Choosing a Cordless Drill

With an ever expanding array of power tool brands, it is difficult to determine which cordless drill truly is the best. Whether you are going bang for your buck, or if you are going on flat out statistics of what is the best, it may surprise you that the big names you always think are the leaders of the pack, might not be as dominant as we think. But I am curious as well, so first we will go through the major brands, as well as some of the not so common brands, give all the statistics, and then I will tell you what my number one choice would be, and leave it to you to decide which cordless drill is for you. 

  • Ryobi ONE+ 18V Brushless Cordless Drill 
    • 2-speed gearbox for ultimate user control provides 0 – 500 / 0 RPM – 2,100 RPM
    • 24-position clutch allows users to adjust to desired torque setting when driving a variety of fasteners
    • 1/2 in. ratcheting metal chuck for increased durability
    • On-board LED work light illuminates workspace for clear drilling visibility
    • Part of the RYOBI 18V ONE+ System of Over 300 Cordless Products
    • 3-year manufacturer’s warranty
    • (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/48DNXPX

 

  • Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18V Lithium Ion Brushless Cordless Drill 
    • POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor delivers the power to complete the widest range of applications of any drill driver
    • Only 6.9″ in length for access into tight spaces and reduced fatigue
    • Fastest Drilling and Driving applications under load
    • Auto-Stop™ Feature to prevent from over-rotation in a bindup for enhanced safety, equipped with a dedicated autostop light on foot of tool to indicate a AutoStop™ event
    • 1/2″ all-metal chuck with carbide teeth for maximum durability, grip and bit retention
    • Mechanical Clutch for consistency in driving a wide range of fasteners
    • Unmatched Performance with the most runtime in class with the XC5.0Ah batteries
    • All-Metal Gearcase for ultimate durability
    • All-metal belt clip for portability
    • 1400 in-lbs of torque
    • LED light for better visibility in low-light situations
    • Compatible with all M18™ batteries & chargers
    • (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/3Hq8dZp
  • Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Brushless Compact Drill 
    • Compact at only 6.3 in. front to back designed to fit in tight spaces
    • Lightweight at only 2.4 lbs.
    • LED foot light for superior visibility
    • Variable speed trigger allows for control and precision on delicate work surfaces
    • DEWALT built brushless motor for efficient performance and runtime
    • 1/2 in. ratcheting chuck provides superior bit gripping strength
    • 340 UWO of power to help get the job done
    • (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/491f1sd
  • RIDGID 18V Subcompact Brushless Cordless Drill 
    • Brushless Motor Technology delivers more runtime, power, and longer motor life
    • 2-speed settings for matching power to the task
    • SubCompact model is 30% less weight and 30% more compact in comparison to RIDGID Brushless 1/2 in. Drill/Driver R86009
    • 1/2 in. Drill/Driver delivers 425 in./lbs. of torque and 0-450/0-1,750 RPM
    • 24-position clutch ring allows adjustments to match torque to application
    • All metal gears for extended tool durability
    • LED Light for improved visibility in confined spaces and low light situations
    • Reversible belt hook and bit holder allow you to apply on either side for additional customization
    • 100% Compatible: Works with all RIDGID 18V Batteries, Tools, and Chargers
    • Lifetime Service Agreement with registration within 90 days of purchase
    • (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/3Sq1Prm
  • Makita 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Driver 
    • Makita built BL Brushless Motor delivers 1,250 in.lbs. of Max Torque
    • Compact and ergonomic design at only 7″ long; 14% shorter than previous model
    • 2-speed transmission (0-550 and 0-2,100 RPM) for a wide range of drilling and fastening applications
    • All metal 1/2″ self ratcheting chuck for improved bit gripping strength and durability
    • Weighs only 5.7 lbs. with battery (battery not included) for reduced operator fatigue
    • L.E.D. lights illuminate the work area
    • Rubberized soft grip provides increased operator comfort
    • Efficient BL Brushless motor is electronically controlled to optimize battery energy use for up to 50% longer run time per charge
    • The electronically-controlled BL Brushless Motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application
    • Features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions
    • Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over heating
    • Compatible with Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries with a Star symbol (battery sold separately)
    •  (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/3Hs4wT2
  • Bosch 18V Keyless Brushless Cordless Drill 
