity.
Top Cordless Drill Brands for Beginners and Homeowners
While “best” is subjective, some brands consistently deliver quality and value. Here are a few popular choices:
DEWALT: Known for durability, power, and a wide range of tools in their battery platforms. Their 20V MAX line is very popular.
Makita: Offers a great balance of power, innovation, and ergonomics. Their 18V LXT platform is extensive.
Milwaukee: Renowned for their powerful brushless motors and robust construction, especially their M18 FUEL line.
Ryobi: A very popular choice for homeowners due to their affordability, wide selection of tools, and the performance of their ONE+ 18V system. They offer excellent value.
Black+Decker: Often a good entry-level option, especially for very light-duty tasks, offering great value.
Bosch: Known for precision engineering and comfortable ergonomics, particularly their 12V and 18V lines.
Tip: Consider the brand’s battery platform. If you plan to buy other cordless tools (like a saw, sander, or trimmer), sticking with one brand allows you to share batteries, saving you money in the long run.
How to Choose the Right Drill for Your Needs
Let’s bring it all together. To answer “what cordless drill is the best” for you, ask yourself these questions:
1. What kind of projects will I do most often?
Light assembly, hanging pictures, small repairs: A 12V drill is likely sufficient and more comfortable.
General home improvement, basic woodworking, occasional DIY: An 18V (20V MAX) drill is the ideal all-rounder.
Heavy-duty construction, large holes, demanding tasks: Consider a more powerful 18V or even a 36V model, or perhaps a dedicated impact driver.
2. How often will I use it?
Occasional use: A standard 18V drill with a decent battery (around 2.0 Ah) will serve you well.
Frequent or prolonged use: Look for a higher Ah battery (4.0 Ah or more) and consider a brushless motor for better efficiency and durability.
3. What is my budget?
Entry-level: Look at brands like Black+Decker or Ryobi’s more basic kits.
Mid-range/Best Value: Ryobi, some Bosch, and entry-level kits from DeWalt or Makita.
High-end/Professional: Higher-end kits from DeWalt, Makita, or Milwaukee, especially those with brushless motors.
4. Do I need other cordless tools?
If yes, choose a brand with a battery platform that supports the other tools you might want in the future. This is a significant cost-saving factor.
Putting it into Practice: A Simple Example
Let’s say you’re Sarah, and you want to assemble IKEA furniture, hang shelves, and maybe build a simple birdhouse.
Projects: Furniture assembly, shelves, birdhouse – these are generally light to medium tasks.
Frequency: You’ll use it a few times a month.
Budget: You’re looking for good value, not the cheapest but not top-of-the-line.
Recommendation for Sarah: A 18V (20V MAX) cordless drill kit from Ryobi or DeWalt would be an excellent choice. A kit with one 2.0 Ah battery would be sufficient. She should look for a drill with at least 16 clutch settings for good screw-driving control and a variable speed trigger. An LED light would also be a nice bonus.
The Importance of Accessories: Bits and Batteries
Don’t forget that your drill is only as good as the bits you use with it!
Drill Bits:
Twist Bits: For drilling holes in wood, metal, and plastic. Different sizes are essential.
Spade Bits (or Paddle Bits): For drilling larger holes in wood.
Masonry Bits: For drilling into brick, concrete, or stone. You’ll need a hammer drill function on your drill for efficient masonry work.
Screwdriver Bits: Phillips, flathead, Torx, etc., for driving screws. Magnetic tips are very helpful.
Drill Bit Sets: Buying a good quality set with a variety of common sizes is a smart investment. Brands like Bosch, DeWalt, and Milwaukee offer excellent bit sets.
Extra Batteries: If you have larger projects or use your drill frequently, having a second battery means you can keep working while one battery charges.
Maintenance for Longevity
To keep your cordless drill running smoothly for years:
Keep it Clean: Wipe down the drill after use, especially if you’ve been working in dusty environments.
Store Batteries Properly: Store batteries in a cool, dry place. Avoid extreme temperatures. Don’t leave them on the charger indefinitely after they’re full.
Charge Batteries: Li-ion batteries are best stored with a partial charge (around 50-70%). Avoid storing them completely dead.
Don’t Force It: If the drill is struggling, it might be underpowered for the task, or you might need a different type of bit. Forcing it can damage the motor or the battery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need a hammer drill or can a regular cordless drill handle light masonry?
A: A regular cordless drill can handle very light tasks in soft materials like drywall or some softer types of brick. For concrete or harder brick, you really need a hammer drill function, which delivers percussive blows. Many modern 18V drills offer this feature.
Q2: What’s the difference between a cordless drill and an impact driver?
A: A cordless drill is a versatile tool for drilling holes and driving screws using rotation and an adjustable clutch. An impact driver is specialized for driving fasteners. It delivers high torque with rapid, rotational impacts (like hammering sideways) which is excellent for long screws or lag bolts but less precise for delicate screw driving.
Q3: Is a brushless drill really worth the extra money?
A: For most users, yes. Brushless drills offer increased power, longer battery life, a cooler operating temperature, and a longer motor lifespan. While more expensive upfront, the performance and durability benefits often make them a better long-term investment.
Q4: How many batteries should I get with my drill?
A: If you plan on doing larger projects or using the drill frequently, getting a kit with two batteries is highly recommended. This allows you to work continuously without waiting for a battery to charge. For occasional use, one battery might be enough.
Q5: What does “20V MAX” mean for a drill?
A: “20V MAX” refers to the peak voltage of the battery when it is fully charged. During normal operation, the voltage will drop to around 18V. So, a 20V MAX drill is essentially an 18V drill. This naming convention is common in the industry.
* Q6: How do I know if I’m using the right torque setting?
A: Start with the lowest torque setting and test it on a scrap piece of wood or an inconspicuous area. Gradually increase the setting until the screw drives in flush with the surface without stripping the head or going too deep. You’ll get a feel for it with practice.
Choosing the right cordless drill doesn’t have to be complicated. By understanding the basics of voltage, torque, battery life, and features, you can confidently select a tool that will make your DIY projects easier and more enjoyable. Happy drilling!
