Best Cordless Drills, Reviews, Ratings, and Deals at BestCordlessDrillInfo.com

Best Cordless Drills

Feb 092012

Here are our choices for the best cordless drills in several different categories (for more info on each group see explanation below). We have analyzed all of these models by checking out their specs, viewing their real-world performance, and reading real user ratings and reviews. We give each unit an overall rating. We use that number along with the price of the item into consideration to make our top 3 recommendations in each category which are as follows:

Best 18v
1.	Makita BDF451 Read Review Find Lowest Price	2.	Milwaukee 2610-24 Read Review Find Lowest Price	3.	Hitachi DS18DL Read Review Find Lowest Price
Best 18v Compact
1.	Makita LXFD01CW Read Review Find Lowest Price	2.	Hitachi DS18DSAL Read Review Find Lowest Price	3.	Bosch 36618-02 Read Review Find Lowest Price
Best 14.4v
1.	Bosch 37614-01 Read Review Find Lowest Price	2.	Hitachi DS14DL Read Review Find Lowest Price	3.	Panasonic EY7441LZ2S Read Review Find Lowest Price
Best 12v
1.	Milwaukee 2410-22 Read Review Find Lowest Price	2.	DeWalt DCD910KX Read Review Find Lowest Price	3.	Ridgid R92008 Read Review Find Lowest Price
Best Professional
1.	Makita BDF451 Read Review Find Lowest Price	2.	Milwaukee 2610-24 Read Review Find Lowest Price	3.	Bosch 37618-01 Read Review Find Lowest Price
Best Home Owner / DIY
1.	Makita LXD01CW Read Review Find Lowest Price	2.	Hitachi DS18DSAL Read Review Find Lowest Price	3.	Milwaukee 2410-22 Read Review Find Lowest Price
Best Value For the Money
1.	Hitachi DS18DSAL Read Review Find Lowest Price	2.	Makita LXD01CW Read Review Find Lowest Price	3.	Bosch 36618-02 Read Review Find Lowest Price
Best Under $100 / Best Budget
1.	Skil 2898LI-02 Read Review Find Lowest Price	2.	Hitachi DS14DVF3 Read Review Find Lowest Price	3.	Hitachi DS12DVF3 Read Review Find Lowest Price

A little explanation of what determines how an item ranks high in each category of cordless drills. When considering the best 18 volt, we primarily focused on the top overall performance, but also kept in mind cost. Same for the best 12 volt and 14 volt. In the compact 18 volt class, we rated the smallest and lightest models which still work effectively favorably. As for the best professional model, we looked for high torque, best performance, and long lasting batteries so it could handle the toughest tasks on a jobsite, and with little emphasis on price. In regards to the best homeowner / do-it-yourself group, we ranked drills that provided a good value for occasional use including weight, size, and price as large factors. The best value for the money were the models we felt gave the best bang for your buck with the heaviest emphasis on price. The under $100 category is obviously the top rated units, no matter what voltage, under 100 dollars.

Cordless Drill Buying Guide

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Mar 132012

What is the best cordless drill? There is not one answer to that question and in fact the correct answer for you depends on many factors. When picking which portable power tool is best for you it is important to know what type of projects you will be working on, as well as your budget. In this overview we cover what to look for when buying a drill including:

Types of Drills
Voltage, Battery and Charger
Size and Weight
Performance Including Speed and Torque
Other Features

Types of Drills

There are several different types of drills, each suited for a different task. Select the drill that best fits your needs.

Cordless Screwdriver – This tool is for easy jobs such as hanging pictures or assembling pre-fab furniture. These electric screwdrivers are small, light-weight, and convenient to use.

Drill / Driver – The most common type, these come with bits for both drilling holes and driving or removing screws. An adjustable clutch regulates the torque, or twisting power, applied to a screw. This versatile tool is best for most homeowners who need both drilling and screwdriver functions.

Hammer Drill – These drills combine drilling with a hammer action, which allows the drill bit to hammer in and out while drilling. Hammer Drills are heavier, yet more powerful and are best suited to drilling in masonry including brick and concrete.

Impact Driver – If you need to drive lots of screws or heavy-duty fasteners when doing projects such as building decks, the Impact Driver is for you. The main difference of the impact driver is its torque. In addition to having more overall torque, when it senses resistance the impact driver automatically increases the torque applied so the bit is less likely to strip the screw head.

