The 8 Best Cordless Drills You Can Use For Your Projects

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A cordless drill is arguably one of the most important hand tools you can have as a contractor, a handyman, a hobbyist or a simple homeowner.

That’s because it can be used for all types of projects, from simply hanging curtains and picture frames at home, to making furniture and drilling through heavy concrete on the jobsite.

Every professional craftsman uses it, including plumbers, electricians, carpenters, contractors, landscapers, and even gardeners. It’s one single tool everyone needs.

A cordless drill is often called a drill/driver because it serves two functions: drilling holes and driving screws into materials.

What makes it even more unique is that it’s not just any other type of power drill; it’s cordless. That means it is battery-operated. You don’t need to plug it to an electrical wall outlet for it to function. You just need a compatible battery, and you can take it with you and use it anywhere you want to use it.

Cordless drills haven’t always been this popular, because the batteries didn’t really last long at first. But now, there’s so much advancement in battery technologies. These batteries can last for hours now, and they take less time to recharge. That’s why they’re very common and cheaper now.

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the 8 best cordless drills out there, so that you can choose the right one for your projects.

Below is a comparison table of the 8 we chose.

Comparison Table of the Best Cordless Drills

Our Top Picks

We want to make sure you choose the right cordless drill for your projects, that’s why we compiled the following list. We took into consideration all the important factors and features found in cordless drills, such as the chuck size, the torque rating, speed range, and even the size to make sure you choose one that’s compact and ergonomic enough for the project you have.

Dewalt DCD996B 20 Volts Max XR Cordless Hammer Drill

Price: Check Amazon

Key Specifications:

Chuck Size: 1/2 Inch, Max Speed: 2000 RPM, Speed Settings: 3 , Max Torque: 820 in.lbs.

If you’re looking for a cordless drill for the toughest of jobs, to drill holes and drive screws into the toughest of material, then a hammer drill like this Dewalt DCD996B is exactly what you’re looking for.

It’s a 20 Volts Max cordless Hammer drill that packs much more punch or has far more torque than your average cordless drill.

It’s also called an impact drill or percussion drill because it produces a rapid succession of short impacts or hammering motion to help drive through harder materials like concrete.

To withstand the heavy-duty tasks it’s meant for, the Dewalt DCD996B features a heavy-duty ½ inch ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck fitted with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength.

It has 3 speed settings of 0-450, 0 – 1300 and 0-2000 RPM respectively, allowing the user to make precise adjustments that will fit the project in hand.

The DCD996B is up to 82 percent more powerful than the average cordless drill, and apart from that, it even has longer runtime up to 2.8 times longer.

It comes equipped with a 3 mode LED light to illuminate dark or confined spaces, and the light on this model is 20 times brighter than its predecessors, such as the Dewalt DCD980M2.

Every feature of this tool is top-notch, including build quality, ease of adjustments, power, and ergonomics. If you’re a Dewalt tool fan, you’ll surely find this one interesting.

Bosch PS31-2A Cordless Drill Set

Price: Check Amazon

Key Specifications:
Chuck Size: 3/8 inch, Max Speed: 1300 rpm, Speed Settings: 2, Max Torque: 265 in.lbs.

The Bosch PS31-2A is one of my favorites among the 8 cordless drills listed here because of its simple and streamlined design.

It’s a set that includes the drill itself, two lithium-ion batteries, a 12 volts fast charger, screwdriver bits, and a soft blue carrying bag for easy transport.

The PS31-2A is very lightweight, weighing just 1.8 lbs combined with its simple and streamlined design, making it ideal for craftsmen like contractors, electricians, plumbers, and professional woodworkers looking for a powerful but compact unit for their projects.

With the Bosch PS31-2A, you have the option to choose between 2-speed settings of 0-350 RPM and 0-1300 RPM, allowing you to vary the speed according to the application, making it versatile.

Integrated LED lights light up your workpiece, making it easy to use in low-visibility areas.

