What’s the Best Cordless Drill Brand?

If you’re into woodworking, you will need a cordless drill.  You may find yourself asking, ‘what’s the best cordless drill brand for my woodworking needs?’ Granted there are a lot of options with differences in power, mobility, speed, weight as well as quality, efficiency and budget to consider.

[lwptoc numerationSuffix=”none” title=”Quick Links To Items On This Page” hideItems=”1″]

It use to be so simple: Drills were made up of metal, had a single fast speed and would rotate in one direction (forward) and we used an extension if we drilled somewhere where there was no power outlet nearby. Did we ever imagine the tool industry will improvise so much?

Today we have cordless drills (battery powered drills) and drills that are more powerful and reliable. Drills that can be used on forward and backward directions.

The right drill will accomplish plenty of your woodwork round the home or workshop. Whether you are a professional or a passionate DIY person at home, you will need a powerful drill for fastening nuts or drilling holes or just another mixing job.

The option for the use of the electric drills are boundless, whether to simply install shelves or wall decors, or to just create holes in the wall. It really depends on what your needs and preferences are.

In terms of finding the best cordless drill brand, we tested a range of drills and gave them a score based on power, speed and run time.  Most cordless drills these days run on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries as they deliver more power and longer run times.  Because batteries have such a direct impact on performance, our reviews focused on the ones that use this type of battery. What’s the best cordless drill brand for my woodworking needs

Before you compare brands, you’ll want to narrow your search based on how you think you will be using the drill in your work space.  Really you could divide cordless drills into three areas – Heavy duty, general use and light duty.

I must admit, I have noticed manufacturers marketing drills this way, so instead we looked at the chuck size to compare models.

What’s a Chuck?

A chuck is basically a three-pronged clamp that secures bits at the business end of any drill.  The greater a drill’s chuck’s capacity, the bigger the bit it can house and ultimately the more power it will also have.  A chuck’s size is a good proxy for intended use.  Eg Heavy-duty drill outfitted with a half inch chuck can accept most any drill bit.  This means they could be used for drilling into bricks or concrete blocks (and are therefore more heavy and more expensive).  They would use between an 18 – 24-volt battery.

Whereas a general use type drill (12 volt battery) would be served with a 3/8 inch chuck model.  They can bore holes in wood with relative ease and drive a pouch full of screws on a single charge. If you need to take on the occasional heavier job, you could always combine this with a hammer drill too.

Lastly a light duty drill is best suited for small jobs around the house; assembling flat packs, changing a light fixture or drilling into dry wall.  Batteries still range from 12 to 20 volts but they have a small motor that don’t spin or drive with the same force as heavy duty or general use drills.  They are fixed with a ¼ socket designed to accept only ¼ inch bits.  Still have their place and you certainly don’t want something heavy above your head when fixing up a smoke alarm or whatever.

So before buying a new one, clip in the battery and grip it to see how it handles and decide whether you could tolerate the weight for more lengthy projects.  Wield it up high above your head as if you were changing a light bulb and you’ll notice right away if it’s too heavy.  Also consider the type of grip you would be happy with and how comfy it is.  Some general use drills have a pistol grip with a cylindrical battery buried in the handle (pretty comfy to grasp I think).  But they don’t have a flat battery at the base of the handle so they don’t stand upright on their own.  Will this drive you crazy as you’ll have to lay it down after each fastener.

How to Buy a Cordless Drill and What’s the Best Cordless Drill Brand?

Firstly consider these three configurations

1. A standalone tool with one or two batteries and a dedicated charger
2. As part of a collection of cordless tools from the same brand (called a kit)
3. As a bare tool without a battery or charger.

While option 3 is the least expensive, it is the worst value as it’s more expensive to buy additional items at a later stage.  If you only want a drill and no other power tools, go for option 1.  If you’re on the look out for other tools (such as a circular saw, a reciprocating saw and an impact driver) consider getting a kit.  Sometimes the kits typically feature 18-volt tools so the included drill would be a heavy duty model.  However, kits often come with two batteries and a charger.  If you already have a compatible battery from a different cordless tool, the bare tool should be good enough.

**Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, with no additional cost to you, I can earn from qualifying purchases. I sure do appreciate it as it helps to maintain this site.  Knowing me though, I’ll most likely buy a beer with it instead!  Of course you can buy these products in a retail store too.  Totally up to you!

The Best Cordless Drill Brands Compared

5 Cordless Drill Features that Matter

1. Chuck Size
2. Lithium-ion Batteries (voltage correlates roughly to power). Amp hours indicates how much fuel the battery contains which translates to run time. A 4.0 amp hour battery should run twice as long as a 2.0 amp battery (but it’s also twice as heavy)
3. Brushless Motor (reduces friction and sense resistance from the work material)
4. Charger and Charge Indicator (new chargers include an indicator light which clearly displays how close the battery is to full charge. Some brands also include indicator lights on the batteries themselves)
5. Extra features such as an in-built LED work light, a single Phillips bit, belt clips and hard-sided cases. A few brands stand out for extra features.  Milwaukee offers charges capable of charging both it’s 12 and 18 volt batteries at the same time – nice if you own a drill of each type.

What’s the best cordless Drill Brand?

This answer to this question would surely be hotly contested depending on who you ask and what type of drill they use and for what purpose.  If ‘best’ meant the largest seller than Stanley’s Black and Decker would win.  This company produces drills under the Black and Decker, DeWalt and Porter-Cable brands.  TTI, another large manufacturer makes Milwaukee tools which are generally marketed towards contractors as well as Ridgid and Ryobi.  Bosch also makes and sells under the Skil brand with Hitachi, Makita, Panasonic and Worx sold in huge volume in online market places.

We selected 5 Top Selling Cordless Drills to suit a broad cross section of needs.  Our guide is based on our own experience with these drills as well as researching hundreds of reviews that offer insight and perspective.  So grab a coffee (or a beer) and check out our Top 5 Cordless Drills from 5 different brands.  Please note that we are promoting drills from Amazon and will get a small commission if you make a purchase (so thanks very much if you do – Ill put it towards my next project!)What’s the best cordless drill brand for my woodworking needs

Our Reviews On the Best Cordless Drill Brand

Bosch Power Tools Drill Kit DDB181-02 – 18V Cordless Drill/Driver Tool Set with 2 Lithium Ion Batteries, 18 Volt Charger, & Soft Carry Contractor Bag – Top Pick

I love this drill.  If you know anything about battery operated tools, you know that a battery usually costs more than a new tool.  When I look for a drill, I consider three key things; it must be light weight; it should have two batteries (so I don’t have to wait for one to charge plus an included battery is cheaper than buying a separate one) and it has to be from a reputable brand.  I like Bosch as if you buy a quality tool you don’t have to fork out money down the track.

It’s got a great rubber-coated grip that fits my hand easily.  Attaching the bits is a snap and there’s a one double-ended Phillips bit included.  As a bonus, there’s an LED work light which is pretty cool.  Although it’s not brushless, it’s probably unnecessary for the average DIY’r.

It comes with a soft-sided case, which is fine for my use.

The torque is pretty good and definitely good enough to get simple house projects done.  Great to just depress the trigger half way to get the light on, find where to place the drill then drill.  It’s more compact than the older version I use to have (a smaller motor) but with plenty of grunt and minimal vibration to get the job done.

To check the price on the Bosch Drill Kit (DDB181-02 – 18V) with 2 Lithium Ion Batteries, 18 Volt Charger, & Soft Carry Contractor Bag, Click Here.

