Cordless Drill Review

We found the most comprehensive review of cordless drills and drivers at Consumer Reports, 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 batteries. Despite their higher price, expert reviews say lithium-ion cordless drills and drivers have such longer lives that they can be better investments in the long run. Lithium-ion cordless tools are also much better for the environment.

The lithium-ion cordless drills compared at Consumer Reports vary in voltage, while the more recent comparison tests at Popular Woodworking cover only powerful 18-volt cordless drills. Fine Homebuilding tests 12 lithium-ion cordless impact drivers in an even more recent review. A review at Tools of the Trade also tests lithium-ion cordless tools, including circular and reciprocating saws. A more recent review at the Journal of Light Construction compares eight cordless tool kits.

Lithium-ion batteries have also reinvigorated cordless tools at the lower extreme of size and power. Analyzing some 30 reviews, we find that the one cordless drill/driver that gets the most top rankings is also one of the smallest: the 10.8-volt Bosch PS20-2 Pocket Driver (*Est. $100). Experts say this 1.8-pound cordless drill can drive most screws without the need to drill a pilot hole, and one review in Fine Woodworking recommends it as the best cordless drill/driver for most users. We found other good comparison tests of this and other cordless screwdrivers at Popular Mechanics, GetWoodworking.com, Wood Magazine and Wired magazine – plus single-product reviews in many other publications.

A few years ago, buyers seemed to want the biggest, heaviest cordless drills available. Now the trend has clearly reversed, with more of an emphasis on light weight and compact size – features that make tasks easier and less tiring. For example, Popular Mechanics recommends the 12-volt DeWalt DC742KA (*Est. $140) as the best cordless drill for homeowners. Reviews also favor compact, lightweight cordless drills ranging from the "pocket-size" 10.8-volt Bosch PS20-2 (*Est. $100) to the 15.6-volt Panasonic EY6432GQKW (*Est. $190). For homeowners, compact lithium-ion batteries have shorter runtime but make more environmentally friendly lithium-powered drills affordable – such as the 12-volt Ryobi HJP001K (*est. $80).

Reviews show that neither price nor voltage distinguishes the best performers; it really takes objective comparison tests and expert assessments of balance and ease of use. For example, despite their lifetime guarantee, reviews say that Ridgid cordless drills and impact drivers aren't the best performers – and we found reports of slow warranty service. Among budget cordless drills, Ryobi and Craftsman outperform Black & Decker, Firestorm and Skil. Reviews recommend avoiding the Mansfield Dual Drill (*Est. $120) that's promoted on TV infomercials altogether. For its price, reports say that you could get a cordless drill that performs much better.