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Cordless Drills: Ratings of Sources
Total of 26 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. ConsumerReports.org
May 2010
Cordless Drill Ratings
by
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org tests, rates and ranks 55 cordless drills and 13 impact drivers in this big roundup review, covering a wide price range. A separate report covers cordless tool kits that combine a drill with at least one other tool. Owners also rate and review specific models at this site.
2. Taunton's 2011 Tool Guide
Nov. 2010
Tool Tests: Compact 18-volt Cordless Drills, 18-volt Hammer Drills
by Editors of Taunton's 2011 Tool Guide
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThese two excellent comparison reviews of compact lithium-ion (Li-ion) cordless drills and of full-size Li-ion hammer drills are based on objective tests done earlier in Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding. This issue of the tool guide adds the results of a survey of readers of both publications.
3. PopularMechanics.com
June 2010
Impact Driver Comparison Test
by Roy Berendsohn
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis review compares nine lithium-ion impact drivers, rating each on a five-point scale (based on power, run time and handling), after tests driving three-inch lag screws. Top choice goes to the three-speed Makita BTD144, which combines power with light weight and finesse. A Nov. 2009 review at this site compares seven 12-volt drills, and Dec. 2008 comparison review tests 10 lithium-ion cordless drills.
4. Popular Woodworking
Dec. 2009
Compact 12v Drill-Drivers
by Glen Huey
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis review compares six 12-volt subcompact drills with conventional 3/8-inch chucks (as more convenient than chucks that take only bits with hex shanks) -- with the Milwaukee 2410-22 earning top ranking. Tests are the same as those used in April 2008 to compare larger lithium-powered drills: drilling 1-inch holes to test run time, and driving lag screws to test power. Reviews in earlier issues cover additional subcompact models, and the April 2008 review of 18-volt lithium-ion drills gives the Editor's Choice award to the Makita BDF452HW, with the Ridgid R86006 -- now upgraded to the R86007 -- earning a Best Value designation.
5. Fine Homebuilding
Nov. 2009
Tool Test: 18v Li-Ion Hammer Drills
by Justin Fink, Andy Beasley and Kit Camp
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThree experienced tool reviewers use the same seven cordless hammer drills for three months. All three combine objective tests with jobsite work, then report their judgments about each drill. Though each tester's comments are published separately, authors agree on the light, compact yet powerful Milwaukee 2602 as the best choice.
6. Fine Woodworking
Nov. 2009
Compact 18-volt Cordless Drills
by Tom Begnal
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCalling light, compact 18-volt models the new "do it all" drills, tool reviewer Tom Begnal tests 10 drills for power, battery life and control. Torque is measured by driving six 3/8-inch lag bolts into hard maple to see how far they could be driven; run time by boring 1.5-inch holes through inch-thick red oak. The Makita BDF452HW excels on all counts and earns both the Best Overall and Best Value designations.
7. Woodworker's Journal
April 2009
Tool Review: Small Drivers, Big Impact
by George Vondriska
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWoodworker's Journal tests six small Li-ion cordless impact drivers, the most powerful type of cordless screwdriver, ranging from 10.2 to 12 volts. Tests evaluate each driver for both power and finesse -- that is, the ability to drive a screw without stripping it. Each tool is also judged on comfort and ease of use, not only by the author but by his wife, who has much smaller hands.
8. Tools of the Trade
Feb. 2009
Tool Test: Compact & Subcompact Drill/Drivers
by David Getts
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe comparison reviews at Tools of the Trade are thorough, based on both objective tests and practical jobsite use. The latest review tests and compares 17 drill/drivers: eight compact drill/drivers, plus nine subcompact drill/drivers. A May 2008 review by Gary Katz tests 12 more powerful impact drivers ranging from 14.4 to 20 volts, and reviews in 2007 covers right-angle drills, Li-ion tools and 15 full-size drill/drivers.
9. Journal of Light Construction
March 2010
Two New Right-Angle Cordless Drivers
by David Frane
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentReviews at the Journal of Light Construction are aimed at construction crews, often putting tools through harsh tests. This detailed review compares two cordless right-angle drills, favoring the 12-volt Milwaukee 2415-21 over the 10.8-volt Hitachi WH10DCL. This site also provides five earlier comparison tests by other reviewers, often including tests in extreme cold -- covering full-size drivers, lithium-ion cordless tool kits and full-size cordless drills.
10. J.D. Power and Associates
June 2, 2010
2010 Cordless Drill/Driver Satisfaction Study
by Editors of J.D. Power and Associates
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe third annual survey of nearly 5,000 buyers of cordless drills in the past year ranks 12 brands based on six factors, with drill performance most important, followed by ease of use, battery performance, price, versatility of battery system and warranty. Milwaukee leads the pack, especially for performance and battery versatility -- closely followed by Bosch, DeWalt, Craftsman Pro and Makita. Among budget brands, Hitachi and Craftsman rank higher than Ryobi, with Black & Decker and Skil trailing at the end. Panasonic still isn't included in the study.
11. American Woodworker
April-May 2010
The Well Equipped Shop
by Editors of American Woodworker
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors recommend three new cordless tools based on some apparent usage, but without ratings, comparisons or objective tests. For example, the variable-speed triggers on two compact tools from Hitachi are praised as "responsive" -- which would seem to indicate some usage. A 12-volt Milwaukee right-angle drill also earns praise here. Earlier issues recommend the expensive new Festool T12+3 and T15+3 drills for their versatility and brushless motors, plus three Bosch drills.
