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Since you came to this site, I will assume you are looking to buy a cordless drill. With so many drills to pick from, the question is, “what’s the best cordless drills to buy?”
The best cordless drill doesn’t have to be the most expensive one, or the drill that has the most features. The best cordless drill for you may not be the same as it is for other shoppers.
The best one for you is the one that best fits your eeds. Click here to see our #1 pick on Amazon.com
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Best Cordless Drills on the market
- Top 3 Best Cordless Drill Reviews
- #1. Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Combo Kit – best 18v cordless drill
- #2. DEWALT DCD775KL 18-Volt Cordless Hammer-Drill – best power drill
- #3. Bosch HDS181-02 18V Compact Tough Hammer Drill / Driver – lightweight cordless drill
- Conclusion
- Cordless Drill Benefits
- Convenience
- Built-in LED Work Light
- Extended Battery Life
- Spare Battery Pack
- Hammer Action
- Gears for Increased Torque
- Speed Control
- Higher Power Ratings
- Greater Versatility
- Top Rated Cordless Drill Brands Reviews
- 1. Makita Cordless Drill
- 2. Black and Decker Cordless Drill
- 3. Milwaukee Cordless Drill
- Cordless Drill Buyers Guide
- Is Cordless Better Than Corded?
- Types of Cordless Drills
- Size is Another Factor For Cordless Drills
- Voltage and Batteries
- Speed
- Hammer Action
- Features to Consider When Buying a Cordless Drill
- Additional Features to Consider With a Cordless Drill:
- How do You Choose the Best Cordless Drill?
- Here are some factors to consider when deciding which battery voltage is best for your specific applications
- Before you buy
- The 18V Cordless Drill Buying Guide
- What to Look For When Buying a New 18v Cordless Drill
- Conclusion
- Advantages of Using the Best Lithium Ion Cordless Drill
- Types of Cordless Drill Batteries
Top 3 Best Cordless Drills on the market
You have your own reason to buy a cordless drill. That reason may be totally different than the reason given by most other cordless drill shoppers.
Some will be totally motivated by price, while others will be looking for specific features. Depending on the exact use, some will make their determination based on the size of drill they need.
Your choice may be based on one of these reasons or on all of the above.
I know how frustrating it is choosing the right drill, so I started this post to help solve that problem. I don’t sell drills, I just do research on them and write about them and give unbiased opinions on which ones I think are the best drills for you.
Top 3 Best Cordless Drill Reviews
#1. Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Combo Kit – best 18v cordless drill
Whether you are a hard-core DIY hobbyist or a professional tradesman, it is important to pick the best tools for the job in hand.
Whether working on a busy site or at home, it can be really helpful to have a powerful and versatile piece of equipment which is also a portable size.
This Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Cordless 2-Piece Combo kit, best 18V cordless drill, could be that choice.
Makita are a well respected brand for producing power tools. They are particularly known for their cutting-edge engineering that goes into all their tools and inparticular, their interest in making the most energy efficient tools possible.
Here, you get two great products all together in one great package.
What’s in the Box:
- 1/2 Inch Driver-Drill
- Impact Driver
- 2 x 18 Volt Lithium-Ion Batteries
- Rapid Optimum Charger
- Contractor Bag
The best way to consider whether this Makita LCT200W Combo kit is the one for you, is to look at it in terms of its weight, battery, power, speed and torque.
It is also important for you to look at the design and how user-friendly it is, particularly if you will be using the tools for long periods.
Next, consider what consumers have said about the Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Combo Kit, are there any problems with it, and finally, what warranty does it come with.
Let’s take a closer look.
Weight
The main driver-drill of this Makita LCT200W set weighs only 3.5lbs, while the Makita impact-driver weighs only 2.8Lbs. Amazingly lightweight considering they are powered by 18 volts. This is a big bonus if you intend using this drill for long periods.
Typically the more powerful the drill, the heavier the battery will be and thus, the heavier the drill will be.
Batteries
As is standard with most professional quality power tools, the Makita LCT200WCombo Kit comes with 2 powerful 18-volt lithium-ion batteries.
These lithium-ion batteries weigh 40% less than the old NiCd batteries and will provide you with 2,000 charge cycles. This is 2.5 times more than what you got with the old NiCd batteries.
Speed And Power
The Makita runs on 18 volts, making this a very flexible drill. You can use the drill for all types of fastening, driving and of course drilling.
Being a compact size, you will find this drill very useful for woodworking, remodelling, electrical, plumbing or HVAC jobs.
This Makita driver-drill comes with 2 sppeds – 0-400RPM for low speed settings and 0-1,500RPM for much higher speed settings. This gives you a maximum torque of 480 inches to pounds and a PTI torque of 290 inches to pounds.
The impact driver gives 1,280 inches to pounds of torque, at speeds of 2,300 RPMs and around 3,200 IPM.
