best cordless drill - the top ten

c o r d l e s s d r i l l g u i d e . c o m


Contents .................................................................................................................................................................. 1

A Brief History....................................................................................................................................... 3

The New Generation .............................................................................................................................. 3

Which is the Best Cordless Drill? ......................................................................................................... 4

10. Panasonic EY6432NQKW ................................................................................................................ 4

09. Porter-Cable PCCK600LB ................................................................................................................. 5

08. Bosch DDB180-02 ............................................................................................................................ 6

07. Black & Decker BDCDMT120-2 ....................................................................................................... 6

06. Dewalt DCD771C2 ........................................................................................................................... 7

05. Makita LXFD01CW ........................................................................................................................... 8

04. Rockwell RK2515K2 3Rill ................................................................................................................. 9

03. Ryobi-P882 .................................................................................................................................... 10

02. Hitachi DS18DSAL .......................................................................................................................... 11

01. Milwaukee 2691-22 ...................................................................................................................... 12

Method Behind the Madness .............................................................................................................. 13

Why Buy a Cordless Drill? .................................................................................................................. 14

Evaluating the Drill, You Need ........................................................................................................... 15

When attempting to select the drill that is right for you, ask yourself these questions: ................... 15

The Results ........................................................................................................................................... 17


A Brief History

Ever since Black&Decker introduced the first cordless

drill in 1961, these convenient, portable tools have been a

toolbox staple for professional contractors and

homegrown handy-persons alike. While early models

were often bulky and could function only for a few

minutes at a time, the portability, maneuverability, and

independence they offered immediately captured the

imagination of the workforce. A little more than half a

century later, these drills continue to impress.

The New Generation

Like Millennials and Baby Boomers, today’s drills are as

far removed from their progenitors as Black & Decker’s

archetype was from the corded option that preceded

it. Aided by heavy-duty, durable plastic encasements,

aluminum motor parts, and the very latest battery

technology, the power drills of this latest generation are

lightweight yet sturdy, and able to run for hours without

experiencing any significant loss of power.

Years of experience in a profoundly dynamic market have

led tool manufacturers to one industry-changing

innovation after another, and the results have been

positive for the consumer.


Which is the Best Cordless Drill?

With so many unique models out there, each with its set

of pros and cons, as well as brand specific features,

deciding which cordless drill is right for you can be a

difficult task. Luckily, we have taken the time to put

together this cordless drill review, where we have

compiled the specs, examined the features, and

investigated the warranties to assist you. So, without any

further gilding of the lily, let’s meet the contestants for

the best cordless drill.

10. Panasonic EY6432NQKW

The Panasonic is the only drill on this list that does not

utilize Lithium Ion technology. Instead, this model relies

on a NiMH battery to provide its 15.6 volts for

operation. Still, despite the heavier batteries, the unit

manages to come under five pounds and does deliver 390

in-lbs of torque and a max speed of 1,450 RPMs.

The motor is laser-welded and fan-cooled and equipped

with an 18-stage clutch for precision fastening. Your

money will buy you: two batteries, a charger, a plastic

case, and a one-year parts and labor warranty.

Power: Above Average

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/panasonic-ey6432nqkw-15v/


Features: Below Average (The battery technology is dated, and the unit lacks the bells and whistles of its competitors)

Price: Below Average (Meaning, you get less for more in this case)

Warranty: Average Grade: C+

09. Porter-Cable PCCK600LB

Porter-Cable equipped their model with a metal ratcheting

chuck to minimize bit slippage, as well as that

tremendously helpful battery fuel gauge that helps you

avoid sudden power failure. There is also an LED light

for the dark spots that its compact 7-3/4″, 3.5lb frame will

allow you to reach.

A two-speed control tops out at 1,600 RPMs and

330UWO’s (again, how that compares directly to torque

ratings for other drills on this list is anyone’s guess). Here

you get the drill/driver with two batteries and Porter-

Cable’s standard one-year warranty that covers all of their

power tools.

Power: Above Average Features: Average Price: Average Warranty: Average

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/porter-cable-pcck600lb-20v/


Grade: B-

08. Bosch DDB180-02

Bosch’s version of an 18-volt drill/driver operates at

1,300RPMs while delivering 400 in-lbs of torque. The

DDB180-02 also has a 15-position clutch, LED light, and

weighs a measly 3lbs.

The body of this cordless drill is covered with a

Durashield, ABS/Nylon composite housing designed to

make the tool flexible enough to withstand drops of 10

feet without cracking. This kit comes with the

drill/driver, two batteries, a charger, a hard carrying case,

and the confidence of a 30-day money back guarantee,

and a one year warranty on their tool.

Power: Above Average Features: Average Price: Average Warranty: Average Grade: B-

07. Black & Decker BDCDMT120-2

With a 3/8″ chuck and rotating at a max of only 800

RPMs, the Black&Decker is the least powerful option

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/bosch-ddb180-02-18-volt/

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/black-decker-bdcdmt120-2-20v/


making an appearance on this list. However, this model

does not pretend at being a professional grade power drill

but is instead marketed at the individual homeowner

looking to get maximum return on his/her

investment. This tool features Black&Decker’s

revolutionary Modular MATRIX System, which allows

for the drill end to be removed and replaced by a

multitude of attachments.

