If you’ve ever been overwhelmed by rows of shiny drills at the hardware store, you’re not alone. With so many options and features, how do we know which one is the best drill? Should we grab the most expensive one or stick with a budget option? Don’t worry — we’ve been there too. That’s why we’re breaking it all down to help you make a confident choice. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the types of drills, what makes a quality drill stand out, and some of the top brands worth considering. Let’s get started!
What Types of Drills Are Out There?
When it comes to drills, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Different projects call for different tools. Here are the main types of drills and what they’re best for:
- Cordless Drills: These are super convenient since they don’t need to be plugged in. Perfect for around-the-house jobs and light to medium-duty tasks.
- Corded Drills: Need consistent power for heavy-duty work? Corded drills are the way to go. Just keep in mind you’ll need access to an outlet.
- Hammer Drills: Working with concrete or masonry? Hammer drills combine drilling and hammering action to get through tough materials.
- Impact Drivers: These are ideal for driving screws and bolts with high torque. If you’re doing a lot of assembly work, an impact driver can save you a ton of effort.
- Drill Presses: For precise, stationary drilling (like woodworking or metalworking), a drill press is a must-have.
Each type has its own strengths, so it’s important to think about what kind of projects you’ll tackle most often. When we work on our projects, I always find myself using a regular cordless drill and an impact driver. For the sake of this review, we will look at both of these types for each brand.
Our Top Picks At A Glance
If you’re still wondering where to start, here are a few standout models that combine quality and value:
- What We Use – DeWalt 20V Cordless Drills
- Best On A Budget – Ryobi 18V Cordless Drills
- Others We Recommend – Ridgid 18V Cordless Drills
- Others We Recommend – Milwaukee 18V Cordless Drills
- Others We Recommend – Makita 18V Cordless Drills
DeWalt 20V Cordless Drills
(What We Use)
The DEWALT Cordless Drill and Impact Driver is an excellent choice for DIY enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering a perfect blend of power, portability, and durability. Both tools feature a compact, lightweight design that’s ideal for tight spaces without sacrificing performance. The drill delivers reliable power for a variety of applications, while the impact driver provides impressive torque for tougher jobs, making it a versatile combo for everything from assembling furniture to tackling construction projects. Powered by DEWALT’s 20V MAX Lithium-Ion batteries, they ensures long-lasting performance and quick recharge times. With its solid build quality and user-friendly features, this kit is a worthy investment for anyone seeking dependable, high-quality tools. We have been using these two drills on all of our DIY projects for over the last 10 years and they are still going strong.
Why We Recommend It
- Great value for the cost of both drills.
- Offered in a combo kit that has both drills and charger.
- Long lasting quality
What We Don’t Like
- Considered by most as entry level tools.
- Expensive replacement batteries.
Ryobi 18V Cordless Drills
(Best On A Budget)
The RYOBI Cordless Drill and Impact Driver is an efficient tool that can be perfect for DIY projects for people that are on a budget. Its brushless motor delivers excellent performance, providing more power and longer runtime compared to brushed models. The lightweight, cordless design makes it easy to handle, especially in tight spaces, while still offering plenty of torque for tough tasks like driving large screws or bolts. It comes in a kit that includes two batteries and a charger, ensuring you have the power you need to get the job done without interruptions. There are many people that love Ryobi and the tools that they offer at a much lower price tag. We have used these drills in the past and to us the quality and durability just isn’t there. That being said, if you are new to DIY and just need something to get started or a minimal amount of projects, this could be the perfect drill for you.
Why We Recommend It
- Great value for the cost of both drills.
- Offered in a combo kit that has both drills and charger.
- Great for beginners.
What We Don’t Like
- Quality and durability are much lower than similar models in this post.
- 18V does not compete will with higher voltage models.
Ridgid 18V Cordless Drills
(Others We Recommend)
The RIDGID 18V Cordless Drill and Impact Driver is a versatile and reliable set designed to tackle a wide range of tasks with ease. Featuring a powerful drill and an efficient impact driver, these drlils are perfect for everything from basic home repairs to heavy-duty construction projects. The tools are lightweight and comfortable to use, yet deliver impressive power and torque for demanding applications. With two included batteries and a charger on the combo kit, you’ll always have a backup ready to keep working without downtime. Durable and backed by RIDGID’s reputation for quality, this combo kit is a great investment for anyone looking for dependable cordless tools.
