There will be a few in our readership who are going to immediately point out that cordless drills aren’t strictly an automotive tool or accessory. And, for once, they’re technically correct. The first genre one generally thinks of when an ad for cordless drills appears is the construction industry. An maybe the props department for a science-fiction B-movie.
But there are plenty of uses for a cordless drill in the garage. How about attaching a polishing tool for buffing paint? A wire wheel for cleaning metal before welding can come in handy. And let’s not forget about those of us who still rivet stuff together as if we lived in the 1920s.
With that in mind, check out these picks from Amazon.
To say that DEWALT has a variety of hand tools is akin to saying that Canada has a variety of bacon. This particular selection slips in under a hundred bucks and included the drill, battery, charger, and carrying case. You’re on your own for bits and attachments.
That’s not a wholly bad thing, however, since it means you’re not paying for stuff you may not ever use. By picking up the basics, you’ve pocketed some cash to go out and buy the ancillary items you actually need, instead of having a bunch of weird sized bits that’ll rattle around in your toolbox forever. A 4.6 out of 5 rating is stellar considering there are 6,000+ reviews.
This brand has taken a few knocks over the last couple of decades, a result of chasing profit margins and market share at the expense of using good internal parts. As an example, your author still has a B&D corded drill his grandfather used in the ’70s.
Recently, these issues have been addressed – at least partially – leading to much better than average ratings on this particular drill. It comes with an array of accessories, some of which you’ll never use. Reviewers recommend picking up a second battery, despite the brand’s assertion that one holds a charge for “18 months”.
Some people have been shying away from the Craftsman brand since Sears went under, logically assuming that they’d be in the same boat as all of us who had/have Kenmore appliances and need service.
However, thanks to a licensing agreement that’s only slightly more complicated than a middle eastern peace treaty, Craftsman is still a going concern. This drill is part of the brand’s V20 cordless system, meaning the battery can be swapped between different tools in its ecosystem. Brushless motors are said to provide up to 25 percent more run time and improved durability compared to conventional units.
Seeing this brand always reminds your author of Stan Mikita, the Blackhawks great who dominated the NHL 50 years ago. Useless hockey associations aside, this drill is nearly a pro-grade unit, with a mechanical two-speed transmission just like a Chevy Powerglide.
Makita says the electronically-controlled BL Brushless motor efficiently uses energy to match torque and RPM to the changing demands of the application. In other words, hitting a knot in a board should ‘make drill go BRRRR’. Its torque rating is higher than others, too.
This brand first appeared in the 1990s and has grown to include a power tool line aimed at both ‘tool gurus and DIYers’. Like others, they have developed a lithium-ion single-battery system to power each of their 20V tools. A built-in LED is a very helpful inclusion on this drill.
Its 11.6-inch shaft is said to be designed for extending bits into narrow space, twisting and rotating at different angles. This always sounds like a gimmick with a weak point that’ll fly apart at any second but customers seem to give it the thumbs up. I’ve never had any luck with them.
Avid Power might sound like a nerdy superhero but is actually the name applied to a series of budget power tools. Priced in the under-$40 class, this power drill set should be enough to get the cost-conscious hobbyist off to a good start.
At a glance, this drill could be confused for a Craftsman thanks to its color scheme. Whether this is a good or bad thing is up to you. Complaints from customers include carping about battery life and charging units going on the fritz. However, several reviews mention that the company’s customer support is helpful.
Straying into the “never heard of ’em” end of the pool is this pistol-shaped tool that’s alternatively marketed as a cordless drill and cordless screwdriver via some wonky English translations. It does come with drill bits, permitting its inclusion on this list.
A pair of batteries are included, speaking to either a long run time or the lack of juice in a single pack. It does feature a variable speed motor and a two-speed setting. Basic stuff, yes, but necessary for even the most entry-level of DIY. Reviews are largely positive.
Free of extra addenda, this $70 drill is packaged simply with a battery and charger. That’s it. Extra bit sets are available for about twenty bucks … but you’ve already got a million of those, right? The annoyingly all-caps SKIL brand boasts of a longer run time and battery life than its competitors.