Right Angle Drill – When dealing with tight spaces, a Right Angle Drill might be the best version for you. This drill is especially helpful when drilling inside of cabinetry.

Voltage, Battery and Charger

Maybe the most important part of a cordless drill is the battery. The battery voltage provides power for the tool. The voltage ranges from 7.2V to 36V with the most common being 12, 14.4, and 18. The larger the voltage the heavier the unit, but the more powerful it will be.

The 10.8-volt to 12-volt cordless drill / drivers and impact drivers are suggested for basic homeowner tasks. These are generally lighter, smaller, and more comfortable to use. For more serious DIY projects then 14.4-volt to 18-volt models are advised. If you are a professional that needs the power, durability, and where performance is critical then 18-volt and above cordless drill/drivers are recommended.

Battery technology is also important to consider. Earlier models use Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) or nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries which are cheaper. These batteries will only last so many cycles before they need to be replaced. The newest models use Lithium-ion batteries which reduce a tool’s weight, last longer, hold their charge a long time between uses, but are more expensive. Another battery factor is amp-hours (Ah) which is a measure of run-time. Higher end models are typically around 3-Ah while cheaper versions will be around 1.5-Ah.

Slow charging is one of the major complaints about cheap cordless drills, so look for one that comes with a smart charger. These chargers can charge batteries in 15-30 minutes. A set of two batteries means you can work as long as you want because one battery will be charged before the other runs out of juice. A smart charger shows you how charging is progressing, and then turns itself off to prevent overcharging.

Size and Weight

There are two basic sizes that cordless drills come in – 1/2-inch and 3/8-inch – which refers to the largest size drill shank (not the size of the actual bit) the chuck can accept. For most common home projects the 3/8″ chuck will work great. If, however, you need to drill large holes or use large specialized attachments then the 1/2″ chuck is recommended. Impact drivers may come with a hex chuck. Hex chucks require special drill bits, but the configuration can make it faster to switch between drilling and driving.

The size and weight of the cordless drill should also be considered when deciding which drill to buy. Smaller drills will often be referred to as compact or subcompact. If you are doing lots of overhead drilling then a compact, light drill is a must. For casual use, weight should be less of a factor. Keep the size of the tool in mind if you will be working in tight spaces or just want to take up less space in your tool box.

Performance Including Speed and Torque

Torque is the measure of the amount of twisting force the drill applies in inch-pounds. A higher torque is needed for for jobs like building decks where driving long screws is necessary. For the most part, the higher the voltage, the higher the torque. Most cordless drill/drivers have at least 15 clutch settings which allow the user to drive screws with the right amount of force without stripping the screw head.

Most models have a pressure-sensitive trigger which adjusts the speed within the selected range, so the harder you squeeze the trigger, the faster the chuck spins. Many also have multiple speed settings that limit the amount of RPM’s the chuck turns. These features give you greater control of the drill and allow you to drill or drive at the correct pace.

Other Cordless Drill Features

Kits - Keep in mind other tools and kits may share the same batteries and charger. This can cut costs, but remember that some tools need higher voltage than others. For instance, you’ll want at least an 18-volt battery to get satisfactory performance from a cordless circular saw or reciprocating saw.

Auxiliary Handle - In order to provide better control and stability, some larger units come with a handle that can be attached.

Fuel Gauge - Look for a fuel gauge on Lithium Ion batteries. These batteries will run the drill at full power until they need recharging, so the gauge will let you keep track of when the battery power is running low.

Work Light - Some versions come with a built-in led light which helps you to see what you are working on.

Warranty - Don’t forget about the warranty on these tools. Often the manufacturers will have one length of warranty for the drill and another for the batteries. Batteries are the easiest part to fail so a long warranty which will cover the replacement is handy.

Compare Cordless Drill Ratings

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Feb 092012

Here we have provided a table with the specs of all the models we have reviewed on this site. You can now easily compare cordless drills of similar styles to see which one is better suited for your task. We also show our overall cordless drill ratings so you can compare those as well. Each model is divided into categories by voltages – 18 volt, 14.4 volt, and 12 volt.

Note: Click on the Model to see a review or click on the estimated price to see the actual current price.