What Else Should I Know
Another thing that makes this Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Cordless Combo a truly flexible piece of kit is the fact that the chuck is keyless, meaning that if you are in a tight spot or up a ladder, you can easily untighten or tighten the drill when changing drill bits.
The Makita LCT200W has also been designed with the user’s comfort and safety in mind. Both the driver-drill and the impact driver are ergonomically produced so that the tools feel good in the users hand and will help reduce fatigue.
Any Issues
There appears to be a bit of a debate with regards to the lithium-ion batteries that power the drills. Some consumers have noted that the batteries do not have as good a charge time or are not as powerful as they are hinted at being. Other consumers offer a completely different story and state that they are very pleased with both the power and length of time they last.
Warranty
The Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Combo Kit comes with the Makita 3-year warranty as standard. This covers repairs that occur as a result of defects in material or workmanship for up to 3 years, whereas the Makita batteries and Rapid Optimum Charger come with a limited 1-year warranty, both of which begin on the date of purchase.
#2. DEWALT DCD775KL 18-Volt Cordless Hammer-Drill – best power drill
When it comes to choosing the best drill, the Dewalt DCD775KL should be seriouly concidered. This is both for the professional user and for those who will be just using it around the house as part of a weekend hobby.
One of the determining factors for a job looking good or bad is to pick the best tool for the job in hand.
To aid your choice, here is a balanced and fair review of the Dewalt DCD775KL 18 Volts 1/2 inch compact cordless Hammer Drill, which is one of the most up to date in the Dewalt range of cordless drills.
Let’s start with the name. Dewalt is a name that conveys the idea of well-made and quality products that are compact, easy to operate and pack a powerful punch when necessary.
The DCD775KL is the latest in a long line of great products and has the added bonus of being a hammer drill that can be used on masonry work.
What’s In The Dewalt DCD775KL Box?
- Cordless Dewalt Hammer Drill
- 2 Compact Lithium-ion Batteries
- 1×30 Minute Yellow-Top Lithium-ion/NiCad Charger
- Robust And Sturdy Kit Box
If you are not very knowledgeable about power tools, then buying a cordless drill can be a bit like trying to complete an obstacle course blindfolded.
The majority of people tend to make the same mistake of just buying the one that best fits in with their budget, rather than the best one for their intended purposes.
To help you from falling into this trap, please read the following balanced and fair review of the Dewalt DCD775KL and I will help you understand the different things you should be looking at when buying a cordless drill.
The main things you should be concerned about is the power, weight, battery and speed of the drill.
To make sure you make the wisest decision, it would be a good idea to read customer reviews by people who have actually used the tool and whether they recommend it or not.
As this is a balanced and unbiased review I will also look at any problems or common issues that have been raised concerning this drill and whether you get a decent warranty included.
Power/Voltage
One of the most important things about a power tool like a cordless drill is of course the power.
The DCD775KL is one of the most powerful and most compact hammer drills Dewalt have ever released.
The 18 volts Lithium-Ion batteries ensures that this drill is powerful enough to competently handle not only the lighter jobs around the house, but also be able to effectively perform on a construction site.
Weight
Although the DCD775KL is a very powerful hammer drill, it is amazingly lightweight at around 4.1 pounds. This is one of the benefits of using Lithium-ion batteries.
As well as enabling you to use the drill for longer periods of time, the compact nature of this Dewalt allows you to use the drill effectively in tight spaces and at awkward angles, making it much easier to use under sinks and in tight corners up high.
Battery
As mentioned in the previous section, one of the reasons the DCD775KL is such a lightweight cordless drill is the battery type.
It is powered by Lithium-ion batteries that weigh far less than the previously used NiCad batteries.
As well as being ultra-compact, these batteries take just 30 minutes to be fully charged with the included charger unit and last longer. This means that they can be used for long periods of time without having to recharge.
These batteries are compatible with any Dewalt power tool produced since 1996, so you can use them with other Dewalt products, making them of have real economic value.
Speed
As well as being compact, powerful and easy to use, the DCD775KL hammer drill from Dewalt also offers much versatility when it comes to speed.
It works with a dual speed range of 0 to 500 rpm and 0 to 1700 rpm, along with the faster 0 to 8500 rpm and 0 to 29000 rpm.
To help with the speed range, this drill has 17 clutch settings to help you find the right force and speed for the particular job you are working on.
What Else Does The Dewalt DCD775KL Offer?
As with any other Dewalt cordless drill or power tool on the market, this hammer drill has been manufactured with you, the customer in mind.
For ease of use, this Dewalt drill fits nicely into your hand, just like a glove due to its user-friendly, ergonomic design.
Instead of the 3/8 inch size chuck featured in many cordless drills these days, theDCD775KL has a 1/2 inch sized chuck, which allows you to use a wider range of drill bits, increasing its versatility even further.
