When it comes to tackling home improvement projects, assembling furniture, or handling professional tasks, having the best hand drill is absolutely essential. A reliable cordless drill can be your most versatile companion, offering the power and precision needed for drilling holes, driving screws, and much more. This comprehensive guide reviews the top 5 hand drills on the market, carefully selected for their performance, durability, and value, helping you make an informed decision for your next tool purchase.
Quick Product Comparison
Our Top 5 Best Hand Drills Reviews – Expert Tested & Recommended
1. Worx 20V 1/2 Inch Cordless Drill Driver with Batteries and Charger Included
The Worx 20V 1/2 Inch Cordless Drill Driver stands out as a top-tier choice for both DIY enthusiasts and seasoned professionals. This drill offers exceptional quality and performance, coming complete with batteries and a charger, so you’re ready to tackle projects right out of the box. Its robust design ensures outstanding durability and reliability for everyday use across a wide range of tasks.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Full-Sized 1/2″ Chuck: Empowers large drilling applications, accommodating a wider range of bits for heavy-duty tasks.
- ✓ Adaptable Speed and Torque: Features variable two-speed gearing and 20+1 clutch settings, allowing for precise control over speed and twisting strength.
- ✓ Dependable All-Metal Gears: Ensures consistently reliable performance, even during the toughest jobs, significantly extending tool life.
- ✓ Included Batteries and Charger: Provides immediate readiness for work and eliminates the need for separate purchases.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the Worx 20V Cordless Drill Driver for its powerful performance and comprehensive kit. The inclusion of batteries and a charger, combined with its adaptable speed and torque, makes it a highly convenient and effective tool for various drilling and driving needs. It’s a robust solution for anyone seeking a reliable power drill.
Best For
This drill is best for homeowners and professionals seeking a versatile and dependable cordless drill driver for medium to heavy-duty tasks, especially those who appreciate a complete ready-to-use package.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent power and torque for demanding tasks.
- Includes two batteries and a charger, offering great value.
- Durable all-metal gears enhance longevity.
- Versatile with 20+1 clutch settings and variable speeds.
Cons:
- Might be slightly heavy for prolonged overhead use.
- 1/2″ chuck can be overkill for very light-duty applications.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Solid Cordless drill, I bought it because I already had the Worx string trimmer and blower, so this gave me an extra battery and charger that is interchangeable between all the tools. I’ve been using this on a daily basis for the last few months and have had no issues with the tasks i’ve thrown at i”
Customer Review: “Excellent starter set for new home or apartment! Bought to give my adult child when moving into first apartment. Has all the basic tools necessary. They bought furniture and things that needed to get put together and hang stuff up…this kit has it all. The drill is excellent. When I purchased it (ove”
2. Worx Nitro 20V Cordless 1/2″ Drill Driver, Brushless Motor, Compact, Power Share Compatible (Tool Only)
The Worx Nitro 20V Cordless 1/2″ Drill Driver is our Editor’s Choice for its outstanding quality and performance, especially its compact yet powerful design. This tool-only option is perfect for users already invested in the Worx Power Share ecosystem, offering incredible versatility and efficiency. It delivers a brushless motor for enhanced power and longevity, making it a stellar addition to any toolbox.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Small and Mighty Design: At just 3 lbs and 6″ long, this drill is 17% smaller yet 25% more powerful than previous models, ideal for tight spaces.
- ✓ High-Efficiency Brushless Motor: Provides 50% longer run time, 25% more power, and a 10X longer motor life compared to brushed motors.
- ✓ Power Share Compatible: Utilizes Worx’s state-of-the-art Power Share batteries (sold separately), which are interchangeable across over 140+ Worx tools.
- ✓ 1/2-inch Chuck: Offers the versatility to handle a wide array of drilling and driving applications.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend the Worx Nitro for its cutting-edge brushless motor technology and incredibly compact design without sacrificing power. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a highly efficient and portable drill driver, especially if you already own other Worx Power Share tools. Its durability and advanced motor make it a reliable partner for numerous projects.
