The 7 Best Cordless Drills, Tested and Reviewed
If you’re the type of person who likes to attempt DIY home repairs, then having an effective cordless drill is essential. Not only are these drills powerful and fast-acting, but they’re also extremely versatile, as they can be used for hanging pictures, installing fans, and everything in between.
“A cordless drill offers high mobility,” says Brian Shaunfield, Lowe’s store manager serving Charlotte, North Carolina. “They are perfect for projects in hard-to-reach spaces or jobs where you may not have easy access to a power outlet.” He also notes that, since they’re compact, cordless models are easy to use over longer periods.
To find the best cordless drills on the market, we tested 33 options in our Lab, evaluating them based on qualities like performance, ease of use, battery life, and more. We also got expert insight from Shaunfield on what to look for when shopping for cordless drills.
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The precise, comfortable drill can handle screws of all sizes.
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The lightweight design may not feel as heavy-duty as other models.
After trying out 33 drills in our Lab, we can attest that this model from DeWalt is the best cordless drill we tested. It’s lightweight and ultra-precise yet still has enough power to handle larger jobs. We especially appreciate its versatility: No matter what kind of hole you’re trying to make or what surface you’re drilling into, this tool will do the trick. It can easily drive and sink screws of all sizes—even especially large lag screws—so you can rely on it for anything.
The keyless chuck impressively gripped all sizes of the bits that we tested without issue. Plus, the drill’s light build gives it a smooth balance and effortless trigger engagement. There’s also a handy LED light to illuminate your work space, which stays on even after the trigger is disengaged. We found the design to be incredibly user-friendly, and we were able to switch out the drill heads with ease.
This pick helpfully comes with a convenient bag to store all of its parts, two batteries, and a charger, making it easy to bring it on the go. After six months of use, this model continued to exceed our expectations. It’s comfortable, easy to use, and a great value for the price. Overall, we think this tool is a must-have for anyone looking to complete DIY projects around the house, from light indoor chores to more heavy-duty outdoor tasks.
Voltage: 20 | Max RPM: 1650 | Chuck Size: .5 inches | Settings: Not listed | Weight: 2.4 pounds
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Wade Review / Dera Burreson
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The compact, affordable model is ideal for simple projects.
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This drill is less suited for major tasks.
If you’re looking to keep your tool costs low, consider this budget-friendly cordless drill from Skil. It may not be the most powerful or heavy-duty cordless drill on the market, but it still has plenty to offer. It’s a durable, easy-to-control drill, and it’s compact, too. In our testing, we found that it has a long battery life and charges quickly.
This cordless drill has a 1/2-inch chuck bit—unusual for drills of this voltage—that securely held all the bits and drivers throughout our testing. While this model works well for light projects, we observed that it’s not quite as effective on larger holes and may stall sometimes, making it best suited for the occasional quick job. Even though it doesn’t include a storage bag, we appreciate that it comes with a battery and a charger at its already low price, so you won’t need to buy those separately. At home, we used the drill for decking and assembling furniture. We were impressed that the drill’s power didn’t waiver at all as we worked, maintaining its strength throughout the entire repair.
After six months of frequent use, the drill maintained its torque and the battery continued to hold its charge well. All in all, this pick is ideal for homeowners and renters alike who need an affordable cordless drill for occasional use. Whether you’re putting hanging pictures or tightening hinges, this drill makes the perfect partner in crime.
Voltage: 12 | Max RPM: 1700 | Chuck Size: .5 inches | Settings: 18 | Weight: 1.3 pounds
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