    • Next-gen drill/driver power and control – engineered with KickBack Control, 20+1 precision clutch and EC Brushless motor and more
    • Bluetooth® connectivity – connects to optional Connectivity Tool Module, links drill to free Bosch Toolbox app on connected device
    • KickBack Control – reduces the risk from sudden rotational torque reaction in a bind-up scenario
    • EC Brushless motor – efficient motor for a tool that weighs just 2.5 Lbs (tool only, battery not included) but delivers 535 In-Lbs of torque with a long lifetime
    • Precision clutch with 20+1 settings – provides driving accuracy for reduced fastener damage
    • Upgraded all-metal chuck – for more durability, along with first-rate bit retention
    • Compact Tough design – compact design that completes the toughest jobs
    • Outstanding control – variable drilling speeds for high-speed (0-1,900 rpm) and high power (0-600 rpm)
    • Bosch 18V cordless power tools are covered by a five year limited warranty
    • (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/3vL2DhS
  • Craftsman V20 20-Volt Max Amp Variable Speed Cordless Brushless Drill 
    • Proudly Made in the USA with Global Materials in Fort Mill, North Carolina
    • IMPROVED DURABILITY: Brushless motors provide up to 60% more runtime and produces 400 unit watts
    • FASTER DRILLING: 34,000 BPMs for faster drilling in concrete and brick
    • INCREASED SPEED: 2-Speed gearbox with speeds of 0-600/0-2,000
    • EASY BIT CHANGES: 1/2-in keyless chuck
    • IMPROVED VISIBILITY: LED light helps in dark work areas
    • (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/48FIU1D
  • SKIL PWR Core 20V Brushless Cordless Drill 
    • 20V CORDLESS DRILL DRIVER KIT—Includes a PWR CORE 20™ 2.0Ah Lithium Battery with PWR ASSIST™ USB Port and PWR JUMP ™ Charger
    • HIGH/LOW SPEED SETTINGS—Low speed is ideal for high torque fastening applications, while high speed is perfect for accurate drilling applications
    • QUICK BIT CHANGES—1/2 inch single-sleeve, keyless metal chuck allows for easy bit changes to keep your project going
    • DIGITAL BRUSHLESS MOTOR—Provides efficient, high-performance power and extended tool life
    • LONGER RUN TIME AND BATTERY LIFE—Industry leading PWR CORE 20™ lithium battery technology wraps each cell with cooling material to keep the battery powering on for 25% longer run time and 2X battery life
    • POWER ON THE GO—Plug in to the battery’s USB port wherever, whenever with PWR ASSIST™ mobile charging
    • CHARGES IN 5 MINUTES—Auto PWR JUMP™ charges the battery in just 5 minutes, or 100% battery in 30 minute
    • (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/3u0onWp
  • Metabo HPT 18V Keyless Brushless Cordless Drill 
    • SAME TOOL, BETTER BATTERIES: Now with (2) 2.0Ah batteries that feature fuel gauges and 30% longer runtime
    • COMPACT LENGTH: Only 6.2-in allows for precision power in the smallest of spaces
    • POWERFUL BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Produces up to 485 in-lbs of torque and 1700 max RPM
    • KEYLESS 1/2-in CHUCK: To ensure strong grip on the bit and easy bit replacements
    • RESPONSIVE VARIABLE SPEED TRIGGER: Provides complete control during operation
    • LED LIGHT: To illuminate the workspace when used in darker areas
    • LIGHTWEIGHT: At 1.9 lbs to reduce user fatigue
    • WARRANTY: Lifetime Tool Body, 2-Year Batteries, 1-Year Charger
    • (Affiliate Link) https://amzn.to/4923qta
  • FLEX 24V Brushless Cordless Drill 
    • THE FLEX ADVANTAGE – 20% more power with 24V lithium, 25% longer runtime with THERMA-TECH™ heat management, up to 50% faster charging with high-power, dual fan chargers (sold separately)
    • SENSOR-FREE BRUSHLESS MOTOR – Every FLEX 24V tool is built around an intelligent sensor-free brushless motor designed to eliminate friction and optimized for higher efficiency and power
    • HIGH POWER – 750 in-lbs of torque
    • COMPACT SIZE – Fits in tight spaces
    • EXCEPTIONAL RUNTIME – Up to 80 1-inch spade bit holes in 2×4 lumber with a 2.5Ah battery (sold separately)
    • 1/2-INCH FULL ALL-METAL RATCHETING CHUCK – Long-lasting and reliable
    • FLEX 24V CROSS-COMPATIBILITY – Compatible with all FLEX 24V batteries, chargers and tools (Battery and charger sold separately)
    • FLEX LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY – Register your new FLEX tool, battery, or charger within 30 days of purchase through December 31, 2024 to receive a limited lifetime warranty
    • (Not Sold on Amazon) 

 

As you can see there is a wide array to choose from when it comes to cordless drills, and I will say I limited it to most of the larger brands. I myself am surprised at some of the statistics on these drills. I have to say the FLEX model really impressed me, with 750 in-lbs of torque it is far ahead of its competitors at a similar price point, while also coming with a lifetime warranty. The overall winner though would have to be the Milwaukee, of course this is probably the highest sought after brand, but it also comes with the highest price point. With the Milwaukee coming in at an impressive 1400 in-lbs of torque that is hard to beat.