Cordless Drills Reviewed

Learn about the best cordless drills on the market

Be Sure to Read Our Review of the Makita LXFD01CW 18-Volt Cordless Drill

Makita LXFD01CW

[NOTE: This drill essentially replaces the BDF452HW, which, though it's still available for purchase, Makita no longer manufactures.]

It is always important to use the right tool for the job, and if you need a high-quality cordless drill, the 18-Volt Makita LXFD01CW is one of the best choices you could make. It is a versatile design that can be used for many different tasks around the home. This article will focus on describing its essential features and reviewing its performance and its suitability for different purposes. There are many fine cordless drills on the market already, so it is important to delineate exactly what this particular model offers. That way, you can comparison shop and more easily choose the best model for you. The LXFD01CW is available at a great price at this link.

Makita LXFD01CWThe Makita-built motor is a four-pole type and produces 480 inch-pounds of torque at maximum power. This should be more than enough for even the toughest of jobs. It also has a simple two-speed switch that allows operation through either 0-400 RPM or 0-1500 RPM. The battery is a Lithium-Ion type which can charge much faster than equivalent Ni-Cad batteries. A few different properties make these batteries special. They can be recharged in only fifteen minutes, they last longer in use and they also hold their charge longer when left unused. Your Makita drill should be ready to use any time.

One of the major selling points of the LXFD01CW model is its compact size and light weight. It is less than eight inches long and weighs only 3.3 pounds, which makes it considerably smaller and lighter than many other drills out there. The size and weight are very convenient when working for long stretches at a time. The soft rubber grip also provides good purchase and plenty of comfort so that you feel confident and comfortable while working.

Note: If you’d like to buy the Makita LXFD01CW, just follow this link.

Reviews of the Makita are mostly positive. Features commonly praised by people who bought this model include the light weight and small size, the power and the general ease of use. One issue that has occasionally cropped up is a small wobble in the chuck. Most reviewers did not find this a deal-breaker by any means, but some thought it seemed out of place for a drill of otherwise very good quality. In general, people found that it lived up to what was promised by the specifications. The claim of a fifteen-minute charge seems reasonable and the drill generally performs as advertised.

The Makita LXFD01CW is a very high-quality drill that gets many positive customer reviews. It can be used for a wide range of different applications, from drilling to driving and from remodeling to plumbing. Some small issues aside, most people find the model more than satisfactory, with good power, light weight, small size and a comfortable grip all being plus points. When compared to the many other good drills on the market, the Makita is a worthy competitor, although some others are certainly available for lower prices. If you can afford it and you can make good use of its versatility, this drill comes very highly recommended.

Key Technical Specs

  • Motor: 4-pole
  • Torque: 480 inch-lbs. (max), 290 inch-lbs. (PTI)
  • Transmission: 2-speed (0 to 400 RPM and 0 to 1500 RPM)
  • Weight (lbs.): 3.3
  • Long-life battery: 430 pct more work over its lifetime
  • Warranty: 3 years (drill); 1 year (battery and charger)

Take a look at this review from a cordless drill user:

I have used the drill every day driving 3 inch construction screws into oak supports for a carving commission I am working on and have yet to drain the battery. Have read complaints about the chuck having a “wobble”. Yes, there is a bit of a wobble visible on the keyless chuck collar but the chuck jaws themselves are straight and true. All drill bits etc. are perfectly straight coming out of the jaws. So if you are more interested in the chuck collar being straight, you may be disappointed. I for one don’t care about the collar just as long as all bits turn straight and true and that is not a problem. I was surprised at how small the tool looks and feels having not owned a “compact” drill driver before. I felt that for the price I should be getting a giant work-horse. But what you do get is a “compact” work-horse…hence the title “Compact Drill Driver.”…Makita has always been an industry standard and I am very pleased with my purchase. It has a ton of power in a small light weight tool.

This review was edited for readability, but you can find the entire write-up by clicking here.

Bosch 36618-02 Litheon Drill. Great Power in a Cordless Drill.

Bosch 36618-02 Litheon

Like other 18 volt drills, the Bosch Litheon 36618-02 has a great deal of power and can handle sturdier drill bits because of its 1/2-inch chuck. This drill can be used by a weekend warrior or an everyday DIYer who needs something that will last them throughout the day and through many projects. The Bosch 36618-02 drill has several points in its favor for anyone who will be using the tool for long periods at a time.

Bosch 36618-02 Litheon DrillThe best part of this drill is the power that you get from such a small size. It weighs a little over 3 1/2 pounds, but can produce speeds up to 1,600 RPM and supply 500 lbs. of torque. Even with all that power, the 20 position clutch gives you enough control to let you use the Bosch Compact-Tough as a driver, too.  Save 58% off the retail price by ordering through this link now!

