Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Dewalt 20v Max Drill/driver — Compact, lightweight, design, fits in a practical, easy-to-use package.
- Best Value: Fadakwalt Drill — High-performance, power, drill, set in a practical, easy-to-use package.
- Best For Long-Term Use: Black+decker 20v Max* Powerc… — Lithium, ion, battery, always in a practical, easy-to-use package.
- Best Slim Design: Avid Power 20v Max Lithium L… — Real-time, battery, level, avid in a practical, easy-to-use package.
- Best With Advanced Safety: Comoware 20v Drill — Voltage, variable, speeds, higher in a practical, easy-to-use package.
Product Reviews
Dewalt 20v Max Drill/driver
This pick focuses on compact, lightweight, design, fits.
- Lightweight build reduces fatigue during long use.
Fadakwalt Drill
This pick focuses on high-performance, power, drill, set.
- Solid build quality with practical controls.
- Comfortable to handle for extended time.
- Consistent results once you dial it in.
Black+decker 20v Max* Powerc…
This pick focuses on lithium, ion, battery, always.
- Battery holds a long charge for longer sessions.
Avid Power 20v Max Lithium L…
This pick focuses on real-time, battery, level, avid.
- Battery holds a long charge for longer sessions.
Comoware 20v Drill
This pick focuses on voltage, variable, speeds, higher.
- Solid build quality with practical controls.
- Comfortable to handle for extended time.
- Consistent results once you dial it in.
Dewalt 20v Max Drill
This pick focuses on dcd771, cordless, drill, combo.
- Solid build quality with practical controls.
- Comfortable to handle for extended time.
- Consistent results once you dial it in.
Dekopro 20v Max Lithium
This pick focuses on power, drill, set, this.
- Solid build quality with practical controls.
- Comfortable to handle for extended time.
- Consistent results once you dial it in.
Pulituo 20v Drill/driver
This pick focuses on powerful, motor, battery, equipped.
- Battery holds a long charge for longer sessions.
Comparison Overview
Item | Dewalt 20v Max Drill/driver | Fadakwalt Drill | Black+decker 20v Max* Powerc… | Avid Power 20v Max Lithium L… | Comoware 20v Drill | Dewalt 20v Max Drill |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rotation | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Rear-Facing | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Modes | Convertible | Convertible | Convertible | Convertible | Convertible | Convertible |
Install | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Slim | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Cleaning | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Safety | Meets Standards | Meets Standards | Meets Standards | Meets Standards | Meets Standards | Meets Standards |
Best Cordless Drill For Compact And Powerful Drilling
Are you tackling a weekend project? Maybe you’re hanging shelves or assembling furniture. A good cordless drill makes these tasks much easier. You need a tool that feels right in your hand. It should have enough power for your needs. We’ve looked at several popular options. This guide will help you find the best cordless drill. We focus on compact size and strong performance.
How We Picked
We started by looking at drills available online. We considered their features and prices. We read many customer reviews. This helped us understand real-world performance. We focused on drills that offer good power. We also looked for drills that are easy to handle. Compactness is important for tight spaces. Battery life is another key factor. We want drills that come with useful accessories.
Our selection process prioritized drills with strong motors. We checked their torque ratings. Torque tells you how much twisting power the drill has. Higher torque is better for tougher jobs. We also looked at speed settings. Different speeds are good for different tasks. Drilling needs a different speed than driving screws. We paid attention to the chuck size. The chuck holds the drill bit. A 3/8-inch chuck is common. A 1/2-inch chuck can handle larger bits.
Ergonomics also played a role. A comfortable grip reduces fatigue. Lightweight drills are easier to maneuver. We considered drills with LED lights. These lights help you see in dark areas. Battery technology is important too. Lithium-ion batteries are standard now. They hold a charge well. We looked for drills that come with extra batteries. This means you can keep working.
