Last updated on August 19th, 2021
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The Best Cordless Drill
If you call yourself a tool enthusiast, a drill is one of those things that you cannot do without. Over the past years, the cordless drill has become more and more popular. Many people prefer it due to its manoeuvrability and light body.
For those who are unfamiliar with cordless drills, this review will be your guide. We will show you how to select the best cordless drill for you as not all drills an equal. It is important to bear in mind that your drilling needs won’t be exactly the same as another buyer so it is better to have all the relevant information.
There is nothing complicated about drills, in fact, they are amongst the easiest tools to purchase but with such a varied price range choosing the best model can be a little difficult.
Before we get into our buyer’s guide and reviews, below we have outlined the winner of our ‘Best Pick’ the DeWalt DCD795D2 18v XR Brushless Cordless Drill which, after hours of research, we can confirm is the best cordless drill for the majority of people, both DIY enthusiasts and professional tradesmen.
BEST PICK
Our top 6 recommended cordless drills that we have reviewed in detail in our guide. These are shown below
- DeWalt DCD795D2 18v XR Brushless Compact Drill – BEST PICK
- DeWalt 18v Cordless Lithium LXT Combi Drill
- Ryobi LLCDI18022 ONE+ 18v Cordless Percussion Drill/Driver
- Makita 18v Cordless Combi Drill Li-Ion Mega Complete Package – BEST VALUE PICK
- Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 Cordless Combi Drill – BEST PICK FOR THE HOME USER
- Bosch Professional GSB 18-2-LI Plus Cordless Combi Drill
Cordless Drill Buyer’s Guide
As people who understand the need to work smarter and save time, we cannot depend on slow and unreliable tools anymore. Drills are amongst the tools that have benefited from motorisation and progress with lithium-ion technology. These allow for longer running times and faster charging times.
What size of drill are you looking for? How much power do you need? How much are you willing to pay? Since you are looking specifically for a cordless drill, there are a few things to adhere to.
Let us look at some pointers that will aid you in the search for a dependable cordless drill. Since we are all quick learners, we guarantee that after this, the cordless drill market will never be as intimidating again.
Power specifications
When speaking of drills, the more power that you have access to the better for you. Being that you are depending on batteries, you will have to be wise. Depending on the work that needs to be done you can get models that operate at different voltages.
If you have a small amount of work that does not need brute force, such as drilling the odd hole around the home, a lower-powered model will do with fewer features. If you require a lot of force, 18v models are the way to go. Basically, the higher the voltage the more power you have access to but then there is also torque to consider, but more on this in a minute.
The battery packs that you use are also essential. You want a cordless drill that can offer you compact energy and a longer running time. You can select between models that use lithium-ion batteries or Nickel-cadmium batteries. Both will prove sufficient power, although most manufacturers prefer using lithium-ion batteries and this is our personal preference as they offer longer running time and they can often be recharged in less than an hour and more importantly, do not lose their charge when they are not being used.
BEST PICK FOR THE HOME USER
You can read our review of the Bosch PSB 1800 Drill here.
Speed and Torque
Power and speed go hand in hand. You cannot have sufficient speed if the motor is unequipped to deliver. If the motor proves strong, you can have a model that offers fast speed at variable levels.
The speed is measured in rotations per minute and blows per minute with a hammer action. The faster the speed the quicker you will be able to get through thicker materials. Models that are able to handle heavy-duty work operate with a speed up to 2000rpm and beyond.
The torque that is measured in the newton meter (Nm) can be defined as the power that feeds the rotation of the drill. Basically, the more torque that you have access to, the more impact you are likely to make.
Nowadays we are lucky to access tools that offer adjustable torque settings. When you purchase your drill, be prepared to deal with different materials. One day you may be dealing with wood and another day stone. Torque settings are great for screwdriving as you can set the torque to not over screw and damage screw heads or screw in too deep.
If you know that these incidents are not likely to occur, just settle for a basic tool with medium torque and speed. These are usually lightweight models, which is a plus for comfort and great for home use.
Consider your workload
Do you need a tool for lightweight work or heavy-duty work? The scale of the work to be done will affect the size of the tool that you select. A heavy-duty hammer will possibly hold 20v batteries and have a high speed.
DIY users can use lightweight models ranging from 400 watts. These lightweight tools will be perfect for executing intricate projects that don’t require a lot of force.
What materials are you working on? Are you working with softwood or hardwood? Or are you looking for a drill that can execute masonry work? These are important questions so as to determine the range of drills to get.
Brick, Metal and plastic are some of the materials that need a strong drill. High torque, adjustable speeds and strong drilling bits are emphasised. Look into all these specifications on the model that you would like to purchase and then see if it matches your needs.