The dual 12-volt batteries that come with it increase runtime because you can use one battery while the other one charges.

As for its chuck, it’s a 3/8-inch-sized single-sleeve 3-jaw chuck that will allow you to hold different types of drill and driver bits for your projects.

Related: 6 Best Right Angle Drills for Construction Projects

SnapFresh 20V Cordless Drill

Price: Check Amazon

Key Specifications:
Chuck Size: 3/8 inch, Max Speed: 1400 rpm, Speed Settings: 2, Max Torque: 310 in.lbs.

With up to 22 torque settings and 2 speed settings, the SnapFresh cordless drill comes with everything you need to tackle most home improvement and DIY projects at home or on the jobsite.

The 2 speed settings of 0-400 and 0-1400 RPM allow the user to make fine adjustments to help drill into hard or soft materials by simply sliding the gear at the top of the drill.

It also features a variable speed trigger that increases the speed or reduces it depending on how much force you apply to the trigger.

You don’t just get the bare tool when you get this SnapFressh, but you also get several drill accessories to help you get to work immediately which include 43 drill bits, 1 flexible shaft, 1 charger, 1 battery and a tool bag to keep everything compact and portable.

Charging the battery for 1 hour can provide between 50 to 60 minutes of work, providing enough runtime to use the tool. My only caveat is that it came with just one battery, but you can always get an extra battery later to reduce downtime when one battery runs down.

It can be used even in dark or confined spaces because it’s equipped with a bright LED work light that will surely illuminate whatever you’re working on. With a weight of just 2.65 lbs, handling it with one hand will not be an issue for anybody. It’s lightweight with ergonomic rubber overmold handle for easy grip and comfort during use.

Related: 12 Clever Ways To Use A Power Drill

Makita XFD131 Brushless Cordless Drill And Driver

Price: Check Amazon

Key Specifications:
Chuck Size: 1/2 inch, Max Speed: 1900 rpm, Speed Settings: 2, Max Torque: 440 in.lbs.

Do you want to know what 440 in.lbs of max torque feels like in a cordless drill? Then try the Makita XFD131.

It’s one of the best cordless drills you can use for your projects. With it delivering up to 440 in.lbs of torque and weighing only 3.8 lbs, it’s got one of the best power-to-weight ratios, making it easy to use for long periods without getting fatigued. 

Equipped with a brushless motor that delivers up to 50 percent more work per charge, the Makita XFD131 will certainly make it possible for you to work for long periods without the need to recharge the battery every time.

It features mechanical 2-speed transmission settings of 0-500 and 0-1,900 rpm, which affords you more control for a wide range of drilling and driving operations.

For instance, you can adjust the torque settings accordingly when using large fasteners, small fasteners, and delicate screws.

You can adjust it to make sure you use the right amount of torque depending on the type of fasteners you’re working with.

The XFD131 Makita drill is compatible with any Makita 18V LXT Lithium-ion batteries. The kit comes with an efficient 18V LXT 3.0Ah battery which you can get to full charge in under 30 minutes, allowing you to spend less time charging and more time working.

If you have more than one of these batteries, you can use one while recharging the other.

Overall, the Makita XFD131 is one of the best options for contractors and DIY enthusiasts to carry out their projects.

Ryobi PCL206B Cordless Drill

Price: Check Amazon

Key Specifications:
Chuck Size: 1/2 inch, Max Speed: 1750 rpm, Speed Settings: 2, Max Torque: 515 in.lbs.

If you want a dirt cheap cordless drill and driver to use for your projects, then you’d find this Ryobi PCL206B pretty difficult to resist.

Even though a contractor can still use this one, this Ryobi is best for a homeowner or DIYer who’s not looking for a budget friendly drill unit to handle simple home improvement projects.

Ryobi really overdid themselves here fitting it with all the necessary features you’d ever need in a cordless drill.