18v Cordless Drill/Drivers

Rating	Brand / Model / Voltage / Style	Battery Type	Weight	Max Torque	Max Speed	Variable Speed	Chuck Size	Charge Rating	Charge Time	Warranty	Estimated Price
9.4	Milwaukee 2610-24 – 18v High Performance	Li-Ion	5.3 lbs	650 in-lbs	1800 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	2.8Ah	45 min	5 years tool, 2 years battery	$305.50
9.4	Makita BDF451 – 18v High Performance	Li-Ion	4.6 lbs	560 in-lbs	1700 RPM	3-SPEED	1/2″	3.0Ah	45 min	3 years Drill, 1 year Battery	$269.99
9.3	Hitachi DS18DL – 18v High Performance	Li-Ion	4.6 lbs	570 in-lbs	1800 RPM	2-SPEED w/ 4 Ranges	1/2″	3.0Ah	45 min	10 year tool, 2 year battery	$279.99
8.9	Bosch 37618-01 – 18v High Performance	Li-Ion	5.5 lbs	650 in-lbs	1800 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	2.6Ah	30 min	3 years tool, 2 year battery	$269.99
8.8	Makita BDF452 – 18v Standard	Li-Ion	4.1 lbs	450 in-lbs	1500 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	3.0Ah	30 min	3 years	$279.00
8.7	Dewalt DCD960KL – 18v High Performance	Li-Ion	5.25 lbs	450 UWO	2000 RPM	3-SPEED	1/2″	2.4Ah	60 min	3 years tool, 1 year battery	$314.90
8.7	Makita LXFD01CW – 18v Compact	Li-Ion	3.3 lbs	480 in-lbs	1500 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.5Ah	15 min	3 years tool, 1 year battery	$193.23
8.5	Hitachi DS18DSAL – 18v Compact	Li-Ion	3.5 lbs	460 in-lbs	1500 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.5Ah	40 min	10 years	$154.99
8.4	Panasonic EY7460LZ2S – 21.6v Standard	Li-Ion	5.39 lbs	575 in-lbs	1500 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	3.0Ah	60 min	1 year	$278.83
8.2	DeWalt DCD940KX – 18v Standard	NiCD	6.2 lbs	450 UWO	2000 RPM	3-SPEED	1/2″	2.4Ah	60 min	3 years	$219.99
8.2	Hitachi DS18DMR – 18v Standard	NiCD	5.5 lbs	550 in-lbs	1600 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	2.0Ah	30 min	10 year tool, 2 year battery	$229.95
8.0	Bosch 36618-02 – 18v Compact	Li-Ion	3.7 lbs	500 in-lbs	1600 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.3Ah	30 min	3 years tool, 2 year battery	$182.14
8.0	Milwaukee 2601-22 – 18v Compact	Li-Ion	4.0 lbs	400 in-lbs	1400 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.5Ah	45 min	5 years	$179.00
7.8	DeWalt DCD760KL – 18v Compact	Li-Ion	4.0 lbs	350 UWO	1700 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.1Ah	30 min	3 years	$192.99
7.8	Bosch 35618 – 18v Standard	NiCD	6.6 lbs	600 in-lbs	1800 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	2.4Ah	30 min	3 years tool, 2 year battery	$239.99
7.7	Skil 2898LI-02 – 18v Compact	Li-Ion	2.9 lbs	400 in-lbs	1400 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.3Ah	60 min	1 year	$92.88
7.6	Bosch DDB180-02 – 18v Compact	Li-Ion	3.0 lbs	400 in-lbs	1300 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.3Ah	45 min	3 years tool, 2 year battery	$171.99
7.6	Porter-Cable PCL180DRK-2 – 18v Compact	Li-Ion	3.7 lbs	374 in-lbs	1200 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.5Ah	30 min	10 years	$148.99
7.5	Hitachi DS18DVF3 – 18v Compact	NiCD	4.4 lbs	400 in-lbs	1200 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.4Ah	35 min	5 years	$119.99
7.5	DeWalt DC720KA – 18v Compact	NiCD	4.8 lbs	410 UWO	1700 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.7Ah	60 min	3 years	$156.24
7.5	Bosch 34618 – 18v Compact	NiCD	5.0 lbs	390 in-lbs	1450 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	2.0Ah	30 min	3 years tool, 2 year battery	$185.19
6.5	Black & Decker HPD18AK-2 – 18v Standard	NiCD	5.0 lbs	330 in-lbs	1400 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.1Ah	60 min	2 years	$92.47

