One tool I use every day is my cordless drill. It’s an essential tool for me as it lets me drill in places without electrical outlets.
However, most corded drills are not as good as they should be. In fact, they present many issues, such as:
- Lousy motors that don’t output the necessary drilling power
- Low-quality materials that substantially reduce the tool
- Bulky materials that make the drill heavy and too big to fit in tight spaces
- Terrible batteries that don’t last half of what they should last
The good news is that I’ve done the hard work of researching, testing, and selecting the best cordless drills so you didn’t have to waste time on it.
The List of The Best Cordless Drills
This is the list of the best-corded drills I personally tested and selected. I hope they give you an idea of what you should get:
- 1) BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Cordless Drill
- 2) PORTER-CABLE PCCK600LB 20-volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Drills
- 3) Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Drills
- 4) Hitachi DS18DSAL 18-Volt Cordless Drills
- 5) SKIL PWRCore 20 Cordless Drills
1) BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Cordless Drill
This cordless drill comes with a lithium-ion battery that can hold a charge for a long time, so you don’t have to worry about it dying on you in the middle of a job.
Now, the charger for this drill is a thing of beauty as it’s nice and small, so it doesn’t take up much space in your tool bag.
It also has a rubber grip that fits comfortably in your hand which is a key advantage when you’re using a tool all day long, as it prevents hand soreness and fatigue.
Oh, and did I mention how lightweight this thing is?
It weighs just 3.1 pounds, so it’s incredibly easy to maneuver in tight spaces and to hold for an extensive period of time. I mean, you don’t want some big, clunky drill getting in the way when you’re trying to get the job done, right?
And finally, it’s got an attractive orange and black color scheme that makes it easy to identify in your tool bag, which is quite convenient in low-light areas.
Pros
- Lithium-ion battery – always ready, holds a charge up to 18 months
- By providing an extra level of control, the 11 position clutch prevents stripping + overdriving screws
- Compact + lightweight design allows users to carry out drilling tasks in confined spaces + with ease
- LED work light illuminates the surface for easier drilling in dark places
2) PORTER-CABLE PCCK600LB 20-volt 1/2-Inch Cordless Drill
Don’t let its small size fool you, this PORTER-CABLE PCCK600LB 20-volt 1/2-Inch cordless drill is a powerhouse.
With a 20V Max Lithium-Ion battery, it delivers a seriously long runtime in a smaller package.
The 2-Speed gearbox delivers the power and speed needed to complete both large and small applications which is what you need when you’re in the middle of a tough job.
But that’s not all.
This drill also has a metal ratcheting chuck, to keep you safe from worrying about your bits slipping during drilling. I mean, there’s nothing more frustrating than keep stopping and adjusting the drill’s bits when trying to get a job done.
Let’s talk about the design of this drill now.
It’s slim and sleek, which allowed me to use it comfortably no matter what project I was working on.
Thanks to this design, I could use this cordless drill for extended periods of time working in tight areas without having to stop because of my arm getting tired as it was substantially light.
And let’s not forget about the weight and length of this drill. It’s only 3.7 pounds and 8 inches long, which makes it incredibly easy to maneuver in tight spaces, which is a need a lot of tradesmen have.
Pros
- High-performance motor delivers 330 Unit Watts Out
- 2 Speed gearbox (0-400/0-1,600) delivers the power needed to complete large and small applications
- Compact size (7 3/4″ length) and lightweight (3.5lbs) allows the tool to work in tight areas and minimises user fatigue
- 20V Max Lithium-Ion batteries with 1.5 amp/hour cells deliver more power and runtime in a smaller package
- Metal ratcheting chuck minimises bits slipping in chuck
- Battery gauge displays charge remaining in the battery
- LED light brightens dark work areas
3) Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Drills
You know how it is, you get fed up with those wimpy drills that can’t handle the tough jobs. Well, this Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX drill is different.
With its high-performance motor, it delivers a whopping 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power, which means it can handle even the most demanding drilling jobs without breaking a sweat.
And let’s talk about that chuck, my friend.
The 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck provides a tight bit gripping strength that’s perfect for those tough surfaces that other drills can’t handle.
And that ergonomic handle? It fits so comfortably in your hand that you’ll feel like you could drill all day without getting tired.
Lastly, it comes with with 2 lithium ion batteries that provide users with an amazing runtime to run this drill for hours on end.
Pros
- Includes 2 lithium-ion batteries and charger
- High-speed transmission delivers 2 speeds (0-450 and 1500 RPM) for a range of fastening and drilling applications
- A high-performance motor that delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power
- 1/2 in. single sleeve ratcheting chuck provides tight bit gripping strength
- Ergonomic handle ensures comfort and control
- Compact, lightweight design fits into tight areas
- Case included for convenient portability and storage
4) Hitachi DS18DSAL 18-Volt Cordless Drills
This drill right here is a beast. It’s got some serious torque, 460 inches per pound to be exact which makes drilling through thick surfaces a breeze.
Moreover, the 22+1 clutch offers 22 drive settings and a drill mode for both high torque applications and precision driving, so you know you’re covered no matter what the job entails.
This drill also has a two-speed switch, so you can conveniently and swiftly switch between low speed and high speed settings. I mean, at the push of a button, you’ll have the flexibility and option of drilling at low speed and using more torque for drilling larger holes through thicker material.
And the best part?
It uses a 1.5Ah Lithium Ion slide battery, substantially extends the battery lifetime. And if you’re worried about overheating or power loss, don’t be as the battery charger circuitry prevents those issues, ensuring impressive.