BEST VALUE PICK
Comfort and Ease of Use
Just because you are using a power tool does not mean that you are devoid of comfort. In the older days, tools had a few crude features on them. Now that we have access to better facilities your drill can be a joy to use.
The handles are important since they are the point of contact between the machine and the user. Peoples hands vary in size thus you need to buy a drill with padded handles. Some use bi-material designs to ensure that grip is guaranteed. Make sure that the finish on the handles is smooth so as to avoid snagging.
Another thing you want to consider is an easy attachment system for the drilling bit. A keyless chuck system is very convenient as no extra tools are needed and it saves time. Some of you may prefer the chuck key systems, which work well but take a bit more time.
Do you have a storage organiser for the drill when it is not in use? Some manufacturers provide carriage bags or boxes for use. If not you can search for models that have provisions for mounting.
Your Budget
The model that you purchase will depend on your spending power. There are cordless drills that just offer the basic functions for affordable prices. There are brands on the market that offer you top of the range functions, but you will have to pay more than average.
You don’t have to buy what other people consider the best. Make a budget and stick to it. Since there are many products on the market it is easy to get distracted. We found a good cordless domestic drill can be purchased for £80-£100 whilst a good professional model would cost around £150 plus.
Safety and Extras
Extra accessories always make our lives easier and make us happy as well. LED lights can be found to increase visibility. Even when there are poor light conditions, you will be able to see where you are drilling, making them great for using under cupboards etc. There are drills available that have battery indicators and these indicators serve to remind you when to charge the unit. These features are not paramount but will save you some frustration.
Safety is another thing to watch out for. A safety feature that is present in drills is a lock mechanism, these work to prevent the tool from going off unnecessarily.
The brake mechanism is crucial in facilitating quick stops. Models that lack a brake mechanism or lock features tend to be prone to less accurate work. This is especially useful when you hit a really hard surface and you expect some kickback.
Top 6 Cordless Drill Reviews
1. DeWalt DCD795D2 18v XR Brushless Compact Lithium-Ion Combi Drill
BEST PICK
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The DeWalt DCD795D2 18V XR Brushless Compact Lithium-Ion Combi Drill features a brushless motor that guarantees long service. This motor is supported by two 2Ah lithium-ion batteries, these are provided together with a charger as a set.
Together with the three basic functions provided, this model also offers 14 torque settings to select from. The maximum torque is estimated at 60Nm. Other than the adjustable torque, you will find two variable speeds of 600 to 2000rpm. This can be used when dealing with different thicknesses of materials.
This model features a 13mm chuck that is keyless and an automatic spindle lock meaning you don’t have to use any tools. You can switch between bits with ease. The combi drill can successfully drill through 38mm in wood and 13mm in both stone and metal. Depending on your needs you can adjust it accordingly.
An LED is present to facilitate better visibility. For those who have poor eyesight, this would definitely be of help. This unit also features an electric brake and forward/reverse functions as you would expect. It only takes 40 minutes to charge so that is a plus for those who are in busy environments. The 1.55kg unit measures 26.2 x 41 x 11.7 cm. It comes with a three-year warranty by registering online and comes with a storage case for organised storage.
Pros
- Perfect for DIY enthusiasts and professional tradesmen.
- Brushless motor for reliability.
- Lightweight and easy to work with in tight places.
- Features an LED light for better visibility.
- Houses adjustable speed and torque settings.
- Features an electric brake for emergency stops.
- The keyless chuck saves time in between bit changes.
- Takes 40 minutes to fully charge.
- 3 years warranty when you register online.
Cons
- No problems found with this cordless drill.
Our recommendation
The DeWalt DCD795D2 18V XR Brushless Compact Lithium-Ion Combi Drill is not cheap but it is worth every penny and far more superior to cheaper brushed models. It has all the functions that are required with a robust brushless motor to support it. We appreciate the soft handles and the LED just to make the user’s work easier. Another notable thing is that this model only takes 40 minutes to charge and has a decent run time. At that rate, you can accomplish a lot in a day.
This is a unit that you purchase if you are after quality. The unit is durable and thus will offer you a long service. Whether you use the tool frequently or occasionally, it makes a good investment.
Overall as we expected for DeWalt, this is a brilliant drill that really is faultless. This is why we have awarded it our ‘Best Pick’ winner and with 3 years warranty, you cannot really go wrong.
