Choosing the best drill for home use is crucial for any homeowner looking to tackle DIY projects, assemble furniture, or make basic repairs. A reliable cordless drill can be your most versatile power tool, simplifying tasks from hanging shelves to building intricate woodworking creations. With countless options on the market, finding the perfect balance of power, ergonomics, and battery life can be challenging. This comprehensive guide reviews the top 5 drills for home use, highlighting their key features and helping you select the ideal model for your specific needs.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Drills For Home Use Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Driver, 2 Speed, with 2 Li-Ion Batteries and Charger
The DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Driver is a powerhouse, offering exceptional quality and performance for various home projects. Its compact and lightweight design allows it to fit into tight spaces, making it perfect for intricate tasks. Equipped with two Li-Ion batteries and a charger, this kit ensures you have continuous power for extended use, highlighting its outstanding durability and reliability for daily tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Compact and Lightweight Design: Easily fits into confined areas, enhancing maneuverability.
- ✓ High-Performance Motor: Delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) for tackling a wide range of drilling and fastening applications.
- ✓ Two-Speed Transmission: Offers speeds of 0-450 and 0-1,500 RPM, optimized for diverse tasks.
- ✓ Includes Two Li-Ion Batteries: Ensures ample runtime and minimizes downtime.
- ✓ Versatile Application Range: Suitable for everything from simple fastening to more demanding drilling.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Driver for its robust build, excellent power delivery, and user-friendly design. The inclusion of two batteries is a significant advantage, providing uninterrupted workflow. It’s a fantastic all-around tool that balances power with portability, making it an indispensable part of any home toolkit for various DIY projects.
Best For
This drill is best for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners who need a reliable, powerful, and versatile drill capable of handling a broad spectrum of tasks, from light assembly to moderate drilling projects.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent battery life with two included batteries for extended use.
- Comfortable ergonomic grip and lightweight design reduce fatigue.
- Powerful motor handles various materials and applications with ease.
- Durable construction ensures long-term reliability.
Cons:
- May be a bit powerful for very delicate tasks without careful control.
- Initial investment is higher than basic models, but justifiable for quality.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Battery life is excellent but it’s also very nice having a backup charged and ready to go. The charger came with so everything I need is all there. Not too heavy for me to use one handed, but heavy enough I know I bought quality. Compatible with my drill bits, hole saws, and screwdriver bit sets. Fa”
Customer Review: “This drill is very comfortable in my hand and has a super grip. It’s powerful, light weight, and is perfect around home. The clutch is easy to use and the multiple settings work perfectly depending on the hardness of the drilled material and bit being used. Reversing is very easy and can be done “
2. DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit, Includes Two Batteries, Charger, Bag
The DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit offers the ultimate versatility for homeowners, providing two essential power tools in one package. This kit ensures you’re ready for any task, from precise drilling to heavy-duty fastening, delivering exceptional quality and performance. Its compact, lightweight design means both tools can fit into tight areas, making them perfect for comprehensive home renovations and repairs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Dual Tool Combo: Includes both a drill driver (DCD771) and an impact driver for maximum versatility.
- ✓ High-Performance Motors: Drill delivers 300 UWO, capable of handling a wide range of applications.
- ✓ Two-Speed Transmissions: Offers 0-450 / 0-1500 RPM for optimized drilling and fastening.
- ✓ Compact & Lightweight Design: Both tools are designed to fit into tight work spaces easily.
- ✓ Complete Kit: Comes with two 20V MAX Li-Ion batteries, a charger, and a contractor bag for portability.
Why We Recommend It
This combo kit is an outstanding value for anyone serious about home improvement. Having both a drill and an impact driver significantly expands your capabilities, allowing you to switch between drilling holes and driving screws without changing bits. DeWalt’s renowned quality and the comprehensive nature of this kit make it a top recommendation for its versatility and performance in any home workshop.
Best For
This kit is best for homeowners and advanced DIYers who need a comprehensive solution for diverse tasks, from basic drilling to demanding fastening, without the hassle of constantly swapping tools or bits.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unbeatable versatility with both a cordless drill and an impact driver.
- Powerful and reliable tools from a trusted brand like DeWalt.
