A cordless drill is a staple on almost every toolkit. The best cordless drill for homeowner can bore holes, drive screws, nuts, and more. Cordless drills are versatile equipment, but you have to make sure that yours is powerful enough for the job at hand.
| CORDLESS DRILL | BRAND | EXPERT RATING | CHECK PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | My Top Pick! Makita BDF452HW Driver/Drill Kit |  | Check Price |
 | DEWALT DCD791D2 MAX Drill/Driver |  | Check Price |
 | CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill Combo | | Check Price |
With the advent of lithium batteries, power tools can now operate without the pesky cord. Although cordless drills can’t match the power of corded ones, this portable tool is an indispensable workhorse on your ensemble.
When do you use a cordless drill?
As a DIYer, I know the importance of having a reliable drill at home. But for newbies, the most common question is this: where and when do I use a cordless drill? Here are some of the common answers:
✔️On tight spaces. Unlike corded drills, battery-powered models are compact and can fit on tight spaces. If you’re renovating your basement or repairing something on your crawlspace, a cordless drill will come handy.
✔️Drywall installation. Installing drywalls include lifting heavy panels around. With such nature of work, a cordless drill is the most convenient option. Most cordless drivers can also function as a driver when fitted with a magnetic screw bit.
✔️Alternative driver. DIYers also use cordless drills as replacements to screwdrivers. As a machine, cordless drills ca drive screws faster and tighter without the hand strain.
✔️Alternative saw. Aside from the mere fact that drills are used to bore holes, cordless drills can also double as a hole saw. It cuts drains, faucets, pipes, and other smaller materials by drilling holes around.
✔️Bolting down furniture. Instead of fumbling around with a long cord, cordless drills make it easy to bolt furniture into the floor. The machine can be squeezed into tight spaces and upright position with total ease.
Considerations when buying a cordless drill
You must consider the following features to make the most out of your purchase when it comes to the best cordless drill for homeowner.
Voltage
There’s a basic fact about power drills: the higher the voltage, the more powerful the drill is. Usually, cordless drills are available in 12 to 20 volts.
Power is king for this kind of equipment. Sooner or later, you might be drilling on concrete, so consider getting a cordless drill with the highest voltage possible. Aside from drilling on concrete, the extra torque will be handy on twisting various screw sizes.
However, remember that more power means more weight. It’s a trade-off you’d have to deal with on almost every power tool.
Battery power
The main problem with cordless drills is that it can’t match the power of corded models. Although this is a fact, you can always look for a drill with the best battery power. Lithium batteries nowadays can hold more power for up to an hour or drilling and driving.
Older cordless drills run on Nickel-Cadmium batteries, which tend to lose its juice faster than Lithium. Aside from holding more power, Lithium batteries are lighter than NiCd, and it also lasts longer.
However, Lithium batteries are more expensive, which is reasonable for its performance.
Chuck style
The chuck of a drill is the part that holds the bit or the stick-like object you place into the drill. Chuck styles can either be keyed or keyless.
Keyed chucks are old types that require another tool to tighten or loosen the bit. Many DIYers hate this because it’s a hassle to switch between bits.
So if you’re going to buy a cordless drill, always look for a keyless chuck. With this chuck style, you can replace bits on the fly.
Speed
Power tools are also about speed. Drills can only bore holes if it has the right rotating speed. It’s measured through RPMs or rotation/revolution per minute. The higher the RPM, the more versatile the cordless drill is.
Take note that the RPM indicated on a drill is the speed of the tool without a load.
Aside from enjoying topnotch speed, I recommend that you look for variable speed control. When we say variable, the speed can be controlled in increments for a more precise drilling result. This way, you can use your drill for driving screws and boring holes on different materials.
Remember that the goal isn’t just to get the speediest drill. It’s best if you can adjust the tool at lower speeds for softer materials.
Grip
Although cordless, this type of drill can still produce a great deal of power. If you don’t hold it well, it can damage the material you’re working on or cause injuries.
The cordless drill you’re going to buy must have a durable and ergonomic handle. Power tool brands made modifications to vibrations on the equipment, which is a big plus.
If possible, look for a cordless drill that comes with an auxiliary handle. This will give you a sturdier grip, especially if the tool produces high speeds.
Forward/reverse function
A forward and reverse feature allows you to back the drill a little bit when you’re boring holes. It also allows you to remove debris easily without the need to do so manually. A reverse function is very helpful in removing screws that you can’t deal with manual turning.
Driving function
Aside from drilling, it would be great if your tool can double as a driver. This will save you from buying another power tool just to drive screws and bolts.
Cordless drills with torque and speed control usually have a driving function. You need the power control so the drill will not crush the screws.
Depth stop
Some drills are equipped with a depth stop. It’s a rod fitted inside the drill and protrudes the parallel to the bit. Depth stop allows you to set a specific depth so you will not ‘over-drill’ into the material. It’s added control so you can make more consistent holes in your project.
