Best Cordless Drill Review 2021
Completing your DIY project by having one tool with all the versatility of 10!
Ratings scorecard
| Rating | Makita FD06R1 | Milwaukee 2503-22 | DeWalt DCD701F2 | DeWalt DCD991P2 | Kobalt KXDD 1424A-03 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Speed |
10 / 10 |
9 / 10 |
9 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
|
Power |
9 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
|
Run Time |
7 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
7.5 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
|
Charge Time |
8.5 / 10 |
9 / 10 |
9 / 10 |
9 / 10 |
4 / 10 |
|
Handling |
10 / 10 |
10 / 10 |
8.5 / 10 |
7 / 10 |
7 / 10 |
|
Noise |
10 / 10 |
7 / 10 |
9 / 10 |
4.5 / 10 |
7 / 10 |
Cordless Drill Reviews
1. Makita FD06R1
Product Highlights
The Makita 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4” Hex Driver-Drill delivers power and speed in an ultra-compact size for drilling, driving and fastening applications.
The FD06R1 weighs only 2.1 lbs. (with 12V max CXT 2.0Ah battery) and delivers 250 in.lbs. of Max Torque.
It’s an ideal solution for users seeking a more compact driver-drill with less weight or for applications in tight spaces.
The 12V max CXT lithium-Ion batteries are engineered with a Battery Protection Circuit that protects against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating.
It’s part of the expanding 12V max CXT series, combining performance with superior ergonomics in a compact size.
light-duty
Overview:
Peak Torque: 250 in-lbs.
RPM: 1,700
Battery Volt: 12V
Chuck: ¼ in hex
Clutch: 19
Measured Charge Time: 60 min.
What we like
- Lightweight and compact - suitable for tight spaces
- Less noise
- Drilling holes and driving screws quickly
- LED light
- Battery charge indicator
- Adjustable rotation speed of drill bits
- Ergonomic handle
- Ideal for work in tight spaces
What we don’t like
- Not compatible with 12V max pod-style tools, batteries and chargers
2. Milwaukee 2503-22
Product Highlights
Most Capable, Lightest Weight, Most Compact tool in its class.
The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers the power to do a wide variety of applications at 1700 RPM’s and 350in.lbs. of torque.
Weighing only 2.3lbs it is extremely portable, great for overhead applications, reduces fatigue throughout the day. At 6.6″ in length this tool has the best access in tight spaces.
REDLINK™ Plus intelligence protects the tool from overloads and overheating while ensuring maximum performance.
Using REDLITHIUM™ 2.0Ah compact and 4.0Ah extended capacity battery packs they deliver more work per charge and more work over the life of the pack than competitive batteries.
General use
Overview:
Peak Torque: 350 in-lbs.
RPM: 1,700
Battery Volt: 12V
Chuck: 1/2 in
Clutch: 17
Measured Charge Time: 30-75 min.
What we like
- Easy to use and Light weight
- Powerful Motor and Excellent torque
- Chuck that ratchets
- Most Compact in its class for the best access in tight spaces
- Drills quickly
What we don’t like
- Doesn’t have enough power for big jobs
3. DeWalt DCD701F2
Product Highlights
This drill is compact and performance packed, ideal for precision applications like drilling small pilot holes.
It can also can accept up to a ½ in. spade bit. At only 5.97 in. long, it is packed to perform with a 2-speed transmission.
It also features a bright LED positioned light on the foot to illuminate work areas.
Best buy
Overview:
Peak Torque: 250 UWO
RPM: 1,500
Battery Volt: 12V
Chuck: 3/8 in
Clutch: 15
Measured Charge Time: 55 min.
What we like
- Small and Light weight
- Powerful Motor and Excellent torque Compared to size
- Less noise
- Drilling holes and driving screws quickly
- LED light
- Battery charge indicator
- Ratcheting chuck for a wide variety of bits
- Short recharge time
What we don’t like
- Cannot store a bit on drill
4. DeWalt DCD991P2
Product Highlights
This drill is equipped with a 3-speed, all-metal high-performance transmission optimizes tool-to-task for fast application speeds and improved run-time.
DEWALT-built high power, high efficiency brushless motor delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed and includes a heavy-duty 1/2″ ratcheting nitro-carburized metal chuck with carbide inserts for superior bit gripping strength.
