Our best drill driver is the DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit due to its effectiveness when it comes to any drilling or screw driving needs and its affordability. The DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit is our best drill driver which has a durable built and a speed range up to 450 or up to 1,500 RPM. It only weighs 5.2 lbs so it is very light weight compared to most drill drivers. It was designed to minimize work fatigue so you can easily handle it on any DIY or construction. It charges under 1 hour.
On the other hand, we also have our step-up pick, the DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver Kit which is a bit pricier but has a lot of neat features to boast for your construction and DIY convenience. Being able to give out 300 UWO (unit watts out) of power, the DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver Kit has 2 speeds of 450 and 1,500 RPM. It has a handle that is ergonomically designed and it also includes ratcheting chuck 1/2 inch single sleeve. This awesome drill driver was designed for tight areas.
For our budget pick, we have the Black & Decker LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver which is incredibly cheap but very functional when it comes to having value worth for the money. If you want a drill driver that is good for drilling into metal, plastic and wood as well as different screw driving jobs, you should get the Black & Decker LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver. It has 11 position clutch and is powered by a long-lasting lithium ion battery.
A Little Background
A drill driver is a 2 in 1 power tool that allows you to screw something in place and also drill holes more efficiently. Drill drivers are very well known throughout DIY, carpentry, construction, contractors and many more from all sectors of building. It is perhaps one of the main icons of being a skilled worker.
Drills can be used for a variety of projects – from DIY or do-it-yourself projects to metalworking and especially on woodworking. Not all drill bits are the same – different drills are designed to perform a variety of tasks. Modern drills started their way in around 1895 by Wilhem and Carl Fein from Germany, making a portable drill. However, the pistol grip portable drill was designed by Black and Decker in 1917, and up to this day, many more companies have begun investing in manufacturing portable drills for home and industry use.
These drills can come in a variety of forms, most likely the corded and the cordless ones. Their goal is to be DIY friendly so that any worker can easily carry it at ease while working on their task or project, and be able to perform at high quality and last for a very long time, both battery and durability wise.
How We Picked
So how exactly did we pick the best drill driver? We chose from the following criteria:
Is the drill driver lightweight? The lighter the pounds, the better you can handle the drill driver on any work situation or operation. This is why it’s called a portable drill – you have to be able to carry it around without much hassle and still be able to drill through or drive screws just as powerful as you would expect it to be.
Does the speed range match your needs? Look for the RPM and compare with other drills. Make sure that you know which drill driver you want and need depending on what material you are working on. Metal based projects might need bigger speeds and different drill bits but if you are mainly working on wood then average RPMs will do just fine.
Are there enough clutch settings to choose from? Same as the RPM, most drill drivers have 15 to 20+ clutch settings to choose from. The more settings you can play around with, the more versatile the drill driver is, so always compare and contrast between models and brands.
Is it ergonomically designed from the handle to the body and to the bits? The ability to easily grip it and have an anti-slip design when it comes to the handle is very important in keeping a very steady and smooth workflow. Rubber grips are most recommended when it comes to the design of the drill driver. It should be strategically designed to meet the user’s comfort and have a hassle free drilling or driving.
Is it easy to change the bits? The ability for quick bit change is important if you want to accomplish a task quicker than you would expect. You can’t just waste time in bit changing because you need to get ahead with your project. Aside from that, you also need a safe and convenient way to change the bits so you can have a hassle free time with the drill driver that you own.
Does it reduce work fatigue and have less vibration and noise? Drill drivers are mostly noisy and full of vibrations, just like with most power tools, so expect some vibrations here and there. But if the drill driver itself has a way of preventing user shock and fatigue then it is worth buying. Vibrations can cause a person to easily get tired when using power tools, so it is important to have an anti-shock feature.
Does it use a good battery? Most people prefer lithium ion batteries over NiCad batteries, but it all depends on how you are going to use the drill driver. If you are a little doubtful of units that already come with batteries, you can also purchase bare tools only so that you will be able to choose the kind of battery to place in.
Is the price all worth it for its value? Measure everything – from specs to features. Does the price intimidate you too much or is it just right? Most drills vary from $40 to $200 or more, so you should pick a price range that is okay for your budget and also worth its value.
What do the Amazon reviews say? Weigh in the negative and positive comments about the product and you should know which one to pick. Top rated and the best selling products may have a few flaws here and there but they are not enough to break the deal. Take note of what the majority says before you proceed on buying the product, as well as some safety precautions when using the product.
