6/8

An electric screwdriver combines the convenience of a cordless drill with the minimal weight and ease of use of a screwdriver. The lithium-ion powered Metabo HPT DB3DL2 weighs less than a pound but offers amazing versatility.

The handle pivots, allowing for straight or pistol-grip use. A 21-step clutch lets you find the right amount of torque to set screws without stripping them. We also like its drill setting (you’ll need a hex-bolt shank drill bit) and LED light.

7/8

A relatively new player on the cordless tool scene, Walmart’s Hart line is aimed at price-conscious DIYers. The brushed motor Hart 20V Cordless Drill/Driver with a 3/8-in. chuck should appeal to new homeowners or those who want a spare drill on hand.

It comes bundled with a battery, charger and tool bag. The drill is compatible with the rest of the Hart 20V line, so it’s a good choice if you already own one or more of those tools.

8/8

If you want a drill/driver and an impact driver, the 18V One+ Combo Kit from Ryobi is an excellent budget-friendly option. The kit features a variable-speed drill/driver, an impact driver, charger and two 18-volt batteries. It’s all covered by Ryobi’s three-year warranty.

Note: Pros who need to set long screws use both the drill/driver and the impact driver. Bore a pilot hole with the drill, then use the impact driver to set the fastener. It’s easy to switch from drill to driver, and the reduced strain makes both tools go farther on a single charge.

Why You Should Trust Us

I am an Ohio-based freelance writer and author who was previously a residential remodeler, commercial site supervisor and maintenance manager. I’ve worked and written about all aspects of building and DIY. Since I’ve used many tools in my own work and conducted hours of research to round up suggestions for Family Handyman readers, I only recommend reliable products that I find trustworthy.

This guide features expert input from Josh Tarini the Director of Product Management at Stanley Black & Decker. He works in the drilling department at Stanley Black & Decker, the company that makes well-known brands DeWalt, Black & Decker, Craftsman, Stanley, Cub Cadet, Hustler and Troy-Bilt. Since they’re the number one world leader in the tools industry, their employees know what features to look for and the mechanics behind what makes a high-quality drill.

FAQs

What is the best voltage for a cordless drill?

Necessary voltage varies between users and depends on what you’re using the drill for. “A user who is only performing light-duty applications, such as fastening screws and drilling small holes, may be best suited by a low voltage (12V) product as it will have plenty of performance in a generally smaller form factor with lighter weight,” says Tarini. “High voltage, such as DeWalt’s 60V MAX platform, is best when executing highly demanding applications. These tools offer the most power and torque, but come at the expense of being larger and heavier.”

Is a brushed or brushless motor better?

Brushless motors are more efficient and have a few advantages over brushed motors. They have increased performance, are typically smaller in size, run longer on a single charge and don’t require as much maintenance because you don’t need to replace the brushes over time.

Are cordless drills as powerful as corded drills?

“Due to advances in motor and battery technology, many cordless drills today meet or exceed the power levels of historical corded products,” says Tarini. Keep in mind that cordless drills don’t need to be recharged, though. You can just plug them in and get started, but you will have a limited radius to work in.