Comes with 3-Mode LED provides lighting in dark or confined spaces up to 20X brighter allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces.
heavy-duty
Overview:
Peak Torque: 820 UWO
RPM: 2250
Battery Volt: 20V
Chuck: 1/2 in
Clutch: 12
Measured Charge Time: 75 min.
What we like
- Has sufficient power and force to withstand tough materials
- LED light
- Battery charge indicator
- Chuck that ratchets
- Short recharge time
- Three-speed mode is an excellent feature
- Comfortable grip
- It offers incredible stability when working with solid materials
What we don’t like
- More difficult to handle and maneuver
- Heavy
- Cannot store a bit on drill
5. Kobalt KXDD 1424A-03
Product Highlights
The XTR Hammer Drill Driver is designed with a brushless motor that delivers up to 50% Extra Performance and Power to meet your most demanding jobs.
While the compact design allows you to work in tight spaces and reduce fatigue. XTR, elevating the Kobalt 24-volt Max system to new heights.
It has 2-Speed gear box and variable-speed trigger with 24-position clutch, Brushless motor delivers up to 1,200 in-lbs of torque and an anti-kickback technology for improved control.
Best buy (Heavy-duty)
Overview:
Peak Torque: 1200 in-lbs.
RPM: 2000
Battery Volt: 24V
Chuck: 1/2 in
Clutch: 24
Measured Charge Time: 85 min.
What we like
- Powerful Motor and Excellent torque Compared to size
- Anti-kickback technology
- 24 position chuck
- LED light
- Battery charge indicator
- Heavy/solid feel to the unit
- Compact design
What we don’t like
- Weight might be an issue if using the belt clip
Essential Features
Chuck Size
The chuck is the drill’s three-pronged clamp that keeps the bits in place. The drill’s power is proportional to the size of the chuck. The heaviest-duty drills usually have a 1/2-inch chuck.
For most DIYers, a drill with a 3/chuck is sufficient. Drills intended for lightweight jobs often have 1/4-inch chucks.
Many cordless drills today have keyless chucks so you can change bits without needing extra tools.
Lithium-Ion Batteries
Lithium-ion batteries, which are lighter than previous nickel-cadmium batteries, are used in the majority of cordless drills today. Some higher-end drills come with two batteries, a spare when one is in use.
Most powerful cordless drills use 18-volt or 20-volt batteries. Extra power means more weight, which can be challenging for your hands, wrists, and arms. If you merely intend to use your drill for basic chores, 12 volts or less will suffice.
Charger and Charge Indicator
The newest generation of batteries and chargers prevent overcharging batteries. The chargers have an indicator light that shows how near the batteries are to being charged completely.
On some manufacturers, the batteries themselves have indication lights as well.
Brushless motors
Heavy-duty drill models have brushless motors included. It decreases friction and sense resistance from the work material, regulating the amount of power drawn from the battery. According to manufacturers, it means longer run times, more power, and longer product life in the long run.
FAQs
When looking for a cordless drill, look for ones that say “brushless motor.” While the distinctions between brushless and brushed motors are quite technical, the most essential differences for the average DIYer are that brushless motors do not generate friction or heat during usage, last longer, require less maintenance, and perform better.
A cordless drill and an electric screwdriver are not the same thing, despite their comparable appearances and functions. Electric screwdrivers have only two functions: to drive screws in or to loosen screws so that they can be pulled out again. On most electric screwdrivers, you can’t change the speed or torque.
Cordless drills, on the other hand, can be used for a variety of tasks depending on the attached bit. You can use your drill to drill holes, break up grout, stir paint, and grind or sand surfaces in addition to driving or loosening screws.
Lithium-ion batteries are used in the majority of cordless drills nowadays. As a general rule, these batteries should last for about 500 charges before needing to be replaced.
The amount of time a single charge lasts depends on a number of things, including the battery’s age, the speed and torque settings of the drill while you’re working, and the hardness of the substance you’re drilling into.
However, depending on the type and battery age, a cordless drill battery charge can last anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours, and it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 5 hours to recharge the battery, but most are in the middle or around the lower end of that range.
Final Verdict
Every workshop needs a cordless drill, and the feature-rich DeWalt DCD991P2 is an excellent choice. However, if you only need a simple tool with few frills for basic DIY task around the house, the Milwaukee 2503-22 can stand the job.