Any Problems?
There appears to have been some minor complaints about the battery life (which overall seems to be unfounded) and the gentler clutch settings not being gentle enough, but these complaints are few and far between and seem to be in the minority.
Does This Dewalt DCD775KL Drill Come With A Warranty?
The DCD775KL comes with a limited 3 year warranty, a 90 day full money back guarantee and 1 years completely free service contract if any problems occur with the product.
#3. Bosch HDS181-02 18V Compact Tough Hammer Drill / Driver – lightweight cordless drill
Whether you are working on a busy building site or on a simple home improvement project, having the right tool for the job is important.
The Bosch HDS181-02 18V Compact Drill proves that sometimes, big things come in small packages! It is a lightweight cordless drill.
Bosch are known for their engineering prowess and the HDS181-02 really shows this with its lightweight design, but without compromising on either power or speed.
Let’s take a closer look at this Bosch cordless drill.
What’s in the box:
- Cordless Hammer Drill Driver (hammer allows for drilling hard surfaces)
- 2 x 18V Litheon Slim Pack Batteries (2 batteries are a must if using for long periods)
- 1 x Philips Double Ended Drive Bit
- Tough Carry Case and Storage Case
- Clear And Informative Operating Manual
Choosing the best cordless drill is not as easy as you may think. The compulsion can be to pick the one that fits into your budget, regardless of how well the drill is suited for the job you need to do. You may think that this doesn’t matter, when it really does.
There are certain things that you need to look out for before deciding which cordless drill is best. These include the power, battery, weight, speed and torque. It is also important to consider as to what kind of work the drill is designed for.
If you are going to use the drill for long periods, you will want one which is not too heavy. You want to read what people who have used this drill think of it, are there any issues with it, and if so, is it covered by a warranty.
Power
The HDS181-02 comes with 2x18v Slim Pack 1.5 AH batteries. I found these batteries to be extremely light-weight and long-lasting. These batteries power a 4 pole motor that gives you the maximum amount of power possible, despite its compact design. It has a versatile power system that means HDD and DD are both compatible with each Bosch Litheon battery.
Batteries
The kit comes with 2xSlim Pack 1.5 AH High Capacity litheon batteries and they give 50% more runtime than an ordinary litheon battery. They includes a handy electronic fuel gauge which allows you to be able to check if you have enough energy for jobs.
Additionally, the HD181-02 cordless drill can also work with the 1.3 Slim Pack, 2.6 AH Fat Pack and the 3.0 AH Fat Pack.
I recommend you use the Slim Packs if you want a more light weight drill, but use Fat Pack batteries if you will be using the drill for long periods.
Weight
Surprisingly, despite its power and speed capabilities, the HD181-02 is actually one the of the smallest drills of this type and weighs around 3 pounds. Even with the slightly heavier Fat Pack batteries, this drill is still quite light weight.
Speed And Torque
The HD181-02 comes with 2 speed settings, giving you extra versatility for different types of jobs. For jobs that require high torque, you can use the 0 to 500 RPM setting and for the jobs that require more high speed drilling, you have the option of 0 to 1,700 RPM.
This drill delivers top performance and strong power with its 600 inches-pounds of torque and comes with 18+1 clutch settings. You will find that the variable-speed trigger helps you to match the best speed necessary for the job in hand, so you can achieve precise results.
What Else
You need not worry about dropping this drill, as this HDS181-02 comes with a Durasheild housing, which is made of a Nylon and ABS compound that protects the drill when accidents occur. Even after a drop of 10 feet, the Durashield does not break easy.
The drill has a large 1/2-inch sized keyless chuck which allows you to be able to quickly and easily change the bits. Bosch have also paid attention to the need of the users, as this drill has a soft grip housing and handle which fits nicely in your hand.
For those hard to see corners and dully lit rooms, you will find a handy LED light.
Any Issues
Looking at the reviews at Amazon and elsewhere, there does’t seem to be any real problems with the drill.
Warranty
You need not worry, the Bosch HDS181-02 is covered by the ProVantage 3 year plan which gives you 2 year battery cover and a 1 year tool cover. You also get 2 years free battery replacements, 1 year tool replacement and a free tool repair for the 2nd and 3rd years.
Conclusion
If you are searching for a top-quality drill, I strongly recommend the Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Combo Kit.
The drill is light in weight, has great battery life, and is very powerful. Even if you only plan to use the drill once in a while for modest jobs, you will still benefit greatly by buying this drill.
Consider treating yourself to the Makita LCT200W 18-Volt Compact Lithium-Ion Combo Kit. Say good bye to heavy drills that seem to take forever to charge, then lose power before your job is done.
Whether you are a contractor or just a do it yourself, this cordless drill is a great choice.