- Compact size enhances usability in confined areas.
- Comes with two batteries, a charger, and a carry bag, making it a complete kit.
Cons:
- Higher price point than a standalone drill.
- Might be more than casual users need if they only perform very light tasks.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Very happy with this twin pack. The portable drill has features that I haven’t discovered or mastered. But right out of the bag, the drill and the impact driver reveal the renowned quality and performance. I like the size, power, and convenience. Each has a light that helps with accurate work and sp”
Customer Review: “Solid, dependable, and good value. My workplace needs good tools – so I’m buying more of the MAX series for my team.”
3. DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Driver Kit for Home Use, 1/2-Inch Chuck, 2-Speed, Battery & Charger
For homeowners seeking a perfect blend of performance and value, the DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Driver Kit is an excellent choice. Featuring a brushless motor, it delivers extended run time and improved efficiency over brushed models. Its compact and lightweight design, coupled with an ergonomic comfort grip, provides ideal balance and tool control, making it a durable and reliable option for all your home maintenance tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ DEWALT Brushless Motor: Provides greater efficiency and longer run time per charge.
- ✓ Compact & Lightweight: Measures only 7.6 inches front to back, fitting easily into tight spaces.
- ✓ Ergonomic Comfort Grip: Ensures optimal balance and control, reducing user fatigue.
- ✓ 1/2-Inch Chuck Size: Accommodates a wide range of drill bits for various tasks.
- ✓ 2-Speed Settings: Allows for precision and power tailored to the application.
Why We Recommend It
This DeWalt drill kit offers exceptional value, especially with its brushless motor, which extends the life of the tool and the battery life. It’s perfectly suited for general home use, providing sufficient power for most common projects while remaining comfortable to handle. If you’re looking for a dependable, efficient drill without breaking the bank, this is a superb option.
Best For
Ideal for budget-conscious homeowners who prioritize efficiency and durability, this drill is excellent for general household repairs, furniture assembly, and light to medium DIY projects.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Brushless motor offers superior efficiency and lifespan.
- Excellent ergonomic design for comfortable and controlled use.
- Great value for a DeWalt kit with a brushless motor.
- Powerful enough for most common home drilling and fastening tasks.
Cons:
- Only comes with one battery in some configurations, requiring potential separate purchase for extended use.
- May not offer the same peak torque as higher-end professional models.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Wow, what a fantastic tool! I’m truly impressed with its workmanship, performance, and overall design. It looks great, feels solid, and delivers excellent power for home projects. The price is very reasonable for the quality you get. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a reliable, powerful “
Customer Review: “Works great like all Dewalt productsBattery keeps a good charge. Durable. Good power. Good value for the money.”
4. CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver, Ideal for Home Use, 1/2 inch, with Battery and Charger
The CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Drill/Driver is specifically designed to be an ideal power tool for general home use. With a high-performance motor generating 280 unit watts out, it’s capable of completing a wide array of applications. The two-speed gearbox and 1/2-inch keyless chuck provide efficiency and ease of use, making bit changes fast and simple. This drill offers outstanding durability and reliability for your everyday household needs.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ High-Performance Motor: Delivers 280 UWO, suitable for a variety of drilling and fastening tasks.
- ✓ Two-Speed Gearbox: Offers speeds of 0-350 and 0-1,500 RPM for optimal control.
- ✓ 1/2-Inch Keyless Chuck: Enables quick and effortless bit changes, saving time on projects.
- ✓ V20 Cordless System: Part of the CRAFTSMAN V20 platform, compatible with other V20 tools.
- ✓ Includes Battery and Charger: Ready to use right out of the box for immediate productivity.
Why We Recommend It
CRAFTSMAN is a household name, and this V20 cordless drill lives up to the brand’s reputation for quality and value. It strikes a great balance between power and affordability, making it perfect for those who need a dependable drill for common household chores and occasional larger projects. Its ease of use, especially the keyless chuck, is a major plus for any homeowner.
Best For
This drill driver is best for first-time homeowners, casual DIYers, or anyone seeking a robust and affordable cordless drill for general home maintenance, assembly, and light construction tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money, highly affordable for its capabilities.
