Power drills are essential tools for any homeowner or DIY enthusiast. They can make even the most daunting tasks much simpler and quicker to complete. But, not all power drills are created equal, and choosing the right one for your project can be hard.
In this article, we’ll be reviewing the best power drills of 2023. We’ve tested out a number of drills from various manufacturers, and have rounded up our top picks for the best models available on the market. We’ll discuss the different types of drills, their features, and the pros and cons of each type to help you find the perfect drill for your needs.
A modern drill is a very versatile power tool. No matter the task, whether it involves assembling flat-pack furniture, building a deck, or drilling holes through walls to mount objects, an electric drill makes drilling holes into different materials super easy. With a drill on your side, you can wrap up home improvement projects without any hassle.
There are a lot of models of drills available. They range from very powerful and robust hand tools that are packed with features demanded by professional tradespeople to more functional and typical versions most suited to the occasional home DIYer.
A great drill for you will be one that helps you complete the tasks at hand without breaking the bank. This guide should help you decide which drill is the most appropriate for your needs!
There are a couple of drill machines out there, and some of them are designed for certain tasks or jobs.
These types of drills are perfect for smaller household jobs. Such power tools can function as a drill as well as a screwdriver and will work well with wood and thin metal. Drill drivers are not designed to be used with masonry or heavy-duty jobs, but are rather more appropriate if you only need a drill for light use. A drill driver is a very reasonably priced option to consider.
These types of drills were designed to do one job – to drive in screws. They are very efficient in removing over-tightened or frozen screws in your old house. They save a lot of time, too, especially when you are carrying out a project that involves a lot of screws, such as building a deck.
Combi drills are very versatile and great all-rounder drills. They work well for wood, brick, concrete, and steel, and with a combination of driver, hammer, and impact settings. Usually, a combi drill can tackle most jobs. Such cordless drills are very popular for carrying out home DIY projects.
The hammer drill, as its name suggests, is a heavyweight drill that is specifically designed to drill into stone, masonry, and concrete. Its hammering action produces quicker drilling, which makes it suitable for heavy-duty work.
If you are new to drilling, check out this video from The Honest Carpenter to know more about the difference between drills and drivers.
These are highly specialized, and more expensive, drills. They are usually more powerful than standard hammer drills and are used for really heavy-duty jobs. An SDS drill has the featured choice of turning off the rotary action so the tools can chisel through stone and concrete.
These kinds of drills are very popular for a good reason. Cordless drills are powered by efficient, rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries. They are built to work wherever they are needed. They are lightweight and also comfortable to use over a long period of time. The more power a job requires, the quicker the battery will be drained, but most Li-ion batteries can be fully recharged in an hour or less. You can always buy extra batteries if you plan to work for long stretches of time.
Pros
Cons
This kind of drill requires plugging it into a power supply in order for it to operate. They can be used for longer periods of time without worrying about battery life. A corded drill equipped with the right drill bits can tackle metal or stone and drill large holes with ease. Corded drills mostly come equipped with a double handle, so they can be safely and effectively used for heavy-duty tasks.
Pros
Cons
To get the type of drill you need, you will need to consider a lot of factors. How often do you intend to use it? What types of jobs do you want it to perform? Which materials do you tend to work with?
When choosing a drill, it’s best to examine these product features to help you make the right decision.
Measured in Newton meters (Nm), this is the force that causes rotation in a drill. Put simply, more torque means a higher drilling force. A higher torque setting would usually be required for tough materials, like brickwork. For more delicate materials (like wood) a lower torque setting reduces the amount of damage. Torque control, sometimes referred to as a variable clutch setting, allows you to adjust the torque to fit the material you are using.
The speed of a drill is measured in RPM (revolutions per minute). You require less speed to drill softer materials. High speed is needed for drilling into harder materials. Drills that offer variable speed features are useful for working with a range of materials. Single-speed drills on the other hand are not the most versatile.
Some drills have a function that allows them to change the direction of the drill and bits. They are usually for loosening bolts and screws.
The chuck is the section of the drill that keeps the drill bits in place. The chuck determines what size of drill bit shaft the drill can accommodate. The two most popular chuck sizes are 10mm and 13mm chucks. 10mm chucks are sufficient for most home DIY use, while 13mm chucks are more for heavy-duty applications.
Drills that come equipped with more than one gear allow you to select different speed ranges. You get the option to control the speed of single-gear drills with the speed control trigger.
Drilling capacity is the maximum diameter of the drill bit that can be used. You should always check that the drill bits are compatible with the drill you are using.
For maximum comfort during use, look for drills that feature ergonomic handles with adjustable grips to fit different hand sizes and work styles. Breathable material also helps keep hands cooler during long jobs, while smaller handles tend to allow for more precise control in tight spaces.
When choosing a power drill, check the type of battery it uses and how long the battery life lasts between charging cycles. Lithium-ion batteries are typically considered the most reliable but can cost more than other types, such as nickel-cadmium or lead-acid variants. Consider how long you plan on using the drill between charging cycles; some models come with extra long-life batteries, which are perfect for extended use.
Many modern power drills offer additional features that can be useful depending on what type of job you plan on taking on; LED lights help illuminate dark areas, while brushless motor technologies provide longer run times and better efficiency while using less energy. Other features to look out for include multiple speed settings and variable speed triggers so that you can set your preferred speed level for different tasks.
If you already own any other tools that use the same type of battery or charger system as your prospective new drill, make sure to check compatibility beforehand, so you don’t end up wasting money on incompatible accessories or parts. Additionally, if you plan on connecting your drill up to another device – such as a router – double check compatibility before buying, so you don’t end up disappointed later down the line.