An LED light illuminates your work area when the trigger is pressed and, in a fit of practicality, the light remains on 10 seconds after the trigger is released. The PowerCore line of battery-powered tools includes the likes of grinders, vacuums, and saws – the latter of which are so ubiquitous that some people (raises hand) simply refer to a circular saw as a SKIL saw.
What are the best cordless drills out there?
It’s all about everyone’s individual choice and their specific needs. Nevertheless, listed below are some cordless drill models and their brands that have been appreciated by many users for both domestic and professional purposes:
Offering 1500 RPM at 20 Volts of power consumption and with two-speed transmission modes, this is a complete kit that includes a 45-piece screwdriver set.
This one has an 11-position clutch that offers precise grip while drilling different material types like metal, wood, plastic, etc. The machine has variable speeds to provide accurate power and impact while using.
This piece of equipment has an LED recharge indicator that flashes when the built-in lithium-ion battery needs to be charged. DF012DSE offers a speed of 650 RPM at the power consumption of 7.2 Volts which makes the cordless drill a perfect machine for domestic uses. In addition, the speed can also be lowered down to 200 RPM using the 2-speed adjustable switch to drill soft materials.
What cordless drill do professionals use?
Because the professionals tend to use the machines more frequently than home users, their cordless drills need to be more durable, powerful, and trustworthy. Listed below are some cordless drill models and their brands that you can consider while looking for a professional piece of equipment:
With 2000 RPM running at 20 Volts, this cordless drill comes with a ½ inch ratcheting chuck and offers up to 57 percent more runtime as compared to other standard drill machines.
This one also has a ½ inch ratcheting chuck. In addition, the all-metal 3-speed switch enables you to adjust the RPM according to your specific needs.
With a 3-speed selection switch that enables you to run the machine at 0 – 1,100 RPM, 0 – 2,100 RPM, and 0 – 3,600 RPM, this cordless drill consumes 18 Volts and comes with a 3-year warranty.
Is DeWalt or Milwaukee better?
Broadly, both the brands manufacture quality products, and choosing one over the other would be a matter of your personal preference. Nevertheless, if you want to compare the two, it would be a good idea to check their history, country of origin, and the organization they are owned by. For your convenience, a quick comparison table is given below:
Because both brands produce quality products, the competition between the two is quite challenging. That said, preferring a cordless drill from one manufacturer over the other is solely your personal choice.
What is the longest-lasting cordless drill?
Among many other cordless drills that are available in the market today, DeWalt 20V Max (DCD771C2) (Buy here!) that consumes 20 Volts and runs at 1500 RPM is considered the most durable one. The machine enjoys a 4.8-star rating on Amazon from whopping 29,000+ consumers, thus making it one of the reliable pieces of equipment for both home and professional uses.
From time to time, TTAC will highlight automotive products we think may be of interest to our community. Plus, posts like this help to keep the lights on around here. Learn more about how this works.
(Editor’s note: This post is meant to both help you be an informed shopper for automotive products but also to pay for our ‘90s sedan shopping habits operating expenses. Some of you don’t find these posts fun, but they help pay for Junkyard Finds, Rare Rides, Piston Slaps, and whatever else. Thanks for reading.)
[Main photo credit: monticello / Shutterstock.com. Product images provided by the manufacturer.]
I have a 12 volt bosch hammer drill. Light and fantastic – wood, metal, brick, it doesn’t care. My friend has a Milwaukee version -a little heavier, but vaey good. How are these lists generated?
I purchased a corded Black and Decker drill over 20 years ago. This drill had built a deck, basement, garage and basement shelving, drilled everything from cars to tree stomps. Installed kitchen cabinets and whatnot. And it is fine and well, and I don’t think I paid more the $20 for it.
Can’t remember how much I paid for my corded Black & Decker, but I bought it at Target back in 1990. 32 years later, it still runs like new. Also, says Made In America right on it.
I’m disgusted as to how we’ve allowed quality to plummet for budget tools just to make an extra 50 cents by having it manufactured elsewhere.
The list is generated by searching Amazon for the product in question, and then listing them in the order of their 5-point rating system. None of the products is actually seen, touched or tested. This is quick and easy way of generating revenue if you click on the Shop Now link.