While one drill and an extra battery seem like a little less

bang for your buck, consider that the MATRIX

compatibility makes this more than just a drill. Just as it

does with any of its other tools, Black & Decker provides

a two-year limited warranty, against defects in the

material and workmanship.

Power: Below Average Features: Superior Price: Average Warranty: Average Grade: B

06. Dewalt DCD771C2

Powered by the latest Lithium-Ion technology, this 20-

volt power drill can hit 1,500 RPMs while generating

300UWO (Alas, manufacturers who use the UWO rating

do not release the torque ratings of their tools, and these

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/dewalt-dcd771c2-20v/


companies also state that there is no way to draw a direct

comparison between power and torque).

Though not quite a professional grade, the Dewalt

DCD771C2 is powerful enough to handle most home

improvement projects. This bundle includes the

Drill/Driver, two batteries, a charger, and a canvas tool

bag, Dewalt’s option is affordable and targeted at the cost

conscious DIYer. For consumer protection, Dewalt offers

a three-year limited warranty, 90-day money back

guarantee, as well as a one-year free service contract.

Power: Above Average Features: Average Price: Above Average (But in a good way) Warranty: Above Average Grade: B

05. Makita LXFD01CW

Makita’s 18-volt version of the cordless drill comes with

a 4-pole motor that can deliver 480 in-lbs of torque

(again, how this compares to the 300UWO of the Dewalt

is anybody’s guess). It can turn at a maximum 1,500

RPMs. A remarkable aspect of the Lithium-Ion batteries

offered with this drill is that, according to the

manufacturer, they charge a full-cycle in only 15 minutes.

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/makita-lxfd01cw-18v/


Makita also claims that the 16 firm-holding contact

terminals on the battery allow it to transfer higher power

at a more consistent rate. At only 3.3lbs, this power drill

is only half the weight of the Dewalt DCD771C2, and is

also more compact, thereby reducing fatigue and enabling

it to fit into those hard to reach spaces. Were it not for

several Amazon customer complaints regarding a wobbly

chuck, the grade for this drill would be higher. The

Makita LXFD01CW, a hard carrying case, a charger, an

extra battery, and a three-year limited warranty for each

piece (excluding the case).

Power: Above Average Features: Above Average Price: Average Warranty: Above Average Grade: B

04. Rockwell RK2515K2 3Rill

The Rockwell RK2515K2 sports the most distinctive

design of the lot. Like the Black & Decker before it, this

model is more than just a cordless drill, it’s a 3rill. For

the uninitiated (yours truly was one of these until

recently), the 3rill is a 3-in-1 Impact Driver Cordless Drill

Combo that can switch between drilling, driving, and

impacting with the greatest of ease. At 12 volts and only

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/rockwell-rk2515k2-12v/


2.5lbs, Rockwell intends to bridge the gap between DIY

use and professional application.

Recognizing how it offers 800 in-lbs of torque, the

strongest of any drill on this list (though not any impact

driver, since Rockwell is blurring the lines here), it takes a

hefty swing at that goal. The 3Rill comes with two 12-

volt Lithium-Ion batteries, a charger, a case, a brand-

specific driving bit, enrollment in the lifetime replacement

battery program, a 90-day money back guarantee, and a

two-year limited warranty.

Power: Superior (Thanks to its built-in impact driver) Features: Superior (It’s 3-in-1!) Price: Below Average (Meaning, it’s kind of up there) Warranty: Average Grade: A-

03. Ryobi-P882

The P882 comes equipped with a 1/2″ heavy-duty single

sleeve, keyless chuck, and a 24 position clutch. Ryobi’s

variable speed drill also offers an attached magnetic tray

and on-board bit storage so that you don’t have to wonder

always, where you left the thing. This power drill is

capable of hitting 1,600RPMs while the impact driver can

provide up to 1,500 in-lbs of torque.

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/ryobi-p882-one-18v/


Included in this kit are the drill, impact driver, two

Lithium Ion batteries, a charger, and a soft carrying

case. All Ryobi tools purchased after January 1, 2009, are

covered by a three-year warranty and, if you register your

product with Ryobi within 30 days of purchase, they will

extend the warranty period by two years.

Power: Superior (If you take into consideration the impact driver.)

Features: Above Average Price: Superior Warranty: Above Average (If you register your product

and extend the warranty) Grade: A

02. Hitachi DS18DSAL

Like the Makita, this Hitachi 18-volt cordless drill offers a

keyless 1/2″ chuck, and can reach 1,500

RPMS. Regarding torque, this one delivers slightly less

than the Makita (460 in-lbs) and is also the heaviest drill

on this list. It does, however, comes with a belt hook,

when you tire of toting around these 12.2lbs.

This giant features a 22+1 Stage Clutch that accounts for

precision as well as power, When purchasing this kit, the

customer can expect to walk away with a hard carrying

case, quick charger, two batteries, dual-tipped Phillips

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/hitachi-ds18dsal-18v/


driver bit, the drill, and a Lithium Ion powered flashlight.

