By choosing the DeWalt 20-volt over the DeWalt 12-volt, you’re getting more speed, more power, and more run time. To determine this, we drilled five 1-inch holes with both the 12-volt and the 20-volt models. Both drills completed dewalt reciprocating saw the task, but the 20-volt drill did so in 20 seconds, whereas the 12-volt drill took a minute. During the test, the 12-volt model often got bound up and had a much harder time, while the 20-volt just blew right through the wood.
DeWalt employs a “foot”-style battery, which slides into the base of the handle from the front of the tool. This drill is overall a larger tool, but it has a small platform to stand on. By contrast, competitors’ drills, like some we’ve tested from Milwaukee and Bosch, use a canister-style battery . So not only are the handles dewalt cordless drill bulky, but without a foot, the drills can rest only on their sides. Although both the Bosch and Milwaukee models we tested are appropriately padded, we prefer to place a drill upright, especially on delicate surfaces. The DeWalt 12-volt drill also has this strategically placed padding, so it can be set on its side if needed.
Cordless impact drivers use an impact force to increase torque when making holes and driving fasteners. The tool functions similar to a standard drill but has an impact mechanism that operates when the tool encounters resistance. The impact force is similar to a hammer hitting an anvil while the bit or fastener is rotated between impacts. Impact drivers are typically lighter and smaller than standard drills and impact wrenches. They have a 1/4″ hex head that accepts 1/4″ hex impact-rated bits. Cordless tools run on batteries, so they are portable and don’t require access to a wired power source.
Add an impact driver to your workshop from one of the most well-respected names in power tools. During testing, the Craftsman drilled 44 holes, which puts it lower than our other 18-volt recommendations. In the hand, it feels chunkier than the others and doesn’t seem as solid. It does not come with a belt hook, which left us scratching our heads a little. If budget is your primary concern, this is a great option, but you’ll be able to do more with the others.
This model also offers just one speed, and it’s merely a little faster than the low speeds of the other drills we tried. In practical terms, this means jobs don’t go as quickly with this drill, especially with smaller screws, which you normally need to drive at high speed. We did not test the Makita FD07R1 12V max CXT Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8″ Driver Drill Kit. It shares many characteristics with our main pick, the DeWalt 12-volt, but the light is positioned above the handle, so it doesn’t illuminate a work surface as well. In our tests of the 18-volt drills, the Makita wasn’t as strong as the DeWalt. On a single battery charge, the DeWalt 20-volt drilled 52 1-inch holes through the 2-by-10.
Brand-specific batteries can often be used with various cordless tools of the same brand/manufacturer that have the same battery series and voltage. And when it comes to impact drivers, two that you might run across are the Ridgid and DeWalt models. These two American companies make great tools in general, and their impact drivers are no different.