Drill clutch settings give us control over screw driving. We wanted a drill that was small, comfortable to hold (for both large and small hands), relatively light, and nicely balanced. For that, you need a hammer drill function. Price: $199 kit with 4.0Ah Ultimate Output battery. As a former residential and commercial carpenter and all-around DIY-er, I have 20 years of experience using cordless drills. We did not test the Makita FD07R1 12V max CXT LithiumIon Brushless Cordless 3/8 DriverDrill Kit. Its a good choice for a DIYer to buy into DeWalts expansive 20-volt line. of torque. The well-positioned LED can also be switched on independently of the drill, a unique feature that makes it a rudimentary flashlight, which could come in handy in nearly any crawl space. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. DeWalt 12-volt (right) is much smaller than the DeWalt 20-volt (left). We test in concrete, wood, and metal. Im an electrician by trade and for many years was a great Milwaukee fan. The bright LED on the base of the drill is also a nice perk and comes in handy when working in dark corners, underneath furniture, or behind appliances. It's not much, just a little cutout that allows you to clip in a spare bit, but things like that can be a time-saver. The DeWalt is the most comfortable drill weve ever held, and its loaded with convenience features. 
Its the lightest drill we tested, coming in at an even 2 pounds in our measurements (although the overall design makes it feel about the same as the DeWalt 12-volt, which is 7 ounces heavier). It has enough strength and stamina to easily handle common home jobs.
There are trade-offs, of course. From filling our shop with 50 drills at one time to testing new models as they come out, we constantly have our hands on the latest models. It pains me to watch some of the tests from other youtubers that push the tools beyond their limits because not all of them have anti kickback feature, which I think its important to have as you move towards heavy duty applications. The negatives: It has only a single-setting light that turns on and off with the drill, and the case has hardly any room for drill or driver bits. Thanks for helping us do what we love. Reviewing and choosingthe right or best tool belt or tool rig isnt hardif youre pickingfrom a few products. Plus, it has kickback control to add a measure of safety as well as an electronic clutch for controlling torque. Its supposed to be their best yet with 1,330 in. Makitas XFD10 18V LXT LithiumIon Compact Cordless 1/2 DriverDrill has a nicely contoured handle, but the DeWalt 20-volt simply outdistanced it in performance. Those are minor points at best, however, so if youre already invested in Milwaukees cordless tools, or if you find this drill at a lower price than the DeWalt, go for it. NEW Milwaukee M18 Fuel Belt Sander | 2832-20 HANDS-ON, YouTube Video VVVuaFZUNTRHOWtOcXV3VDFfZDJaR1F3LkpEMS1NdjBFWk1r, Best Deck Screws for Pressure Treated and Composite Wood, 20 Best Plants That Repel Mosquitoes Including Zone Information, How to Use a Circular Saw From Setup to Cut, DeWalt 20V Max Power Detect Hammer Drill DCD998, Metabo 18V Cordless Hammer Drill SB 18 LTX-3 BL Q I, Bosch 12V EC Brushless Drill Driver GSB12V-300N, Metabo HPT MultiVolt Triple Hammer Impact Driver Review, Best Bubble Level Buying Guide for Pros 2022, Dickies x Traeger Ultimate Grilling Collection, Ridgid 18V Cordless Jobsite Fan Review R860721B, The Line: Saudi Arabias City of the Future Design, Tool Manufacturers and Tool Brands by Logo, Multiple speeds: 2 speeds is a must, more is generally better, Kickback control: stops the motor if the bit binds up, Side handle: absolutely necessary on drills with higher torque, Smart controls: helps with inventory management and tracking, some offer customizable controls, Brushless motor: longer runtime, better performance, and longer motor life, Interchangeable chucks: switching to a specialized chuck can get you out of a sticky situation, LED light: nearly every drill has one, but our favorites put the light(s) around the chuck, Belt hook: usually reversible, theyre super-helpful when you have materials to carry or your climbing a ladder. Its a nice drill, but the others are better options for about the same cost. You see, I was asked if I would like to review a tool beltor two for Pro Tool Reviews. We have tested so many cordless drills that weve literally lost count. Milwaukees 2804 is the third generation hammer drill for the M18 Fuel line. The battery is designed so that the drill can stand upright when not in use (other drills, like the runner-up Bosch, need to be placed on their side), and the LED is positioned such that it illuminates the drill front better than most. Then, once you get to full-on DIY projects like replacing a rotted deck board or fixing a sagging gutter, a drill is essential. This is truly a minor point, though, and once we got used to the tab on the 12-volt, we had no issues. It starts with 20 drywall screws, showing us the drills control. He also raises sheep and has a dairy cow that he milks every morning. Drill/Driver Kit, Skil DL529002 PWRCore 12 Brushless 12V 1/2 Cordless Drill Driver Kit, Makita FD07R1 12V max CXT LithiumIon Brushless Cordless 3/8 DriverDrill Kit, Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8 Drill/Driver, Black+Decker BDCDD12C 12V Max Cordless Lithium Drill/Driver, Bosch DDS183-02 18-Volt Brushless Compact Tough 1/2 In. You'll see the term "brushless motor" a lot when looking at drills. 
