Best Cordless Drills Any Handyman Must Have in the UK

Review & Comparison, Last Update February 2, 2024
A cordless drill is an irreplaceable helper of any handyman. The cordless drill is used for most jobs at summer cottages, ...Read more
PROS
The soft-grip handle features generous padding to minimise the vibrations' impact, absorb pressure, and reduce hand strain. The battery needs no more than one hour to fully recharge. The LED worklight is bright enough to illuminate sizable corners. 
CONS

The battery runs out very quickly. 

OUR VERDICT

Fitted with 15 torque settings and 13-millimetre chuck capacity, the DeWalt 18V XR will enable working with different bits and drilling, driving, and hammering into most surfaces. Moreover, the ergonomically sound profile and the reduced size and weight will facilitate prolonged use.

detailed parameters
Max Torque

25 Nm

Speed range

2 speeds, 0 - 400 RPM, 0-1500 RPM

Battery Type (Amp-Hour)

1.3Ah, 18V lithium-ion battery

Charge time

1 hour

Chuck capacity

1 - 13 mm

Maximum drilling capacity

Wood - 30 mm

Steel - 13 mm

Masonry - 13 mm

Control system

15 torque settings, Forward/reserve switch, Variable speed control trigger 

Features

Ergonomic design with an anti-slip soft-grip handle, LED worklight

What's in the box

Battery, Charger, Carry case

Weight

1.1 kg

Warranty

3 years (registration required)

PROS

The spring-loaded battery compartment lets you remove and insert the battery without fumbling and wasting precious time. The hard-wearing carry case will survive the bumpiest roads, enabling hassle-free storage and transportation.

CONS

The power tool is quite heavy. 

OUR VERDICT

The BLACK + DECKER BCD700S1K-GB covers numerous projects that entail drilling into masonry, metal, and wood. With its hammering action reaching 21,000 bpm, this combination drill can easily compete with above-average hammer drills.

detailed parameters
Max Torque

40 Nm

Speed range

2 speed modes: 0 - 360 RPM, 0 - 1400 RPM

Battery Type (Amp-Hour)

1.5Ah, 18V

Charge time

3 hours

Chuck capacity

1 - 10 mm

Maximum drilling capacity

Wood - 25 mm

Steel - 10 mm

Masonry - 10 mm

Control system

10 torque settings, Hammer setting that delivers 21,000 BPM, Reverse

Features

Ergonomic soft grip, Keyless chuck, Charging indicator

What's in the box

Hard-wearing kit box, 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery

Weight

2.19 kg

Warranty

1 year

PROS

The battery indicator allows monitoring its charge. The batteries are featured with Bosch Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) which makes sure the drill is protected from overloading, overheating, and deep discharging.

CONS
You need to tighten the chuck firmly to avoid slipping of a bit.
OUR VERDICT

The Bosch PSB 1800 LI-2 is a versatile tool with impact drilling capability that is great for drilling hard materials. As a bonus, it comes not with one but with two batteries, enabling you to complete even some time-consuming jobs without recharging.

detailed parameters
Max Torque
38 Nm
Speed range
2 speed modes: 0-400 RPM, 0-1350 RPM
Battery Type (Amp-Hour)

1.5Ah, 18V lithium-ion battery

Charge time
1 hour
Chuck capacity
1 - 10 mm
Maximum drilling capacity

Wood - 30 mm

Steel - 10 mm

Masonry - 10 mm

Control system

20 torque settings, Forward/reverse switch, Hammer drilling mode

Features
Battery charge-control indicator, Screwdriving, Drilling, Impact drilling, LED light, Rotation direction indicator
What's in the box

2 batteries, Charger, Carry case

Weight
1.3 kg
Warranty
2 years (extendable up to 3 years through registration at MyBosch within 28 days of purchase)
PROS

The embedded bit storage clip will be able to keep the included double-ended bit always within reach. The chuck is compatible with most drilling and screwdriving bits from 1 to 13 millimetres.

CONS

The double-ended bit is a little flimsy. 

