Most projects require drilling. People that work in the construction industry, whether industrial or residential understand the importance of drill drivers better. If you are a DIY enthusiast that have used power drills at any point, you will have a good idea of what they can help you achieve in any home improvement project.
Over the years, power drill drivers have been modified to offer more value to users. Gone are the days cordless drills were heavy and actually underpowered. Today, there are several top quality drill drivers that are easy to use and will perform excellently in different kinds of drilling tasks. What is more? There won’t be any need to haul long and heavy extension cables or find the nearest power outlets to power these tools. Lithium batteries are now the standard for drill drivers, making it easier to complete a range of home improvement projects.
Though they perform the same function and look very much alike, drill drivers are not all made equal. While some can drill into wood, metal, and masonry, others may not be able to drill into metal but work perfectly on wood. Power drills also differ significantly in terms of quality. To get a perfect drill driver, buyers must choose carefully. With so many brands and models available on the market, this can be very difficult to achieve. That is why articles like this exist; to help buyers get the best products they need. Here, we will review 7 of the best drill drivers you can get today and discuss the most important things to consider in choosing a drill driver.
Our Top 7 Picks
If you are interested in buying a power drill that will be valuable in the long run, here are 7 of the best options to consider:
1. Dewalt DCD771C2 20V MAX Cordless Compact Drill Driver Kit
This is a very valuable kit from one of the industry heavyweights. It offers so much in terms of value and will easily become one of your favorite tools. It is a wonderfully designed drill driver that will fit into tight areas and feel great in the hands of the operator. It is compact and lightweight; the ergonomic handle delivers comfort and control.
The Dewalt DCD771C2 is a powerful 20V that delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power, which is adequate for completing different kinds of tasks. It can also generate speeds of up to 1,500 rpm, letting you complete the tasks quickly and efficiently. This cordless drill driver also has a ½ inch single sleeve ratcheting chuck that gives the operator more control over bits as they work. Obviously, this tool is also durable, considering that it is made with top quality materials.
2. Bosch 18V Compact 1/2″ Drill/Driver Kit
This is a quality tool from another top industry player that comes in a valuable package. The drill driver is a very powerful tool that is well-designed for all kinds of drilling tasks. It is compact, lightweight, and features an ergonomic soft-grip handle; meaning that it will be comfortable and easy to use for a reasonable while without causing the operator fatigue.
The Bosch drill driver featured in this kit has a 480 pounds of torque. The powerful motor provides two-speed settings that allow for the high-speed setting of (0-1, 700 RPM) and high power setting of (0-450 RPM): this feature improves versatility. It also offers 20+1 clutch settings for improved accuracy in driving and reduced fastener damage. The package comes with 1 x Bosch GSR18V-190B22 drill driver; 2 x 1.5 Ah Slim Pack batteries; 1 x 18V charger; and a carrying bag.
3. BLACK + DECKER LDX120C 20V MAX Lithium Ion Drill/Driver
This is wonderful for so many reasons. Coming from one of the most respected manufacturers in the industry, this is a powerful little tool that you can use to drill into wood, metal, plastic, perform any screw driving task at all. Its compact and lightweight design makes it easy to use and ensures that it causes less fatigue for the user. It has an ergonomic design that makes handling smooth. It is made with quality materials and is obviously durable.
The BLACK + DECKER LDX120C is a powerful 20 Volt drill driver that can produce 115 inch-lbs of power. It can generate speeds up to 659 rpm, which can help you finish tasks in time. It has 11 clutch positions, providing precise control for all kinds of drilling tasks. It also features a 3/8 inch chuck that makes it easier for the user to change out bits. Variable speed allows countersinking without the risk of damaging the material. Another wonderful reason to buy this is the fact that it is incredibly affordable.
4. WORX WX176L 20V Switchdriver 2-in-1 Cordless Drill and Driver
This is a high-performance drill driver that will make a regular DIY enthusiast drill like a pro. It is a compact and lightweight tool with all the right features to make drilling easier for anyone. One of its biggest advantages is the unique dual-chuck design that features 2 ¼ inch chucks that will rotate 1800 with just a switch of the button; this makes it possible to switch between bits faster than ever.
The WORX WX176L Switchdriver features a variable-speed, reversible motor that delivers enough power to handle all kinds of tasks efficiently. It is capable of delivering speeds up to 1,500 RPM for fast drilling. It is also easy to control the speed when a task requires more torque. There is a precise electronic torque control dial that lets users choose from 11 positions and 265-in-lbs. It also comes with 2 MaxLithium 20V batteries that you can even use on an array of other Worx power tools.
5. Makita FD07R1 12V MAX CXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Driver-Drill Kit
This is definitely one of the very best brushless models on the market. It is a general-use drill driver that weighs just about 2 pounds and stands at just 6 inches. It is an ultra-compact cordless drill driver for efficient drilling, driving, and fastening. This kit is one of the best rated cordless drill kits on the market right now. This is to give you an idea of how wonderfully it performs.
The Makita FD07R1 delivers 280-in-lbs. of Max Torque: this is enough to handle most tasks you will throw at it. It offers mechanical 2-speed transmission (0-450 & 0-1,500 RPM), which helps makes it versatile. It also features a convenient 3/8″ keyless chuck for quick bit changes. It is fun to work with the built-in LED light that illuminates the work area and help guide you make the right drills. The 12V max CXT slide battery design enables the drill driver to sit conveniently on its own. The kit comes with 1 x Makita FD07R1 brushless cordless 3/8″ drill driver; 2 x 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah battery; 12V Max CXT Lithium-Ion Charger; and tool case.
