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I spent 10 years in construction as a carpenter, foreman, and site supervisor, working on multimillion-dollar residential renovations in the Boston area. In that time, I’ve probably used at least 50 different drills, and I’ve been testing them for Wirecutter since 2015. I’m also a serial renovator who lives in a 1773 saltbox house that, just by its nature, requires dewalt tool a very hands-on, tool-heavy approach. Prior to owning the saltbox, I gutted and rebuilt an early 1900s farmhouse. Yet they’ve also gotten so compact and lightweight that you can probably handle one even if you’ve never picked up a drill in your life. When I consider what the best drill is in any lineup, I immediately gravitate toward the highest performing.
The on-tool LED work light helps to provide illumination to maximize efficiency and productivity. DeWalt has two versions of their Atomic drill (the DCD708C2 and the DCD794D1). These are meant to be a bridge between the two classes of drills, combining the size of the 12-volt drills with power closer to the larger, 18- and 20-volt tools. The problem is dewalt tool that, over time, the 12-volt drills have become more powerful and the 18- and 20-volt drills have become smaller, effectively squeezing the Atomic drills out of the picture. The Milwaukee 18-volt drill we recommend is shorter than both of the Atomics and considerably more powerful. The LED is well placed and evenly lights up the front of the drill.
In fact, its capabilities are in line with our top 12-volt recommendation, the DeWalt DCD701F2, but with the added weight of an 18-volt tool. Also, the handle design includes an added finger notch that we found uncomfortable. Obviously, that’s more than enough to tighten up some cabinet hinges and hang a mirror. Yet it’s also plenty for those times you might need to deal with a larger project, such as building garage shelving or replacing a short flight of deck stairs. From front to back, the Milwaukee measures 5.625 inches, making it the shortest drill we’ve ever tested (that includes even the 12-volt drills, which are typically the smaller class).
The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named. Because of store size limitations or geography, some items featured may not be available in all stores but will be made available by special order during sale periods at advertised prices. All sale prices listed as “dollars off” or “% off” are discounted from our regular posted shelf price, not from discounts given with specialty, bulk or pallet pricing.
Drills vary by voltage, which is the available power offered by the tool. The higher the voltage, the more heavy-duty work a drill can handle. If you’re working on small household tasks, a 12-volt DEWALT cordless drill will suffice.
From tip to tail, the DeWalt 12-volt is less than 6 inches long; it was one of the shortest drills we looked at. On our scale it weighed just under 2.5 pounds, landing in the midrange of 12-volt drill weights. But the DeWalt’s balance was so nice that, before we weighed the drills, we were convinced it was the lightest one we were testing. The truth is that the Bosch GSR12V-300B22 is almost half a pound lighter, but its design and weight distribution made it feel heavier in our hands.
But if you’re looking to tackle jobs like deck building and home rebuilding, opt for something like a DEWALT 20-volt drill or a comparable model. This powerful 9-amp reversible drill offers high torque for heavy-duty applications. The 2-finger variable-speed trigger delivers RPM for versatility and control, and the auxiliary handle with a cam lever allows for quick and secure repositioning. A 1/2-in all-metal keyed chuck accepts a variety of bits and provides greater bit retention and durability, while a flexible key strap means you can tighten the chuck without detaching the key. For added safety, a live wire indicator turns on when the drill is plugged in to a power source.
The 12-volt DeWalt LED’s lower position means it casts much better light at the nose of the tool and reduces the drill’s shadow considerably. In our tests, the light from the Bosch and Milwaukee models’ LEDs barely illuminated above the drills at all. Solid 12-volt drills (with a charger and two batteries) from reputable manufacturers typically cost between about $100 and $150 (but are occasionally available for less).
The handle appears to be designed with every contour of a hand in mind. Even the slightest details are accounted for, such as the little depression where the forefinger knuckle rubs against the drill body. The handle tapers nicely, allowing the pinky finger to find purchase, and the trigger and forward/reverse control are well positioned for quick use. We tested the drill in both small and large hands, and everyone thought it was extremely comfortable to hold.