Cordless Drill Reviews: We Work 10 Drills to the Limit

• drills
• power tools
• tools
• reviews
• comparison tests
• Craftsman
• DeWalt
• Hitachi
• Makita
• Ridgid
• Ryobi
• Skil
• Milwaukee
• Bosch

Cordless drills hit their stride when manufacturers introduced the lithium-ion battery several years ago. These batteries combine huge energy density with light weight. (It’s no wonder they’re slowly replacing nickel-cadmium batteries.) Tool companies launched their lithium-ion revolution with big 28- and 36-volt models—tools that had great power but were also unwieldy. Now, virtually all manufacturers have added much nimbler 18-volt models. That kind of shift is PM’s signal to get to work, testing to see how well these drills meet a homeowner’s real-world needs. We gathered seven drills and spent two days hammering them for all they were worth. Here’s what we found.

Specs	Amp-Hour: 1.5 / Weight: 3.9 lb. / 3-in. drywall screws: 43
What we liked	With a body nearly 2 in. shorter than that of pro models, this is an agile tool. It’s hardworking and smart as well, with a gauge that tells you how much battery life is left, good battery-mounting design and a well-positioned work light at the base of the handle. Also, its bottom-heavy bias helps it stand firmly upright on a bench.
What we didn't	The forward and reverse switch can easily end up between the two positions, especially if you’re right-handed and using your thumb to click it over.
Bottom Line	• • •

Specs	Amp-Hour: 2.2 / Weight: 5.5 lb. / 3-in. drywall screws: 33
What we liked	This is an easy-to-handle, pro-grade product. It has the smoothest-turning clutch ring and a cool three-speed transmission with graphics that match speed to the task. In separate tests, we learned it will bore 18 1-in. holes through 4 x lumber or 38 holes through 2 x stock, or drive 256 screws into our beam—impressive.
What we didn't	The DeWalt has great boring and driving chops, yet when those activities were combined, the drill drove relatively few screws before the battery gave out.
Bottom Line	• • • •

Specs	Amp-Hour: 3.0 / Weight: 4.6 lb. / 3-in. drywall screws: 156
What we liked	The Hitachi rapidly bores holes and drives screws, and it was loaded with useful features, such as a pivoting work light. To conserve its battery, the tool has a power-limiting switch for low-speed applications such as driving and removing screws in appliances.
What we didn't	The High/Low switch is so stiff you could sprain a thumb moving it.
Bottom Line	• • • •

Specs	Amp-Hour: 3.0 / Weight: 4.9 lb. / 3-in. drywall screws: 227
What we liked	All three testers agreed the Makita was one of the best power tools they’d ever used. Some talented engineers designed its high-torque motor and drive­train to squeeze every ounce of performance from the battery. It also exhibits excellent industrial design. For a large and heavy drill, it’s well-balanced and handles easily due to a nicely shaped handle with lots of rubber overmold.
What we didn't	The switch to change from hammer to the drill or drive functions is just too hard to slide.
Bottom Line	• • • • • BEST OVERALL

Specs	Amp-Hour: 1.5 / Weight: 4.2 lb. / 3-in. drywall screws: 41
What we liked	Among pro tools, it has the slimmest profile, so it’s easy to handle. Also, Ridgid gave more than passing thought to its bit clip, which holds firmly but not too aggressively—a feature that eluded other designers.
What we didn't	We’d vote for a bigger battery, letting the drill drive more screws, and simpler icons on the battery charger.
Bottom Line	• • • •

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