I need a new cordless drill. Advise please

[John Timmins]

I'd appreciate opinions on a cordless drill - the newest choices available in the usual big box stores or online.

Batteries change, voltages have changed, chucks have improved I hope . I hate chucks that don't have a chuck key.

I don't need the all in one set with the big spotlight or electric screwdriver etc. I'd appreciate suggestions from the PROFESSIONALS who use cordless tools all day long.

Thanks in advance.

 

[DuratecMan10]

Dewalt 12V Max is the best power, size and price wise. I use the Dewalt 12v series of tools and haven't used anything since. Sold off older 18Vs that weren't getting used as much. I have the impact driver, 3/8" impact wrench and regular drill. They have a new Xtreme drill out I believe which is brushless.


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[sberry]

I have heavy duty and bought my son a pc from Wally,, I am going to get another for utility.. I want keyless and 1/2. This thing cost 50$ and is as good or better than the blue one I paid 150 for in 1992.

 

[Parrothead]

A cordless drill with a keyed chuck? Um.... You might need to swap out the chuck then. Almost everything cordless is keyless

 

[Paul_The_Builder]

All the drills from the major brands are good. I always like having at least 2 drills - 1 compact and 1 big one. I find myself using my smallest drill the most, and only step up to a larger more powerful drill if I'm drilling something more strenuous (hole saws, augers, etc.), and having a big drill as your only drill is really a pain in the wrists. The small drill also works great for driving screws.

No one sells cordless drills with keyed chucks, but you can easily buy a keyed chuck and swap it on. Almost all drills (biggest exception is newer Milwaukee FUEL drills) use standard 1/2-20 threaded chucks. But you may want to hold off on it, the newer metal keyless chucks (especially the Rohm ones) are really quite good.

 

[richfinn]

I'd appreciate opinions on a cordless drill - the newest choices available in the usual big box stores or online.

Batteries change, voltages have changed, chucks have improved I hope . I hate chucks that don't have a chuck key.

I don't need the all in one set with the big spotlight or electric screwdriver etc. I'd appreciate suggestions from the PROFESSIONALS who use cordless tools all day long.

Thanks in advance.

It really depends on what your drilling and what size drill bits you intend to use

Do you need a hammer function (combi)?

Are you using it for automotive tasks?

Do you want an allrounder??

In the UK at least the Branded stuff they sell in big box stores aren't always the same as the pro tools, Makita DeWalt and Bosch all sell DIY grade and pro grade versions

Take a look at AvE/BOLTR channel on YouTube if you want a no bulls*t opinion on power tools

I have been looking for deals on a Hilti recently and they aren't as crazy priced as I once imagined

 

[bushmechanic]

More people should really pay attention to grip angle.

If you're drilling vertical holes in metal frequently, messing with cars, or doing carpentry, a drill designed for framing with a highly angled bore axis (notably Bosch, in the past) isn't the best choice ergonomically or with ease of precision in mind.

So, the question is framing, or anything else at all; because quite a few are built specifically with cranking out houses in mind.

 

[Stuey]

I'd appreciate opinions on a cordless drill - the newest choices available in the usual big box stores or online.

Batteries change, voltages have changed, chucks have improved I hope . I hate chucks that don't have a chuck key.

I don't need the all in one set with the big spotlight or electric screwdriver etc. I'd appreciate suggestions from the PROFESSIONALS who use cordless tools all day long.

Thanks in advance.

If you want the newest choices, ALL of the models are going to have keyless chucks and LED worklights.

You're going to have to be more specific.

Do you want a more compact drill? Or so heavy duty that you need a huge auxiliary handle to prevent wrist damage?

Budget?

You can get a modern brushless drill for $70 to $99 these days for one-battery or low capacity 2-battery kits.

Brand preference?

Your choices will generally be 12V or 18V/20V Max. Are you leaning either way?

I'd say start with these two options, and if they're not suitable, chime in with more specifics and preferences and we can throw more recommendations your way:

Milwauklee 2801-21P - 500 in-lbx max torque, $99
Makita XFD061 - 530 in-lbs max torque, $99

All day runtime? You'll want a 2-battery kit, and you can sometimes find better drill +_impact driver combo kit deals than single drill kit pricing during the holiday season.

 

[larry_g]

With all the requirements and needs you have stated I would suggest that you just pick one in your favorite color. Now if you give some information on the use for this tool, size and power requirements, price point, hobby, homeowner, or everyday professional use then you may get some better answers.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[u2slow]

Be weary of quality differences within a brand.

My Makita 18V drills are decent, but the latest one they brought in at work feels (and works) about as good as a child's toy (especially horrible chuck on this one). I also find when I push on the back of their drills, I'm covering the motor venting completely.

