The Best Cordless Drills of 2024
Whether you're a professional handyman or simply enjoy doing DIY projects in the comfort of your garage, a drill is something that you will need at some point in time. Drills are useful for mounting cupboards or TVs, installing doors, building bed frames, hanging curtain rods, and many more tasks. Get rid of that old corded drill because the best cordless drills of 2024 allow you to effortlessly cut holes in wood, walls, and metals, regardless of where you are. The DEWALT Cordless Drill is our top choice for its ergonomic, user-friendly design combined with its long-lasting, durable build that is sure to get you through any DIY project.
Our Top Picks
The Best Cordless Drills
Best Overall
Engineered to fit into tight spaces while delivering robust power for a wide range of drilling and driving tasks, this DEWALT compact drill kit embodies the durability and high performance the brand is known for. Its 1/2-inch chuck accommodates a variety of bit sizes, enhancing its versatility for both professional and home use. Powered by a 20V Max lithium-ion battery, this drill offers extended run time and has a fast recharge cycle, ensuring minimal downtime and enhanced productivity.
The inclusion of two batteries in the kit means you can always have one charging while the other is in use, effectively doubling your working time. Featuring a two-speed transmission, the DCD771C2 allows users to choose the best speed for the task at hand, offering flexibility and control whether you’re working on delicate projects that require precision or tasks that demand more power. Its ergonomic design and lightweight construction are specifically tailored to reduce fatigue, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
Pros
- High-performance motor delivers 300 unit watts of power
- Compact design fits into tight areas
- Offers versatility with two speed settings
Cons
- There have been reports of the chuck loosening, leading to bit retention issues during heavy use
Excellent Control
This BLACK+DECKER cordless drill model has a compact and lightweight design. The inclusion of an LED work light is a thoughtful addition, providing visibility in low-light conditions, which significantly enhances its usability in tight spaces or during intricate projects. The battery life and the included charger are also notable advantages. The lithium-ion battery not only charges quickly but also holds its charge for up to 18 months when not in use, ensuring that the drill is ready when you need it.
One of the standout features of this cordless drill is its 11-position clutch, which offers a high level of control and precision, minimizing the risk of stripping screws or damaging the work surface. This feature, coupled with the drill’s variable speed, allows for effortless drilling into wood, metal, plastic, and all screw-driving tasks, making it an ideal choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals looking for a reliable, all-around tool.
Pros
- The integrated LED work light illuminates the work area
- 11-position clutch provides precise control for drilling
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Not powerful enough for very demanding, heavy-duty projects
Best Motor
This kit is not just a tool; it’s a versatile ally in a wide range of drilling and driving projects. Packaged with a 20V lithium-ion battery and charger, this cordless drill promises long-lasting power and convenience, ensuring you’re always ready to tackle your next project. At the heart of its design is a 3/8-inch keyless chuck that facilitates easy bit changes, making it quick and hassle-free to switch between tasks.
The variable speed trigger allows for precise control over drilling speeds, catering to the demands of various materials and applications. The 16-position clutch offers an impressive level of precision, significantly reducing the likelihood of stripping screws or damaging work surfaces. One of the most notable features of this drill is its extensive accessory set, which includes 22 drill bits. This range ensures that users have the right tools at their disposal for nearly any job, enhancing the drill’s versatility and utility.
Pros
- Comes with 22 pieces of drill bits
- Delivers precise control to prevent stripping screws
- Keyless chuck and variable speed provide a good range of power
Cons
- Insufficient battery life for prolonged projects
Best Performance
This cordless drill is designed to handle a wide range of drilling and driving tasks with ease, thanks to its powerful 20V motor that delivers consistent performance across various materials. Featuring a 1/2-inch keyless chuck, it allows for quick and easy bit changes, enhancing the efficiency of your work. The compact and lightweight design of the drill ensures user comfort and reduces fatigue during extended use, making it ideal for projects that require precision and longevity.
The cordless dril kit includes a 20V lithium-ion battery, which provides a long runtime and maintains its charge for extended periods when not in use, ensuring that the drill is ready whenever you are. Additionally, the battery recharges quickly, minimizing downtime and keeping you productive. Variable speed control is another standout feature, offering versatility and allowing users to match the speed to the task at hand for optimal performance. Whether you’re working on delicate projects that require a gentle touch or more demanding applications that need full power, this drill adapts to your needs.
Pros
- Powerful battery offers extended run time for longer projects
- 330-watt power for a variety of drilling and fastening tasks
- Ergonomic handle for comfort
Cons
- Limited speed settings
Best Battery Life
The Ingersoll Rand Cordless Hammer Drill is a standout piece of equipment that deserves a closer look for anyone in the market for a reliable cordless drill. Right off the bat, it impresses with its robust 1100 in-lb torque, making it a powerhouse for a wide range of drilling and driving tasks. Its keyless chuck adds a layer of convenience, allowing for quick and easy bit changes without the hassle of searching for a key.
The pistol grip design is another thoughtful feature, offering comfort and control that’s crucial during extended use. Anyone who’s worked on a lengthy project knows the strain it can put on your hands and wrists. The inclusion of two batteries in the kit addresses a common pain point among cordless tools – downtime. Having a spare battery ready to go ensures that your work continues uninterrupted, a boon for both professionals and hobbyists alike who value productivity.