14.4v Cordless Drill/Drivers

Rating	Brand / Model / Voltage / Style	Battery Type	Weight	Max Torque	Max Speed	Variable Speed	Chuck Size	Charge Rating	Charge Time	Warranty	Estimated Price
9.4	Bosch 37614-01 – 14.4v Standard	Li-Ion	5.3 lbs	600 in-lbs	1700 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	2.6Ah	30 min	3 years tool, 2 year battery	$259.99
8.9	Hitachi DS14DL – 14.4v Standard	Li-Ion	4.4 lbs	460 in-lbs	1750 RPM	2-SPEED w/ 4 Ranges	3/8″	3.0Ah	45 min	Lifetime tool, 2 years battery	$225.40
8.8	Panasonic EY7441LZ2S – 14.4v Standard	Li-Ion	3.3 lbs	390 in-lbs	1400 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	3.1Ah	50 min	2 years tool, 1 year battery	$253.68
8.5	Bosch 36614-02 – 14.4v Compact	Li-Ion	3.5 lbs	400 in-lbs	1450 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	1.3Ah	30 min	3 years	$181.90
8.5	DeWalt DC730KA – 14.4v Compact	NiCD XRP	4.3 lbs	300 UWO	1700 RPM	3-SPEED	1/2″	2.4Ah	60 min	3 years	$169.99
8.4	Bosch 35614 – 14.4v Standard	NiCD	5.8 lbs	550 in-lbs	1700 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	2.0Ah	30 min	3 years	$189.65
8.3	DeWalt DCD920KX – 14.4v Standard	NiCD XRP	5.8 lbs	325 UWO	1800 RPM	3-SPEED	1/2″	2.4Ah	60 min	3 years	$199.00
8.2	Panasonic EY6432GQKW – 15.6v Standard Cordless Drill	NiMH	4.8 lbs	390 in-lbs	1450 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	3.5Ah	55 min	1 year	$182.49
7.9	Bosch 34614 – 14.4v Compact	NiCD	4.4 lbs	370 in-lbs	1400 RPM	2-SPEED	1/2″	2.0Ah	30 min	3 years	$159.96
7.4	Hitachi DS14DVF3 – 14.4v Compact	NiCD	4.0 lbs	300 in-lbs	1200 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.4Ah	35 min	5 years	$94.64
7.0	Makita 6281DWPE – 14.4v Compact	NiCD	3.5 lbs	260 in-lbs	1300 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.3Ah	60 min	1 year	$119.99

12v Cordless Drill/Drivers

Rating	Brand / Model / Voltage / Style	Battery Type	Weight	Max Torque	Max Speed	Variable Speed	Chuck Size	Charge Rating	Charge Time	Warranty	Estimated Price
9.0	Milwaukee 2410-22 – 12v Compact	Li-Ion	2.5 lbs	250 in-lbs	1500 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.4Ah	30 min	5 years	$122.25
9.0	DeWalt DCD910KX – 12v Standard	NiCD	5.3 lbs	285 UWO	1800 RPM	3-SPEED	1/2″	2.4Ah	60 min	3 years	$179.95
8.1	Ridgid R92008 – 12v Compact	Li-Ion	2.2 lbs	240 in-lbs	1300 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.4Ah	30 min	3 year	$152.93
7.8	Hitachi DS12DVF3 – 12v Standard	NiCD	3.3 lbs	230 in-lbs	1050 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.4Ah	30 min	5 years	$74.71
7.8	DeWalt DC742KA – 12v Compact	NiCD	3.8 lbs	200 UWO	1700 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.4Ah	60 min	3 years	$122.25
7.5	Makita 6271DWPE – 12v Standard	NiCD	3.3 lbs	250 in-lbs	1200 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.3Ah	60 min	1 year	$114.99
6.1	Black & Decker HPD12K-2 – 12v Standard	NiCD	2.8 lbs	175 in-lbs	1200 RPM	2-SPEED	3/8″	1.2Ah	180 min	2 years	$68.99

Milwaukee 2410-22 Review

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Feb 092012

The Milwaukee 2410-22 is rated as our best 12v cordless drill with an overall rating of 9.0. The main reason for the high score is the fact that it has the best power to weight ratio of any 12v cordless models. It has 250 in-lbs of power and weighs in at just 2.5 lbs. Plus it has a compact size that is much smaller than other drills it its class. This makes it an ideal tool for someone that is doing lots of drilling or has to get into some tight spaces.