OUR VERDICT

The Ryobi R18PD3-215GZ offers drilling, screwdriving, and hammering into brick, concrete, plastic, ceramic, tile, and various metals. With these functions, the model enables installing TV brackets, hanging curtain rails, fixing lighting, adjusting shelves, and more.

detailed parameters
Max Torque

50 Nm

Speed range

2 speed modes: 0-500 RPM, 0-1800 RPM

Battery Type (Amp-Hour)

1.5Ah, 18V lithium-ion battery

Charge time

3-4 hours

Chuck capacity

1 - 13 mm

Maximum drilling capacity

Wood - 30 mm

Steel - 10 mm 

Masonry - 10 mm

Control system

24 torque settings, 2 gears to control the max speed, Hammer setting that delivers max 23,400 BPM, Reverse

Features

LED light, Integrated bit storage clip

What's in the box

2 x ONE+ 1.5Ah batteries, Battery charger, Double-ended bit

Weight

1.7 kg

Warranty

3 years (registration required)

PROS

The soft-grip handle reduces hand fatigue and lets you firmly yet comfortably hold the drill. The LED worklight allows you to work in low-light conditions. The variable speed trigger will let you choose anywhere between 0 and 650 rpm. With the reverse feature, you'll have no issues switching between drilling and withdrawing screws.

CONS

The instruction manual could use some improvement in the coherence department. 

OUR VERDICT

The Terratek FUT18V01-3 will work for small-time contractors and aspiring handymen. This is easily the most complete package in its price range. You'll be able to tackle various projects and handle different tasks. 

detailed parameters
Max Torque

~ 15 Nm

Speed range

Variable speed 0-650 RPM

Battery Type (Amp-Hour)

18V/20V Lithium-ion

Charge time

~ 1 hour

Chuck capacity

0.8 - 10 mm

Maximum drilling capacity

Wood - 20 mm

Steel - 8 mm

Control system

16 torque settings, 1 drill setting, Reverse

Features

Soft-grip handle, ergonomic design, LED worklight, keyless chuck, quick-change battery

What's in the box

Battery pack, charger, magnet holder, 6 drill bits, 2 Pozi-drive screwdriver attachments, 2 Phillips screwdriver attachments, 2 slotted screwdriver attachments

Weight

1.5 kg

Warranty

2 years

The Lightweight Champ

The DeWalt 18V XR is lean and mean. To initiate the conversation, this cordless handheld machine weighs less than 1.1 kilogrammes, which is at least 500 grammes less than most combi drills. Nevertheless, this power tool is as mean as its direct competition and, at times, even meaner. For instance, its maximum drilling capacity caps at 13 millimetres into masonry, 13 millimetres into metals, and whopping 30 millimetres into wood. Adding to the modest weight, the unit measures 38.5 x 35 x 11.5 centimetres, allowing drilling in tight spaces.

But, before that, the model's ergonomically sound, something we've come to expect from DeWalt products yet also something that should not be taken for granted. The generous rubber padding on the handle will be minimising the vibrations' impact, absorbing pressure, reducing hand strain over prolonged periods so that you can keep drilling without taking frequent breaks.

Having said that, you will have to take semi-frequent breaks anyway. On the one hand, the model's battery is pretty great because it goes from 0 to 100% in one hour. On the other hand, the charge does not last, so you'll have to pause every now and then whilst working on layered projects. It's a shame since everything else here, from the reduced footprint to the minimised weight to the comfortable, anti-slip, soft-grip handle, is conducive towards prolonged use. Still, between that and the alternatives, the contest is favouring this one anyway.

LED Worklight Improving Visibility

At times, these power tools do not last due to overheat and overload issues. The opposite is the case here. Featuring thermal overload protection, the model remains cool to the touch, whilst the fan-cooled, 2-speed variable motor ensures consistent long-lasting performance. Meanwhile, the 13-millimetre keyless chuck will enable secure one-handed tightening, so you'll be easily replacing bits and switching between different projects.

Not unlike most combi models, the DeWalt 18V XR offers drilling, driving, and hammering action, accommodating different DIY pursuits and various professional applications. Plus, you can choose between 15 torque settings and forward/reserve drilling. To top it all off, the integrated LED light will be able to improve visibility in dimly lit areas.