Cordless Drill Benefits
Cordless drill facilitates us with a mechanism of powerful electric drill, where we don’t need of being tied to an electric plug outlet. They give us freedom to move anywhere, hence more suitable and convenient than cabled drills. Cordless drills are good equipment where we avoid need of long cables, they make easier to carry out work in inaccessible areas.
They facilitate us in many aspects and we can have a list of benefits from Cordless drill machines. For an intended purpose, it is very important to search out for the most appropriate type to carry out a different set of tasks.
There is a wide range of cordless drills that can vary from each other with respect to their functions and prices. They have a battery technology that makes them expensive than ordinary drills. Cordless drills have higher utility and they are becoming more attractive and appealing.
Cordless drills facilitate us with many great benefits. A list of their benefits is described below
Convenience
This is one of the most obvious advantages. No more need of a long electronic cable across a building. It greatly eliminates confusion and potential danger that such electronic cable signifies. Remote from electricity can easily be accessed in order to perform outdoor tasks. They are also best and convenient for many awkward areas like under sinks, the areas inside cupboards, the areas up the ladders, other areas that are on height. Here the absence of cable makes construction and repairing tasks safe and trouble free.
Built-in LED Work Light
Cordless drills take full advantage and enhance their flexibility and usability be providing an LED work light. It makes the task easier into the dark areas. LED work light makes cordless drill more convenient and ensures a variety of hassle-free drilling tasks in various circumstances.
Extended Battery Life
The advanced cordless drills are available with latest lithium-ion battery technology. This technology is already being used for mobile phones. Cordless drills have high energy density and that is the reason lithium-ion battery is very popular in recent cordless drills. This latest technology facilitates cordless drills with better overall battery capacity. That is because with extended battery life, a cordless drill serves for longer.
Spare Battery Pack
Latest cordless drills are available with the option of having a spare battery pack. This is because if first runs out in the middle of the operation than other battery continues that task without delay. Cordless drills are also available with “smart” charges, which can charge battery in less time. This pack maintains optimum power of the battery, hence extend the battery life.
Hammer Action
We can get the cordless drill with special hammer action. This action is helping to add greater momentum to the penetrating power of the bit. Hammer action is a pulsing mechanism that improves the ability of a drill to penetrate hard and tough areas.
Gears for Increased Torque
This is one of very influential benefit of cordless drills that make many constructions and carpentry jobs, and make the tasks done faster and more efficient. The gears actually optimized for faster and maximum speed, with lower and higher torques. Twisting power with low speed can make some tasks easier such as driving the screws and this mechanism is more convenient with such gears for the torque. Some cordless drills are available with two gears and others with three gears.
Speed Control
The cordless drills also facilitate us with variation in the speed levels. While starting the drilling process we are given with speed control, like at which point a low revolution rate makes the machine much easier to stabilize the bit.
Higher Power Ratings
Cordless drills are available with power ratings that range between 7.2 up to 24 volts. The high power rating, the more powerful the drill will be. This higher power rating of the drill allows it to tackle with tougher materials faster with less effort and don’t give any fatigue. With advanced battery technology, the cordless drill is capable of maintaining higher power ratings and this lets the machine to perform for longer. This is really the greater productivity of cordless drills.
Greater Versatility
Today’s cordless drills are found to be more versatile than previous drilling machines. They have a variety of features. Most cordless drills come along with drilling kit, so that we can have a selection of different drill bits. Some cordless drills that have higher specifications also have keyless SDS chucks. These chucks allow for tough drilling into metals, masonry and harder surfaces. There are other kits that contain sets of screwdriver heads so that cordless drills can perform tasks in a range of different circumstances.
Cordless drills are more beneficial if we perform the drilling tasks correctly. If cordless drills are not used properly, we can have many problems and difficulties, and we won’t be able to get perfect and up to the mark drilling tasks.
Top Rated Cordless Drill Brands Reviews
1. Makita Cordless Drill
Makita cordless drills are among the most widely recognized power tools in the market at present, and there are plenty of reasons for it. The brand sets a very high standard when it comes to manufacturing its products, so users are assured of receiving the best and most powerful tools in the industry.
The following are just few of the major highlights of the cordless drills with the Makita brand name:
1. High Comfort / Convenience Level
One of the most obvious advantages of the different cordless drills from Makita is comfort and convenience. Since the tools are cordless, you no longer have to trail 20-30 meters of electric cable across your working area. This is also beneficial because it prevents potential danger related to using long cables. The fact that the tools are cordless also provides users, who plan on working on remote areas with ease. This makes the process of working on difficult to reach areas, like inside the cupboards and under sinks, easy.
2. Installed LED Work Light
Makita cordless drills never fail to satisfy users with all the features installed in the tools that are valuable in making the process of using them easy. One of this is an installed LED work light which enhances the flexibility of the tool because of the usefulness of light in illuminating difficult-to-reach areas. This provides potential buyers with an assurance that they can use the tool in a wide range of conditions without any hassle.