A tool-less chuck for quickly replacing screw and drill bits, a 2 speed gearbox for varying the speed and torque to fit the task you have in hand, and an LED light to illuminate a dark work area.

To top it all off, the PCL206B features a rubberized overgrip pistol-style handle which makes handling the drill very easy and super comfortable, even allowing you a firm grip in slippery conditions.

Overall, the Ryobi PCL206B is surely a cordless drill you’ll fall in love with whether you’re a contractor, homeowner or DIY enthusiast.

Related: 10 Drilling Tips You Must Know To Drill Like A Pro

CRAFTSMAN CMCD700C1 V20 Drill And Driver Kit

Price: Check Amazon

Key Specifications:
Chuck Size: 1/2 inch, Max Speed: 1500 rpm, Speed Settings: 2, Max Torque: 280 in.lbs.

Craftsman prides itself as one of the best cordless tool manufacturers, and I’m pretty sure you wouldn’t doubt that after using this Craftsman 20V cordless drill and driver.

This Craftsman drill comes equipped with a powerful motor capable of producing 280 UWO for tackling different types of projects.

A 2-speed gearbox with speeds of 350 rpm and 1500 rpm, respectively, allows you to adjust the speed of the drill according to the task you have in hand.

It features a ½ inch keyless chuck that allows you to swap bits as quickly as it takes me to type the dot at the end of this sentence. 

If you’re working in a dark area, the LED light that’s included allows easy illumination of your work area to allow you to do your job without any difficulty.

Charging the 20V max lithium-ion batteries that come with it can be done within 60 minutes, and the charged battery provides you ample run time to complete lots of tasks with the tool before it runs down again.

Overall, this CRAFTSMAN CMCD700C1 gets a spot among the best cordless drills for both contractors and simple DIYers.

Milwaukee 2803-20

Price: Check Amazon

Key Specifications:
Chuck Size: 1/2 inch, Max Speed: 2000 rpm, Speed Settings: 2, Max Torque: 1200 in.lbs.

If you want a really powerful cordless drill you can use to conquer jobsite tasks, this Milwaukee 2803-20 is one you should really consider.

Boasting a whooping 1200 in-lbs of torque and 2000 RPM of speed, this drill will eat right through anything you throw at it, and it will do it quicker than the competition.

It’s a workhorse for both DIY and jobsite operations. Especially for jobsite tasks.

When you buy it, it comes as a bare-tool, which means it doesn’t come with a battery. But it uses Milwaukee’s M18 fuel batteries. So, if you already have other cordless Milwaukee tools with M18 fuel batteries, you have nothing to worry about. If you don’t, then you can just get the batteries along with it, as well as the charger.

It features a 1/2-inch metal chuck which will take various types and sizes of bits.

At just 6.9 inches in length, the Milwaukee 2803-20 is also very compact, which makes it ideal for use in tight spaces and overhead operations.

Skil PWRCore 12 Brushless Cordless Drill

Price: Check Amazon

Key Specifications:
Chuck Size: 1/2 inch, Max Speed: 1700 rpm, Speed Settings: 2, Max Torque: 350 in.lbs.

Tighten screws and drill holes into materials with the Skil DL527502 20V cordless drill and driver. It’s comes with all the ideal features you need to conquer both home improvement, DIY and jobsite projects.

It’s compact, which means you can use it in tight spaces without any issue, and it’s got the power to get the job done, delivering up to 350 in-lbs of torque.

It even features a variable speed switch, allowing you to vary the speed between 0-1700 RPM.

The Skil PWR Core 12 features a 1/2 inch single sleave keyless chuck which ensures you can change bits as quickly as possible when carrying out your projects.

When you buy the Skil PWR Core 12, it comes with the bare tool, a 2.0Ah lithium ion battery, a PWR jump charger to charge the battery, and a belt clip to keep the drill handy when not in use.

The lithium ion battery even features a USB port so you can plug in a USB cord and charge your phone with it.

