5 Best Professional Cordless Drills

August 1, 2023
Best 5 Professional Cordless Drills

We all know how vital a drill is to any professional tradesman, carpenter or builder, you could agree that having a high-quality Cordless Drill is indispensable for most jobs, saving you time and money

When investing in a drill for professional daily use you must spend a bit of time reaching the spec, you want the cordless drill to work efficiently and make sure you get the job done quickly and also accurately, while getting the best value for money

What you should look out for is the torque of the drill, the Drills RPM (revolutions per minute), does the drill have hammer action, does the drill have a brushless motor, what battery voltage is the drill, does it have LED lighting, and is the drill comfortable to handle for use for long periods

Torque of a Drill: When drilling tough materials the torque of the drill is very important, it gives you the power to make sure that when your drive screws or drill holes it’s done efficiently. Torque is recorded in Newton-meters (Nm) or inch-pounds (in-lbs). Adjustable torque settings are commonly found on cordless drills, These settings allow users to control the amount of torque applied by the drill, which is particularly useful when working with delicate materials or when avoiding over-tightening screws.

Variable Speed Control Trigger
Variable Speed Control Trigger

Speed: The speed RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) of a drill refers to the number of full rotations the drill’s chuck or spindle makes in one minute. It is a measure of how fast the drill bit or accessory attached to the drill rotates while in use. Cordless Drills come with adjustable speed settings, allowing users to control the RPM based on the job requirements. Lower RPM settings are typically used for drilling into harder materials like metal or masonry, where slower drilling speed is necessary to avoid overheating and to ensure precise drilling. Higher RPM settings are suitable for drilling into softer materials like wood or plastic, as they allow for faster material removal and quicker drilling.

Brushless Motor: Brushless motors are more energy-efficient compared to brushed motors. They have a longer lifespan, reduced heat build-up, are compact & lightweight, have better control and provide higher power.

DeWalt 18v Cordless Brushless Motor Drill
DeWalt 18v Cordless Brushless Motor Drill

Voltage: The higher the voltage of the drill the better the performance and runtime making it efficient and reducing the amount of time you need to spend charging your battery and more time driving or drilling.

Additional Features: Many of the other features of a Cordless Drill are important and make it easier to operate, LED lighting helps to improve visibility when drilling, a soft grip handle helps reduce user fatigue and will help improve, a Belt clip to attach your drill to your tool belt, adjustable speed or torque setting for more accurate work and soft start function to prevent jolting on start-up by gradually increasing the speed up to maximum.

LED lights improve visibility when drilling
LED lights improve visibility when drilling

Check out our 5 top professional recommended Cordless Drills currently on the market from top brands including Milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita.

Best 5 Professional Drills

Milwaukee M18 Gen 4 Fuel Percussion Drill M18FPD3-0

This Milwaukee Gen 4 Drill is a powerful and efficient tool designed to tackle tough tasks with ease. With its outstanding torque of 158 Nm, it delivers higher power efficiency even under heavy loads, making it ideal for demanding drilling and driving applications. Despite its incredible power, this drill boasts an extremely compact design, measuring only 175 mm in length, ensuring easy access to tight and confined spaces. Safety is prioritized with the AUTOSTOP™ control mode, which prevents over-rotation in a bind-up situation, providing enhanced operator safety. The 13 mm metal chuck enables quick bit changes and secure bit retention, allowing for seamless transitions between tasks. Additionally, the drill features a brighter LED workspace illumination, ensuring clear visibility in dimly lit areas. The integrated fuel gauge keeps you informed about the remaining charge, so you never run out of power unexpectedly. For added convenience, the Milwaukee Cordless Drill comes with an all-metal reversible belt clip, enabling easy hanging of the tool when not in use.

