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9 Best Ryobi Drills
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Buying Guide for the Best Ryobi Drills
Choosing the right drill can make your DIY projects much smoother and more enjoyable, whether you're fixing up things around the house or taking on bigger woodworking efforts. The key is to match the drill's features and specs to the type of work you expect to do most. Understanding the basics about what different specifications mean will help you feel more confident in picking out a drill that will keep up with your needs and help you work more efficiently.Power Source (Corded vs. Cordless)Drills come in corded or cordless types. Corded drills are powered directly from an outlet, so they generally provide consistent power for long durations but require you to work close to a power source. Cordless drills run on batteries, giving you the freedom to move around anywhere. Cordless drills are more convenient for most home tasks, but you need to recharge or swap batteries. If you'll mostly work in one place and need continuous high power, a corded drill may suit you. For flexibility and portability—especially for light to moderate work—cordless is typically best.
Voltage (for Cordless Drills)Voltage refers to the power output of a cordless drill's battery. Lower voltages (around 12V) are lighter and good for small household tasks like assembling furniture or hanging pictures. Mid-range voltages (18V–20V) offer more strength and are suited for frequent use, tougher materials, or larger projects like building decks. Higher voltages are more powerful and heavy, best for serious DIYers or small-scale professional jobs. Choose a voltage range that matches how much power you expect to need regularly.
Chuck SizeThe chuck is the part that holds the drill bit, and its size tells you the maximum thickness of drill bits it can accept. Common sizes are 3/8-inch, suitable for most everyday drilling and screwing, and 1/2-inch, which can handle bigger bits needed for tough jobs or making larger holes. If you're mostly handling light to medium tasks, a 3/8-inch chuck is usually enough. For heavier-duty use or if you want versatility, consider a 1/2-inch chuck.
Speed SettingsMost drills offer either single or multiple speed settings. Single-speed drills are simple to use and work fine for basic jobs like drilling holes in wood. Two-speed or variable-speed drills allow you to adjust how quickly the bit spins, which is useful when moving between tasks like driving screws (slow speed) and drilling into different materials (high speed for wood, slower for metal). If your projects are varied, a drill with adjustable speeds gives you more flexibility.
Torque SettingsTorque is the spinning force the drill delivers, and many drills offer adjustable torque settings through a clutch. More torque is needed for driving screws into hard materials, while less torque can prevent you from stripping screws in softer materials. If you'll be doing a mix of drilling and screwdriving or working with different materials, a drill with a range of torque settings (often clearly marked on a dial) helps you get a better result.
Weight and ErgonomicsHow comfortable a drill feels in your hand can make a big difference, especially for longer tasks. Lighter, compact drills are easier to handle overhead or in tight spaces but may have less power. Heavier drills are sometimes more powerful but can be tiring to use. Check the weight and feel of a drill to match your comfort preferences and the types of jobs you plan to do.
Battery Runtime and Charging (Cordless)Battery runtime affects how long you can use the drill before needing a recharge. If you do bigger projects, a battery that lasts longer between charges is handy. Some drills also come with fast-charging batteries for less downtime. Thinking about how often and how intensely you’ll use your drill helps you decide how important longer battery life and quick-charging features are for you.
Built-in Light and ExtrasSome drills come with built-in features like LED lights for working in dark spaces, a belt clip for portability, or onboard bit storage. These features don't change how the drill works but can make using it more convenient. Think about your typical work conditions and which extra features might help you be more productive or comfortable.