10 Best Electric Drills

If you do a lot of drilling at home or as a part of your job, then you need the best electric drill. When it comes to power tools, you always get what you pay for but be keen on the features. The cheaper models may work out fine at the beginning, but will disappoint you if subjected to hard work.

When working on wood, metal, concrete or any other material, it is crucial that you have the right power drill to get the job done. They will make holes and work as excellent screwdrivers. Begin by compiling a list of features you require then go shopping and you will never go wrong.

Best Electric Drills Review

1. DEWALT DCD777C2 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact Drill Driver

DEWALT DCD777C2 20V Max Lithium-Ion Brushless Compact Drill Driver

This model is lightweight and compact for working in tight spaces. It can endure long periods and delivers 2-speed transmission variations for different applications. The brushless motor delivers up to 30% more operation time compared to the brushed ones. You will love working with it for long periods without tiring your hands due to the ergonomic handle. The product weighs just 2.5 lbs making it easy to work with. The motor delivers 340 watts adequate to support various applications. The ½-inch chuck provides a tight bit grip for the best performance.

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2. BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill

BLACK+DECKER LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill

The Black & Decker LBXR20 drill is ideal for drilling into plastic, wood, and metal. The 20v battery is powerful enough to power heavy operations. The clutch has 11 positions for precise control for drilling and screwing tasks. The drill is lightweight and compact and will not tire the hand while using it in tight spaces. Its variable speed allows for countersinking without damaging your material.

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3. Makita XPH102 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Hammer Driver-Drill Kit

Makita XPH102 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Hammer Driver-Drill Kit

Work with a compact yet powerful drill that has excellent torque and speed. The cordless drill has a 18V Lithium-ion battery that recharges in just 30 minutes. Run it as a driver-drill or hammer-drill depending on your needs. The four-pole motor delivers a generous 480 in.lbs of torque, 1,900-rpm speed, and 28,500 bpm hammering motion in the maximum setting. It is engineered for enhanced dust and water resistance making it ideal for harsh conditions. It works perfectly on concrete, masonry, metal, and wood.

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4. BLACK+DECKER LDX120PK 20V Lithium-Ion Drill and Project Kit

BLACK+DECKER LDX120PK 20V Lithium-Ion Drill and Project Kit

If you enjoy doing home projects, then this kit will suit you. It is powered by a 20v Lithium-ion battery and provides excellent control with the 11-position clutch. You can now turn your back on stripping and overdriving screws. Other than the drill, the kit includes 68 hand tools and other accessories in a portable carry bag. The battery can hold its charge for up to 18 months without self-discharging.

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5. WORX WX176L 20V Switchdriver 2-in-1 Cordless Drill

WORX WX176L 20V Switchdriver 2-in-1 Cordless Drill

The innovative WORX Switchdriver will give you a faster and more enjoyable DIY experience. It is a cordless drill and driver offering a 2-in-1 operation for increased versatility. It features a unique dual-chuck design that allows for effortless movement between drilling and driving applications without stopping. This design allows you to work twice as faster since there is no stopping to change the drill bits. The automatic LED that engages in drive mode allows you to work in the dark without any trouble.

The model weighs just 3.1 lb, very lightweight and compact for easy control. It offers variable speeds and a reversible motor for faster drilling and fastening around the house. It features an electronic control dial to help you choose from the 11 clutch positions for precise drilling and screwing tasks.

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6. Bosch 12-Volt Max 3/8-Inch 2-Speed Drill/Driver Kit

Bosch 12-Volt Max 3/8-Inch 2-Speed Drill/Driver Kit

Whether you want a drill for home use or for professional tasks, this is the model for you. It is compact, powerful, and very versatile. It weighs only 2 pounds and has a 7-inch head length making it the lightest in its class. Its streamlined design makes it easy to work with in tight spaces and continuous overhead work.

It has a 3/8-inch sleeveless chuck that can handle almost all applications. It has 265 in. lb. torque, 2-speed operations, and more than 20 torque settings. It is designed for precise drilling and screwing applications with very fine torque settings. It has LED lights for better visibility and a conveniently situated fuel gauge.

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7. PORTER-CABLE PCCK604L2 20V Max Lithium Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit

PORTER-CABLE PCCK604L2 20V Max Lithium Ion 2-Tool Combo Kit

Powered by a 20v 1.3Ah lithium battery, this US-made drill can operate longer than its peers can. It has a ½-inch chuck for more applications and a two speed setting for the drill and driver. The high-performance motor delivers 283 watts to power the 0-350 and 0-1,500 rpm speeds. It is compact at only 8.25-inch long and weighing 3.5 pounds. Its handle is ergonomically designed so your hand does not tire. It also features LED lights for improved illumination and bit storage.

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8. Bosch 18-Volt Cordless Drill Driver

Bosch 18-Volt Cordless Drill Driver

This Bosch DDS181A drill and driver is a lightweight and compact product with a 7-inch head length and weighs 3.5 lbs. it is perfect for overhead drilling, as it will not tire your hands. It is powered by an 18v battery that delivers an excellent torque of 1,500 in.lb to power through most materials. It comes with two batteries to keep you working when the other is recharging. Its hammer delivers 3,200 BPM and the drill action can reach 2,800 RPM.

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9. Ryobi P208 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Drill / Driver

Ryobi P208 One+ 18V Lithium Ion Drill / Driver

Any serious DIY person or a professional contractor must have a reliable power drill/driver in his collection. Its importance surpasses that of any other tool. This model is compact and easy to handle. It can work right out of the box; the keyless chuck system makes bit change very easy and fast.