Our Pick
DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit
The DEWALT DC970K-2 18 Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit is our best drill driver which has a good speed range up to 450 or up to 1,500 RPM. Only weighing 5.2 lbs, you can choose up to 17 clutch settings. This awesome drill driver is designed to minimize work fatigue so you can work on the fly without much hassle and hard work. The unit charges under 1 hour and has 1.2 amp hours of battery. It also has a UWO (unit watts out) of 380 and makes use of 2 18 V Ni Cadmium batteries (included).
Having an overall length of 9 inches, its cordless design makes it very compact and a good change if you used to own heavy and bulky corded drill drivers. The unit also comes with 1 hour charger and contractor bag. It has product dimensions of 14.8 in x 13.5 in x 4.7 in, coated in yellow finish and has a 3 year limited warranty, 1 year service as well as a 90 day money back guarantee.
Who Else Likes It?
Customers from Ace Hardware said that the DEWALT DC970K-2 18 Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit is very compact and easy to use in general as a drill driver for various tasks. The design greatly avoids bit slipping and it is a very powerful tool to use. The design is ergonomic so it is perfect even for beginners at drilling and driving. The power tool is great for all around construction use and the battery power is great. The only complaint is that it is a bit heavy compared to some drill drivers.
Best Cordless Drill Today the reviewed the DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit talks about the unit having very efficient power when it comes to any drilling procedure and operation. It can easily be charged within an hour, so it is great for those who cannot wait for the drill driver to get charged and ready to work as soon as possible. The cordless drill also has a comfortable grip to reduce fatigue, making it a very ergonomic drill driver to use and own for any project. This marks the sign of a good entry level drill and is outright the perfect choice for DIY and contractors. It works well for woodwork and home repairs and is also okay for those who aren’t too meticulous with speeds.
With the unit being good for DIY and professionals alike, drill driver is a very great value for the money. It has a significantly high torque. Unfortunately, the chuck is plastic. When it comes to battery, it is not as long lasting as most lithium ion batteries.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
There are only a few complaints when it comes to the DEWALT DC970K-2 18 Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit. For instance, NiCad batteries not as good as lithium ion batteries, but if you are not too meticulous about that and you prefer NiCad batteries then this should work fine, as lithium ion batteries tend to be on the pricier range. It is also quite heavy for some users, but this all depends on whoever will use the drill driver. Adding to its small flaws is the fact that the chuck is plastic, which most professionals don’t like, but okay for beginners and DIY workers.
Step-up Pick
DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver Kit
For our step-up pick, the DEWALT DCD771C2 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Compact Drill/Driver Kit is an awesome drill driver that is able to give out 300 UWO (unit watts out) of power. Compared to our first drill driver, this pricier pick is lithium ion battery powered (included), so it has a no memory feature. Coated in yellow color finish, this drill driver is made from sturdy steel.
You can choose from up to 2 speeds of 450 and 1,500 RPM. The handle is ergonomically designed to avoid slipping and keeping a steady workflow. It also includes ratcheting chuck 1/2 inch single sleeve. If you want a drill driver that is perfectly designed for tight areas then this is a great drill driver to consider. Having wattage of 300 W, it has a voltage of 20 V and has a built in LED light above the trigger. It is also significantly long and heavy for heavy duty purposes and works great for home projects.
It weighs 3.6 lbs, measures 13.9 in x 9.9 in x 4.2 in dimensions and has a 3 year limited warranty.
Budget Pick
Black & Decker LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver
Are you saving up money when it comes to power tools? No worries – the Black & Decker LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver is a very compact and lightweight tool – great for beginners and budget savers, especially DIY workers who are just looking forward to putting it to home repair use.
With this power tool good for drilling into metal, plastic and wood as well as different screw driving jobs, it has an 11 position clutch to choose from a variety of options that would likely fit on whatever you are working on. Being powered by lithium ion battery, it works at a variable speed and has a 3/8 inch chuck. In addition, it also has an LED work light to help keep visibility intact. A 20 V max battery is already included in the package.
Having 10 in x 8 in x 3 in dimensions, the Black & Decker LDX120C 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver is coated in orange color finish. It has a charging time of 1 hour and voltage of 20 V. It has 115 inch per pound of torque and can take up to 650 RPM. Its electric cordless design and other awesome and neat features. It also comes with 1 double ended bit, charger and the lithium ion battery. With a 2 year warranty, this awesome power tool is economically priced.