I'm several tools deep in the Makita line, but I find myself wondering about Bosch (price), Dewalt (more stores carry it), and Ridgid (battery warranty) if I decided to change up. Milwaukee seems spendy to me, but also seem to have a tool for everything.

 

[Negen]

I have some Milwaukee fuel and some dewalts. My favorite is the 18v fein drill. Only time the fien showed any signs of struggle was mixing 20lbs of thinset. I ended up just giving my other brands away to some younger guys just starting out.

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[ovilla]

Whatever you do, stay away from Milwaukee tools. Absolutely the best brand out there. You’ll start off with a simple drill pack (that’s what you’ll tell your wife and what you will want to believe) and then you’ll be selling your other tools to “complete the set”, which will never get completed because Milwaukee just keeps innovating and coming out with tools that you didn’t know you’ve always needed. Then you’ll come back here (after buying an M12 heated hunting t-shirt) and you’ll start convincing yourself that you need a 1” impact for your upcoming deck project. Just not worth it!

 

[ambenz]

Bought myself a Black and Decker 20vdc drill in 2013 and still have it. The B&D weedwacker uses the same battery so I bought that in 2014. All still work and batteries still hold a charge but the drill is not brushless...will get a puff of carbon once in a while.

So in 2020, I bought another drill and regulated the old one to basement work on my model railroad framework and such....so glad I didn't spend over $40 for a drill.

Using batteries on multiple tool platforms...."PRICELESS!"

 

[John Timmins]

I would like to thank everyone for their time writing and opinions.

I am only a hobbyist these days. I want a higher priced drill if it means I'm getting the quality. I want to be able to drill sharp drills in steel and then be able to to drywall screws or 2 inch screws into a 2x4. Power when needed. I don't know what voltage to get.

I have a variety of brand name tools so I'm not a one brand guy. I have a corded Milwaukee 1/2 in angle drive drill for wood bits running wire. I have a Porter Cable hammer drill (corded) for Tapcon screws. The Bosch jig saw people on here recommended is the best tool I own with the tee blade holder.

I'm retiring a craftsman that I admit was a good tool. the batteries cost too much now. I'm not getting the battery rebuilt by Batteries Plus .

 

[bushmechanic]

All still work and batteries still hold a charge but the drill is not brushless...

Nothing wrong with a brushed motor, and it does have at least one advantage in everyday use: It's not firing off that constant squeal you get out of a brushless... Well, anything, really.

Most of my stuff is brushless, but it's not deliberate. I'd go brushed just to shut the damned things up if there was a choice for every tool. I hate that noise.

 

[sberry]

I would like to thank everyone for their time writing and opinions.

I am only a hobbyist these days. I want a higher priced drill if it means I'm getting the quality. I want to be able to drill sharp drills in steel and then be able to to drywall screws or 2 inch screws into a 2x4. Power when needed. I don't know what voltage to get.

I have a variety of brand name tools so I'm not a one brand guy. I have a corded Milwaukee 1/2 in angle drive drill for wood bits running wire. I have a Porter Cable hammer drill (corded) for Tapcon screws. The Bosch jig saw people on here recommended is the best tool I own with the tee blade holder.

I'm retiring a craftsman that I admit was a good tool. the batteries cost too much now. I'm not getting the battery rebuilt by Batteries Plus .

That orange B&D in the pic above run 3 inch deck screws no sweat. The 50$ drill now will. They aint as heavy as my 28 but,,, they aint as heavy as those. Feel like a toy but they work well and so much nicer for common screw and ligbt drill work including steel to 3/8 or so.

 

[theoldwizard1]

As other had said, it depends a lot on what you are going to be using it for. When my cheapo Black and Decker NiCad died, I knew I did not want a 1/2" drill. 3/8" was fine for around the house DIY tasks.

Nothing wrong with a brushed motor, ...

I went with a Milwaukee M12 2407. Yes it has brushes so it probably has a bit less torque and less run time. 95% of the time, I am only making 2-3 holes anyway ! What really sold me was the light weight and compact size.

The only thing I wish I could find are "jobber length" 7/16" and 1/2" bit turned down for a 3/8" chuck. Stubbies work in a pinch or I drag out my corded 1/2" drill.

 

[Fly YX]

Go to the store and check them out. See which one fits in your hand. And if you're going to buy more than just a drill later on and that platform see what els they have.. Back in the day the only Tools that I had that were cordless was a drill and a light. Everything else was air or ac. Every time the battery would die I would just buy a new one. I went through quite a few. Until I got the Ridgid They have lifetime warranties even on the batteries to. I filled in the gaps with different brands on tools they did not offer yet. The warranty process has is a lot better. I have a few m12 drills they do not hold up using them in a industrial environment At least for what I do. The last ones were still under warranty and now they are in my home box. This time of year they have a lot of good deals. Home depot has a lot of buy 1 get 1 free.