The 2410-22 utilizes the Milwaukee M12 series of Lithium-Ion batteries. These provide 1.4 Ah of run time, which is slightly below average. However these batteries only take 30 minutes to recharge, so since two batteries are included, you should always have one at full power.

The one common complaint from users of this power tool is the chuck. For several people no matter how much they tighten the chuck, it still comes loose during use and eventually the bit falls out. Despite this problem users on Amazon still give it an average 4.3 stars out of 5.

Overall we really like this drill. There is not a lot of options for Li-Ion batteries in a 12 volt model, which makes this one rare. The performance is outstanding for the weight and is light enough for anyone to use easily. The chuck coming loose is a concern for construction professionals, but for the average home user it is not as big of a deal for occasional use, therefore we recommend this drill.

Specs		12v Class Average
Overall Rating	9.0
Manufacturer	Milwaukee
Model	2410-22
Style	Compact Cordless Drill
Voltage	12
Weight	2.5 lbs	3.4 lbs
Max Torque	250 in-lbs	245 in-lbs
Max Speed	1500 RPM	1285 RPM
Variable Speed	2-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	3/8″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Charge Rating	1.4Ah	1.7 Ah
Charge Time	30 min	60 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	Yes
Extra Handle	No
Fuel Guage	Yes
Warranty	5 years	2 years
Price	Check Price	$128.45

Milwaukee 2410-22 12v Compact Cordless Drill

Milwaukee 2610-24 Review

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Feb 092012

We give the Milwaukee 2610-24 18v cordless drill a 9.4 overall rating, which is tied for best in its class. We rate this as one of our top professional choices. The 2610-24 is part of Milwaukee’s M18 lineup of cordless tools and features XC high capacity Li-Ion batteries. It has a class leading 650 in-lbs of torque and a max speed of 1800 RPM.

Unfortunately it is really expensive. This model is over $300, but for professionals it is worth it. It is also a little bit heavier than average at 5.3 pounds.

Overall we highly recommend the 2610-24 18v cordless drill.

See More Reviews on the Milwaukee 2610-24 Cordless Drill

Specs		18v Class Average
Overall Rating	9.4
Manufacturer	Milwaukee
Model	2610-24
Style	High Performance Cordless Drill
Voltage	18
Weight	5.3 lbs	5.1 lbs
Max Torque	650 in-lbs	450 in-lbs
Max Speed	1800 RPM	1530 RPM
Variable Speed	2-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	1/2″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Charge Rating	2.8Ah	1.8 Ah
Charge Time	45 min	45 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	LED
Extra Handle	Yes
Fuel Guage	Yes
Warranty	5 years tool, 2 years battery	2 years
Price	Check Price	$179.99

Milwaukee 2610-24

Bosch 36618-02 Review

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Feb 092012

We gave the Bosch 36618-02 18v cordless drill an 8.0 overall rating. After looking at what other users thought about this drill we might have to regrade this one. This is the highest rated drill on Amazon with a 4.8 out of 5 rating. Out of 131 reviewers not even 1 gave this tool a 1 star rating, while only 1 person each gave it a 2 and 3 star rating, which is almost unheard of.

This is Bosch’s compact 18v lithium-ion model. It weighs only 3.7 pounds while still delivering an above average 500 in-lbs of torque. Also the price is reasonable at around $170. This is why we rate this as one of our Best cordless drills for the money.

Taking everything under consideration, we highly recommend this drill for everyone from homeowners up through professionals.

Check Out More Reviews on the Bosch 36618-02 Cordless Drill

Specs		18v Class Average
Overall Rating	8.0
Manufacturer	Bosch
Model	36618-02
Style	Compact Cordless Drill
Voltage	18
Weight	3.7 lbs	5.1 lbs
Max Torque	500 in-lbs	450 in-lbs
Max Speed	1600 RPM	1530 RPM
Variable Speed	2-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	1/2″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Charge Rating	1.3Ah	1.8 Ah
Charge Time	30 min	45 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	LED
Extra Handle	No
Fuel Guage	No
Warranty	3 years tool, 2 year battery	2 years
Price	Check Price	$179.99

Bosch 36618-02

Makita BDF451 Review

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Feb 092012

The Makita BDF451 ranks at the top of the class for 18v cordless drills with a 9.4 overall rating. We really like this model which is why this is our top rated best buy for 18v and professional cordless drills. It is part of Makita’s LXT lineup with Li-Ion batteries rated ah 3.0Ah. It also has plenty of torque of 560 in-lbs and is not too heavy at just 4.6 pounds. This model has a solid metal transmission with three speeds to cover a broad range of drilling and driving situations. It also has plenty of bonus features such as a tool belt clip, a 2-LED light, and an extra handle for more stability.