The Slim Pack batteries that are included with the base model help keep the weight, and user fatigue way down. The downside to the lighter weight is reduced run time. The fact that the drill ships with two batteries and re-charging is fast makes this less of a problem than it could be. If you want to add a little weight in exchange for a lot longer running time, Bosch makes a Fat Pack battery you can purchase separately.

Tool Specifications:

  • Chuck Capacity: 1/2″
  • Clutch Settings: 20
  • No Load RPM: 0-500/0-1,600
  • Torque (in. lbs.): 500
  • Voltage: 18
  • Weight (lbs.): 3.7

Along with the drill, the kit comes with two 18V Li-Ion SlimPack Batteries, a 45-minute Li-Ion Battery Fast Charger, a double-ended bit, and the carrying case.

Note: You can get a great deal on this drill. Click here to see the current price.

Of all the tools reviewed here at Cordless Drills Reviewed dot com, the Bosch Litheon 36618-02 cordless drill probably gives you the best bang for the buck. You’ll find that if you talk to people who own this drill or even look for reviews online, everyone gives this product rave reviews, which is pretty amazing.

The usability of the product cannot be compared. This would be a great product for anyone who consistently works around the house and needs a quality drill that can be trusted.

Just to give you an idea of what you’ll hear, this is a review from someone who does a lot of DIY projects:

Background: I use this tool for light to heavy work (fine woodworking, drywall, rough carpentry, make holes in 4×4 joists with spade bits to run electrical cable).

The drill is very slender compared to my old… cordless… I can drill in tighter spaces now without having to use my 90 degree attachment. The size reduction also means a lighter tool, which is very deceptive; this drill has some serious power. Nothing like a corded drill but still… The power of the 18 volt is impressive to say the least. I love the 30-minute charge time for the batteries.

This review was edited to provide you with the basics. Click here to read the whole thing.

Take a Look at this Review Before You Buy the Milwaukee 2410-22 12V Cordless Drill

Milwaukee 2410-22 12v

The Milwaukee 2410-22 12v cordless drill is a product that is geared towards HVAC contractors and construction workers who need a portable drill that can be used in a wide variety of locations. This is a bit different than the other tools reviewed here at Cordless Drills Reviewed dot com because it is smaller, lighter and has somewhat less power than the 18 volt variety. However, many consumers think that this drill is a good value because it has several features that users seem to enjoy. Click here to get a great deal.

Milwaukee 2410-22 12V Cordless DrillFor example, the drill features a 2-speed metal gear box that is driven by a powerful motor that delivers up to 21 lb/ft of torque. This powerful but lightweight package lets users quickly drive screws or drill into a wide variety of materials such as most metals and woods.

Moreover, the product uses a durable 3/8-inch single sleeve ratcheting and locking chuck for maximum durability. The Milwaukee clutch only has 14 settings, plus drill mode, but with less torque and less high-end speed, the user doesn’t need the fine control required to prevent stripping screw heads or over drilling on, say, and 18 volt.

The drill’s M-12 lithium-ion battery is another popular feature with many users. This seems to be true because it takes less than 30 minutes to charge the battery. These traits make it easy to use the drill for up to 12 hours without recharging the battery.

Note: Follow this link to get this drill for 55% off retail.

As you can see, this cordless drill offers every day users several features that many consumers find useful. As a result, HVAC professionals and construction workers might find this product valuable for all of their everyday needs.

Here are some technical specifications:

  • 12 volts
  • 2 speed settings
  • 0-400/0-1,500 RPM
  • 250 in-lbs of torque
  • 3/8″ chuck
  • Two M12 LITHIUM-ION Batteries (manufacturer listed charge time of 30 minutes)
  • Weight = 2.5 lbs

Jason H. recently bought a 2410-22 and offered this review:

I’m a telecom installer…This is small enough to fit in my tool bag, into all the nooks and crannies I have to work in and has enough power to sink a screw fast. The light is a bonus, especially when working in the back of a closet.

I usually set the clutch to 1 or 2 to prevent stripping [screws] when starting, and use second (high) gear to run them in fast…I kept setting it lower and lower, thinking that it would not be able to drive a screw in to wood at some setting, but on 1 it will still drive a 2 inch screw into a 4×4. It will eventually slip but I thought 1 would be pretty weak and it isn’t.

Over all this tool feels well made and solid. Quality and power are excellent, I would recommend it very highly to any one who needs a small light driver that has power to do pretty big jobs.

Review edited for clarity…click here to read the whole thing.

DEWALT DC720KA Review. Plenty of Power and Easy to Handle.

This cordless 18 volt drill/driver is highly versatile and a reliable tool for contractors and DIY enthusiasts. It is powerful and compact, an asset on any job site or home project. In this post, we’ll take a look at the features that make this DEWALT cordless 18 volt drill one of the best cordless drills on the market. If you already know you want the DC720KA, click here to get a great price.