 

[finn]

I a. Confused. You are a homeowner, from your description, yet you are asking for advice from a professional as to what drill to buy. Makes no sense.

The major manufacturers offer a wide range of product within their lineups, but the moderately priced products from a big box store are specifically aimed at the DIYer, and any of them will be adequate. You don’t need a $300 drill for tasks that a $99 drill will handle without issue.

Yes, battery platforms have evolved over the last thirty years since I was gifted my first B&D bu my father in law, but they have actually been quite stable since lithium batteries took over the market.

I would simply go to a couple of box stores and look at Bosch, Milwaukee, Dewalt, and Mikita. Brushless is the latest technology, and 18/20 v will handle bigger jobs than 12 v, but at the expense of being heavier and less agile. See what feels comfortable to you.

You aren’t going to be drilling holes eight hours a day, five days per week. I have noticed that installers, electricians, hyacinth technicians and some other tradesmen have been using more and more compact 12v drills.

I find that in my case, I use the impact drivers more than drills, and the 12v as much as the 18/20 v tools.

The best deals are the drill/driver sets on the shelves are the best deals. Mine are both Bosch and Dewalt.

 

[justtools]

I am a auto tech. I use the Milwaukee fuel line at work in m12 . there drill and impact combo is great, Light powerful and compact. As a homeowner you likely will be more than satisfied.

 

[californiamilleghia]

Look at the Ryobi line and see how many of those tools you might want to buy in the future...... they have a big selection !

And then look at Hart from Walmart , Black Friday sales on some of them ,

You are really buying into the "Cult" of whatever brand you pick , and you pay thru the years when you buy more of that brand tools and batteries ,

If its only for around the house you may not want to pay 2x-3x more for a Pro quality drill, saws all, weed wacker etc.....

If money is not the problem , Milwaukee or Dewalt will have what you will need.

 

[SuperCat]

I am not a professional, but my friend had pro electricians do some work at his house and they used Ryobi cordless drills. He asked them about it and they said Ryobi was the most bang for the money and durable.
At home I use Ryobi 18V drills, 1/4 inch impact, leaf blower, weed eater, and pole saw. All use the same battery format. You can find deals, sales, and 2-for-1 sales during the holidays all year around. Right now there is a Ryobi sale going on at Home Depot, check it out, you might find something you like at the right price.
(For the record, I do not have any business relationship with Ryobi or Home Depot. I am just a DIYer with a good experience using Ryobi tools.)

 

[californiamilleghia]

I am not a professional, but my friend had pro electricians do some work at his house and they used Ryobi cordless drills. He asked them about it and they said Ryobi was the most bang for the money and durable.
At home I use Ryobi 18V drills, 1/4 inch impact, leaf blower, weed eater, and pole saw. All use the same battery format. You can find deals, sales, and 2-for-1 sales during the holidays all year around. Right now there is a Ryobi sale going on at Home Depot, check it out, you might find something you like at the right price.
(For the record, I do not have any business relationship with Ryobi or Home Depot. I am just a DIYer with a good experience using Ryobi tools.)

And the older Blue Ryobi 18v tools work with the new batteries.....( need to get modern charger)
So check out flea markets or Craigslist ETC

 

[nadogail]

My first cordless drill was a 9.6 Volt Makita with the long battery. It eventually wore out and was replaced by a DeWalt.

When the DeWalt died I bought a 3 tool kit made by Royobi. After the replacement set of Royobi batteries died as quick as the first, I donated the Royobi set to the DAV Thrift Store.

I am presently using another Makita, it has been a pretty good while and I am now sold on that brand.

 

[Wamsutta]

I would get the drill that fit my hand the best and was well balanced.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would get the drill that fit my hand the best and was well balanced.

Milwaukee 2407. Skip the big battery pack.

 

[BFHtime]

I really like Makita cordless tools. The brushless tools seem to last for a longer run time, you also don't get the smell of the arc of brushes, the ozone smell. They have a great line of tools. I have been adding tools here and there for a few years. I like how the batteries usually last longer in use than it takes to charge. I like the 18v line, or the 18vx2 when applicable. I have not had any problems with the tools, and some have had some unfortunate circumstances and continue to function well.
I like to get the deals with a free battery pack or 2 with the purchase of the tool. Makita does this usually when they bring out a new model. Also if you go to the website you can see the promotions that are available. Not all stores do the promotions all the time, but it is worth tracking down. The batteries are not cheap, but getting free batteries for a good tool is an exceptionally good value.
Good luck!!

