Cordless Drill Review

Cordless drills come in a confusing array of types

We found the most comprehensive review of cordless drills and drivers at ConsumerReports.org, where nearly 70 models are put through objective tests of speed, power, runtime and charging time. Ten of the tested cordless drills use lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Despite their higher price, expert reviewers say Li-ion cordless drills and drivers have such longer operating lives that they can be better investments in the long run. Li-ion cordless tools are also much better for the environment, and are ideal for homeowners since the batteries retain their charge well between uses.

The Li-ion cordless drills compared at ConsumerReports.org vary in voltage. Comparison tests at Woodworker's Journal, Tools of the Trade and the Journal of Light Construction cover lightweight subcompact drills and drivers as well, as does Fine Homebuilding. These subcompact models clearly represent the current market trend. Reviewers at Popular Mechanics and Popular Woodworking also test full-size Li-ion 18-volt cordless drills, suitable for big construction projects.

Bosch began the subcompact cordless tool trend with its 1.8-pound PS20-2 Pocket Driver, now the PS20-2A (*Est. $100). Able to drive most screws efficiently without pre-drilling pilot holes, the Bosch Pocket Driver was the most recommended cordless tool for over a year. Bosch has since added several other subcompact drills and drivers, but other manufacturers are giving Bosch stiff competition. Most recent comparison tests give the top ranking to subcompact drill/drivers from Hitachi, Makita and Milwaukee. Hitachi is also getting some good press for the new 10-year warranty on its Li-ion tools.

Reviews show that price, voltage and manufacturers' specifications really don't distinguish the best performers; it really takes objective comparison tests plus expert assessments of balance and ease of use. For example, despite their lifetime guarantee, reviewers say that Ridgid cordless drills and impact drivers aren't the best performers, and Bosch and Ridgid Li-ion tools fail some performance tests in very cold weather. Among budget cordless drills, Ryobi and Craftsman outperform Black & Decker, Firestorm and Skil. Reviewers recommend that shoppers completely avoid the Mansfield Dual Drill (*Est. $120) that's promoted on TV infomercials. For its price, reports say that you can get a cordless drill that performs much better.