12. Wood Magazine
2010
Top New Tools for 2010
by Editors of Wood Magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentEditors of Wood Magazine name the 18-volt Makita BTD144 impact driver one of the top new tools for 2010, praising the extra control provided by its three-speed transmission and variable-speed trigger. An earlier March 2009 article, "Top Buys in 6 Basic Power Tools," recommends the 12-volt Ni-Cd Hitachi DS12DVF3 and -- for more power and convenience if you can afford it -- the lithium-ion 18-volt Makita BDF452HW. Earlier reviews here test full-size cordless impact drivers.
13. Workbench Magazine
Feb. 2009
Tool Reviews
by Editors of Workbench Magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentReviews of cordless drills and drivers in Workbench Magazine include several small comparison reviews, but several models have been discontinued -- for example, two 2009 auto-shift drill/drivers from Ridgid and Ryobi. An earlier roundup review compares seven 14.4-volt cordless impact drivers, testing their capacity to drive large fasteners and drill holes, as well as rating their battery life and noise level. Editors also test a 12-volt, 15.6-volt and 18-volt impact driver. Some of these reviews have a unique point of view -- for example, one review specifically uses female testers.
14. Amazon.com
As of Nov. 2010
Cordless Tools: Drills
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAmazon.com sells cordless drills and drivers from several major brands and makes the owner-written ratings and reviews especially easy to browse. When you sort the list by average rating you can see the number of reviews on which the average rating is based -- important for judging its significance. You can also sort the list to see the best-selling tools.
15. Lowes.com
As of Nov. 2010
Cordless Drills and Drivers
by Contributors to Lowes.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentLowes.com publishes owners' comments as well as their detailed ratings for design, features, quality, value and ease of use. Lists of models show the average rating plus the number of reviews on which it's based, making it easy to find the top-ranked drills and drivers. However, only a few brands are carried, and many models haven't been reviewed yet. Furthermore, the average rating is shown on the main list as a graphic, and the numerical rating doesn't always correspond; a 4.9-star rating may look like a 4.5, for example -- or a 3.6 rating like a 4.
16. HomeDepot.com
As of Nov. 2010
Cordless Drills
by Contributors to HomeDepot.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentHomeDepot.com publishes owner-written ratings and reviews of the cordless drills and impact drivers it sells, but doesn't show the average rating until you click on a specific product. Some of the higher-priced models haven't accumulated enough reviews yet to make their average ratings significant, but several cordless drills, drivers and combo kits stand out for high ratings from many owners.
17. Northern Tool and Equipment
As of Nov. 2010
Cordless Drills
by Contributors to Northern Tool and Equipment
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentRetailer site NorthernTool.com is a good place to see owners' ratings and reviews of pro-level cordless drills, impact drivers and combo kits across a wide range of prices and sizes, including subcompact models. The site adds a nice touch, asking how many owners would recommend the model to a friend. DeWalt is the favorite brand, but some Makita, Bosch, Hitachi and Milwaukee tools also get good ratings.
18. Sears.com
As of Nov. 2010
Cordless Drills
by Contributors to Sears.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentOwner-written ratings and reviews of the cordless drills, drivers and kits sold at Sears are easy to browse, since you can sort the hundreds of models by average rating. A few cordless drills, drivers and combo kits do stand out here, but the few 10- to 12-volt subcompact drivers listed here rank lower.
19. BuilderOnline.org
2008
2008 Builder Brand Study
by Hanley Wood
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis 2007 survey of 3,428 builders and contractors compares 17 brands of power tools for quality. Of the companies that make cordless drills, Milwaukee takes first rank. DeWalt, Hitachi and Makita follow in that order -- even though the survey respondents have used DeWalt and Makita tools more than Milwaukee. Panasonic and Ryobi rank toward the bottom.
20. ConsumerGuide.com
As of Nov. 2010
Drill Reviews and Prices
by Editors of ConsumerGuide.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe latest reviews here are dated June 2008, but still cover some current models based on hands-on testing.
21. Rockler.com
April 11, 2007
The Makita 14.4 Volt Cordless Impact Driver
by Editor of Rockler.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis single-product review at Rockler.com praises the efficiency of the Makita four-pole motor, the battery charging system and the way the 14.4-volt Makita BTD130FW impact driver makes fastening feel effortless.
22. DeWaltOwnersGroup.com
Sept. 13, 2010
A Look Inside
by "JC"
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn separate forum posts, a member publishes illustrations of the internal workings of quite a few cordless drill models and battery packs -- without any interpretations.
23. Contractor Talk
June 2009
What Company Has the Best Warranty on Power Tools?
by Contributors to ContractorTalk.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis forum discussion among professional contractors compares tool brands for their customer service and warranty fulfillment -- with Festool topping the list.
24. TalkFestool.com
May 2009
Festool Drill Reviews
by Contributors to TalkFestool.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAt TalkFestool.com, Festool fans review and discuss several Festool drills, including the newest Li-ion models, the T12 and T15. Contributors also make useful comparisons with the older Festool C12, which gets separate reviews.
25. CordlessDrillWorld.com
As of Nov. 2010
The Best Cordless Drills and Cordless Drill Batteries
by Editors of CordlessDrillWorld.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis site is one of quite a few Amazon.com sales affiliate sites, with the reviews drawn from Amazon.com but less convenient to browse here.
26. Cordless-Drill-Reviews.com
As of Nov. 2010
Cordless Drill Reviews Consumer Guide
by Editors of Cordless-Drill-Reviews.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis site's ratings of specific drills look impressive at first glance -- but unfortunately, the sources are completely undocumented, and some of the comments in the buyers' guide are questionable.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

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