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7 Best Ryobi Cordless Drills
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Cordless Drills
Buying Guide for the Best Ryobi Cordless Drills
Choosing the right cordless drill is all about matching the tool to the kind of jobs you plan to do at home or on the job. Think about how often you'll use it, whether you'll be tackling light DIY projects or heavier construction tasks, and how portable and comfortable you want your tool to be. Understanding the key specs will help you avoid buying a drill that's too weak for your needs or too bulky and powerful for simple tasks.VoltageVoltage tells you how powerful the drill's motor is. Higher voltage means more drilling and driving power, which can be important for tougher materials. Cordless drills usually come in a range from around 12 volts to 18 or even 20 volts. Lighter tasks like assembling furniture or hanging pictures can easily be handled by 12V models, which tend to be lighter and more comfortable for extended use. For more demanding jobs, such as drilling into masonry or working with large screws, 18V models offer more strength at the cost of more weight. Think about what materials you’ll usually work with and choose a voltage that matches your needs.
Battery Capacity (Ah)Amp-hours (Ah) tell you how long the battery is likely to last on a single charge. A higher Ah battery will run the tool for a longer period before needing a recharge, which is useful for big projects. Most batteries will range from 1.5Ah to 5.0Ah or higher. If you use your drill for short bursts or simple jobs, a lower Ah might be fine and will keep the tool lighter. For longer, more frequent tasks, higher capacity batteries save you from frequent charging.
Chuck SizeThe chuck size refers to the largest drill bit shank the drill can hold, with the most common sizes being 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch. Smaller chucks are typically lighter and suited to casual use, while a 1/2 inch chuck allows for use with larger bits and is better for more demanding work. If you plan to use a wide variety of bit sizes or handle larger screws and bolts, opt for the bigger chuck size.
Torque SettingsTorque settings let you control the twisting force of the drill, which prevents overdriving or stripping screws. More adjustment options offer better control, especially on delicate material. Simple home jobs may only need a handful of torque settings, but more settings are helpful if you work with lots of different materials or want precision in your work.
Speed/TransmissionDrills come with either a single speed or multiple speed settings (often called gears). Higher speeds are ideal for drilling, while lower speeds with more torque are best for driving screws. If you want a more versatile tool that can handle many tasks, look for one with two or more speed options. For basic needs, a single-speed drill is often sufficient.
Weight and ErgonomicsWeight affects how long you can work comfortably with the drill, and ergonomic design makes using the tool easier on your hands and wrists. If you’ll be using the drill often or for extended periods, look for a lightweight model with a comfortable grip. Handling the drill in person, if you can, will give you the best sense of how it feels during use.
Additional FeaturesExtras like built-in LED lights, belt clips, keyless chucks, or included accessory kits can add convenience or value, but may not be necessary for everyone. Think about which features might actually make your work easier rather than just being nice to have.