We also considered the included accessories. Many drills come with drill bits and driver bits. Some include flexible shafts or extension bars. These can be very helpful. We paid attention to the overall value. A good drill shouldn’t break the bank. We aimed for a balance of quality and price.
Buying Guide
Choosing a cordless drill involves several considerations. Think about what you will use it for most. This will guide your decision.
Power and Torque:
Drill power is measured in volts. Higher voltage usually means more power. 20V drills are very common. They offer good performance for most DIY tasks. Torque is measured in inch-pounds (in-lbs). More torque means more twisting force. For general home use, 150 to 300 in-lbs is usually sufficient. If you plan to drill into hard materials, look for higher torque.
Speed Settings:
Most cordless drills have variable speed. This lets you control how fast the drill spins. They often have two speed ranges. A lower speed range is good for driving screws. It gives you more control. A higher speed range is better for drilling holes. It makes the job go faster. Look for drills with at least two speed settings.
Chuck Type and Size:
The chuck holds the drill bit. Most cordless drills use a keyless chuck. You tighten or loosen it by hand. This makes changing bits quick and easy. Chucks come in different sizes. 3/8-inch is the most common size. It works with most standard drill bits. A 1/2-inch chuck can accept larger bits. This is useful for bigger drilling jobs.
Battery Life and Type:
Lithium-ion batteries are the standard. They are lightweight and hold a charge well. Look at the battery’s amp-hour (Ah) rating. A higher Ah rating means longer run time. Many drills come with one battery. It’s often best to have a second battery. This way, you can charge one while using the other. Some batteries have a charge indicator. This lets you see how much power is left.
Ergonomics and Weight:
A comfortable drill makes a big difference. Look for a drill with a soft grip handle. This improves comfort during use. The weight of the drill is also important. A lighter drill is easier to control. It also reduces fatigue. Compact drills are good for working in tight spaces.
Included Accessories:
Many drills come as kits. These kits often include batteries, a charger, and a case. They might also include drill bits and driver bits. Some kits come with useful extras. These can include flexible shafts or extension bars. These accessories can expand the drill’s capabilities.
Brand Reputation and Price:
Well-known brands often offer reliable tools. However, less familiar brands can also provide good value. Compare prices across different brands. Consider the warranty offered. A good warranty provides peace of mind.
Let’s look at some specific models.
The DEWALT 20V Max Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (DCD771C2) is a popular choice. It has a compact and lightweight design. This makes it easy to use in tight spots. Its high-performance motor delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power. This is enough for many applications. The drill offers two speed settings. These are 0-450 RPM and 0-1,500 RPM. The 1/2-inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck holds bits securely. The ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control. This kit includes two batteries and a charger. It’s a solid option for general home use.
The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX POWERCONNECT Cordless Drill Kit (BDC120VA100) is another good option. It comes with a 100-piece accessory kit. This provides a lot of versatility. The lithium-ion battery holds its charge for a long time. The 24-position clutch prevents stripping screws. The soft grip handle adds comfort. This drill is part of the 20V* MAX system. This means you can use its battery with other Black+Decker 20V tools. It’s a budget-friendly choice for basic tasks.
The AVID POWER 20V MAX Lithium lon Cordless Drill Set offers a real-time battery level display. This is a handy feature. It lets you monitor the remaining charge. The drill has a 15+1 position clutch. This provides precise torque control. It has a variable speed setting up to 550 RPM. The drill is compact and lightweight at 2.5 lbs. It has a rubberized grip for comfort. A built-in LED light illuminates dark workspaces. The 3/8-inch keyless chuck allows quick bit changes. This kit includes drill bits, driver bits, and a flexible shaft. It’s a good value for DIY enthusiasts.
The COMOWARE 20V Cordless Drill kit is a strong contender. It boasts a 20V motor for good torque. It features two variable speeds, 0-350 RPM and 0-1300 RPM. The 25+1 position clutch offers precise control. This helps prevent over-tightening screws. The drill has a 1500mAh lithium-ion battery. A 60-minute fast charger is included. The 3/8-inch keyless metal chuck is durable. An LED work light improves visibility. The kit includes 23 pieces of accessories. A compact storage case keeps everything organized.
