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From household tasks to heavy-duty yard work, these drills will make DIY projects a breeze.
Photo:Real Simple / Dera Burreson
A cordless drill offers high mobility, saysBrian Shaunfield, Lowes store manager serving Charlotte, North Carolina.
He also notes that, since theyre compact, cordless models are easy to use over longer periods.
We also got expert insight from Shaunfield on what to look for when shopping for cordless drills.
PHOTO: Toolbarn
The lightweight design may not feel as heavy-duty as other models.
Its lightweight and ultra-precise yet still has enough power to handle larger jobs.
The keyless chuck impressively gripped all sizes of the bits that we tested without issue.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Plus, the drills light build gives it a smooth balance and effortless trigger engagement.
After six months of use, this model continued to exceed our expectations.
Its comfortable, easy to use, and a great value for the price.
PHOTO: Walmart
This drill is less suited for major tasks.
If youre looking to keep your tool costs low, consider this budget-friendly cordless drill from Skil.
Its a durable, easy-to-control drill, and its compact, too.
PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson
In our testing, we found that it has a long battery life and charges quickly.
At home, we used the drill for decking and assembling furniture.
Whether youre putting hanging pictures or tightening hinges, this drill makes the perfect partner in crime.
Its a bit large and heavy, so holding it may wear you out overtime.
Just keep in mind that this tool doesnt have a hammer drill mode.
It stalls a bit and may take a while to fully charge.
Despite its small size, this cordless drill still delivered an impressive performance in our tests.
Throughout our testing process, we found that this drill drives screws easily at the right depth.
The cordless drills trigger is easy to feather when you need a soft touch, too.
While the storage bag is convenient, we do wish it had compartments to keep our drill bits organized.
Weve used this drill for several tasks to date, fromhanging up curtain rodsto installing dog gates.
Even after six months, the drill has continued to be our go-to for smaller projects.
It lacks the bells and whistles of more advanced models, and the design isnt very ergonomic.
Not planning on using your cordless drill very often?
In our testing, we found that this drill performed well at drilling holes of all sizes.
Nevertheless, the tool felt well-balanced and it was easy to tighten when small bits fell out.
We also love the LED lightits strong and illuminates exactly where you need it.
Plus, the battery, charger, and storage case are included in the purchase.
Still, its a solid, low-priced drill thats great for basic purposes.
The expensive price and various features may not be necessary for those with basic drilling needs.
Its a pro-level drill that can tackle any material and hole.
But if youre a major DIY-er and doing high-stakes projects, we think its worth every penny.
It stalls when making bigger holes.
This cordless drill is compact and lightweight, designed to reach tight spaces with ease.
PHOTO: Amazon
The additional chucks make it an especially versatile option, allowing it to access spaces from all different angles.
Drill/Driver Kitis our top pick, thanks to its lightweight feel, precise aim, and reasonable price.
Its a drill it’s possible for you to rely on for everyday projects time and time again.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
First, we weighed each drill with the battery pack installed and evaluated how it felt in our hands.
We also evaluated how easy it was to adjust the speed by gently adjusting the trigger.
Then, we tested each cordless drill on concrete, considering how long it took to drill five holes.
PHOTO: Amazon
In addition to the above tests, we also evaluated the batteries and chargers of the drills we tested.
Does the charger have a built-in fan to prevent overheating?
Are the charging indicator lights easy to understand?
PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Is the charging cord long enough?
These are all questions that we kept in mind while reviewing each cordless drills battery.
Its also worth noting that a 20-volt battery is the same as an 18-volt battery.
Be prepared to pay more for a drill with a 1/2-inch chuck size, though.
More amp-hours and more volts provide longer runtime.
More Cordless Drills to Consider
Ryobi 18V ONE+ HP Brushless Cordless 1/2 in.
Despite these positive attributes, we found that it stalls occasionally and drains power fast.
Bosch 18 V Compact 1/2 In.
Questions You Might Ask
Is a brushed or brushless motor better?
When it comes to deciding between a brushed and brushless motor, Shaunfield says it depends on your needs.
A brushless motor offers better runtime with a lower vibration, which reduces fatigue, he says.
They are also more powerful, require less maintenance, and have greater durability.
What are the differences between a cordless drill and an electric screwdriver?
According to Shaunfield, the main difference between the two is power.
For expert insight, Rachel spoke toBrian Shaunfield, store manager at Lowes serving Charlotte, North Carolina.
PHOTO: Amazon
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Home Depot
PHOTO: Real Simple
PHOTO: Lowes
PHOTO: Real Simple
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