Comes with an Entire Project Kit of Multiple Tools
Black & Decker LDX120PK 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill and Project Kit
Including up to 66 tools and accessories for various purposes, the Black & Decker LDX120PK 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill and Project Kit is the perfect arsenal when it comes to DIY home repairs and such. Its clutch has 11 positions to prevent overdriving and stripping. With up to 18 months of charge due to its lithium ion battery at 20 V, it can significantly last longer than most drill drivers.
It has a carrying bag for storage purposes so you can also take it with you somewhere for easy transport. This drill driver is very good for personal and DIY use. The Black & Decker LDX120PK 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill and Project Kit weighs 9.6 lbs in total, has a cheap price and overall dimensions of 19 in x 13 in x 3.8 in. Being coated in orange finish, this drill driver is under a 2 year limited manufacturer’s warranty. So if you are looking for a complete set of tools and not just one drill driver then you’d better buy this awesome project kit for all of your DIY and construction needs.
Drill with Magnetic Holder for Bits and Screws Placement
Ryobi P208 18 Volt 1/2″ Lithium Drill/driver (Drill Only, Battery and Charger Not Included)
If you are one of those who want a bare tool only because they are too meticulous about choosing a good battery brand to use the tool with then you’d definitely want the Ryobi P208 18 Volt 1/2″ Lithium Drill/driver. This versatile drill driver has LED light for work visibility, perfect for those who often work at night or in the dark. Safety standards are very important in the workplace and this is why this drill driver is UL certified.
Being powered by lithium ion battery, it can last significantly long without discharging and memory effect. It weighs 2.9 lbs and has a torque of 350 lbs. It also has up to 1,600 RPM maximum speed and the clutch has 24 positions, which is significantly more than most brands that we’ve discussed here, so it is quite a flexible and versatile drill driver to use.
The gear box has 2 speeds for various driving and drilling needs and it also has a magnetic holder for placing bits and screws more conveniently. The keyless chuck is single sleeve at 1/2 inch. Being coated in green finish, the Ryobi P208 18 Volt 1/2″ Lithium Drill/driver has 12 in x 3 in x 9 in dimensions, uses 18 V of voltage and has an economical price.
Pink Color Drill Driver for the Ladies
Pink Power PP182 18V Cordless Drill Kit for Women with 2 Batteries, Case, Charger & Bit Set
Have you ever been frustrated about letting your wife go with the drilling? Not anymore with the Pink Power PP182 18V Cordless Drill Kit for Women with 2 Batteries, Case, Charger & Bit Set. Perfectly designed and coat in pink finish for the ladies, it is the perfect and easygoing tool for women who also want to make their move when it comes to home and DIY repairs.
Choose up to 16 different torque settings and variable speed. This drill driver also has keyless chuck and it also includes a magnetic screw holder. With a speed up to 550 RPM, it also has a built in level for better performance and accuracy.
Weighing at 3.5 lbs including battery, the Pink Power PP182 18V Cordless Drill Kit for Women with 2 Batteries, Case, Charger & Bit Set is extremely portable and has variable speed. The bit set has 13 pieces and includes NiCad batteries x 2 18 volts. It includes a user’s manual and has dimensions of 12 in x 12 in x 4 in. So if you want a perfect gift for your wife or special someone then you’d better pick this cute yet powerful cordless drill driver.
Best Impact Driver and Compact Drill
Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit
If you want a compact drill driver and impact driver at the same time then you’d want the Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit. It has built in LED lights for visibility and it is extremely durable and light weight. Powered with up to 18 volts lithium ion battery, the compact driver and drill has a torque of 400 inch lbs, while the frameless motor of hex impact driver is 4 poles and has a torque of 1,400 inch lbs.
The product weighs 4 lbs and measures 7 3/4 inch in length. The impact driver is 1/4 inch hex. Both drills have a red color finish and design. With overall dimensions of 12 in x 11 in x 7 in, the Milwaukee 2691-22 18-Volt Compact Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit includes charger, soft carrying case and belt clip and is under a 5 year warranty.
Comes with a Circular Saw on the Kit
Black & Decker BDCD220CS 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill/Driver and Circular Saw Kit
Much like most of the drill drivers that we have reviewed here, the Black & Decker BDCD220CS 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill/Driver and Circular Saw Kit has an LED work light, so you can increase your visibility at almost every situation. Even at night, when you really and absolutely need to finish the job on a project. Having up to 18 months span of charge life, you won’t be disappointed by how long it can last.