Best For
This cordless drill is best for existing Worx Power Share users, professionals, and DIYers who require a compact, powerful, and efficient drill for sustained use and demanding applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Brushless motor offers superior efficiency, power, and lifespan.
- Extremely compact and lightweight, reducing user fatigue.
- Part of the versatile Worx Power Share battery system.
- Delivers significant power despite its small size.
Cons:
- Batteries and charger are sold separately.
- May not be suitable for individuals not already in the Worx ecosystem.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Love this addition to my Worx tools. Light weight, easy to handle for myself and my wife. This lighted drill is great. Batteries are long lasting, and work with all of my other Worx tools. Highly recommend this drill and Worx’s other tools.”
Customer Review: “Love this drill. Powerful. Stays charged with continual use for at least 30 min.”
3. 21V Cordless Drill with 2 Batteries and Charger, 3/8-Inch Keyless Chuck Power Drill Set, 2 Variable…
This 21V Cordless Drill offers exceptional quality and performance at a budget-friendly price point, making it an excellent choice for those looking for value. Complete with two batteries and a charger, it ensures you have continuous power for your projects. Its 3/8-inch keyless chuck and variable speed settings make it highly adaptable for various drilling and driving tasks, perfect for daily use with solid durability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Powerful 21V System: Delivers ample power for most common household and DIY tasks.
- ✓ Two Batteries and Charger Included: Ensures extended working time and minimal downtime during projects.
- ✓ 3/8-Inch Keyless Chuck: Allows for quick and easy bit changes, enhancing efficiency.
- ✓ 19+1 Clutch Settings: Provides precise torque control to prevent over-driving screws or damaging work surfaces.
- ✓ Variable Two-Speed Gearing: Offers flexibility for different applications, from high-speed drilling to low-speed driving.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this 21V cordless drill for its incredible value, offering a complete package with two batteries, a charger, and versatile features at an accessible price. It’s a robust and functional tool that provides powerful performance for various tasks, proving that you don’t have to break the bank for a reliable power drill.
Best For
This drill is best for budget-conscious DIY enthusiasts, new homeowners, or anyone needing a reliable, all-around cordless hand drill for general home maintenance and projects.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Excellent value for money, including two batteries and a charger.
- Good power for general household tasks and DIY projects.
- Multiple clutch settings for precision work.
- Hammer function adds versatility for masonry (as per review).
Cons:
- 3/8-inch chuck limits compatibility with larger drill bits.
- Brand might be less recognized compared to industry leaders.
- Battery capacity might be lower than premium models for heavy, continuous use.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “This cordless drill set offers good functionality, powerful performance, and excellent battery life, making it a great value for money. The lightweight design, combined with its ergonomic grip, ensures great ease of use, while the impressive build quality and stylish color options make it both durab”
Customer Review: “Great Experience, This drill is really Good and Awesome , Designed. It’s heavy, as a good drill should be, While I got this drill for the hammer function, I quickly realized how versatile it is. This drill is made for some serious drilling.It has three functions – the Drill ,Screwdriver and the Ham”
4. 20V Cordless Hand Drill with Two 2.0Ah Batteries, 3/8-inch Chuck, and 44 Bits
The 20V Cordless Hand Drill from KITLUCK offers exceptional quality and performance, delivering a comprehensive package for a wide array of tasks. This drill comes equipped with two 2.0Ah batteries, a 3/8-inch chuck, and an impressive collection of 44 bits, ensuring you have everything you need to start your projects. Its robust motor and various modes make it a versatile tool for both drilling and driving.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Robust Motor & Impact Drilling: Equipped with three operational modes: screwing, drilling, and impactful drilling for versatile applications.
- ✓ 21+3 Position Clutch & 2 Variable Speed: Offers 21 adjustable clutch settings plus three modes, alongside two variable speed options for precision and power.