In addition, it does well in offering all of the other, minor touches, providing a wide belt clip and a bright LED positioned to cast maximum light at the front of the drill. Compact Brushless Drill/Driver Kit. Pros: Small size, includes "self-tapping screw mode," can produce 3000 RPMs, Cons: Only designed for screwing fasteners, not drilling holes; battery not included.
If the DeWalt 12-volt is overpriced or unavailable, we also like the Bosch PS31-2A 12V Max 3/8 In. If thats the kind of work youre doing all day, youll appreciate the difference. Sure, send them over, I said. It has the same excellent handle, the foot-style battery, and a great belt hook.
Editors Note: Think you know everything? Its all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product. From tip to tail, the DeWalt 12-volt is less than 6 inches long; it was the shortest drill we looked at. Along the same lines, the Atomic is part of DeWalts extremely large 20-volt line of tools, all with compatible batteries, so its a nice place to start if you expect to grow your collection of cordless tools in the future. In the lower gear, we were usually able to continue on for a bit until the battery was completely drained. Their 20V brushless drill driver is just $79 as a kit with a 2.0Ah battery and charger. The 40V max battery is only slightly larger than a 5.0Ah 18V LXT pack. For example, Makitas 40V max XGT is a 10-cell system, operating at 40 maximum volts and 36 nominal volts. If you see this model for less than the DeWalt 20-volt, go for it. Thanks for the help! For a general around-the-house drill, we recommend a 12-volt brushless drill kit that comes with a pair of lithium-ion batteries. My favorite thing about little electric screwdrivers like the DeWalt 8-Volt is how small they are. The DeWalt packs so much power into such a small package. Imagine you're hitting the back of the drill with a hammer, like a chisel, as you're drilling. Pro Tool Reviews consults with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work. When working as a freelance furniture assembler, the Bosch PS31-2A 12V was my tool of choice, and I was routinely surprised at how much it could handle. A screwdriver can handle household tasks such as tightening cabinet hinges, putting up hooks, or swapping out the batteries in a toy, but once you get beyond that level, a drill can make life a lot easier. I just ordered it from my local Lowes and am picking it up tomorrow and will be deploying it on Monday. The Milwaukee 2503-22 M12 Fuel 1/2 Drill Driver Kit was slightly more powerful than the DeWalt 12-volt in our tests, but it is very heavy, and the ergonomics of the handle are not good at all. Still, it packs 1250 in-lbs of torque and pairs that with a top speed of 2600 RPM. A deep line ensures you can easily add more tools without having to buy a different battery and charger. A caveat before we begin the 12-volt and 18-volt competition sections: If youre already invested in one of the following battery platforms, these tools are likely to be a great value for you, especially if you can find one sold as a bare tool (without the battery and charger), which drastically reduces the price. All rights reserved. There are some higher-performing cordless drills in the same class, but Skils HD529402 kit is a pretty sweet deal at $99. That one is model GSR12V-300FC. The downside is that theyre heavier than the 12-volts and not as powerful as the larger 18- and 20-volt models, so in a way, theyre a jack-of-all-trades, master of none. If you're not using enough torque and the fastener is giving you too much resistance, the clutch will disengage the motor. We think that most people will be happy with the power and size of the DeWalt 12-volt, but if youre looking for a little more, yet youre hesitant about the size and weight of the larger 20-volt DeWalt, we recommend the DeWalt DCD708C2 Atomic 20V Max Li-ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit, which splits the difference between the two. On our scale it weighed just under 2 pounds, landing in the midrange of weight, but the balance of the DeWalt 12-volt was so nice that, before we weighed the drills, we were convinced it was the lightest one we were testing. Its a larger, heavier model and it doesnt come cheap, but its well-built and its LiHD battery packs are some of the best available. 