The Kobalt 24-Volt Max Lithium-Ion Cordless Brushless Drill is an ideal choice for both professional and DIY users. This powerful cordless drill offers a full range of power to complete your toughest tasks with ease. The 24-volt max 2.0Ah Li-ion battery allows for prolonged use, so you can get the job done faster. The brushless motor technology increases efficiency and provides maximum power and longer run time, resulting in improved performance and greater accuracy. The double-ended driver bit, bit holder, auxiliary handle, belt clip, and soft bag allow for increased convenience while using the drill.
The drill comes with a variety of features that make it the perfect choice for any task at hand. The keyless chuck makes bit changes quick and easy, meaning no need for extra tools to change bits. The high-speed transmission enhances the speed of drilling for greater efficiency. Lastly, the all-metal gear case ensures long-lasting durability that stands up to wear and tear from repeated use.
The DEWALT drill has a compact structure, sturdy build, and high-performance motor that deals out 300 watts of power for any tasks you may have on your plate. You can choose between two speeds to fasten and drill different applications at work or home. It has a single-sleeve ratchet chuck that allows you to grip things tighter. Plus, the ergonomic handle helps you build control over time. The drill comes with a compact charger and a battery. We think this drill particularly does better at smaller jobs – for instance, putting together furniture items or shelves!
The Bosch drill/driver kit is a great choice for weekend warriors, DIYers, and professional contractors alike. Available in a compact, lightweight design, this drill/driver boasts an impressive 480 inches lbs of torque – enough to tackle most projects with ease. With 20 plus 1 clutch settings, the drill/driver ensures accuracy when working with fasteners while the keyless ratcheting 1/2 inches chuck with auto lock enables easy transition between bits.
For added versatility, this drill/driver offers two-speed settings: high speed (0-1,700 RPM) and high power (0-450 RPM) modes. This drill also features a built-in LED light which allows you to easily see your work in dimly lit areas while the ergonomically designed soft grip handle provides extra comfort during extended use. The kit comes complete with two 1.5 Ah SlimPack batteries, an 18V charger, and a handy carrying bag for maximum portability.
Overall, the Bosch 18V drill is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful tool. This robust model is capable of tackling any task with ease while the convenient design makes it ideal for working in tight spaces. With its included accessories and lightweight design, this drill is sure to please even the most demanding users.
A multipurpose tool that can be used as a driver and drill, the CRAFTSMAN Cordless Drill comes loaded with a battery and a charger. It offers a power rating of 280 watts and allows you to adjust its speed. The 20V motor paves way for a stable RPM that yields the desired accuracy regardless of the material you’re drilling into. What’s more, it comes with a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty!
Black + Decker offers a 20V cordless drill that features an adjustable speed system, for better precision, a 3/8-inch bit system, and a keyless chuck. Moreover, the 20V motor delivers a maximum speed of 650RPM; the speed can be adjusted as well. The drill comes packed with a lithium-ion battery. The best part? The clutch on this drill features 11 different adjustable positions, providing precise and accurate movement to drill into metal, wood, cement, or plastic!
This option is a cordless drill with multiple adjustable positions that offer enhanced accuracy in tight spaces! It’s a small and compact option but uses a 20V motor that still provides adequate power for different types of operations. The drill comes loaded with a keyless chuck, with the ability to easily change both the speed and position. The complete package includes a 22PCs bit set that contains both drill and driver bits.
Last but not least, here’s a drill with a max 20 voltage and 1.5AH Lithium-Ion battery to give you steady power as you work on your home project or professional gig! The Workpro drill has a 21+1 torque position clutch to get more precision on adjustments. The soft grip on the handle not only makes things comfortable but also increases your control of the tool. If you work in dim lighting, the LED light will help you maintain visibility. Also, it comes with a storage bag to keep your tools and accessories organized.
A: The primary purpose of a drill is to drill holes. It is an essential tool for anyone who wants to perform simple tasks like putting up a shelf or hanging a picture. They also work very well for professional applications by technicians and tool experts. Also, most modern drills in the market can act as a drill machine as well as a screwdriver.
A: When selecting your drill, you should choose a drill that feels comfortable to hold with an ergonomic design. Consider the weight of the drill, it shouldn't be so heavy that fatigue will be a factor. As with any other tool, the question of how much you can afford is relative. If you need to decide between two models with similar features and performance levels, opt for a well-known brand. This will ensure you get a better-quality product with long service life.
A: To help you make an informed decision, here's an overview of what each drill can be best utilized for: Concrete: SDS drill Plastic/Metal/Wood/Glass: Drill driver, Hammer drill, Corded impact drill Brick: Hammer drill, Corded impact drill, SDS drill Tiles: Drill driver, Hammer drill, Corded impact drill, SDS drill (tile only)
A: Most cordless power drills use either lithium-ion (Li-ion) or nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries. Li-ion batteries are generally lighter in weight and remain charged longer than NiCd batteries, but they also tend to be more expensive.
A: The size of the bit you need to use for your power drill depends on the size of the screw or bolt you are drilling into. It is important to make sure that you select a bit that is compatible with your particular model or type of drill. You can consult your owner’s manual for more information on what type and size bits are recommended for your power drill.
A: The type of chuck (keyless or keyed) your power drill needs will depend on the type of work you’re doing and how often you plan to use the tool. Keyed chucks are typically more secure than keyless chucks but may require additional time to change bits since they usually require a separate key or wrench to loosen them up. Keyless chucks are easier to use since they don’t require any tools to change out bits but are not as secure as keyed chucks so they may not be ideal for professional use or heavy-duty projects.
A: Yes, there are several accessories that you should consider purchasing with your new power drills such as extra batteries, additional bits and drivers, a carrying case and/or storage case/box, dust extraction systems, and auxiliary handles for additional stability when drilling in tight spaces.
