Do You Really Need a New Cordless Drill?
A cordless drill/driver is the single most versatile tool you can own for home improvement. It drills holes, drives screws, assembles flat-pack furniture, mounts shelves, and handles dozens of other tasks. If you're doing any kind of DIY, having the right drill makes everything faster, easier, and more precise.
But the market is full of options at wildly different price points. Here's what actually matters.
Voltage: The Most Important Spec
Voltage determines power. More voltage means the drill can handle tougher materials and larger drill bits without bogging down.
- 10.8V / 12V: Compact and lightweight. Great for light work — driving screws, drilling small holes in wood. Not ideal for masonry or continuous heavy use.
- 18V: The sweet spot for most homeowners. Enough power for almost any DIY task, with a good range of accessories and batteries available.
- 20V–54V: Professional-grade power. Heavier and more expensive — overkill for most home users unless you're doing extensive renovation work regularly.
Recommendation for most homeowners: 18V.
Brushed vs. Brushless Motor
This is a feature worth paying for:
- Brushed motors are simpler and cheaper, but less efficient and require occasional maintenance (replacing carbon brushes).
- Brushless motors are more efficient (longer battery life per charge), more powerful for their size, run cooler, and have a longer lifespan. They're now available at accessible price points.
If your budget allows, choose brushless — the long-term benefits justify the small extra cost.
Battery: Amp Hours (Ah) Matter
The Ah (amp-hour) rating tells you how long a battery will run between charges — not how powerful it is. Common ratings are 1.5Ah, 2.0Ah, 4.0Ah, and 5.0Ah.
- A 2.0Ah battery is adequate for occasional DIY use.
- A 4.0Ah or 5.0Ah battery is better if you do longer sessions without stopping.
- Always buy a kit with two batteries — use one while the other charges.
Chuck Size
The chuck is the part that grips your drill bit. Most cordless drills come with either a 10mm or 13mm chuck:
- 10mm: Fine for standard home use — covers most common drill bit sizes.
- 13mm: Accepts larger bits and is better if you drill into masonry regularly.
Look for a keyless chuck — it lets you swap bits with one hand and saves a lot of time.
Torque and Clutch Settings
Torque is the twisting force the drill delivers. Higher torque handles harder materials. The clutch (usually a numbered ring near the chuck) lets you set the maximum torque before the drill disengages — essential for driving screws without snapping them or stripping heads.
Look for at least 15–20 torque settings for versatility. More settings give finer control.
Key Features to Look For
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Variable speed trigger | Gives you control over starting speed — essential for precise driving |
| Two-speed gearbox | Low speed for screwdriving, high speed for drilling |
| LED work light | Illuminates tight spaces and cabinets — surprisingly useful |
| Belt clip | Keeps the drill handy when working on a ladder or scaffolding |
| Ergonomic grip | Reduces hand fatigue during extended use |
Should You Consider a Combi Drill?
A combi drill adds a hammer action to a standard drill/driver — this lets it drill into masonry and concrete (though not as effectively as a dedicated SDS drill). If you ever need to put fixings into brick or block walls, a combi drill is more versatile than a standard drill and worth the modest extra cost.
Battery Platform: Think Long Term
If you plan to buy more cordless tools over time, consider sticking to one manufacturer's battery platform. Batteries from the same brand are interchangeable across all their tools — this saves significant money in the long run. Major platforms worth considering include those from brands with strong UK and European availability and long-term product ranges.
Summary: What to Prioritise
- 18V voltage for versatility
- Brushless motor if budget allows
- At least two batteries included
- Keyless chuck (10mm or 13mm)
- Variable speed and multiple clutch settings
- Combi function if you work with masonry
A good cordless drill is a tool you'll reach for constantly. Choose wisely and it will serve you well for many years of home projects.