(This is a good thing. Rating third overall behind Flexs 24V Max and Makitas 40V max XGT hammer drills, DeWalts performance was excellent. Brushless motors have an electronic component that eliminates the need for these brushes, which reduces friction and makes them a lot more efficient. Its 11-position clutch gives you a good range of adjustments. The rubber handle provides a nice, sturdy grip. In contrast, Milwaukee and Bosch opt to use a canister-style battery that slides up into the handle, so not only are the handle ergonomics bulky, but in addition, with no foot, the drills can only rest on their sides. Drill/Driver Kit. 
It placed in the top 3 in all but our 2 9/16-inch self-feed test, and its 3-speed gearbox offers an advantage when you have medium-load applications to tackle. I have no idea what kind of test you used, or if this a truly impartial independent review site, but I am glad I came here to search for a specific needs cordless I need for a new job. I also love the overall feel of this drill. These are called "brushed" motors. The lowest of the 4 speeds gives you what we think of as a mixing mode with 310 RPM. Theres a limit to what you can do in a space you dont own, but these bath upgrades make it feel a lot more like its yours. Its 20 clutch settings make it versatile enough for a range of jobs, with a low setting of 350 RPM and a higher option that can go up to 1300 RPM. It doesnt have a belt hook, onboard bit storage, or a battery gauge. Drill/Driver Kit, Upgrade pick: DeWalt DCD791D2 20V Max XR Li-Ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit, Also great: Milwaukee 2801-22CT M18 1/2 in. This way, you can quickly check both batteries before you start on your project. The larger DeWalt shares all of the successful characteristics of its 12-volt counterpart.
It's essentially the same as a professional 18V or 20V drill, just scaled down to a less powerful 12V version. For the drilling test, the 12-volts usually could handle only a few holes before we switched over to the lower gear with the higher torque needed for the difficult task. The one slight negative we found with the DeWalt DCD701F2 kit is that taking the battery off the tool is a little counterintuitive. If you dont need to drill in masonry, you can get the drill driver versionthe GSR12V-300. Since 2001, Ive used and evaluated tools on a daily basis. As on the 12-volt drill, the LED sits at the foot of the 20-volt tool, but here DeWalt has put an unusual spin on the idea. We anticipate that major manufacturers will be making moves to discontinue their brushed lines in the future. This is where the best drills really distinguished themselves. Hiding inside that small frame is a brushless motor producing up to 1200 in-lbs of torque and 2000 RPM. GSR12V-300FC fits the bill perfectly, and I did not even know it exist. On this model DeWalt provides a three-setting toggle just above the light, giving it two brightness settings as well as a simple on setting that lets you keep the light illuminated and use it like a rudimentary flashlight. Drill/Driver Kit. Combined, this gives it power and size right between the two classes: The tool has enough power for more substantial DIY projects such as light framing, but its not as streamlined and easy to use as the 12-volt. Few power tools are as basic for both professionals and homeowners as cordless drills. We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites. In our own measurements, we found it to be about 5 ounces lighter than the DeWalt 12-volt, but it feels heavier because the balance isnt as good. Its certainly powerful, but it typically costs at least $250, and we think the compact models, which are usually priced around $200, are adequate. Now you can ratchet up the torque another notch and try again. They're convenient time-savers for everything from light-duty tasks like assembling furniture to special uses like mixing paint and cleaning shower tiles with brush bits. If youre looking for the best budget cordless drill for home use, look no further than Hart. On the clock, Kenny dives deep to discover the practical limits and comparative differences for all kinds of tools.
Impact drivers are also more compact than other drills, and the Fuel Surge is no different. 2022 Wirecutter, Inc., A New York Times Company. Add in solid ergonomics, the safety of kickback control, and a lifetime warranty, and you get a hammer drill to watch closely through our performance tests. The handle tapers nicely, allowing the pinky finger to find purchase, and the trigger and forward/reverse control are well positioned for quick use. The Ridgid is similar to the DeWalt Atomic (with a bulkier battery) and can be a good entry point into Ridgids big line of 18-volt tools. By choosing the DeWalt 20-volt over the DeWalt 12-volt, youre getting more speed, more power, and more run time. With the battery designed to slide into the base of the handle, DeWalt also had room to place the LED down below the grip. The DCD701F2 also comes with a nice belt hook, and the battery gauge is on each battery rather than on the tool, so you can check batteries without having to insert them into the drill. Learn more. But for more production-oriented work, such as putting down decking or building a garden shed, they make a noticeable difference. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Bosch has gone with a canister-style battery that slides up into the handle, making the handle fatter and more difficult to hold than that of the DeWalt. It's not as durable as other drills that cost three or four times as much, but as long as you're careful with it and don't need to use it every day, it can tackle a wide variety of tasks that come up around the house. It might not be rugged enough to survive on a construction job site, but the affordable Black & Decker 20V Max has nearly as many features as a professional drill. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field. The MegaPro 13-in-1 (or the identical Channellock 131CB) is the best screwdriver. A 650 RPM max speed should be adequate for typical drilling and screwing. 
