Buying Guide for the Best Cheap Cordless Drill
Choosing a cordless drill can be a bit confusing with all the options available, but knowing the most important features and thinking about how you'll actually use it makes the process much easier. Cordless drills are great because of their portability—no cords to get tangled or restrict your movement. When looking for a cordless drill, focus on how often you plan to use it and for what kind of tasks. Think about what you’ll be drilling into (wood, metal, masonry), the weight you’re comfortable holding, and whether you want extra features like adjustable speed or a built-in light. Understanding the key specifications can help you make a choice that fits how you’ll use your drill at home, in the garage, or on the go.Voltage (Power)Voltage on a cordless drill tells you how powerful the drill's motor is. Higher voltage means more power for tougher tasks, like drilling into hard wood or metal, while lower voltage is lighter, easier to handle, and often enough for simple tasks like assembling furniture or hanging shelves. Common voltages range from about 12V up to 20V or higher. For light work around the home, 12V is usually plenty; for heavier tasks or if you want more versatility, 18V–20V can give you extra muscle. Always think about what kind of jobs you’ll use the drill for before deciding on power—there’s no point in carrying extra weight if you’ll only be using it for light tasks.
Battery Type and Capacity (Ah)Cordless drills either use NiCd (nickel-cadmium) or Li-ion (lithium-ion) batteries, but nowadays most come with Li-ion batteries because they are lighter, hold a charge longer, and recharge faster. Battery capacity, measured in ampere-hours (Ah), tells you how long the drill will run before needing a recharge—a higher Ah means a longer run time. For quick household jobs, a battery under 2Ah will do, but if you plan to use the drill for bigger projects, look for something with 2Ah or more. Think about how much time you’ll spend drilling between charges and whether you want to invest in a backup battery.
Chuck SizeThe chuck is the part of the drill that holds the drill bit. Most cordless drills have either a 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch chuck. The size determines the maximum diameter of bit you can use. For most home tasks, a 3/8-inch chuck is versatile and easy to handle; a 1/2-inch chuck is better if you want to use larger bits for tougher jobs. Consider what you will be drilling and whether you’ll need larger bits—if you’re not sure or just planning basic tasks, start with 3/8-inch.
Speed and Torque SettingsSpeed (measured in RPM) tells you how fast the drill spins, and torque is about the force it uses to turn a screw or drill a hole. Many cordless drills offer variable speed and adjustable torque so you can match power to the job—slower and higher torque for driving screws, faster and lower torque for drilling holes. For most people, having at least two speed settings and a simple way to adjust torque (usually a numbered dial) is helpful for switching between tasks. If you plan on doing more than just drilling holes, look for these adjustments to avoid stripping screws or damaging materials.
Weight and ErgonomicsThe weight and design of a cordless drill can have a big impact on comfort, especially if you’ll be using it for long periods or in tight spaces. Lighter drills are easier to hold above your head or use one-handed, but may have less power or battery life, while heavier models can be tiring to handle. Also look for a comfortable grip and a well-balanced design—test how the drill feels in your hand if possible. Your choice should depend on your physical comfort and the kinds of jobs you expect to do most often.