- ✓ Ergonomic Design Optimization: Features a soft-grip handle for prolonged comfort and an integrated LED illumination for working in dim areas.
- ✓ Complete Kit: Includes two 2.0Ah batteries, a charger, and an extensive set of 44 bits, offering great value.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend this cordless hand drill for its comprehensive set of features and accessories, making it an outstanding value. The inclusion of impact drilling mode, two batteries, and a wide array of bits makes it highly functional for diverse tasks. It’s a great all-in-one solution for anyone looking to get started on DIY projects or expand their toolkit.
Best For
This power drill is best for beginners, DIYers, or those needing a versatile starter kit with everything included for various home repairs and light construction tasks.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Comes with two batteries, a charger, and a vast 44-piece bit set.
- Features impact drilling mode for tackling tougher materials.
- Ergonomic design and LED light enhance user experience.
- Multiple clutch settings provide excellent control for various materials.
Cons:
- The 3/8-inch chuck size may limit compatibility with larger bits required for heavy-duty work.
- Battery capacity (2.0Ah) might be moderate for extremely long, continuous high-power tasks.
Customer Reviews
Customer Review: “Beats spending double the cost of buying a name brand at a big box store”
Customer Review: “This drill is a fantastic value. It includes everything you need for typical household jobs, from hanging pictures to assembling furniture. The impact function is a real bonus for tougher screws.”
5. DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Combo Kit with Impact Driver, 2 Batteries, Charger, and Bag.
The DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Combo Kit offers exceptional quality and performance, delivering two essential tools for any serious craftsman or avid DIYer. This kit includes a powerful drill driver and a robust impact driver, along with two batteries, a charger, and a convenient bag for storage and transport. It’s designed to handle a wide range of applications with its high-performance motors and compact design, embodying the renowned DEWALT reliability.
Key Features That Stand Out
- ✓ Two-Speed Transmission (0-450 / 0-1500 RPM): The DCD771 drill driver offers versatile speed control for drilling and fastening in various materials.
- ✓ High-Performance Motor (300 UWO): Delivers 300 unit watts out (UWO) of power, capable of completing a wide range of demanding applications.
- ✓ Compact, Lightweight Design: Both the drill and impact driver fit into tight areas, enhancing maneuverability and reducing user fatigue.
- ✓ Complete Combo Kit: Includes a cordless drill, an impact driver, two 20V MAX batteries, a charger, and a durable carrying bag.
- ✓ Integrated LED Lights: Provides visibility in dark workspaces for improved accuracy.
Why We Recommend It
We highly recommend the DEWALT 20V Cordless Drill Combo Kit for its outstanding reputation, powerful performance, and comprehensive offering of two crucial tools. DEWALT is a leader in power tools, and this kit exemplifies their commitment to quality, making it a valuable investment for serious projects. The combination of a drill and impact driver provides unparalleled versatility.
Best For
This kit is best for contractors, professional tradespeople, and serious DIYers who require reliable, high-performance tools for a broad spectrum of heavy-duty drilling and fastening applications.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Includes both a drill driver and an impact driver, offering superior versatility.
- Renowned DEWALT quality and durability.
- High-performance motors deliver ample power for tough jobs.
- Compact and lightweight tools for comfortable, extended use.
- Comes with two batteries, a charger, and a convenient carry bag.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to single drills or lesser-known brands.
- Might be overkill for users who only need a basic drill for occasional, 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.”
Complete Buying Guide for Hand Drills
Essential Factors We Consider
Choosing the best hand drill involves more than just picking the first one you see. Our experts evaluate several critical factors to ensure you get a tool that meets your needs and offers lasting value. First, power and voltage are paramount. A higher voltage, typically 18V or 20V for cordless drills, indicates more torque and capability for tougher materials. Second, the chuck size (e.g., 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch) dictates the maximum drill bit or driver bit shank diameter it can hold. A 1/2-inch chuck offers greater versatility for heavier tasks. Third, consider the motor type; brushless motors are more efficient, powerful, and durable than brushed motors, though often at a higher cost. Other crucial features include variable speed settings for precision control, clutch settings to prevent over-driving screws, and an ergonomic design for comfort during prolonged use. Finally, the inclusion of essential accessories like extra batteries, a charger, and a carrying case can significantly enhance a drill’s overall value and usability.