LED light
If you plan to renovate or fix something in your home, it would help a lot if the cordless drill is fitted with a LED light. This will keep both your hands free in holding the drill instead of fumbling with a separate flashlight. A trigger-activated LED light is a good option since it uses less power.
Best Cordless Drill for Homeowner – My Top 5 Picks!
BEST OVERALL
MY TOP PICK: Makita BDF452HW Driver/Drill Kit
Product Name: Makita BDF452HW Driver/Drill Kit
Product Description: If you’re looking for the best cordless drill for homeowner DIY, you will not go wrong with the Makita BDF452HW. It has a four-pole motor that delivers up to 450 pounds of maximum torque. It also has a two-speed variable speed on its all-metal transmission. It can work at 400 RPM and 500 RPM at a maximum of 18 volts. Despite its power, Makita has a compact and ergonomic design. It’s only eight inches long and weighs a lightweight 3.5 pounds. Aside from that, the Makita drill is equipped with a built-in LED light that lets you work on dark areas without holding a separate flashlight.
Offer price: $$$
Availability: InStock
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Power
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Build
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Design
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Value for Money
Overall
Summary
This cordless drill works in a Makita LXT lithium battery that lasts 4x longer, with 2.5x more cycles per charge. That’s the kind of power and performance that you need if you’re planning a major project.
Overall, it’s a must-have tool for every DIYer. It’s powerful but lightweight and compact enough for ease of use. Aside from the drill, you will also get a charger, battery pack, and drill case. This is value for money for all-around home use.
Pros
Built-in LED light
Variable speed
3-year warranty on tool
Cons
No driver bit included
RUNNERS-UP
DEWALT DCD791D2 MAX Drill/Driver
Another cordless drill that DIYers swear by is the DEWALT DCD791D2. This is a 20-volt tool with a brushless motor that can deliver up to 57% more runtime than competitor models.
True to DEWALT’s design, this model has a highly ergonomic handle with a built-in LED light that’s 20x brighter than its predecessor model. You can use the light in three modes to suit the area you’re working on. Moreover, the light has a 20-minute shutoff feature that lets you work on dark areas for extended periods.
Moreover, this is a compact drill that can fit tight within spaces without straining your hand. In fact, it’s a tad lighter than Makita for just 3.4 pounds.
What I really like about this drill is its high-speed transmission with two speed settings. It can work at 550 RPM and 2,000 RPM for a more powerful tool. This is paired with a ½-inch ratcheting chuck that offers superior gripping strength.
This drill is powered by a lithium-ion battery with 33% more power than standard battery packs. It’s the beast in a workshop despite its compact size and cordless construction. It’s also very comfortable to use despite the power it can produce.
CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill Combo
If you’re looking for the best drill driver and impact driver combo, the best investment is the CRAFTSMAN CMCK210C2. This combo consists of a brushless drill driver for heavy-duty use. It has two speeds that you can set in 600 RPM and 900 RPM. Moreover, the drill driver has a ½-inch ratcheting chuck for the best bit retention.
On the other hand, the impact driver is made to deliver up to 1,500 pounds of torque. It can endure demanding jobs at home or in your shop. This impact driver can work in 2,800 RPMs or 3,500 RPMs, so you can get tasks done fast and with precision.
Both have quick-release chucks that let you switch between bits swiftly.
As for the battery performance, both the power tools use lithium batteries with a 60-minute charge time. The battery packs are already included in the package. Just take note that the charger is for 110 volts only.
Just like the name of the brand, I believe that every craftsman should have this combo on his or her toolkit. For its price, you’re not really losing. My only gripe is that these tools don’t come with belt hooks, which is an important feature for DIYers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a cordless drill to drill into brick?
A: Yes, as long as your cordless drill has the right power and fitted with a masonry bit, you can use it to drill on a brick. You don’t have to get a hammer drill just to bore holes on a brick wall. Some cordless drills also have a hammering function, which is a big plus.
Q: Are brushless cordless better?
A: ‘Brushless’ refers to the type of motor used on the drill. A brushless drill uses a set of magnets to generate power. This is the opposite of a brushed motor that utilizes carbon brushes with a commutator. The edge of brushless motors is it adjusts the speed based on the load or task at hand.
Q: How long do brushless drill motors last?
A: Most brushless motors can last for up to 3,000 hours. This is equivalent to four years if you’re going to use your cordless drill for two hours every single day. Modern and more expensive motors can last longer than that with proper upkeep.
Q: Do lithium drill batteries drain when not in use?
A: Yes, even rechargeable lithium batteries will lose its power through self-discharge when the drill isn’t in use. Still, lithium batteries have slower self-discharge than other battery types.
Q: How long do cordless drills last?
A: Most cordless drills can last for 3 to 5 years of regular use. Drills that are used less frequently can last longer. Remember that the lifespan of the drill is also dependent on quality and maintenance.
Final words
The best cordless drill for homeowner let you create DIY projects with ease and precision. Unlike corded types, cordless drills are lightweight, compact, and perfect for beginners who are just starting to build their toolkit.
What do you think of the drills I reviewed here? Share your thoughts below!