- Reliable power and performance for typical home applications.
- Keyless chuck ensures fast and easy bit changes.
- Part of the CRAFTSMAN V20 battery system, allowing for tool expansion.
Cons:
- Slightly less powerful in terms of UWO compared to some DeWalt models.
- The V20 battery platform might have fewer tool options than more widespread systems.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “A perfect drill for the money. Does everything I need to do for maintenance around the house and my hobbies.”
Customer Review: “This Craftsman V20 drill is exactly what I needed. It’s powerful enough for all my home projects, from putting together furniture to drilling into studs. The battery lasts a good while, and it feels very sturdy. Great tool for the price!”
5. DEWALT 20V Cordless Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Kit with 2 Batteries, Charger, Bag
This DEWALT 20V Cordless Brushless Drill and Impact Driver Kit elevates your home improvement capabilities with cutting-edge brushless technology. The compact and lightweight design (7.6 inches front-to-back) ensures both tools fit into tight areas, making them incredibly versatile. With an ergonomic comfort grip, a bright LED light with a 20-second delay, and two batteries, this kit offers superior balance, control, and visibility for every demanding project, ensuring exceptional durability and reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Brushless Motors: Provides enhanced efficiency, power, and longer tool lifespan compared to brushed models.
- ✓ Compact Design: 7.6-inch length allows access to cramped spaces for detailed work.
- ✓ Ergonomic Comfort Grip: Delivers superior balance and user control, minimizing hand strain.
- ✓ Bright LED Light: Features a 20-second trigger release delay to illuminate dark work areas effectively.
- ✓ Complete Kit: Includes both a drill and an impact driver, two batteries, a charger, and a contractor bag.
Why We Recommend It
For serious DIYers and homeowners who want the absolute best in terms of efficiency and longevity, this brushless drill and impact driver kit is unparalleled. The brushless motors mean more run time and less maintenance, while the thoughtful design features like the ergonomic grip and LED light enhance the user experience. It’s a professional-grade set tailored for high performance in a home setting.
Best For
Perfect for advanced DIYers, avid hobbyists, or homeowners who frequently undertake extensive renovation or construction projects and demand the highest performance and efficiency from their power tools.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Brushless technology offers superior battery life and motor durability.
- Comprehensive kit with two highly versatile tools.
- Excellent ergonomics and a bright LED light improve usability in all conditions.
- DeWalt’s reputation for quality ensures long-term reliability.
Cons:
- This is a premium kit, reflecting in a higher price point.
- Might be an overkill for very infrequent or basic household tasks.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “The brushless motors in this DeWalt combo kit are a game-changer. I’ve been doing a lot of deck work and drywall, and these tools perform flawlessly with amazing battery life. The impact driver is especially powerful, making quick work of long screws.”
Customer Review: “I upgraded to this kit from an older brushed set, and the difference is night and day. The tools feel more powerful, last longer on a charge, and are much quieter. The LED light is super handy in my dimly lit garage. Highly recommend for serious home projects!”
Complete Buying Guide for Best Drills For Home Use
Choosing the best drill for home use involves more than just picking the first one you see. A well-informed decision ensures your tool meets your specific needs, making your DIY projects easier and more efficient. This buying guide covers essential factors to consider.
Essential Factors We Consider
- Corded vs. Cordless: While corded drills offer consistent power without battery concerns, cordless drills provide unparalleled portability and convenience, ideal for most home tasks. For this roundup, we focused on cordless options due to their versatility in home settings.
- Drill Driver vs. Impact Driver vs. Hammer Drill:
- A drill driver (the most common type) drills holes and drives screws.
- An impact driver excels at driving long screws and fasteners into tough materials, offering more torque with a hammering action.
- A hammer drill (not typically needed for basic home use but useful for masonry) adds a pounding motion for drilling into concrete or brick.
For general home use, a good drill driver is usually sufficient, but a combo kit with an impact driver significantly broadens capabilities.
- Power and Voltage: For cordless drills, power is measured in voltage (V). Most drills for home use range from 12V to 20V. 18V-20V models offer a good balance of power for most tasks, providing enough torque for drilling into wood, metal, and light masonry.