6. DEWALT DCF620D2 20-volt MAX XR Li-Ion Brushless Drywall ScrewGun
This is more of a specialty tool for those that are drywallers. All the same, it is a powerful and well-designed cordless screw gun that delivers superior performance and maximum run time. Asides from the fact that it is a compact and lightweight tool, this drill driver is ergonomically designed for less worker fatigue. There is also the advantage of a Li-Ion battery with a fuel gauge that provides 33% more capacity than standard packs.
The DEWALT DCF620D2 provides greater speed than the traditional corded drill drivers. The Brushless motor can provide speeds of up to 4,400 RPM, which is ideal for different kinds of tasks. It also features a lock-on nose cone that locks securely yet removes easily. This is also a very durable tool and Dewalt offers a three-year limited warranty. There is also a 90-day money-back guarantee when you buy. Considering that most users speak highly of this tool, it is unlikely you will have any reason to return it, but this is still a great offer.
7. Milwaukee 2897-22 M18 Fuel 2-Tool Combo Kit
This is regarded as the highest performing Hammer Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit on the market. It is a valuable investment that will let you handle a wide range of home improvement projects with ease. The two tools feature the most advanced cordless technology available including a POWERSTATE Brushless Motor, REDLINK PLUS Electronic Intelligence and REDLITHIUM Battery Technology. They are also comfortable to hold and work with.
The M18 Fuel Hammer Drill (2704-20) is touted as the most powerful 18V cordless drill; it delivers as much as 1,200-in-lbs of torque and speeds of up to 2,000 RPM to handle different kinds of jobs. Even under load, this tool provides faster drilling, improving productivity. The M18 Fuel 1/4 inch HEX Impact Driver (2753-20) is also touted as the most powerful impact driver in its class; with its 1800-in-lbs. of fastening torque, it will screw faster than most products in this category. In addition to the two tools, the combo kit comes with 2 x REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 batteries; M12-M18 multi-voltage charger; 2 x belt clips; 2 x bit holders; side handle; and carrying case.
How to choose the best drill driver
With so many models of drill drivers available on the market, it can be very tough to pick out a particular one to buy. Depending on the kind of jobs you handle most, you will have to buy a drill driver that will let you complete the task quickly and in an efficient manner. Cordless drill drivers are the real deal right now, and you can see they dominate our list. They are not all made equal, however, and you need to choose carefully so that you get real value for your money.
Factors to consider when choosing a drill driver
Though we have found the best drill drivers on the market and reviewed them for you, it is still important that you understand the factors that matter most in selecting these tools. Here are some of the most important factors you must consider before choosing a particular drill driver:
What you need it for
Though what we have on this list are mostly versatile drill drivers, it is still important that you consider the kind of tasks you are going to handle with the tool. Make sure that the tool you choose can handle the tasks you hope to use it for.
Weight
The weight of a drill driver will significantly affect how comfortable it will feel to use it. Heavy tools are less comfortable to use and can easily cause fatigue. It is always better to choose lightweight models that are also compact.
Torque
This is essentially a measure of the drill’s power. Higher torque generally means the tool will bring greater force to bear on the task. If you are going to use your tool for drilling tough materials like concrete, it is important that you choose a drill driver that has higher torque.
Speeds
Obviously, speed helps you to complete tasks quickly. With a drill driver, high speed is only necessary when you are drilling smaller holes. When you want to drill larger holes, slower speeds are needed. This is why drill drivers with variable speeds are preferred: they are generally more versatile.
Ergonomic design
The way the drill driver is designed will significantly affect how they will feel in your hand. Modern tools have ergonomic handles that make them comfortable to use. This is even more necessary when the tool is likely to be used for several hours at a time.
Frequently asked questions
Can all drill drivers be used to drill concrete?
The simple answer is no, not all drill drivers can be used to drill holes in concrete, metal and other tough materials. Though all the drills we reviewed here are powerful, versatile, and ideal for concrete, you need to understand that there are drills on the market that will not drill holes in concrete efficiently.
What drill voltage is the best to choose?
Ideally, the higher the voltage of a power tool, the higher the torque it will provide. The lowest voltage you should accept in a drill driver should be 12V. Anything less will not produce enough power to perform serious drilling. 18 – 20V drill drivers are considered ideal for tackling heavy-duty tasks.
What does variable speed trigger mean?
Variable speed trigger is a switch that lets you select different speeds for your drill driver. It is an important feature as different speeds are needed to handle different tasks.
Do all drill bits fit any cordless drill?
Yes, all power drills have 3 jaw chucks that will take any bit you place in them. You will be able to switch drilling bits easily when you are working with a top-quality drill driver.
Wrapping up
The cordless drill drivers available on the market today are mostly versatile, efficient, and easy to use. Choosing from the multitude of available options can be intimidating. With this article, it should be a lot easier for you to make the decision. We have reviewed the top 7 products that are available at the moment: these are drill bits that were selected after thorough research and has been positively reviewed by several verified buyers/users. You can order one with confidence, knowing they are tested and proven power tools for different kinds of drilling projects.
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