That said, who in the world attaches rivets with a portable drill??!! And buffing a car is best done with a dedicated buffer, not a drill. Oy vey…
I think the higher end cordless tools are more or less equal for everyday work. What I think is most important is common batteries. Having 5 different types of batteries in the tool collection is crazy.
Therefore, before investing in a certain manufacturer, check out the range of tools the same battery will fit as you will be married to that brand and we all know divorces are costly.
Technology changes though so I’ve been through many systems over the years. Tools that I’ve had over the years.
Makita stick. Makita wart. DeWalt wart Milwaukee Brick
Then lithium came on the scene and now it is Milwaukee M12 and M18 with multiple battery pack capacities. So yeah I’ve got 7 different battery types/sizes with at least two of each.
The M12 is great for light duty use of a drill or impact driver and also good for the riveter, multi tool and inspection camera and outerwear. M18 for the serious drilling, impact driver, or screw gun as well as the circular saw, Hackzall or Sawzall and the outdoor equipment like the blower and string trimmer.
I should clarify, those batteries are all M12 or M18.
When the M12 line was introduced there were 2 batteries, 1.5 and 3.0 Ah and since then they have packed 2.0 and 4.0 in the same pack size. Then I have the 3 sizes of M18. The big monsters for the outdoor equipment, as well as the medium and standard version.
That’s why I’m on the Ryobi system. No, they’re not contractor grade tools (although many pro’s swear by them) but for a home gamer, it’s hard to go far wrong. That system has everything you can imagine and theyve committed to keeping the batteries backwards-compatible with older tools. So good tools don’t have to get scrapped when the batteries inevitably die or get supplanted by superior chemistry.
+1 Been on the Ryobi system for over 20 years now. It used to be blue. I picked up a cheap refurb set that started my kit. While the battery tech has changed every single tool from that starter kit still works fine. I’ve rebuilt two foreclosure homes with them and continue to add to my now mostly green colored collection.
I do facilities for a non profit, so I get stuff donated. We have Makita (9.6V, 12V, 18V), Ridgid (12v and 18v), Bosch, DeWalt (20V and 8V), Milwaukee (12v and 18v), Ryobi (18 and the little one). My wall-o-chargers is magnificent. Before the new generation, the Ridgids were my hands down faves, now they are mostly all the same. The Ryobi actually isn’t bad, it has a bit holder and a little magnetic tray. Makitas are freaking indestructible, I still have 2 9.6V sticks in the rotation.
You want a cordless drill in addition to your cordless “impact” driver, but get the impact driver first.
That’s different than a cordless 1/2″ impact “wrench” for lug nuts and such. The impact driver is way more versatile than the other two, and can somewhat do both their jobs.
I did a complete remodel and restored a truck without ever dusting off my cordless drill.
Agreed. My cordless impact drill is such a beast (really should use both hands) that I don’t like taking it out for small jobs. Still use my 32 year old corded drill for small jobs. I’d replace it with a cordless model, but the thing enjoys it work too much.
Eh… I use tools so infrequently I’ve switched back to corded. Used my el-cheapo Harbor Freight drill to hang some blinds today.
I have the #1 rated DeWalt and was just using it today. Awesome tool.
But yeah, the battery form factor proliferation is a real hassle these days.
I have DeWalt, too (20v MAX). I’m been thinking about a Milwaukee Fuel M18 1/2″ impact, for removing lug nuts and stuff like that, but I may just get a DeWalt, to stay in the same system. I use my DeWalt cordless impact for spinning lug nuts off and on, but I also use a ratchet or breaker bar to get them loose, and a torque wrench to tighten.
This list is junk since it doesn’t have Ryobi on it.
I have a dc brushless drill and standard drill and both have been tanks. Batteries are cheap when they are on sale, and they have every tool under the sun to use with their battery packs.
It’s not junk, but I agree Ryobi should be a brand everyone takes into consideration.
That the Black & Decker and three, count them THREE, no-name specials are even in this list makes me strongly suspect the objectivity.
I mean, there’s no REAL objectivity in affiliate advertisements, but this looks worse than most.
