Cordless drills are surprisingly affordable and incredibly useful for home projects. You can find reliable, basic cordless drills for as little as $50 to $100, with more advanced models ranging from $150 to $300 or more, depending on features and power.
Ever looked at a home improvement project and felt a pang of “I wish I had the right tool for that”? Many of us have. The thought of needing a special tool can seem daunting, especially when you’re just starting out. But what if I told you one tool can unlock a world of DIY possibilities and it’s more budget-friendly than you might think?
That tool is the cordless drill. It’s a true workhorse, making tasks like hanging shelves, assembling furniture, and even minor repairs a breeze. Forget wrestling with tangled cords or searching for an outlet; a cordless drill gives you freedom and power right in your hands. If you’ve ever wondered, “How much is a cordless drill?” you’re in the right place. We’ll break down the costs, what you get for your money, and help you find the perfect drill without breaking the bank. Let’s walk through it all.
Understanding the Price Tag: What Influences Cordless Drill Costs?
When you’re asking “how much is a cordless drill,” it’s helpful to know that the price isn’t just about the brand name. Several factors contribute to the final cost, and understanding these will help you make a smarter purchase.
Voltage (Power): This is a big one. Drills come in various voltages, typically ranging from 4V to 20V and even higher.
4V-8V Drills: These are usually very lightweight and best for simple tasks like screwing in small screws or light DIY. They are the most affordable, often found for $30-$70. Think of them for assembling flat-pack furniture or hanging very light pictures.
12V Drills: A great middle ground for many homeowners. They offer a good balance of power and portability. You can expect to pay between $70-$150 for a decent 12V drill, often with a battery and charger included. They’re capable of drilling into wood and metal and driving screws with ease.
18V-20V Drills: These are the most common and versatile for general home use. They have enough power for drilling into tougher materials like brick or concrete (with the right settings), driving larger screws, and handling more demanding tasks. Prices typically range from $100-$300 for a kit with a battery and charger. Higher-end models with advanced features can go above $300.
Higher Voltage (24V+): These are usually for professional-grade work, offering maximum power and durability. They are significantly more expensive and generally overkill for the average DIYer.
Battery Type and Capacity: Cordless drills run on rechargeable batteries, usually lithium-ion (Li-ion).
Battery Voltage: As mentioned above, higher voltage means more power.
Amp-Hours (Ah): This measures how long the battery can provide power. A 2.0Ah battery will last about half as long as a 4.0Ah battery under the same load. Larger Ah batteries mean longer runtimes but also a higher cost. Batteries alone can cost $50-$150+.
Number of Batteries: Kits often come with one or two batteries. Having a second battery is incredibly convenient, allowing you to keep working while one battery recharges.
Features and Technology:
Brushless Motors: These motors are more efficient, powerful, and durable than traditional brushed motors. Drills with brushless motors are typically more expensive but offer better performance and longer tool life.
Variable Speed Trigger: Allows for precise control, essential for starting screws without stripping them or for delicate drilling.
Clutch Settings: Helps prevent over-tightening screws, which can damage the material or the screw head. More settings usually mean more control and a higher price.
LED Work Light: A small but very useful feature for illuminating your work area.
Hammer Function (Hammer Drill): This setting adds a hammering action, making it effective for drilling into masonry like brick or concrete. If you need this, expect to pay a bit more. A standard drill doesn’t have this.
Keyless Chuck: Allows you to change drill bits and driver bits by hand, without needing a chuck key. Most modern drills have this.
Brand Reputation and Quality: Well-known brands like DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, and Milwaukee often command higher prices due to their reputation for durability, performance, and warranty support. However, many other brands offer excellent value for money at lower price points.
Kit vs. Bare Tool:
Bare Tool: This is just the drill itself, without a battery or charger. It’s a good option if you already own tools from the same brand and can share batteries.
Kit: This includes the drill, at least one battery, and a charger. This is the most common and cost-effective way to buy your first cordless drill.
The “Affordable” Range: What to Expect for Your Money
Let’s get down to brass tacks. If you’re on a budget, what can you realistically expect when asking “how much is a cordless drill?”
Under $100: The Entry-Level Powerhouse
For less than a hundred dollars, you can absolutely get a functional cordless drill. These are typically:
Voltage: 12V or sometimes a lower-end 18V.