3. Gears Designed to Increase Torque
Cordless drills from Makita have the most powerful gears that offer complete control over the way the power of the drill’s motor is delivered. The good thing about these gears is that these can be optimized for a fast, maximum speed either for high torque or low torque. It should be noted that torque refers to the low-speed twisting power of the tool. It works in lessening the burden associated to completing some tasks like driving in screws.
There are Makita drills with more than one gear. This provides additional flexibility to the tool. This flexibility makes it capable of handling powerful screw-driving tasks and carpentry and construction projects quickly and efficiently.
4. High Power Ratings
Makita cordless drills have also gained popularity because of their guaranteed high power ratings. Most of the brand’s drills feature power ratings that range from 7.2 to 24 volts. This is a big advantage for those who would like to use a powerful drill because high voltage ratings also translate to increased power. This boosts the capacity of a Makita cordless drill to handle tough materials quickly without causing a lot of stress and fatigue to its user.
2. Black and Decker Cordless Drill
Black and Decker cordless drills have become extremely popular at present because these are flexible enough to suit various applications. Most of the models of the brand’s cordless drill collection boast of a compact and convenient design and highly innovative features. This provides users with numerous options for every drilling task.
An advantage of cordless drills is that these are very portable. The portability of this tool makes it very effective in a variety of household projects and in dealing with heavy-duty projects such as those that involve masonry, hardwood and drywall. Choosing any of the cordless drills from Black and Decker is also a wise move because this allows enjoying the following benefits:
1. Allows the Use of the SmartSelect Technology
Some of the most popular Black and Decker cordless drills use SmartSelect Technology, which allows users to select from a variety of speed settings with just a single turn of the dial. The chance to pick a setting for the kind of work you want done is beneficial because this ensures getting the best results. Some models also feature 2 speed settings that also come with variable speed triggers. This feature is beneficial because this supports the easy driving and drilling of various materials.
2. Convenient
Most Black and Decker drills are also very convenient to use. Most of its models allow users to easily and quickly change bits. This convenience also adds to the screw driving and drilling versatility of the power tools. It adds to the comfort level of users, thereby allowing them to complete the task without causing a lot of strain to various parts of their body. This also ensures a secure working condition.
3. Offers Variable Speed
Some cordless drills from Black and Decker feature variable speeds with controlled driving and drilling on different materials. The fact that it has variable speeds is a big advantage because it allows choosing the right setting, based on the material and the surface where you will be working.
Other Remarkable Benefits
Some models of the brand also have a Stud Finder feature. This feature is beneficial because it supports the easy detection of studs through walls that reach up to three-fourth inches thick. There are also drills from Black and Decker that support clutch with 24 positions. This reduces the risk of stripped screws.
Another great thing about the cordless drills from Black and Decker is that they have an easy-out and easy-in slide pack battery. Soft grips are also available, thereby reducing the risk of slipping and enhancing the comfort level of users. The cordless drills from the brand are also flexible that these can handle various jobs including the drilling of holes and screw driving in plastic, metal and wood, home repairs, installation of window treatments and assembly.
3. Milwaukee Cordless Drill
Milwaukee cordless drills are among the leading brands in the power tool industry. Milwaukee is considered to be an industry leader in its chosen line of business. It continues to live up to high performance and quality standards especially when creating its cordless drills. This is the reason why these tools are among the most flexible and essential products in Milwaukee’s collection.
Buying a cordless drill from Milwaukee will definitely let users enjoy a tool with guaranteed flexibility, durability and excellent performance. The following are just few of the many features and benefits that are unique to Milwaukee cordless drills:
1. PowerState Brushless Motor
This motor is integrated into some of the cordless drills offered by Milwaukee, particularly the 2403-22 12-volt M12 drill/driver kit model. This motor is beneficial because of its ability to provide a peak torque of up to 350 in-lbs.
Adding this motor into the tool is also a big advantage because it maximizes sustained torque which results to the easy completion of various applications.
2. Red Lithium Battery Technology
The integration of Red Lithium battery technology into some Milwaukee cordless drills is also one of the reasons behind the extreme and consistent popularity of the brand. This technology offers numerous advantages such as its ability to provide superior pack construction, performance and electronics. This also enhances the capacity of the tool to provide additional work for each charge.
3. Red Link PlusTM Intelligence
This is also another of the highly advanced systems added into the tools offered by Milwaukee. This system improves the ability of some cordless power tools and electronics to satisfy users. It offers overload protection and optimized performance with the help of a complete system communication between the charger, battery and the power tool. This promotes ease when utilizing the tool while also ensuring that users are safe.