Milwaukee M18 Gen 4 Fuel Percussion Drill M18FPD3-0

Specifications

CHUCK CAPACITY (MM) 13
MAX. DRILLING MASONRY (MM) 16
MAX. DRILLING STEEL (MM) 16
MAX. DRILLING WOOD (MM) 89
MAX. PERCUSSION RATE (BPM) 0 – 33,000
MAX. TORQUE (NM) 158
NO LOAD SPEED GEAR 1 (RPM) 0 – 500
NO LOAD SPEED GEAR 2 (RPM) 0 – 2100
STANDARD EQUIPMENT Belt clip, side handle
BATTERY TYPE Li-ion
VOLTAGE (V) 18
SOUND POWER LEVEL (LWA)(DB(A)) 106.78
SOUND POWER LEVEL UNCERTAINTY (DB(A)) 3
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (LPA)(DB(A)) 95.78
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL UNCERTAINTY (DB(A)) 3
VIBRATION DRILLING INTO CONCRETE [M|S²] 11.3
VIBRATION DRILLING INTO CONCRETE UNCERTAINTY [M|S²] 1.5
VIBRATION DRILLING INTO METAL [M|S²] 1.85
VIBRATION DRILLING INTO METAL UNCERTAINTY [M|S²] 1.5
VIBRATION SCREW DRIVING (M/S²) 1.48
VIBRATION SCREW DRIVING UNCERTAINTY (M/S²) 1.5

DeWalt 18v XR Brushless Combi Drill DCD796N

This DeWalt combi drill is a high-quality tool that excels in both drilling and hammering tasks, making it a versatile choice for various projects. Its efficient brushless motor ensures powerful performance and increased productivity. The drill’s compact design allows it to navigate through tight spaces with ease. Its lightweight construction and ergonomic rubber grip prioritize user comfort, minimizing hand fatigue during extended use. With a maximum torque of 70Nm and 15 adjustable torque control positions, this 18v drill offers precise control over various applications. The no-load speed of 0-550/2000 rpm further enhances its flexibility and adaptability. Equipped with a 2-speed XR brushless motor, the DCD796N model delivers 50% longer runtime compared to its predecessor. To ensure accurate work in dimly lit environments, this brushless combi drill features bright LED lighting, enhancing visibility and overall performance.

Specifications

Max Torque: 70 Nm
Mix Torque: 27 Nm
Power Output: 460 Watt
No Load Speed: 0-550/2000 rpm
Beats per Minute: 0-9350/34000 bpm
Chuck Capacity: 1.5-13 mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Wood]: 40 mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Metal]: 13 mm
Max. Drilling Capacity [Masonry]: 13 mm
Length: 174 mm
Height: 203 mm
Width: 67 mm
Sound Pressure: 89 dB(A)
Sound Pressure Uncertainty: 3 dB(A)
Sound Power: 100 dB(A)
Sound Power Uncertainty: 3 dB(A)
Hand/Arm Vibration – Drilling into metal: <2.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 1 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Hand/Arm Vibration – Hammer drilling into concrete: 11.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 2 (Vibration): 1.6 m/s²
Hand/Arm Vibration – Screw driving without impact: <2.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 3 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Weight: 1.8 kg

Makita 40v Max XGT Cordless Brushless Combi Drill HP001GZ

This Makita HP001GZ is a 40v Max XGT Brushless Combi Drill designed for high-demand professional users. Developed as the top-of-the-range model of Makita’s brushless motor range of cordless combi drills. It features an Active Feedback sensing Technology (AFT), which shuts down the tool to protect the user if the rotation speed suddenly slows down. Well balanced and ergonomically designed, with outstanding performance in continuous heavy-duty applications.

Makita 40v Max XGT Brushless Combi Drill HP001GZ

Specifications

Capacity in Steel 20 mm
Capacity in Wood 76 mm
No Load Speed (Hi) 0 – 2,600 rpm
No Load Speed (Lo) 0 – 650 rpm
Blows per Minute (Hi) – ipm 0 – 39,000 ipm
Blows per Minute (Lo) – ipm 0 – 9,750 ipm
Capacity in Masonry 20 mm
Voltage 40 v
Torque Settings 21 (Hi) / 41 (Lo)
Battery Type Lithium-ion
Vibration K factor 1.5 m/sec²
Noise sound pressure 85 dB(A)
Noise sound power 96 dB(A)
Noise K factor 3 dB(A)
Body only machine Yes
Net weight 2.7 – 3.0 kg
Max. Fastening Torque (Soft Joint 68 Nm
Max. Fastening Torque (Hard Joint) 140 Nm
Vibration: Impact drilling into concrete 6.0 m/sec²
Vibration: Drilling into metal 2.5 m/sec²

DeWalt 18v XR FlexVolt Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill DCD999NT

This DeWalt DCD999NT Cordless hammer drill is an impressive 18v brushless motor, It also can identify a FlexVolt battery and it draws more current from FLEXVOLT packs to deliver more power. Up to 42% more power when used with an XR FLEXVOLT battery compared to standard 18v packs. This drills 3-speed mode and adjustable torque control make it ideal for precision drilling and screwdriving. Supplied in TSTAK Case.