Motor: Usually brushed.
Features: Basic variable speed, a few clutch settings, and a keyless chuck. Might include a small LED light.
Battery: Often comes with one smaller capacity battery (e.g., 1.5Ah).
Best For: Light household tasks, assembling furniture, hanging lightweight items, simple screw driving. They might struggle with prolonged heavy use or drilling into very hard materials.
Where to Find Them: Major retailers like Walmart, Target, Amazon, and sometimes even discount hardware stores often have great deals on entry-level models from brands like Black+Decker, Ryobi (their entry 18V line), and some lesser-known but reputable brands.
$100 – $200: The Sweet Spot for DIYers
This price range opens up a lot more options and better quality for the average homeowner. You’ll likely find:
Voltage: Solid 18V or 20V drills.
Motor: You might start seeing brushless options, or at least more powerful brushed motors.
Features: More clutch settings, better ergonomics, a brighter LED light, and sometimes a more robust build.
Battery: Usually includes a decent capacity battery (e.g., 2.0Ah) and sometimes a second, smaller battery.
Best For: A wider range of home projects, including drilling into wood, metal, and sometimes light masonry (if it has a hammer function), driving screws of various sizes, and general repairs. These are workhorses for most DIY enthusiasts.
Where to Find Them: This is where brands like Ryobi (their main 18V line), Craftsman, and sometimes even entry-level kits from DeWalt or Makita during sales can be found.
$200 – $300+: The Premium Performer
If your budget allows, this range offers significantly improved performance, durability, and features. Expect:
Voltage: Powerful 18V or 20V (often branded as 20V MAX by some manufacturers, but they are effectively the same system).
Motor: Almost always brushless motors for maximum efficiency and power.
Features: Advanced clutch systems, higher torque, better speed control, more robust construction, often more compact and lighter designs, and potentially specialized features like impact driving.
Battery: Typically includes higher capacity batteries (e.g., 4.0Ah or more) and often two batteries.
Best For: Serious DIYers, frequent use, demanding projects, drilling into hard materials, driving large fasteners, and tasks requiring sustained power. These tools are built to last.
Where to Find Them: This is the territory for premium brands like DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Milwaukee, and Metabo HPT. You’ll find their mid-range to higher-end kits here.
Is a Cordless Drill “Essential”? Why You Might Need One
The question isn’t always about “how much is a cordless drill,” but rather, “do I really need one?” For many people, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why:
Convenience: No cords means you can work anywhere – up a ladder, in the garden, in tight spaces, or far from an outlet. It’s liberating.
Versatility: Beyond just drilling holes, a cordless drill with the right bits can:
Drive screws (much faster and easier than a screwdriver).
Sand (with attachments).
Polish (with attachments).
Mix paint (with attachments).
And much more! It’s the Swiss Army knife of your toolbox.
Time-Saving: Tasks that would take ages with manual tools become quick jobs. Assembling furniture, hanging shelves, putting up curtains – all are dramatically faster.
Power: Even a basic cordless drill offers more power and torque than most people can generate manually with a screwdriver or hand drill.
Accessibility: As we’ve seen, affordable options are readily available, making it an accessible tool for almost anyone.
Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck: Tips for Buying Your First Drill
When you’re ready to buy, keep these tips in mind to ensure you get a great drill that fits your needs and budget.
1. Assess Your Needs:
What will you use it for most? Light furniture assembly? Hanging heavy shelves? Occasional repairs? Drilling into wood, metal, or brick?
How often will you use it? Daily for a trade, or a few times a year for DIY?
This will help you determine the voltage and features you truly need. Don’t overspend on power you won’t use, but don’t buy something too weak if you have ambitious projects planned.
2. Prioritize the Kit:
For beginners, buying a kit (drill, battery, charger) is almost always the best value. You get everything you need to start immediately.
Consider if you need one or two batteries. If you have larger projects, a second battery is a game-changer.
3. Consider Battery Platforms:
If you plan to buy more cordless tools in the future (like a circular saw, jigsaw, or impact driver), it’s wise to stick with one brand’s battery platform. This way, you can buy “bare tool” versions of future purchases and save money since you won’t need to buy more batteries and chargers.