DEWALT DC720KAThere’s almost no task this tool can’t handle. The HVAC contractor or drywall hanger will find they can drill thousands of screws before the battery needs a recharge. Those who work on masonry or metal will find it has enough guts to drill into concrete or even steel. Two heavy-duty nickel cadmium batteries are included so one can be charging while the other is cranking out the work. Managed properly you should always have a power source since the batteries only need about an hour to recharge. Some have expressed concern about the NiCad technology, wondering why DEWALT didn’t go with Li-ion batteries instead. My thought is that the so-called memory effect of NiCad batteries is overstated and can be avoided anyway through proper discharge of the batteries. Very few users have complained about the batteries not holding charge, and in this case using NiCad batteries allows for a lower price point, so it’s a win for the consumer.

If you’re interested in buying this drill, click here and you can save 60% off the retail price!

The cordless feature is a necessity when you are working on projects where no power is available. Contractors who get to the project before the electrician does have to have cordless power to get their work done. For use around your home, you’ll find this cordless tool indispensable in the garage, work shop, barn or for tackling basic maintenance on the house.

The compact design of the DEWALT DC720KA allows you to reach into tight spots to get work done more easily. You’ll find that the slim, lightweight design is perfect for hanging duct work or fitting nailer boards into hard-to-reach corners. Use it for working overhead and you’ll experience less fatigue in your hands, arms and shoulders because it is much lighter than many conventional drills.

What adds to the value of this cordless 18-volt drill from DEWALT is an ergonomic handle for comfort and a single sleeve ratcheting chuck that makes switching bits a breeze. When you are looking for a top of the line cordless drill driver, the DEWALT DC720KA 18-volt model is tough to beat.

Some of the DEWALT’s features include:

  • Compact size: allows users to fit into tight spaces
  • Lightweight design (4.8 lbs.) minimizes user fatigue
  • 1/2” ratcheting chuck reduces bit slippage
  • Dual speed range 0-500/0-1,700 rpm delivers optimal performance
  • High performance frameless motor delivers maximum power of 410 unit watts out
  • LED worklight provides increased visibility in confined spaces

Here’s what one reviewer had to say:

I’m a DYI’er and this drill fits the bill. I use it often and it has not let me down. I’ve driven 3 1/2″ screws into pine 2×4′s and it doesn’t hesitate. It equally makes clean holes with the several sizes of drill bits that I’ve tried. This drill is just what the manufacturer claims; it operates well within its design capabilities. Its has plenty of torque and its easy to handle.

-Chris

Review edited to give only the highlights…click here to read the whole thing.

Cordless Drill Review. Read this Before You Buy the Makita BDF452HW.

Makita BDF452HW

[Note: This model has been discontinued. The Makita LXFD01CW is its replacement. Please click here to read a review of the newer model.]

The BDF452HW is a terrific piece of machinery that combines good power and light weight in a well-balanced drill. One drawback of many cordless drills is that they lack the power to get through hardwoods or other tough materials cleanly. With 450 in.lbs. of Maximum Torque, most professional contractors, not to mention homeowners and do-it-yourselfers, will find this drill more than adequate for projects ranging from remodeling, plumbing, HVAC and, of course, woodworking.

Makita BDF452HWThe Makita is not designed as a heavy duty drill, and if you’re looking for a hammer drill you’ll need to look elsewhere, but it performs quite nicely drilling through tougher materials like steel and granite. A big plus with this drill is that it packs a lot of power in a lightweight casing that helps keep user fatigue to a minimum. At 3 ½ pounds, you’ll find that you can use this 18V cordless drill longer, even with overhead work.

NOTE: This drill is currently available at a great price through this link, but supplies are limited!

The compact lithium-ion batteries recharge in 15 minutes, which leads to a lot less downtime for the user. Makita offers a one-year warrantee on the battery pack and 3 years for the drill itself.

Here are some of the technical features of the BDF452HW:

  • Makita-built 4-pole motor delivers 450 in.lbs. of Max Torque, with a variable 2-speed all metal transmission (0-400 / 0-1, 500 RPM) for a wide range of applications
  • Compact, ergonomic design; only 8-Inch long and weighs just 3.5-Pound
  • Built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the work area
  • Makita LXT lithium-ion battery and energy star rated 15-Minute rapid optimum charger produces 430-Percent total lifetime work with 2.5X more cycles
  • 3-Year warranty on tool; 1-Year warranty on battery and charger
  • If you’d like to buy this drill, click here to buy one online.

Let’s take a look at what a daily user of the Makita has to say about it:

I still think it is the best drill/driver in this price/usage range. The batteries are excellent and the available power continues to satisfy me. This drill is lightweight, reliable, feels like quality and has the umph to drill even 2″ Rock Maple and drive 2″ lag screws into the same Rock Maple with no sweat. After living with it, I’d buy it again!

-Jeff S.

Review edited for length, not content…click here to read the whole thing.