Its variable speed gearbox allows for a two-speed operation for the drill and driver functions. Work in tight places without worrying about losing your bits due to the magnetic bit holder.

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10. DEWALT DCK283D2 MAX XR Lithium Ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver

DEWALT DCK283D2 MAX XR Lithium Ion Brushless Compact Drill/Driver

The 20-Volt MAX* XR is a powerful yet compact drill/driver to make your DIY tasks more fun than work. Its powerful motor and 20v battery delivers maximum run time. The LED lights support your work even in dark places. It is designed to fit in tight places and make working overhead much easier. The brushless motor delivers more service compared to the brushed ones and the ½-inch chuck is ideal for difficult tasks.

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Types of drills

There are four types of drills to choose from. Each type has key features that differentiate them from the rest and they are best suited for different jobs.

Drill drivers

These versatile options cope with almost all the small jobs at home. The drill drivers and impact drivers drill holes and act as drivers for loosening and tightening screws. When used with different drill and screwdriver bits allow you to work on different materials.

Combi drills

These types are almost identical to the drill drivers but have additional features that make them ideal for drilling into harder materials. They are versatile and excellent for home use. This feature makes the drill a two-in-one tool so you do not have to buy them separately. Some are built with brushless technology, meaning the motor generates less heat and the tool is more compact in addition to the enhanced durability.

SDS drills

Commonly known as the rotary hammer drill, the SDS (self direct system) drill can drill through concrete and masonry. The hammer function beats the drill bit as it rotates to help it through the harder material. You can separate the hammer function from the rotation to drill through the lighter material. You can choose to turn off the rotation and use a chisel bit to chip on concrete or brick. Its superior strength makes it bulky and not ideal for common DIY tasks at home.

Hammer drills

This type is similar to the SDS but is a powerful drill. It is also known as a percussion drill and works by delivering a rapid succession of blows, hence its suitability for rocks or masonry. They do not allow you to use the hammer action without rotation like the SDS so you cannot use it for chiseling.

Features to look out for

Corded or cordless

When choosing a drill, the major considerations are power, mobility, and weight. A cordless drill offers excellent mobility and many more features. They have a voltage that ranges from 4 to 8 volts that is suitable for a wide range of light duties. Those with 12 to 18 volts will meet most of a homeowner’s needs. The more the voltage the heavier the task, it can handle and the heavier the weight. It will need regular recharging, but a spare battery can help. The amp-hour rating will show you how long it can serve you. However, the material density will also determine the battery runtime.

A corded drill, on the other hand, is lighter and offers a higher power than a cordless one. With a steady power supply, you do not need to stop working to recharge. It, however, restricts your movement to the length of your extension cord.

Power

The power of cordless drills is measured in volts and the most powerful one has 20 volts. For home use, a drill power of 12-16 volts will just be adequate. However, the higher the voltage the heavier it gets. For corded drills, the power is measured in amps. As the amperage rises, so does the power. For home use, an 8-amp drill is great.

Speed

Some drill models have multiple speeds to choose from. The lowest can be used to drive screws while the highest is for drilling holes. If you only plan to drill holes with your drill then a single speed of 1,000rpm is adequate.

Clutch

A drill with a clutch will be sensitive to resistance. This helps protect against stripping screws and driving them too deep. Even though not all drills have an adjustable clutch, it is an excellent feature if you will often use the drill as a driver.

Chuck

This is the piece of the drill where the bit is inserted. They range from ¼-inch to ½-inch where the ½-inch is suited for heavy-duty tasks. A 3/8-inch chuck allows for great versatility and can accept both fine and heavy bits. Some chucks are keyless whereas others are operated with a key. The keyless options are convenient and save you from the trouble when you lose the key.

Forward/reverse switch

Drills with the reverse function allow for removing screws. When you have some furniture pieces to dismantle then this feature will come in handy. You may also find yourself misplacing a screw and need to remove it.

Torque

Measured in Newton-meter, this refers to the twisting force as the bit turns. If you will be working on different materials, then you need a drill with switching torque settings. Heavy material like concrete or brick needs a higher torque. Some models have up to 20 torque settings to suit different materials.

Impact energy

This is the amount of force of the drill hammer. It is measured in Joules and the higher the number the heavier and harder the blow. You need a higher Joule rating to speed up your work if chiseling is needed.

Blows per minute

This measures how many times the hammer blows the drill bit each minute. It is measured as BPM (blows per minute) and helps speed up the penetration as you drill through stone or masonry.

Charge time

For cordless drills, different batteries have varying charge times. This is determined by the power and size of the battery. A drill with the shortest charge time will get you back to work faster. This can, however, be mitigated by having two batteries so you can continue working when the other one is charging.

Handle design

It is crucial that you get a drill with a comfortable handle. This will allow you to work without having to re-adjust your hand position after every few minutes. You will be able to exert the right pressure on the drill at different working angles.

Vibration Dampener

A drill with this feature is comfortable to work with as it absorbs the vibration energy created when the drill is working. It also ensures that you get the best surface finish and extends the lifespan of your tool.

Conclusion

It may seem like an easy task locating the right drill for your task, however, with so many types and models on the market, it is challenging. Begin by identifying your needs, then search for the model that fits the bill. This list of ten drills will help you in making a buying decision. Consider only the features you need since the more the features, the higher the price. The battery power is a crucial aspect as well as the mobility.

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