There are a few complaints from end users. One is that the LED light unfortunately doesn’t shine on the target as well as some other brands. It also can have some slippage of the clutch in certain applications. The BDF451 is expensive, but that should be expected given its performance. Overall we highly recommend this drill.

See More Reviews on the Makita BDF451 Cordless Drill

Specs		18v Class Average
Overall Rating	9.4
Manufacturer	Makita
Model	BDF451
Style	High Performance Cordless Drill
Voltage	18
Weight	4.6 lbs	5.1 lbs
Max Torque	560 in-lbs	450 in-lbs
Max Speed	1700 RPM	1530 RPM
Variable Speed	3-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	1/2″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Charge Rating	3.0Ah	1.8 Ah
Charge Time	30 min	45 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	2-LED
Extra Handle	Yes
Fuel Guage	No
Warranty	3 years Drill, 1 year Battery	2 years
Price	Check Price	$179.99

Makita BDF451

Milwaukee 2601-22 Review

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Feb 092012

The Milwaukee 2601-22 18v cordless drill ranks at an 8.0 overall rating. This is Milwaukee’s compact Li-Ion offering at 18 volts. Users on Amazon rate it a 4 out of 5. The overall performance for this compact model is a little bit lower than comparable units by other manufacturers. But what it lacks in that department it makes up for in some nice features. First of all it feels really well balanced in your hand. It includes an LED light that does a better than average job at lighting up your work surface. It also seems to be able to tighten and hold bits in the chuck easier than many other drills. One really good feature is the battery fuel gauge that tells you how much power you have left.

With that said, we don’t feel like it is quite up to par with Makita’s compact Li-Ion. It is heavier at 4 pounds, has less torque, and is more expensive. But don’t get us wrong, this is still a quality cordless drill.

See More Reviews of the Milwaukee 2601-22 Cordless Drill

Specs		18v Class Average
Overall Rating	8.0
Manufacturer	Milwaukee
Model	2601-22
Style	Compact Cordless Drill
Voltage	18
Weight	4.0 lbs	5.1 lbs
Max Torque	400 in-lbs	450 in-lbs
Max Speed	1400 RPM	1530 RPM
Variable Speed	2-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	1/2″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Charge Rating	1.5Ah	1.8 Ah
Charge Time	45 min	45 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	LED
Extra Handle	No
Fuel Guage	No
Warranty	5 years	2 years
Price	Check Price	$179.99

Milwaukee 2601-22

Panasonic EY7460LZ2S Review

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Feb 092012

We give the Panasonic EY7460LZ2S 21.6v cordless drill an 8.4 overall rating. This drill is one of Panasonic’s ToughIP line which is IP56 rated, which means it is dust and water resistant. Its Li-Ion batteries are rated at 3.1 Ah, giving you maximum length of use before having to swap batteries. The torque is 575 in-lbs which is well above average and features 2 speeds with a max of 1500 RPM. One negative is that it is pretty heavy at 5.39 pounds.

This is definitely a cordless drill we would recommend for anyone from a DIYer up to a professional.

Check Out More Reviews on the Panasonic EY7460LZ2S Cordless Drill

Specs		18v Class Average
Overall Rating	8.4
Manufacturer	Panasonic
Model	EY7460LZ2S
Style	Standard Cordless Drill
Voltage	21.6
Weight	5.39 lbs	5.1 lbs
Max Torque	575 in-lbs	450 in-lbs
Max Speed	1500 RPM	1530 RPM
Variable Speed	2-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	1/2″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Charge Rating	3.0Ah	1.8 Ah
Charge Time	60 min	45 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	LED
Extra Handle	Yes
Fuel Guage	No
Warranty	1 year	2 years
Price	Check Price	$179.99

DeWalt DCD940KX Review

18 Volt Cordless Drills, Cordless Drills, DeWalt Cordless Drills No Responses »

Feb 092012

The DeWalt DCD940KX 18v cordless drill scores an 8.2 overall rating. This is DeWalt’s full size XRP NiCd 18 volt version. Its power output and speed rank near the top of the 18v class. Unfortunately so does the weight. At 6.2 pounds this thing is heavy.