As far as value goes, its awfully tough to beat. The Black+Decker BDCDD12C 12V Max Cordless Lithium Drill/Driver comes with only a single battery. Quality brushed drills, such as our runner-up, the Bosch PS31-2A, linger around the $100 to $120 mark. I also live in a 1773 saltbox that requires a very hands-on, tool-heavy approach. Everything we recommend for mounting heavy stuff on a wall or ceiling. So although the 12-volt is capable of tougher jobs, thats really not what that smaller tool is designed for. After drilling about 600 holes and sinking at least 50 pounds of screws in drill tests dating back to 2013, weve found the DeWalt DCD701F2 Xtreme 12V Max Brushless 3/8 in. Both drills completed the task, but the 20-volt did so in 20 seconds, whereas the 12-volt took 1 minute. It is also a fairly inexpensive way to get started with Dewalts expansive 20-volt DeWalt platform. Best light-duty cordless drill: Bosch PS31-2A 12V Cordless Drill Set, $98.12 on AmazonThe Bosch PS31-2A 12V is small and lightweight, the perfect tool to have on hand to tackle most light-duty household tasks. We look to see how a drills performance changes as it moves from light-duty to heavy-duty tasks. There is a peace of mind that comes with knowing that you'll only be out $40 if you drop it off a ladder. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Its small size allows it to fit into tight workspaces and toolboxes and bags.
Ridgid also has a very large 18-volt platform, so like the DeWalt Atomic, this is a great entry point into the larger world of DIY tools. We also noted an inconsistent showing from the batteries, as one of them was able to drill only nine holes (we ran the test four times with that battery). 
But if you need to sink a lot of screws with little effort, an impact driver is superior to almost anything. You might think that drills are strictly for professional-style, heavy-duty home improvement projects, but they're much more versatile. In todays world of Internet news and online content, we found that more and more professionals researched a large majority of their major power tool purchases online. Drill/Driver Kit is our previous 18-volt recommendation, but it has suffered a lot of availability issues over the past couple of years. 
There, he worked as part of a team designing, building, and installing large furniture pieces, as well as performing a variety of home repair and maintenance projects. Both have excellent handles and are easy to use. The Hitachi also lacks bit storage and a battery gauge. It prevents you from stripping the fastener or breaking your drill bit.) Metabo HPTs 36V MultiVolt hammer drill has the advantage of using a 36V battery that also works with their 18V tools.
They arent designed for all-day aggressive use, but they are more than capable for basic home maintenance and repair, and if needed they can sink a 3-inch screw on occasion. But these drills do have their place, which is why we have recommendations for both the larger and smaller classes of 18-volt drills below.
The battery life indicator is on the tool rather than on the battery, and the drill has no belt hook. We wanted a belt clip that was wide and easy to use, and an LED that effectively lit up the workspace. If you want to get your hands on the best compact cordless drill or the best lightweight drill, you have to look at 12V models. This battery design offers another benefit: The battery gauge is on the battery rather than on the tool. With 750 in-lbs of torque and 2100 RPM on the top end, it actually beat several premium models on the Test Track. But compared with the DeWalt, it isnt as good in its ergonomics. Highlighted by high performance at a great value, the KXHD 1424A-03 is more compact than Kobalts previous model. 