The lack of both Milwaukee and Ryobi makes me think that whoever is behind this ad really doesn’t like those brands’ corporate overlord, Techtronic Industries.
Similarly, the presence of Dewalt, Craftsman, and Black & Decker (both owned by Stanley Black & Decker) in the top 3 makes me think this is just a thinly veiled SB&D ad. Funny that Makita, which is as good or better than Dewalt, is 4th after the three SB&D brands. Probably just added for the appearance of authenticity along with the 3 no-names and SKIL (owned by Bosch).
When I was researching the Hart tools at Walmart, I found a jpeg file (called “Tool Brand Behemoths”) that’s a graphical representation of all the tool brands (pictures of logos) and who owns or makes them. I saved it in my phone. Very enlightening.
Yah, same here. It’s pretty telling.
If you don’t watch Arduino Versus Evil (AvE) on YouTube, his videos are awesome. Lots of how-to-do-things as well as tool tear-downs with tons of information. He’s got an army of patreon subscribers so his bias level is lower than people that get free tools for review. https://www.youtube.com/user/arduinoversusevil/videos
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money, then Hart (sold only at Walmart) is another brand to look at. They’re owned by TTI in Taiwan, that also makes Milwaukee and Ryobi cordless tools. They also make some Homelite stuff, and some Ridgid tools under contract with Emerson.
I saw their stuff at Walmart and blew them off, but then I read about them being made by TTI. I guess they’d be good for home and occasional use.
Pay top you can afford for a good brand and back them up with $30 drills from Harbor Freight,
The answer is easily Rigid. Has all the features of all the ones listed, and the drills and batteries (when purchased together) both have a LIFETIME WARRANTY. Means you never have to spend a dime on cordless drills again. You’ll be replacing those Dewalt batteries in 3 years at $100 a pop while I am still not spending any more in drills.
Dewalt batteries are extremely expensive. Even the clones on ebay are outrageous. This is THE reason I moved away from Dewalt.
Electric Drills – Meh. They cost too much, the batteries don’t last long enough and take too long to charge, and they pollute more than you fanbois think they do because coal power plants and lithium mined from coral reef forests by slave virgin minority manatee labor. I’ll never get rid of my Twin-Turbo V8 drill. /sarc
I was a die hard Goxawee man until I tried Lucky Salamander.
I’ve had great luck with Bosch impact drills and well, regular drills. I bough two refurb impact drivers a couple of years back, one brushed (I thought it was brushless) and one brushless. Both have withstood quite a bit of abuse and the brushed one was in my trunk most of last winter without any problems. One thing I like about the brushed one is it plays musical notes as you increase speed. I don’t know if it’s just mine, but it is amusing. I kind of sounds like the transporter panel keys on the original Star Trek show, but not nearly as loud.
My Craftsman cordless stuff has been as bad as Bosch has been good, with the exception on an old 12V drill that has done a great job over the last 20 years or so I’ve had it. The 18V drill was barely used, but almost as soon as the warranty expired, the speed control circuit failed and the drill was stuck running full blast until the battery was removed. My circular saw’s blade (That came with it) shattered on it’s 3rd cut, destroying the saw, punching a whole in my bathroom wall, and scaring the crap out of me and my dog.
Bought a Dewalt 20V drill package with impact drill and standard drill, batteries, charger and carry bag 7 years ago. Great for working on the exterior of the house, fences, and other projects. Was so pleased , ended up buying the 20v series reciprocating saw, circular saw, and jig saw. Reciprocating saw came in handy cutting up large branches that fell from my oak trees after Hurricane Ida. Was smart enough to charge all the batteries in anticipation of a power loss. Continued to swap out various batteries till I had all the yard cleared during 8 days without power.
The best one is the one that doesn’t look like ghetto sneakers.
This “article” is useless without part numbers.
I’ve stuck to Makita 18V LXT tools. So far they haven’t let me down. My 10+ year old Makita drill still works fine with brand new batteries. I dropped my LXT impact driver from 8+ feet high onto the ground probably 20 times this past summer building my deck, no problems.
Honestly all the top tool brands are pretty comparable in quality and performance for non-pro uses. Biggest key is to stick to a common battery system for simplicity.
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