The DEKOPRO 20V MAX Lithium-ion Cordless Power Drill Driver Set is a compact option. It weighs only 2.5 pounds. This makes it easy to handle, especially for women. It has two variable speeds, 0-350 RPM and 0-1350 RPM. The 18+1 torque settings provide good control. The drill uses a 20V 1.5 AH lithium-ion battery. A battery indicator shows the charge level. This pink drill kit includes various bits and accessories. It’s a good choice for light-duty home tasks.
The PULITUO 20V Cordless Drill/Driver comes with two 1.5 Ah batteries. This is great for continuous work. It has a powerful 20V motor. The drill delivers 266 in-lb (30 N.m) of torque. It offers two speed settings: 0-400 RPM and 0-1500 RPM. The 21+1 torque settings ensure precision. The 3/8-inch keyless chuck is standard. An LED light illuminates your workspace. This kit includes a comprehensive 34-piece set of accessories. It’s a versatile option for home projects.
The FADAKWALT Cordless Drill Set is a very affordable option. It’s a 12V power drill. It offers 180 in-lbs of torque. This is suitable for light home tasks. The drill has 21+1 torque settings. It provides speeds up to 650 RPM. The compact and lightweight design minimizes fatigue. The rubber grip ensures comfort. An LED light and electric brake aid precise work. This set includes many accessories. It’s a good entry-level drill.
The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit (DCK240C2) is a powerful set. It includes both a drill and an impact driver. The drill features a two-speed transmission. It offers 0-450 RPM and 0-1500 RPM. Its motor delivers 300 UWO of power. The compact design fits into tight areas. The 1/2-inch chuck provides strong bit gripping. The ergonomic handle ensures comfort. The impact driver is also compact and lightweight. This kit is for those who need more than just a drill.
FAQs
What is the difference between a drill and a driver?
A drill is primarily for making holes. A driver is for inserting and removing screws. Many cordless drills can do both. They have adjustable clutches for torque control.
How much torque do I need in a cordless drill?
For most household tasks, 150-300 in-lbs of torque is sufficient. If you plan to drill into hard materials or use large bits, look for higher torque.
What does the “20V Max” mean?
“20V Max” refers to the maximum voltage of the battery. When the battery is fully charged, its voltage is slightly higher than 20V.
Is a 12V drill enough for home use?
A 12V drill is suitable for light tasks like assembling furniture or hanging pictures. For more demanding jobs, a 20V drill offers more power and versatility.
What is a clutch setting on a drill?
The clutch is a mechanism that controls the torque. It prevents you from over-driving screws. This stops you from stripping the screw head or damaging the material.
How long should a cordless drill battery last?
Battery life depends on the Ah rating and how you use the drill. Higher Ah batteries generally last longer. Consistent use of high torque or speed will drain the battery faster.
Can I use drill bits from other brands with my drill?
Yes, as long as the bit shank fits the chuck size. Most drills use standard 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch chucks.
What is a keyless chuck?
A keyless chuck allows you to tighten or loosen the drill bit by hand. This is much faster than older chucks that required a key.
Why do some drills have LED lights?
An LED light illuminates the work area. This is very helpful when drilling in dimly lit spaces.
Key Takeaways
When choosing a cordless drill, consider its power and torque. Look for a drill with variable speed settings. A comfortable grip and lightweight design are important. Check the battery type and consider getting a spare. Many kits include useful accessories. The DEWALT 20V Max drill is a reliable choice. The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX offers good value. The AVID POWER drill has a helpful battery indicator. COMOWARE and PULITUO drills offer good power for the price. DEKOPRO is a compact, lightweight option. FADAKWALT is a budget-friendly starter drill. The DEWALT combo kit provides both a drill and an impact driver. Your needs will determine the best drill for you.