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2. DeWalt 18v Cordless Lithium LXT Combi Drill
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The Dewalt 18v Cordless Lithium Lxt Combi Drill With its Hammer Action Facility has fetching continence and is a great alternative to the brushless version we have just reviewed but for a cheaper price. It just looks professional. This combi drill comes in a full package offering you 3 functions under one roof. Drilling, screw driving and hammering are all in effect.
This cordless drill has features that we are sure you can appreciate. The motor that is installed in the unit will need one 18v battery pack. Lithium-ion batteries have a reputation for conserving energy. There is also a plus in the fact that they come in compact sizes.
For a unit that weighs 3.6kgs, it is very comfortable to use. The handles are padded to ensure that the unit doesn’t slip from your grip. The padding also helps the hands not twitch from the constant vibration. It measures 38.5 x 35 x 11.5cm.
Cordless models are a pain if they take too long to charge, especially in a work situation. This unit in an hour is fully charged. It comes with its own battery and charger. Now, you can go back to work taking advantage of its brilliant forward or reverse drilling action and torque setting.
This model is very easy to use due to the automatic spindle lock. Your drilling bit is guaranteed to stay in place. The 13mm keyless chuck will save you time as you change bits.
You also have variable speed settings to be used when tackling different textures of materials. Its drilling capacity can drill through 25mm in wood, 13mm in masonry and 13mm in metal. When you are done working with the unit, put it back in its heavy-duty case and put it in storage.
Pros
- Offers three functions for an affordable price.
- Comes with its own storage case.
- Takes only one hour to charge.
- Uses the keyless chuck system thus making it easy to interchange bits.
- Has a comfortable grip.
- Lightweight, thus very simple to manoeuvre.
- 3 years warranty for full peace of mind
Cons
- It is unable to handle heavy duty drilling.
- Lacks LED light.
Our Recommendation
The Dewalt 18v Cordless Lithium Lxt Combi Drill is a very efficient drill to have and comes at an amazing price for such a reliable drill. You have all three functions running at optimal performance. It uses a brush motor whose brushes can be replaced if they wear down.
The handle is comfortable and the chuck system is easy to use. To add a cherry on top it comes with its own packaging and the price won’t rob you blind. Overall a great drill for anyone looking for an affordable model for professional use.
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3. Ryobi LLCDI18022 ONE+ 18v Cordless Percussion Drill/Driver
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The Ryobi LLCDI18022 ONE+ 18V Cordless Percussion Drill is one that you can do all your drilling with and is a great model for DIY enthusiasts and home users. It offers 3 functions that can be used on either wood, stone or metal. This cordless drill comes with two 18v 1.3Ah batteries which means you can have one on charge whilst using the other battery.
Using the automatic spindle lock you can always ensure that your bit doesn’t wobble. The 13mm keyless chuck will make transitioning from one bit to the other is flawless and help save time and not have to worry about loosing the chuck.
At 3.81kg this drill is fairly lightweight and measuring 18 x 29.2 x 26.4cm it is easy to store as well as being very manoeuvrable. The handle is ergonomic, facilitating comfort and a strong grip when working with or without gloves.
Whatever function you are working with, you have a 24-torque setting to use. The maximum torque is 50Nm that can be set to help avoid damaging screw heads or over screwing. These torque settings are accompanied by two variable electric speed settings. The minimum speed is 350mm and the maximum speed is 1300rpm.
The maximum drill bit capacity is 13mm in all materials of stone, metal and wood. It comes with a carriage case that can be used to store the tool when it is not in use.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable to use for extended periods.
- Uses a keyless chuck system for bit switches.
- Offers variable speeds to tackle different materials.
- Only takes 45 minutes to fully charge.
- Supplied with a storage bag for convenient storage.
- Features 24 torque settings to be used.
- 3 years warranty for full peace of mind.
Cons
- Battery running time is rather short.
- Lacks LED light for visibility.
Our recommendation
The Ryobi LLCDI18022 ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill is definitely not a basic unit. We think it is a great model for someone looking for a complete set with batteries for any DIY enthusiast or as a good home use drill. It comes packed with high torque and adjustable electric speed settings which we really like. Overall it is easy on the hands and light enough for anyone to use.
Those who are looking for a dependable tool for professional use would be better spending a little more as the batteries are only 1.3Ah capacity, this is probably not large enough for professionals working longer hours. It is well assembled and it does not take too long to charge either.
Overall a great drill and with the 3-year warranty it offers excellent value for money.
If this is not available but you want a good alternative then the Makita Cordless Combi Drill (reviewed next) is a great alternative to the Ryobi drill and it is a very similar drill with the same features and also includes two batteries.