4. Patented Clip-Lock System
This is also a unique feature in a few Milwaukee drills. This patented Clip-Lock system is a great addition to the tool because it provides users with the opportunity to attach the drill securely into the instrument bag. The system also features on-board bit owner which has the capacity to hold 2 standard Philips bits. This increases the level of convenience when using the tool especially when the task at hand requires your hands to be free.
Cordless drills from Milwaukee are also capable of delivering high levels of torque. Some models also feature a fuel gauge which makes it easy for you to see the amount of battery life left for the task. There is also an installed LED light which offers illumination on the work surface. This is beneficial if you want to see things clearly even when working on dark and tight spaces.
Cordless Drill Buyers Guide
Whether you want a power tool for professional reasons or just as a home diyer wanting to do home improvements, choosing the correct tools are essential.
I hope that the following will help you in deciding on the correct one.
Is Cordless Better Than Corded?
There are both advantages and disadvantages to both of these types, but generally, cordless is the route for most people.
The advantages of cordless is not having twisted cables to contend with and they also tend to be smaller, lighter and easier to use in close spaces.
Advantages:
- More Flexible – easier to use up ladders or in tight areas
- Safer to use with not having a trailing cord
- Easy to handle and lightweight
The disadvantages are that you need to remember to keep charging the battery or maybe instead, having to buy two batteries for those longer jobs. To help with this, you will now find that many tool sets do come with two included batteries.
Disadvantages:
- Need to regularly recharge the battery
- Don’t have as much power as a corded tool.
Types of Cordless Drills
The design of cordless drills is such that their construction matches their intended use. A cordless drill/driver provides both a drill and electric screwdriver with a simple change of drill bits. Because this drill is so easy to use, many home owners prefer it over other designs. The following is a list of the various types of cordless drills and their intended function:
The Drill Driver – This is the most versatile drill and probably the best cordless drill to start with. It is used to drill holes and also to drive screws. This drill is the most common power tool most DIY people have in their tool box.
Cordless Screwdriver – This cordless drill is used for simple jobs such as hanging pictures and shelves on the wall. It works well for light duty jobs. The electric screwdriver is small, light-weight, and very convenient to use.
Screw Gun – This tool is used for bigger jobs such as hanging drywall or for building a deck. These guns allow you to not only drive screws but also countersink holes. Another feature is auto-feed of screws into the drill. More heavy-duty cordless drills with sufficient backup batteries will work, but it may be best to have a power cord drill for this purpose. Check everything out first.
Right Angle Drill – This is a great tool when working in very close quarters. This drill is ideal for applications of electrical, plumbing, or cabinetry work. It is the best tool to have when drilling into hard to get to areas.
Power Drill – You can use a cordless drill for this application, but it works better to have a corded drill when you require a significant amount of raw power. Cordless may not be the best for this application.
Impact Driver – The Impact Driver is great for driving large lag screws, or other heavy-duty applications. This drill has three or four times the torque power of a Drill Driver, and makes those jobs much easier.
Hammer Drill – When you need to drill into concrete or brick, this kind of drill works best. These drills combine a hammer action to the drilling. As a result of thousands of blows per minute, it pulverizes masonry material, making the drilling much easier and faster.
Size is Another Factor For Cordless Drills
When I say size, I’m talking about the size of the drill shank. There are two common sizes for cordless drills. The most common size is the ¼ inch, which is normally adequate for all of your smaller projects. The drill bits for these drills have to be ¼” in diameter at the base where it fits into the shank. You can also buy drill bits that are larger than ¼” that are designed for the ¼ inch drill. If you are going to use larger bits very much, you may want to get a 3/8 inch cordless drill. Your 3/8 inch drills will have more power than the ¼ inch drills. These larger cordless drills are also larger in size than the ¼ inch drills. They will have a different feel and won’t be able to get into tighter spots. Keep this in mind when deciding which is best for you.
Voltage and Batteries
The voltages tend to vary from 7.2v to 24v. Higher voltage tools gives you better performance and more power, which means that you can finish the job faster.
The charge on lower voltage batteries last about the same as higher ones, but you get much more done with the higher voltage due to its increased speed.
Lower voltage tools (like 12v) are ideal if you want to just put up pictures around the house, but for the average home diyer or professional, you should be looking at 18v or higher. Do bare in mind, the higher the voltage, the higher the costs.
Speed
Speed is known as rpm (rotations per minute) and come with both lower speed settings and higher speed settings. The lower speeds tend to be around 300-400rpm and the higher tends to be 1300-1700rpm.
If possible, buy a tool with a bigger range, as these tools allow you to be able to do a greater range of jobs.
Hammer Action
If you intend on drilling masonry, then you will need to go for a tool with hammer action.
