For many people, the best cordless drill may be the only power tool they require. These handy DIY tools are more than powerful enough for everyday work around the house thanks to developments in motor and battery technology, and no pro under the age of 60 will gladly use a corded drill for most tasks anymore - that's how great the best cordless drills are.
Even better, because you don't have to plug anything in while drilling holes in the wall, cordless drills are more handy and safe than traditional high-powered power equipment. Today's cordless drills are more powerful than ever before, thanks in large part to the introduction of the lithium-ion battery. Li-ion batteries are not only lighter than older nickel-cadmium batteries, which saves a lot of weight on the wrist and forearm, but they also keep their charge for longer while not in use.
What Should You Look For Before Buying The Best Cordless Drill?
There are various factors to consider when selecting the best cordless power drill for you, given the wide variety of drills available. While power and duration are usually the most significant aspects, usability and operator comfort are equally important. In your quest for the best cordless drill for your needs, keep the following crucial aspects in mind.
1. Voltage and Amp Hours
The energy output of a cordless drill is measured in voltage, which ranges from 7.2 to 20 volts on average, with a few higher-voltage drills available. The more voltage a drill has, the greater motor power it possesses. The amount of voltage required depends on how you intend to operate the drill. For infrequent usage, 12-volt models sometimes make excellent general-purpose home tools.
The amp-hours (Ah) rating of the battery is vital to consider in addition to the energy output. The longer the tool can run, the higher the Ah. The drill batteries that come with the drill are usually 1.3 or 1.5 Ah. This is sufficient but not generous. For the same price, those with 3.0 to 4.0 Ah deliver significantly more powerful performance. More powerful 10 Ah batteries are more likely to appeal to professional users who require longer-lasting instruments daily.
2. Torque and Speed
Torque, or twisting force, is produced by more powerful motors. The drill bit's rotation speed (usually between 200 and 1,000 rpm) shows how many rotations it makes per minute, with slower speeds offering higher torque.
Most cordless drills come with a variable speed trigger and multiple clutch settings. Look for a device that has at least ten clutch settings so you can dial in the correct amount of resistance for a variety of jobs. A drill with two-speed settings, on the other hand, gives you more options.
3. Size and Weight
The importance of a drill's physical size and weight is determined by the user's physical strength as well as the frequency and length of use. Models that are lightweight can weigh as little as a pound. Cordless hammer drills that are heavy-duty can weigh up to 8 pounds. Although it may be tempting to acquire the most powerful tool available for a given budget, the added weight that comes with that capability may rapidly cause user fatigue. It's also worth double-checking whether the weight given includes the battery, as the weight listed in the tool's product specs frequently does not.
While many cordless drills for regular use are relatively large, others can be quite small without compromising power. That's useful information to have when drilling and driving screws in tight areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What can a cordless drill be used for?
Drilling holes and driving screws are the most common uses for a cordless drill. You can, however, obtain a large number of attachments. Stirrers are used to mix paint and other liquids. You can also use a sanding drum, a rust-removal wire brush, or a polishing bonnet. We've put up a quick guide to cordless drill applications.
2. Are cordless drills less powerful?
Models with cords were once more powerful. However, today's cordless models are just as strong. Cordless devices lose some of their power over time, but corded models work at a consistent level for as long as they're plugged in.
3. Which brand of cordless drills is the best?
New and improved versions are always being introduced to the market, making it difficult to determine which brand is the best overall. Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Milwaukee are all known for producing high-quality equipment. Almost all modern cordless drills, on the other hand, are quite durable and dependable.
Final Thought
The Milwaukee 2804-20 M18 is a highly inventive cordless drill with a slew of useful features that make small, fiddly operations a breeze while also offering enough power to keep bigger ones from overwhelming you. It's a good deal for a versatile tool that'll come in handy for any looming lockup DIY projects.