What is the best cordless drill for your needs? This has been the starting point for this extensive cordless drill review series. In this section we will all put it together and compare the best cordless drills.
This is the final page of a multiple cordless drill review series. The starting table of contents of this review can be found here.
Any cordless drill comparison needs to focus on the different types of user groups. This review has been no different. We listed in details most of the key features the best cordless drills in today’s market have. Some are useful to all kinds of users, others might be especially useful to certain groups.
The Best Cordless Power Drills Per User group
From a woodworking point of view here is what your FIRST cordless drill should look like, depending on which group you belong too:
Professional Woodworker/Cabinet Maker
Works most of the time in his workshop. Sometimes on site. Needs powerful but also very handy cordless drill. Does use even the best rated cordless drill mostly for screw driving applications or drilling holes.
Best Cordless Drill Driver Choice: 12 Volt Lithium-Ion Mid-handle Cordless Drill Driver with removable 3/8″ or 1/2″ chuck, with 2-mechanical gear, NO hammer drill action for reduced weight and compact design.
Framer/Roofer/Construction/Home Builder
Typical power user. Needs power and durability more than anything. Use of most powerful cordless drill for heavy duty applications. All sorts of applications, mostly screw driving (occasionally even large bolts – where a cordless impact wrench would be a better choice), drills large holes (framing connectors etc.).
Best Cordless Drill for this kind of user group: 18 Volt Li-Io (min. 3.0 Ah) Mid-handle Cordless Drill with 1/2″ chuck, min. 2-step mechanical gear, multiple torque settings, hammer drill action, 15 minute high-speed battery charger.
DIY User/Homeowner
Occasional use. Looks for an “all in one” cordless drill. As always this user group expects the best of all worlds and looks for any kind of cheap cordless drills. Since price matters a good starting point would be: 12 or 14.4 Volt – Mid-handle Discount cordless drill – with nickel-metal hydride batteries. With Ni-MH batteries being much cheaper than Lithium-Ion the drill is much cheaper at the cost of less lasting power. DIY user definitely wants to have a 1/2″ chuck battery drill with hammer action for occasional “holes in the wall”. A standard 1-hour battery charger will be more than enough, given the fact that most cordless drill sets come with a replacement battery.
Again the above recommendations are strictly for the FIRST cordless drill you buy. Obviously if you are a professional you will have a range of several cordless drills to cover your needs and let you work more efficiently.
Best Cordless Drill Comparison Table
Let’s analyze in detail which cordless drill will fit best individual users. The following chart compares various battery drill features to summarize this review series:
| Cordless Drill Feature Comparison Table |
Homeowner and DIY occasional usage |
Cabinet Maker Professional Woodworker |
Framer/Carpenter/Roofer Heavy Duty Frame Worker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rec. Motor Power | 12-18 Volt | 10.8 Volt/12 Volt | 18 Volt |
| Battery Amps/Hour |
1.2 Ah | 1.3 Ah | 3.0 Ah |
| Battery Type |
min. Nickel-Metal Hydride | Lithium-Ion | Lithium-Ion |
| Cordless Drill Design | Mid-Handle | Mid-Handle | Mid-Handle |
| Chuck Size |
1/2″ (13mm) | min. 3/8″ (10mm) | 1/2″ (13mm) |
| Removable Chuck (Bit fit directly in drill) |
Not needed | Important | Useful |
| “Corner” Eccentric Chuck/Adapter available |
Not needed | Useful | Useful |
| Right Angle Chuck available |
Not needed | Useful | Useful |
| Switch | |||
| – Variable Speed | Important | Important | Important |
| – Electronic Brake | Important | Important | Important |
| – Soft-start Electronic | Important | Important | Important |
| Torque Adjustment / Clutch | Useful | Useful | Important |
| Hammer Action |
Recommended | Not needed | Useful |
| Mechanical Gear |
2 – Step | 2-Step | min. 2-Step |
| Serviceability/Ergonomics |
|||
| – Carbon Brushes available separate from motor and easy to change | Not needed | Important | Important |
| – Low Weight for better Maneuverability | Useful | Important | Useful |
| Cordless Drill Battery Charger | |||
| – Min. charging time | 1 hour | 15 Minutes | 15 Minutes |
| – Temperature controlling charger | Important | Important | Recommended |
| Carrying Case | Useful | Important | Important |
| Suggested Type of Cordless Drill |  |
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| Rec. Cordless Power Tool Brands | DeWalt, Makita, Bosch, Festool, Black and Decker, Ridgid, | Makita, Bosch, Ryobi, DeWalt, Ridgid, | Makita, Dewalt, Bosch, Ryobi, Ridgid, |
The above cordless drill comparison is only a starting point when looking at the best cordless drill for your individual needs. Hopefully we have given you some tips on what to look for when you are searching for the best drill for your workshop.