Ryobi’s 18V ONE+ system is very popular for its affordability and wide range of tools. DeWalt and Makita offer robust systems for those willing to invest a bit more.
4. Read Reviews:
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, check out online reviews from both professional testers and everyday users. Look for common praises and complaints regarding performance, battery life, durability, and ergonomics. Websites like Consumer Reports, ToolGuyd, and YouTube channels dedicated to tool reviews are excellent resources.
5. Look for Sales and Deals:
Tool prices fluctuate. Major holidays (like Black Friday, Memorial Day, Labor Day) are prime times for tool sales. Check websites of major retailers and manufacturer sites regularly.
6. Don’t Discount Reputable Budget Brands:
Brands like Ryobi, Craftsman, and even some offerings from Skil or Porter-Cable can provide excellent performance for the price, especially for the average homeowner. You don’t always need the top-tier professional brand for most home tasks.
Essential Accessories to Consider
Once you have your drill, you’ll want a few accessories to make the most of it. These are generally affordable and significantly expand your drill’s capabilities.
Drill Bit Set: Essential for making holes. Look for a set that includes various sizes of wood bits (like spade bits or brad-point bits) and metal bits (like HSS bits). A good starter set might cost $15-$30.
Screwdriver Bit Set: Crucial for driving screws. This set should include Phillips head bits (PH1, PH2, PH3), flathead bits, and Torx bits (if you work with furniture that uses them). Magnetic tips are a bonus. Expect to pay $10-$25.
Masonry Bits (if needed): If your drill doesn’t have a hammer function or you need to drill into very hard concrete, you might need specialized masonry bits.
Extension Bits: These allow you to reach screws in tight or recessed areas.
* Socket Adapters: Turn your drill into a power socket driver for nuts and bolts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cordless Drills
Q1: What is the cheapest price for a functional cordless drill?
A1: You can find a basic, functional cordless drill for around $30-$50, especially during sales. These are typically lower voltage (around 12V) and best suited for light-duty tasks like furniture assembly and simple screw driving.
Q2: Is an 18V drill better than a 12V drill for home use?
A2: For most home use, an 18V (or 20V MAX) drill offers a better balance of power, runtime, and capability. It can handle a wider range of tasks, including drilling into tougher materials, compared to a 12V drill. However, 12V drills are lighter and more compact, making them great for tight spaces and simple jobs.
Q3: Do I need a drill with a hammer function?
A3: A hammer function is specifically for drilling into masonry (brick, concrete, stone). If you only plan to drill into wood, metal, or drywall, you don’t need it. If you anticipate needing to hang things on brick walls or work with concrete, a hammer drill is essential.
Q4: What does “bare tool” mean when buying a cordless drill?
A4: A “bare tool” refers to the drill itself, without a battery or charger. This is an option if you already own tools from the same brand and can use their existing batteries. For most people buying their first drill, a “kit” which includes the drill, battery, and charger, is the more economical choice.
Q5: How long should a cordless drill battery last?
A5: Battery life depends on the battery’s capacity (Ah rating), the type of task, and the drill’s efficiency. A 2.0Ah battery might last 30-60 minutes of continuous use on average tasks. Higher Ah batteries will last longer. Most lithium-ion batteries today hold their charge well when not in use.
Q6: Are expensive cordless drills worth the money?
A6: For the average homeowner who uses a drill occasionally, a mid-range drill ($100-$200) is often perfectly sufficient and offers great value. If you’re a serious DIYer, use your drill frequently, or tackle demanding projects, the added power, durability, and features of a higher-end drill ($200+) can absolutely be worth the investment.
Conclusion: Powering Your Projects Affordably
So, to circle back to our initial question: “How much is a cordless drill?” The answer is reassuringly accessible. For the price of a few meals out, you can own a tool that dramatically simplifies countless home tasks, saves you time, and empowers you to tackle projects you might have previously put off.
Whether you opt for a budget-friendly 12V for light work or a robust 18V for more demanding jobs, a cordless drill is one of the most practical and affordable additions you can make to your home toolkit. With the right understanding of what influences the price and what features matter most to you, you can confidently choose a drill that will serve you well for years to come. Happy drilling!