But what makes this awesome drill driver special is that it already includes a circular saw, which can be very helpful for your construction or DIY home repair and woodworking procedures. Having a total of 310 inch lbs of torque, the clutch has 11 positions. The blade measures 5 1/2 inches and the gear box has 2 speeds. Being extremely lightweight to use, the drill driver’s max speed is 1,400 RPM. It uses a lithium ion battery so it has a no memory effect.
Being Energy Star certified to meet the global demands for saving energy, the Black & Decker BDCD220CS 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill/Driver and Circular Saw Kit runs on 20 V. The product overall weight is 10.6 lbs and it has dimensions is 17 in x 8 in x 9 in. The drill driver is under a 2 years manufacturer’s warranty.
Brushless Motor Drill Driver
Bosch DDS182-02 18-volt Brushless 1/2-Inch Compact Tough Drill/Driver with 2.0Ah Batteries, Charger and Case
If you want a brushless motor drill driver then you should totally consider the Bosch DDS182-02 18 volts Brushless 1/2-Inch Compact Tough Drill/Driver with 2.0Ah Batteries, Charger and Case. Having a 4 x bit tip holder, this sturdy drill driver has been greatly tested on up to 10 feet drops making it durable due to its dura shield housing, so it is extremely perfect for rugged use.
The head length is very compact even on tight spaces and has a speed range of up to 1,700 RPM. You can choose from up to 18+1 clutch settings. In addition, the chuck is 1/2 inch and auto lock. The motor has a built-in feature to protect it from overloading and overheating.
Coated in color blue finish, the Bosch DDS182-02 18-volt Brushless 1/2-Inch Compact Tough Drill/Driver with 2.0Ah Batteries, Charger and Case uses 18 volts lithium ion battery, weighs 6.8 lbs, has overall dimensions of 13 in x 11 in x 3.4 in and the brushless motor has up to 2 times more motor life. It includes belt clip, magnetic bit tip holder, carrying case and 2.0 Ah batteries.
Comes with a Double Ended Driver Bit
Craftsman Evolv 18.0 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver Kit with NiCAD Battery, Charger and Double-Ended Driver Bit Included
Having a high torque of 350 RPM and 1,300 RPM high speed, the Craftsman Evolv 18.0 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver Kit with NiCAD Battery, Charger and Double-Ended Driver Bit Included uses NiCad 18 volts battery. It also has a double ended driver bit, which makes it unique from most drill drivers.
The design of the drill driver is ergonomic and easy to handle and it also has a keyless chuck. You can easily choose up to 24 selections of tension for the clutch. Being designed with black, gray and green colors, the Craftsman Evolv 18.0 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver Kit with NiCAD Battery, Charger and Double-Ended Driver Bit Included has overall 9 in x 8 in x 3 in dimensions and weighs 5.8 lbs. Having a cheap price, take note that this is a bare tool only, but it also has an electric brake.
The Competition
Other brands that did not make it to our list are a bit too pricey and don’t have a lot of clutch settings. Most of them don’t have any information for their battery requirement so it is a big question. Some of them also did not have anything special with being a drill driver, unlike the ones we have reviewed here that have special features that all the while make them a very unique drill driver that is fit for almost any kind of situation whatsoever.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I choose a good drill driver?
A: According to this article from This Old House , one criteria that you should consider in choosing the best drill driver is that you have to choose power and handling. Also consider the clutch power as well as the speed and torque of the drill driver.
Q: How do you operate a drill safely?
A: According to this article from eBay , you should follow instructions. You should dress properly, handle the drill properly and charge the battery if you haven’t done so. You should make the space enough for the drill and make sure the piece is secured. While operating, the depth needs to be marked. Pilot holes are important and you should also be careful with buying drills.
Q: Are drill drivers better than impact drivers?
A: You should consider and weigh down the torque and keyless chuck when choosing between drill drivers and impact drivers. The weight plays important role, as impact drivers are significantly heavier than compact drill drivers. There is also a brushless motor for impact drivers.
Q: How much torque should my drill have?
A: You should consider the material. Wood is okay for cheap drills and you can also adjust torque with a dial.
Wrapping It Up
As a whole, the best drill driver is the DEWALT DC970K-2 18-Volt Compact Drill/Driver Kit because of its good price range and neat features and durability that makes it worth investing for a DIY power tool.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.