To be clear, 18-volt tools are the same as 20-volt toolsits just marketing. The small 20-volt DeWalt Atomic offers more power than the 12-volt, but not as much as the larger 20-volt. Balancing the weight certainly comes into play. Andwe'll even send you our "Best Tools for Your Hard-earned Dollars" white paper! Best cordless drill on a budget: Black & Decker LBXR20 20V Max -Inch Cordless Drill, $59 on AmazonIt might not be rugged enough to survive on a construction job site, but the affordable Black & Decker 20V Max has nearly as many features as a professional drill. Theres also a ONE-KEY option if youd like to explore Milwaukee customizable controls, tool-tracking, and inventory management. The DeWalt 8-Volt is a great option and features a gyroscopic control that is surprisingly fun to use. That piqued our interest. Although the design makes for an overall larger tool, it also provides a small platform that the drill can stand on. Also, keep in mind how youre going to get service after the sale if you need to use the warranty. Ryobi made a huge leap forward with the introduction of their 18V One+ HP Brushless line. There aren't many tools that give you more bang for your buck than a cordless drill. We use a 1/2-inch twist bit, 3/4-inch spade bit, and 3/4-inch auger bit to cover medium-load jobs. We did this on a fully charged battery until the battery was empty. Pros: Durable construction, comes with two batteries. Makita brings their 40V max XGT hammer drill to the competition. It finished in the top 3 of every test we ran, but its still compact at just 7.1 inches long. For around-the-house tasks, the added speed and power are often unnecessary. Like all of the drills we looked at, it has more than enough strength for household tasks, but where it really shines is in ergonomics. We also looked at the Bosch DDS183-01, which is the same tool but with larger batteries. It's not the cheapest option, but that is mostly because this kit includes two battery packs. Even brands traditionally associated with homeowner-grade tools, such as Ryobi and Skil, now offer brushless drills. In our tests, it put up almost the same numbers as the DeWalt Atomic. Dont let that fool youits a drill that can challenge the top position.
The small size works well if youre storing it in the house. Between the two, we prefer the DeWaltthe DeWalt has a more streamlined battery setup, and the Ridgid gear selector toggle is a little small and hard to see, but these are minor differences. DeWalt employs a foot-style battery that slides into the base of the handle from the front of the tool. To make our final list, the drill has to stand out from its competition. If you take on projects that require drilling lots of holes and sinking long screws, we recommend stepping up to the DeWalt DCD791D2 20V Max XR Li-Ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver Kit. It also boasts an impressive 1200 in-lbs of torque, 2000 RPM on the top end, and includes kickback control. The Hilti SF 10W-A22 is the only brushed drill to make the list. While it is on the heavier side and its list of compatible tools isnt as broad as DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee just yet, its performance and design set it apart in a tough competition among cordless drills. Dont need the hammer drill mode? It started with legitimately compact tools and then hit the high-performance end with stronger, yet smaller tools. Or, if you already own tools on the Milwaukee M18 platform, you have a convenient way to expand your set with this drill. If you need a drill for constant all-day aggressive use, we recommend our upgrade pick, but if youll be dipping a toe into larger DIY projects only from time to time, the DeWalt 12-volt will have no problems. You can then purchase other DeWalt 20V tools at a much cheaper "tool-only" price because you have a couple of backup batteries. If this is your first 18V Milwaukee tool, you'll need to buy a separate battery and charger. 
From left to right, the three DeWalts in descending order of size. If the DeWalt 20-volt is not available, we also recommend the Milwaukee 2801-22CT M18 1/2 in. They might not be as compact or have as nice a fit and finish, but they get the job done well and are a big step up from your average DIY model. Staying under budget while getting the most bang for your buck is key. It also uses less energy to get the job done. It also tends to be more expensive, and it has the LED positioned at the top of the handle. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. We also found the handle to be a whisker less comfortable, but thats really only noticeable with the two models side by side. 
Through our testing, we've discovered that most of the drills have similar performance numberssimilar enough that we wouldnt choose one over another based on power. I just ordered it from my local Lowes and am picking it up tomorrow and will be deploying it on Monday. These speed settings combined with the torque settings allow you to dial in your drill with precision. It has a great balance in your hand, and the smaller 2.0Ah battery pack doesn't make it too bottom-heavy like larger options. When it comes to getting the best cordless drill value, we often look to the Prosumer classdrills that perform close to premium levels but at a lower price. Cost: Brushless 12-volt drills from reputable manufacturers typically cost between roughly $120 and $160 (but are occasionally available for less). All of our options include brushless motors, except for our budget option, the Black & Decker 20V Max. Copyright 2008-2022 Pro Tool Reviews, LLC. Pro Tool Reviews is a successful online publication that has been providing tool reviews and industry news since 2008. The LED is positioned right above the trigger, so it illuminates a smaller area. The plastic housing has heavy-duty molded rubber protecting most of the edges and corners that could otherwise get dinged up from drops and falls. A previous runner-up, the Milwaukee 2407-22 M12 3/8 Drill/Driver is a brushed drill.
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