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4. Makita 18v Cordless Combi Drill Li-Ion Mega Complete Package
BEST VALUE PICK
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The MAKITA 18V CORDLESS COMBI DRILL LI-ION MEGA COMPLETE PACKAGE is one to look out for. The unit uses two 1.3Ah batteries to power the motor. These batteries have to be lithium ion-based so as to serve with efficiency. These batteries are compact in size and don’t take too long to charge. For these models, both the batteries and charger are supplied.
As per the norms of drills in this range, you will find that most of them offer three basic functions. These functions are drilling, hammering and screw driving. The awesome thing is that this unit is supplied with 121 drilling bits that you can use in your work.
This unit is designed with a 13mm keyless chuck system whose function is to hold the bits into place. It also makes the use of other tools unnecessary. It also has adjustable torque settings that you can use especially during the hammering function.
Apart from a keyless chuck, you will find that there are also adjustable speed settings you can access. The adjustable speed settings make driving the drill into materials like stone feel like cutting butter.
Let us not forget the handle. It is the point of contact between you and the machine. This unit has a padded handle using the bi-material design. This design facilitates easy to grip and a cushion from the constant vibration.
When the unit has no charge, it will take the machine around 60minutes to fully charge. This is not a long time compared to some models. When you have finished using it, put it in the canvas bag provided. This bag is durable enough to hold your drill for years to come.
This unit is accompanied by a 3-year warranty.
Pros
- Offers a drilling set of 100+ accessories.
- Comes with its own storage facility.
- Takes a short time to recharge.
- Features adjustable torque and speed settings.
Cons
- Drilling speed is a bit slow.
- Lacks the LED light function.
Our recommendation
The MAKITA 18V CORDLESS COMBI DRILL LI-ION MEGA COMPLETE PACKAGE is special because it gives you extra accessories to work with. We love this because it saves you the money you would have used to buy a credible bit set. We also like the fact that it has a decent battery life and it does not take too long to charge.
We would recommend this product to those who are looking for a drill with a bit set to work with. This unit is of high quality and you are guaranteed to enjoy its services. Remember that the batteries used in this model are not compatible with models that are in the LXT range of tools. Make plans accordingly. Other than that it is a simple lightweight tool to work on your projects with.
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5. Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 Cordless Combi Drill with Two 18V Lithium-Ion Batteries
BEST PICK FOR THE HOME USER
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The Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 Cordless Combi Drill comes with two 18v Lithium-Ion batteries and is affordable, making it within reach for most people. It is a great model to have around the home. This model uses the Bosch syneon chip we have seen in their garden tools to ensure that there is effective energy management between the motor and the batteries. This is how you can be assured that your model is running at the optimal level, we obviously cannot see how effective this is, but what we do know is that this is an excellent drill that must be aided by the chip.
Weighing in at 1.3kg it’s the lightest drill on our list, and measuring 38.2 x 33.6 x 9cm is not too large. It features all the basic functions that you would expect to find in a decent cordless drill. It also has a hammer function that is great for drilling into brick and concrete etc.
To aid you in the quest for optimal performance, the drill has 20 torque settings (max 38Nm) that you can adjust which is good for an entry-level drill. You also can choose the speed that the drill operates at. The maximum speed of this model is 1350rpm. This is not as fast as some models, but it is adequate for jobs around the home or office.
For those who need a model with an LED lighting facility, this model does feature this. The LED light facilitates better visibility in poorly lit sections such as underneath a cupboard. It uses a keyless chuck with an automated lock therefore bit changing is easy, this is important for anyone who doesn’t use a drill that often. The 10mm chuck drill can manage to go through 30mm in wood, 10mm in steel and 100mm in stone.
The handles are soft to touch and have a smooth finish. Due to the fact the drill doesn’t weigh much, you will find that it is easy to hold onto the drill.
The two 18v batteries will take around an hour to charge fully which is fast compared to the older battery types. This is a manageable time to wait in comparison to the 3 hours that some models can take. Delivered with this drill are a screw bit and a durable plastic case. You can safely store the unit away when it is not needed.
Pros
- Features 20 adjustable torque settings and 2 speed gearbox to facilitate different drill speeds depending on the job at hand.
- Batteries only take 60 minutes to charge.
- Features an LED light whose function is to increase visibility.
- Features a keyless chuck with an automated lock for stable chuck systems.
- Very affordable.
- Comes with a storage case, 2 batteries and a charger.
- Comes with 2 years warranty which is extended to 3 years by registering online.
Cons
- It cannot handle heavy-handed applications so it is not suitable for professional use.
Our Recommendation
The Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 Cordless Combi Drill is an excellent choice if you are looking for a lightweight combi drill for home use. We love that it has all the right features including an LED light. This model is not made to handle heavy jobs but is perfect for delicate DIY applications and small repairs.