All in all, if you’re looking for a compact, versatile cordless drill you an use for a wide range of projects, this Skil PWR Core 12 have everything you need.

What We Considered When Choosing These Cordless Drills

Choosing your first cordless drill will likely not be easy. You don’t know what to look for, or what features to consider. That’s why we put this list together, and this guide to go with it, so you know what’s important and what’s not.

The following are what we considered when putting this list together.

Battery – Runtime

Cordless drills make use of batteries. So, it’s pretty obvious why battery runtime is very important when making your choice.

You need to check the Amp-Hour (Ah) rating of the battery. More amp-hour means more run time. A cordless drill with a 4 Ah battery will run twice as long as one with a 2 Ah battery.

Although, the type of battery cell also matters as well. Lithium ion batteries are the best in the market right now. They last longer, run cooler and weigh less than other batteries.

You should also consider whether you can use the same battery for other tools in your arsenal. For instance, Dewalt’s Flexvolt batteries are interchangeable and can power other Dewalt’s cordless tools.

It’s the same with Milwaukees M18 Fuel and Ryobi’s One+ batteries. This is something you should put into consideration so you don’t need to buy several batteries to power your tools.

12V vs 18V vs 20V

If you’re buying a cordless drill, the voltage rating is one thing you must look out for because it’s directly related to how much Torque or power it can produce.

12 Volt drills are usually smaller and more compact but less powerful than 18V/20V drills. They’re meant for light-duty applications around the home or in the shop.

18V and 20V drills are basically the same in terms of Torque. A 20V cordless drill comes with a battery that’s 20V when fully charged but usually settles back to 18V as soon as it’s unplugged.

18V and 20V drills have more Torque and are ideal for carrying out more demanding tasks, such as drilling through concrete similar materials. However, they may be less compact in size.

Price

Cordless drills usually come in a range of prices, from as low as $40 to $200 and above. The cheaper ones are usually ideal for DIY projects at home, such as hanging TV, building simple DIY furniture and so on.

The more expensive ones are usually built with better, and last longer. They also produce more torque or power. And they’re ideal for more demanding projects, such as drilling through concrete or similar materials.

Performance – Power – Torque

The amount of muscle or rotational force a cordless drill has is known as Torque, and it’s usually measured in inch pounds (in.lbs). The more Torque a cordless drill has, the more power it has to drill through tougher materials.

Torque ratings for cordless drills usually range from 250 in.lbs to 1000 in.lbs. For the occasional light-duty tasks at home, such as hanging pictures and putting together a simple bench or bookshelves, 250 in-lbs of Torque is enough.

Other than that, if you plan to carry out more heavy-duty tasks around the home, such as doing your own home renovation, building a deck, fence, or some patio furniture, you’d do well with 350+ inch pounds of Torque.

For professional applications on the job site, like working with large hole saws and self-feed bits, from 500 and above should do just fine for you.

Speed

Most cordless drills usually have 2 speed settings. A lower speed setting that produces high torque, and a higher speed setting that produces low torque.

The higher speed setting is usually for applications that require speed, like driving screws into materials. While the lower speed settings is for tasks that demand more power or torque, like when drilling holes through hard materials.

Size

One major difference between all cordless drills is their size. Some are larger and weigh more than the others.

The smaller and more compact a cordless drill is, the more suitable it will be for use in small or tight spaces, like in between studs and joists, or inside cramped cabinets.

Chuck Size

You should always consider the chuck size before choosing a cordless drill. The chuck size will determine the size and type of bits you can use with the drill.

There are 3 main chuck sizes you’ll find in most cordless drills. 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch and 1/2 inch chuck size. The smaller the chuck, the smaller the bits it can accomodate.

So, if you plan on using large drill bits for heavy duty construction projects on the jobsite, you have to go for the larger 1/2 inch chuck size. On the other hand, if you just need an average drill for drilling holes and driving screws at home, you can’t go wrong with the 3/8 inch chuck.