Why We Recommend It
- Very high quality and durability.
- Offered in a combo kit that has both drills and charger.
- Impressive power and torque offered on both drills.
What We Don’t Like
- Some of the better drills offered by Ridgid are very expensive.
- 18V is lower than the 20V offered from DeWalt.
Milwaukee 18V Cordless Drills
(Others We Recommend)
The Milwaukee 18V Cordless Drill and Impact Driver is a top-tier choice for professionals and serious DIYers looking for power and durability. This combo kit includes a high-performance hammer drill and an impact driver, both equipped with brushless motors for longer life and greater efficiency. The tools deliver impressive power and speed, making them ideal for heavy-duty jobs like drilling into masonry or driving large fasteners. With two M18 REDLITHIUM batteries and a rapid charger, you’ll have extended runtime and minimal downtime. Built tough to withstand job site conditions, this combo kit is a reliable investment for demanding tasks.
Why We Recommend It
- Excellent quality and durability.
- Offered in a combo kit that has both drills and charger.
- Both drills operate very effeciently and can be expected to last a long time.
What We Don’t Like
- Combo kit is much more expensive than other options.
- The increased price point doesn’t bring a huge increase in performance.
Makita 18V Cordless Drills
(Others We Recommend)
The Makita 18V Cordless Drill and Impact Driver is an excellent option for those seeking lightweight and reliable tools for home or professional projects. The combo kit includes a compact drill and an impact driver, both designed for easy handling and great performance in tight spaces. Despite their lightweight design, these tools deliver plenty of power for tasks like drilling, fastening, and light construction work. The 18V LXT batteries provide long-lasting runtime and charge quickly, minimizing downtime. With Makita’s reputation for quality and durability, this combo kit is a solid choice for users looking for efficiency and convenience in their toolset.
Why We Recommend It
- Great value for the cost of both drills.
- Offered in a combo kit that has both drills and charger.
- Long lasting quality.
What We Don’t Like
- 18V is lower than the very similar DeWalt model.
- Batteries are very bulky.
What to Look for in a Quality Drill
We’ve all heard the phrase, “You get what you pay for,” but that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to get a good drill. Here’s what we focus on when choosing a drill:
- Power: Look at the voltage for cordless drills or the amperage for corded ones. Higher numbers mean more power but may also mean more weight.
- Battery Life: For cordless drills, a long-lasting lithium-ion battery is a game-changer. Bonus points if it comes with a fast charger.
- Comfort: If the drill isn’t comfortable to hold, you won’t enjoy using it. Check for ergonomic designs and good grip materials.
- Versatility: Adjustable speed settings and multiple modes (like drill/driver and hammer) make a drill more versatile.
- Durability: A well-made drill should stand up to regular use. Look for quality materials and sturdy construction.
Some of the Most Competitive Brands
Not all drills are created equal, and brand reputation can tell us a lot about quality and reliability. Here are some brands we’ve had great experiences with:
- DeWalt: Known for their durable and powerful tools, DeWalt is a favorite among pros and DIYers alike.
- Milwaukee: Milwaukee’s M18 line of cordless tools is hard to beat, especially for demanding projects.
- Makita: Makita drills offer a great balance of power, weight, and battery performance.
- Ridgid: With a reputation for precision and durability, Rigid is an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned users.
- Ryobi: Ryobi drills are affordable and versatile, making them a solid option for budget-conscious DIYers.
Each brand brings something unique to the table, so it’s worth considering your specific needs when choosing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best drill doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding the different types of drills, knowing what to look for, and considering trusted brands, we can all find the perfect tool for our needs. Whether you’re a weekend DIY warrior or tackling bigger renovation projects, the right drill makes all the difference. We hope this guide has given you the confidence to make an informed choice. Now it’s time to pick up that perfect drill and get started on your next project, and if you are ever looking for a new one to start, check out our DIY Blog Category!
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