For those that are looking for a high-quality combi drill for an affordable price, this is the one. It has all the functions you need, is easy to handle and comes in a quality case for storage or transport purposes.
This drill is actually the best selling drill on Amazon.co.uk in the drills category and for good reason. Overall this is a very good drill for having around the home.
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6. Bosch Professional GSB 18-2-LI Plus Cordless Combi Drill
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The Bosch Professional GSB 18-2-LI Plus Cordless Combi Drill is another lightweight model designed especially for professional use. Weighing in at 1.54kg this unit measures 45 x 37 x 16cm so is both lightweight and compact. It comes with the usual functions of hammering, drilling and screwdriver. It features a durable motor with Electronic Motor Protection to facilitate long-term service.
The motor depends on the two x 18v 2.0ah li-ion batteries to run sufficiently and the larger capacity ensures longer use from one charge. On top of that, it is designed with the Bosch electronic cell protection to ensure that the batteries stay in tip-top shape. Your batteries will not suffer from overloading or overheating which used to be a common problem with older models.
As for the drilling capacity, the 13mm chuck can go through 38mm in wood, 13mm in wood and 13mm in metal. You have access to 21 torque settings. You can control how much impact you enforce by controlling the 63Nm torque.
An LED light can be found to make working on dim areas easier. Whether working in forward or reverse motion, you will find the drill accommodating. It even has a belt clip provision to facilitate easy storage.
There is also a free storage L- box that can be used to keep the tool away from harm. Overall the ergonomically designed handle provides comfort and a supported grip to ensure it is comfortable to use.
Pros
- Lightweight and easy to manoeuvre.
- Features an LED light for better visibility.
- Features adjustable torque settings for better control.
- It has a keyless chuck system that makes bit change easy.
- It comes with its own storage boxes.
- 3 years warranty for full peace of mind.
Cons
- No problems to report.
Our recommendation
The Bosch Professional GSB 18-2-LI Plus Cordless Combi Drill is a high-quality drill that you can rely on. It is backed by the right technology to make sure that it delivers when called upon.
We love that it is light therefore making it easy to work on high ceilings or up ladders. Your hands won’t get too tired because it’s lightweight and has very comfortable handles.
For the price that you get this model, we believe that you have a well-constructed unit. If well managed and tasked to the appropriate work, it will serve you for long and is a very good drill from a brand we have come to trust.
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Final Conclusion
Cordless drills will vary in price and features offered. What is important is that you understand the scale of work to be done. If you understand the scale of work, finding fitting specifications is easy. If you are a professional, it is important that you have a few battery packs at hand and choose models with the highest capacity batteries, such as the 2Ah batteries the Bosch Professional come with. If you are just looking for a good drill for little DIY jobs around the house, then the capacity is not that important.
As you have seen, selecting a cordless drill is very simple. If you don’t have more information on the product that you want there is always product reviews. They will shed a light on what other customers think about the product. With a budget at hand and a model in mind, you are good to go!
All the products presented here are more than capable of handling a variety of jobs. After careful inspection, we thought the DeWalt DCD795D2 18V XR Brushless Compact Lithium-Ion Combi Drill was the best model for the majority of people, especially professionals.
This is simply because it has high torque, fast speeds, easy use features and is made to last. Apart from the fact that it is a little more expensive, it has all the right features in place. We especially appreciate the LED lights and the fast charging option, which makes it a time-saving tool. For those who can afford it, we advise this model over any other. You won’t regret the years of service or quality of performance.
BEST PICK
BEST PICK FOR THE HOME USER
We thought that this unit had fantastic features. Our best pick just won by a few points mainly because it was suitable for the demanding jobs of professionals.
The Bosch PSB 1800 Cordless Combi Drill is perfect for having around the home or office. We love that it has 20 torque settings and adjustable speeds to work with. We also appreciate the LED function that helps you work in dark corners. The only issue is that it cannot heavy-handed applications. It is just for lightweight work making it perfect for domestic use.
BEST VALUE PICK
We chose to give the Malita 18v cordless combi drill package the recommended drill for those looking for value for money without affecting performance. This is because, in addition to the basic functions, the manufacturers went the extra mile to provide much-needed accessories. It has a decent battery life and it is light to manoeuvre around. This unit would be for those who are working on DIY jobs or lighter professional use. It is affordable after all and it can easily take care of any domestic applications.
Watch this space for more cordless drill reviews. We will be your informant and guide whenever you need us. Do you have any questions? Please let us know. That is all for now, we hope that you will be able to find the cordless model of your dreams.
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