The Good:

• High torque and speed yet light weight
• Includes: LED light, screwdriver bit, 18V charger, 2 batteries and carrying bagStandard 1/2” 3 jaw chuck to accept any manufacturers bits and drivers so you don’t have to buy the Bosch ones (although the Bosch ones are pretty good)
• Variable speed and 20+1 clutch settings for versatility
• Compact Drill/Driver
• Battery included

The Bad:

• No battery status lights
• Not brushless (check out the DDS182 version that is)
• No bit holder included (there is a Phillips bit in the handle but no holder comes with it)
• Only 1 year warranty

BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20V MAX Lithium Ion Drill / Driver – Budget Friendly

With over 5000 reviews on Amazon for this product, there are good reasons with this little beauty from Black and Decker is a best seller.  First of all, it’s very light weight (even with the battery) which is great to cart up and down ladders plus the price (at only around $50) make it good for small DIY projects around the house.  It has pretty much all the features that more expensive brands do except it doesn’t come with a carrying/storage case.  Also, it’s a pity the body of the drill is cheap plastic – but I guess that’s how they keep the price low.  It was a breeze to use while installing some new drywall and removing some old shelves and has plenty of torque for small jobs.  I did notice that it has a brushed motor instead of a brushless, so eventually the brushes will need to be replaced.

This is a chuckless drill so no little chuck to keep track of. You will need drill bits as none come with it but a two headed screwdriver bit (Philips and slot head) comes with it and there is even a place to store that on the drill itself. The drill has a lock button so it’s safe for use around kids and you can adjust the torque via a marked ring around the drill bit collar.

It’s good to have compatibility with the battery and charger being able to be used on other B&D products.

This drill is fine for light duty tasks, but not expect this drill to have the same muscle of it’s AC powered cousin.  However, for everyday repairs and minor projects it seems to be a win. A great back up for a professional and perfect for the homeowner who doesn’t have to deal with pesky extension cords.

To check the price on the BLACK+DECKER (LDX120C 20V) MAX Lithium Ion Drill / Driver, Click Here.

The Good:

• Comes with a battery, charger and 1 x double ended bit
• Includes an LED light
• Standard 1/2″ 3 jaw chuck to accept any manufacturers bits and drivers
• 11 position clutch prevents stripping and overdriving screws
• Compact and light weight
• Long lasting lithium-ion battery

The Bad:

• No battery status lights
• No carrying case included (The LDC120PK (kit) comes with a case and assorted tools but costs more.)
• Not a brushless motor

Makita XFD10R 18V Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit – Most Innovative

Without a doubt the biggest advantage to this machine is the driver torque; 480 inch lbs (higher than anything that is a battery powered drill/driver combo that I’ve seen).  This means that if you need to drive pocket hole screws (or long ones) into hardwood, then this tool is for you!

The keyless chuck accepts 1/2” drills and has a two speed mechanism with the trigger being variable speed.

Love the bright LED for illumination of the work.

It’s surprisingly light weight with great power for the size and weight of the battery.  Pretty cool that the charger has a built in fan to cool the battery during charging which should help extend the battery service life.  The speed can be a bit rough when going slowly (it’s a brushed motor) but it still gets the job done.

If you have been using cheaper drills and are after something cordless with quality that will last, this thing rocks.  I have owned many Makita tools and have always been impressed with their functionality, durability and ease of use.  This drill is no exception.

Overall the is a honey. The two speed option is great and the locking chuck is pretty cool.  The battery is long lasting and charges fast.  It doesn’t have the power for big ‘construction-type’ purposes as if you put a good load to it, the chuck will spine on the drill drive shaft. Still perfect for jobs around the house.

To check the price on the Makita (XFD10R 18V )Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/2″ Driver-Drill Kit, Click Here.

The Good:

• Comes with drill, a carrying case, two batteries and a charger with a charge level light
• Long lasting lithium battery
• A keyless ratcheting chuck to prevent bit slippage
• Reverse switch included (3 position switch in the middle above the trigger)
• Rubberized soft grip handle

The Bad:

• No battery life meter included.
• Not an impact device – drill only
• Chuck type: Plastic Ratcheting

DEWALT DCD777C2 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact Drill Driver – Best Brushless Drill

This is a great mid-price drill that comes with two easily charged batteries.  It is variable speed and can be used for drilling and driving screws.  It has an adjustable clutch with 16 settings which all work fine.  Just set the clutch to the desired value and drive the screws to the same depth – no need to worry about overdriving the screws too deep. Previously I used a drill with a screwdriver bit to drive screws, but found myself mainly spinning the bit on the screw head.  You won’t have this problem with this driver.