Features to Consider When Buying a Cordless Drill
When considering cordless drill features, there are some basic features you should always look for. One of those features is a reversible motor that allows you to back out screws. A dual-speed motor is also very important. Make sure the drill has a high and low switch. An adjustable clutch will also help keep you from driving screws too deeply into your material when it is adjusted properly.
Additional Features to Consider With a Cordless Drill:
Depending on your applications, check out the chuck size. Some drills hold bits that are 3/8” in diameter. Some of the larger models will hold drill bits up to ½” in diameter. These would be included on a hammer drill. Again, this would be for a masonry application.
Many recent models of cordless drills employ a “smart charger” that will help extend battery life by optimizing the way the batteries are charged. With these chargers, they switch to a trickle-charge mode when they get close to a full charge. This maxes out the battery capacity.
Many models of cordless drills include two batteries with the drill along with a battery charger. This isn’t a requirement but I wouldn’t buy one without them. With two batteries, you can be using one and charging the other at the same time.
An added feature on some cordless drills is built-in LED lights. These lights work great when working in dim places. You will thank yourself for including that when choosing your cordless drill.
Another feature that is worth having is a pressure-sensitive trigger. I believe this is worth paying a little more to have. With these criteria in mind, you can now proceed to choose the best cordless drill for you.
How do You Choose the Best Cordless Drill?
Many cordless drills on the market today do have all of the features discussed above. If you have two or more drills that are equal when comparing those features, there are some differences to look for in making your determination. Here is something else to look for: when the batteries are the same voltage, look for the mAh rating. The mAh stands for milliamp-hour, and represents the amount of current the battery can deliver. The battery with a higher mAh number will deliver longer life before needing to be recharged.
Another thing to check out prior to buying, is the feel of the drill. This may sound silly, but hold it in a number of positions, such as over your head, to simulate the various positions you may be in when drilling. Ask yourself how the drill feels in each of those positions. Also consider how long you could hold the drill in that position if you had to for an extended time.
The higher the voltage of your battery, the more power it will deliver. A very popular model is an 18v cordless drill. This is better than a 12v cordless drill when it comes to battery life. These are things to consider when deciding which of the cordless drills is best for you.
Here are some factors to consider when deciding which battery voltage is best for your specific applications
Small Home Projects – the best voltage ranges between 9.6v and 12v. This would include drilling screws into wood, hanging curtain rods, pictures or light fixtures.
Medium Home Projects – the best voltage ranges between 12v and 14.4v. With this voltage rating you can do most general home maintenance projects such as drilling into wood or metal and driving screws into wood. You will do fine on weekend DIY projects.
Serious DIY Projects – the best voltage ranges between 14.4v and 18v. With this cordless drill, you can do home remodeling and building of decks along with all kinds of woodworking projects. You can drive large lag screws or fasteners with no problem.
Professional Daily Use – the best voltage ranges between 18v and 24v. This tool is suitable for plumbers, carpenters, and electricians who do heavy-duty drilling and fastening.
Hopefully this information has been helpful for you in choosing the cordless drills that are bestfor your applications. See our cordless drill reviews for specific information on the various cordless drills that are available for sale. I hope you get a lot of good out of the drill you choose. Happy projects!
Before you buy
Before you buy, decide on the following:
- What will you be using the tool for? This will dictate the voltage you will need, but 18v and above are the best choice.
- Do you need one or two batteries? If you need two, look for sets that come with two batteries included.
- Will you be drilling masonry? If so, you need to include the hammer features.
- Do you need a quick charger? If so, go for one which recharges in around 30 minutes.
The best advice I can give you is to read the best cordless drill reviews or consumer reviews (the people who have actually used the product). This will tell you if there are any issued with regards to the product or if it is generally well thought of.
The 18V Cordless Drill Buying Guide
Cordless drills are very popular and mostly used around the home by serious DIYers who don’t want to outsource their household work to outsiders. Cordless drills can be used for a variety of household works such as assembling furniture and installing wall studs. Of all the cordless drills out there, 18v cordless drills are the most popular as they come with compact size, are lightweight and very powerful.
If you’re a DIYer and you want a cordless drill that is powerful and versatile, that gets the work done faster and efficiently, you should take a look at the 18v cordless drill. In this article, I have outlined basic things you should look out for when buying an 18v cordless drill.
What to Look For When Buying a New 18v Cordless Drill
When you decide to buy one, you will do well to look out for the following factors. The following are few things to keep in mind when you decide to purchase your drill:
1. Battery Power – Battery power is a very important feature in a drill. If you intend to make use of your drill frequently, much thought should go into one with a powerful battery. I would recommend you purchase an 18v cordless drill with lithium-ion battery. They weigh less, have a short charging time, and they usually last longer.
2. Weight – Choose a drill that is very light and easy to handle. A drill that is compact and light in weight will make handling longer projects easy and enjoyable.