DeWalt 18v XR FlexVolt Brushless Cordless Hammer Drill DCD999NT

Specifications

Max Drilling Capacity (Wood): 55 mm
Max Drilling Capacity (Metal): 15 mm
Max Drilling Capacity (Masonry): 13 mm
Max Torque (Hard): 126 Nm
No Load Speed (Drilling/ Driving Mode): 0-450/1300/2000 RPM
Beats per Minute: 38250 bpm
No Load Speed (Hammer Mode): 0-500/1500/2250 rpm
Battery Voltage: 18v
Power Output: 1296W
Max Torque (Soft): 67 Nm
Chuck capacity: 1.5-13 mm
No. of Speeds: 3
Sound Pressure: 94 dB(A)
Sound Pressure Uncertainty: 3 dB(A)
Sound Power: 105 dB(A)
Sound Power Uncertainty: 3 dB(A)
Hand/Arm Vibration – Drilling into metal: 2.7 m/s²
Uncertainty K 1 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Hand/Arm Vibration – Hammer drilling into concrete: 12.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 2 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²
Hand/Arm Vibration – Screw driving without impact: <2.5 m/s²
Uncertainty K 3 (Vibration): 1.5 m/s²

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Percussion Drill M18FPD2 -0

This Milwaukee M18 Percussion Drill is a powerful and efficient power tool that excels under load, delivering an outstanding torque of 135 Nm. Its compact design of 175 mm allows easy access to tight spaces, making it perfect for various applications. The advanced heavy-duty chuck provides increased bit grip, ensuring secure and precise drilling. Featuring a brushless POWERSTATE™ motor, this drill can handle heavy applications with ease. The 40 percent brighter LED workspace illumination, compared to the previous model, enhances visibility in dimly lit environments, improving accuracy during work. With a convenient all-metal reversible belt clip, you can easily hang your tool for quick access. The Milwaukee M18 Percussion Drill is designed to be compatible with all MILWAUKEE® M18™ batteries, offering flexibility and convenience. With a no-load speed of 0-2,000 rpm and an impact rate of 0-32,000 bpm, this drill is a reliable and versatile tool suitable for a wide range of drilling tasks. Its hammer action drilling capability and 13 mm chuck capacity further enhance its performance.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel Percussion Drill M18FPD2 -0

Specifications

CHUCK CAPACITY (MM) 13
MAX. DRILLING MASONRY (MM) 16
MAX. DRILLING STEEL (MM) 16
MAX. DRILLING WOOD (MM) 89
MAX. PERCUSSION RATE (BPM) 0 – 32,000
MAX. TORQUE (NM) 135
NO LOAD SPEED GEAR 1 (RPM) 0 – 550
NO LOAD SPEED GEAR 2 (RPM) 0 – 2000
SPEED SETTINGS 2
STANDARD EQUIPMENT Belt clip, side handle
SOUND POWER LEVEL (LWA)(DB(A)) 102.75
SOUND POWER LEVEL UNCERTAINTY (DB(A)) 3
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL (LPA)(DB(A)) 97.75
SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL UNCERTAINTY (DB(A)) 3
VIBRATION DRILLING INTO METAL [M|S²] 1.9
VIBRATION DRILLING INTO METAL UNCERTAINTY [M|S²] 1.5
VIBRATION PERCUSSION DRILLING INTO CONCRETE [M|S²] 10.39
VIBRATION PERCUSSION DRILLING INTO CONCRETE UNCERTAINTY [M|S²] 1.5
VIBRATION SCREW DRIVING (M/S²) 1.6
VIBRATION SCREW DRIVING UNCERTAINTY (M/S²) 1.5

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