It comes with two lithium-ion batteries (always helpful to have a second battery), a charger and a carry bag so it’s probably a case that you get what you pay for as cheaper versions do not offer this.

The size and power of this thing is awesome.  A great choice for the avid DIYer who is after a dependable drill.  My dad owns one and he mainly uses it with a wire brush attachment to knock off rust and old paint while restoring vehicles.  Also uses it for vehicle headliners as you’re able to knock it into the lower gear and have more control while using the brush.What’s the best

So if you’re after a brushless drill with a good name and brand drill, this Dewalt packs plenty of grunt and battery power to that’s made to last.  The flashlight it comes with is pretty handy too.

To check the price on the DEWALT (DCD777C2) 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact Drill Driver, Click Here.

The Good:

• 30 Piece Accessories included
• Trigger activated LED light
• 30 min fast charging device
• Efficient brushless technology
• 3 year warranty included plus 1 year free service and 90 day money back guarantee

The Bad:

• No battery life meter included
• Not an impact device – drill only
• Chuck type:  Plastic Ratcheting

Milwaukee M12 12V 3/8-Inch Drill Driver (2407-20) – Best bare tool only (Battery, Charger, and Accessories Not Included)

This is a little gem by Milwaukee.  It’s lightweight, durable with plenty of power for any home project.  It’s a nice compact package built solid with a great grip area.  My mate has one that he used every day as an aircraft mechanic.  It gets mostly used as a screw and bolt driver with plenty of torque for every day jobs.

Would recommend buying two batteries so you can work non-stop and the drill will work at full capacity until the battery gives up, then it dies almost instantly (without warning!).

Love that it has a metal chuck and one handed tightening or loosening of bits.  It’s also comfortable to hold with a bright LED light that comes on whenever the trigger is pulled (might be a bit too bright and you can’t turn it off).

For your basic needs around the house, I would recommend this M12 drill.  Bare in mind that battery life with the smallest 12v lithium is nothing great, but they charge fast and can be used with some of your other Milwaukee tools if you have them.

The combination of high power, light weight and small size makes it perfect for so many different tasks including the need to drill holes into wood.  It probably won’t work for very tough jobs and is certainly not the drill for everybody.

It is a professional tool that offers good value for many in the 12v range.

The Good:

• Metal ratcheting chuck for maximum durability
• Value for money
• Delivers up to 275 in lbs of Torque
• Small and powerful for the size
• Battery fuel gauge included to display remaining run time
• 5 year warranty.  Go to Milwaukeetools.com to register

The Bad:

• No battery, charger or accessories included
• Not brushless
• You cannot turn off the LED light!

Final Thoughts…..

At the end of the day any tool should feel comfortable when you use it. A drill may feel great when you first pick it up, but consider what it will feel like after a few hours of use. Think about the work you need to do, and balance the power you want against the size and weight you can comfortably handle. The design of the drill also affects how it feels.  So what’s the best cordless drill brand?  At the end of the day, the choice is yours.  I personally prefer the Bosch, but as you can see, even that has it’s drawbacks.  I would encourage you to read other reviews too and you’ll soon get a feel for the product that is right for you.

For further information including feedback, comments, suggestions or questions, please contact us as we would love to hear from you.

 Quick Links to Our Top 5 Cordless Drills

1. Bosch 18v cordless drill, Top Pick
2. Black and Decker, 20v drill/driver, Budget Friendly
3. Makita, 18v, Drill Kit, Most Innovative
4. DeWalt 20v, drill driver, Best Brushless Drill
5. Milwaukee, 12v, Best Bare Tool

Looking for other products?  Check out our review guides on:

Pocket Hole Jigs by Kreg

The Best Jigsaws for Woodworking in 2019

What is a Miter Saw used for?

What to look for when buying a Circular Saw