The battery runs out very quickly.
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.
25 Nm
2 speeds, 0 - 400 RPM, 0-1500 RPM
1.3Ah, 18V lithium-ion battery
1 hour
1 - 13 mm
Wood - 30 mm
Steel - 13 mm
Masonry - 13 mm
15 torque settings, Forward/reserve switch, Variable speed control trigger
Ergonomic design with an anti-slip soft-grip handle, LED worklight
Battery, Charger, Carry case
1.1 kg
3 years (registration required)
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.
The power tool is quite heavy.
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.
40 Nm
2 speed modes: 0 - 360 RPM, 0 - 1400 RPM
1.5Ah, 18V
3 hours
1 - 10 mm
Wood - 25 mm
Steel - 10 mm
Masonry - 10 mm
10 torque settings, Hammer setting that delivers 21,000 BPM, Reverse
Ergonomic soft grip, Keyless chuck, Charging indicator
Hard-wearing kit box, 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery
2.19 kg
1 year
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.
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.
1.5Ah, 18V lithium-ion battery
Wood - 30 mm
Steel - 10 mm
Masonry - 10 mm
20 torque settings, Forward/reverse switch, Hammer drilling mode
2 batteries, Charger, Carry case
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.
The double-ended bit is a little flimsy.
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.
50 Nm
2 speed modes: 0-500 RPM, 0-1800 RPM
1.5Ah, 18V lithium-ion battery
3-4 hours
1 - 13 mm
Wood - 30 mm
Steel - 10 mm
Masonry - 10 mm
24 torque settings, 2 gears to control the max speed, Hammer setting that delivers max 23,400 BPM, Reverse
LED light, Integrated bit storage clip
2 x ONE+ 1.5Ah batteries, Battery charger, Double-ended bit
1.7 kg
3 years (registration required)
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.
The instruction manual could use some improvement in the coherence department.
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.
~ 15 Nm
Variable speed 0-650 RPM
18V/20V Lithium-ion
~ 1 hour
0.8 - 10 mm
Wood - 20 mm
Steel - 8 mm
16 torque settings, 1 drill setting, Reverse
Soft-grip handle, ergonomic design, LED worklight, keyless chuck, quick-change battery
Battery pack, charger, magnet holder, 6 drill bits, 2 Pozi-drive screwdriver attachments, 2 Phillips screwdriver attachments, 2 slotted screwdriver attachments
1.5 kg
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
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.
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
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
Last updated price | £99.00 |
Stock | May be out of stock |
ASIN | B00L3XK06C |
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
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.