3. Power – 18v cordless drills are the most powerful in the market now. They are lightweight, compact, versatile and very powerful. 18v cordless drills can help you with multiple tasks ranging from wood and furniture projects to hanging and taking pictures to the wall.
4. Speed – 18v Cordless drills comes in variable speeds usually measured in RPM (Revolutions per minute). Cordless drills have Lower speeds and faster speeds transmissions. Lower speed for driving holes while faster speed is used for drilling holes. Some 18v cordless drills come with variable speeds while others do not. Cordless drills with variable speeds are more expensive than those with only one speed.
Conclusion
The 18V cordless drill can be used for various projects around the home as well as outside the home. If you plan on using your drill frequently, this is the time to sit down to research the best one in the market that not only fit your budget but can also handle various wood and furniture projects effectively.
Advantages of Using the Best Lithium Ion Cordless Drill
The best lithium ion cordless drill is capable of providing users with great satisfaction considering the ability of the tool to perform its functions excellently. Like all other forms of technology used in the battery of cordless drills, li-ion or lithium ion batteries and cells also provide users with a set of benefits.
Potential buyers of a cordless drill, however, must make sure to spend time analyzing the pros and cons of this technology to determine if this is suitable for the kind of work that they want the tool to do on a regular basis. If you are still on the stage of deciding whether to look for a power tool which uses the li-ion technology, then the following benefits of the best lithium ion cordless drill should be considered to determine if it is indeed the perfect choice for you:
1. High Energy Density
A high level of energy density is one of the reasons why the li-ion battery or cell is very popular in cordless drills at present. This high energy density is a great benefit because it allows the tool to operate longer than expected in between charges. Another advantage is that despite its long operation, it is still proven to be powerful. This enhances the ability of the cordless drill to operate longer without sacrificing its power.
2. Lightweight
Another advantage of lithium ion batteries or cells is that these are light in weight. This means that incorporating them into power tools, particularly cordless drills, allow users to work with a tool which will never put extreme fatigue on their hands, shoulders, arms, backs and wrists. Li-ion batteries are lighter than the other types. The lightness of the tool also guarantees ease in moving while also ensuring that it delivers great power.
3. Low Maintenance
Another thing that makes finding the best lithium ion cordless drill beneficial for potential users is that this requires less maintenance. The battery/cell does not require a lot of maintenance to boost its ability to deliver great performance. Other forms of battery require regular or periodic discharge to prevent them from exhibiting the memory effect. Because this effect will never impact li-ion cells, minimal maintenance procedures are needed to keep the batteries in good working condition.
Other benefits of cordless drills that use the lithium ion technology include less need for prolonging the priming process when the tools are still new, low self-discharge and ability to provide high levels of power or current to various applications.
Types of Cordless Drill Batteries
Cordless drill batteries are vital components of the power tool because these provide the power it requires to perform the task at hand correctly and efficiently. To increase your chances of getting the most desirable results out of your cordless drill, it is crucial to select the best type of battery technology. Choosing the correct battery is just as essential as the process of selecting the right tool for your project.
It is also vital to note that the best cordless drill batteries will be dependent upon a few factors. There are drills that use only a single type of battery. There are also others that offer options. If you plan on buying a drill with more than one option for batteries, then it is necessary to consider factors like your budget for a rechargeable battery pack and how often you will be using your tool. For those who would like to get an idea about the different batteries used for cordless drills, then the following information about the different battery types for the tool will surely help:
1. Nickel Cadmium (NiCD) Battery
Nickel cadmium battery is often seen in cordless power tools including drills because of its many advantages. One of the benefits of this rechargeable battery is its long shelf life. It can also be discharged and charged for more than a thousand times. It is the most inexpensive rechargeable battery. It has a quick recharging time (usually within just one hour) and has high levels of durability. Its toughness and durability also guarantee that it is capable of resisting damages from impact and heat. It is perfect for small jobs. But, it may not have all the performance capabilities necessary in handling difficult and tough projects.
2. Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery
NiMH battery is safer than NiCD. The reason behind this is that it does not contain cadmium. However, it is more expensive than NiCD. An advantage of NiMH is that it provides high energy density and long life between recharges. It features an enhanced capacity and is less toxic. It is also light in weight. It is advisable for users to pay close attention to the charging requirements, and maintenance of nickel metal hydride battery because it is excessively sensitive to charging and storage conditions.
3. Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Battery
This is one of the newest battery technologies frequently used in cordless power tools, particularly cordless drills. It is expensive, but is still capable of providing plenty of benefits to its users. It has twice the energy density provided by batteries based on nickel. It is also more lightweight and operates longer than nickel batteries.
Its lightness also provides users utmost convenience when using it for a long period. It prevents the risk of excessively straining your arm and hand muscles. Other benefits of Li-Ion battery include its less sensitivity to changes in temperature and storage and recharging methods, and its long recharge and charge life cycle.
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