- Battery Type and Life: Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries are standard for modern cordless drills, offering better performance, longer run times, and no memory effect compared to older NiCad batteries. Look for kits with two batteries to ensure continuous operation.
- Chuck Size: The chuck holds the drill bits. A 1/2-inch chuck is more versatile, accepting larger bits for heavier-duty drilling, while a 3/8-inch chuck is common on smaller, lighter drills suitable for basic tasks.
- Speed Settings: Multiple speed settings (e.g., two-speed gearbox) are crucial. Lower speeds provide more torque for driving screws and drilling large holes, while higher speeds are ideal for smaller drill bits and faster drilling.
- Ergonomics and Weight: A lightweight and well-balanced drill with an ergonomic design reduces fatigue during prolonged use, making it more comfortable and safer to handle.
- Brushless Motor Technology: Drills with brushless motors are more efficient, run cooler, offer longer battery life, and have a longer tool lifespan than their brushed counterparts. While often more expensive, they are a worthwhile investment for frequent users.
Budget Planning
When budgeting for a new drill, consider your frequency of use and the types of projects you’ll undertake. Entry-level cordless drill kits can start under $100, often featuring basic models with one battery. Mid-range options (around $100-$200) typically offer more power, better features like brushless motors, and often include two batteries. Premium combo kits, especially those with brushless drill and impact drivers, can range from $200-$300+, providing professional-grade performance and versatility for serious DIYers. Investing a little more upfront for a quality tool can save you money and frustration in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best drill for home use is one that feels comfortable in your hand, has enough power for your typical tasks, and offers good battery life. For most homeowners, a 20V cordless drill driver from a reputable brand like DeWalt or Craftsman provides an excellent balance of performance and value. If you anticipate more demanding fastening tasks, a combo kit including an impact driver is a fantastic upgrade. Always check for kits that include at least one battery and a charger to get started immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the main difference between a drill driver and an impact driver?
A: A drill driver is designed for drilling holes and driving screws with rotational force. An impact driver, on the other hand, delivers a strong, quick burst of rotational force (impacts) in addition to turning, making it far more efficient for driving long or large fasteners, especially into dense materials, and less likely to strip screw heads.
Q: How important is battery voltage for a cordless drill?
A: Battery voltage directly correlates with the drill’s power. For home use, a 12V drill is sufficient for light tasks like assembling furniture or hanging pictures. However, 18V or 20V drills offer significantly more power and torque, making them suitable for drilling larger holes, driving tougher screws, and tackling a wider range of projects, which is why they are often considered the best drills for home use.
Q: Should I get a drill with a brushless motor for home use?
A: While drills with brushed motors are generally more affordable, those with brushless motors are a superior choice if your budget allows. Brushless motors are more efficient, generate less heat, provide longer battery life, and have a significantly longer lifespan. For frequent DIYers or those who want a long-lasting, high-performing tool, a brushless drill is definitely worth the investment.
Q: What does “UWO” mean in a drill’s specifications?
A: UWO stands for “Unit Watts Out.” It’s a measurement created by DeWalt to indicate the drill’s sustained working power, factoring in both speed (RPM) and torque. A higher UWO rating generally means the drill is more capable of performing difficult tasks efficiently. For drills for home use, a UWO of 250-300+ is considered good for most applications.
Q: Can a cordless drill be used for drilling into concrete or masonry?
A: A standard cordless drill driver is generally not designed for heavy-duty concrete or masonry drilling. For these materials, you would need a hammer drill, which incorporates a percussive (hammering) action in addition to rotation. Some high-end drill drivers may have a “hammer drill” mode, but a dedicated hammer drill is usually more effective for such tasks.
Selecting the best drill for home use can significantly impact the success and enjoyment of your DIY endeavors. Whether you opt for the versatile DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Driver as our top choice, the comprehensive DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit for ultimate flexibility, or the budget-friendly yet efficient DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Driver Kit for Home Use, you’re investing in a tool that will serve you well. Carefully consider your typical projects, desired features, and budget to make the perfect selection. Explore our recommended products and click the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons to find the ideal power tool that will empower your next home project!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