Pros
- Pistol grip design
- Comes with two batteries
- Offers hammer drill settings for masonry and concrete
Cons
- The higher price tag may not fit all budgets
Best Cordless Drill Buying Guide
Whether you are a handyman, carpenter, or DIY whizz, you are going to need a cordless drill at some point in your life. In fact, no tool box is complete without one of these power tools. These tools are one of the most versatile and effective pieces of equipment when it comes to putting together furniture and drilling holes in the wall. To help you choose which drill is right for you, we have put together this nifty buying guide to answer all of your questions and point you in the right direction.
What Is a Cordless Drill?
A cordless drill, if you haven’t already guessed, is just like your standard drill, but without the infuriating cables. Cordless drills don’t need to be tethered to your mains socket, which makes them even more versatile than their rudimentary predecessor. These drill batteries are sometimes supplied with an electrical charger that works in the same way as your phone or razor charger. Simply plug it into the wall and give your drill a few hours to recharge before use.
Why Do I Need a Cordless Drill?
As aforementioned, you need a drill if you do any sort of manual labor, woodwork, or odd jobs around the house. These power tools have two main functions. The most obvious one is their ability to put holes in tough surfaces such as wood and brick. They are also a great way to fix screws and fasteners onto a particular surface. In addition, you may also use your drill to assemble furniture. The most powerful drills can help you with even the most arduous home improvement tasks.
What Should I Consider When Buying a Cordless Drill?
There are plenty of things you need to keep in mind when buying the best drill.
Voltage
It is easy to see how powerful a cordless is by looking at the packaging. Check the voltage before making a purchase. The higher the voltage, the more likely your drill will be able to penetrate tough materials.
Light, medium, or heavy-duty
Generally speaking, you can buy three types of cordless drills: light, medium, and heavy-duty. The light drill will come with the lowest voltage battery, while heavy-duty drills will come with the highest. If you are a professional, you will most likely require the heavy-duty model because it can handle all jobs, including remodeling and complicated construction work. The light-duty drill is perfect for all those DIY jobs around the home, and the medium drill sits somewhere in the middle and is suitable for a wide range of tasks.
Torque
Another important feature to look out for is torque. You need plenty of torque (the twisting force of your drill) if you plan on working with tough or difficult surfaces. This may not be particularly important when working with wood or plastic, but you’ll need plenty of torque when dealing with metal and concrete.
Drive motor
You should probably be aware of the difference between a regular and a brushless motor. Ideally, you will want to use a drill with a brushless motor. You can use them for long periods of time without overheating. They actually sense resistance and automatically change power depending on the task. This optimizes the drill’s use of battery power and ensures the drill will last longer. However, they can cost considerably more and require Lithium-ion batteries.
Drill chuck Size
You want to find a drill that can hold your required drill bit. Always make sure you check the drill chuck size before making your decision.
Batteries and charging stations
It is a good idea to buy a drill that comes with a spare battery. You do not want your drill to give up halfway through a job. Better yet, opt for a drill that comes with a charging station and excellent battery life. This way you’ll never have to buy new batteries again.
Speed Range
If you really want to get the most out of your cordless drill, check to see if it comes with the ability to change speed. Some drills now give you this option, which allows for greater control when working with multiple materials. Inexpensive models only come with one speed (300RPM). While more expensive drills feature dual or variable speed functions.
Grip
One of the most valuable tips is to look for a drill that advertises excellent grip. The best drill will use terms like “ergonomic” and “comfort” to describe its grip. These are the ones that will feel best in your hand.
LED Light
Many, but not all, drills come with an LED light to illuminate the area you are working on. This is especially helpful when working in dark spaces, such as in the attic, basement, or shed. If possible, you should purchase a drill with an LED light.
What Are the Different Types of Drills?
Broadly speaking, there are three types of drills on the market today: drill driver, combi-drill, and impact driver.
The drill driver is the most basic type of drill which can easily drive screws and drill holes. The combi-drill has the same features, but also comes with a hammer mode when dealing with tough materials. The impact driver is slightly different. They have a unique chuck, which can fit different screwdriver heads, which makes the drill perfect for jobs that require lots of screws. Hammer drills are also very similar to an impact driver.
Cordless Drill Price Range
Drills vary greatly when it comes to their price tag. For example, you can buy light-duty drills for as little as $20 in certain places. On the other end of the spectrum, you can find heavy-duty, all-purpose drills going for over $1000. The best cordless drill for household use can usually be bought for somewhere between $80 – $120.
How To Use a Cordless Drill
Though using a drill may seem easy at first, there are a few important details that are important to keep in mind. To help your next project go smoothly, watch this video from NextJeneration that shows you how to use these power tools:
People Also Asked
What is the best type of drill to use around the home?
Most people will never need more than a medium-grade drill for their home DIY projects. These can do a variety of jobs and come with dual-speed settings. You can find some with fairly high voltage and comfort grips.
Should I take safety precautions when using a cordless drill?
Definitely. Although there is no wire attached to the drill for you to trip over, you should still wear safety goggles and protective gloves to protect yourself from any stray pieces of material. If you do not know how to handle a drill correctly, it’s always best to ask a more qualified professional for help.
Do cordless drills make good gifts?
Cordless drills absolutely make good gifts! Consider giving someone a cordless drill for Christmas, Father's Day, or even for their birthday. If they don't already have one, a cordless drill is a gift that is sure to be well-appreciated and useful for years to come.