Specs		18v Class Average
Overall Rating	8.2
Manufacturer	DeWalt
Model	DCD940KX
Style	Standard Cordless Drill
Voltage	18
Weight	6.2 lbs	5.1 lbs
Max Torque	450 UWO	450 in-lbs
Max Speed	2000 RPM	1530 RPM
Variable Speed	3-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	1/2″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	NiCD
Charge Rating	2.4Ah	1.8 Ah
Charge Time	60 min	45 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	Yes
Extra Handle	Yes
Fuel Guage	No
Warranty	3 years	2 years
Price	Check Price	$179.99

DeWalt DC720KA Review

18 Volt Cordless Drills, Cordless Drills, DeWalt Cordless Drills No Responses »

Feb 092012

The DeWalt DC720KA 18v cordless drill receives a 7.5 overall rating. This is DeWalt’s classic compact NiCd model in the 18v class. Users give this tool a very positive rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Amazon. Its torque and speed are both above average which give the DC720KA solid performance.

On the downside, at 4.8 lbs, it is still pretty heavy for a compact model. The price tag is also similar to compact Li-Ion offerings.

See More Reviews on the DeWalt DC720KA Cordless Drill

Specs		18v Class Average
Overall Rating	7.5
Manufacturer	DeWalt
Model	DC720KA
Style	Compact Cordless Drill
Voltage	18
Weight	4.8 lbs	5.1 lbs
Max Torque	410 UWO	450 in-lbs
Max Speed	1700 RPM	1530 RPM
Variable Speed	2-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	1/2″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	NiCD
Charge Rating	1.7Ah	1.8 Ah
Charge Time	60 min	45 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	LED
Extra Handle	No
Fuel Guage	No
Warranty	3 years	2 years
Price	Check Price	$179.99

DeWalt DC720KA

Makita BDF452 Review

18 Volt Cordless Drills, Cordless Drills, Makita Cordless Drills No Responses »

Feb 092012

The Makita BDF452 18v cordless drill comes in at a solid 8.8 overall rating. This is Makita’s standard Li-Ion offering in the 18 volt class, not to be confused with their high performance model the BDF451. The Li-Ion batteries last a super long time as they are rated at 3.0 Ah. This unit is lighter than average at 4.1 pounds, while still putting out decent power right at the class average.

The BDF452 is expensive, but it is capable for any use from a DIYer to a professional.

Specs		18v Class Average
Overall Rating	8.8
Manufacturer	Makita
Model	BDF452
Style	Standard Cordless Drill
Voltage	18
Weight	4.1 lbs	5.1 lbs
Max Torque	450 in-lbs	450 in-lbs
Max Speed	1500 RPM	1530 RPM
Variable Speed	2-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	1/2″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	Li-Ion
Charge Rating	3.0Ah	1.8 Ah
Charge Time	30 min	45 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	Yes
Extra Handle	Yes
Fuel Guage	No
Warranty	3 years	2 years
Price	Check Price	$179.99

Makita BDF452

Makita BDF452 18v LXT Battery

Makita BDF452 Battery Charger

Bosch 35618 Review

18 Volt Cordless Drills, Bosch Cordless Drills, Cordless Drills No Responses »

Feb 092012

The Bosch 35618 18v cordless drill gets a 7.8 overall rating. This is Bosch’s NiCd version of an 18v model. It has more power than most drills, but weighs in at a staggering 6.6 pounds. That means you get a workout with long use of this unit.

We recommend that you look at the Li-Ion version models instead like the 36618-02.

Specs		18v Class Average
Overall Rating	7.8
Manufacturer	Bosch
Model	35618
Style	Standard Cordless Drill
Voltage	18
Weight	6.6 lbs	5.1 lbs
Max Torque	600 in-lbs	450 in-lbs
Max Speed	1800 RPM	1530 RPM
Variable Speed	2-SPEED
Reversable	Yes
Chuck Size	1/2″
Chuck Type	Keyless, Ratcheting
Battery Type	NiCD
Charge Rating	2.4Ah	1.8 Ah
Charge Time	30 min	45 min
Batteries Included	2
Work Light	No
Extra Handle	Yes
Fuel Guage	No
Warranty	3 years tool, 2 year battery	2 years
Price	Check Price	$179.99

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