Power drills

Universal Power Drill Comparison

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Finding the Best Cordless Power Drill for You

When it comes to selecting the best cordless power drill, there is a lot to consider. With various types of drills, features, form factors, and specifications, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your options so you can make the right choice. In this comparison, we dive deep into over 100 different power drills, hammer drills, and right angle power drills. We discuss the key features you should be considering when looking into a new power drill, and we clarify the difference between standard drills vs. impact drivers and impact wrenches. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of battery-powered vs. corded drills, the difference between brushed and brushless motors, and the key specifications that make a difference in performance.

Below is a detailed comparison table with many of the most popular power drills on the market. We’ve analyzed dozens of models from Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita, and more. Scroll down to view the comparison table or click here to continue reading about the different types of power drills and what features you should be considering throughout your investigation.

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Full Power Drills Comparison Table

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* SpecLook.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through the available links, at no additional cost to you. SpecLook has not been given any free products, services, compensation, or anything else by companies in exchange for mentioning them on this site. The content displayed in SpecLook comparison tables is for educational use and intended to inform users about the precise details and/or specifications of any given product in relation to other similar products. SpecLook attempts to continually update product details to maintain the most accurate and up to date values available. Product details may not be fully inclusive of all details available. Some values may be dependent on specific battery or power source capabilities.

SpecLook does not favor or promote any specific products, manufacturers, or distributors over the others. All highlights and awards are purely based on the comparison of details and specifications gathered for the products mentioned in the above table. All details and specifications in the above table are gathered directly from, but not limited to, manufacturer websites, manufacturer released distribution materials and product manuals. All rating data is updated as frequently as possible to reflect the most up to date and accurate values.

The 3 Main Types of Power Drills

There are three main types of power drills that we will discuss: Standard Power Drills, Hammer Drills, and Right Angle Power Drills. Each of these drills has their own pros and cons, and specific use cases, making it more important to choose the type that suits your needs best.

Standard Power Drills Pors and Cons

Pro

  • Versatile and ideal for most common household or DIY tasks.
  • Lightweight and easy to handle.
  • Price point is usually lower compared to impact drivers and impact wrenches.

Con

  • Limited to drilling and driving screws.
  • Not as powerful as specialized drills for more heavy-duty tasks.

Hammer Drills Pros and Cons

Pro

  • Best for drilling into tough materials like concrete, brick, and masonry.
  • Provides a hammering action that helps penetrate hard surfaces.
  • Can function as both a standard drill and a hammer drill in one tool.

Con

  • Typically heavier than standard power drills.
  • Overkill for lighter tasks such as wood or plastic drilling.
  • Higher price tag than standard power drills if you don’t need the hammering action.

Right Angle Power Drills Pros and Cons

Pro

  • Light weight and easy to maneuver in difficult locations.
  • Great for working in confined areas like between studs or in cabinets where standard drills can’t fit.

Con

  • Usually less powerful than standard or hammer drills.
  • May not have the same range of applications as traditional drills.

The Difference Between Standard Power Drills, Impact Drivers, and Impact Wrenches

In theory, these power tools can all be used for simple tasks like driving screws, but each has it’s own unique features and intended use cases that any buyer should be aware of. While standard power drills are versatile tools primarily designed for drilling holes and driving screws, impact drivers and impact wrenches are more specialized for heavier fastening tasks.

  • Standard Power Drill: Ideal for general drilling and driving screws. It typically has an adjustable speed and torque control, making it great for a variety of tasks. The usual choice for your typical homeowner.
  • Impact Driver: Known for its high torque output, an impact driver is designed specifically for driving screws and bolts into tougher materials. Its hammering action also helps with more stubborn fasteners, providing a much more effective driving experience compared to regular power drills.
  • Impact Wrench: This tool is built for maximum torque, ideal for loosening and tightening large bolts or nuts, particularly in automotive work. If you need to handle high-torque fastening tasks, an impact wrench is the tool of choice.

For more details on impact drivers and impact wrenches, check out our impact driver comparison and impact wrench comparison articles.

