20V MAX* XR® Brushless Cordless 3-Speed Drill Driver Kit

Designed to improve access in hard-to-reach spaces, this Multi-Head Drill/Driver Kit features 4 dedicated attachment solutions. Drill and fasten in confined spaces with ease using the 1/4 in. Hex quick release offset accessory delivers high performance in challenging corner spots.

When it comes to drills, though, the newest Atomic models sneak in as slightly more compact. That said, the DCD706 12V Max hammer drill does drop the weight down more and its 12V Max batteries weigh less than the 20V Max batteries for the Atomic drills. Using a standard 20V Max battery, it’s a highly capable drill that can handle most of the applications Pros tackle.

By contrast, many competitors’ 12-volt drills, like those from Milwaukee and Bosch, use a battery that slides up into the handle. So not only are these handles bulky, but without a foot, the drills can also dewalt drill rest only on their sides, so they’re not as easy to set down and grab in the middle of a project. For our structured tests, we sunk 3-inch screws into doubled-up 2-by-10 lumber (a total of 3 inches thick).

Hex quick release add-on, then tackle precision applications like drilling small pilot holes with the 3/8 in. Long, this compact tool offers pro-level usability with 2-speed transmission and 15 clutch settings for the control you need to complete a variety of projects. Includes a DCB122 12V MAX 2.0Ah Battery, DCB112 Charger, Belt Hook, and Kit Bag. The Ryobi PSBDD01K One+ 18V Brushless Compact Drill managed to drill just 31 holes on a single charge, making it one the least powerful 18-volt drills we tested.

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We did this on a fully charged battery until the battery was empty. This test simulated the process of framing, as if someone were building a tree house or a partition wall. To prevent the drills from overheating, we rested them after every 14 screws. dewalt circular saws are designed to give top performance and reliablity, whether you’re on site or at home. Weighing only four pounds, it houses a high-efficiency brushless motor that delivers up to 57% more runtime over brushed motors, and doesn’t generate a lot of heat when used for long periods of time.

In our unstructured testing, we framed a partition wall, installed a pocket door, and hung five sheets of sheetrock, all on a single battery charge. DeWalt offers a range dewalt tool of corded and cordless-power drills, each with its own purpose. Most consumers are familiar with drill drivers, which are used to drill holes and drive screws.

dewalt drill

We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing. We did not test the Makita FD07R1 12V max CXT Lithium‑Ion Brushless Cordless 3/8 in.

DeWalt is expanding its Max Fit system into impact-rated driver bits, but at the moment, we’re sticking with the FlexTorque ones. For the absolute best DeWalt twist bits, we recommend their Industrial Cobalt Alloy Steel Pilot Point set. You can find these in several kits online, and the 29-piece is a popular way to go. These German-made bits feature cobalt in the steel blend that offers better life and speed when you’re drilling in hard materials, such as stainless steel. Plus, the Pilot Point tip resists walking better than other designs when you’re starting the hole. While many champion the 20V Max series, those looking for a lighter equivalent say that this is their favorite option with all the features of its 20-volt cousin.

Not everyone needs all the bells and whistles, but if you can add some (or all) within your budget, you get a tool that you can genuinely enjoy using. Performance is our number one priority for good reason—if the drill can’t do the job, it’s worthless. Given the choice between two or more models, we’ll typically go with whichever one can do the job most effectively and efficiently. Add it to your Toolbox to save it for requesting a quote while you keep browsing for other products to complete your list.