What Is the Best Drill Brand on The Market?

Buying a cordless drill can be a dizzying task. With so many models to choose from – many of which have similar features – it can be difficult to know which one to buy. We’re here to help make your decision easier by reviewing some of the best drills from our favorite brands.

DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit	Our favorite for 2017
BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver	A great value option
Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Lithium-Ion 1/2 inch Compact Drill Driver Kit	A heavy-duty cordless drill

As you read through our reviews and start to compare models, keep the following points in mind:

• Power: It’s important to choose a drill that’s powerful enough for the job. The torque and the UWO (unit watts out) will give you an idea of the drill’s power. For commercial use or tougher jobs, you’ll want a model that has higher torque and UWO. For everyday homeowner use, a drill with moderate torque and decent UWO (around 300) will more than suffice.
• Size and Weight: The size of the drill is important, too, especially if you’ll be working in tighter spaces. Most cordless models are compact in size and lightweight, which makes them easier to work in tight areas. If tight corners won’t be a problem, then size and weight become less important. With that said, you still want a drill that is lightweight and small enough for comfortable use.
• Variable Speeds: A drill that offers variable speeds will give you more control, and allow for maximum power efficiency. For less-demanding tasks, slower speeds will save on battery life without compromising on performance. Having different speeds to choose from also means that you can take on a wider range of tasks without having to switch tools.

Reviews – Some Models from Our Favorite Brands

Dewalt DCD771C2 – From the best power tool brand on the market, the Dewalt DCD771C2 is lightweight, compact and powerful enough to take on a wide range of drilling and fastening jobs. Unlike big, bulky corded drills, this model can fit into tight areas with ease.

Built with a high-performance motor, this drill can deliver 300 UWO (unit watts out) of power, making it ideal for most household tasks.

For added efficiency and versatility, the high-speed transmission is designed to offer two speeds: 0-450 rpm and 0-1,500 rpm.

A built-in LED light helps you see where you’re drilling, and Dewalt includes two batteries with this kit.

With an ergonomic grip and long battery life, the DCD771C2 is a great model for homeowners.

BLACK+DECKER LDX120C – Delivering 0-650 rpms and 115 inches-per-pound of torque, the LDX120C from Black & Decker is an excellent drill for home use. Lightweight and compact in size, this drill uses a 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, which holds its charge longer and boasts a longer cycle life.

The 11-position clutch gives you superior control over drilling into metal, wood, plastic and other materials.

The anti-slip grip and ergonomic design of the handle makes this drill comfortable to use, while the built-in LED light illuminates your work surface for easy drilling even in low light conditions.

The LDX120C is a complete kit, so you receive the drill, charger, battery and bit.

DEWALT DC970K-2 – For tougher jobs, the DC970K-2 from Dewalt is a great choice. Offering two speeds (0-450rpms and 0-1,500 rpms) and 380 UWO, this drill is powerful enough to take on any drilling or fastening job. And the variable speeds allow for maximum efficiency.

The compact size of this model allows you to work in tight spaces, and 1/2″ ratcheting chuck offers a tight bit grip for improved performance.

With a weight of just 5.2 pounds, user fatigue is rarely a problem – even when taking on big projects.

Dewalt includes two batteries with this drill, and charging takes just one hour (charger included, too).

Makita XPH012 – The XPH012 is a lightweight, powerful cordless drill that comes with everything you need to use the tool right out of the box.

Makita packs a lot of power into this compact cordless drill. This model has a 4-pole motor that delivers 480 in.lb. of torque. And with a weight of just four pounds, you can use this drill for big jobs without getting fatigued.

The two-speed design makes this drill versatile and efficient, with speeds of 0-400rpm and 0-1,500 rpm offered. The built-in LED light allows you to see your workspace in low-light conditions.

Capable of also running as a hammer driver-drill, the XPH012 is a versatile tool that is ideal for home improvement tasks.

Hitachi DS18DSAL – The DS18DSAL from Hitachi is an excellent kit for homeowners who are purchasing their first drill. Not only is this drill powerful, but it also gives you more control over speed for maximum efficiency.

Delivering 460 in.lb., this is a drill that can easily take on the toughest of jobs. The 1.5Ah lithium ion batteries slide into the drill for better balance and ergonomics. They weigh less than the standard NiMH or NiCd batteries, too.

Hitachi puts the control in your hands by offering 22 drive settings and a drill mode. The keyless 1/2″ ratcheting chuck is compatible with a wide range of bits, which can easily be swapped out when needed.

What’s nice about this kit is that it comes with a separate LED light to illuminate your workspace. The light’s position and angle can be adjusted for precision lighting.

Buyer’s Guide –  How to Choose the Right Cord Less Drill for You

Still unsure of which drill to choose? In addition to the points above, there are quite a few things to consider when buying a drill. These factors can help narrow down your choices greatly:

• Clutch Positions: Some cordless drills offer multiple clutch positions, or drive settings, which allows for precision driving into a wide range of materials. If you’re looking for a drill that gives you maximum control over performance, consider a model that offers this feature.
• Batteries: Does the drill come with one or two batteries? Models with two batteries are the better option for bigger or longer jobs. But for simple, everyday use, a single battery may work perfectly fine. Also, check to make sure the drill comes with a charger (most do). If it doesn’t, you will need to purchase one separately, which will add to the overall cost of the drill.
• LED Light: An LED light may seem like a trivial feature, but it will help you see in low-light conditions, which are common on job sites and even home improvement projects. Built-in lights are nice, but a separate light, like the one offered with the Hitachi, will give you more control over which area of the work surface is illuminated.
• Price: The price of the drill will likely be the deciding factor when choosing a model. When looking for models in your price range, put quality above all else. A reliable, durable, high-quality drill is a worthwhile investment and will ultimately save you money in replacement drills.