Cordless vs. Corded Power Drills

Choosing between a battery-powered or corded power drill largely depends on your specific needs. Cordless drills are favored for their portability, allowing you to work anywhere without needing a power outlet. However, corded drills offer unlimited runtime and typically a more consistent power output. Though with modern battery technology, many users find battery-powered options to have more than enough power and runtime for their needs.

Pros and Cons of Cordless Power Drills

Pros

  • Completely portable and versatile.
  • Available in different voltages (Usually 12V, 18V, 20V, and 36V/40V), providing a range of power for different tasks.
  • Brand compatibility: Many brands offer battery systems that are interchangeable with other tools from the same line. This means you can use one battery across multiple tools if they share the same voltage. Milwaukee M18, DeWalt 20V MAX, and Makita 18V LXT are a few examples.

Cons

  • May have limited runtime depending on battery capacity.
  • May not provide as much power as corded models for heavier-duty tasks.

Pros and Cons of Corded Power Drills

Pros

  • Unlimited power supply, making them great for tough, longer-running, tasks.
  • Typically more consistent power than battery-powered drills.

Cons

  • Limited by cord length and need for an electrical outlet.
  • Less portable and flexible than cordless options.

Brushed vs. Brushless Motors

Brushed and brushless are the two types of motors commonly found in power drills. Brushed motors are usually not advertised, as this is the more classic option, but brushless power drills often mention this feature in the tool listing’s title. Understanding the difference between brushed and brushless motors can help you choose the best drill for your situation.

  • Brushed Motor: Traditional brushed motors use carbon brushes to transfer power to the motor. They are typically more affordable but wear down over time due to friction on the brushes.
  • Brushless Motor: Newer technology that are more efficient and require less maintenance. They typically offer longer runtime, higher torque, quieter operation, and generally more overall power compared to brushed motors.

Key Power Drill Specifications and Ratings

Max Torque

Max torque determines the twisting force the drill can produce. Higher torque is essential for drilling into harder materials and driving larger screws. If you need a high-torque drill, look for tools like the DeWalt DCD996, the Milwaukee 2903-20, and the Makita XPH14Z, which are known for their impressive torque ratings, each coming in at over 100 ft-lbs. More details on each of these drills can be found in the comparison table above.

Max Impacts Per Minute (IPM)

The max impacts per minute, or IPM, measures how fast the hammer mechanism strikes. This is a crucial specification for hammer drills, especially when drilling into tougher surfaces like concrete. Hammer drills with a higher IPM, such as the Makita GPH01Z, DeWalt DCD997CB, and  Milwaukee 2906-20, excel in masonry and concrete applications.

Max Speed (RPM)

Max speed (measured in RPM) reflects how fast the drills chuck can rotate. Higher RPMs is more important for drilling quick and clean holes in softer materials like wood. If speed is your primary concern, check out drills like the Makita GPH01Z, DeWalt DCD997CB, and the Milwaukee 2906-20, which feature some of the highest RPM ratings among the over 100 drills we compared.

Search the comparison table above to find full specifications and features for these drills. And don’t forget to use the Compare feature to compare features of specific tools side-by-side. 

How to Choose the Best Power Drill

Power drills are essential tools for any DIY enthusiast or professional contractor. They are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of tasks such as drilling holes, driving screws, and even hammer drilling into masonry or concrete. When it comes to choosing the best power drill, it’s important to compare different models and features to find the one that best suits your needs.

The first thing to consider is the type of drill you need. A standard power drill, hammer drill, or right angle drill. A standard power drill is more versatile and can be used for drilling basic holes and driving screws, while a hammer drill is specially designed to drill into masonry, concrete, and other tough materials. And then there’s the right angle drill, which is basically the same as a standard drill, but may come in handy when working in tighter spaces.

When comparing power drills, one of the key factors to consider is the power and type of the motor. When it comes to power, a drill with a stronger motor will be able to handle tougher tasks and materials. A drill with a brushless motor will likely be more durable in the long run. And a drill with a higher speed will help leave cleaner holes in softer materials like wood or plastic.

When it comes to the best power drill, it ultimately depends on your specific needs and the types of tasks you’ll be using it for. Consider the types of projects, what materials you’ll be working with, and what features are most important to you. By keeping these factors in mind, and using the comparison table above, you can make an educated and informed decision on which power drill is best for you.