The strongest selling point of the Hitachi DS18DSAL is

that it is backed by a ten-year Lithium Ion tool warranty,

as well as a two-year Lithium Ion battery warranty.

Power: Above Average Features: Above Average Price: Above Average (In a good way) Warranty: Superior Grade: A

01. Milwaukee 2691-22

Capable of rotating at 1,800RPMs and delivering 500 in-

lbs of torque, the Milwaukee 2691-22 is one of the most

powerful drills on this list. This particular model offers a

4-pole frameless motor, built-in LED lights to illuminate

light challenged workspaces, battery fuel gauges that alert

you when you are nearing the end of a charge, as well as a

variable speed trigger.

With this combo, the consumer will receive the

drill/driver, an impact driver, two batteries, a charger, and

a canvas carrying case. A five-year warranty further

fluffs this competitive package for the drill, impact driver

and charger, while the batteries are covered for two years.

Power: Superior

http://cordlessdrillguide.com/cordless-drills/milwaukee-2691-22-18v/


Features: Above Average Price: Above Average (In a Good Way) Warranty: Above Average Grade: A

Method Behind the Madness

We have left no stone unturned to find the best cordless

drills on the market. Rather than just selecting those with

the highest power rating or the cheapest price, we looked

for power drills that came loaded with features, provided

robust power ratings (though the torque/UWO dichotomy

muddied the waters), embraced innovation and

technology, and manufacturers who stood by their

products through warranty or guarantees.

On most occasions, customer reviews on Amazon were

consulted, if not cited. Some of these products embodied

a little bit of everything, while others contained a lot of

one, but not much of another. Since what appeals to one

user may not appeal to another, the purpose of compiling

the list this way was to provide a comprehensive guide of

quality drills wherein each person could find a cordless

drill that would satisfy their needs. We remain convinced

that, whatever your needs are, there is a drill on this list,

which is right for you.


Why Buy a Cordless Drill?

But why go through the hassle of reading the cordless

drill reviews, evaluating the differences in

products? Why not just purchase a good old fashioned

corded drill and not have to worry about keeping up with

all the extra batteries, charging them, storing them,

wondering if there is still some juice left in one after six

months of shelf time?

That is an option. If you live in a magical realm where

you are never more than a few feet away from a power

source, you might not notice any difference. Even if you

don’t live in a place where there is an outlet every two

feet, extension cords are always available, and maybe you

enjoy the constant routine of winding and unwinding, of

untying knots and detangling heavy duty cord.

Still, you may one day find that you are going to have to

hold the drill above your head for an extended

period. When that happens, and you feel the weight and

lack of balance of a traditional drill, you may begin to

wish for a cordless 5lb version that spreads the weight out

evenly on either side of the handle.


Sarcasm aside, if you are worried about keeping up the

batteries, charger, and other accessories involved with a

cordless drill, consider that most of the options presented

here include an incredible choice of cases that eliminates

the burden of managing all these accessories. Simply put,

the versatility offered by cordless drills saves you time

and energy.

Evaluating the Drill, You Need

When attempting to select the drill that is right for you, ask yourself these questions:

What are your needs?

If you need to drill through tough materials, look for a

drill on the higher end of the RPM/UWO and torque

scale.

If you are assembling furniture or dealing with “soft”

materials, you may be looking for something with more

finesse, and clutch settings that allow you to select a

specific amount of force to reach that precise depth.


Do you want more than just a drill?

Many of the drill/driver options listed here come packed

with features that increase functionality. There are

options such as LED lights, bit-holders, fast chargers,

attachment interfaces, impact driving tools, and clutch

settings.

What is your budget?

If you are after the absolute best drill money can buy, then

you’ll probably want to go straight into power

comparisons. If, however, you are looking to maximize

the bang for your buck, look for the kit that includes the

most items, has the best warranty, and possesses the most

functionality.

How long, on average, will you be using this drill?

If you are likely to be using it all day, every day, then

ergonomic design, comfort, and weight become major

players in your decision.

Is Quality Assurance Important to you?

Each manufacturer offers its exclusive warranty. Usually,

they offer two separate warranties- one for the tool, and

another for the battery. Sometimes these warranties cover


the complete tool, and other times they include only the

motor or the case. It’s up to you to decide, which

warranty adds value to the cost, and what risks you are

willing to take.

Do you need support?

All of the manufacturers offer support of some kind, but

again, it is up to you to determine how important

customer support is, and which brand best meets your

needs. Are you looking for email and telephone support?

Do you need an online user manual? Would an online

FAQ section be helpful? A quick search can tell you

which of these a manufacturer offers, as well as which

they don’t.

The Results

Of the ten cordless drills presented here, you would be

hard pressed to find one that would not work for

you. While each one possesses its exclusive set of

strengths and weaknesses- its highs and low- they remain

some of the best cordless drills on the market. As

previously stated, what makes one right for one person

may make it wrong for another.

So when picking a drill:


Keep in mind what is most important to you. Evaluate each drill on the list. Take the time to read the customer reviews here. Select the drill that best fits your mold.

With that being said, let’s take another look at the drills

that stood out.

best cordless drill - the top ten

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