Budget Planning
When planning your budget for a hand drill, it’s important to balance cost with your intended use. Entry-level cordless drills, typically ranging from $50-$100, are ideal for occasional light-duty tasks around the house. These often come with basic features and smaller battery capacities. Mid-range drills, priced between $100-$200, offer a good balance of power, features, and durability, often including more advanced options like brushless motors and larger battery packs. Premium or professional-grade drills and combo kits, which can exceed $200, are built for demanding, continuous use and often include top-tier features, robust construction, and comprehensive accessory packages. Investing in a slightly more expensive model with better battery life and a robust motor can save you money in the long run by avoiding frequent replacements or performance limitations.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best hand drill for you will depend on your specific needs, the types of projects you undertake, and your budget. Whether you’re a casual DIYer or a seasoned professional, a quality cordless drill is an indispensable tool. Prioritize features like power, chuck size, motor type, and battery life, and don’t overlook ergonomic comfort. By carefully considering these factors, you can choose a drill that not only meets your current requirements but also serves as a reliable workhorse for years to come. Our top picks offer a range of options to suit various demands, ensuring you find the perfect match for your toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the difference between a drill driver and an impact driver?
A: A drill driver is primarily designed for drilling holes and driving screws with a consistent rotational force. An impact driver, on the other hand, adds a powerful concussive impact along with rotation, making it exceptionally efficient for driving long screws or bolts into dense materials where a standard drill might struggle. Impact drivers are typically more compact and deliver higher torque.
Q: Should I choose a brushed or brushless motor for my hand drill?
A: Brushless motors are generally superior. They offer several advantages over brushed motors, including longer run times per battery charge, more power, a longer tool lifespan due to less wear and tear, and quieter operation. While brushless drills tend to be more expensive, the long-term benefits in performance and durability often justify the higher initial cost, especially for frequent users.
Q: How important is battery voltage for a cordless drill?
A: Battery voltage (e.g., 12V, 18V, 20V MAX) is a direct indicator of the drill’s potential power and torque. Higher voltage typically means more power and the ability to handle tougher applications and larger bits. For most household tasks, an 18V or 20V MAX cordless drill is sufficient. Lower voltage drills might be lighter but are generally suitable only for very light-duty work.
Q: What is a clutch setting on a drill, and how do I use it?
A: A clutch setting, typically found as a numbered ring behind the chuck, allows you to adjust the amount of torque the drill applies before slipping. This feature is crucial for driving screws, as it prevents you from over-tightening or stripping the screw head, or damaging the material. Lower numbers are for softer materials and smaller screws, while higher numbers are for harder materials and larger fasteners. The “drill” setting bypasses the clutch for full power when drilling holes.
Q: What is a keyless chuck, and is it better than a keyed chuck?
A: A keyless chuck allows you to tighten or loosen the chuck by hand, making bit changes quick and tool-free. A keyed chuck requires a separate key to tighten or loosen, which can be more secure for certain heavy-duty applications but is less convenient. For most DIY and professional tasks, a keyless chuck is preferred for its ease of use and efficiency.
Choosing the right hand drill is a significant step towards efficient and successful project completion. From the versatile Worx 20V models to the robust DEWALT combo kit, our curated list offers excellent options tailored to various needs and budgets. We encourage you to evaluate your specific requirements and use this guide to select a cordless drill that will empower your work for years to come. Don’t wait to upgrade your toolkit; click on the “Check Price on Amazon” buttons above to find the perfect drill that matches your craftsmanship and budget!
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.