In short, when you need something nimble, something manoeuvrable, something that will reach hard-to-reach places yet does not compromise performance, the DeWalt 18V XR proves that something that fits the required bill.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £95.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B00SHIFXZY

11-Position Clutch

The people at BLACK + DECKER produce and sell quality combination drills, with the BCD700S1K-GB example following suit. Performance-wise, this model is almost flawless, considering that you take its more than reasonable price into account first. However, we're not crazy about its weight. Even putting its specs into perspective, stretching the drill's weight almost 2.2 kilogrammes is an issue that could have been avoided since there are models with comparable specs that weigh somewhere around 1.5, 1.7 kilogrammes tops. Sure, when you switch the modes and start hammering, these models might be not as good at handling masonry and concrete as this combination drill but the weight is still excessive, sorry, fellows.

What's not excessive though are the 2 speed modes, with the first producing anywhere between 1 and 360 revolutions per minute and the second generating as high as 1400 revolutions per minute when necessary. As you can imagine, the former setting will enable controlled driving, while the latter setting will let you drill into steel and tough woods.

Of course, they're not something we haven't seen before, just like the 11-position clutch that gives you precise control options covering different wood, metal, plastic, and more screwdriving tasks. The spring-loaded battery system, on the other hand, is not quite as common, letting you replace the battery with relative ease and ensuring a secure fit. By the way, the lithium-ion battery that sits inside this spring-loaded compartment can hold >80% of its charger over 90 days whilst idle, so you won't have to recharge the unit before each use, assuming that the battery has not been drained before.

Absorbing Vibrations and Minimising Pressure

Construction-/appearance-wise, this model follows in its predecessors' footsteps, adopting an ergonomic anti-slip handle that enables a firm yet comfortable grip, absorbing vibrations and reducing hand strain during prolonged use. Besides that, the drill matches orange with black, not unlike all BLACK + DECKER products. Finally, wrapping an already appealing package is a hard-wearing kit box. Using this box, you can store and transport this drill with comfort and ease knowing that the tool survives the road without hiccups.

Long story short, the BLACK + DECKER BCD700S1K-GB is a relatively compact and plenty versatile unit that will let you tackle numerous household projects that involve drilling into wood, metal, or masonry. Plus, its battery life is thoroughly impressive and the settings are not difficult to adjust.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £49.69
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B079K56H8T

Perfect in Everything

The Bosch PSB 1800 is another great model on the list, presenting one of the better ratios between quality and price. However, we'll get to that a little later. Now let's talk functionality first.

Right off the bat, the Bosch PSB 1800's isn't a multipurpose tool. However, it can easily solve such tasks as drilling wood and plastic and impact drilling, which will be enough for most DIYers.

High drill performance of the tool is provided by the rotation speed of 1350 RPM and the torque of 38 Nm, which is sufficient for drilling metal, bricks and even some really hard materials like concrete. What also adds scores to the Bosch PSB 1800 is that the tool offers as many as 20 torque settings, enabling you to drill holes and drive screws at the most suitable speed, depending on the materials.

Also, we'd be remiss not to mention the tool keyless chuck with Bosch Auto-Lock, a system making it easy to change bits really fast. Other conveniences worth mentioning include a powerful LED light that will be helpful in poorly illuminated and hard-to-get places, a double screwdriver bit, and a plastic carrying case for convenient storage and transportation. Basically, the Bosch PSB 1800 is stuffed with everything you'd expect from a quality cordless drill.

Energy Efficient

Moving on, let's say a few words about the tool power supply. The Bosch PSB 1800 comes with two 18V batteries. According to the manufacturer's claims, this should be enough for driving up to 300 screws on one full charge, thanks to the implementation of the Syneon Chip system. This system provides optimum power consumption by setting the right ratio between power and speed automatically. Furthermore, the batteries are featured with Bosch Electronic Cell Protection (ECP) which makes sure the drill is protected from overloading, overheating, and deep discharging. 

Thanks to all this, the drill can run for a longer time. But the best thing about the batteries is that they are compatible with other Bosch tools from the Power4All series, making this drill a practical solution for those who already own some equipment by Bosch. 

