How to Choose the Best Cordless Drill
If you’d like to learn more about how to choose a drill that meets your needs and budget, simply follow the 3 easy steps…
Step 1 – Select the Type of Drill You Need
The most common types of cordless power drills are summarized below. Select the drill that best fits your needs.
Drill Driver - The most common power tool in a Do-It-Yourself tool box is the Drill Driver. It drills holes and drives screws. If you don’t already have a cordless drill, the versatile Drill Driver is probably the best tool to start with.
Hammer Drill - Will you frequently drill into brick or concrete? Hammer Drills combine drilling and hammer action, delivering thousands of blows per minute (BPM) that pulverizes masonry easier than a Drill Driver. See our Hammer Drill Reviews
Cordless Screwdriver - For easy jobs like outlet covers, wall pictures, or barbecue grills, consider a Cordless Screwdriver. These electric screwdrivers are small, light-weight, and convenient to use. See our Cordless Screwdriver Reviews
Impact Driver – If you need to drive large lag screws or heavy-duty fasteners, the Impact Driver is for you. It serves up about 3 to 4 times more torque than a Drill Driver, making driving so much easier. See our Impact Driver Reviews
Power Drill - We’re all about cordless here at Cordless Drill Reviews. But we have to admit that an inexpensive, corded Power Drill is still the best tool for those jobs requiring a lot of raw power. See our Power Drill Reviews
Screw Gun – Do you need to hang drywall, install subflooring, or build a deck? Screw Guns allow you to repeatedly drive screws and countersink holes to a desired depth. They can even auto-feed the screws into the drill.
Right Angle Drill - For working in close quarters, a Right Angle Drill can be the best cordless drill for you. This drill is especially beneficial for electrical, plumbing, and cabinetry work when drilling in hard to access areas.
Step 2 – Select Your Voltage Level
Every drill that is evaluate at is assigned to one of the following user categories. Select the voltage level that best describes the projects you have in mind.
| User | Min Volt | Max Volt | Projects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Renter | 9.6V | 12V | - Drill holes and drive screws in wood - Install blinds and curtain rods - Hang pictures and light fixtures - Assemble furniture and appliances |
| Homeowner | 12V | 14.4V | - Perform general home maintenance - Drill holes, drive screws in wood - Drill holes in metal - Weekend DIY projects |
| DIYer | 14.4V | 18V | - Serious DIY projects - Home remodeling and deck building - Wood-working and furniture building - Uses large spade bits and hole saws - Drives large lag bolts and fasteners |
| Professional | 18V | 24V | - General trades - Plumbers, electricians, carpenters - Heavy duty drilling and fastening - Durability & performance is critical - Tough jobsite conditions |
Step 3 – Read the Best Cordless Drill Reviews
Now that you know the type of drill and voltage level you need, the final step is to check ratings and read reviews:
- Start with an overview of our best Cordless Drill Ratings and compare the strengths and weaknesses of the top-rated drills.
- Check our Best Cordless Drill Review list to see our top recommendations for renters, homeowners, DIYers, and professionals.
- Browse the Cordless Drill Comparison tables and select those drills that you’d like to learn more about.
- For ratings and reviews on over 35 hammer drills, visit Hammer Drill Reviews
- Looking for a cordless screwdriver? See our Cordless Screwdriver Reviews
- For tough jobs requiring a lot of torque, look at the Impact Driver Reviews
- If you’re looking for just an 18V drill, check the 18V Cordless Drill Reviews
I would like to thank Cordless Drill Review for their information and independent reviews.