Pros
- 1/2″ ratcheting keyless chuck accepts a wide range of bits that can be changed out quickly and easily
- Variable speed trigger and 2-speed motor for maximum control and precision during use
- LED job light illuminates the work surface and is ideal in dark workspaces
- 460 in/lbs of torque to power through the toughest jobs with ease
- 1.5Ah Lithium-Ion slide batteries improve ergonomics and balance while extending run time
- 22+1 clutch offers 22 drive settings and one drill mode for both high torque applications and precision driving
- Metal belt hook for easy job site accessibility
- Battery charger circuitry prevents overheating and power loss
5) SKIL PWRCore 20 Cordless Drills
We’ve all been there: you’re in the middle of a job and your cordless drill starts to fail on you. Maybe the battery is running low, or maybe the motor just isn’t powerful enough for the task at hand. Whatever the reason, it’s frustrating and time-consuming.
Enter the SKIL PWRCore 20 Cordless Drill.
With a brushless motor, you get the power you need without sacrificing efficiency, which means you can work longer and get more done.
One of the standout features of this cordless drill is its 17+ torque settings which allows you to customize the drilling power to the specific job at hand, which not only saves battery life but also prolongs the life of the tool itself.
And speaking of battery life, the drill comes with a lithium battery that uses superior technology to keep each cell cool, which maximizes runtime and durability.
But let’s talk about convenience.
Well, the keyless metal ratcheting chuck not only provides a solid grip for stability when drilling on hard surfaces but also makes it easy to change out drill bits, which is a key advantage if you’re looking for convenience.
Pros
- Keyless metal ratcheting chuck allows for easy bit changes
- Brushless motor
- 17+ torque settings
- PWR core 20 Lithium battery technology wraps Each cell with cooling material
- Plugin To the battery’s USB port wherever, whenever with PWR assist mobile charging
My Verdict: The Best Corded Drill Is…
BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver
The BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver has a lightweight and compact design, a 20-volt lithium-ion battery for longer runtime, and an 11-position clutch for precision control. It also has a variable speed trigger and keyless chuck for effortless drill bit changes. Due to all these features I decided to pick it up for the best cordless drill available right now.
Quick Comparison Table
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Must-Have Features for The Best Cordless Drills
Great Battery Life
Let’s talk about the lifeblood of your cordless drill. That’s right, I’m talking about the battery. And there’s a lot to consider when analyzing the battery of your next cordless drill.
First of all, you wanna make sure you’re going with a lithium-ion battery as these babies make cordless drills lightweight and they allow them to run for a serious time without stopping.
And here’s a little tip for ya: check if the drill has a fast-charging feature.
I mean, you don’t wanna be sitting around waiting for your battery to charge when you’re in the middle of a job. With fast-charging, you’ll be back in action in no time.
Last but not least, you wanna make sure you’ve got a battery indicator on your drill which will allow you to keep track of your battery life and plan accordingly. Some drills even have a “fuel gauge” that shows you how much power is left, like a gas tank in your car.
Ergonomics and Durable Materials
When it comes to cordless drills, having a comfortable grip is crucial.
After all, you don’t want to experience painful hand fatigue after drilling for hours on end, right?
That’s why I always look for drills engineered with ergonomic fundamentals in mind.
A comfortable grip is not only more pleasant to use, but it can also help prevent accidents caused by slippage as it allows you to have total control of the tool.
Additionally, it’s essential to consider the materials that make up your cordless drill.
Many products on the market today are made with cheap, low-quality plastic that can easily break or wear down over time, which is what you want to avoid. Instead, you’d wanna go with a cordless drill made with top quality materials that will feel good to the touch and last for longer.
The Same Torque and Power as Corded Drills Have
Torque is the real MVP when it comes to cordless drills as it’s the deciding factor that separates the amateurs from the pros.
So, if you want to drill through tough materials like a boss, you better make sure your drill has some serious torque power.
I mean, the higher the torque, the more powerful your drill will be, and the easier it’ll be to handle those tough jobs that require some extra torque, like drilling through thick metal or concrete.
So, my advice to you is to look for a cordless drill that packs at least 300 unit watts out (UWO) of torque power. This will equip you with the necessary torque to take on a variety of tasks that any skilled tradesman may encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it comes to buying the best cordless drill, there are a lot of questions that people tend to ask. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions that can help you make.
What is a cordless drill used for?
Well, the answer is simple: a cordless drill is used for drilling holes and driving screws into various materials, such as wood, metal, and even concrete.
Whether you’re building a bookshelf, hanging a picture frame, or installing new cabinets, a cordless drill will be the tool to make this possible.
It must be said, though, the chances of a cordless drill drilling through a surface will highly depend on the torque delivered by the cordless drill. If you wanna know more about this, plrease read the “must have features” I wrote previously in this article.
What is the difference between a drill and a drill driver?
Some folks use these terms interchangeably, but there are some important distinctions to be made between a drill and a drill driver.
A drill is a tool designed for drilling holes and driving screws into a variety of materials, from wood to metal to plastic. It typically has a chuck that can hold various sizes of drill bits and screwdriver bits.
On the other hand, a drill driver, also known as a cordless drill driver, is a type of drill that combines drilling and screw driving functions into one tool. It often has an adjustable clutch that allows you to control the torque when driving screws, so you don’t accidentally over-tighten them and strip the threads.
So, while both tools can be used for drilling and driving, a drill driver offers a bit more versatility and precision when it comes to driving screws.
What is the difference between a drill and a power drill?
A regular drill is a handheld tool used for drilling holes, usually in wood or other soft materials.
On the other hand, a power drill is a more versatile tool that can do much more than just drill holes. It often has additional features, such as a hammer function for drilling into concrete or a clutch that can adjust the torque for different materials.
So, if you’re looking for a tool that can do more than just drill holes, then a power drill is the way to go. But if you only need a tool for basic drilling tasks, a regular drill may suffice.