In all, as you can probably see yourself, the Bosch PSB 1800 is a great value for the money. Reasonably lightweight and with such advanced capabilities, it will allow you to execute any kind of job like a pro.

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price £99.00
Stock May be out of stock
ASIN B00L3XK06C

VIDEO

More Bit Grip Strength

The Ryobi R18PD3-215GZ is both more and less capable than most percussion drills in its weight class. On the one hand, the model's maximum torque reaches 50 Newton-metres, which is nothing to sneeze at. With this output, the drill has no issues tackling the hardest materials, including steel, concrete, masonry, brick, and more.

On the other hand, because the double-ended bit that comes with the package is a little flimsy and because the chuck is not quite as sturdy as it could have been, the model's maximum drilling capacity caps at 10 millimetres with steel and masonry. Is that bad? No, it is quite adequate, but there are combination drills with less torque that reach ~13 millimetres, so there's some room for improvement here.

The good news is that the same chuck ratchets, improving the bit's grip strength and making this drill compatible with standard drilling and screwdriving bits between 1 and 13 millimetres. Talking about grip, the model also comes equipped with a padded handle that absorbs vibrations and reduces hand strain, enabling prolonged use without the usual fatigue and discomfort that comes with it. Even better news is the integrated LED torch, providing additional illumination so that you can drill in low-light environments.

24 Torque Settings

Borrowing a page from the usual combination drill book, the model offers drilling, screwdriving, and hammering action. Switch between these settings, you can install TV brackets, hang curtain rails, fix lighting both indoors and outdoors, adjust shelves, you name the task.

Besides these settings, the model also includes a whopping 24 torque settings, so you can rotate between drilling into thin materials and hammering walls without adjusting the torque manually. There's also the 2-speed gearbox that offers 0-500 and 0-1800 RPM, serving pretty much the same purpose that the above-mentioned torque settings (as in letting you work with more materials). Likewise, the hammering action that the model delivers maxes out at 23,400 BPM, a respectable performance even without taking the price tag into account first.

What's not quite as respectable is the charge time. Whilst more expensive combination drills can go from 0 to 100% in 60-90 minutes, this one takes 3-4 hours, which is not terrible but also not great.

On the plus side, the drill features a built-in bit storage clip, keeping the provided double-ended (flat head/Pozi) bit always close at hand. With it, the Ryobi R18PD3-215GZ makes a pretty convincing overall case.

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price £78.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B07YT5HGH3

Enough to Get the Job Done

The Terratek FUT18V01-3 is the most complete cordless drill in the budget price range. The model's performance doesn't necessarily compare to its corded counterparts and pricey competition but, again, as far as the overall package is concerned, the Terratek FUT18V01-3 is about as good as it gets for the money they ask.

Though this isn't the drill's biggest strength, let's start with performance. The max torque that the model is able to deliver doesn't go above ~ 15 Nm, which isn't necessarily too impressive but, more often than not, enough to get the job done. Plus, this little power tool features 16 different torque settings, so you'll be able to set the drill at either powerful or delicate drilling and/or controlled screw driving.

The maximum drilling capacity is pretty standard for cordless drills. You'll be able to tackle 20-mm wood and 8-mm steel.

Switch Things Up

The drill is plenty flexible. Again, with its 16-position torque selector, you'll be able to find the perfect setting for just about any material. Plus, you can use the reverse feature to switch the direction you are working towards. You won't have to change your standing position simply because you're drilling in reverse. Considering the reverse feature and the variable speed trigger that will let you choose anywhere between 0 and 650 revolutions per minute, you'll have no issues switching between drilling and withdrawing screws.

The product's biggest flaw is probably not its relatively limited max torque because that part is understandable considering the price tag but the instruction manual. The said manual could definitely use some improvement in the coherence department. That being said, the drill is pretty straightforward and you should be able to figure its functions and settings out with minor time and effort investments.

We've said earlier that the overall package is what really sells the product and we definitely stand by that statement.In addition to the drill, the people behind the product send you a battery pack, charger, magnet holder, 6 drill bits, 2 Pozi-drive screwdriver attachments, 2 Phillips screwdriver attachments, and 2 slotted screwdriver attachments. With these accessories/attachments, you'll be able to tackle just about any project.