 

[M635_Guy]

I used the Craftsman C3 platform, and liked my drill and impact driver a lot, but had the same problem you did as support for the battery platform faded.

I've since switched to Milwaukee - I have the M12 Surge impact driver and for driving screws it's a revelation - so much quieter and smoother than the C3 and far faster/more powerful. I got the M18 brushless drill (not one of the FUEL models), and it's kept me from missing the C3 drills I had too. I'm a pretty busy DIY guy, and that tandem has been really great - I'm especially a fan of the Surge. I kicked myself a bit at first for not being on a single battery platform (there's an M18 model of the Surge), but since then I've since gotten a fair bit of other Milwaukee stuff on both battery platforms and I'm very happy with all of it (and I'm picky). Plus the weight of the M12 model of the Surge is great.

 

[sberry]

How do the new 18 compare to my old 28?

 

[sberry]

I am going to get another PC 50$ one for convenience. They came 2 batteries and if I am mindful I havnt ran out of battery, the help bored a couple dozen holes for stakes withj 1 and dont recall running out but once and if a guy headed out the door with a fresh battery he is good to go, no gage like a premium tool has. A 50$BD of the 90s was 7.2 and junk with a small chuck. The PC feels less like a toy than the orange one but really has some power, I was bias when I got my 28, they were a leap above. Even if a guy was to invest in a great system this cheap knockoff has a spot for running screws and small bits very comfy, super for sheet metal.

 

[BOG]

When I'll finally buy a cordless drill it's going to be this one from Bosch not sure if available in the USA...

Bosch GSR 18 V-60 FCC FlexiClick

 

[Citation]

If you aren't buying into a family of tools I wouldn't over think it. I have a Craftsman Nextec 12V (several tools bought when they were stupid cheap) and a Rigid 18V (drill and impact)

The Rigid stuff is good but I wish the impact driver had a variable power setting. Sometimes you get something started then give it full trigger only to over power the philips bit. I had this issue less often with my weaker Nextec impact driver. Ironically I bought the Rigid set because the Nextec impact driver had limited battery life (but sufficient power for my needs). Most of the time I need no more torque than my Nextec driver but I want a lot more run time. However, the Nextec tool prices went crazy on ebay. I sold the LED light (never used it) and the impact driver (it was a handy right angle drive) and got enough cash to pay for the Rigid set.

The Rigid drill is good with plenty of power despite being brushed.

Do note what others have said about 12V vs ~18V lines. Dimensionally it's not much smaller than the Rigid but it is much lighter. It also has sufficient power most of the time (I'm normally not driving spade bits). I use the Rigid when I need more torque and/or run time. The rest of the time lighter is better.

It's probably worth looking at the other tools in the line up and their cost. I'm not a fan of the modern B&D branded cordless drills but thanks to my string trimmer I have those batteries and own a trimmer, a leaf blower and a 5.5" circular saw. Thanks to a lucky deal on the trimmer + 2 batteries I think I have $100 or so in the whole kit. None of it's good stuff but I don't think I would have bought either the blower or saw if they were $100+ each. Instead they were about $40 each. They are decidedly low end but the low end tool I have vs the high end tool that I can't cost justify. Ryobi tends to fall into this camp. I find they are typically inferior (and certainly larger) than their direct competitors, but they are also cheaper. I might consider a Ryobi circular saw for $70 but not a Milwaukee or DeWalt for $100+
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XQ37JMA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Too long/ didn't read:
*If you go 18-20V get an impact driver with variable power.
*12V tools are fine for so many applications and often lighter/easier to work with. Consider if you are better off with a 12V vs 18V platform.
*If you think you will expand into other tools consider the cost of those tools, not just which is better.

 

[Citation]

So even though I'm not a Ryobi fan, this looks like a really good deal to me. $130 for the 18V drill, 5-1/4" saw, flashlight and one additional tool (impact driver for me)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-1...Ah-Battery-Charger-and-Bag-PCK101KN/314003882
https://www.homedepot.com/p/RYOBI-1...in-Hex-Impact-Driver-Tool-Only-P237/206588778

Deal includes 2 batteries, one of them is a 4 Ahr battery.

This again hits my home owner value comment. These aren't red or yellow quality but they are likely to last a long time for a home owner.

 

[engineer2]

Makita XPH07. Makita chucks are high quality. Never had a problem with mine.
Look for one with a metal gearbox unless it's for light duty homeowner use.
Going to be hard to find a cordless with a keyed chuck.