Apart from that, it is the usual little details, like the soft-grip handle that reduces hand fatigue and lets you firmly yet comfortably hold the drill and the LED worklight that lets you work in low-light conditions.

Long story short, the Terratek FUT18V01-3 will work for small-time contractors and aspiring handymen. Again, this is easily the most complete package in its price range.

Last updated price £32.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00I506718

Infographics


What Is a Cordless Drill?

If you are looking for a cordless drill to use around your home or on construction sites, you've come to the right place. In this review, we offer you the selection of five best cordless drills from well-known brands that you can find on the market right now.

Cordless drills are very popular and for many reasons. They are relatively lightweight, ergonomically built, and, more often than not, provide as good functionality as corded counterparts, allowing you to perform almost all the same tasks with relative ease. Naturally, they won't be able to operate non-stop and you might need an extra hand when drilling some particularly tough materials, but for most light- and medium jobs, cordless drills are more than fit for the task. Besides, cordless drills can be of great help when working on construction sites, letting you reach all awkward spots without being limited by the length of a cable.

If you often have to work for an extended period of time, executing heavy-duty jobs and projects on construction sites, you need to use a powerful, mains-operated tool. For this kind of jobs, we recommend you to turn towards hammer drills.

What Features to Compare

Performance

Torque is the first thing to consider when selecting a cordless drill. It is the torque that determines the force that the drill will use to rotate. Cordless drills with bigger torque are more versatile and suitable for multiple jobs – they can screw/unscrew fasteners and drill holes in dense materials of various thicknesses.

Rotations per minute is another essential parameter to look at. The higher this number is, the more powerful the drill will be. 500 RPM will be enough for simple works like screwing, whereas drilling would require at least 1000 RPM and more.

Chuck size and drill speed are the main parameters that determine the diameter of a drilling hole. Note that the material also matters. Drilling into wood compared to drilling into a denser material will always result in bigger drilling holes.

To ensure long-term operation, the drill needs to have a high-performance battery. Usually, the battery life is predetermined by a few factors - the material the drill is used for and work duration. So if you often use the drill (and primarily for heavy load jobs), it may be a good idea to purchase one more battery to keep at hand.

Control System

Every cordless drill features its own control system for various drilling needs. A trigger to control the speed of drilling will ensure convenient operation while a reverse switch, which changes the direction of a drill bit, will let you handle most jobs around the house that require screwing and unscrewing dowels, fasteners, and so on.

Features

Choosing a cordless drill, you should also consider its features. More often than not, drills are used for long-term works, and this is where the convenience of use comes down to the size of a drill. The tool shouldn’t be too unwieldy and is expected to provide an ergonomic grip. Yet, the drill that feels too small in hand might not be good for most dense materials and long-term jobs.

The chuck of any particular cordless drill determines the size of a bit it can work with. It also determines the grip. Thus, if you're planning to use the drill for heavy jobs, consider the drills with 1/2 chuck size.

Additional Functions

Those consumers who’ve already done some research on the Internet could probably see that all cordless drills differ in this or that way. To find the best-suited tool for your needs, consider additional functions of different drills. A cordless drill with hammer drilling capabilities will come in handy if you’ve got no puncher at hand. Built-in lights are great for working in dimly lit work spaces. The clutch will not let the motor burn or overheat when used on dense materials. These are just some of the extra added functions a cordless drill may have. So if the convenience is of importance to use, make sure to see into all of its available perks and functions.

Sources:

1. Tim Snyder Choos a Cordless Drill, This Old House.

2. Power Drilling Buying Guide, Lowe's.

3. Chris Barnes Cordless drill buying guide, Choice. August 28, 2014.

4. Drill bit, Wikipedia. October 11, 2016.

5. Steve Hoefer A beginner's guide to drills and bits, Boing Boing. August 25, 2014.

6. Chris Hill Key Features You Want in a Drill and Essential Drill Bits, DIY Network.

7. Hand and Power Tools, OSHA.

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